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Description

Official Storyline art.

Featuring:
Dave Burton , Christopher Burton , and Jarin Jackson

Immediately Follows:
and

Just a quiet trickle of rain pattered against the foliage. The dark clouds settled in the distance, far away from the budding rays from the sun. Dave remained leaned against the stall wall, looking out at the hustle and bustle of the show. It was supposed to be a celebration and merriment, as was tradition at a midsummer celebration. He glanced in the direction where the meal was to be had. Plenty of polite smiles and warm greetings to be had, old friends and acquaintances to mingle with even.
How was he supposed to act like there was any cause for celebration now? He had one student with a broken spirit and his own pride broken by his son. He glanced back through the barn. He couldn't just leave them to their own devices. They were kids. Albeit, neither one of them acted their own age… A quiet, somber sigh, Dave let his arms drop to his sides and he made his way through the barn. Someone had to look after them. Even if that someone was a sad washed-up clown. At least, he was a clown that cared.
He heard soft mumbles coming from Hakuna's stall and slowed so he could hear. He half expected more crying but it didn't sound like Jarin was upset. He sounded oddly reminiscent.
"- did really good. I'll try harder… to pay attention. I...hope maybe I'll have another chance to ride you. If...I can. Maybe Chris doesn't like me riding you anym- oh! Uh! I was just finishing up, M-Mr. Burton-er- Dave."
Dave fanned his hand, not bothered over formalities at this stage. Either way just sounded odd coming from Jarin anyway. "You did well on this horse, today, Jackson."
Jarin looked dumbfounded for a moment, registering the fact that he had been complimented. His slack jaw lifted into a happy smile, color returning to his cheeks! He did well! Dave said he did well! "R-really? I mean, thank you! But I…" His shoulders slumped, taking that chipper smile with it, replaced with an apologetic frown. "I think I almost messed up big time on him. I shouldn't have tried to pull him back so close to the jump. I was just so afraid I'd do something to get him hurt and ended up almost doing just that…"
Dave studied the boy before him. He didn't feel anger nor disappointment from what he saw of his ride. He had spent many months watching him ride; fail and succeed. Although his riding was as consistent as there were identical snowflakes, one thing did remain constant: his integrity. And maybe it was his boyish mannerisms or the sting he still felt on his own heart, but it prompted Dave to step forward, wrap his arms around him, and ruffle his hair. He knew it was just the wounded father inside of him, grasping at anything to replace the hole he felt. Maybe unprofessional too. But the boy earned the reassurance.
Jarin flinched more from shock than anything else. He expected some scolding remarks, ways he could improve, or maybe a boring speech but not a hug. The way he ruffled his hair made him feel like a kid again. A dad. He never had a dad growing up. At least not one he could remember properly. He had very vague memories of his first parents before he was adopted but nothing to really remember what it was like. And honestly, he never thought much more of it. He was perfectly happy with his moms and would never want it any different. But it was a completely different feeling, honestly. He felt...he felt...well, he didn't know how to describe it. Sort of like his worries didn't matter anymore and it was okay.
Dave patted his head again and stepped back, "Your ride was perfectly acceptable. Remember, I said your main folly was your lack of focus. What you did out there took an immense amount of focus to be able to react and adapt on the spot as fast as you did. That's what will make the difference between someone who can clear a jumping course clean and someone who can ride a course to its fullest potential, not only of your own capabilities but your mount's as well." He smiled warmly, "I'm very proud of your work today, Jackson."
"....me?" He wheezed. He was the only one there, yes, he meant Jarin. He knew that. But to hear it. Was...a revelation. He was stunned stupid(er).
Dave smiled, seeing the gears turn in the lad's mind. He saw the smile start to creep up on his face like a child being told they had done a good job. It was a small bandage on Dave's pride but one they both needed anyway. The boy did well not to die and he deserved to know it. He patted Jarin on the shoulder once more, gave him a nod, and left him to bask in his glee.
One child down…
Dave's smile melted from his features.
One child to go...his own.

