I would like to say thank you to all readers who follow this fic in the dark or in the light. Thank you for being here..
Black horse Part II
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As soon as they drove under the big wooden portal with the sign « Black Horse », somehow the ambiance changed in the car… They entered a new world… There was a lasting amazed smile on Dean's face as he looked at the valley in front of them. The kids were staring through the window, admiring the giant cactus trees along the road and the endless stretches of green.
« Look… Look, Jewel… Cows… Cows !».
Longhorns were peacefully grazing in a distance and Dean slowed a little so he could observe them better.
« I must be dreaming » he said as he turned off the engine.
« Dean... Why don't we first go to the ranch… You'll have plenty of time to admire them later » Castiel said. He hadn't said much since the day before.
« But would you look at this, Cass… Cows ! » he said with a blissful smile.
Castiel nodded, returned the smile as if to say « cows, indeed, so what ? »
Chadwick and Jewel joined their father on the left side of the car and the three of them admired the landscape, as if they were watching an old movie where the cow boys were guiding the herds at seasonal moves.
« It's sooooo beautiful » Jewel was in awe.
« Hey look, a cow boy ! » Chadwick was restless.
Indeed, a rider approached them at full gallop.
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Castiel turned his head to the left and felt a twinge of sadness… He regretted to have accepted to come along, he should have found a last minute excuse. Yet, they were all so excited to come to this ranch that he hadn't found the courage to disappoint them.
Dean turned and looked at him, with sparkles in his eyes... Castiel couldn't help smiling too. He hadn't seen him glowing for a long time, he looked restful… This alone and the kids' joy was a good enough reason to come... Everything else seemed so far away at this point. They were his present… He was his past.
« You're OK, Cass ? » Dean suddenly looked a bit worried as he watched Castiel staring at nothing.
« I'm fine… Just a little tired. »
« I told you to wake me up last night to take over... » Dean gently scolded him.
« I'll have all the time in the world to rest… Look, your cowboy is here » he said pointing at the rider slowing down at a few meters from them.
Dean stepped out of the car. The kids and Castiel walked at his side.
« You must be the Winchesters ? » the man claimed, leaning on the pommel of his saddle.
« We are indeed. »
« Welcome to the Black Horse... We were waiting for you.»
« How far are we from the ranch? »
« About 10 minutes ... It's right behind that small hill over there » he replied as he pointed to his right.
« Great... Thanks »
« 'Welcome... By the way, I'm Mark » he saluted them touching the tip of his hat.
« I'm Dean and these are my children, Chadwick and Jewel. »
« Howdy » Jewel said in a shy voice.
« Hello, Beauty » the man replied with a large smile. She stepped back a little and took cover behind her brother.
« And this is Castiel »
« Pleasure »
« Likewise » Castiel answered, leaning on the car door.
« We'll meet at the ranch, I'll inform them you're on your way...You'll be right on time for supper »
« Sounds great, I'm starving » Dean almost shouted out as Mark was already heading back to the ranch at full speed.
« Real' cooool » Chadwick sighed.
« Yep, you said it… C'mon, all aboard » Dean shouted clapping his hands.
He shared a smile of complicity with Castiel.
« We're gonna have a great time here this week, I can feel it » he said as he sat back behind the wheel.
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The « Black Horse » ranch was composed of several main residence was made of wood and bricks, two floors and on the side, the staff quarters...
Stables and paddocks were at a short distance before the barn...
Dean pulled the Impala in front of the house... A man in his thirties was standing in the entry porch, obviously waiting for them.
« At last ! » he shouted as he walked down the 4 wooden steps.
He extended a hand to Dean who was the first to step out of the car.
« Welcome to the Black Horse. The name's Garth... I'll be in charge of your vacation here… And it is my responsibility to make it unforgettable, Balthazar's orders. »
« Baltha... » Dean couldn't hide his surprise as he shook the man's hand.
« Er… I'm Dean »
« I know who you are… He keeps talking about your family… and sex, but that's another story » he claimed, patting his shoulder and walking towards the children. Dean felt somehow perplexed.
