jane
Jane had never been good at getting close to people. Even as a child, her mother’s gaze had been empty and cool. The foal version of herself had been the fifth wheel, the hanger on with no purpose in the group. They wouldn’t have even noticed if she disappeared, and she was sure that none of them gave a damn that she had gone.
But this person cared. Jane leaned her body towards the other, constantly sharing her emotions and her care, her sympathy. There was a brightness to the celestial being that seemed to grow from Jane’s affection, and she loved to see it.
There was a hesitation as they left the water’s edge, and Jane didn’t know if that was a desire to remain, or simply a lack of understanding of the danger. Of course, Jane didn’t wholly know if the water was dangerous for the speckled creature. The hesitation lasted but a moment, and was soon swept away by the excitement of Jane revealing her name. What must it mean, for it to be so profound? Surely the creature had a name, even if unpronounceable. But the mare faltered, fell into a silence deeper than that which already lingered, and something akin to shame crossed her face.
But empathy went a long way, and the other offered a smile. Offered, yes, like a gift. Jane accepted it, smiling back, before the other stepped close and touched Jane’s shoulder. The other’s breath was soft and warm, nearly healing. Jane returned a touch to the mare’s withers, before being enveloped in a hug. The height difference made it difficult, but for a moment she felt the deep embrace of the other’s body against her own. It was enough for Jane to notice the stillness of the other’s chest, confirming something she didn’t even know she had suspected. This wasn’t quite a horse. It was in the shape of a horse, but it was something else.
Then the other jolted backwards, apparently startled. Jane was a little stunned by the quick movement and change in mood, but worry soon showed itself on the mare’s face. A gesture to the chest, followed by the tap of the mare’s hooves, and Jane felt herself softening, calming.
“I’m okay, it’s just my heartbeat.”
@[Veil Nebula] / speaks / that was SO CUTE