To be honest, he didn't have a plan of what to say. The last thing Chris had said was a harsh insult, brimming with emotion and scorn. A 'sad washed-up clown' that he used to respect… Dave sighed. Of course, it had stung him. But equally, Chris was still his child. And Dave was an adult. If he got upset over every little bit of criticism he had heard, he'd never have the will to get out of bed in the morning. Besides, he was pretty sure his wife had said nastier things to him in the past. Chris was only just dipping a toe into the pool of insults his mother could dish out. That did make him grin, more out of pity for himself, just how similar he was to her. He shook his head, thinking how hopeless he was if he thought he could ever change Chris's mind.
He didn't see Chris in the assigned stall. He frowned a touch, seeing Jax tied to the trailer. He still had a saddle on. His bridle was chucked to the side and the halter was only done around his neck. What a terrible display of sportsmanship. Dave, at least, stopped to properly halter Jax so he didn't break loose or break his neck, pausing briefly when he considered either of the prior wasn't necessarily a bad thing… no, no, be a good guest. He noticed the stud was still hot and sweaty from the run on the course, rain mixed with sweat dripping down his belly. He had just been tied and dumped. He frowned more. This was not how he raised his son to behave.
Dave picked up the pace to find him, scowling hard. He headed for unpopulated areas away from the hub of horses and competitors. Despite their ongoing troubles, he knew his son tended to drift from the public when something was wrong. He knew he was right when he finally found him sitting behind one of the utility sheds, hunched over, his shoulders trembling.
Dave's shoulders slumped, relieved to find him but as he feared, Chris wasn't doing well. He didn't raise his son to treat his horses so carelessly and make such a fool of himself for not understanding proper show etiquette. Which only meant one thing when he saw the horse haphazardly tossed aside.
He walked over to him and very quietly took a seat next to him. He could see the poor boy shaking, his fists clenched tight, knuckles white, body rigid. They both knew this day may come again. He had to watch him go through it once before, his first real growth spurt. When he broke his leg, he had done a number on the growth plates. And as nature would have it, he still had some growing to do. It was literally a case he had to grow out of.
"I'll have your prescription renewed," Dave said quietly. He knew better than to ask if there was anything he could do. Still...he heard a strained breath and it broke his heart to see his child in pain, more than any silly insult on his pride. Even if he was an asshole. He lifted his hand to rub his back but stopped.
Never did he hesitate in the past to comfort him. Even further before his fall, Chris used to be his little buddy. They were inseparable. Dave would have to carry him home from the barn after Chris fell asleep in the stands, watching his father make some late night preparations for a big show. Or when Dave would have a slip in placings or destroy another jump with a reckless ride, Chris would wrap his little arms around his neck and hug him, saying, "It's okay Daddy! I still love you!"
How long had it been since he had heard that now? No, now it was, "you're just a sad washed-up clown that I used to respect". What had he done? He never meant to...well, he didn't know what he had done. Chris had said he never wanted to get left behind. Dave never thought he had gone anywhere. And it tore him apart that his son thought this way. Everything he had done was for his future, everything he had given up, changed, lost, it was so he could have the courage to get back in the saddle because there was a point where Dave thought, maybe, not even himself could.
He had lost his son.
Wandering through the dark realms of fear and regret, he had left Chris behind, swallowed up in its suffocating air. What had he done?
Chris felt Dave's hand drop on his shoulder, giving him a squeeze and pulling him closer to his side. He didn't resist it. He wished he did. He wished he could. He could blame the dull, minuscule ache in his leg for now, but the burning in his stomach and chest was all his own. He hated how nice he was. No matter what he did to try and knock him away, Dave still sought after him to comfort him.
He hated it.
"You did so well to ride through your course in your condition, Chris," Dave encouraged softly. "Very well, indeed." Should he say he was proud? Did it even matter to Chris anymore?
Chris swallowed that sob and shoved it right back down in the pits of his self-loathing. He didn't want to hear praise. He didn't want encouragement. He had ruined his father's life. He ruined their bond, made no effort to fix it, made it worse at any chance he had, and had no intentions to stop at this rate. A gentle, loving hand on his shoulder was not what he deserved.
But it was everything he wanted.
Silence overtook them. There was so much that needed to be said between them. So much to be explained and so much that needed to be forgotten. But neither one knew where to begin. Eight years of twisting and torquing around each other had created this nasty knot, hardened and gnarly. It was probably best to just cut ties and start over…
But what if the other simply walked away? Freed from the horrible weight. No, neither one was brave enough to sever the tie.
Neither one knew where to even begin to untangle it.
Silence was the only language they shared anymore.

