A precious link (chapter 2)
Title: A precious link
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel <3
Pairing: Sakuraiba, Sakumoto (brothers)
Genre: Au, drama, angst, romance
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Aiba belongs to Sho :P
Summary: Sho, a famous singer, is always acting cold and distant with anyone trying to approach him. But one day, his manager discovers that the young man is hiding a painful secret that is eating him. After making him meet Aiba, a strange horse rancher, Sho will soon realize that maybe this mysterious man is the only one able to understand his scars and create a link stronger than anything.
Chapter 2:
Get rid of the color of the Human's skin and eyes and you'll see the color of the soul: the Human's true color.
"What happened? Who did that to you two?" Ohno asked.
"My father... Jun didn't want my father to touch him and he started to cry... My father hit him. If I hadn't woken up to pee, he... I don't know how Jun would be now..." Sho whispered, stroking his brother's sleeping face.
"That bastard... We have to do something or next time it will be worse," Ohno growled.
"You talked about someone who can help Jun..."
"Hun. He is a very good friend of mine. I think it could help Jun to meet him."
"When can we go?" Sho asked in haste.
"Tomorrow. He lives far away from here and holds a stud farm."
"Can we stay here for the night?"
"Of course, I won't let your brother go back to that bastard, nor you. It's too dangerous for both of you. I have a futon. You can sleep with Jun in my bed."
"But..."
"It's okay. He needs a real bed. Now go. We will leave at 6 a.m."
"Thank you, Ohno-san. I won't forget what you are doing for us," Sho bowed deeply.
"Call me Oh-chan and I would like something in return."
"What?"
"Stop thinking you're better alone. Don't push away all the people who want to know you." Ohno smiled kindly.
"I'll try." The rapper nodded and lifting his brother in his arms, joined the bedroom of the sleepy man.
*****
"So, tell me more about your friend?" Sho asked as Ohno was driving.
"He's an amazing person. His smile is as warm as the sun and can make you smile even when you are crying like a baby. He is very sensitive, and sometimes, looks like a bit of an idiot. But in fact, he is very clever. He can see and feel lots of things and never gives up in the hard moments."
"He seems to be a nice person."
"Yes. You can trust him to take care of Jun."
"I hope so. And how will he help him?"
"You'll see. His methods are special, but if there is one person in this world who can help Jun, it's him."
"Thank you."
"Here we are," Ohno smiled, parking the car on the grass. Sho's eyes widened in front of the view. They were in another world. Mountains were surrounding them. An old big house was visible in the middle of what you could call a meadow with some horses eating the grass or galloping happily. "Great view, ne?"
"Hun."
"I felt the same way the first time I came here."
"Satoshi!!!" Both of turned their heads to see a man running toward them with a big smile.
"Masaki! It's been a while!" Ohno grinned, hugging his friend happily.
"Don't stay so long without coming."
"Work. And you can come and visit me too."
"You know I'm not made for the city. How the horses would do without me?"
"There is still Nino. Where is he, by the way?"
"In the stable. He does great but I can't leave my babies," Aiba chuckled.
"Masaki, this is the friend I talked about, Sakurai Sho. Sho-kun, this Aiba Masaki, my best friend."
"Nice to meet you Sho-chan!" Sho raised an eyebrow at the nickname but took the hand shyly. Yes, Aiba's smile was like the sun.
"Nice to meet you too."
"So, where is our little one?"
"Jun!" Sho opened the door to show a scared boy who was shaking in fear.
"Ma ma ma. He looks like a scared kitten. Hello, Jun-chan. I'm Aiba Masaki, but call me Masaki," Aiba grinned, waving his hand.
"Jun can't talk." Sho said coldly.
"I'm sure he can. He just needs some time. Come on, sweetie. I won't eat you, I promise."
"He is scared of strangers..." Sho's eyes widened when after staring at Aiba's eyes intensively. Jun took his hand and left the car.
"Ohhh, you're very cute! How old are you?"
"He is 17 years old."
"He looks like a baby. Come on, I've prepared your bedrooms and lunch."
