Fold (Dallypop)

Chapter Twenty: Rodeo Clown

(Dallas' POV)

I took Soda out to the Slash J today. He's always been fascinated by horses, and I figured he'd enjoy seeing them up close. The way his eyes light up at the sight of those animals, it's like he's found his own piece of heaven.

As we walked through the ranch, Soda kept asking me questions about the horses, their names, their breeds, everything. I could see the excitement bubbling in him, like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Hey, Dallas, look at that one! Ain't it a beauty?" Soda pointed towards a sleek black stallion, its muscles rippling under the sun.

"Yeah, that's Silver. One of the best we've got here," I replied, watching Soda's face light up with admiration.

Then, I showed him around the stables, letting him pat the horses, feel their strength and gentleness. It was like he belonged there, amongst them.

But the real treat was when I took him to see the rodeo. Soda's eyes widened as he watched the cowboys and their horses, the adrenaline pumping through the air.

"Can I watch you ride, Dallas?" Soda asked, his voice filled with eagerness.

I hesitated for a moment, not sure if it was a good idea. But seeing the excitement in his eyes, I couldn't say no.

"Sure thing, Soda. Just stay back and watch how it's done," I said, giving him a reassuring smile.

As I geared up and mounted my horse, Soda stood by the fence, his eyes fixed on me. Or my pure white arabian horse I wasn't sure. I could feel his nervous energy, his silent support.

The moment I spurred the horse into action, I felt alive. The wind rushing past, the thrill of the ride—it's like nothing else in the world.

When I finished the ride, the applause and cheers echoed through the arena. I spotted Soda, clapping enthusiastically with a grin that could light up the whole ranch.

"That was incredible, Dallas! You and that horse, you're like a team out there," Soda exclaimed as I dismounted.

"Thanks, Soda. It's all about trust and understanding," I replied, patting my horse's mane. "This here's Storm, my partner in crime."

Soda's eyes widened, and he reached out to stroke Storm's nose. "She's amazing, Dallas. Can I try riding one day?"

"Didn't you have a horse when you were younger?"

"Mickey Mouse was a baby, he was tiny."

I chuckled, "Well, okay, we'll see about riding lessons. Riding ain't as easy as it looks."

We spent the rest of the day at the Slash J, Soda absorbing every detail like a sponge. We stayed until it was around closing time. And I brought Soda down to the arena.

We stepped out to the center and I gave Soda a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll be right back, baby." I said calmly.

***

Soda looked absolutely star-struck when I brought out Storm again. She was saddled up and ready to ride. I wanted to give Soda a gift, but I was broke so this would have to do.

"Soda, meet Storm. She's gonna be your partner for today," I said, giving him a playful nudge.

His eyes widened, a mix of excitement and nervousness. "You mean I get to ride her?"

"Yep. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine," I reassured him.

I helped Soda onto Storm, making sure he felt secure in the saddle. Storm stood patiently, sensing the new rider atop her.

"Alright, hold onto the reins, and sit up straight," I instructed, offering a few basic pointers.

As we began our ride through the ranch, I could see the initial hesitation in Soda's eyes transforming into pure joy. The wind ruined his hair as Storm carried him forward, and I could tell he was experiencing a newfound freedom.

"You're doing great, Soda!" I called out, walking alongside him.

He grinned from ear to ear, the genuine happiness radiating from him. "Dallas, this is amazing! I never thought riding a horse could feel like this."

We trotted through the open fields, Storm's hooves creating a harmony with the sounds of nature. I watched as Soda gained confidence with every stride.

"That was the best day ever, Dallas. Thanks for giving me this experience," Soda said, dismounting with a mix of exhilaration and gratitude.

And as we walked back from the stables, the moonlight guiding our way, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, Soda had a love for horses that would stay with him for a lifetime.

When it was time to leave, he looked at me with a spark in his eyes.

"Dallas, thanks for showing me all this. I never knew rodeos could be so incredible."

"No problem, Soda. Anytime you want to come back, you're welcome. Maybe one day, you'll get your own horse here," I said with a smirk.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Maybe Soda had found his own peace of mind on the Slash J, just like I did a long time ago.