(1920 wordcount)
cba to split it up

Next for Jarin: Catch a Ride
Next for Chris: tba

Dras?
wtf is this shit? you feelin' alright? what even is this style??
:''D YEA! I think my go-to story fillers is...weird artistic experiments and flowers xD My last story filler, Bad Boys, Bad Boys , was a bit symbolic and off the rails too. So here I am, throwing blatantly obvious symbols all up in your face xD I mean, come on, wilting roses, darkening, rough strokes, etc. It's basically a look into Dave's poor soul, right? Lemme break it down for ya!

Dave:
So, I sprinkled in a couple glimpses of younger Dave (gasp, no mustache!?) and a couple cute moments with Chris: how things used to be. All adorable, hugs and rainbows <3 And then adjacent to them are his present self grasping at his failing fatherhood (in his mind). Notice, the similarities until the final frame where he hesitates, not sure of himself anymore.
Dave is also turned away from his past self both times because it's painful for him to reflect on how "good" things used to be. If you haven't noticed by now, the Burtons are very good at deflecting their problems and just concealing it.
His shirt also gets darker and darker grey, representing the overarching mood.

Chris:
Same as Dave, his color of blue gets deeper and deeper, I know, so edgy. Much cringe wow. FITE ME xD
Anyway, the exact opposite of Dave, Chris is faced the same direction each time, as if he's always seen how everything has come apart. It's no secret to Chris how things got to where they are. But equally, he has no intentions of returning to the past. He only intends to keep going forward into this dark, nasty pit of guilt and hate. EDGY.

Jarin:
Jarin just needed a daddy hug. That is all.

tldr; The Burtons seriously need therapy, but for story purposes, don't expect it anytime soon xD Oh, and Jarin is a good boi, but ya already knew that

Dave/Chris/Jarin/Hakuna/Jax/Art © Drasayer

SAI/Photoshop CS6

Description

Official Storyline art.

Featuring:
Dave Burton , Christopher Burton , and Jarin Jackson

Immediately Follows:
and

Just a quiet trickle of rain pattered against the foliage. The dark clouds settled in the distance, far away from the budding rays from the sun. Dave remained leaned against the stall wall, looking out at the hustle and bustle of the show. It was supposed to be a celebration and merriment, as was tradition at a midsummer celebration. He glanced in the direction where the meal was to be had. Plenty of polite smiles and warm greetings to be had, old friends and acquaintances to mingle with even.
How was he supposed to act like there was any cause for celebration now? He had one student with a broken spirit and his own pride broken by his son. He glanced back through the barn. He couldn't just leave them to their own devices. They were kids. Albeit, neither one of them acted their own age… A quiet, somber sigh, Dave let his arms drop to his sides and he made his way through the barn. Someone had to look after them. Even if that someone was a sad washed-up clown. At least, he was a clown that cared.
He heard soft mumbles coming from Hakuna's stall and slowed so he could hear. He half expected more crying but it didn't sound like Jarin was upset. He sounded oddly reminiscent.
"- did really good. I'll try harder… to pay attention. I...hope maybe I'll have another chance to ride you. If...I can. Maybe Chris doesn't like me riding you anym- oh! Uh! I was just finishing up, M-Mr. Burton-er- Dave."
Dave fanned his hand, not bothered over formalities at this stage. Either way just sounded odd coming from Jarin anyway. "You did well on this horse, today, Jackson."
Jarin looked dumbfounded for a moment, registering the fact that he had been complimented. His slack jaw lifted into a happy smile, color returning to his cheeks! He did well! Dave said he did well! "R-really? I mean, thank you! But I…" His shoulders slumped, taking that chipper smile with it, replaced with an apologetic frown. "I think I almost messed up big time on him. I shouldn't have tried to pull him back so close to the jump. I was just so afraid I'd do something to get him hurt and ended up almost doing just that…"
Dave studied the boy before him. He didn't feel anger nor disappointment from what he saw of his ride. He had spent many months watching him ride; fail and succeed. Although his riding was as consistent as there were identical snowflakes, one thing did remain constant: his integrity. And maybe it was his boyish mannerisms or the sting he still felt on his own heart, but it prompted Dave to step forward, wrap his arms around him, and ruffle his hair. He knew it was just the wounded father inside of him, grasping at anything to replace the hole he felt. Maybe unprofessional too. But the boy earned the reassurance.
Jarin flinched more from shock than anything else. He expected some scolding remarks, ways he could improve, or maybe a boring speech but not a hug. The way he ruffled his hair made him feel like a kid again. A dad. He never had a dad growing up. At least not one he could remember properly. He had very vague memories of his first parents before he was adopted but nothing to really remember what it was like. And honestly, he never thought much more of it. He was perfectly happy with his moms and would never want it any different. But it was a completely different feeling, honestly. He felt...he felt...well, he didn't know how to describe it. Sort of like his worries didn't matter anymore and it was okay.
Dave patted his head again and stepped back, "Your ride was perfectly acceptable. Remember, I said your main folly was your lack of focus. What you did out there took an immense amount of focus to be able to react and adapt on the spot as fast as you did. That's what will make the difference between someone who can clear a jumping course clean and someone who can ride a course to its fullest potential, not only of your own capabilities but your mount's as well." He smiled warmly, "I'm very proud of your work today, Jackson."
"....me?" He wheezed. He was the only one there, yes, he meant Jarin. He knew that. But to hear it. Was...a revelation. He was stunned stupid(er).
Dave smiled, seeing the gears turn in the lad's mind. He saw the smile start to creep up on his face like a child being told they had done a good job. It was a small bandage on Dave's pride but one they both needed anyway. The boy did well not to die and he deserved to know it. He patted Jarin on the shoulder once more, gave him a nod, and left him to bask in his glee.
One child down…
Dave's smile melted from his features.
One child to go...his own.

