A precious link (chapter 3)
Title: A Precious Link
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel thank you dear <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. 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 3:
When the mouth says yes,
The eyes say maybe.
After helping Aiba to prepare the dinner, they all sat around the big table and started a loud conversation. Sho was throwing looks at his brother who was listening but not saying anything like always. How Aiba would be able to make him talk again? At least Jun looked happier. His eyes weren't full of tears anymore and he really seemed comfortable next to Aiba and Nino who loved to tease him and make him blush.
"He is happy." Sho jumped when Aiba whispered these words in his ear.
"Yes."
"Stop worrying for him so much. I told you, he is safe here. Nobody will ever harm him. The goal is to give him enough self-confidence and trust to make him heal his trauma."
"How will you do that?"
"Come with me." Aiba stood up and Sho followed him, letting the other three alone.
Aiba walked in silence toward the stable and stopped in front of a beautiful, black horse.
"Jun is like a scared foal."
"A foal?"
"Hun. You see, horses haven't lots of ways to defend themselves. In a wild group, there is always a leader. The stallion is here to protect the group and when an animal attacks them, the stallion will occupy the enemy while the group escapes. Its only defense is its hoofs and its jaw. When a foal is born, he can't even stand on its legs immediately. It will take him many efforts and minutes to walk correctly. Jun is a little foal and you are his mother. He is traumatized and can't walk without your help. But you also need help. That's why Jun can't stand alone."
"Do you mean I need help too?" Sho frowned.
"I just mean Jun won't be able to heal if you don't heal your own wounds. He needs you. Your link is very deep and precious. Healing your scars will be good for him."
"I don't have any scars," Sho replied. Aiba smiled softly and turned toward the horse.
"Its name is Yume. It's an Arab horse. Kazu found him two years ago in a horrible state. He was alone in a meadow with nothing to eat or drink. Nobody can approach him." As if he wanted to prove it, Aiba approached his hand and the horse moved back, its ears laid on its head.
"What will you do?"
"Yume will be Jun's medicine. Like Jun, Yume went through hard times and can't trust anyone. And like Jun, he can't communicate with someone anymore. He needs someone who is able to understand its pain and Jun can. Tomorrow, we will start."
"And if he hurts Jun?" Sho panicked.
"He won't. Yume is just like a scared little foal. Maybe it won't work but I have the feeling Jun is the only one able to appease Yume's fears." Aiba put a sugar cube on the ground and after moving back, the black horse came slowly and ate it before moving in a corner.
"What if it doesn't work?"
"It will. I have seen how Jun acts. He is good. Horses trust him naturally. They see the kindness and respect in all his gestures. It will take time but I'm sure these two can heal their wounds together. We just have to listen to what they want to tell us."
"I see."
"Come on. We have to go to bed. Tomorrow will be a tiring day," Aiba smiled.
***
"Will you be okay alone?" Sho asked when his brother laid on his bed. Jun nodded shyly but opened his arms. Sho smiled and hugged his brother, singing softly to him. When Jun fell asleep, Sho stood up and left the bedroom silently, jumping when he saw Aiba smiling to him.
"You're cute together."
"Ah. Thanks," Sho blushed.
"Goodnight, Sho-chan." Aiba kissed Sho's cheek, making him blush even more.
"Goodnight, Aiba-san."
"Masaki," Aiba winked before joining his bedroom.
Sho looked at the door like an idiot for several minutes before entering his room and laying on his bed. The rapper spent the best night of his life, feeling relaxed in this new environment.
The next day, Sho opened his eyes slowly, feeling the sun on his face. Throwing a look at his clock, the singer saw it was already 11 a.m.
"What?! Yabai, I'm so late!" Sho panicked and jumped out of his bed. He ran toward the bathroom to take a quick shower. After, he rushed in the kitchen, where a very sleepy Ohno was eating. His face almost fell in his cup of coffee, as if he was about to fall asleep inside it.
"Ohno-san!"
"Eh?! What?! No, don't kill my fishes!" Ohno jumped with panic.
"Baka. Don't fall asleep we are late!"
"Masaki let us sleep longer on purpose. It's our first day here after all."
"And Jun, I forgot to wake him up!"
"He is already with Masaki." Ohno smiled.
"Oh."
"Eat. Work here is very exhausting." Sho grabbed a melon pan and left the house under Ohno's sigh. This guy was just too anxious.
