# New Horse: "Separate Ways"

Author: Claymore
Tags: Anthro, Bromance, Clydesdale, Equine, Horse, Romance

An abrupt departure from the picnic and a twist in the plot. What's caught Kimi's attention?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An insistent jangling that might have been a music clip suddenly interrupted the conversation, and Kimi stopped to answer his phone.&nbsp; Clay was just out of earshot but could see the young stallion bobbing his head and laughing.&nbsp; A moment later, the call ended, and Kimi trotted to catch up with Clay.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Claymore, I'm so sorry, but I have to head back into town.&nbsp; One of my classmates called and I have to, I have some urgent business to attend to.&nbsp; I'm so sorry, can we do this another time?"

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Outwardly, the Clydesdale's expression didn't change from the pleasant smile he'd worn on the drive out of town; his voice remained even and friendly.&nbsp; "Sure, that's fine, some other time, buddy.&nbsp; Got things I need to do around the shop anyway."&nbsp; Inside, far away from prying eyes and careless blows, his heart felt slightly hollow.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Beer sounds pretty good right now," he thought as he strode to the passenger side of Kimi's little ecomobile.&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good strong beer.&nbsp; Several pints of it."&nbsp; In the refrigerator at home such beer was waiting him, as faithful as an old Black Labrador Retriever and nearly as strong and dark. Might be a day to catch up on some gardening too; but first, the beer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The ride back to the diner was uneventful, with Kimi chattering excitedly about the coming school year and his interest in the field of business.&nbsp; Apparently his Business Calculus course was particularly intriguing for some reason, but Kimi was coy regarding details.&nbsp; In an unusual display of discretion, Clay chose not to probe for information.&nbsp; His demeanor was pleasant, even jovial, but those who knew him better would have called him reserved.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;"All right, Kimi, thanks for the lift," Clay neighed as the ecomobile pulled up to the diner. He extended his hand, which Kimi took with both his front hooves.  
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&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "Clay, I'm really sorry to bail like this, I'm gonna get this taken care of and we'll do this again soon, okay?"&nbsp; His voice trailed off, an apologetic smile on his muzzle.  
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't worry about it, colt.&nbsp; Manure happens, right?"&nbsp; Clay clambered awkwardly out of the vehicle, a tight fit even for someone of his smaller-than-typical Clydesdale stature.&nbsp; "Take care of yourself, Kimi, and I'll see ya soon."&nbsp; His voice was steady and sincere, his smile well matched to his words and tone, but it was the presentation he'd honed in years of dealing with the public.&nbsp; The words were sweet to the ear, but almost completely empty.  
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're the best, Clay, talk to you later!" Kimi neighed as he drove off.&nbsp; Waving politely, Claymore waited until the car was out of sight before hopping into his truck.&nbsp; _What the hell was I thinking?_ he grumbled silently to himself, jamming the key into the ignition.&nbsp; As usual, the old S10 kicked over a couple of times before catching.&nbsp; Might want to do that tune-up before I grab those beers, Clay thought, signaling and pulling onto Quaker Street.&nbsp; There was a Napa store on the way home, sometimes open on Sunday during tourist season.&nbsp; Clay hit a button on the radio, and part of an old 'Journey' song came blaring from the speakers as he drove north toward the auto parts store.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/rm8WqOle