A precious link (chapter 8)
Title: A Precious Link
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel <3
Pairing: Sakuraiba, Sakumoto (brothers), Matsumiya
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. 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 8:
Lies don't exist in a horse's eyes...
"SHO!!!!" Aiba climbed off his horse and ran toward the rapper who was unconscious on the ground. "Sho! Wake up! Sho!! Sho, please! Not you, not again!" Aiba cried, shaking the older man's body.
"We have to call an ambulance!" the man of the car exclaimed.
"Spirit! Where..." Aiba's voice died when he saw Spirit next to him, lowering its head to touch Sho's face.
"Masaki!!" Aiba turned his head to see Nino and Jun leaving their van parked on the side of the road.
"Nii-chan!!!" Jun screamed, running toward his brother. "Nii-chan..." Jun sobbed, hugging the older against his chest.
Soon, they heard the ambulance and three men rushed around Sho to check his vitals.
"He is breathing weakly.” They laid the rapper on the stretcher and put him in the ambulance.
"Can we come?" Aiba asked with a shaking voice.
"You can follow us with your car," one of the EMTs said.
"Kazu..."
"I'll take care of the horses while you go with Jun." Nino nodded.
"Thank you!" Aiba took Jun's hand and both climbed in the van to follow the ambulance.
The two friends waited in a corridor while the emergency room doctors were taking care of Sho. It felt like hours and Aiba regretted his words toward the older, realizing how right Kazu was. He was the only one punishing himself and if Sho was in this state, it was because of his stupidity and stubbornness. Sho meant a lot to him, maybe as much as Sayuki did when he was alive.
Aiba blinked when he felt Jun's hand on his, the boy smiling softly.
"It's my fault," Aiba only said, understanding Jun's silent words. The young boy shook his head and linked their fingers as encouragement.
Some hours later, a doctor came to them.
"How is he, sensei?"
"You're lucky Sakurai-kun was wearing a riding hat because he would be dead now if he wasn't. The shock of the fall was very violent and he fell on his spine."
"What do you mean?" Aiba paled.
"We don't know if he will ever be able to walk again."
"No..." Aiba whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"He will need lots of patience and friends to encourage him. If he is serious with his re-education, maybe he will have a chance to walk again. Sakurai-kun's mood will get down a lot but if you help him, he will maybe find the courage the fight his handicap."
"When will we be allowed to see him?" Aiba asked.
"Tomorrow. He needs to sleep and is still unconscious for the moment."
"Thank you sensei." Aiba and Jun bowed deeply.
"It's not your fault." Jun whispered in a little voice.
"It is."
"You two had a fight and it could have happened between Nii-chan and I."
"But it was my fault if we fought."
"Your only fault is the fact you lied to him from the beginning."
"How..." Aiba's eyes widened.
"Kazu told me everything. I understood when you talked about the road."
"I should have told him the truth, but it was too painful." Aiba lowered his head.
"You should let people heal your scars for once in your life," Jun said softly with a weak voice.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow. Let's go home." Aiba took Jun's hand and both left the hospital.
When they reached the farm, Nino and Ohno were waiting outside with worried eyes. Jun ran in Nino's arms crying softly while Aiba explained everything to his friends.
Jun walked toward the stables and entered Yume's box. The scared horse neighed softly in front of the young boy. Jun smiled weakly and stroked the horse's neck, his hands massaging him softly as silent tears were rolling down his cheeks.
"I knew you would be here," Aiba's voice resounded.
"Yume felt lonely."
"I'm sorry, Jun."
"I am the one to blame," Jun replied. Aiba frowned and entered the box. He sat next to Jun who was stroking Yume's neck. The horse had laid down and put his head on Jun's lap.
"What do you mean?"
"Nii-chan has always been here for me. He was the older and stronger one when I was the shyer. My dad loved him or rather, loved his skills and wanted him to take his affair later. But Sho wanted to make his own path and at 18 years old, announced to our father he would become a singer. Of course, dad didn't accept this news and even punched him," Jun explained with difficulty. Aiba knew what he would hear after wouldn't please him. He understood Jun was trying to explain why he had never talked in almost 8 years.
