Horse Eden : Fern x Blue Diamond //

January 18, 2025 12:25 AM

Posts: 7245
#1284245
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Rose changed into her day clothes once more before going to her new car and noticing the familiar c8. She rolled her eyes and pulled out of the parking lot, her mood not entirely crushed by the sight of his car. She got back to the hotel she'd been staying at for a couple weeks and flopped onto the bed with a smile

January 18, 2025 12:34 AM

Posts: 5025
#1284249
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Caden’s car coasted into the driveway, the smooth purr of the engine fading as he pulled to a stop in front of his mansion. The gates slid open, the grand entrance welcoming him back to the sprawling property he’d called home for the past few years. The house was an architectural masterpiece—sleek, modern, and a far cry from the humble beginnings he’d grown up with. It had been a long journey, and now it was all coming to fruition. The Arizona State Dodgers, one of the most elite teams in the country, was his new reality. He had made it.

As he walked up the steps to the front door, he let out a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves from another intense practice. Tomorrow was the real test. He couldn’t afford to take his foot off the gas. But when he opened the door, he was greeted by the one person who always seemed to take the edge off.

Mandi was lounging on the couch, her legs stretched out in front of her, looking effortlessly relaxed in a pair of tight leggings and a casual tank top. Her blonde hair was up in a messy bun, and she was scrolling through her phone, the soft glow of the screen illuminating her features.

“Look who decided to come home,” she said with a teasing smile, her eyes flicking up as Caden stepped inside. “Thought you’d be out partying with your new teammates or something.”

Caden smirked, his shoulders loosening as he tossed his gym bag to the side. “Yeah, because that’s totally what I do after a day of grueling practice,” he said, sarcastic but with a playful tone.

Mandi set her phone down on the coffee table and patted the spot next to her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Well, if you’re not partying, you might as well join me on the couch and let me spoil you a little,” she purred, her voice dripping with playful flirtation.

Caden raised an eyebrow as he walked over, sitting next to her but keeping a bit of distance. “Spoil me, huh? I think I’ve been spoiled enough lately,” he said, trying to keep his tone casual. He was still adjusting to the new relationship, having just broken up with his ex a week ago. The last thing he wanted was to dive into something too serious too quickly, but with Mandi, it felt different.

Mandi let out a soft laugh, her gaze lingering on him. “Maybe. But I’m good at making people forget about all the pressure in their lives,” she said, her voice dropping to a quieter, more intimate tone. She shifted closer to him, leaning in just enough that Caden could feel the warmth of her body next to his.

“Pressure, huh?” Caden murmured, his lips curling into a small grin. “I guess that’s one way to put it. I’ve got a lot of it, you know. Trying to prove myself to everyone.”

She let her fingers trace lightly over his arm, her touch sending a spark of electricity through him. “Well, I think you’ve already proven yourself, but... maybe I can help you relax for once. You deserve it, Caden,” she said, her voice low and inviting, her eyes darkening just a bit as she watched him. “You’ve been working your ass off.”

Her words had the desired effect, causing his pulse to quicken, and he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt toward her. Mandi had a way of making him feel like he was the only person in the room, even though he knew she had a magnetic energy that could have drawn in anyone. She had a fire about her that matched his own ambition, but she was also soft in the ways that mattered—attentive, thoughtful, and, in this moment, a little bit of a tease.

“I’ve been working hard, yeah,” he said, leaning in slightly. “But maybe... I could use some spoiling after all.”

She flashed him a seductive grin, her fingers lightly tracing the side of his neck as she leaned in closer. “I’m just getting started, Ortiz. You have no idea what kind of spoiling I’m capable of,” she whispered, her lips dangerously close to his.

Caden couldn’t help but laugh, though the sound was tinged with desire. “You’re trouble, you know that?”

“I know,” she said with a wicked smile, her lips brushing his lightly. “But you love it.”

He did. And in that moment, all the pressure, all the doubts, and all the expectations that had been hanging over him seemed to fade into the background. With Mandi, things were simple. He didn’t need to be perfect. He didn’t need to prove anything. He could just be himself.