Sho walked toward the stables and gasped when he saw Jun cleaning the boxes with Aiba and Nino. The two friends were talking loudly and laughing.
"Oh, good morning, Sho-chan!" Aiba smiled when he saw the rapper. Jun let his pitchfork go and ran in Sho's arms to welcome him.
"Hey, baby, did you sleep well?" Jun nodded with a big grin.
"Jun woke up at 7 a.m. and agreed to help us to clean the stables," Aiba explained.
"Can I help too?"
"Of course. Jun-kun, show him how to do it," Aiba smiled.
They all started to work together. Sho listened to Aiba and Nino's conversation and discovered more about these two weird guys. In fact, they were pretty funny. Nino, like the brat he was, loved to tease Aiba who always laughed at his jokes.
Aiba offered some help to Jun and Sho. Jun still didn't talk but his shinning eyes were reassuring the rapper.
"When will he ride Yume?" Sho asked as they were checking the horses.
"He won't ride him. Yume is traumatized. Nobody can ride him for the moment. Jun will start to work with him tomorrow. I want him to discover the stud farm before working on his trauma."
"Thank you for taking care of him."
"I know what it is to feel empty in your heart," Aiba said softly, looking at the landscape with empty eyes.
"Eh?"
"Come on. I bet Oh-chan has prepared the lunch," Aiba said, changing the subject. Sho frowned but followed him, deciding he would discover what the younger was hiding later.
"Kazu will ride Niji. Jun can join him if he wants to try riding a horse," Aiba proposed while they were eating.
"Isn't it dangerous?" Sho asked with anxiety.
"No more than driving or crossing the road. And he will wear protection. So, Jun, do you want to ride?" Jun nodded shyly, looking at Nino who smiled.
"I'll teach you, don't worry."
"Kazunari is a great rider," Ohno added.
"Masa, which horse will he take?" Nino asked, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
"Hmmm. Caly is with its foal and Pitch isn't well. I think Moonlight would be happy to go outside today."
"Good choice. You'll see, J. Moonlight is a very kind horse." Nino stood up and Jun followed him outside with a happy smile.
"J?" Aiba smirked.
"I think Kazu has a crush for someone," Ohno chuckled.
***
"I'll show you how to prepare your horse before riding," Nino explained as they were reaching the stable. They stopped in front of a box and entered it. Jun discovered a gray horse, which was drinking. "Jun, this is Moonlight. Moon, this is Jun." Nino stroked the horse's head. Jun held out his hand and the horse licked his palm kindly. "You'll see, Moonlight is very kind with young riders. First, you have to clean him like that. It has to be something you will both enjoy. It's a moment where the rider and the horse can get closer," Nino took some material and showed Jun how to do it, explaining everything with patience. "And finally, you put his saddle." Jun nodded, listening to everything carefully. "Do you want to try with Niji, as he likes you." Jun nodded again and tried to remember everything Nino had explained. "Very good. Now, come on." Nino took Niji's reins and led him outside where Aiba and Sho were talking, looking as if they were in their own world. "I think Masa likes your brother a lot," Nino smirked. "Wait for me here. I'll bring Moonlight." Nino gave Jun the reins and left.
"Anxious?" Aiba asked to the young boy who nodded shyly. "Don't be. Moonlight is very kind and will take care of you. Kazu will be here too."
"Of course I will," Nino said coming with the gray horse.
"I'll explain to you how to ride. First, you have to put your left foot in the left stirrup and you will use your strength to raise your body and wrap your right leg around the horse's back. Understood?" Aiba smiled.
"Maybe he will need some help for starti..." Nino stopped as Jun was already on the horse as if it wasn't the first time he was climbing on this animal.
"Good, Jun. Now, I'll teach you how to lead him. To make him move, press your toes softly. There's no need to be rough. Moon is well trained and will understand what you ask." Jun nodded and smiled to his brother who was staring at him with worry, ready to run toward them if something happened. "To turn on the left, you will use the left rein like that." Aiba pointed Nino who showed him how to do. "It's the same when you want to turn on the right but this time with the right rein. To stop him, pull on the reins but again, softly or you will hurt its mouth if you are too rough." Jun grinned happily when his horse obeyed and started to walk.
"Don't move your back, stay straight and accompany your horse's movements with your waist. You have to form one with him. Don't lower your face, trust your horse. He won't harm you," Nino explained. Jun nodded and suddenly, pushed again with his heels and made Moonlight trot.
