Red West II.

Chapter thirty - On my mind

The air smelled of fresh leaves, growing grass, spring flowers and of His current Companions, whom He had already learnt to recognize one from another. Some were friendlier than the others, but all of them respected Him. White, the bravest female He had ever seen, was in the same Fence with them. Which was good, as it seemed they were going to stay at this place for some time.

Companions were glad about the rest and they just walked within Fence lazily, picking the best blades of grass to chew on. But He was already restless. He gathered his strength back quickly, and Fence was too small and too boring to stay in for so long, even though He liked to be in White's presence.

Another fragrance, only a little familiar, joined the morning mixture, touched his sensitive smell and made Him observe Humans nearby House curiously. His Master was there, doing that funny thing to his face again, making it all white and then ridiculously bare. He didn't understand the meaning of that act; Master had to be cold without any fur on his face.

There were also other two Humans, Master's Friends. One of them probably ate something very hot, as a thin smoke was coming out of his mouth and the other one was even funnier than Master. That Human was doing something weird with his head, making it all yellow, like some flower.

He approached closer, as far as Fence allowed him and laughed to let them know what He thought about such activities.

"You find it funny, Kuro?" a well-known voice spoke.

He didn't understand the words, except His Name. He knew about the other Human approaching Fence; He could see him along with House and other Humans at the same time, despite paying attention to something else. He was proud of His sight, as He had already found out it was much better than Humans' little eyes.

It was Master's Mate, who leant over Fence from the other side, talking to Him: "You already had your hygiene and we need it as well."

He snorted; amused about that Mate was trying to explain those stupid things to Him. Right after that He was flooded with that so sweet scent, which He had noticed a few days ago. White came to Fence too, stretching Her fine head toward Her Master.

"Would you like some free racing, dear?" Mate asked something, which made White nod.

He observed curiously how Mate jumped over Fence and led White away from the other Companions to the opposite side of it. It surprised Him when that moving part was opened for White. He trotted closer, looking at those two questioningly.

"Are you going for a ride?"

It was His Master, who raised a question. Obviously, he was finally done with those crazy things concerning his face and came to check on them.

"No," Mate shook his head negatively. "I'm just letting Ukushi have some healthy exercise."

Both He and Master observed in surprise, when Mate let White go outside Fence freely, without any reins. She leapt a little, and made a circle around Her Master happily. That amused Him again; White was three years old already, but at that moment, She acted as a foal.

"You want too?" Master asked, baring his teeth at Him.

He snorted in disbelief. Did Master mean what it seemed he did?

"Kame, let Kuro go as well," Master waved at his Mate and He stared as Fence opened in front of Him too. White didn't even run off yet; She just stood nearby, swinging Her long tale, looking at Him defiantly.

Carefully and hesitantly, half-expecting that Master was only joking, He stepped out the borders of Fence. White neighed, daring Him to go after Her. He turned toward Master once again, to make sure if it was really all right.