"Take your time."
"Sho was already gorgeous when he was 18 and his style of clothes really suited him. I... I was 10 years old and one day, I came home early as my teacher was sick. There... There was a man I didn't know who was talking with our father and they both went into Sho's bedroom...”
"Sho was here?"
"Yes... I... I didn't understand immediately as I was too young and thought they were only talking with him about his future... But some minutes later, Sho left his bedroom in a hurry and he was crying... After that day, Sho didn't talk for one month to our parents. He looked bad and angry at everything... I thought it was because dad didn't want him to be a singer but one day, I... I saw them... I wanted to see Nii-chan and climbed the stairs but I heard cries and laughs... His bedroom's door was opened and I looked... I... I..." Jun's voice died.
"Tell me when you will be ready." Aiba took his hand though the next part was pretty obvious.
"They were... Both... Nii-chan was naked... And... And there was blood on his thighs and he was crying... And the man was... He was moving inside him while my father was laughing..." Jun sobbed loudly.
"I'm so sorry, Jun." Aiba wrapped the boy in his arms.
"And papa saw me..."
"What?!!"
"I ran away and left the house for one week. I was so scared and I had nobody. My father found me. His friend was also there. They ripped my clothes and the man even touched my lower part. My father told me they would hurt Nii-chan even more if I talked about it. He said I was dangerous and talking would kill Nii-chan... That's why I held my promise not to say a word because they would have hurt Nii-chan again."
"Does Sho know you saw everything?"
"No. Sometimes, I have the feeling he even forgot this story. After I came back home, Nii-chan acted as if nothing happened."
"Jun, you have to tell me something and it's very important to tell me the truth," Aiba said after a while.
"Hun?"
"Your father or the man... Did they do the same thing to you than to Sho?"
Jun remained silent for a while, crying silently.
"The man... The man stroked his...member against my thigh."
"And?"
"That's all."
"Those shits!" Aiba swore.
"Since this day, he has always protected me and thinks about me before himself."
"Because he loves you."
"I want him to be happy and live his life. I don't want to be a burden anymore."
"You're not," Aiba protested.
"I'm not stupid. I know Nii-chan has sacrificed lots of things for me. He found the courage to protect me and confront my father everyday. He even brought me here. I owe him so much that's why you shouldn't reject him. He is an amazing person and will protect you like he protected me."
"You need him more than me."
"No. He needs someone who will love him in another way than I do. Working with Yume showed me we can't rely on the others all our life. We also have to get up and walk by ourselves. Sho did enough. I have to move alone."
"Nobody asks you to walk alone, Jun. I don't think Sho would be able to not to be by your side. You're too important to him."
"But..."
"Listen. I promise to tell everything to Sho and not to reject him if he still wants me."
"Really?"
"Yes. To be honest, I... I love your brother," Aiba blushed.
"Take care of him, please. He deserves to be happy."
"We will both take care of him." Aiba smiled.
"Thank you. Thank you for being here for us."
"You should rather thank Yume." Aiba continued to smile. "It's what I wanted you and Sho to understand when you came here. You see, my mother created this farm because she wanted to heal traumatized horses. She healed horses many people didn't want anymore and saved them from the slaughterhouse. Her life was here. She never left for vacations and always got up at 5 am to feed them. She never forced me to take back the farm, but I loved to watch her working with a horse. It was as if she was becoming one with him. All the horses gave her their trust. She taught me everything I know today and not long before her death, I asked her why she had chosen this kind of life. After all, we live far from the town and it's hard to survive as the pay isn't big."
"What did she say?"
"She said she owed everything to horses. Because they helped her to overcome my father's death. By healing horses, we also heal ourselves."
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. She was a fan of Monty Roberts, but also of many healers that lots of people don't know. She learned everything from them. You see, I think a horse isn't like the other animals. It's a wild animal that humans domesticated with time, Unlike cat or dogs, they have kept their freedom's spirit. My mother always said horses could read your heart like an open book with just one look. They are very sensitive animals and can detect a danger very quickly with just a noise or a sensation. That's why they can see in your eyes if you will harm them or not. When you meet a traumatized horse that nobody wants or can approach, with lots of patience and love, you can manage to win its trust and heal its scars. It's the most beautiful reward you can have. But many people also forget the horse is also able to heal your pains."