"Jun sleeps with me." Sho snapped.
"But Jun-chan is a big boy. He can sleep alone, ne?" Aiba asked to the young boy who nodded shyly. "See. He is safe here. Come on. Let's eat and after I'll introduce you to the horses and Kazu," Aiba exclaimed.
"Thank you, Masaki!" Ohno grinned.
As they followed the tall man to the barn, Sho frowned. Sure, this man was kind, but the rapper didn't like the way he was handling the situation. The house was very beautiful, big and warm, with an appeasing atmosphere wrapping you when you entered. There were many paintings of horses covering the walls and dozens of trophies and prizes certainly won from competitions.
"Jun-kun will have this bedroom. You'll see why it's my favorite." Aiba opened a door, showing a gorgeous room with a view of the meadow and stables. "Sho-chan's bedroom will be next to yours if you have a problem and mine is in front of yours.” Aiba explained. Jun smiled widely, sitting on the bed with happy eyes.
"He won't be able to sleep without me," Sho replied.
"With all my respect, Jun is here to appease what is traumatizing him. So, he needs you to trust him to act like a 17 years old boy," Aiba said softly. Sho continued to frown but stayed silent. "Lunch is ready. I hope you like curry. Come on!" Jun grabbed his brother's hand tightly. Sho changed his grimace to a smile. He kissed Jun's forehead before following Aiba.
They sat around the table in the big living room with an amazing scent of curry invading their noses. "Do you like curry, Jun?"
"He likes it," Sho answered.
"Excuse me, but I asked to Jun. He is old enough to answer," Aiba smiled and looked at Jun who nodded with a grin. "Perfect. Curry is the best!"
"Masaki's curry is delicious," Ohno approved while swallowing the rice. "Mecha umai!"
"You think everything is good, Oh-chan," Aiba laughed.
"Well, a bit. Kazu isn't eating with us?"
"He is taking care of Calypso. She is giving birth soon. Jun, would you like to see Calypso's baby?" The young boy looked at his brother, seeking his agreement. "Don't ask your brother. If you don't want to, I won't force you." Jun raised his eyes and nodded shyly. "You'll see, Calypso is very kind and its baby will be very cute."
"But it's dangerous,” Sho protested.
"Nah. He won't approach while she is giving birth, but after. I wouldn't put him in danger."
"I'll come to be sure." Aiba rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.
They helped to clean the dishes and then walked toward the big stables. Some horses showed their heads with interest as they passed by.
"You can touch him," Aiba said to Jun who was looking at one of the horses. The young boy shook his head. Slowly and with a gentle smile, Masaki took Jun's hand and approached the horse under its mouth. Jun giggled silently when the horse licked his palm, trying to find some food. "He wants something. You can give him this sugar." Aiba put a piece of sugar in Jun's hand and made him hold out his hand. "Be careful with your hand or he will bite your palm when he will catch the sugar," Aiba explained. Jun laughed silently when the horse's mouth touched his skin as if he was kissing it.
"It's the first time I'm seeing him laughing in seven years," Sho whispered to Ohno.
"And it won't be the last time."
"Pitch likes you. Now you're his friend." Aiba smiled when Jun stroked the animal's head.
"Come on, Calypso is waiting for us." They continued their way when Jun ran in Sho's arms, startled by a loud noise. "The birth pangs have started. Don't be afraid, Jun. It's normal. Giving birth hurts a lot." Aiba smiled to the young boy who nodded. "How is it, Kazu?" the tall man asked when they saw a boy next to a laid mare.
"Well, for the moment. Oh hello, Oh-chan!" the short man smiled.
"Kazu, this is Sakurai Sho and his little brother, Jun," Aiba said.
"Hello, Ninomiya Kazunari. I work with Masaki. Everybody calls me Nino." Nino bowed and smirked when his eyes met Jun's. The young boy blushed and looked away.
"Don't play around, you brat," Aiba said as he smacked Nino's head.
"Oi!"