"You've ordered him to go faster, don't panic. Raise your body at the same rhythm than him not to damage its back and your butt," Aiba said softly.
"It's dangerous..." Sho said anxiously.
"No. Jun is doing great. He has understood naturally how to ride. Jun, do you want to go faster?" Aiba asked. The young boy nodded and without waiting for Aiba's explanations, pushed Moon to go faster and the animal started to gallop.
"He melts perfectly with his horse's movements." Nino said impressed.
"Yes. He can feel what to do at the right moment,” Aiba nodded.
"I think he will become a great rider if he practices."
"Hun. Well, it's okay, Jun. Moon will be too exhausted if you gallop too long before the horse trek." Jun came toward them and stopped his horse, looking very happy.
"Is it really the first time you rode a horse?" Nino asked.
"He hasn't even approached a horse before yesterday," Sho said.
"Impressive. You can go with Kazu now," Aiba smiled and the two boys left toward the forest.
"Will it be okay?"
"Yes, they are safe and secure, so don't worry. Come on, it's time for you to discover the pleasure of being next to a horse," Aiba grinned.
Sho followed him and they walked toward the barns to stop in front of a box. A beautiful, white horse approached them and licked Aiba's hand happily.
"You will start with Ghost."
"Eh?! I don't want to ride!" Sho exclaimed, looking panicked.
"You'll just take care of him for today. You will ride him tomorrow."
"I'm scared of heights."
"You will confront your fear then." Aiba put a halter around the horse's head and led them outside. "You will learn how to clean him and will train him a bit after. I'll show you." Aiba grabbed his material and without knowing why, Sho listened to him carefully, copying his movements. "I'll fix its bridle and rein and we will go to the manège to train him," Aiba stated when Sho finished to brush the horsehair.
The rapper followed him and looked at Aiba, who walked in the middle of the field.
"Look at me," Aiba clicked his tongue and Ghost started to walk, making circles around Aiba.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm warming him not to harm its body. First walk, second trot and then gallop."
"Why are you doing all that?"
"To make him do some exercises and to work on our trust. You see, the most magical thing with a horse is that when you win its trust. You can do amazing things with him but it needs lots of patience. I've been training Ghost for 9 years and he is my friend."
"Your friend?" Sho arched an eyebrow.
"Yes. A horse is a very sensitive animal. He can feel your feelings and can comfort you in its own way. Ghost was here when I felt down. I trust him with my life and he trusts me.”
"How could he comfort you? He doesn't talk."
"You'll understand what I mean when you will take care of your horse."
"My horse?"
"Yes. Come here now." Sho joined Aiba who put the rein in his hands. "Click your tongue and guide him. Don't force him or impose the movement, just show him the way. That's all." Aiba took Sho's hand to show him how to do, making the rapper blush. "Like that. Ghost has to trust you to understand you are its friend and here to share a moment together," Aiba whispered in Sho's ear, making him shiver. "Close your eyes and guide him."
"Okay." Sho shut his eyes and let his body do the work, feeling all the vibrations of the horse's movements in his body while Ghost was galloping around them.
"Can you feel it?"
"Yes. It's amazing."
"Now, we'll change a bit." Aiba took off the rein and gave it to Sho. "Throw it toward him."
"Eh?"
"Do it. You have to chase him."
"Okay."
"Look at its ear. When he will turn its left ear toward you, it means he is ready to listen to you." Sho gasped when Ghost turned its ear toward him.
"Continue. You have to exclude him."
"Why?" Aiba didn't answer and Sho kept chasing the horse.
"Now, look." Aiba pointed the horse whose attitude had changed. The horse was biting the air, lowering its head. "Stop and turn around. Your back has to face him." Aiba whispered.
"Why?"
"You'll see," Aiba smiled mysteriously. Sho nodded, turned his back and waited. After some seconds, the rapper heard some noises before feeling a weight on his shoulder.
"Wouaa." Sho's eyes widened when he saw Ghost's nose touching his shoulder. "How..."
"Ghost gave you its trust. This method has many names but the most popular is Join-up. This method is inspired from Monty Roberts, a famous specialist of horses. Follow me." Sho nodded and grinned when Ghost followed him.
"It's magic!"
"Horses always use their bodies to make you understand. When a mare wants to raise its foal, she excludes him from the group with an aggressive attitude. When the foal shows a submissive attitude, she allows him to come back in the group. It's what you just did. You gave him the choice to run away or to trust and follow you."
