Better Than I Used To Be..

[Sebastian Kings]

^{I know how to hold a grudge
I can send a bridge up in smoke
And I can't count the people I've let down
The hearts I've broke
You ain't gotta dig too deep
If you wanna find some dirt on me}

The warm spring sunshine slipped through ivory curtains, flooding the king sized bed with light. Sebastian yawned and carefully removed his arm from beneath the heavy sleeping heads of his wife and young son. He was successful in his attempt to remove himself from the tangle of sheets and blankets and limbs without waking a soul. Well that was a lie. He did wake up one of the dogs who had both been curled at the foot of the bed. Sebastian scratched Max, his old rottweiler as he rose to his feet and ruffled his, now shorter, mop of dirty blond hair. He turned and looked at his beautiful wife, still sleeping holding their son, then at the end of the bed a huge rottweiler and a cocker spaniel. I'm glad its a King size he said softly to Max, chuckling to himself at his little pun. The dog quietly hopped off the bed and padded after Sebastian.

^{I'm learning who you've been
Ain't who you've got to be
It's gonna be an uphill climb
Aww honey I won't lie}

In the big, bright kitchen a pot of coffee had already self brewed. And thank God, because Sebastian needed his coffee. He poured a big cup and took it into his office. He still smiled every time he walked into his custom designed home office. His desk faced right out the huge bay windows that provided him with the best views of their beautiful property. Pinewood Stables. He could see the barns, arenas and even some pastures from here. He sipped at his coffee as he gazed out over the mare and foal pasture watching the colts frolic and play in the morning dew. How had he ended up here? He wondered. How had a spoiled, out of control, drug addict, wild child like Sebastian Kings become a successful, professional husband and father? Well, as they say any colt can be tamed, it just takes the right person. And Sebastian had definitely found his.

^{I ain't no angel
I still got a still few more dances with the devil
I’m cleanin up my act, little by little
I’m getting there
I can finally stand the man in the mirror I see
I ain’t as good as I’m gonna get
But I’m better than I used to be}

Cheyenne Kings (nee. Kingery) was the most amazing, beautiful, caring, sexy, frustrating and dazzling woman Sebastian had ever met. And he was still kind of baffled about how exactly he got her. When they met he was probably the worst guy in the world for sweet, innocent Chey. But he was determined, and she fell hard for his charms. But the problem for commitment-phobe Sebastian is that for once in his life he was sincere. He wasn't after her for sex or status or anything. He loved her, and it scared him to death. But as they say love conquers all and even after a 3 year absence, countless affairs, drug and alcohol abuse and an illegitimate child the pull Chey had over Sebastian was still too great. He returned to Pinewood and they became the family they were meant to be.

^{I’ve pinned a lot of demons to the ground
I’ve got a few old habits left
There’s one or two I might need you to help me get}

Sebastian stepped out onto the balcony for a smoke, yes he still smoked. Though not as often and definitely not around his family. The cool spring air hit him first, but the sun began to warm him and he knew it was going to be a beautiful day. Which was good because there was a lot of work to do around the stables. Since Sebastian took over Pinewood from his mother, bless her soul, he'd really made something of it in the warmblood breeding world. They now had a couple of really nice imported mares and the foals and youngstock were promising. Sebastian had barely enough time to keep up with his hectic teaching schedule. He really had to consider hiring another instructor.. Then there was Caiden.. His son, the light of his life. He was just turned three years old and he was a handful to say the least. Smart as a whip (like his daddy) and dashingly handsome (also like his daddy) he had white blond hair and baby blue eyes. He loved horses as well. Back inside, Sebastian heard little footsteps Speak of the Devil he thought to himself...