"Come on, Calypso is having a hard time at the moment." The beautiful black horse was neighing in pain, its big stomach contracting frequently.
"It's weird. The foal hasn't come yet," Nino frowned.
"I'll look." Aiba put long gloves on his hands and slowly approached the horse while whispering soft words. "Hey, girl. I just want to check your baby." Aiba knelt down and soon, scowled. "The baby isn't in the good position. Kazu, help me."
"Hai." Aiba dove his arms in the horse's vagina and made some movement that Sho couldn't see.
"Hey, Caly. I'm going to help you a bit or your baby won't leave. Come on, girl. Help me," Aiba whispered softly. The horse seemed to understand and laying its head on the ground as she contracted its belly. "Just a bit more, Caly." After some seconds, Aiba's arms left the horse, pulling out a little form. "Here we are. Hey, boy. Welcome! You did great, Caly," Aiba grinned. Nino and Aiba stood up to let the horse lick its baby.
"He is so cute," Ohno exclaimed.
"Hun. We will leave them alone and check them in an hour," Aiba smiled. "So, Jun, did you see?"
The young boy nodded with a grin, his eyes shining happily.
"Caly will let you touch him later. Let's go. I'll introduce you to the others." Aiba wrapped his arm around Jun's shoulders and led him outside. "This is Niji, Kazu's horse. It's a Palomino."
"He doesn't like strangers, be careful!" Nino warned, but Jun held out his hand to the beautiful horse that licked his palm kindly.
"He seems to like Jun," Aiba chuckled.
"It's the first time he's allowed someone to touch him," Nino whispered with surprise. Jun stroked the horse between its eyes and even kissed its head with a grin.
"Jun is good with horses!" Aiba exclaimed. "Kazu, show him the others horses."
"Hai!"
"It's the first time I've seen him smiling like that," Sho noted, looking at the two boys who were walking toward the stables.
"Horses have an incredible power on humans. They can read your heart with just one look."
"Do I have to explain to you why he doesn't talk?"
"No. Jun-kun will do it by himself. I know you want to protect him, but he is in safe here. Let me help you."
"Who are you?"
"Just someone who chose to listen to what the horses want to tell us."
"They don't talk," Sho smirked.
"You'll be surprised how much a horse can talk, Sakurai-san."
"But..."
"There aren’t just words to say what you feel. How does Jun communicate with you?"
"His attitude."
"Horses are the same. They tell us what they feel with their attitude with their movements and mostly their eyes. To understand them, you have to understand their language."
"How?"
"You'll see," Aiba said with a mysterious smile.
"How much will it cost?"
"How much do you think your brother's happiness costs?"
"There is no price for that."
"Then, it won't cost you anything."
"Let me at least pay for dinner."
"If you want," Aiba chuckled.
"I should go to Jun," Sho said anxiously.
"No. Leave him alone for the evening. Kazu won't harm him and we should try to get to know each other a bit."
"My life isn't interesting," Sho mumbled as they were heading toward a meadow.
"I wasn't talking about your life but about your scars," Aiba smiled softly before whistling.
"Eh?" Sho gasped. A beautiful white horse galloped toward them happily.
"Hey, boy. How are you?" Aiba stroked the animal with love.
"Your horse?"
"No. I haven't any horse. Nobody has. A horse will never belong to you. It's your soul which belongs to the horse," Aiba said mysteriously.
"I don't understand," Sho frowned. This guy was really weird, talking about things that didn't make sense.
"You'll understand when you're ready," Aiba smiled and jumped on the horse's back in a fluid movement.
"Where are you going? I thought we had to get to know each other," Sho protested.
"But I already know everything I needed to know, Sakurai Sho." Aiba looked at him intensively, as if he was diving in his soul. With a chuckle, Aiba whistled and the horse galloped without needing any orders.
Sho put his arms on the gate, looking at Aiba and the horse galloping away. They were amazing together, as if they were forming one, Aiba melting in every movement of the horse. Without any saddle or reins, Aiba changed his position a bit and the horse jumped above an obstacle. Sho's eyes widened in amazement. What did this thin guy do to lead a so big beast without any equipment and any visible orders?!
