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Aaaand, here we go, finally, the next step of Nao and Leon 's story ! It took a long time to publish but heh, here it is
If you read IHS' stories, you may already know that Nao is a sensitive person and that he's subject to sudden panic attacks and huge anxiety. But luckily for him, he foudn someone who might be able to help him...
This story have been written with Acetoma who wrote for her characters ♥
Check out her art for this chapter !

Check out the previous chapter of Nao & Leon's story : .-. A trip full of surprises .-.

WARNING : LOOONG STORY LMAO

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Badum, badum, badum…
Nao’s heart was beating fast and loud. He was looking through the crowd, desperately looking for his favorite redhead. He was impatient, so impatient to see him again. They haven’t seen each other since the last time… Who was the beginning of their official relationship? So, this date was their first as an official couple. Damn, there were so many people at this damn event! The French man hadn’t even imagined how popular this championship show-jumping stage would be and he started to be kind of angry because of these people. Not only because he has an anxiety issue about being in a heavy crowd but also because he kind of hates public demeanor in popular places. They usually forget all the good manners and respect for the people and the place.
Nao looked at his phone. And for the icing on the cake, he didn’t get any network!
Suddenly, he felt a presence in his back and turned to face it. He fronted a tall man who looked… Too confident. Nao felt a bad feeling about him.
“Hey there. Are you alone? Did you want some company ?”
“I’m not,” Nao answered in a cold voice. “I’m waiting for someone.”
The tall man looked around them and made a grin.
“It seems the person you’re looking for is not here. Did you want to share a table with me while you wait ?”
“I already said no. Please leave me alone.”
“And if I don’t want to ?”
“Well, I’ll have to call for the security then.”
“Just because someone is talking to you? They would not move their ass. Come on, it doesn’t commit you to anything after all.”
“Huh– I said I don’t want to.”
Gosh, what a hassle. So, even in official events, they were people who were boring others? That was exactly why Nao didn’t like this kind of event. The guy made a step closer. And Nao began to panic.

Leon had been looking around the crowd for Nao, he was pissed at all the people, I mean they bought tickets, and they had every right to be there but damn did they make finding someone specific difficult, he grumbled under his breath some choice words.
He looked at his watch, then back around here he finally spotted a potential Nao!
Leon began his trek over when he noticed the tall man getting up close and personal, another one? Why did people seem to want someone when they're taken?? He narrowed his eyes just like he did with the hotel employee and made his way over.
Sharp, Boney elbow met gut as Leon attempted to rescue his boyfriend still had to get used to that.
Leon cleared his throat "Hello Love, sorry I took so long."

“Urgh! Are you freakin’ crazy ?!”
The guy started to grumble at Leon after his majestic appearance. It has to be said that he certainly didn't appreciate the elbow in his gut, but didn’t he deserve it after all? The guy was turning red as his anger grew. He started to make a move to reach Leon, but Nao interposed himself between them.
“You better move on and leave, or I’ll have a good reason to call security this time.”
He said with the coldest glance and voice he could have. The guy stopped and shot a last angry look at Leon.
“That’s not the end, son of a b—-.”
Then he began to finally walk away. Nao sighed in relief and turned to face his boyfriend. He took Leon’s hand and gave him a soft look and a loving smile.
“Hello, Honey. I’m happy to see you.”
He then placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
“I’m sorry, I got in trouble again. How have you been since the last time we met ?”

"That guy an asshole rig-honey??" Leon raised an eyebrow at the pet name he kinda felt like an old woman being called honey by her husband but he let it slide, again, this was another new thing usually his exes didn't even bother.
"Um anyway no it's fine I couldn't figure out where you were and I didn't have service to call. This place is damn crowded." He rambled and waved his hand in annoyance, "I've been alright, how have you been?" Leon looked up at Nao with a raised eyebrow, he seemed a little stressed…
"Why don't we go somewhere less crowded? That way we can breathe ya know?"