^{Standin in the rain so long has left me with a little rust
But put some faith in me
And someday you’ll see
There’s a diamond under all this dust}

I ain't no angel
I still got a still few more dances with the devil
I’m cleanin up my act, little by little
I’m getting there
I can finally stand the man in the mirror I see
I ain’t as good as I’m gonna get
But I’m better than I used to be

[Cheyenne Kings]

PEOPLE SAID IT WOULD NEVER WORK OUT
--- but livin' our dreams, we shattered all doubt

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Chey had never thought of herself as a miracle worker. But that's what many people called her. Only a few short years ago her life had been very different than it was today. Sebastian Kings? Was she crazy? It would never work out. It just wasn't meant to. He was too much for her to handle... and truthfully, it was an uphill struggle. But Chey was bound and determined to prove everyone wrong. And that's just what she did. Sometimes she didn't believe it herself, but yet here she was: married to the notorious Sebastian Kings - the love of her life. Chey wasn't exactly naive enough to say that life was perfect; she knew very well when she signed the marriage certificate almost three years ago that there were still going to be some serious challenges. After all, Seb wasn't going to change overnight, she knew that. But there was no way she was going to live without him again. So she stuck by his side. It took a few years, but here they were, owners of a successful stable, parents of a healthy little three year old, and happier than ever. No, life wasn't perfect, but it was darn close. They still had things to work out, but Chey wouldn't have it any other way. Having Sebastian by her side made everything worth it.

Cheyenne's eyes fluttered open to the early morning light streaming through the curtains of the couple's bedroom. A faint smile danced across her face as she turned her gaze to the sleeping child curled up next to her. A couple of years ago, he had been a little bit of a roadblock in her and Seb's marriage. Honestly, Chey had a hard time accepting the fact that her husband had fathered a child with another women. It took some time, but Chey learned to move past it and love the child like her own. Today, she couldn't image life without him. She smoothed his blonde hair gently with her hand. He was the spitting image of his father, with a personality to match. She chuckled to herself. She couldn't count the times his preschool teacher had called them and asked them to come pick him up cause he fought some kid over a kick-ball game or chased a little girl around the playground until she started crying. But that was Caiden for you. Just like his dad. Chey smiled and rolled over, wondering where her husband had gone. Her gaze shifted to the small alarm clock on the nightstand. 6:46am. She let a small groan escape her throat as she sat up and yawned, stretching her neck.

Suddenly the little bundle of warmth next to her woke and began to stir. Chey smiled. "Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?" She kept her voice low. Caiden nodded sleepily and rubbed his eyes with his little fists. He sat up and looked around the room, looking a little confused. "Where's dad?" he asked, burrowing his brows together. Ever since he turned three he had been on this kick that he was too old to call him 'daddy'. Chey let a smile creep across her face. "I don't know, why don't you go find him?" Caiden made a serious face and nodded, crawling out from underneath the covers and sliding off the bed. Chey barely caught him before he started running out of the room. "Hey, mister, aren't you forgetting something?" she asked, tilting her head to the side in a motherly fashion. Caiden rolled his eyes and trotted over to her side of the bed. Chey reached out and he threw his arms around her somewhat half-heartedly. "There, that's better." Chey said as she planted a loud kiss on his head, resulting in an exaggerated groan from the little boy in her arms. "Now now, you're never too old for kisses" She said with a laugh, releasing the now struggling little 'grown-up' and letting him run out of the room. She shook her head with a chuckle and slipped out of bed.

Walking into the kitchen, she grabbed a mug from the cabinet and poured herself a cup of coffee, dumping a couple of teaspoons of sugar in first. She looked up from what she was doing and turned to the large window. It looked like the weather was going to be beautiful today. Which was good, cause there were quite a few things that needed to be done around the stables today. As of late, Chey and Seb had been running around like crazy, setting up interviews for a secondary stable manager and some new instructors, as well as trying to train a new set of warmbloods. But Chey was glad for the busy-ness. She didn't like to sit around on her hands... cupping the warm mug in her hands, Chey walked by the office and peeked in. She ran her eyes over the trophies and ribbons that adorned the shelves and walls before landing on a 5x7 framed picture of herself, Seb, and Caiden. She let a soft smile drift across her face at the sight of their little family. So dysfunctional, yet so perfect. Turning around and exiting the office, she headed towards the balcony. As she turned the corner, she smile and opened the double glass doors. "There's my boys" she said with a smirk, walking over and putting her arms around Sebastian. "What are you guys up to?" she asked before planting a kiss on her husband's lips. Yes, this was going to be a good day...

