Over the hills, I hear a crash of thunder. The first drops of rain start to spatter down on the dry earth of the paddock.
"Our mare's in labor and she's spooked somethin' awful. If we don't tend to her, we may lose her."
"Not to mention the foal. But don't worry, Minho. We won't let that happen. Jisung—"
When I turn to him, I notice his gaze has darkened.
"I'll head to the north pasture, get all those horses inside. You two help with the foalin'. It's the most important thing."
I throw my arms around him. Jisung leans in to whisper in my ear...
"Won't be gone long."
Just the feel of his strong embrace helps calm me.
"It's gonna be okay, (Y/N)."
Minho claps a hand against my shoulder.
"Glad as I am to see y'all managin' not to bicker for five minutes, this ain't the time to hug it out."
"Right. Of course."
"I know you can handle this, (Y/N). Let's get to business."
Jisung tears off for the north pasture while Minho and I head towards the stables.
"So? Where are things at with the birth?"
"The sack's already broke. She was close to deliverin' when I left her. I just hope we aren't too late."
"Nothin' seemed amiss when I tended to her earlier. Must've come on fast."
"You know how it is, 'round here. When it rains, it pours."
As if in agreement, Mother Nature unleashes a clap of thunder as we hurry into the stables. The mare rolls in the hay in her stall.
"Oh, girl. I know it hurts."
"Looks like she's getting' in position to deliver."
"Can't we ease her pain? A mild sedative at the right does shouldn't hurt her or the foal. I hate seein' her like this."
"With the way she's movin', I don't think there's a safe way for us to do that. But don't worry, this is normal."
"Suppose we'll just have to do our best with what we've got."
The mare swats her tail against the stall floor. The minutes tick by, but the foal doesn't appear.
"Mom always made me help her with foalin'. I don't remember a mare ever acting like this."
"Can't say as I do, either. The storms workin' her up, I reckon. We need to try to keep her calm."
A gust of wind howls outside the stable doors. The horses titter in alarm.
"Why don't you move the other horses to the barn? If she picks up on their negative energy, it'll only make things worse."
"I'm on it. Don't name the baby 'til I'm back."
"Ah, see, I was already plannin' on namin' it Lee Know."
"And what if it's a filly?"
"Easy. We'll name it (Y/N), after you."
"Yeah, I'm gonna have to veto that. Keep brainstormin' until I'm back."
"If you're as quick as I know you'll be, I'll hardly have a chance."
I give Minho a supportive side hug before departing for the paddock. I hook a lead rope to the bronco's halter and guide him across the paddock to the barn. Already, the sky's gone dark.
"Almost there, boy. It's just a bit farther."
Lightning flashes across the sky, followed by a booming crack of thunder. The bronco rears. I pull on the rope getting the bronco's attention.
"I'm not tryin' to hurt you, but that behavior isn't safe."
The horse calms at my correction, keeping all four hooves on the ground.
"Atta boy. You'll be much more comfortable where I'm takin' you."
Safe inside the bar, I lead the bronco to a corner, securing his lead loosely to a post and spreading out some fodder for him to nibble at.
"Where was all that power when Han was trainin' you, huh?"
"He givin' you trouble?"
I turn to find Jisung leading a horse of his own in from the pasture.
"I think he found his fight."
"I guess we can call that a silver linin', huh? Which I'll be sure to appreciate just as soon as we're outta this mess."
The two of us head back out. One by one, we lead the horses from the stables to the barn as the winds begin to pick up. Only Agusga is left. I can feel her anxiety as we cross the paddock.
"I know, girl. This ain't fun for me, either."
Mere feet from the barn, she digs her hooves deep into the bud, refusing to budge. I gently stroke her mane, whispering the words in her ear.
"Nothin' to be frightened of, girl. I'm right here. Think you can make it just a bit farther? "
She begins to calm down at my words, relaxing her muscles and taking a step forward.
"Atta girl. Let's get you inside."
We're just nearing the barn door when another bolt of lightning splits the sky!
"AHHH!"
It strikes the giant oak beside the barn, cleaving a huge branch from the trunk. It crashes onto the paddock fence!
