Unfixable

Sunshine and Massages

Blossom was indignant as they arrived at the stables. She snorted at Gavin the moment she saw him, doing a full circle in her stall and swishing her tail in reproach. He'd promised to take her walking again, then hadn't turned up for almost a week. Gavin chuckled sheepishly as he approached with his peace offering of two carrots and a chunk of turnip. She grudgingly accepted the first carrot, crunching loudly as she stared at him. He reached up and stroked her forehead, accepting the nose that butted his chest.

"I know-I know. I'm sorry I was gone so long, but it was for a good reason! We had some bad news a few days ago, so we haven't been feeling well." Nines felt bad as he watched Gavin slowly working himself back into Blossom's good graces. He was lying. Covering for him. It wasn't Gavin's fault at all. He was the one who'd been upset. Blossom shouldn't be mad at Gavin. He looked up as he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. Joe had arrived.

"I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Nines...We heard from the house a few days back." Nines nodded his thanks and understanding, gritting his teeth as the pain swelled in his chest. Of course, word got around the house. How could it not? Two officers had visited and asked to see him. Someone may even have been listening at the door during the meeting. His mood, and the fact he and Gavin had locked themselves away for a few days, wouldn't have escaped notice either. He turned as he heard a low bay and a kick on the stall behind. "Looks like Goliath wants to see you...Smart creatures, horses. They can sense your mood." Nines forced a small smile as he approached Goliath.

"Did you think I forgot you?" Nines murmured as he tugged an apple from his pocket. He was surprised as Goliath didn't take it straight away. He huffed and bowed his head as if calling him closer. Nines hummed softly as he rested a hand against Goliath's nose. He almost stumbled as Goliath raised his head over his shoulder and bowed, tugging him closer to the stall. Nines reached up and stroked his long neck and mane. He felt a low neigh against his shoulder and another nudge. It was almost like he was being hugged. Nines leaned into the comfort, running his fingers through the glossy coat with thanks.

"Alright, you be good and eat your medicine, and I'll give you the turnip." Nines huffed and looked over his shoulder as Blossom scraped her hooves and neighed at Gavin. "Come on, just a couple more days! I'll even take you for a walk after." That seemed a better compromise. Nines returned to petting and feeding Goliath as Gavin fed Blossom her pill and carrot. It seemed she had a certain fondness for the turnip as well. She crunched it greedily as Gavin held it out, clearly thrilled to be allowed out as Joe clipped on her leading rein and harness. Her hooves scraped the ground impatiently as she shuffled from hoof to hoof.

It had been days since she'd been allowed out, and it was clear in her step as they walked. She was brimming with energy, tempted to quicken her pace. She would have trotted, only she seemed to know that Gavin wouldn't be able to keep up with that. As soon as she was unleashed and in the small paddock, she took off. Gavin had to call and remind her to be careful. She was eager as she trotted a circle around the fence, swishing her tail as she picked up her hooves. Gavin grinned. She was definitely on the mend. Those four days inside had probably done her the world of good, keeping her off her injured leg. Nines watched with a certain level of detachment. He was pleased to see her better, of course, but good feelings were scarce. His sullen gaze dropped as he felt Gavin take his hand.

"Feels good to be out, right?" Gavin was tentative as he spoke, wary of saying the wrong thing. Nines hummed softly. Was it good to be out? What did good feel like? It felt like he'd forgotten. The sun was scorching, heating his skin as they stood beneath it. The air was scented with the usual trees and summer flowers as it brushed his skin, just enough to cool him. Leaves rustled in the trees as the thud of Blossom's hooves filled the air. It was calm and peaceful. He felt bad that he was there to enjoy it. "You remember what I said this morning, right?" How could he forget?