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--- feels good to prove 'em wrong
JUST LIVIN' OUR LOVE SONG

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Tagged: Smurf
Words: 970
Notes: God, I missed them <3 sorry if this is horrible, it's literally been like three years since I've posted with Chey xD hope it's okay!
Inspiration: Various country love songs :]
Lyrics: Livin' Our Love Song - Jason Michael Carroll

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[Sebastian Kings]

Sebastian listened to the thump-thump-thump of Caiden's little feet on the farmhouse's hardwood floor as the boy raced through the Kings' Family home towards the front balcony, where he knew his daddy would be. Tiny fingers grasped the door handle and the door opened just slightly, the small boy slipping through and shutting it behind him. Sebastian really wished his son wasn't able to open doors.. The morning Chey and himself slept in and Caiden let himself out of the house and into his pony's stall was one of the scariest moments of Sebastian's entire life. He was so distraught when he found his spiderman pajama-clad little boy, curled up a pile of straw, his saint of a pony "Crosby" (yeah Caiden was on a hockey kick..) standing over him, he nearly cried. Sebastian had deadbolt locks put on every door of their home that afternoon. Caiden and Chey were the single most important things in his world. He didn't even want to think about what would happen if he ever lost them.

Good morning! Sebastian exclaimed, scooping his son up and into his arms. How was your sleep, little man? he asked, ruffling Caiden's bed-head. Caiden hugged his dad around the neck and paused I think I'm gonna sleep in my bed tonight.. the three year old said thoughtfully. Sebastian smiled at his son And why's that? he asked the sleepy little boy. Cuz.. Caiden looked up at him You snore he said with a grin that still melted Sebastian's heart. Oh! Thats nice! Sebastian said, laughing. He tossed Caiden up and caught him, tickling the little boy's tummy causing him to squeal with laughter. Dad! Caiden shrieked. The boys continued to goof off until the glass doors opened once more, and through them came Chey.

She looked beautiful. Her hair was ruffled on one side of her head, where it had lain on Sebastian chest all night. He could just see the outline of her unbelievably sexy body beneath her silk pajamas. And her face was fresh and clean after a good nights sleep. Just the way Sebastian liked it, all natural, all Chey, all absolutely, stunningly, drop-dead gorgeous. Sebastian barely heard Chey's question, he was, needless to say, distracted.. Daddy.. Dad was tickling me! the little boy exclaimed throwing his hands up in pretend exasperation. Sebastian smiled warmly as Chey wrapped her arms around him. Good Morning, Love he said, returning her kiss quickly, but passionately. Eeewww Caiden shrieked, wriggling out of his Daddy's arms and running back inside. Sebastian chuckled at his son and sat down on the swing bench Oh, to have that kind of energy.. he said with a dramatic, sarcastic sigh.

Sebastian grabbed Chey by the hips and pulled her down onto the swing, playfully. He wrapped his strong arms around her and held her tight against his chest for a moment. How did you sleep? he asked, his mouth pressed gently against her soft hair. Sebastian inhaled deeply and rocked the swing gently. He eyes looked out over Pinewood. The sun brought life to the new spring greenery. Winter had been long and hard, but they things were finally starting to warm up around here. Sebastian continued to hold his wife gently and kissed her forehead. Who'd have ever thought he'd be here? Not even Sebastian ever imagined he could be so happy. Seb released his hold on Chey and leaned back, sighing contently. So, baby, what are your plans for today? he asked his wife.

[Cheyenne Kings]

PEOPLE SAID IT WOULD NEVER WORK OUT
--- but livin' our dreams, we shattered all doubt

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Chey felt Sebastian's eyes looking her over and she quickly ran a hand through her hair, feeling a little color rush to her cheeks. "Daddy... Dad was tickling me!" Caiden's little voice interrupted her thoughts and she turned her attention to him with a dramatic gasp. "Well did he now?" Chey whipped her glance to Sebastian and shook her head in mock disappointment before her serious face broke way into a smile. She leaned into his kiss and pulled away with a laugh as Caiden wriggled out of Seb's arms and ran back inside. God, she loved that little guy. As soon as he was out of sight, she looked back to Seb. "Alone at last" a teasing grin danced across her face and she giggled as he pulled her down into the bench swing.