"How?"
"They are there for you. They understand what you feel and will give you everything they have if you also give everything you have. Their contact can appease you and give you courage. In my case, it's them which healed my loneliness because of Sayuki and my mother's death. They filled my heart. I have always believed when you healed a horse, you could finally see your own weaknesses and pains."
"I understand what you mean. If Ohno-san hadn't brought us here, I still wouldn't talk and would live in the fear with my father. But when I saw Yume, it created something in my heart. I saw him so scared, so traumatized. He had lost its trust because of bastards, but he let me see its fears. He let me help him to overcome it. That's why I realized I also had to heal my wounds if not, how could I pretend to be able to heal him if I couldn't even heal myself? I told Yume what happened to Sho. Maybe it's stupid but I know he listened to me and understood what I said. He can't understand my language, but he can understand my pain. He listened to me and didn't judge me. It's as if we were the same."
"It's the magical part of horses. Words are maybe unknown to them but they understand your feelings and are here for you whenever you need to talk. Their presence is enough to appease you and to make you feel better."
"Thank you for listening to me, Yume." Jun whispered, stroking the horse's neck. Yume neighed softly with shining eyes, making Aiba chuckle.
"See, no need to speak the same language sometimes. He has understood your words."
"Ne, Aiba-san?"
"Hun?"
"I don't want to go back to Tokyo." Aiba's heart tightened.
"You have to. Your life is there and your studies..."
"I want to learn what your mother taught you. I want to help horses like Yume helped me."
"I would be happy to teach you, but Sho..."
"Sho loves you. He isn't the best to talk about his feelings because he is proud and shy but he loves this place. In 8 years, he has never smiled like he smiles when he is with you or when he is taking care of Spirit. I'm sure he was sincere when he said he wanted to stay here. You, Kazu, Ohno-san and the horses are our family. We are happy here. Why is it impossible for us to stay?"
"I don't think Sho will still want me after what happened yesterday."
"He will understand. And to walk again, he needs you and the horses. If he goes back to Tokyo, he will stay all his life unhappy in a wheelchair. He has always been there for me. I want to be here for him today. I won't abandon him and he will walk again!"
"You're wrong, Jun." Aiba smiled.
"Eh?!"
"You're not weak, you're very strong. Let's go to bed. We both need some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day." Aiba kissed Jun's forehead and left the box.
Jun smiled and stood up. Yume neighed softly, not very happy to get up.
"I know you are here Kazu," Jun simply said. The young boy chuckled when the box opened and Nino entered it with a guilty look.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spy you."
"It's okay. I had planned to tell you anyway." Jun turned around with a soft smile and wrapped his arms around Nino's waist to bury his head in his neck. Soon, their lips met and the two boys kissed each other with passion. Jun felt as if a weight had left his heart because of his talk with Aiba.
"Jun..." Nino moaned softly when their hard lengths brushed. The young boy tried to pull away but Jun hugged him tighter.
"Don't push me away, Kazu. Don't be scared of me."
"I'm not scared of you. I just don't want to traumatize you even more," Nino replied.
"I'm not. I'm fine. I needed to talk about it. But for now, I just want to be close to you," Jun whispered, staring at Nino's eyes with honesty.
"But..."
"I want to make love with you." Jun cut him off with serious eyes.
"Okay..." Nino sighed before their lips met again.
To be continued...
A/N: Sho is still alive *of course he is! Silly me xD* Well, he is paralyzed for the moment but it will help him to open up his heart to the others instead of hiding eveything inside :D
Jun finally said everything to Aiba! Poor Sho, he went through so horrible things, he is brave to still find the strength to protect Jun :D
And Jun and Nino's first time! My babies are finally growing up and will become adults xD and mostly, Jun is overcoming his fears and pains though, Sho will have to talk about what happened in the past to let them both get better :) See you soon~
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel <3
Pairing: Sakuraiba, Sakumoto (brothers), Matsumiya
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. 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 8:
Lies don't exist in a horse's eyes...
