teach me gently on how to breathe ~ (peyton/cott)

Did she even have time to make friends? A relentless dedication to her career meant little to no time for outside relationships besides the few men that could come to terms with the fact that she could ride circles around them (and those people were few and far between). She wasn't a particularly antisocial woman, in fact she enjoyed others company when they weren't bothering her. But it was often hard to find time to make a life for herself around her 'busy' schedule. And, maybe she was just accustomed to the snooty and competitive types, but she found it a bit hard to believe that someone of the coffee-deprived type could even be friendly.

Was it weird that the scent of horse was the first thing she noticed? The distinct smell that she'd grown so comfortable with had almost become a second perfume of sorts, coating her clothing and the very boots she wore this day. To those that didn't prefer horses would find it offensive, however she only found it comforting. In an establishment such as this one 'horse' was a bit out of place as one might imagine, therefore it was only that much easier to put a name to, even if over the strong odor of coffee beans.  Naturally her blue eyes lifted from her cup at the approaching set of footsteps, if only slightly, to investigate the pair of shoes in which the stranger wore. Sneakers? 

Not the first choice in a barn situation but she'd seen plenty of it nonetheless and it wouldn't have been all that strange if the stranger had a job to attend to. Curious now she drug her eyes upwards, inadvertently taking in the woman's form if only searching for some sign of an equine, but what caught her eye was much more appealing than a horse (wow could that even be possible?).  She was a bold and flirty woman but perhaps not overly so unless provoked, especially in terms of women (she thought it best not to get her hopes up, how dare most of them be straight?), so her gaze dropped back to the table in time to hear her question.  

Her brow knit in a near disbelief. So there was such thing as a morning person? She was a stark contrast to the normal drowsy zombies that stumbled around the building, but Ali certainly wasn't complaining. After studying the table for a few more seconds she glanced up again to notice a smile sent her way, which the blonde promptly returned. She enjoyed social interaction, even the negative kind (but maybe that was just from a lack of the positive eh?), and wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to meet somebody on her few minutes of spare time.  "By all means."

It was only then that she caught sight of the badge pinned to the strangers shirt, drawing out a bit of caution towards her, if only instinct. She might have been tiny but she packed a punch, literally, and didn't often find herself in the best of situations. But maybe making friends with the police wouldn't be all that bad of a thing? Her smile wavered ever so slightly before gesturing towards the open seat in front of her and taking a drink of her coffee. How bizarre it was, being in the company of such a pretty woman when there were better places for her to be, empty tables to sit at. Interest took over now, her tiny form sitting back against her chair as her eyes drug over the pleasant sight she'd stumbled upon. "Sorry... I, couldn't but notice horse?"  Her appreciation for the long-legged beasts would, not surprisingly, be the first thing to arise from her mouth and would only increase the interest she found in the stranger. Though quickly realizing the awkward nature of her question Ali cleared her throat and felt a sheepish grin rise along her face. "I work with them, I guess you could say I'm observant... uh," She shook her head with a small, bright laugh. "Not that that's bad, you're stunning and all.. I..sorry, don't mind me, I'm half asleep. I'm Ali. And you are?" 

It was a bit strange, to say the least, to see a shining face that didn't (seem to) have any ulterior motives. A certain amount of time spent around competitive asswipes and one not only begins to become them, but finds it to be expected of everyone else. Most jockeys only had one idea on their mind - to win - and anything other than that, including being friendly, fell by the wayside. Though unlike those other men she managed to keep a shred of a tact.

At least she attempted to on most occasions. Saying what you meant and when you meant it was a nice trait on the track, she'd get stepped on otherwise, but out in the real word? It lead to impulsive relationships, fights, or better yet, strange looks. Which...this woman didn't seem all that interested in giving her. In fact she seemed to be able to light up a room just by existing. She had just come across happiness in it's truest form, unaltered, brilliant. No hidden judgement, no insults... just polite conversation. How often that come about? Her light blue irises trailed across the woman's features, which only lit significantly from her confirmed beliefs.

A love of being right put aside, she was almost thrilled to find common ground with the woman. An equestrian was more likely to gain her affection than anything else. But on a deeper level.. she was pleased that she could find similar interests. Some part of her wanted to be able to get to know this woman further. It wasn't all that hard to picture her at a barn, but more importantly, the personality she might bring to such a drama filled place..A small smile reached the corners of Ali's lips. Was she trying to picture the woman on a horse? Her eyes flicked down towards her cup, the pleased expression lingering as she quietly took a drink of her coffee. Yes, yes she was.

She caught sight of the stranger shifting forwards, her attention briefly wandering across the others face again, those slightly pouting lips, her brilliant blue eyes, but Ali would only roll her eyes from the compliment. Teasingly of course, considering the insecurity, and unwillingness to accept such a thing from a woman such as her. Though the thought was appreciated, her expression brightening. 

Peyton. She made note of the name, her chin dipping briefly in acknowledgement as she cupped her hands around her drink. "I can say the same for you." If nothing else it would a 'pleasure' just to watch her sit there and drink her coffee - wishing for anything greater by this point would be naive. "I'm a jockey." She explained, the passion for the career dancing about in her deep blue eyes. "Thoroughbreds are my life. I guess you could say I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie.. I love a good thrill... But - you said you had an Anglo?" A detail about a horse was hardly over looked, even one as simple as its breed. "Eventing, dressage?" She listed a couple of disciplines that suited the breed in a curious manner, though she had only one idea on her mind goshdarnitCott getyourheadoutofthegutter. "Have you ever taken her for a good run?" Not only being athletic in terms of stamina and jumping ability, the combination of the two popular racing breeds could lead way to a nice little gallop. "My mare Callie's pretty talented - she loves a friendly competition."