She sighed at Seb's remark and shook her head with a tiny smirk. "How'd we get so old?" she asked, leaning her head onto his. It seemed like just yesterday the little bundle of energy was cradled in her arms while she was making him a bottle. So many things had changed since then. Chey was shaken from her thoughts as Seb's question reached her ears. "I slept pretty good... you did snore a bit." she smirked in response to her husband's question, not daring to look in his direction. "But I'm used to it by now..." she added playfully, taking a sip of her coffee. "I'm assuming you slept well though... Caiden plugged your nose a couple of times and you barely moved." she said with a chuckle.

Chey inhaled the brisk morning air and let her eyes dance over their vast property, eyeing the stables in the distance and letting a satisfied sigh escape her chest. The spring sun was still low in the sky, peeking over the horizon and casting shadows over everything in sight. A thin mist hovered over the ground, giving everything a serene, soft look. The horses flicked their tails and grazed peacefully while a couple of foals frolicked playfully around their mothers. A couple of years ago Chey never would have guessed she'd be here. This was really everything she could have hoped for. She brought her eyes back to her coffee mug as Seb asked the next question.

"Hmm... let's see. Well, after I drop Caiden off at school I have a few interviews scheduled for some staff positions. One looks pretty promising, but I can't really say just yet. After that I think might work with Bella for a bit... either that or take Chaz out for some exercise. He's been a little neglected lately, and the weather is finally looking up... I just don't know if I'll have time before I have to pick Caiden up from school; unless you're able to." Chey rambled for a bit before stopping and looking to Seb. "What do you have planned today? Don't you have some lessons? I can never keep track..." she added, taking another gulp of her coffee before setting it down on the little table next to the swing and waiting for his response.

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--- feels good to prove 'em wrong
JUST LIVIN' OUR LOVE SONG

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Tagged: Smurf
Words: 555
Notes: Hope it's okay :]
Inspiration: Various country love songs
Lyrics: Livin' Our Love Song - Jason Michael Carroll

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[Sebastian Kings]

Sebastian took another sip of his coffee as he mentally mapped out his day. He was absolutely swamped with lessons at the moment. All his students were training hard for the upcoming eventing season and most were riding with him two to three times per week. Plus he was overseeing the new help, making sure everything was going according to plan. And then there were Pinewood's young horses, and Rory, his personal horse, who hadn't made it into the arena in almost a week. Yes, things were busy, but that was the way Sebastian liked them. A wild soul like his could get into trouble if not kept busy. He listened to Chey verbally planning out her own day. She babbled. It was cute. Yeah, I can pick him up. No problem. 12:30? he double checked the time. Yes, Caiden was technically 'his' son. But from the little boy's birth, he and Chey had agreed to parent him together. Chey was his 'mom'. Sebastian knew one day he would have to explain to his son that Cheyenne was not his birth mother, but that was a long way off.

Sebastian sighed quietly. He'd have to tell her sometime, he supposed. The last few days had been so busy, what with the lessons and the pregnant mares and Caiden he just hadn't found the right moment. So.. I've been talking to Lexi lately he glanced at her face briefly to gauge her reaction before continuing. She said she'd be interested in taking over a few of my lessons, for the time being. Sebastian knew there was tension between Chey and Lexi. Ever since they were kids, it seemed the girls had an instant dislike for each other. But Lexi was a very old friend of Sebastian's, and even though they'd had some romantic history, that part of Sebastian's life was long over. He loved Chey, and there was nothing and no one who could change that. His wife's silence made him uneasy I mean.. That would make more time for us, you know? he stammered slightly. I miss spending time with you and Caiden. Besides, Lexi is a fantastic coach. I think my students would really benefit from an Olympic level rider in the barn.