To be honest, he didn't have a plan of what to say. The last thing Chris had said was a harsh insult, brimming with emotion and scorn. A 'sad washed-up clown' that he used to respect… Dave sighed. Of course, it had stung him. But equally, Chris was still his child. And Dave was an adult. If he got upset over every little bit of criticism he had heard, he'd never have the will to get out of bed in the morning. Besides, he was pretty sure his wife had said nastier things to him in the past. Chris was only just dipping a toe into the pool of insults his mother could dish out. That did make him grin, more out of pity for himself, just how similar he was to her. He shook his head, thinking how hopeless he was if he thought he could ever change Chris's mind.
He didn't see Chris in the assigned stall. He frowned a touch, seeing Jax tied to the trailer. He still had a saddle on. His bridle was chucked to the side and the halter was only done around his neck. What a terrible display of sportsmanship. Dave, at least, stopped to properly halter Jax so he didn't break loose or break his neck, pausing briefly when he considered either of the prior wasn't necessarily a bad thing… no, no, be a good guest. He noticed the stud was still hot and sweaty from the run on the course, rain mixed with sweat dripping down his belly. He had just been tied and dumped. He frowned more. This was not how he raised his son to behave.
Dave picked up the pace to find him, scowling hard. He headed for unpopulated areas away from the hub of horses and competitors. Despite their ongoing troubles, he knew his son tended to drift from the public when something was wrong. He knew he was right when he finally found him sitting behind one of the utility sheds, hunched over, his shoulders trembling.
Dave's shoulders slumped, relieved to find him but as he feared, Chris wasn't doing well. He didn't raise his son to treat his horses so carelessly and make such a fool of himself for not understanding proper show etiquette. Which only meant one thing when he saw the horse haphazardly tossed aside.
He walked over to him and very quietly took a seat next to him. He could see the poor boy shaking, his fists clenched tight, knuckles white, body rigid. They both knew this day may come again. He had to watch him go through it once before, his first real growth spurt. When he broke his leg, he had done a number on the growth plates. And as nature would have it, he still had some growing to do. It was literally a case he had to grow out of.
"I'll have your prescription renewed," Dave said quietly. He knew better than to ask if there was anything he could do. Still...he heard a strained breath and it broke his heart to see his child in pain, more than any silly insult on his pride. Even if he was an asshole. He lifted his hand to rub his back but stopped.
Never did he hesitate in the past to comfort him. Even further before his fall, Chris used to be his little buddy. They were inseparable. Dave would have to carry him home from the barn after Chris fell asleep in the stands, watching his father make some late night preparations for a big show. Or when Dave would have a slip in placings or destroy another jump with a reckless ride, Chris would wrap his little arms around his neck and hug him, saying, "It's okay Daddy! I still love you!"
How long had it been since he had heard that now? No, now it was, "you're just a sad washed-up clown that I used to respect". What had he done? He never meant to...well, he didn't know what he had done. Chris had said he never wanted to get left behind. Dave never thought he had gone anywhere. And it tore him apart that his son thought this way. Everything he had done was for his future, everything he had given up, changed, lost, it was so he could have the courage to get back in the saddle because there was a point where Dave thought, maybe, not even himself could.
He had lost his son.
Wandering through the dark realms of fear and regret, he had left Chris behind, swallowed up in its suffocating air. What had he done?
Chris felt Dave's hand drop on his shoulder, giving him a squeeze and pulling him closer to his side. He didn't resist it. He wished he did. He wished he could. He could blame the dull, minuscule ache in his leg for now, but the burning in his stomach and chest was all his own. He hated how nice he was. No matter what he did to try and knock him away, Dave still sought after him to comfort him.
He hated it.
"You did so well to ride through your course in your condition, Chris," Dave encouraged softly. "Very well, indeed." Should he say he was proud? Did it even matter to Chris anymore?
Chris swallowed that sob and shoved it right back down in the pits of his self-loathing. He didn't want to hear praise. He didn't want encouragement. He had ruined his father's life. He ruined their bond, made no effort to fix it, made it worse at any chance he had, and had no intentions to stop at this rate. A gentle, loving hand on his shoulder was not what he deserved.
But it was everything he wanted.
Silence overtook them. There was so much that needed to be said between them. So much to be explained and so much that needed to be forgotten. But neither one knew where to begin. Eight years of twisting and torquing around each other had created this nasty knot, hardened and gnarly. It was probably best to just cut ties and start over…
But what if the other simply walked away? Freed from the horrible weight. No, neither one was brave enough to sever the tie.
Neither one knew where to even begin to untangle it.
Silence was the only language they shared anymore.