Dean looked at Castiel… and saw a bit of apprehension in his eyes… Castiel let a discreet smile stretch his lips.
« You must be Chadwick » Garth shook the young boy's hand.
« Yes… Hi»
Garth looked him up and down, moving back a few steps.
« Storm will be perfect for you »
He let go of his hand and took off his hat.
« And this little beauty here must be Jewel » he declaimed as he kissed her little hand.
He stepped back again to observe her with attention.
« For you, I'd recommend Light »
« What about me ? » Dean interfered, still leaning on the car's open door.
Garth turned around and granted him a wry smile.
« Balthazar told me you had some notions of horse riding»
« Er… He told you that, didn't he ? » Dean suddenly felt worried.
« You rode Shetland poneys… I'm impressed... » he said, pushing his hat on the back of his head and looking preoccupied.
« I was 6 at the time » Dean snapped back, looking daggers at him and hearing Castiel bursting out laughing.
The latter had told everything to Balty who of course couldn't keep his mouth shut. Dean's eyes were shouting « Traitor ! » to Castiel...
« I guess Wink will do just fine »
« Wink ? »
« Yeah, Wink » he said with a wink... Dean started to fear the worst, after he'd hoped for the best.
Garth finally turned on his right.
« And you must be Castiel » he said with an everlasting smile.
« Hello.»
Garth approached him and shook his hand a bit longer.
« For you, Sir, I'd recommend Cheyenne »
« No Sir »
« I beg your pardon ? » feeling surprised.
« Don't call me « Sir » » Castiel answered as he withdrew his hand which Garth was still holding.
Garth nodded and smiled anyway.
« C'mon… Let's go inside. I'll take you to a tour around the house. We'll take care of your luggage later » he said as Dean had already opened the trunk.
« Mark will take care of these » he said as he already walked up the porch steps.
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They entered the ground floor main room it was quite impressive and the ceiling was almost at roof level.
« We had it redecorated two years ago… Bryan supervized the transformation of the attic into guests rooms and tore down the rest to create a large living room space... You need to know that we welcome no more than ten guests at a time in this ranch… It's currently seasonal break… three weeks without tourists… Except you of course: you are invited guests, it's not the same » he looked at Jewel who stared at him the whole time.
He had a peculiar look and a strange way of moving his skinny body all this make him seem more friendly at first sight, except to Dean, who hadn't really appreciated his sense of humor and sarcasm.
« You're now standing in the living room… The horns you see over there hanging on the wall belong to the first Longhorn that died on this property» he pointed at a brick chimney mantle piece.
« ... They're about 150 years old » he went on, feeling proud obviously.
Dean was truly impressed by the massive stagecoach wheel hanging from the ceiling transformed into a chandelier.
« Pretty cool, huh ? » Garth exclaimed as he joined them... « It was Bryan's idea… The guy has brains.» he added hitting his temple with his index. « One more reason he's running the «Black Horse» and not me »
« Are you the eldest ? » Castiel asked, looking around to observe the sober decoration of the place.
« One year only... But still, it seems he inherited the beauty of our mother and the brains of our father... I'm the generous older brother who left everything to the youngest » he said pushing back his hat.
« A teacher of mine used to say that any person has been granted intelligence and that beauty is just a matter of perspective» Dean stated in a casual tone as he observed the emaciated guy standing in front of them.
« I'd have loved to have a teacher like that» Garth laughed.
« Follow me... I'll show you to your rooms" he said walking in front of them. « One more thing… I hope you don't mind sharing » he said as he looked at Dean.
« You mean the same room ? »
« Yes. We take advantage of the holidays to have the other rooms paint refreshed... We kept a double room for the children and a double one for you... I hope you don't mind. »
« Of course not, we already appreciate the invitation who are we to complain ? » he said as he looked at Castiel who smiled.
« There are two beds in the room, right ? » Dean asked, nevertheless a bit worried.
« Of course...» Garth confirmed, climbing the stairs leading to the upper floors.