He didn't mean to go on, especially since he knew Chey had already hired someone to help him with lessons. But he figured Kate would have her hands full with managing the stables as she got to know the job. Besides, Sebastian always needed someone to teach the beginners and do kid's camps and such. Sebastian looked to Chey. For any sign of approval or disapproval on his wife's often difficult-to-read face. He looked young, and worried, waiting in anticipation for her answer. Honestly hoping he didn't hurt her feelings in any way. Lexi and Sebastian talked over the phone from time to time. She'd always turned him down when he'd asked her to teach for him. He guessed she didn't like the idea of "working for him." But something had changed her mind this time. Sebastian knew he and Lexi were just friends. Or at least he thought so.. It had been years since Lexi professed her love for him. And much longer since Sebastian had felt anything romantic for her. Sebastian knew where he stood on the subject. He was married and in love. He was a responsible husband and father and his feelings towards Lexi were in the same league as Charlie and Anthony, they were friends. Nothing more..

[Cheyenne Kings]

Chey nodded in response to her husband's reply. "Yeah, 12:30. Thanks, that helps a lot. Are you sure you're able to? If you pick him up I can take him before your afternoon lessons. I should be done with Chaz by then. Maybe afterwards we can go to lunch or something. Or I can just bring you something if you're too busy." Chey went on, sending a small smile her husband's way before turning her eyes back to her coffee. She should probably stop drinking all of this caffeine... it made her ramble too much, and lately it was making her sick for some reason. But she wasn't ready to give up the addiction just yet. She turned her mind to other things. She wondered what Caiden was doing. Probably trying to make himself a bowl of cereal. She winced at the thought of the mess. But the little guy was determined to be independent, so Chey did her best to let him do stuff by himself. She really didn't know if she should or not. It wasn't like she was ever trained in parenting, but who was? Of course, she often wondered what it would be like if he were actually her child. She thought of him as hers, but was that really the same? The curiosity got the best of her sometimes. She dreaded the day they would have to explain to Caiden that she wasn't his 'real mom'. In fact, the thought tore her up inside. She would be perfectly happy not telling him at all, but she knew it had to be done eventually. Just not yet. Her husband's hesitant words interrupted her thoughts.

'So... I've been talking to Lexi lately.' She instantly felt her stomach go a little queasy as the name left his lips. Chey had never really been fond of the female, especially considering her and Seb's history. History that, up until now, Chey had pushed to the back of her mind. Her husband was a different man now, she knew that. But it didn't stop her from feeling a little uneasy at the thought of him talking to a women whom he had almost cheated on her with. She cleared her throat and gripped her mug, not daring to make eye contact as she listened to him go on about taking over some of his lessons. She remained silent until he finished, finally glancing over to him. He looked desperate, and sincere. Almost worried. She felt a little bad for making him feel like he had to tip-toe around her feelings. Was she really that bad at blowing things out of proportion? It was true, when she had first found out about what had happened between him and Lexi, she might've let her emotions get the best of her. But at the time she felt that she had the right to be upset about it. I mean, it was a violation of her trust. Eventually, Seb had won back her trust though, and he had given her no reason not to trust him again. Of course, that still didn't give her a reason not to dislike Lexi. Yes, she may trust Seb, but it didn't mean she had to trust her.

Still, she knew she was being ridiculous. She had no right to take out this old grudge against Lexi on her husband. She'd moved past that, and forgave Seb years ago. It was her fault that she couldn't let Lexi off the hook just let. Chey forced a smile, trying to make it look as sincere as possible. "That's fine, babe. If you feel like you need someone to help you out, then I say go for it. I mean, she's more than qualified, I suppose." Chey said as careful as possible, trying to keep her words profession and light. She let her gaze wonder blankly before going on. "It's not like I'm not going to tell you you can't hire her just because I don't like her very much." She adding, peeking out from the corner of her eye to check his reaction. She wondered how Seb felt about all of this. The last thing she wanted to do was cause unnecessary drama, but she wasn't ready to let it go just yet. She still had a bad feeling about Lexi. There was just something about the way she looked at Seb that made Chey's skin crawl, and it wasn't something that she could easily forget. Having her around the barn all the time was not going to be easy, but Chey was determined not to let it effect her. At least not outwardly. Seb had enough things to worry about than silly rivalries and old grudges. She knew she needed to move on and let it go. And that's just what she intended to do. But as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions...

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TAGGED: Smurf
WORDS: 823
NOTES: I have a feeling this is is going to be interesting lol. Kinda failed at starting this one. Hope you have something to reply to...
INSPIRATION: After Midnight - Blink 182 (don't ask why lol)

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