"How do you lead him?" Sho asked when 20 minutes later after Aiba came back.
"Ghost isn't led. I ask him if he can jump and he jumps," a sweating Aiba explained.
"But..."
"He is my friend, not my pet. I give him my friendship and Ghost gives me his. What you just saw was the link any rider should have with a horse. There is no need any hits or material. Your trust and respect are enough." Aiba got down and stroked the white animal.
"Can you do that with all your horses?"
"Yes, but Ghost and I have a special link. I found him when he was one year old. His owner was beating him and forced him to jump high obstacles. It took me a long time to win his trust and stop his fear toward humans."
"You made him forget..."
"No. A horse never forgets. If tomorrow he saw its old owner, Ghost's reaction would be the same as a human's. I just showed him that not all humans are nasty."
"How old is he now?"
"Ten years old."
"And he lets you approach him when you want to?"
"It's not about what I want, but about what he wants to give me. If you give everything to a horse, he will give you everything he has. Horses are very special animals. I sometimes wonder if it's not us that are the animals and they that are the humans able to read us as open books," Aiba smiled, patting the horse's neck.
"What do you mean?"
"You'll understand with time. I promise you Jun will heal his scars and you will heal yours because of these amazing animals."
"Eh?"
"Patience. Open your heart and let them dive into your soul," Aiba smiled before joining Nino and Jun who were walking toward them. A big bright smile spread across Jun's lips. Sho looked at Aiba with lost eyes. What did this man mean with all his mysterious sentences? He didn't have any scars. Or at least, he wanted to convince himself he didn't have them deep inside his heart.
To be continued...
A/N: I've always wanted to write a fic with horses as I love them a lot. Horses have the power of appeasing and healing your scars when you give them your trust and respect. It feels as if they are able to read your soul in one look :)
So, Aiba and Sho are starting to know each other and our dear animal lover will try to make Sho confront his fears. Next chapter will contain more Matsumiya and Junba moments :)
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel <3
Pairing: Sakuraiba, Sakumoto (brothers)
Genre: Au, drama, angst, romance
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Aiba belongs to Sho :P
Summary: Sho, a famous singer, is always acting cold and distant with anyone trying to approach him. But one day, his manager discovers that the young man is hiding a painful secret that is eating him. After making him meet Aiba, a strange horse rancher, Sho will soon realize that maybe this mysterious man is the only one able to understand his scars and create a link stronger than anything.
Chapter 2:
Get rid of the color of the Human's skin and eyes and you'll see the color of the soul: the Human's true color.
"What happened? Who did that to you two?" Ohno asked.
"My father... Jun didn't want my father to touch him and he started to cry... My father hit him. If I hadn't woken up to pee, he... I don't know how Jun would be now..." Sho whispered, stroking his brother's sleeping face.
"That bastard... We have to do something or next time it will be worse," Ohno growled.
"You talked about someone who can help Jun..."
"Hun. He is a very good friend of mine. I think it could help Jun to meet him."
"When can we go?" Sho asked in haste.
"Tomorrow. He lives far away from here and holds a stud farm."
"Can we stay here for the night?"
"Of course, I won't let your brother go back to that bastard, nor you. It's too dangerous for both of you. I have a futon. You can sleep with Jun in my bed."
"But..."
"It's okay. He needs a real bed. Now go. We will leave at 6 a.m."
"Thank you, Ohno-san. I won't forget what you are doing for us," Sho bowed deeply.
"Call me Oh-chan and I would like something in return."
"What?"
"Stop thinking you're better alone. Don't push away all the people who want to know you." Ohno smiled kindly.
"I'll try." The rapper nodded and lifting his brother in his arms, joined the bedroom of the sleepy man.
*****
"So, tell me more about your friend?" Sho asked as Ohno was driving.
"He's an amazing person. His smile is as warm as the sun and can make you smile even when you are crying like a baby. He is very sensitive, and sometimes, looks like a bit of an idiot. But in fact, he is very clever. He can see and feel lots of things and never gives up in the hard moments."