"It's okay, Agusga, you can—whoa!"
She rips free from my hands, bolting fro the woods! just as I start after her, Jisung catches me by the wrist.
"Whaddya think you're doin'?"
"I'm goin' after Agusga!"
"Look at the sky, (Y/N). It's turning green. A twister could touch down any minute. You can't risk it."
"But it's Agausga! She's all I have left of my parents. You of all people know what that means, Jisung. I've already lost so much. I can't lose her, too."
He takes my hands in his, then brushes my knuckles with a desperate kiss.
"I hear you, (Y/N). But this ain't worth it."
"That isn't your call to make."
"Like hell!"
Jisung steps forward to block my path, arms folded across his chest.
"I'm not lettin' you get killed for a fool's errand."
I dart right to dodge him, but he snags me by the wrist.
"Let go, Jisung!"
I attempt to twist out of his grasp, but he holds me flush against him.
"(Y/N), listen to me. I'm beggin' you. Don't go after that horse alone."
The storm clouds churn across the sky, mirroring Jisung's internal strife.
"I have to go after her! You can either try and stop me or join me!"
"I'm coming with. As if you had a choice."
"In that case...lead the way. I know the ranch, but you've spent more time here lately. You probably know the hazards better than I do."
Jisung nods, jaw clenched.
" 'Least you haven't lost all your sense."
"Jisung..."
"I know, we've gotta focus. I'll leave it until after we find her. And we will find her."
"Sounds like you care about Agusga almost as much as I do."
"She ain't the one I care about, (Y/N). but I think you know that."
As we climb over the fallen paddock fence, the wind picks up, and I stumble.
"Whoa..."
"Steady, (Y/N)."
Jisung reaches out a hand to keep me from falling. Once we've made it past the fence, he doesn't drop it.
"She went that way." I inform Jisung.
"Then let's get a move on."
Together, we follow Agusga's hoof prints to the edge of the woods. The wind tears through the trees, shaking them until they groan.
"Shoulda guessed she'd go this way. Clearly it's where she heads when she's upset." Jisung says.
"Hopefully, that means we'll find her sooner."
An anxious neigh deep within the woods draws my attention.
"Jisung, that's Agusga. It has to be!"
"Sounds like it's coming from the other side of that clearing. But the storm's washed out the path between here and there. We can try to pick our way through and hope we don't run into trouble, but it might be smarter to take the longer way around."
"We should take the faster, risker path. She's already got a big lead on us. We can't waste any more time."
"I suppose that makes sense. But you gotta promise you'll be extra careful."
Jisung clears his throat and points to my preferred path.
"Follow me."
We race along the curves of the washed out path, sidestepping roots and rocks.
We've gotta be gettin' close.
As we round the bend, a flash of lightning illuminates a weather-worn ditch.
"Jisung, look out!"
I grab him by the back of his shirt just before he goes over.
"Good eye, (Y/N)."
Deep within the forest, I hear Agusga's desperate bray. But the sky's growing even darker...
"Sounds like she's in trouble. We've gotta get to her fast."
Hand in hand, we hurry in the direction of her call.
"Stay there, Agusga! We're—"
I'm startled when Jisung stops suddenly in the middle of my path.
"Oof!"
Before I can say any more, he holds up a hand to silence me.
"Quiet."
"Is that...the cougar! What do we do? "
"Stay calm. It's not here to hurt us."
"Really? 'Cause it sure doesn't look friendly."
"Cougars are pretty easy to frighten off. You just have to intimidate 'em."
Thunder booms over our heads, sending birds in search of cover.
"How can I frighten it more than this storm? "
"It's used to the wilderness. But you raisin' a ruckus'? That'll send it runnin'. "
"In that case, I'll make myself menacing."
I shake out my arms, capturing the cougar's attention.
"HEY! Cat! You think you can intimidate me?"
I clap my hands together and whoop wildly. The creature tenses, startled.
"Go on, now! Get outta here!"
My voice echoes through the tress as the cougar makes its escape.
"It worked!"
Elated, I grab Jisung's hand. When I turn to him, however, his eyes are serious.
"Thank God I was here with you."
