Something New [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter Two

I drop the flashlight.

~~~

"Hello."

I stare in disbelief and shock. I scan their features, for anything significant but I get.. nothing? Whoever this is, seems like any regular, normal human being. But why are they up here? In the mountains and the cold and with no one with them? As it seems. They have slightly overgrown but short hair, in need of a haircut preferably. It looks like a dirty brown but it's still dark out and- my flashlight is still on the ground! I pick it up quickly and point it back to their face.

"Ah."

They spoke up again and block their eyes with their hand. Oh, stupid. I'm literally pointing it directly at their eyes. I mutter an apology and lower the flashlight. Now I can see what they're wearing at least. It doesn't seem very warm for this environment, to be honest they should be freezing. A plain, black suit with a white undershirt. I do like the red tie though, basic but nice. I furrow my brows again in confusion, I want to ask so many questions but I don't even know where or how to start. At least they speak English.

"Uhm, who.. who are you?"
"I'm- I'm Ranboo. N-nice to meet you.."

Ranboo? Never heard a name like that before. It doesn't seem like a name at all actually. It sounds like two random syllables put together. Who gave their child a name like that? Do they have parents? Maybe a parent? I literally have no clue. I know nothing about them except for their name right now- which is still very weird- I need to focus. Ranboo isn't exactly a feminine or masculine name, is it appropriate to ask someone you... sorta met... what gender they are? I wish I was better at socializing right now, staying alone in a cabin for I don't even know how long anymore doesn't really give me any practice.

"I'm sorry- but are you a.."
"O-oh, yes. Yes, I'm a male. If that was what you were asking."

Can he read minds now? What- oh shoot! Ace is still outside with us, he should get to his stall. Speak of the devil, Ace trots over and stomps his feet on the ground to get my attention. He shakes his head as jumps, probably says some offensive language in 'horse. The whole spoiled act when he doesn't get what he wants. I was about to grab his horse face belt thing before one particularly loud stomp startles Ranboo (I really should know what accessories my own horse is wearing). He screeches before falling butt first on the snowy ground. He placed his hands on the snow beside him and I can tell his breathing pattern is inconsistent. Now I have two people to calm down, great.

I need to focus on Ace first, other wise he might just scare Ranboo again. I grab his mask and tug it down. As much as I love to be gentle with animals, he's a strong horse and needs to know his actions have consequences. It takes me a second but he finally calms down, making an irritated noise. I scoff playfully at him, before leasing him to his stall he so desperately wanted to go in not even a minute ago. As I bring him, I realize he's a bit taller now. The top of the gate isn't as high above him as it was a few days ago. I need to highten it again. Once he's finally safe and locked in, I rush back over to Ranboo.

As I predicted, his breathing is rapid and his eyes are frantic. It looks more like a shock than a panic tack at least. I don't want to get sued because my horse scared someone who wasn't even technically on my property: he's still outside the fence. I jump over and take his hands off the snow and hold them. He flinches but I wasn't too surprised, I don't like being touched either. He looks at me, his chest going up and down significantly more noticeably than it was moments ago. I didn't realize a horse could startle someone so badly, didn't he see Ace though? He was trotting around in the field- that doesn't matter. I realize he's wearing gloves, but they don't match..? One is black and one is white. Even with the gloves, his hands feel cold. It's a thin material, his suit jacket must be even thinner.

"I'm so sorry about him. I've had him for years so I kind of spoiled him a bit- sorry. Are you okay?"

I rush out my words, not meaning to. I don't know if he heard me clearly or even clear enough as he still stares at me. His eyes calmed down, but his chest is still rising. He stammers as he tries to speak. For just a second he looks down then looks back at me. I'm confused for a second but it must be the hands. I mutter another apology and let go. I still stay crouched down on the ground, I don't know if any fast movements is the best solution right now. He takes a few deep breathes before closing his eyes. He clears his throat.

"I'm, I'm fine. Thank you."
"It was my horse, I should apologize-"
"No problem. But I would appreciate getting help back up?"

He chuckles as he speaks, trying to lighten the mood from his very obvious and recent panic attack. Well, technically, it didn't seem like a panic attack, just shorten of breath or something. Not everyone is used to horses bringing up with their front hooves and kicking about. That stuff gets scary.

I stand up and give him my hand, pulling him up as he easily towers over me, again. I just didn't notice it the first time. He really is tall. Wonder how tall his dad would be. That would be interesting to see. Maybe there's a limit, and his dad reached that limit but it's only a few inches above Ranboo. What am I saying?

"Your horse is uhm.."
"Again, I'm so sorry about that."
"I was going to say 'a big boi' but that works, too."

A 'big boi'? Aww, so he talks like a middle schooler. Adorable. I giggle a little at his words. I mean, he's not wrong. His breed can get.. pretty big. Damn I really should know more about my horse. Maybe that'll give me something else to do other than a rematch with my dog- who still has a chess piece! Shoot. I left him alone for quite a while now, I should check up on him. I turn my body towards my house but stop before taking a step. I still have a stranger standing outside my house with no explanation. That seems important to know.

"I never asked.. why are you here?"
"Oh.. uhm, that's a... that's a long story."

I stare back into his eyes, really debating on listening to my gut right now. It wants me to invite him inside because I am just that curious to know what this 'long story' is. On the other hand, he is still a stranger that I'm inviting inside my home. I have a sweet little dog inside who I don't know how he'll react to new people. Then again, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have someone else to talk to, someone who isn't a villager. But what if I get attached? And he leaves? I'll still be alone, just now with an emptier feeling in my heart. Screw it.

"Would you like to come in?"