"He seems to be a nice person."
"Yes. You can trust him to take care of Jun."
"I hope so. And how will he help him?"
"You'll see. His methods are special, but if there is one person in this world who can help Jun, it's him."
"Thank you."
"Here we are," Ohno smiled, parking the car on the grass. Sho's eyes widened in front of the view. They were in another world. Mountains were surrounding them. An old big house was visible in the middle of what you could call a meadow with some horses eating the grass or galloping happily. "Great view, ne?"
"Hun."
"I felt the same way the first time I came here."
"Satoshi!!!" Both of turned their heads to see a man running toward them with a big smile.
"Masaki! It's been a while!" Ohno grinned, hugging his friend happily.
"Don't stay so long without coming."
"Work. And you can come and visit me too."
"You know I'm not made for the city. How the horses would do without me?"
"There is still Nino. Where is he, by the way?"
"In the stable. He does great but I can't leave my babies," Aiba chuckled.
"Masaki, this is the friend I talked about, Sakurai Sho. Sho-kun, this Aiba Masaki, my best friend."
"Nice to meet you Sho-chan!" Sho raised an eyebrow at the nickname but took the hand shyly. Yes, Aiba's smile was like the sun.
"Nice to meet you too."
"So, where is our little one?"
"Jun!" Sho opened the door to show a scared boy who was shaking in fear.
"Ma ma ma. He looks like a scared kitten. Hello, Jun-chan. I'm Aiba Masaki, but call me Masaki," Aiba grinned, waving his hand.
"Jun can't talk." Sho said coldly.
"I'm sure he can. He just needs some time. Come on, sweetie. I won't eat you, I promise."
"He is scared of strangers..." Sho's eyes widened when after staring at Aiba's eyes intensively. Jun took his hand and left the car.
"Ohhh, you're very cute! How old are you?"
"He is 17 years old."
"He looks like a baby. Come on, I've prepared your bedrooms and lunch."
"Jun sleeps with me." Sho snapped.
"But Jun-chan is a big boy. He can sleep alone, ne?" Aiba asked to the young boy who nodded shyly. "See. He is safe here. Come on. Let's eat and after I'll introduce you to the horses and Kazu," Aiba exclaimed.
"Thank you, Masaki!" Ohno grinned.
As they followed the tall man to the barn, Sho frowned. Sure, this man was kind, but the rapper didn't like the way he was handling the situation. The house was very beautiful, big and warm, with an appeasing atmosphere wrapping you when you entered. There were many paintings of horses covering the walls and dozens of trophies and prizes certainly won from competitions.
"Jun-kun will have this bedroom. You'll see why it's my favorite." Aiba opened a door, showing a gorgeous room with a view of the meadow and stables. "Sho-chan's bedroom will be next to yours if you have a problem and mine is in front of yours.” Aiba explained. Jun smiled widely, sitting on the bed with happy eyes.
"He won't be able to sleep without me," Sho replied.
"With all my respect, Jun is here to appease what is traumatizing him. So, he needs you to trust him to act like a 17 years old boy," Aiba said softly. Sho continued to frown but stayed silent. "Lunch is ready. I hope you like curry. Come on!" Jun grabbed his brother's hand tightly. Sho changed his grimace to a smile. He kissed Jun's forehead before following Aiba.
They sat around the table in the big living room with an amazing scent of curry invading their noses. "Do you like curry, Jun?"
"He likes it," Sho answered.
"Excuse me, but I asked to Jun. He is old enough to answer," Aiba smiled and looked at Jun who nodded with a grin. "Perfect. Curry is the best!"
"Masaki's curry is delicious," Ohno approved while swallowing the rice. "Mecha umai!"
"You think everything is good, Oh-chan," Aiba laughed.
"Well, a bit. Kazu isn't eating with us?"