Jisung presses my palm to his chest. His heartbeat thuds beneath my fingertips. I wish I could feel it skin to skin.
"Jisung, I know you're worried but—"
"No buts, (Y/N). Do you have any idea what it does to me? The idea of you in danger?"
Jisung draws me closer, swallowing hard. Our lips are only a breath apart when a horse's cry cuts through the din.
"That sounds like Agusga."
As much as I wish we could stay in the moment, I feel the pull of my purpose.
"Let's keep goin'."
I trudge towards where the sound comes from, looking for signs of Agusga.
"There's gotta be somethin'. "
A few paces up, I spy hoof prints in the mud. I follow them down to a ditch at the tree line.
"Agusga!"
I rush to her side, throwing my arms around her neck.
"Shhh... You're safe now."
While I stroke Agusga to soothe her, Jisung swaps the lead rope for a set of reins.
"If we each take a handful, she'll have a harder time runnin' off again. Ain't that right, Agusga?"
"Of course. Let's go home."
Out in the open, I realize there's nothing to block the wind. It pulls me one way, then the next.
"I thought findin' Agusga would be the hardest part."
"Don't tempt fate, (Y/N)."
"We're nearing the paddock when the wind picks up. before I realize what's happening, one of the feed troughs swept up in the gust and starts flying through the air straight towards me!
"(Y/N)!"
Before I even think to move, Jisung hooks his arm around me and swings me out of the way. The trough crashes into a tree behind us loudly.
"Jisung, you saved me."
I catch my breath, adrenaline pumping through my veins. As the wind picks up, Jisung's strong arms pull me closer against his lean, muscular body.
"Are you okay, (Y/N)? Because for a minute there, I thought..."
He shakes his head, swallowing hard, unable to put the fear into words.
"I'm okay. Thanks to you."
The wind howls around us, and I huddle closer. My mouth is just inches from Jisung's... Hooking both hands around Jisung's collar, I pull him close, pressing my lips to his with a ferocity that almost startles me. After a moment, he parts my lips with his tongue, deepening the kiss. He loops an arm around the small of my back, crushing me against him.
"Mmmm..."
I slide my arms around Jisung's neck, wanting to draw him closer, needing the feeling of his body against my own...
"God, (Y/N)..."
His words are a low, lustful growl against my lips. Before he can say more, I kiss him again, the fire inside me only growing with each touch. Just as my passion begins to overtake me, Jisung pulls himself away.
"As much as I want to stay kissin' you forever, we don't have time for this. We have to get Agusga inside."
"Of course. You're right. Thank you for helping me find her, Jisung."
I follow Jisung's lead, taking half of the reins to lead Agusga safely back to the barn. I help settle Agusga inside the barn, then head back outside carefully securing the barn door behind us.
"Glad that's over with."
Jisung's eyes darken with a dangerous intensity.
"Not as glad as I am. That was damned reckless, (Y/N)."
"The kiss? Minho isn't anywhere near—"
"I mean chasin' down Agusga in this storm!"
"But you came along..."
"Only so I could keep you safe. The way you were actin'? You coulda gotten yourself killed!"
"Jisung, be reasonable."
"Here's some reason for you. What if I hadn't been there when that branch fell? Or when the cougar showed up?"
"I would've handled it. Besides, you aren't my boyfriend. It's not like we're an item. What's it matter to you what I do?"
"That ain't what this is about, (Y/N)."
"Then explain it to me. Because I've had plenty of folks with much more claim on me act a helluva lot less possessive than you."
"You think 'cause I'm not committed to you, I'm not allowed to care?"
"I stepped up, just like I said I would. I did my job."
Jisung huffs, hooking his thumbs through his belt loops.
"Animals know how to take care of themselves when there's danger. You don't."
"How can you say that? I'm here, ain't I?"
"That's not the point, (Y/N)!"
"Fine, then what is the point, Jisung? Why are you so worried about me going after my horse?"
The silence that follows is swallowed by a passing roll of thunder.
"You're really gonna make me say it?"
"I don't know what 'it' is, Han. So you'd better come out with it, yeah?"
"Dammit, (Y/N). If somethin' happened to you, if you got hurt, or worse..."