"SHO!!!!" Aiba climbed off his horse and ran toward the rapper who was unconscious on the ground. "Sho! Wake up! Sho!! Sho, please! Not you, not again!" Aiba cried, shaking the older man's body.
"We have to call an ambulance!" the man of the car exclaimed.
"Spirit! Where..." Aiba's voice died when he saw Spirit next to him, lowering its head to touch Sho's face.
"Masaki!!" Aiba turned his head to see Nino and Jun leaving their van parked on the side of the road.
"Nii-chan!!!" Jun screamed, running toward his brother. "Nii-chan..." Jun sobbed, hugging the older against his chest.
Soon, they heard the ambulance and three men rushed around Sho to check his vitals.
"He is breathing weakly.” They laid the rapper on the stretcher and put him in the ambulance.
"Can we come?" Aiba asked with a shaking voice.
"You can follow us with your car," one of the EMTs said.
"Kazu..."
"I'll take care of the horses while you go with Jun." Nino nodded.
"Thank you!" Aiba took Jun's hand and both climbed in the van to follow the ambulance.
The two friends waited in a corridor while the emergency room doctors were taking care of Sho. It felt like hours and Aiba regretted his words toward the older, realizing how right Kazu was. He was the only one punishing himself and if Sho was in this state, it was because of his stupidity and stubbornness. Sho meant a lot to him, maybe as much as Sayuki did when he was alive.
Aiba blinked when he felt Jun's hand on his, the boy smiling softly.
"It's my fault," Aiba only said, understanding Jun's silent words. The young boy shook his head and linked their fingers as encouragement.
Some hours later, a doctor came to them.
"How is he, sensei?"
"You're lucky Sakurai-kun was wearing a riding hat because he would be dead now if he wasn't. The shock of the fall was very violent and he fell on his spine."
"What do you mean?" Aiba paled.
"We don't know if he will ever be able to walk again."
"No..." Aiba whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"He will need lots of patience and friends to encourage him. If he is serious with his re-education, maybe he will have a chance to walk again. Sakurai-kun's mood will get down a lot but if you help him, he will maybe find the courage the fight his handicap."
"When will we be allowed to see him?" Aiba asked.
"Tomorrow. He needs to sleep and is still unconscious for the moment."
"Thank you sensei." Aiba and Jun bowed deeply.
"It's not your fault." Jun whispered in a little voice.
"It is."
"You two had a fight and it could have happened between Nii-chan and I."
"But it was my fault if we fought."
"Your only fault is the fact you lied to him from the beginning."
"How..." Aiba's eyes widened.
"Kazu told me everything. I understood when you talked about the road."
"I should have told him the truth, but it was too painful." Aiba lowered his head.
"You should let people heal your scars for once in your life," Jun said softly with a weak voice.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow. Let's go home." Aiba took Jun's hand and both left the hospital.
When they reached the farm, Nino and Ohno were waiting outside with worried eyes. Jun ran in Nino's arms crying softly while Aiba explained everything to his friends.
Jun walked toward the stables and entered Yume's box. The scared horse neighed softly in front of the young boy. Jun smiled weakly and stroked the horse's neck, his hands massaging him softly as silent tears were rolling down his cheeks.
"I knew you would be here," Aiba's voice resounded.
"Yume felt lonely."
"I'm sorry, Jun."
"I am the one to blame," Jun replied. Aiba frowned and entered the box. He sat next to Jun who was stroking Yume's neck. The horse had laid down and put his head on Jun's lap.
"What do you mean?"
"Nii-chan has always been here for me. He was the older and stronger one when I was the shyer. My dad loved him or rather, loved his skills and wanted him to take his affair later. But Sho wanted to make his own path and at 18 years old, announced to our father he would become a singer. Of course, dad didn't accept this news and even punched him," Jun explained with difficulty. Aiba knew what he would hear after wouldn't please him. He understood Jun was trying to explain why he had never talked in almost 8 years.
