My Head is an Animal

Why don't they understand?! Rex stomped listlessly. Why can't they see that when I'm with Dutch, I want to be with Layka and when I'm with her, I feel guilty and depressed. Why did Layka have to come in and ruin everything? He didn't dislike her, but it was just so confusing.

Returning to Dutchess, she said to Rex, "What's your problem, acting so rude?" His ear twitched, and a massive headache popped up.
"Nothing, Dutch. I'm just tired." Rex's lame excuse did not sit well with Dutch and she plowed on.
"You obviously don't want to do anything with me today. So maybe I'll just go with Layka."

His stomach churned at the thought of them together; They'll probably discuss how idiotic I am, Rex thought irritably.
Dutchess turned away and began for mountain; calling back to Rex saying, "Feel free to come with."
"No thanks..," he muttered an inaudible reply, ears flattened.

Maybe I shouldn't be with either of them.. If only Layka and I could just.. restart. She's not going about too badly, pretending we've never met. Maybe I'll do that too? Rex contemplated. His stomach growled, alerting him to the hunger he'd been ignoring.

(Short post is short)

Rex was grazing in a field when he raised his head to see Layka and Dutchess coming down a hill. He flicked his tail, unsure of what to do. "Hello," he said finally.

Leaves floated from the trees, latching onto the fall breeze as a foal would latch to its mother. The wind brought the cluster closer and closer into a field where three horses stood tensely. One lone red leaf broke away and drifted serenely down to the grass, by a glittering hoof.

--

"Hello Rex," Dutchess said to him as she approached. A trace of bitterness pierced her voice, autumn air carrying the words into Rex's ears. "What occupied your time today?"
His neck stayed close to the ground where a single leaf declared home. As Rex began to open his mouth to make a reply, the fashionista, Layka, made her presence known with a greeting. "Hey Rex, how was your day? Dutch and I enjoyed a marvelous time out, you should have accompanied us."

Rex lifted his head at the mare's conversation, looking in her eyes. "I didn't do anything," he answered the pair hollowly. "..Just stayed here. Ate. Drank. Watched the birds. Pretty boring, really." He shuffled his hooves in a nonchalant way, hoping to soon get the attention away from himself. Damn, she looks good.. he thought, amazed at Layka.

Rex was jostled out of his musings when she spoke again. "What do you say to going into the lake for a bit? Who knows, it could be fun!"

"Uh.. maybe. What do you think, Dutch?"

Layka raced in front of Dutchess and Rex, she wanted to go down to the lake today, she didn't know why, but she did.
"Hurry up slowpokes" she called back laughing, the wind was blowing her curls around as she galloped towards a big rock, then stopped and waited for Dutchess and Rex to catch up.
Today was the perfect day, Layka could feel it. But then she remember the hate she held deep down for Dutchess. She thought about it, as she stood there. waiting for the two.
Do I really still hate Dutchess. Or am I jealous, maybe its both. But no, she is my friend now, and there is no time for foolish jealously. you do not envy her.
She glanced back, seeing the two slowly walk forward.
"Last one here needs to walk around with a frog on thier head all day long!" she called out, resuming in her laughter, after the brief moment of thinking.
I want Rex, but I cant have him, because he wants Dutchess.
She looked down into the water at her reflection, staring back at the two horses from there.
"what to do" she whispered under her breath.
I don't want to loose my new, and one of my ONLY friends, Dutchess. But at the same time, I want Rex so bad.
She was caught up in the moment and just stood there with a blank expression on her face

Layka's excitement was infectious. Succumbing, Rex made a little rear and galloped fast after her.
"Last one to the lake is a rotten egg!!" Layka giggled.
"Not on my watch," he called back, putting on more speed.
Their tails danced in the wind as they ran towards the glistening water. Rex let out a laugh, feeling happy for the first time in a while. Layka is so fun, he thought, slowing down a little. The mare got ahead of him and stopped at the edge of the Lake, and looked at the water.
Rex smirked and put on a burst of speed, sailing right past her and into the drink, creating a huge splash that drenched them both. "Ha ha!" he taunted, and splished in deeper.

The noon sun rose up in the sky, shining its glorious rays upon Myst. No lydes were in sight. Everything was perfect. Rustling leaves and whistling wind were the sounds of the day, accompanied by a certain alpha's laughing.
"Haha!" Rex chuckled, succeeding in his silly mission to drench the mares in water. He tiled his head, Why wasn't Layka giggling?
Rex's ears drooped slightly, disappointed for he hadn't amused her. Layka wore a strangely thoughtful look upon her face, one that made him feel very self-concious. "Is something wrong..?" he ventured.
A reply snapped out of her lips, "Sorry, I need to go." And Layka took off without another word.
"What was that about??" Rex said aloud, confused. The seemingly distressed mare's ringlets disappeared over the horizon. Rex was steadily growing worried. "Should we go after her?" he continued to Dutch.

The couple concernedly followed Layka, relying on the faint hoof prints to guide them to where she'd hidden. Oh no.. Is she in the grotto? a thought popped into Rex's head. This is going to be awkward. He looked sideways towards Dutch, and prayed that things wouldn't get too.. odd.