He takes a steadying breath, eyes blazing with fury and fear.
"I've overcome a lot in my life. But losin' you? I couldn't bear it."
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it obvious, (Y/N)? I want you. I need you. Or wasn't that clear just now, when we kissed?"
"Jisung..."
Before I can get another word out, he gathers me in his arms as the cool rain clings to my hot skin. Before I know what's happening, the two of us are kissing fiercely as the storm rages overhead, the rain steaming as it hits my skin. I pull away, gasping with the intensity of the feelings swirling through me.
"I need you, too. I've always needed you. So much it almost hurts, Jisung."
Pressing my lips to his again, I slip his hand beneath the waistband of my jeans. Jisung gasps when he feels how ready I am for him.
"See what you do to me, Han? How wet you make me?"
"Dammit, (Y/N), you've got no idea how hot that is."
He slides his hand back and forth over me and I groan with desire.
"That feel good?"
"You don't know how bad I've wanted this."
"Course I do. I've wanted it just as bad since the moment I pulled you off that horse."
He presses his lips to mine again, only stoking the fire inside me.
"I can't fight it anymore, (Y/N). I won't fight it."
"I need more. I don't wanna fight this either. I just want you."
Wordlessly, Jisung takes my hand in his, leading me to a nearby meadow, out of sight of the barn and stable. As soon as we're out of sight, I turn to Jisung, wrapping my arms around his neck. When I kiss him again, I feel the dam within me break.
"Please..." I beg
Our need for each other ignites. Our lips tangle in a fierce kiss as our hands roam each other's bodies.
"Mmm..." he moans.
Jisung drags my hand over the front of his jeans so I can feel his throbbing need.
"Do you feel what you're doin' to me?"
As I start to stroke him, he claims my mouth with a wild kiss. The rain's pasted my thin shirt to my skin, so Jisung presses his lips to the hollow of my throat. Jisung's kisses travel over my collarbone, along the curve of my collar, his lips branding every inch of exposed skin.
"Jisung, wait..."
I cup his jaw, forcing him to meet my gaze. He takes my thumb between his teeth.
"I need more of you. I need all of you."
"Then we should probably get outta these wet things, hmm?"
He peels my soaked shirt from my torso, his hand sliding up the smooth skin of my stomach and slipping beneath the cup of my bra.
"Mmmm, yes..."
I gasp as his thumb slides over my nipple
"You like that?"
"So much."
Bending to press his lips to mine again, Jisung drops his hands to my waistband, quickly undoing my fly and peeling the wet denim from my skin. I reach below Jisung's belt to stroke the proof of his need. He moans, leaning into my touch, but I pull away to start unbuttoning his shirt. As he shrugs it off over his shoulders, I drop my hands to unbuckle his belt and slip his jeans over his hips.
"Much better." I smile seductively.
The thunder crashing around us only spurs him on. Pressing his lips to mine, Jisung dips a hand inside my panties, moving his fingers over my most sensitive spot in slow, methodical circles.
"Oh my God..."
"That feel good, (Y/N)?"
"So good."
"What else would make you feel good?"
"Use your mouth."
"Nothin' I'd like more."
Jisung tugs my panties down, kneeling in front of me to press his lips to the inside of my thigh. Gently, he spreads my legs apart. He flattens his tongue against my center with long, delicious pressure, before pulling away to tease me with tiny flicks.
"Please keep going."
Jisung moves his mouth over me again, groaning as I buck my hips forward to meet him.
"You taste even better than I imagined."
I tremble as he continues to work his mouth over me, each movement of his lips and tongue bringing me closer and closer to the edge. Heat pools in my belly and I throw my head back in ecstasy. Desperate to have a hold on something, I dig my fingernails into Jisung's shoulder.
"Mmmm...getting' impatient?"
"Can you blame me?"
"Is that how you like it, (Y/N)? A little rough?"
"Actually...I like it even rougher."
I lean in to kiss his earlobe, then take it between my teeth, whispering as I bite down lightly.
"Pleasure and pain aren't so far apart, after all. Here, let me show you."
"Ohhh..."
I nip along the curve of his neck before settling at the hollow of his throat.