"It's incredible."
"This method is always incredible. I used it so many times but I always shiver when the horse agrees to trust me. Jun will apply this method on Yume."
"I feel different. It's as if I dove in its heart," Sho whispered while stroking the horse's nose.
"It means you really created a link with the horse. You did great, Sho-chan," Aiba grinned.
"Thank you."
"You will discover all the ways you have to win a horse's trust. Let's go. Ghost deserves a sugar and some water."
"Why did you choose this work?" Sho asked as they were feeding the horses.
"Eto... I grew up in this stud farm and my mother taught me everything about horses. I followed her."
"Where is she?"
"She died four years ago," Aiba smiled sadly.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. She was a fantastic mother and could understand a horse in one second. She was my model."
"She would be proud of you," Sho smiled, making Aiba blush.
"Well, I hope so," Aiba chuckled.
"Masa!!" They turned around to see Nino and Jun coming toward them with big smiles.
"Hey, how was it?"
"Perfect. Jun is amazing. I think he was born to ride," Nino exclaimed.
"That's great, Jun! Tomorrow I will teach you essential things you need with a horse." Jun nodded with a big grin and followed Nino who had taken his hand.
"Thank you for doing that." Sho whispered.
"He is a great boy. He doesn't deserve what life imposed to him. I think Kazu has won his heart, though."
"What?!"
"Relax. It's not a problem if they like each other. Or have you something against gays?" Aiba asked with an arched eyebrow.
"I'm bi. Who would I be if I judged gays? I just don't want Jun to suffer."
"He won't. Nino is a brat but he has a big heart. He will take care of Jun," Aiba said assuringly.
"I hope so."
"Come on, Oh-chan has prepared the dinner!" Aiba grabbed Sho's hand and both ran toward the house, Sho blushing at the feeling of Aiba's hand in his.
To be continued...
A/N: Well, as everybody can see, Nino and Jun are getting closer ;) I love Matsumiya so, I couldn't help but put them as side pairing xD
Sho is discovering Aiba's life and at the same time, is discovering Masaki. Maybe these two will soon get along and move forward xD So, next time you will have more informations about Aiba and Nino's life and of course, Matsumiya and Sakuraiba will get closer a bit more ;)
Author: MatsuAurore
Beta: Sonvidel thank you dear <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. 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 3:
When the mouth says yes,
The eyes say maybe.
After helping Aiba to prepare the dinner, they all sat around the big table and started a loud conversation. Sho was throwing looks at his brother who was listening but not saying anything like always. How Aiba would be able to make him talk again? At least Jun looked happier. His eyes weren't full of tears anymore and he really seemed comfortable next to Aiba and Nino who loved to tease him and make him blush.
"He is happy." Sho jumped when Aiba whispered these words in his ear.
"Yes."
"Stop worrying for him so much. I told you, he is safe here. Nobody will ever harm him. The goal is to give him enough self-confidence and trust to make him heal his trauma."
"How will you do that?"
"Come with me." Aiba stood up and Sho followed him, letting the other three alone.
Aiba walked in silence toward the stable and stopped in front of a beautiful, black horse.
"Jun is like a scared foal."
"A foal?"
"Hun. You see, horses haven't lots of ways to defend themselves. In a wild group, there is always a leader. The stallion is here to protect the group and when an animal attacks them, the stallion will occupy the enemy while the group escapes. Its only defense is its hoofs and its jaw. When a foal is born, he can't even stand on its legs immediately. It will take him many efforts and minutes to walk correctly. Jun is a little foal and you are his mother. He is traumatized and can't walk without your help. But you also need help. That's why Jun can't stand alone."
"Do you mean I need help too?" Sho frowned.
"I just mean Jun won't be able to heal if you don't heal your own wounds. He needs you. Your link is very deep and precious. Healing your scars will be good for him."
"I don't have any scars," Sho replied. Aiba smiled softly and turned toward the horse.
"Its name is Yume. It's an Arab horse. Kazu found him two years ago in a horrible state. He was alone in a meadow with nothing to eat or drink. Nobody can approach him." As if he wanted to prove it, Aiba approached his hand and the horse moved back, its ears laid on its head.
"What will you do?"
"Yume will be Jun's medicine. Like Jun, Yume went through hard times and can't trust anyone. And like Jun, he can't communicate with someone anymore. He needs someone who is able to understand its pain and Jun can. Tomorrow, we will start."