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Both bedrooms had a view on the backyard… Nothing but plains, as far as the eye could see. Dean was fascinated.
« Awesome » he said, looking out the window.
Castiel joined him without a word.
They remained there, side by side, for a little while.
There was a knock on the door.
« Yes? »
« Supper's ready »
« We'll be right there »
Dean stretched and yawned.
« I'm dog tired. This trip drained me. »
« It's quite late, I hope they haven't planned anything for tonight... » Castiel stated turning away from the window.
« I sure hope so » Dean started to laugh.
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« I have planned a campfire under the stars, so you get in the mood at once » Garth announced to the guests with a big smile.
« Oh shit» Dean whispered.
« Great ! » the children exclaimed.
« Tough luck » Castiel concluded.
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Dean entered their room and let out a long sigh as he collapsed on his bed.
« I'm done…. This guy is the ultimate chatterbox… I was about to punch him in the face to make him shut his cakehole»
« At least, the children seem to enjoy it… They were practically eating out of his hand» Castiel replied. He sat on his own bed and smiled.
Dean straightened by his side, keeping a distance...
« How do you feel? You've seemed a bit absent-minded since yesterday » he whispered.
« Dean, would you stop doing this, please ?» Castiel's tone was filled with anger as he was staring at the wall in front of him.
« I apologize for showing some concern for your well-being » he said, raising his voice. « It's not like we've been friends for ages, right ?» Dean stood up. He felt obviously offended.
« Dean » Castiel's voice was now begging.
« WHAT ? » Dean said as he turned around.
Castiel tensed up.
« What, Cass ? » Dean said more gently.
« I'm fine... » Castiel was smiling.
« You're fine, my ass! » he said as he headed to the bathroom.
Castiel startled when Dean slammed the door behind him.
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« It's not like we've been friends for ages » resonated in a loop in his head… He let out a sigh. Something had broken inside him ten years ago and his presence here, surrounded by horses, would surely reopen an old wound, there was no doubt about it.
However, coming to the ranch might have been a good thing after all… Maybe the time had come to open up his heart… Talking with Dean about the aggression had already made him feel better talking about Michael might have the same effect... He knew all there was to know about Dean who'd never hidden anything from him; they were friends, they were family.
He lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling for a long while… He saw the face, the one he'd never forgotten… He'd loved him so much, he hated him just as much...
He glanced at the bathroom door, listened to the shower running… Dean...
He closed his eyes... and felt a tear running down his cheek as he sunk in a deep slumber.
Dean opened the door he was barefoot, dressed in pj pants and an old Metallica t-shirt, his hair still wet...
« Cass... In your op… » He saw his friend laying on the bed he'd chosen.
« Dammit, man, it's my bed » he said, leaning on him. Castiel was fast asleep.
Dean couldn't take his eyes off his face. He observed him for a while, thinking of a million things. Suddenly Castiel muttered in his sleep. Dean snapped out of it.
« Shit, what the hell am I doing ? » he shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands.
He grabbed Castiel's legs and gently swung them trying not to wake him up.
Castiel groused.
« Give me a hand here, dude » he said as he grabbed his shoulders and dragged him towards the bedhead.
Castiel curled up on himself like a child. Dean took off his boots and pulled a blanket up to his waist.
« Sweet dreams » he whispered, with a tender smile.
He lay on the opposite bed, with his back to his friend, feeling an awkward pang… He closed his eyes. He hadn't realized yet that a wall in his subconscious was tumbling down...
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He woke up at the sound of the shower…A look at his watch...
« Son of a bitch !… 6:30» he pulled the blanket over his head.
A knock on the door and his kids rushed in.
« Dammit » he muttered under the sheets as the children jumped on the bed.
« Get uuuuup » Jewel shouted.
« For Christ's sake, munchkins...You know what time it is ?... We're on holidays and I'm dead tired ! »
« Hurry up… Garth said breakfast is served at 7» Chadwich shook up his father.
Dean straightened, his hair all messed up, grabbed his son and pulled him on the bed. Chadwick laughed as his father started to tickle him.
