Très Cher Á Toi - (SSO Player + Ydris)

Chapter 2

"I need you to get ready," I said to him, looking down at him as he looked at me, his mask sending chills down my spine, ready to get out of this position we were in. "You ready?"

He nodded, slightly surprised he understood me before I flicked my eyes back up and pulling the hole free from his ankle, letting his foot slide out and him going to the ground, grimacing at the sound he made when he landed, thankful it wasn't too high up.

I let go of the rope, holding the knot by its edge and putting it back over the pole and tightening it, seeing Xin getting up and adjusting his mask.

"What were you even doing to get yourself stuck like this?" I asked him, standing up once I was happy with the rope.

He simply stared at me, not giving me a shrug or anything, just staring at me. I sighed, knowing that I would never get an answer out of him. "Can we uh...keep that between us?" I asked him, adjusting my riding belt.

He eyed me, my gaze locking onto him as he seemed to ignore my question, my breathing hitching as I hoped he would keep his word to himself.

"Is Ydris back yet?" I asked him, trying to change the subject. "From Pandoria."

He looked at me, shaking his head as I slowly nodded, unsure whether I should ask him about how he got stuck or even where he appeared from. I didn't know if he was embarrassed or simply didn't understand me at all. I decided to let it go, making sure that the pole was definitely secure before I faced him again, hoping he would break his stare from me.

"Don't get yourself stuck again," I said to him, watching as he turned his head and stared at the tent, almost as if he had heard a noise even though the only sound was the faint river and the cool summer gust. I looked to where he was looking, have expecting someone to walk out of the tent before I looked back down at the clown, giving him one final gaze before I walked away, feeling his eyes pinned to my back as I headed back down the hill, trying to contain my small laughter at the sight of him, covering my mouth until I was out of his view, letting go of my laughter. Once I was away from the Circus, I pulled out my phone to let the others know about what I had encountered, receiving many texts from Alex which seemed to be filled with her shock and humor, along with the odd dirty line. After a bit, I reached the stable grounds again, the sun now setting as it was nearing sunset, colours of pink and orange painting the sky. Passing a few waves to some people around the barn, I finally made my way up into my boarding facility, shutting the door behind me and chucking my phone onto my bed. I then took off my clothes and headed straight into the shower, revealed and happy that I could now relax.

                                                                                          ***

For the rest of the week I spent at Moorland Stables helping out. I rode the horses in the morning, helped with summer camp, taught lessons, and even managed to hang out with Linda and the others at the end of the week. It was now the weekend which meant even busier days at the stables; if I didn't think it could get any busier, then I was clearly wrong. Part of me was dreading it however the other half was filled with excitement as if I had counted correctly, Ydris should be returning.

I let my reins loose to let Bear stretch his head down, feeling his pace slow and sluggish, breathing hard behind me as I focused back on him, giving him a good scratch on his neck as I walked him for a few more laps before he was cool, parking up and hoping off. As I did my stirrups, I could see people and kids already flooding the barn, horses and ponies being pulled left right and centre. I sucked in a breath, hoping that Justin remembered I was taking the afternoon off. I then led Bear out and closed the gate for the other riders. Based on how hard and intense me and Bear's jumping session was, I settled on giving him a bath and then moving my way towards the groups. I settled him far away from all the noise and started my routine, making sure he was well cared for and that I didn't get myself wet. Based on the temperature this morning and practically feeling the heat rising against my back, I suspected today was going to be rather warm. Once I finished scraping Bear free of any excess water, I took him back to his stall and made sure he was settled, wiping my hands and feeding him some treats before I headed out, hoping that time would fly by and that the afternoon would just be around the corner.