“Are you sure that’s fine? If you don’t like this nickname, I’m sorry, I’ll find another one.”
Answered Nao with an embarrassed smile.
“I’m glad you found me too. And yeah, the service is awful and the crowd is oppressing.”
Nao was still stressed by the people around him. He would have loved to be in a place with just Leon and him. The hotel room? Again? Maybe… He started to look around with anxiety when Leon asked him back how he has been since the last time they saw each other.
“I've done good, pretty busy with my horses but… It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t looking forward to our next meeting! I appreciate your invitation to this event.”
When Leon asked him if he wanted to go to a place less crowded, Nao sighed with relief. He agreed with a nod.
“That would be great. I do not feel my best here.”
He launched a look at Leon’s hand, uncertain about if he could take it, and decided to not. Maybe Leon wasn’t comfortable enough to show their relationship in the face of the world now. Anyway, Nao had decided to not rush things, to take his time. That was harder than expected, but he knew that’d be the best.
“ I follow you, so.”

"no, it is." Leon dismissed "Im just not used to it so it caught me off guard" the redhead nodded "I've been busy with mine too mostly training though I haven't been too interested in the competition since Im heading back to the US in a couple of weeks and Im glad you wanted to come with me actually, my parents have been too busy giving lessons plus they aren't much on the show scene anymore you understand" Leon rambled on, he began to walk off, showing the way to a less active area before he paused and looked back at his partner " are you not going to take my hand? This is a huge crowd after all." Leon extended his hand toward him so he could take it, he was happy Nao decided to come to the event, more so happy Nao decided to come to see him! He'd been thinking about him a lot since his last trip to London with his brothers when they officially decided to give it a try. Leon's cheeks began to burn soft pink thinking of it, " cmon let's go"

When Leon suddenly said that he had to return to the US, Nao froze. Ah, yeah. It was already this moment. That was not like he didn’t know about it. After all, Leon told him that he had to return to the US during their very first meeting but… That was still hard to accept. Since then, they were approximately 1000 miles away from each other. In the future, they’d be over 5000 miles away. That was a lot. The man felt his heart squeezed a bit and a huge sadness crossed his mind. He tried to pull himself together but he took a few seconds to realize that Leon had extended his hand to him.
“Uh? Oh, yeah, sure I’m going to take it. You’re right, that’d be stupid to lose the other one.”
Nao said with a happy voice which was certainly looking false, but he had to pull the wool over Leon’s eyes. He didn’t want to waste this last moment with him for a long time by being sad about something he was supposed to know.
“Where are we going ?”

“Well I wasn’t sure, do you want to stay at the event or go somewhere else?” Leon asked and glanced over to the other man, “Are you alright?” he could tell something was up but didn’t know what exactly. He was a bit wary of the distance but he knew he had to go back, maybe that was it for Nao as well? Leon decided to try to comfort him anyway, taking Nao's hand himself and intertwining their fingers, “Are you worried about me going back? Because I can always fly to France you know, or you can come there?” he tried to offer some kind of solace.

“Hm, I’d prefer to stay here, as we pay for our tickets, after all, I’d like to see some good competitors riding. Did you think there are some VIP private spaces available over there ?”
He asked, pointing to the VIP area. Nao didn’t deliberately answer the question asking him if he was alright, because he either had to say that he was not or had to lie to Leon, and this last thing was something he refused himself to do to his boyfriend. When Leon took his hand and joined his fingers to his ones and finally asked about the distance matter, Nao gave him a sad smile.
“Am I so obvious? Yes, I am worried about your departure. That’s stupid, ‘cause we already live in different countries, but this time, you’ll be far. I know that we can both fly to the other one’s country, but that’s not the same kind of travel. I mean, I can decide to come to London after an impulse for a weekend, not in the US. And if you meet someone else over there while we could not see each other for months ?”
Nao made a low and nervous laugh.
“I’m stupid I know. Sorry about that, I don’t want to ruin our date.”

"You are." Leon agreed then sighed "I have zero ulterior motives or plans to meet anyone else over there you know. Just cause you're farther away." Leon led him toward the VIP rooms he mentioned "Besides I've been worrying about that myself but with YOU on the other hand" he thought it kind of funny how they worried about the same thing, strangely.
" You aren't ruining anything, Nao." Leon was quiet for a moment " I've had multiple relationships like this before so I guess I'm used to it but you aren't right?" He paused again, "Sorry for agreeing that you are stupid also…I didn't mean it."
Leon managed to find a nice VIP room for them, it had a great view of the competition with no one but them. " Finally. Now we can watch without that creep stalking up or our elbows rubbing elbows with whatever other weirdos they're are in that crowd"