“Maybe I do,” Caden admitted softly, his voice low as he finally closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was gentle at first, but quickly deepened. Mandi melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer as the rest of the world fell away.

For a moment, nothing else mattered. Not the team, not the pressures of the next practice or the media watching his every move. Just Mandi, and the feeling of her warmth against him.

But as they pulled apart, Caden let out a slow breath, still caught in the aftershocks of the kiss. “You really know how to distract a guy, don’t you?”

Mandi smirked, her fingers lightly tracing the side of his jaw. “I’m just getting started,” she whispered again, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and something deeper, something that made Caden’s heart race.

He chuckled and leaned back into the couch, his arm draped over her shoulders. “I’m starting to think I’m going to need more of that to get through this season.”

Mandi’s gaze softened, her expression a mix of teasing and care. “You’re gonna crush it, Caden. But I’ll be here for when you need a break. After all, who else is gonna spoil you like this?”

He smiled, his eyes flickering with appreciation. “Lucky for me, I’ve got you.”

As they settled into the couch, Caden’s thoughts shifted for just a moment, the weight of the season ahead hanging lightly in the back of his mind. But for now, with Mandi by his side, he didn’t need to worry. Tomorrow would come, but tonight? Tonight, he’d take a break, and maybe—just maybe—Mandi would be just what he needed to push through.

January 18, 2025 12:37 AM

Posts: 7245
#1284253
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Rose flipped through her phone and snapped a couple guys who'd snapped her first. She texted a few as well, making sure to keep her mind focused ob volleyball as well

January 18, 2025 12:39 AM

Posts: 5025
#1284255
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The evening stretched on, the quiet of the mansion wrapping around them like a soft blanket. Caden and Mandi stayed close on the couch, the weight of the world outside momentarily forgotten. Mandi had managed to pull him out of the cycle of stress that had been weighing on him for days. Her playful teasing, the way she’d helped him, her presence—it was all just what he needed.

“So, what’s the plan tomorrow, superstar?” Mandi asked, her voice still laced with the same flirtatious tone. She rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along his arm.

Caden exhaled slowly, trying not to let the anxiety of the upcoming practice creep back in. “Same as today, I guess. Get in, show what I’ve got. Make sure I don’t screw up. You know the drill.”

Mandi tilted her head up, eyes locking with his. “But you don’t need to worry about that, Caden. You’ve got this. You already proved you belong there.” She moved slightly, shifting closer, her hand resting on his chest. “You’ve earned it.”

He looked down at her, his heart thudding against his ribs at the closeness. He could feel the tension that was still lurking, the pressure he had to perform. But when she was around, it all seemed a little easier to deal with.

“You know, I really don’t deserve you,” Caden said quietly, his voice almost a whisper.

Mandi’s lips curled into a knowing grin. “You’re right. I’m pretty amazing,” she teased, but there was a sincerity in her voice that made Caden smile. He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

“You’re pretty great, too,” he replied, his voice softer now. “Honestly, I don’t think I could do all this without you. You make things a hell of a lot easier.”

Mandi smiled, her eyes softening as she looked up at him. “You’ve got this. And no matter what happens tomorrow or whenever, I’ll be here. To spoil you, keep you grounded, and remind you that you’re more than just the pressure of being on that team.”

He chuckled lightly, appreciating the way she understood him, the way she could cut through the anxiety and remind him of who he was. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, his lips curving into a small grin.

Mandi leaned in and kissed him again, her lips brushing his gently at first, before deepening the kiss. He couldn’t help but respond, his hand sliding to the back of her neck as he pulled her closer. For a moment, there was no team, no media, no practices or expectations. There was just the feeling of her, the kiss, and the way she made everything else fade away.

When they finally pulled apart, Mandi’s eyes were still gleaming with that playful spark. “So, when you’re killing it on the field tomorrow, I expect you to think about me, okay?”

Caden laughed, shaking his head. “Oh, I’ll be thinking about you alright. Just don’t expect me to slack off because of it.”

Mandi raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Who said anything about slacking off? I just want you to remember who’s got your back. Now, go make sure everyone knows you’re a Dodger for a reason.”

With a final kiss on the forehead, she nudged him playfully. “Now, go get some rest. Tomorrow’s gonna be big.”