"And if he hurts Jun?" Sho panicked.
"He won't. Yume is just like a scared little foal. Maybe it won't work but I have the feeling Jun is the only one able to appease Yume's fears." Aiba put a sugar cube on the ground and after moving back, the black horse came slowly and ate it before moving in a corner.
"What if it doesn't work?"
"It will. I have seen how Jun acts. He is good. Horses trust him naturally. They see the kindness and respect in all his gestures. It will take time but I'm sure these two can heal their wounds together. We just have to listen to what they want to tell us."
"I see."
"Come on. We have to go to bed. Tomorrow will be a tiring day," Aiba smiled.
***
"Will you be okay alone?" Sho asked when his brother laid on his bed. Jun nodded shyly but opened his arms. Sho smiled and hugged his brother, singing softly to him. When Jun fell asleep, Sho stood up and left the bedroom silently, jumping when he saw Aiba smiling to him.
"You're cute together."
"Ah. Thanks," Sho blushed.
"Goodnight, Sho-chan." Aiba kissed Sho's cheek, making him blush even more.
"Goodnight, Aiba-san."
"Masaki," Aiba winked before joining his bedroom.
Sho looked at the door like an idiot for several minutes before entering his room and laying on his bed. The rapper spent the best night of his life, feeling relaxed in this new environment.
The next day, Sho opened his eyes slowly, feeling the sun on his face. Throwing a look at his clock, the singer saw it was already 11 a.m.
"What?! Yabai, I'm so late!" Sho panicked and jumped out of his bed. He ran toward the bathroom to take a quick shower. After, he rushed in the kitchen, where a very sleepy Ohno was eating. His face almost fell in his cup of coffee, as if he was about to fall asleep inside it.
"Ohno-san!"
"Eh?! What?! No, don't kill my fishes!" Ohno jumped with panic.
"Baka. Don't fall asleep we are late!"
"Masaki let us sleep longer on purpose. It's our first day here after all."
"And Jun, I forgot to wake him up!"
"He is already with Masaki." Ohno smiled.
"Oh."
"Eat. Work here is very exhausting." Sho grabbed a melon pan and left the house under Ohno's sigh. This guy was just too anxious.
Sho walked toward the stables and gasped when he saw Jun cleaning the boxes with Aiba and Nino. The two friends were talking loudly and laughing.
"Oh, good morning, Sho-chan!" Aiba smiled when he saw the rapper. Jun let his pitchfork go and ran in Sho's arms to welcome him.
"Hey, baby, did you sleep well?" Jun nodded with a big grin.
"Jun woke up at 7 a.m. and agreed to help us to clean the stables," Aiba explained.
"Can I help too?"
"Of course. Jun-kun, show him how to do it," Aiba smiled.
They all started to work together. Sho listened to Aiba and Nino's conversation and discovered more about these two weird guys. In fact, they were pretty funny. Nino, like the brat he was, loved to tease Aiba who always laughed at his jokes.
Aiba offered some help to Jun and Sho. Jun still didn't talk but his shinning eyes were reassuring the rapper.
"When will he ride Yume?" Sho asked as they were checking the horses.
"He won't ride him. Yume is traumatized. Nobody can ride him for the moment. Jun will start to work with him tomorrow. I want him to discover the stud farm before working on his trauma."
"Thank you for taking care of him."
"I know what it is to feel empty in your heart," Aiba said softly, looking at the landscape with empty eyes.
"Eh?"
"Come on. I bet Oh-chan has prepared the lunch," Aiba said, changing the subject. Sho frowned but followed him, deciding he would discover what the younger was hiding later.
"Kazu will ride Niji. Jun can join him if he wants to try riding a horse," Aiba proposed while they were eating.
"Isn't it dangerous?" Sho asked with anxiety.
"No more than driving or crossing the road. And he will wear protection. So, Jun, do you want to ride?" Jun nodded shyly, looking at Nino who smiled.
"I'll teach you, don't worry."
"Kazunari is a great rider," Ohno added.
"Masa, which horse will he take?" Nino asked, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
"Hmmm. Caly is with its foal and Pitch isn't well. I think Moonlight would be happy to go outside today."
"Good choice. You'll see, J. Moonlight is a very kind horse." Nino stood up and Jun followed him outside with a happy smile.
"J?" Aiba smirked.
"I think Kazu has a crush for someone," Ohno chuckled.