Nao was letting himself be led by Leon while he was quietly listening to him. The statement about his stupidity hit a bit, but heh, he was the one who admitted that first. At Leon’s affirmation that he was thinking the same as Nao but on the other side, he couldn’t restrain a little smile. He was not the only stupid one here. When they arrived in a free VIP room, Nao began to relax. Away from the crowd, finally!
“The creep was still staring at us? Seriously ?”
Nao asked with surprise. He had thought that the guy moved forward after Leon’s appearance. He didn’t wait for the answer and locked the door for more safety.
He then turned himself to Leon and made a big sight.
“You’re right, I’m not used to it. I had more one-night-stands than any other type of relationship, ‘cause I was convinced that serious relationships were not for me after my ex… Until I met you, of course.”
Nao goes to one of the armchairs which were in the middle of the room and sat down. He put his head in his hands for a second.
“Thank you to say that I’m not stupid, nor that I am not ruining things, because that’s not my impression.”
Nao realized while he was talking that he was showing the worst aspects of his character at this moment: his anxiety mixed with his lack of confidence, making him seem to doubt his partner. He started to feel a kind of panic, remembering that this whole side of him was one of the main reasons that his ex decided to dump him. And if the same happened here? He was not like a trusty person and he knew that.
“I wish you never had to see me like this.”

"Yep, he was a weird one." Leon looked from the window back to Nao, "Why not?" Leon asked simply and walked over he scooted the second armchair close to Naos and leaned in, "I'm not usually the rational one in this kind of situation but isn't it good to talk about things like this?" He'd read that in article one, one of those dumb little ones that get you hooked on a sentence and then ambush you with various dumb things and ads, but maybe it would help. He'd been doing a lot of research about communication, something that was his weakness...but he wanted Nao to be happy and felt this was a good step.
"You aren't gonna scare me off that's my job." he placed a reassuring hand on his knee, and he read about that too, "Look I'm not planning to go off to America and get another lover, nor am I planning to dump you. I can just as easily fly to you if I'm off, rich kid privilege and all that." Leon attempted to make a joke to lighten Nao's worries, "It'll be alright."

“Yeah, I know that we are supposed to talk about that, but… I’m afraid. You can say whatever you want to, I’ll still be afraid, not because I don’t trust you but because I don’t trust me. I have a really bad vision of myself and I try to not let my anxiety overwhelm me with some panicking thoughts.”
Well, he tried to hide this side of his demeanor but it seemed it failed. Maybe Leon was right, after all. Maybe talking was the solution. Nao launched a look at his lover, who was just patiently waiting for him to react.
“And I didn't want you to see me like that because that’s not how a trustful boyfriend is supposed to react, huh? I am supposed to be happy for you going home, and meeting your friends, horses, and students again. But I’m not, and that’s selfish.”
Damn, Nao was feeling so bad, but he still made a light smiles at Leon’s joke. “Heh, rich kids these days, able to do all they want–”
He suddenly stopped his sentence, feeling a kind of fear waves overwhelming him. A panic attack was ready to happen.
“Fuck.” he mumbled as his hands started to lightly shake.
The crowd, the creep, the departure, his lack of confidence, and his anxiety were too much and he couldn’t handle it. He started to try thinking about anything else, looking up to look at Leon’s eyes. Maybe he could avoid it like that? He had to at least try. Fuck, he wasn’t ready for that.
!

"Nao?" Leon asked when Nao suddenly stopped talking to him and just looked at him he was confused, "Are you okay?" he attempted to take his hands when he noticed how shaky Nao was, and he looked back up to him, was it some kind of panic attack? he remembered learning what to do in case one of his students ever had severe anxiety, and how he could help them.
"Hey, I think you're having some kind of panic attack, it'll go away soon but for now why don't you come over here and try to breathe alright?" Leon swiftly took action leading Nao to the nearby couch and sitting down he offered the other seat to Nao and pulled him down so his head was in his lap, "I'm usually not the sweet one here, what have you done to me, Nao Maida." Leon joked lightly and began gently messing with Naos hair, truth be told he was a bit worried if this would work or not. His mother, Sorcha, used to do this to them to quell the aftermath of a tantrum, it always put Leon to sleep.
Leon didn't have many kind moments with his partners, to be honest, he and Nao probably had more already than any of them, though he was brash and rude most of the time he liked being sweet to those he loved.

