Like the Old Days

Lead: Dunstan

Tracker: |[Dunstan-Tracker]|

Featuring: Connor, Dunstan
Stat Training: Racing/Galloping for Connor

Dunstan yawns against the late afternoon sun. He watches the breeze slowly roll across the field until it reaches his face, cooling his coat pleasantly. Mmm, autumn’s gonna be here soon… Dunstan shakes off his sun drenched drowsiness and looks back at his herd. Sybil encouraging little Junco with a smile as she nurses on a slightly uncomfortable looking Robin. The exchange makes Dunstan chuckle a bit to himself. Oh Robin… Elvira lurks nearby the couple, also seemingly chuckling at the adorable exchange. Dunstan moves his gaze to see Calamity and Rena playing in their strange canine way beneath a grove of trees while Olive has surprisingly climbed up one to chat with Vesper despite her missing leg. Agile little thing huh? Colette lays beneath the two, dozing in the dappled afternoon light. Dunstan has noticed her getting quieter and her slower, more careful movements in the recent days. I wonder if she’s feeling ok, I should check on her soon. Dunstan then curiously furrows his brow, where’s Connor?

“Hey there D, you do realize you’re frowning right?” A teasing voice prickles up Dunstan’s neck, making his ears perk up. He turns to see Connor stands behind him, smirking playfully.

“It’s a bit of a habit I admit.” Dunstan grins back, cocking his brow at his small red companion.

Connor chuckles, turning away again. Dunstan watches him, eyes on the large scars cutting into Connor’s coat and leg. Dunstan feels his stomach sink a little, painful memories flashing. Those former wounds now causing a pretty prominent limp in Connor’s left front leg. What was it that Colette said? Stretching and movement would help right?

“You still as fast as you were before the river?” Dunstan blurts out, immediately realizing the insensitivity of the question. He groans at himself, cursing quietly, “Fuck…idiot…” He peals his eyes open, seeing Connor’s flat expression narrowed at him. Dunstan shakes his mane, digging at the dirt a bit before smiling with his head low, “I-I’m sorry…”

Connor’s cold face slowly cracks, a sly smirk making its way across his mouth. He paces closer, now nose to nose with Dunstan, “Wanna test?”

Dunstan relaxes, keeping his gaze on Connor’s face as he lifts his head. There’s a moment, small and fleeting between them before Connor leaps away. He prances awkwardly, knee buckling a little but he plays it off gracefully. Dunstan chuckles, cantering to catch up as Connor begins to gallop away. He catches Connor’s eyes again, ever so mischievous and bright. Dunstan’s heart stutters a bit as Connor sends him a quick grin. He makes sure to keep his pace just a tad slower than Connor. Just like the old days…you could always beat me.

Word Count: 450

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