***
"I'll show you how to prepare your horse before riding," Nino explained as they were reaching the stable. They stopped in front of a box and entered it. Jun discovered a gray horse, which was drinking. "Jun, this is Moonlight. Moon, this is Jun." Nino stroked the horse's head. Jun held out his hand and the horse licked his palm kindly. "You'll see, Moonlight is very kind with young riders. First, you have to clean him like that. It has to be something you will both enjoy. It's a moment where the rider and the horse can get closer," Nino took some material and showed Jun how to do it, explaining everything with patience. "And finally, you put his saddle." Jun nodded, listening to everything carefully. "Do you want to try with Niji, as he likes you." Jun nodded again and tried to remember everything Nino had explained. "Very good. Now, come on." Nino took Niji's reins and led him outside where Aiba and Sho were talking, looking as if they were in their own world. "I think Masa likes your brother a lot," Nino smirked. "Wait for me here. I'll bring Moonlight." Nino gave Jun the reins and left.
"Anxious?" Aiba asked to the young boy who nodded shyly. "Don't be. Moonlight is very kind and will take care of you. Kazu will be here too."
"Of course I will," Nino said coming with the gray horse.
"I'll explain to you how to ride. First, you have to put your left foot in the left stirrup and you will use your strength to raise your body and wrap your right leg around the horse's back. Understood?" Aiba smiled.
"Maybe he will need some help for starti..." Nino stopped as Jun was already on the horse as if it wasn't the first time he was climbing on this animal.
"Good, Jun. Now, I'll teach you how to lead him. To make him move, press your toes softly. There's no need to be rough. Moon is well trained and will understand what you ask." Jun nodded and smiled to his brother who was staring at him with worry, ready to run toward them if something happened. "To turn on the left, you will use the left rein like that." Aiba pointed Nino who showed him how to do. "It's the same when you want to turn on the right but this time with the right rein. To stop him, pull on the reins but again, softly or you will hurt its mouth if you are too rough." Jun grinned happily when his horse obeyed and started to walk.
"Don't move your back, stay straight and accompany your horse's movements with your waist. You have to form one with him. Don't lower your face, trust your horse. He won't harm you," Nino explained. Jun nodded and suddenly, pushed again with his heels and made Moonlight trot.
"You've ordered him to go faster, don't panic. Raise your body at the same rhythm than him not to damage its back and your butt," Aiba said softly.
"It's dangerous..." Sho said anxiously.
"No. Jun is doing great. He has understood naturally how to ride. Jun, do you want to go faster?" Aiba asked. The young boy nodded and without waiting for Aiba's explanations, pushed Moon to go faster and the animal started to gallop.
"He melts perfectly with his horse's movements." Nino said impressed.
"Yes. He can feel what to do at the right moment,” Aiba nodded.
"I think he will become a great rider if he practices."
"Hun. Well, it's okay, Jun. Moon will be too exhausted if you gallop too long before the horse trek." Jun came toward them and stopped his horse, looking very happy.
"Is it really the first time you rode a horse?" Nino asked.
"He hasn't even approached a horse before yesterday," Sho said.
"Impressive. You can go with Kazu now," Aiba smiled and the two boys left toward the forest.
"Will it be okay?"
"Yes, they are safe and secure, so don't worry. Come on, it's time for you to discover the pleasure of being next to a horse," Aiba grinned.
Sho followed him and they walked toward the barns to stop in front of a box. A beautiful, white horse approached them and licked Aiba's hand happily.
"You will start with Ghost."
"Eh?! I don't want to ride!" Sho exclaimed, looking panicked.
"You'll just take care of him for today. You will ride him tomorrow."
"I'm scared of heights."
"You will confront your fear then." Aiba put a halter around the horse's head and led them outside. "You will learn how to clean him and will train him a bit after. I'll show you." Aiba grabbed his material and without knowing why, Sho listened to him carefully, copying his movements. "I'll fix its bridle and rein and we will go to the manège to train him," Aiba stated when Sho finished to brush the horsehair.
The rapper followed him and looked at Aiba, who walked in the middle of the field.
"Look at me," Aiba clicked his tongue and Ghost started to walk, making circles around Aiba.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm warming him not to harm its body. First walk, second trot and then gallop."
"Why are you doing all that?"
"To make him do some exercises and to work on our trust. You see, the most magical thing with a horse is that when you win its trust. You can do amazing things with him but it needs lots of patience. I've been training Ghost for 9 years and he is my friend."