"He is taking care of Calypso. She is giving birth soon. Jun, would you like to see Calypso's baby?" The young boy looked at his brother, seeking his agreement. "Don't ask your brother. If you don't want to, I won't force you." Jun raised his eyes and nodded shyly. "You'll see, Calypso is very kind and its baby will be very cute."
"But it's dangerous,” Sho protested.
"Nah. He won't approach while she is giving birth, but after. I wouldn't put him in danger."
"I'll come to be sure." Aiba rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.
They helped to clean the dishes and then walked toward the big stables. Some horses showed their heads with interest as they passed by.
"You can touch him," Aiba said to Jun who was looking at one of the horses. The young boy shook his head. Slowly and with a gentle smile, Masaki took Jun's hand and approached the horse under its mouth. Jun giggled silently when the horse licked his palm, trying to find some food. "He wants something. You can give him this sugar." Aiba put a piece of sugar in Jun's hand and made him hold out his hand. "Be careful with your hand or he will bite your palm when he will catch the sugar," Aiba explained. Jun laughed silently when the horse's mouth touched his skin as if he was kissing it.
"It's the first time I'm seeing him laughing in seven years," Sho whispered to Ohno.
"And it won't be the last time."
"Pitch likes you. Now you're his friend." Aiba smiled when Jun stroked the animal's head.
"Come on, Calypso is waiting for us." They continued their way when Jun ran in Sho's arms, startled by a loud noise. "The birth pangs have started. Don't be afraid, Jun. It's normal. Giving birth hurts a lot." Aiba smiled to the young boy who nodded. "How is it, Kazu?" the tall man asked when they saw a boy next to a laid mare.
"Well, for the moment. Oh hello, Oh-chan!" the short man smiled.
"Kazu, this is Sakurai Sho and his little brother, Jun," Aiba said.
"Hello, Ninomiya Kazunari. I work with Masaki. Everybody calls me Nino." Nino bowed and smirked when his eyes met Jun's. The young boy blushed and looked away.
"Don't play around, you brat," Aiba said as he smacked Nino's head.
"Oi!"
"Come on, Calypso is having a hard time at the moment." The beautiful black horse was neighing in pain, its big stomach contracting frequently.
"It's weird. The foal hasn't come yet," Nino frowned.
"I'll look." Aiba put long gloves on his hands and slowly approached the horse while whispering soft words. "Hey, girl. I just want to check your baby." Aiba knelt down and soon, scowled. "The baby isn't in the good position. Kazu, help me."
"Hai." Aiba dove his arms in the horse's vagina and made some movement that Sho couldn't see.
"Hey, Caly. I'm going to help you a bit or your baby won't leave. Come on, girl. Help me," Aiba whispered softly. The horse seemed to understand and laying its head on the ground as she contracted its belly. "Just a bit more, Caly." After some seconds, Aiba's arms left the horse, pulling out a little form. "Here we are. Hey, boy. Welcome! You did great, Caly," Aiba grinned. Nino and Aiba stood up to let the horse lick its baby.
"He is so cute," Ohno exclaimed.
"Hun. We will leave them alone and check them in an hour," Aiba smiled. "So, Jun, did you see?"
The young boy nodded with a grin, his eyes shining happily.
"Caly will let you touch him later. Let's go. I'll introduce you to the others." Aiba wrapped his arm around Jun's shoulders and led him outside. "This is Niji, Kazu's horse. It's a Palomino."
"He doesn't like strangers, be careful!" Nino warned, but Jun held out his hand to the beautiful horse that licked his palm kindly.
"He seems to like Jun," Aiba chuckled.
"It's the first time he's allowed someone to touch him," Nino whispered with surprise. Jun stroked the horse between its eyes and even kissed its head with a grin.
"Jun is good with horses!" Aiba exclaimed. "Kazu, show him the others horses."
"Hai!"
"It's the first time I've seen him smiling like that," Sho noted, looking at the two boys who were walking toward the stables.
"Horses have an incredible power on humans. They can read your heart with just one look."
"Do I have to explain to you why he doesn't talk?"
"No. Jun-kun will do it by himself. I know you want to protect him, but he is in safe here. Let me help you."