"You're gonna leave a mark."
"I intend to."
I move my mouth lower, my teeth scraping over his hard pecs.
"Mmmmm..."
When I drag my nails from his neck to the base of his shoulder, he moans.
"Damn. You might be right about gettin' rough."
I end his torment by dragging my nails down his spine. He curls against me, undone. By the time I pull away for a breath, Jisung's practically panting with need.
"Looks like I'm not the only one gettin' excited."
I take him in my hand, gasping at how hard he is. Unable to help himself, he thrusts against my palm.
"The things you're doin' to me right now, (Y/N)."
"Is that so? I have even more to show you. So why don't you tell me...how much you want me."
"I want you so bad, I can't think straight. All I dream about is you moanin' my name."
"What're we doin' in these dreams of yours?"
"Somethin' like this..."
As his hands slide between my legs, he dips a finger to feel my wetness. I gasp.
"But since I'm all done, I have to take care of myself."
"Do you pretend it's me touchin' you? Or do you picture us together?"
"I'm always wishin' it was you."
As he picks up speed, I writhe beneath him.
"Your sweet mouth makin' that perfect 'o'. You whimperin' in my ear, beggin' me to take you."
"Jisung, I'm close--"
"Good. I wanna bring you there."
I feel myself ramp right up to the edge, but...reluctantly, I tear myself away.
"Not yet. I want all of you tonight."
"Any way you want me, I'm yours."
"I want to be on top of you."
I shove Jisung to the ground and climb atop him.
"Always have liked a woman in charge."
As I lower myself onto him, he bites his bottom lip to hold back a groan. I tremble with anticipation, sliding over him inch by inch. Once I have him fully inside, I rock my hips against him.
"Oh my God..."
"You feel so damn good."
I'm euphoric from the way he fills me. As we move together, I pulse around the delicious strain of him.
"Jisung..."
When I grind against him, Jisung bucks back, stroking my sweet spot with each lustful thrust.
"I'm about to--"
Hearing him, I'm not sure which is stronger, the storm raging around us...or the one raging within me.
"Please. I want to feel it happen."
"God (Y/N), I'm...I'm...Mmmmm..."
Jisung climaxing pushes me over the edge, pulsing ecstasy sweeping through my body, every nerve alight with pleasure.
"God, yes! "
After several long, intense moments, the wave recedes, leaving me limp with satisfaction. We collapse into each other's arms, both breathless with the intensity of what we just experienced.
"That was incredible."
Jisung cups my cheek with a hand, stroking it slowly with a thumb, gazing steadily into my eyes.
"That only just beings to describe it. I never realized it could be that way."
"It's because there's something more between us. You can feel it, can't you? It's like a lead, tethering us together."
A bolt of lightning illuminates the sky. I shudder in Jisung's arms.
"I do. I denied it for so long, but I can't anymore."
He leans in to press a kiss to my shoulder.
"I'm glad we were finally able to explore that connection."
"Even though the circumstances were...unconventional?" I ask with a smile.
"Honestly, it tracks."
The rain picks up in intensity, and with the warmth of my need starting to fade, I shiver. Jisung stands and reaches out a hand to help me up.
"Probably time we head back to the stables. Minho might need a hand with that foal."
"Of course."
I grasp Jisung's hand and pull him in for a tender kiss. He keeps my hand in his the whole walk back to the stables. As we duck inside, Jisung shuts the heavy doors behind us. With the sounds of the storm slightly muffled, it's apparent how silent the stables are...
"Minho? You in here?"
My voice echoes around the mostly empty stalls.
"I'm sure he's in with the new foal."
"Maybe. But he was so set on keepin' this place quiet, wouldn't he be shushin' us by now?"
"Maybe you're right. Somethin's off here."
We rush to our mare's stall to find her licking her newborn foal.
"Look at that... A new addition to the ranch!" I smile looking back at Jisung.
The mare and foal are right where they should be...but Minho's sprawled out on the floor, face down in the hay! I drop to my knees and turn him over...
"Minho? Minho, wake up!"
...But Minho doesn't respond. He lays beneath me, deaf to my pleas.