Winny is the horse's name, and yet the large, light tan horse still looks almost menacing to walk up to, even as Zen's hand brushes along her side, and she whinnies in response. It's different to just walk up to a field and pet a nice horse than it is to know that you are about to climb on to the back of one, and try to maintain your balance as the horse maneuvers through potentially rough terrain.
And it's different to know that you won't be alone during this process, that someone you love will be right in front of you, closer than it ever seems like you've been, close enough to hear a heartbeat, close enough to feel so warm that it's almost like you are one person on top of a horse, as you share warmth, rather than two people up there.
It feels like it would be almost easier with someone else up there with her, like it would be easier to know that someone with a different part of her heart is right in front of her, even as Zen offers Shirayuki a hand and helps her up, and then he hops up, as easy as if he's done this thousands of times.
And her arms loop around his torso, pressing right above his rib cage, and it's different up here, as Zen slowly brings Winny to a slow pace, a steady walk. It's quiet up here sans the sound of hooves on the ground; Shirayuki can hear Zen's breath, as it rises and falls, and she can hear his heartbeat right in front of her, a quick staccato pace, almost mirroring the sound of hoof touching ground. Every second that ticks by is another steady rhythm, another tapping of a heart.
And Shirayuki doesn't know what to say, no words can even begin to come to her mind, none make sense. A conversation can't be lead with, You sure have a hoof sound heartbeat or doesn't this feel different together?
As words fail to come to mind, Zen begins to speak softly, almost inaudibly above the sounds of hooves, "Thank you for this."
And Shirayuki can't quite answer why her face blooms scarlet at Zen's soft reply, "No problem." Slips out instead of something a bit more logical, so she amends it, "I'm glad we are here." And it hits her, just as soothing being behind Zen is, how nice it is to listen to hooves and heartbeats, how beautifully warm she is, both from whatever sparked her blush and just being close to Zen. She is happy here with only Winny and Zen to keep her company.
"Me too." Zen murmurs, and a comforting silence descends upon them once more, a kind that even attempting to break isn't worth the distraction. Right here, two sounds keep her steady, and his presence keeps her warm.