The seconds were running and the panic wasn't getting low. Nao knew the process well, as this one was not the first panic attack he had in his life, so when he started to feel his breath becoming loud and heavy, he knew he couldn’t avoid it. Too late, the process was already advanced.
“I… I’m not.”
These were the only words that could come outside his mouth as he was gasping to get some air. He heard Leon saying that he knew what happened and felt glad that for once someone knew that. He let Leon take him to the couch and lay on it, still trying to catch some air. Leon’s joke extracted a slight smile from Nao, who couldn’t say anything at the moment, just trying to focus on breathing. He could feel the tears of pain and panic coming into his eyes.
“I’m… Sorry.”
He gasped between two deep breaths. After a moment, he felt that the attack was getting less important. That’s when he realized that Leon was messing with his hair, a thing which had certainly helped during the crisis.

The breathing was still difficult, but the shaking was gone.
“I know I apologize too much, but I’m sorry you had to see that. That hasn't happened in months.”
He raised one of his hands to make a stroke on Leon’s cheek.
“Thank you for playing the sweet one. I needed it.”

"As unnatural to me as it is...I'm happy to play it when you need it." Leon continued to mess with his hair and let out a soft sigh, "You don't have to worry Nao, You've already been a great partner in the little time we've been together and I'm excited to see what's in store. " Leon maneuvered his way down to plant a small kiss on his cheek, " I'll probably call and text your so much you'll get annoyed with me, and I'm gonna come see you whenever I like so you better be on the lookout for my car at all times or get surprised." The Brit smiled slyly, "I'm gonna spam your phone with photos you don't even ask for, and when I DO come to France well. of course straight to the hotel first. then I'll drag you out on a date." Leon rambled peacefully about all the ways he'd make Nao feel like he was nearby still, "Let's watch the show then go back to the hotel, we can get ice cream, a usual bad movie, and do what we do best." Leon hoped offering something familiar after the show would ease Nao more and he'd hoped his words would too. He felt bad for leaving the UK but he knew he was needed at Acetoma...
"Maybe one day I'll convince Evie to open a branch in the UK or even France so I can run it. and you can come to stay whenever you like~"

“How can I get annoyed by someone like you ?”
The question goes out of Nao’s mouth with a soft and lovely voice because it was coming directly out of his mind, without any filter.
“If I have been a great partner, you showed up being way better than me. But I’m happy that despite all of these weaknesses, you still want me by your side.”
The words of Leon made the young man smile. That was silly, but they reassured him a lot.
“If so, I’m impatient to get all of these calls, texts, and photos. I’m impatient to see some slices of your life over there. I’d come as often as I could too, ‘cause I want to meet your students and see who is fool enough to be under your directives !”
Nao said with a joking voice, then stood up straight then came closer to Leon.
“And be sure I'll be looking for you in France. I’ll take you on some trips over my lands, showing you the better places. Some of them are way better than a hotel, trust me, for a lot of… Activities.”
He leaned to put his head on Leon’s shoulder and gave a loving look to Leon.
“I am lucky to be your boyfriend. I think you’re way sweeter than you think and I’m glad that the other guys weren't able to handle you. ‘Cause we wouldn’t be together if so.”

"Fools? Or do you mean future champions?" Leon bantered back when Nao mentioned 'showing him around' Leon couldn't help but smirk "Oh really? Then I'd love to see them~ " he glanced at Nao again, his head resting on Leon's shoulder, and sighed peacefully "Sweet? Me? I would never." He gently leaned his head into Naos and looked down into the show grounds, the show was about to begin, "y'know I'm kind of glad too." He admitted, man, it'd been a while since he was this happy, especially with someone…had he said that before? He couldn't remember anymore, too focused on the soft glow of the arena lighting highlighting the man beside him.

“I mean future champions. What else can they be under your teaching ?” answered Nao with a sweet smile.
“I’m sure you’ll be loving them. France has a lot of charms, you know? I mean, apart from the fact that I live there.”
Well, Nao was feeling better as he was able to joke like that. He made a delighted sigh when Leon put his head on his shoulder. “You misspelled ever.” he jokes as he puts a kiss on Leon’s head.

"Terrible? You don't seem to be complaining" The redhead laughed he was enjoying himself and his time with Nao though he was sad he'd have to leave he wanted to make the best of it, he'd become more comfortable around Nao too he noticed himself relaxing and being less rude…to him.