Caden nodded, the weight of the upcoming practice still there, but lighter now. With Mandi by his side, there was a sense of peace he hadn’t known he’d been missing. He stood, stretching, but before he left the living room, he turned back to her.

“You sure you’re okay with me doing this?” he asked, his voice suddenly serious. “The whole football thing… it’s a lot.”

Mandi’s gaze softened, her lips curling into a gentle smile. “Caden, I’ve seen you work for this. You’ve earned every step you take toward it. And I’m not going anywhere. So you better get used to it.”

Her words were the reassurance he needed. He nodded once, a weight lifting off his shoulders. He leaned in to give her one last quick kiss before heading upstairs to his room.

As he settled into bed later that night, his mind wandered back to everything that had brought him here—his past, the team, the pressure—and to Mandi. It was the first time in a while that he felt like he could actually breathe, like he could face whatever tomorrow brought without the crushing weight of it all.

Tomorrow, he would step back onto the field with everything he had. But tonight? Tonight, he was ready to rest, knowing that with Mandi beside him, he wasn’t carrying the burden alone.

January 18, 2025 12:45 AM

Posts: 7245
#1284263
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Rose laughed as she read a text from a guy she'd met at the gym just after her breakup with Caden.

Hey, you free tomorrow evening?

I can be.

Where you live?

Rose thought for a moment before sending him the hotel's room number.

5pm work?

January 18, 2025 12:52 AM

Posts: 5025
#1284269
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The buzz surrounding Caden Ortiz had been escalating for weeks. His meteoric rise with the Arizona State Dodgers had turned heads not only among his coaches and teammates but across the entire football world. Everywhere he went, people were whispering about his potential: “Future NFL record breaker (hopefully).” It was a label that both thrilled and pressured him, but he’d learned to embrace the spotlight without letting it overwhelm him.

Today, the excitement had reached a new level. ESPN had set up shop at the Dodgers' practice field, ready to interview Caden and some of the other new players. Cameras, crew members, and reporters filled the sidelines, turning the usually intense practice into something of a spectacle. As the team went through warm-ups, Caden could feel the eyes of the media on him. It was the kind of attention he had been waiting for, but now that it was here, it didn’t feel real.

Mandi was watching from the bleachers, waving as Caden caught her gaze. He gave her a small smile, and the butterflies in his stomach settled, just a bit. Her presence grounded him, kept him steady, even as he was about to be thrust into another whirlwind of media interviews.

The whistle blew, and the practice session began. Caden quickly got into the rhythm of it, focusing on his drills and plays with the same intensity he always did. But the cameras were rolling now, and the tension in the air was palpable. He couldn't ignore it.

After a few drills, one of the ESPN reporters, Sarah Mitchell, approached him during a break. Sarah was known for her sharp interviews and had a knack for making athletes feel at ease under pressure, but Caden could still feel the pressure of being under her gaze.

“Caden,” she began, her voice carrying over the noise of the practice field, “you’re getting a lot of attention these days—people are calling you the future NFL record breaker (hopefully). How does it feel to have that kind of pressure on your shoulders?”

Caden wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. “It feels… surreal,” he admitted. “Honestly, I’ve been working for this moment my entire life. But I’m not focused on breaking records right now. I’m focused on getting better every day and helping the team. The rest will come.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, impressed with his level-headed response. “That’s very mature for a rookie. But let’s talk about those hopefully record-breaking moments. You’ve been making waves with your insane accuracy and fast touchdowns. Do you feel like you're already stepping into the role of a game changer for the Dodgers?”

Caden’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of the record-breaking talk. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to achieve greatness—it was just that he didn’t want the weight of expectations to distract him from his mission.

“I’m just trying to play my game,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve always been about consistency, about making the right decisions. If I keep doing that, the records will follow. But it’s not about the numbers for me. It’s about winning.”

Sarah nodded, clearly impressed with his maturity. “I think that’s what a lot of people respect about you, Caden. You're not letting the spotlight go to your head. So, what’s next for you? How do you stay grounded amidst all this attention?”