"Take your time."
"Sho was already gorgeous when he was 18 and his style of clothes really suited him. I... I was 10 years old and one day, I came home early as my teacher was sick. There... There was a man I didn't know who was talking with our father and they both went into Sho's bedroom...”
"Sho was here?"
"Yes... I... I didn't understand immediately as I was too young and thought they were only talking with him about his future... But some minutes later, Sho left his bedroom in a hurry and he was crying... After that day, Sho didn't talk for one month to our parents. He looked bad and angry at everything... I thought it was because dad didn't want him to be a singer but one day, I... I saw them... I wanted to see Nii-chan and climbed the stairs but I heard cries and laughs... His bedroom's door was opened and I looked... I... I..." Jun's voice died.
"Tell me when you will be ready." Aiba took his hand though the next part was pretty obvious.
"They were... Both... Nii-chan was naked... And... And there was blood on his thighs and he was crying... And the man was... He was moving inside him while my father was laughing..." Jun sobbed loudly.
"I'm so sorry, Jun." Aiba wrapped the boy in his arms.
"And papa saw me..."
"What?!!"
"I ran away and left the house for one week. I was so scared and I had nobody. My father found me. His friend was also there. They ripped my clothes and the man even touched my lower part. My father told me they would hurt Nii-chan even more if I talked about it. He said I was dangerous and talking would kill Nii-chan... That's why I held my promise not to say a word because they would have hurt Nii-chan again."
"Does Sho know you saw everything?"
"No. Sometimes, I have the feeling he even forgot this story. After I came back home, Nii-chan acted as if nothing happened."
"Jun, you have to tell me something and it's very important to tell me the truth," Aiba said after a while.
"Hun?"
"Your father or the man... Did they do the same thing to you than to Sho?"
Jun remained silent for a while, crying silently.
"The man... The man stroked his...member against my thigh."
"And?"
"That's all."
"Those shits!" Aiba swore.
"Since this day, he has always protected me and thinks about me before himself."
"Because he loves you."
"I want him to be happy and live his life. I don't want to be a burden anymore."
"You're not," Aiba protested.
"I'm not stupid. I know Nii-chan has sacrificed lots of things for me. He found the courage to protect me and confront my father everyday. He even brought me here. I owe him so much that's why you shouldn't reject him. He is an amazing person and will protect you like he protected me."
"You need him more than me."
"No. He needs someone who will love him in another way than I do. Working with Yume showed me we can't rely on the others all our life. We also have to get up and walk by ourselves. Sho did enough. I have to move alone."
"Nobody asks you to walk alone, Jun. I don't think Sho would be able to not to be by your side. You're too important to him."
"But..."
"Listen. I promise to tell everything to Sho and not to reject him if he still wants me."
"Really?"
"Yes. To be honest, I... I love your brother," Aiba blushed.
"Take care of him, please. He deserves to be happy."
"We will both take care of him." Aiba smiled.
"Thank you. Thank you for being here for us."
"You should rather thank Yume." Aiba continued to smile. "It's what I wanted you and Sho to understand when you came here. You see, my mother created this farm because she wanted to heal traumatized horses. She healed horses many people didn't want anymore and saved them from the slaughterhouse. Her life was here. She never left for vacations and always got up at 5 am to feed them. She never forced me to take back the farm, but I loved to watch her working with a horse. It was as if she was becoming one with him. All the horses gave her their trust. She taught me everything I know today and not long before her death, I asked her why she had chosen this kind of life. After all, we live far from the town and it's hard to survive as the pay isn't big."
"What did she say?"
"She said she owed everything to horses. Because they helped her to overcome my father's death. By healing horses, we also heal ourselves."
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. She was a fan of Monty Roberts, but also of many healers that lots of people don't know. She learned everything from them. You see, I think a horse isn't like the other animals. It's a wild animal that humans domesticated with time, Unlike cat or dogs, they have kept their freedom's spirit. My mother always said horses could read your heart like an open book with just one look. They are very sensitive animals and can detect a danger very quickly with just a noise or a sensation. That's why they can see in your eyes if you will harm them or not. When you meet a traumatized horse that nobody wants or can approach, with lots of patience and love, you can manage to win its trust and heal its scars. It's the most beautiful reward you can have. But many people also forget the horse is also able to heal your pains."