« You're gonna beg for mercy, I swear, unworthy son of mine» Jewel jumped on the bed and tickled her brother too. Castiel entered the room and watched them play together.
« Well well, I see everybody's up ! »
Dean let go of his son and smiled. Castiel came closer Jewel sat on the bed. She was dressed in a white shirt and blue sweater. She was swinging her feet, admiring her fringe boots.
« You look like a real cow boy» she said as she examined his outfit from top to bottom.
« Oh yeah ? » he looked a bit perplexed.
« There's no denying, it suits you perfectly » Dean added, gently pushing his son and getting up.
Castiel was wearing a dark blue plaid shirt, wash jeans and a pair of old Santiago boots.
« I'd better get dressed or I'll skip breakfast» Dean rubbed his hands against each other.
« We should leave your father alone... » Castiel said as he showed them to the door.
Dean called Castiel before the latter closed the door ion his way out.
« Cass »
« Yes ? »
« About last night » he started, rubbing the back of his head.
« I was exhausted... I'm sorry »
« Don't be sorry… You were right »
He looked deep into his eyes.
« It's just that I'm not ready to talk about it just yet...»
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They enjoyed a hearty breakfast and listened to Garth, more talkative than ever. The children were so fascinated by his babbling...
They were about to get down to business… Dean proudly put his Stetson on his head.
« Classy hat ! » Garth noticed with no particular emotion in his voice.
Dean muttered to himself and decided to keep a low profile.
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He guided them to the first paddock with a view on the stables.
"We're gonna introduce you to your companions for the week... I'm usually quite good at designating who's gonna ride each horse but I prefer to make sure they're the right ones for each of you before proceeding further"
He climbed the fence, sit astride and whistled ... Mark showed up with a beautiful black and white Paint horse.
"Chad , I present you Storm ... You'll see, it's as sweet as a lamb, unlike what its name suggests "
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Chadwick climbed on the fence, his face lightened up, bright eyes. Yet he had a knot in his stomach.
Mark approached ... Chad leaned forward to caress the horse's forehead...
" It's so beautiful" he said, admiring the black white-dotted coat.
Garth whistled once ... A man appeared, most certainly of Hispanic origin, holding the reins of a smaller horse ... A Paint horse mare with a brown white-dotted coat and a white mane.
"This is Light" he said, hopping down the fence and lifting up Jewel .
" For me?" she asked with sparkles in her eyes.
"Yes Sweetie ... Do you like it? "
" Oh yes," she extended her hand .
"Thank you Pedro " he seized the reins .
The latter nodded and returned to the stable.
Meanwhile, Chadwick had moved to the other side of the fence and stroked the neck of his horse under Mark's cautious eye .
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Dean and Castiel watched the kids fascination and felt a wave of fondness in their hears.
Pedro showed up again with a brown white-dotted Appaloosa.
"This is Cheyenne " Garth said to Castiel who frowned at once.
" Cass ? " Dean looked worried.
Castiel latter climbed the fence and jumped on the other side. Pedro handed him the reins.
"Thanks," his voice was low.
" Hello Gorgeous" stroking her neck .
It looked like old friends being reunited. Dean turned to Garth who slightly pulled his hat. His smile faded.
" Balty " Dean sighed .
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« We kept the best for the end »
He whistled.
All eyes turned to the stable… An old man came out.
At first there was a long silence and then suddenly Chadwick's laughter resonated, soon imitated by Jewel's.
Castiel walked away from Cheyenne and saw a splendid American white and brown pony that didn't exceed 24 inches at the withers.
« Given your experience, I thought you would surely manage this one. It has quite a temper » Garth said, with no trace of emotion whatsoever in his voice.
« I present you Wink »
Dean didn't say a word, no emotion on his face. He turned to Castiel who had a hard time remaining serious.
« It's perfect » Dean jumped on the other side of the fence, adjusted his Stetson and proudly walked towards the animal...
« Come here, handsome » He walked around it, grabbed the reins and straddled it.