“I’ve got a great team behind me,” he said, glancing over at his teammates as they went through another drill. “They keep me focused, and I’ve got Mandi to remind me what really matters. I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

Sarah smiled, clearly satisfied with his answer. “Well, Caden, we’ll definitely be watching you closely this season. The future looks very bright for you.”

With a quick nod, Caden offered a humble smile before turning back to the field. As Sarah wrapped up the interview, she moved on to other players, eager to hear their thoughts on Caden’s rise to stardom.

Later, the cameras caught up with other members of the team, many of whom had started to get used to the attention, but they still couldn’t help but feel the weight of the media presence.

One of the senior players, Jordan Riley, spoke to ESPN after Caden’s interview. “Caden’s something else,” he said, grinning as he adjusted his helmet. “He’s young, but the kid’s got a maturity about him that’s impressive. He’s got this drive that I haven’t seen in a rookie in a long time. The pressure doesn’t seem to faze him, and that’s what you need in this league.”

Another teammate, defensive lineman Thomas Grant, shared his thoughts as well. “I’m not worried about him. He’s a natural. Yeah, people are talking about records and whatever, but Caden’s got the right mindset. He’s here to win, and that’s what counts.”

The media presence wasn’t just limited to Caden’s interviews. It became clear that the Arizona State Dodgers were being closely watched by fans, analysts, and networks alike. There was an undeniable buzz that had grown around them, especially with Caden being a standout player and quickly becoming a favorite to watch.

Back on the field, Caden was doing what he did best—focusing on the game. He threw perfect passes, led his team through drills, and showed exactly why he was earning the hype. But the weight of the “future NFL record breaker (hopefully)” label never fully left him. It hung in the air, reminding him of the expectations, the promises of greatness. And even though he’d learned to block out the noise, there was no denying that this was just the beginning of something big.

As practice wrapped up, Caden jogged off the field, his body tired but energized. Mandi was waiting by the gates, watching with that proud smile of hers.

“You handled that well,” she said as he approached, her voice playful but affectionate. “The cameras, the pressure, everything. I think you’ve got the ‘future NFL record breaker’ title nailed down.”

He smirked, his lips curling into a small grin. “Let’s just see if I can actually make those records,” he replied. “No pressure, right?”

Mandi chuckled, reaching up to squeeze his hand. “You’ve got this, Caden. You’re gonna blow everyone away this season.”

He nodded, but his thoughts lingered on the words that had followed him all day: Future NFL record breaker (hopefully). There was pressure in that. But there was also promise.

And Caden Ortiz was ready to live up to it.

January 18, 2025 01:28 PM

Posts: 7245
#1284345
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Rose, after weeks of practice, had began to hear of Caden's fame. Everytime she was told another thing about him, she rolled her eyes but kept up a smile. She was tired of all the talk about him and she really didn't want to hear another word. He had a new girlfriend, and it didn't sting as bad as Rose had feared. She a kind of... freedom. One of the other girls walked up to Rose. "Hey, we're going to the football game tomorrow. Wanna come?" Amelia asked, hopeful. Rose just laughed and shook her head before going to the ball cart and warming up for that morning's practice. After it was over, Rose drove to her apartment and took a shower before heading straight to bed and flipping through Tiktoks

January 18, 2025 09:25 PM

Posts: 5025
#1284479
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Later that evening, Caden and Mandi were back at the mansion, winding down after a long, eventful day. Caden stretched out on the couch, rubbing his temples, trying to shake off the mental exhaustion of the media circus. Mandi, on the other hand, was sitting on the armrest next to him, her legs curled beneath her, her fingers absentmindedly scrolling through her phone.

After a few moments of silence, Mandi glanced over at him, her expression suddenly more curious than before. "So, Caden," she began, her tone light but with a hint of something playful in it. "How much are you getting paid for all this? The hype, the interviews, the attention. I mean, you're obviously a star in the making."

Caden raised an eyebrow, not expecting the question. He let out a quiet chuckle, then shrugged. "Well, the contract's pretty decent. The Dodgers know what they're getting, and they’re investing in me for the long haul. But it’s not about the money, Mandi. You know that."

Mandi tilted her head, her lips curling into a small smile. "Right, right, but I was just curious. I mean, if you're gonna be this big, I think it’s only fair that I get my fair share too, right?"