"How?"
"They are there for you. They understand what you feel and will give you everything they have if you also give everything you have. Their contact can appease you and give you courage. In my case, it's them which healed my loneliness because of Sayuki and my mother's death. They filled my heart. I have always believed when you healed a horse, you could finally see your own weaknesses and pains."
"I understand what you mean. If Ohno-san hadn't brought us here, I still wouldn't talk and would live in the fear with my father. But when I saw Yume, it created something in my heart. I saw him so scared, so traumatized. He had lost its trust because of bastards, but he let me see its fears. He let me help him to overcome it. That's why I realized I also had to heal my wounds if not, how could I pretend to be able to heal him if I couldn't even heal myself? I told Yume what happened to Sho. Maybe it's stupid but I know he listened to me and understood what I said. He can't understand my language, but he can understand my pain. He listened to me and didn't judge me. It's as if we were the same."
"It's the magical part of horses. Words are maybe unknown to them but they understand your feelings and are here for you whenever you need to talk. Their presence is enough to appease you and to make you feel better."
"Thank you for listening to me, Yume." Jun whispered, stroking the horse's neck. Yume neighed softly with shining eyes, making Aiba chuckle.
"See, no need to speak the same language sometimes. He has understood your words."
"Ne, Aiba-san?"
"Hun?"
"I don't want to go back to Tokyo." Aiba's heart tightened.
"You have to. Your life is there and your studies..."
"I want to learn what your mother taught you. I want to help horses like Yume helped me."
"I would be happy to teach you, but Sho..."
"Sho loves you. He isn't the best to talk about his feelings because he is proud and shy but he loves this place. In 8 years, he has never smiled like he smiles when he is with you or when he is taking care of Spirit. I'm sure he was sincere when he said he wanted to stay here. You, Kazu, Ohno-san and the horses are our family. We are happy here. Why is it impossible for us to stay?"
"I don't think Sho will still want me after what happened yesterday."
"He will understand. And to walk again, he needs you and the horses. If he goes back to Tokyo, he will stay all his life unhappy in a wheelchair. He has always been there for me. I want to be here for him today. I won't abandon him and he will walk again!"
"You're wrong, Jun." Aiba smiled.
"Eh?!"
"You're not weak, you're very strong. Let's go to bed. We both need some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day." Aiba kissed Jun's forehead and left the box.
Jun smiled and stood up. Yume neighed softly, not very happy to get up.
"I know you are here Kazu," Jun simply said. The young boy chuckled when the box opened and Nino entered it with a guilty look.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spy you."
"It's okay. I had planned to tell you anyway." Jun turned around with a soft smile and wrapped his arms around Nino's waist to bury his head in his neck. Soon, their lips met and the two boys kissed each other with passion. Jun felt as if a weight had left his heart because of his talk with Aiba.
"Jun..." Nino moaned softly when their hard lengths brushed. The young boy tried to pull away but Jun hugged him tighter.
"Don't push me away, Kazu. Don't be scared of me."
"I'm not scared of you. I just don't want to traumatize you even more," Nino replied.
"I'm not. I'm fine. I needed to talk about it. But for now, I just want to be close to you," Jun whispered, staring at Nino's eyes with honesty.
"But..."
"I want to make love with you." Jun cut him off with serious eyes.
"Okay..." Nino sighed before their lips met again.
To be continued...
A/N: Sho is still alive *of course he is! Silly me xD* Well, he is paralyzed for the moment but it will help him to open up his heart to the others instead of hiding eveything inside :D
Jun finally said everything to Aiba! Poor Sho, he went through so horrible things, he is brave to still find the strength to protect Jun :D
And Jun and Nino's first time! My babies are finally growing up and will become adults xD and mostly, Jun is overcoming his fears and pains though, Sho will have to talk about what happened in the past to let them both get better :) See you soon~