AN: Jusis, Paula, and Gaius being horse buddies circa early CSI. This was originally supposed to be gen, but if you read it and happen to draw a different conclusion... hey, I'm not stopping you :P

Saddle Up

"Could you," Jusis' irate voice rang out, stopping Gaius in his tracks as he poked his head into the stables, "possibly try being silent for a few minutes? I understand that's a very difficult concept for you, but perhaps if you apply a little effort…"

"Nah, that'd actually be a cinch," a ponytailed girl (Jusis' clubmate, presumably) answered, sounding like she was speaking through gritted teeth. "See, all I'd have to do is stop talking. The real question is, could you – " she mimicked, placing a hand on her hip, "possibly try being less of an asshole for a few minutes? I understand that's a very difficult concept for you, but perhaps if you apply a little effort…"

Jusis snorted. "You do realize, of course, that it's often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?"

"By who, noble jerks with more money and titles than brains?"

Gaius took that moment to clear his throat, chuckling a little when the pair wheeled around simultaneously at the interruption, Jusis looking surprised and the girl looking mortified.

"My apologies. I didn't meant to intrude."

The blonde nodded at him in greeting, short and terse. "Gaius. I was under the impression you were attending Art Club meetings at this time."

"Normally I am," he began, crossing his arms and regarding the horses with interest. "But our session was unfortunately cut short today; Clara had other business to attend to and Linde wasn't feeling well, you see."

The girl's eyes widened, visibly concerned. "Linde's sick? Oh no, I hope it's nothing serious!"

He shook his head and flashed her a reassuring smile. "I don't think it is. I went with her to see Instructor Beatrix and she seemed to think that a little bit of rest would do the trick. Are you her classmate, by any chance?"

"Just a friend that I met on the first day of classes. She's really nice, isn't she?"

"That she is," Gaius agreed with a laugh. "Sorry, but I don't believe we've met. I'm Gaius."

"Paula," she declared, reaching out to shake his hand. "Pleased to meet you! Lemme guess; another member of Class VII?" she asked, looking over his uniform vest and glancing over at Jusis' similar jacket.

"You guess right."

"Knew it. Hey, while you're here, I have a question; how exactly do you manage to live with this jerk and not want to strangle him by the end of the day?"

Gaius chuckled broadly as Jusis rolled his eyes. "I have to be honest and say that I've never felt that particular urge, though I certainly can't speak for everyone in our class." He turned toward Jusis, unable to hide his amusement. "Has she met Machias, by the way?"

"Not that I know of and I prefer to keep it that way. Aidios knows that's the last thing I need, a comedy of errors with the fool and the fool who follows…"

Paula growled. "Say that again, you – "

"I take it you've just come to observe?" Jusis interrupted coolly, pointedly turning away from his clubmate in a textbook example of what the nobility referred to as the cut direct. "You're more than welcome to, though we haven't started a formal training regimen as of yet. I can't promise that someone of your high skill level would have their interest piqued for a reasonable length of time."

"High skill level?" Paula repeated, looking intrigued.

The lancer nodded. "Jusis is overselling my skills somewhat, but I've actually spent my entire life around horses. I'm from the Nord Highlands, so…"

Her eyes widened. "Oh, wow! I've always wanted to go there, I've heard the riding culture's amazing!" she exclaimed, much to Gaius' undisguised delight.

"I agree, and the terrain's perfect for it too. There are wide plains with grass as far as the eye can see, and the wind runs through your hair whenever you ride."

She sighed. "It sounds wonderful."

"It is wonderful," Gaius said with a proud grin. "If you'd like, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Assuming that I'm not interrupting, of course," he added with a glance toward Jusis.

"You're not," and again Gaius got to see the bickering pair acting in stereo, both speaking at the same time (much to their mutual surprise/chagrin).

Jusis coughed. "You're not," he repeated, nodding firmly. "Our club duties are almost done for the day, and to be honest… I have a number of questions I'd like to ask you about your technique and training methods, and how they might differ from the ones I myself was shown."

The noble's words were as refined and reserved as they always were, but there was a noticeable lilt in them that betrayed his enthusiasm, one that matched the spark in Paula's eyes, and Gaius knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was in the presence of kindred spirits; fellow riders that loved horses just as much as he.

"It sounds like we have a lot to discuss, then. Should we take the horses out for a trot around the field and talk while we ride?"

"I like the sound of that. You can ride with me, assuming you can keep any murderous urges to yourself," Jusis quipped dryly to the suddenly nervous Paula.

Gaius' eyes softened, the tall boy understanding immediately. "You're a beginner?"

She exhaled roughly, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah. I've always loved horses, but until Thors I never had the chance to actually ride one. Honestly, I'm still – "

"Learning. Don't be ashamed of it. We all start somewhere," Jusis told her, the brusque delivery and the curt tone doing nothing to hide the kind intentions that lay beneath, and Paula stood absolutely speechless for a moment or two before she looked at Jusis again, nodding gratefully in reply.

"… Thanks."

And unbeknownst to his highborn classmate, Gaius smiled.