Garth turned and winked to the man standing a few meters away with a camera in his hand… No one had noticed him.
Dean was sitting straight on his pony, his feet dragging on the ground… Castiel started to laugh with the children, as well as Mark and Garth. The latter's odd sense of humor was a gift making everybody relax...
In the meantime, Dean trotted throughout the paddock, his boots scraping on the ground... He took off his hat and hit the back of the animal to make it trot faster.
« Bravo Daddy » Jewel yelled and clapped her hands, which made Light startle.
Dean stopped near Garth.
« Balty was right, you really are an outstanding rider »
« Thanks » Dean proudly put his hat back on his head.
« I present you the real Wink » he pointed at the old man walking out of the stable.
« Wow » Dean dismounted from the pony.
A Paint horse, bigger than all the others, Palomino coat and a white spot on the eye.
« I knew you'd like it... No hard feelings ? »
Dean looked at him and smiled.
«No hard feelings... » clicking his tongue.
The man who seemed to walk at a snail's pace handed the reins and walked away with the pony.
Dean hesitated for a second. Wink rubbed his nose on his shirt, begging for a caress.
« It's perfect » Dean smile quite gleefully.
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Garth walked away from the group.
« OK. I suggest that you all walk with your companion in the paddock. Take the reins and get familiar with their pace… Don't hesitate to talk to them…Whispering to horses ain't a legend »
Chadwick and Jewel were walking side by side, both fascinated and a bit frightened despite the fact that Mark was following at a distance.
Dean walked to the right side of Wink who kept swinging its head and begging for hugs at every step.
Castiel didn't take his eyes off Cheyenne, holding the reins with his fingertips, feeling the horse rather than leading it.
Garth smiled. Obviously, Castiel had the touch...
He hadn't enjoyed Balthazar's idea at first but when the latter had his mind set on something, it was hard to talk him out of it.
He wanted Castiel to let go of the remaining obstacles… regain full control of his life as it was before the aggression… What better way than to face what had put an end to five years of a relationship that never really existed?
Balty had another idea, with more dramatic consequences, but this one would cost him… He wasn't meant for Castiel, he knew that, but these two were meant for each other… He was certain of it..
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They spent the entire morning in the paddock talking to each other and stroking their horses... None of them had been saddled yet… Garth quietly explained the agenda for the rest of the day and the days after.
After dinner, they'd attend their first real lesson. He would take care of the children and Castiel would be in charge of Dean...
He had planned a little ride the day after, if everything ran as smoothly as expected...
Lunch was served outside the back of the house… in a backyard equipped with a small pool, a table and wooden benches...
A young man was in charge of the barbecue. Dean started an endless discussion with Mark about horses of a different kind. The mechanic in him had taken over.
The children kept asking questions to Garth about the ranch.
Castiel alternately listened both conversations, without actually joining.
Garth finally got up...
« Well… let's get down to serious business » he said, pushing back his hat.
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When they reached the paddock, the horses were ready, saddled, their reins attached to the fence. Pedro bowed hat at Garth and left.
« I'll take care of Jewel and Mark will take care of Chadwick, as planned» he said, turning to Castiel.
« You'll supervise Shetland here» he added, winking at Dean, standing beside him.
« You'd better watch your ass » Dean showed a threatening finger.
They all smiled and headed for their respective mount...
Once the children had overcome their initial apprehension, they found it all easy as pie. It was a different story for Dean. Wink was the affectionate kind all right but, obviously, it was acting its own way.
Castiel stroked Cheyenne for a while then he untied the reins and grabbed the saddle pommel. Dean's eyes widened when he saw him saddle up as the cow boys he admired in old movies.
« Holy shit, Cass » pushing his head back, totally blown away.
The latter smiled and with a click of the tongue moved his horse along.
Dean watched him trot away, clearly at ease as he must have been before, then he saw him get to gallop… a gentle gallop… Castiel seemed to float, holding the reins in one hand, guiding the horse with his legs only...
Cheyenne obeyed without orders. The children were watching him… There was a faint smile on Castiel's face… And some sadness too, although Dean was the only one to notice it.