They poked their heads into the dimply lit cave, bodies pressed together uncomfortably in the tight space. "Layka?" Rex called out softly. "Are you in here?"

Rex snorted. "Meditating..?" He glanced over at Dutchess, wary of Layka's attitude.
"Um, Layka, you know that if you need anything, we're here for you, Dutch and I."
Something trickled down Rex's neck, feeling slimy. He tossed his mane, trying to get the water beetle away from him. Stupid thing, interrupting something like this, he cursed the bug.
Rex looked back at the troubled horse, where a stare of hatred infected her face. "Layka?" he said again nervously.

"I need to go," she spat out. "And don't you dare think about chasing after me!" Layka then splashed out, leaving an air of tension inside the cave.
Taken aback, Rex hopped backwards as though stung. "Divas," Rex said with a sigh. All they want is attention.. But even though he was annoyed, Rex was also strangely infatuated with the mare's bratty ways. He began to twist thoughts around, thinking about what life would be like with her, instead of with Dutchess.

...We'd be powerful. Two natural leaders, together. We'd be perfect. She's so beautiful, and so right for me. And I'm so right for Layka, aren't I?-- But Dutchess is your girl.
There it was yet again. The irritating small voice. Such a hindrance it was to Rex!

"I need to figure out what's wrong," he stated. It wouldn't hurt. I'm just going to see what's the matter. That's all.
"Dutch, I'm going to see what's going on. I think I know what her deal is, and I'll try to help her. Do you mind if I go alone?" And he trotted out, back towards Layka's tree, towards the lake.

--

There it was. The little shine in Layka's glossy mane. Rex couldn't help it, he gave a little twitter-pated sigh*. He walked up to Layka and gave her a nudge. "Hey. What happened today was kinda crazy, no? What's up?" Rex spoke with a soft, caring voice; hoping that Layka wouldn't run away crazily as she had already.

[*Omg. Twitter-pated. Lol. I've been watching Bambi. ;)]

She never failed to amaze Rex. She sent shivers down his back with lust, toying with his brain. But then her voice turned harsh. "I'm feeling torn, Rex. I want to be friends with Dutch, but I love you more... But you don't love me." Layka's tone got softer, sadder, and sweeter. I love you, though..

"Why can't you see that we'd be simply perfect together. I'd love you. Be there for you. Comfort you. Be everything for you. But that's Dutchess, isn't it?" Her eyes, showing love and adoration, turned hard again. Rex was hypnotized.

Layka casually flicked his forelock behind his ear. His insides melting, Rex heard her speak once more. "You should consider it. Us, I mean. Think about what we could do together.. Think of what we could be together."

And with a peck from her on his nose, Rex fell for Layka all over again; hook, line, and sinker. "L- Layka.." he mumbled, in a daze. Don't leave. But she turned and left, hair bouncing in a cute way. Rex watched her leave, mulling over what she said.. 'You and I, we could be anything..'
"We could be anything.." he repeated.

--

Hooves thundered in a field nearby, a herd returning to a popular field to retreat into for the coming night. I suppose I should go back to the cave,* Rex planned. But would Dutchess be there? Crap. Is she still in the grotto? Feeling a headache coming on, Rex had a brief feeling of yearning for Hollywood. There, they'd have medicine for his migraines.

He shook himself; I need to get to the cave. I can talk to Layka tomorrow. And so he trekked up the now beaten path into the quiet, cool area. Rex knelt down on the stone floor, legs too weary to stand from galloping across the region all day. He lay his head down, and closed his eyes..

Rex was galloping across a dreamy plain, Layka by his side. They ran and ran, clouds floating through the sky revealing a romantic rainbow. He looked over at the ringleted mare, and gave her a smile which Layka returned. As they went over the hill, a beautiful beach came into view. Waves crashed soundlessly, leaving shining wet sand in its wake. Rex flew into the water and splashed merrily, beckoning Layka to join him. But she was looking over his shoulder, a terrified look upon her face. "Wha--" Rex began when a huge tidal wave flung him into the air! "Help!!" he screamed.

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!?" the infuriated voice of Dutchess echoed through the sky.
Rex could barely get out his weak excuse, "I- I didn't d- do anything!"
Magnified over ten times her size, Dutchess stomped angrily in the sand. She had no eyes for Layka, she only sought to inflict revenge. With a yell of rage, the giant mare kicked Rex into the sea, and pushed him under the surface. Salt water snuck into his lungs, burning, searing.

And then he was brought back up onto the white sand. Rex coughed and spluttered, the whole time Dutchess laughed cruelly. Layka stood over him, crying, saying over and over "Rex.. No.. Rex!"


"Rex.."
He opened his eyes. Oh my god. It was just a dream. Rex felt something touch his shoulder; Layka. "Gih ermph?" his words jumbled tiredly. "How long have you been here?"
Stretching his head out, Rex got up. It seemed to be the middle of the night, according to the shining crescent moon. He shifted closer to Layka, drawing in body heat in the cool night air.