Caden’s brows furrowed, unsure where this was going. "What are you talking about?"

Her smile widened, now more mischievous than anything. "Well," she said, her voice casual, "I’m thinking at least a million a month would do. You know, just for being by your side and, you know, supporting your career. You’re gonna be raking in the cash, so I might as well get my cut."

Caden’s jaw dropped as he stared at her, completely taken aback. "What? A million a month?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and rising frustration. "Mandi, I can’t just give you that kind of money."

Mandi’s smile faltered slightly, but she didn’t back down. "Oh, come on, Caden. You’re gonna be a millionaire, right? It’s not that much to ask. Besides, I’m part of your success. I’m always there for you, helping you stay grounded. You owe me."

Caden’s hands clenched into fists as the words hit him like a punch. He tried to stay calm, but the frustration in his chest began to boil over. "I don’t owe you a damn thing. I’m not going to hand over millions just because you’re my girlfriend. That’s not how this works."

Mandi stood up abruptly, her eyes flashing with anger now. "Oh, so that’s how it is? You think you can just blow up and forget about me? You’re getting all this attention, all these opportunities, and I’m supposed to just be happy with nothing? Fine, Caden. Maybe I deserve more than you’re willing to give."

She started walking toward the door, her anger palpable. Caden followed her, trying to calm the situation down, but his frustration was mounting. "Mandi, don’t do this. It’s not about money! I’m not just gonna throw cash at you—"

But Mandi was already at the door, grabbing her coat. "You know what? Maybe you’re not the person I thought you were. Maybe I’m just holding you back with my expectations." She whipped around, eyes blazing. "Consider this my exit."

Before Caden could respond, she slammed the door behind her, leaving him standing in the middle of the living room, stunned.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of what had just happened. His mind was racing, his emotions tangled in a mess of frustration, confusion, and anger.

The moment was already over, but the consequences were just beginning.

The next day, the media frenzy reached a new peak. The cameras, the reporters, and the buzz were all directed toward Caden’s relationship with Mandi. Photos of her storming out of the mansion were splashed across gossip sites. Headlines read: Caden Ortiz's Relationship on the Rocks After a Million-Dollar Demands.

ESPN, TMZ, and sports bloggers were all over it, each one offering their own take. Some speculated that Mandi had been taking advantage of Caden’s rise to stardom, while others painted her as a gold digger. Fans flooded social media with their opinions, some siding with Caden and calling Mandi out for her greed, while others criticized him for not handling things more maturely.

Caden was caught in the whirlwind of it all, his focus on his game slipping with every new notification and every new headline. His phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, and his mind kept flashing back to the argument with Mandi.

He wasn’t sure what had gone wrong, but one thing was clear: everything had changed.

He logged onto TikTok,deciding to make a post about a old song he wrote called 'Leaving Tonight' but now tuned and produced,being played on radios occasionally and under a anonymous name. CO02

relating to his song now then ever lol

@cadenortiz.02

Leaving Tonight -- CO02

He posted it,just waiting.Sitting and waiting.

He stood,going into the camero and heading to the tattoo shop.Caden walked out later,his other arm,chest,lower neck,and legs now had tattoo's scattered around,the most notible was the one that reached up to his lower cheek.Veins,as they appeared.Black veins.

Poisoned Veins.

Edited at January 19, 2025 04:36 PM by RFS Thoroughbreds

January 19, 2025 11:12 PM

Posts: 7245
#1284745
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Rose kept going to practices, her attempted relationship having not worked and came to an end while just talking. She was becoming frustrated about all the talk about Caden. Her interest was slightly piqued as she heard about his breakup, though, and she found it funny how the woman had ended things for money. Rose had flashbacks to when they were dating and eventually engaged, but she never remembered asking for money. She mentally laughed at the woman, siding with the girls on the team who thought badly of Mandi. None of her teamates had really accepted her as part of the 'volleyball family' yet, and Rose was really trying to become more approachable while she was there. Although, she seemed to be falling farther and farther from the view of the coaches, something she'd made sure to have in the past.

January 20, 2025 09:12 AM