"Who are you?"
"Just someone who chose to listen to what the horses want to tell us."
"They don't talk," Sho smirked.
"You'll be surprised how much a horse can talk, Sakurai-san."
"But..."
"There aren’t just words to say what you feel. How does Jun communicate with you?"
"His attitude."
"Horses are the same. They tell us what they feel with their attitude with their movements and mostly their eyes. To understand them, you have to understand their language."
"How?"
"You'll see," Aiba said with a mysterious smile.
"How much will it cost?"
"How much do you think your brother's happiness costs?"
"There is no price for that."
"Then, it won't cost you anything."
"Let me at least pay for dinner."
"If you want," Aiba chuckled.
"I should go to Jun," Sho said anxiously.
"No. Leave him alone for the evening. Kazu won't harm him and we should try to get to know each other a bit."
"My life isn't interesting," Sho mumbled as they were heading toward a meadow.
"I wasn't talking about your life but about your scars," Aiba smiled softly before whistling.
"Eh?" Sho gasped. A beautiful white horse galloped toward them happily.
"Hey, boy. How are you?" Aiba stroked the animal with love.
"Your horse?"
"No. I haven't any horse. Nobody has. A horse will never belong to you. It's your soul which belongs to the horse," Aiba said mysteriously.
"I don't understand," Sho frowned. This guy was really weird, talking about things that didn't make sense.
"You'll understand when you're ready," Aiba smiled and jumped on the horse's back in a fluid movement.
"Where are you going? I thought we had to get to know each other," Sho protested.
"But I already know everything I needed to know, Sakurai Sho." Aiba looked at him intensively, as if he was diving in his soul. With a chuckle, Aiba whistled and the horse galloped without needing any orders.
Sho put his arms on the gate, looking at Aiba and the horse galloping away. They were amazing together, as if they were forming one, Aiba melting in every movement of the horse. Without any saddle or reins, Aiba changed his position a bit and the horse jumped above an obstacle. Sho's eyes widened in amazement. What did this thin guy do to lead a so big beast without any equipment and any visible orders?!
"How do you lead him?" Sho asked when 20 minutes later after Aiba came back.
"Ghost isn't led. I ask him if he can jump and he jumps," a sweating Aiba explained.
"But..."
"He is my friend, not my pet. I give him my friendship and Ghost gives me his. What you just saw was the link any rider should have with a horse. There is no need any hits or material. Your trust and respect are enough." Aiba got down and stroked the white animal.
"Can you do that with all your horses?"
"Yes, but Ghost and I have a special link. I found him when he was one year old. His owner was beating him and forced him to jump high obstacles. It took me a long time to win his trust and stop his fear toward humans."
"You made him forget..."
"No. A horse never forgets. If tomorrow he saw its old owner, Ghost's reaction would be the same as a human's. I just showed him that not all humans are nasty."
"How old is he now?"
"Ten years old."
"And he lets you approach him when you want to?"
"It's not about what I want, but about what he wants to give me. If you give everything to a horse, he will give you everything he has. Horses are very special animals. I sometimes wonder if it's not us that are the animals and they that are the humans able to read us as open books," Aiba smiled, patting the horse's neck.
"What do you mean?"
"You'll understand with time. I promise you Jun will heal his scars and you will heal yours because of these amazing animals."
"Eh?"
"Patience. Open your heart and let them dive into your soul," Aiba smiled before joining Nino and Jun who were walking toward them. A big bright smile spread across Jun's lips. Sho looked at Aiba with lost eyes. What did this man mean with all his mysterious sentences? He didn't have any scars. Or at least, he wanted to convince himself he didn't have them deep inside his heart.
To be continued...
A/N: I've always wanted to write a fic with horses as I love them a lot. Horses have the power of appeasing and healing your scars when you give them your trust and respect. It feels as if they are able to read your soul in one look :)
So, Aiba and Sho are starting to know each other and our dear animal lover will try to make Sho confront his fears. Next chapter will contain more Matsumiya and Junba moments :)