"Your friend?" Sho arched an eyebrow.
"Yes. A horse is a very sensitive animal. He can feel your feelings and can comfort you in its own way. Ghost was here when I felt down. I trust him with my life and he trusts me.”
"How could he comfort you? He doesn't talk."
"You'll understand what I mean when you will take care of your horse."
"My horse?"
"Yes. Come here now." Sho joined Aiba who put the rein in his hands. "Click your tongue and guide him. Don't force him or impose the movement, just show him the way. That's all." Aiba took Sho's hand to show him how to do, making the rapper blush. "Like that. Ghost has to trust you to understand you are its friend and here to share a moment together," Aiba whispered in Sho's ear, making him shiver. "Close your eyes and guide him."
"Okay." Sho shut his eyes and let his body do the work, feeling all the vibrations of the horse's movements in his body while Ghost was galloping around them.
"Can you feel it?"
"Yes. It's amazing."
"Now, we'll change a bit." Aiba took off the rein and gave it to Sho. "Throw it toward him."
"Eh?"
"Do it. You have to chase him."
"Okay."
"Look at its ear. When he will turn its left ear toward you, it means he is ready to listen to you." Sho gasped when Ghost turned its ear toward him.
"Continue. You have to exclude him."
"Why?" Aiba didn't answer and Sho kept chasing the horse.
"Now, look." Aiba pointed the horse whose attitude had changed. The horse was biting the air, lowering its head. "Stop and turn around. Your back has to face him." Aiba whispered.
"Why?"
"You'll see," Aiba smiled mysteriously. Sho nodded, turned his back and waited. After some seconds, the rapper heard some noises before feeling a weight on his shoulder.
"Wouaa." Sho's eyes widened when he saw Ghost's nose touching his shoulder. "How..."
"Ghost gave you its trust. This method has many names but the most popular is Join-up. This method is inspired from Monty Roberts, a famous specialist of horses. Follow me." Sho nodded and grinned when Ghost followed him.
"It's magic!"
"Horses always use their bodies to make you understand. When a mare wants to raise its foal, she excludes him from the group with an aggressive attitude. When the foal shows a submissive attitude, she allows him to come back in the group. It's what you just did. You gave him the choice to run away or to trust and follow you."
"It's incredible."
"This method is always incredible. I used it so many times but I always shiver when the horse agrees to trust me. Jun will apply this method on Yume."
"I feel different. It's as if I dove in its heart," Sho whispered while stroking the horse's nose.
"It means you really created a link with the horse. You did great, Sho-chan," Aiba grinned.
"Thank you."
"You will discover all the ways you have to win a horse's trust. Let's go. Ghost deserves a sugar and some water."
"Why did you choose this work?" Sho asked as they were feeding the horses.
"Eto... I grew up in this stud farm and my mother taught me everything about horses. I followed her."
"Where is she?"
"She died four years ago," Aiba smiled sadly.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. She was a fantastic mother and could understand a horse in one second. She was my model."
"She would be proud of you," Sho smiled, making Aiba blush.
"Well, I hope so," Aiba chuckled.
"Masa!!" They turned around to see Nino and Jun coming toward them with big smiles.
"Hey, how was it?"
"Perfect. Jun is amazing. I think he was born to ride," Nino exclaimed.
"That's great, Jun! Tomorrow I will teach you essential things you need with a horse." Jun nodded with a big grin and followed Nino who had taken his hand.
"Thank you for doing that." Sho whispered.
"He is a great boy. He doesn't deserve what life imposed to him. I think Kazu has won his heart, though."
"What?!"
"Relax. It's not a problem if they like each other. Or have you something against gays?" Aiba asked with an arched eyebrow.
"I'm bi. Who would I be if I judged gays? I just don't want Jun to suffer."
"He won't. Nino is a brat but he has a big heart. He will take care of Jun," Aiba said assuringly.
"I hope so."
"Come on, Oh-chan has prepared the dinner!" Aiba grabbed Sho's hand and both ran toward the house, Sho blushing at the feeling of Aiba's hand in his.
To be continued...
A/N: Well, as everybody can see, Nino and Jun are getting closer ;) I love Matsumiya so, I couldn't help but put them as side pairing xD
Sho is discovering Aiba's life and at the same time, is discovering Masaki. Maybe these two will soon get along and move forward xD So, next time you will have more informations about Aiba and Nino's life and of course, Matsumiya and Sakuraiba will get closer a bit more ;)