He came back to Dean and stopped next to him.
« Your turn »
Dean swallowed.
« Every time I approach it, it recedes » he grieved.
« Wait » Castiel dismounted, tied Cheyenne's rein then walked towards Wink.
« Hello Handsome » he stroked its neck.
« Try not to let him feel your fear »
« I'm not afraid » Dean was offended.
« Try not to let him feel your stress then » he smirked.
« Stop making fun of me, would you? » He frowned.
« Saddle up, Shetland » he said as he held the reins.
Dean began to mutter under his breath as he grabbed the pommel in one hand and tried in vain to slide his foot in the stirrup.
Wink seemed to get a kick at stepping back each time Dean tried to mount it, so that Dean ended up hopping beside the horse.
« Shit, why won't this nag stay still for five minutes » he was pissed.
« Dean... Try leaning on the fence »
« WHAT ? » Now he really was pissed. « NEVER... Why don't you give me a stepladder while you're at it ? » he tried again to get his foot in the stirrup.
« Hush » Castiel put his face on the horse forehead while stroking its neck. « Have mercy on him »
« Hey, quit that lousy game with me » Dean shouted as he finally managed to put his boot in the ring.
However, it was far from final… Wink stepped aside as soon as it felt Dean's weight on the stirrup.
The latter ended up hopping again to avoid falling.
« Dammit Cass... Hold him tight » he shouted, a bit panicked, hopping on one foot, the other one stuck in the stirrup.
« Hush hush, handsome... » holding it a bit, forehead against forehead.
The horse stopped.
In a final effort, Dean managed to saddle up. He felt both a certain pride to have achieved that far and a genuine apprehension for what was to come, after all the efforts he had made already.
« And now ? » holding tight the pommel with both hands.
« Take these » Castiel slipped the reins above the horse's head and gave them to Dean, looking at him in the eyes.
« Don't worry, I'll help you » he smiled.
« Thanks, man » holding tight and refraining from moving an inch.
He looked at Castiel jumping on his own horse and ride next to him. This was the moment Dean noticed the children were staring at them.
«It was so funny, Dad » Jewel was all smiles.
« Such an ungrateful family » he said, nodding and winking at Castiel.
« Let's go, John Wayne »
Dean's eyes widened.
« I always knew how to pronounce his name… I was just pissing you off » and with one slap, he got Cheyenne moving again.
« I knew it !... » Dean whispered. A smile stretched his lips.
He remained stiff on his saddle, not knowing what to do.
« Cass » he pleaded as he was just a few neck lengths away from him.
Castiel stopped and with a subtle wrist movement, he made his horse turn to face Dean's.
« A little word of encouragement and keep your knees squeezed to make it walk»
« I hope it won't start galloping » he sounded worried.
Castiel couldn't help but smile and came closer.
« Talk about a cowboy ! » he sighed.
« Gimme a break... I'd love to see how gifted you'd be with a monkey wrench in your hand! »
« Touché » Castiel replied as he guided his horse along Dean's on the right.
« Just look at me and do as I do »
He saw him briefly tighten his knees on the flanks of his horse and click his tongue. Cheyenne started to walk without flinching.
« OK… seems easy enough » Dean said, pulling his hat.
« Be a good horse, OK ? » he whispered in Wink's ear. « Otherwise I'll eat you for supper... » The horse shook itself.
« Just kidding… just kidding » Dean panicked. His face tensed.
« Let's show them, huh ?» he straightened up.
« Go horsy» he squeezed his knees, too hard, shook the reins and clicked his tongue.
« Dean...No, not like that... » Too late for Castiel to grab the reins Wink started to run at full gallop.
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Dean was bouncing on his saddle, dangerously swaying from side to side, in a light gallop... He tried to pull the reins in an attempt to stop the horse… desperately shouting Hoooo... and Stoooop...but Wink was acting its own way.
When Castiel joined him, Dean was clinging to the pommel, trying not to fall, shaken like a plain bag on the saddle.
Castiel managed to slow him down and Dean finally straightened, silent, grinning.
