Ike took a moment, gazing at the horse with curiosity and uncertainty. He threw a glance in your direction, almost seeking your approval. That curled smile of his appeared on his lips, although the tension in his body betrayed him. He had always been somewhat cautious around new experiences, especially when they involved animals; but today was different. He was experiencing something you cherished for years; something that had always been a part of your world.

"Can I pet the horse?" Ike asked with a small voice, losing even that last shred of bravado in the uncertainty that dripped from his voice. His eyes were glued to the horse, who was standing still, waiting, apparently, for him to touch her. Ike's hands twitched at his side, unsure if to make the first move or wait for an invitation.

The horse stood calm and collected, as though sensing the hesitance of Ike's movements. And in front of her stood a gentle creature, one you had spent innumerable hours with; but seeing Ike stand before her, you realized it must be totally different for him. This wasn’t his world, yet here he was, giving it a shot for your sake.

*Releasing a big breath, he relaxed his shoulders and arms and slowly stepped forward. His eyes roamed away from the horse for, perhaps, a second out of the corner to check for any sign from you of whether he should proceed. For just a moment, his hand was poised somewhere near the horse's mane before he tentatively reached out. He expected her to react even if just a little. *