(1920 wordcount)
cba to split it up

Next for Jarin: Catch a Ride
Next for Chris: tba

Dras?
wtf is this shit? you feelin' alright? what even is this style??
:''D YEA! I think my go-to story fillers is...weird artistic experiments and flowers xD My last story filler, Bad Boys, Bad Boys , was a bit symbolic and off the rails too. So here I am, throwing blatantly obvious symbols all up in your face xD I mean, come on, wilting roses, darkening, rough strokes, etc. It's basically a look into Dave's poor soul, right? Lemme break it down for ya!

Dave:
So, I sprinkled in a couple glimpses of younger Dave (gasp, no mustache!?) and a couple cute moments with Chris: how things used to be. All adorable, hugs and rainbows <3 And then adjacent to them are his present self grasping at his failing fatherhood (in his mind). Notice, the similarities until the final frame where he hesitates, not sure of himself anymore.
Dave is also turned away from his past self both times because it's painful for him to reflect on how "good" things used to be. If you haven't noticed by now, the Burtons are very good at deflecting their problems and just concealing it.
His shirt also gets darker and darker grey, representing the overarching mood.

Chris:
Same as Dave, his color of blue gets deeper and deeper, I know, so edgy. Much cringe wow. FITE ME xD
Anyway, the exact opposite of Dave, Chris is faced the same direction each time, as if he's always seen how everything has come apart. It's no secret to Chris how things got to where they are. But equally, he has no intentions of returning to the past. He only intends to keep going forward into this dark, nasty pit of guilt and hate. EDGY.

Jarin:
Jarin just needed a daddy hug. That is all.

tldr; The Burtons seriously need therapy, but for story purposes, don't expect it anytime soon xD Oh, and Jarin is a good boi, but ya already knew that

Dave/Chris/Jarin/Hakuna/Jax/Art © Drasayer

SAI/Photoshop CS6