He said nothing, he saw the anger in his friend's eyes...
« A rare steak » Dean grinded his teeth.
Chadwick and Jewel trotted by him, with pride, along one another.
« Are you OK, Dad ? » his son asked with a touch of irony.
Dean stared daggers at him.
« I won't be messed about by a stupid horse, dammit ! » he said, grabbing back the reins.
« Take it easy, Dean... Squeeze your knees gently, very gently...Try to relax »
« Easy to say... This bloody horse doesn't like me » he said. He looked a bit sad and worried.
« What are you talking about ? This horse loves you… C'mon, let's try again »
« Will you stay by my side ? » Dean's eyes were begging.
« I'll always stay with you, I promise. »
Their eyes met and for a brief moment, all was said, in silence.
Eventually, Dean looked away.
« Let's go… I swear I won't be tricked in front of my kids… The honor of John Wayne is at stake » he adjusted his hat that had almost flown away during the mad gallop.
« Do as I say and everything will turn out just fine »
« Yeah, sure, easy for you, Mister Professional... » he focused on his balance.
« C'mon, handsome… let's show them what we're made of » he gently squeezed Wink's sides with his knees.
Castiel observed Dean whose face lightened up as he slowly managed to dominate the horse movements.
Castiel told him what to do, guiding him by example.
« This is so awesome » Dean finally went around the paddock, alone. « Cass » he called his friend.
« John Wayne » Castiel had thrown a thumb up.
He trotted with his children.
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Castiel was leaning against the fence alongside Mark and Garth, watching.
« That's a nice family you've got there »
« Yes » arms crossed on his chest, unable to take his eyes off them.
« One day, you'll have to tell him, ya know » Garth straightened up.
Castiel didn't reply.
« That being said… » he stepped back.
« Garth, please... » he waved at Jewel who was proudly riding by. « Mind your own business » Castiel's voice was gentle yet firm.
« As you wish » Garth raised his hands in a surrender gesture. « I'll leave you now… Gotta go see how they manage the renovation program… Mark, I entrust you our guests… See you in an hour max. »
« OK Boss » Mark said, putting his foot on the first barrier.
He cleared his throat.
« Mark !» Castiel warned him even before the other one said a word.
« I haven't said anything ».
He looked at him.
« Of course not, but I can hear your thoughts loud and clear! » Castiel snapped back, grabbing the reins and saddling up.
He trotted towards the children and Dean...
« So, are you having a good time ? »
« We're having a great time » Chadwick claimed, his face showing nothing but pure joy.
« Ready for a little race ? » Castiel proposed with a smile.
« Are we going to gallop ?» Jewel was a bit worried.
« I'll go first…. We'll start easy… Do you trust me ? » he asked, leaning towards her, holding the pommel.
She nodded vigorously.
« All right, then » he positioned his horse ahead of them.
« Let's go… Squeeze your knees gently and follow me »
Chadwick and Jewel found it easy to follow Castiel, first of all because their fear was gone, and then because Garth had picked up the perfect horses for them.
Dean, on the contrary, found it a bit more difficult; shaken on his saddle from one side to the other yet trying to do the best he could not to fall off.
Castiel couldn't help but laugh as he watched Dean bouncing and making faces probably because of the pain caused by bouncing up and down on his butt.
« Let the rhythm take you » he said, riding by his side. « You're too nervous… relax »
He heard Dean mumbling.
« Watch me » he trotted ahead of them.
Dean observed Castiel who seemed relaxed, at peace with himself, feeling one with his mount… There was a smile on his face. Dean saw his good old Castiel again, the one before the aggression.
He suddenly pulled the reins. The horse reared a little.
HIS Castiel ? Since when did he have such thoughts about him ?
He started to laugh...
Mark had been watching them for a while. He smiled and pulled his hat on his forehead.
That family was undoubtedly all but ordinary.
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End of chapter XI
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Hope you enjoyed this chapter, we meet in 15 days if you wish.
Exceptionally on Monday not sunday.
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Love you.