"I am not complaining, you're the most lovable terrible person I know."
Nao was now quietly looking at Leon, stopping for a bit his kisses. Well if he had imagined a few weeks priors the evolution of his relationship with him, he wouldn't have believed it.

Leon was amazed at how quickly their relationship developed from a one-night stand , to regular partners for the night , to now dating . Nao certainly was a special one for even convincing the Brit that he should begin to date again. Leon admitted to himself in his mind, yes, he loved Nao. It was a sudden revelation but he kept it to himself, one day…he'd tell him. When he was sure they could weather their issues. Together.

And Nao was feeling good. He was thankful for fate to have put Leon on his way. Because he had found someone who was understanding, patient, secure, and who was willing to make an effort to help him in difficult situations like the one before. Who was not judgemental about his weaknesses. Yeah, Nao was considering himself absolutely lucky to have Leon as his boyfriend and felt relieved to have found someone surely able to help him to heal his wounds. He was in love. Like deeply in love. He wasn't even sure if he had loved someone like that before. And one day, he knew that he'd be confident enough to fully trust Leon and himself too.

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WORDS COUNTER : 4019 w. (WHAT THE FUCK XDDD)

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I also chose to draw a piece more based on figurative / symbolic way. Nao is like underwater, sinking in his own darknesses and taking away from reality too (that's why he's upside-down). Meanwhile, Leon is here the bringer of light in Nao's darknesses, slowly taking him back to reality and allowing him to breath again. It came to complete Ace's part.
Of course, all of this happens before this piece of art... Which will have its own storypart.

Nao belongs to meee ♥
Leon belongs to Acetoma

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Art & Story (c) by IvoryHillStables / NellaesArts / Acetoma
All Rights reserved
Ref : There, found on Pinterest
Softwares : Paint Tool SAI & Photoshop CC 2020

Description

Aaaand, here we go, finally, the next step of Nao and Leon 's story ! It took a long time to publish but heh, here it is
If you read IHS' stories, you may already know that Nao is a sensitive person and that he's subject to sudden panic attacks and huge anxiety. But luckily for him, he foudn someone who might be able to help him...
This story have been written with Acetoma who wrote for her characters ♥
Check out her art for this chapter !

Check out the previous chapter of Nao & Leon's story : .-. A trip full of surprises .-.

WARNING : LOOONG STORY LMAO

-----

Badum, badum, badum…
Nao’s heart was beating fast and loud. He was looking through the crowd, desperately looking for his favorite redhead. He was impatient, so impatient to see him again. They haven’t seen each other since the last time… Who was the beginning of their official relationship? So, this date was their first as an official couple. Damn, there were so many people at this damn event! The French man hadn’t even imagined how popular this championship show-jumping stage would be and he started to be kind of angry because of these people. Not only because he has an anxiety issue about being in a heavy crowd but also because he kind of hates public demeanor in popular places. They usually forget all the good manners and respect for the people and the place.
Nao looked at his phone. And for the icing on the cake, he didn’t get any network!
Suddenly, he felt a presence in his back and turned to face it. He fronted a tall man who looked… Too confident. Nao felt a bad feeling about him.
“Hey there. Are you alone? Did you want some company ?”
“I’m not,” Nao answered in a cold voice. “I’m waiting for someone.”
The tall man looked around them and made a grin.
“It seems the person you’re looking for is not here. Did you want to share a table with me while you wait ?”
“I already said no. Please leave me alone.”
“And if I don’t want to ?”
“Well, I’ll have to call for the security then.”
“Just because someone is talking to you? They would not move their ass. Come on, it doesn’t commit you to anything after all.”
“Huh– I said I don’t want to.”
Gosh, what a hassle. So, even in official events, they were people who were boring others? That was exactly why Nao didn’t like this kind of event. The guy made a step closer. And Nao began to panic.

Leon had been looking around the crowd for Nao, he was pissed at all the people, I mean they bought tickets, and they had every right to be there but damn did they make finding someone specific difficult, he grumbled under his breath some choice words.
He looked at his watch, then back around here he finally spotted a potential Nao!
Leon began his trek over when he noticed the tall man getting up close and personal, another one? Why did people seem to want someone when they're taken?? He narrowed his eyes just like he did with the hotel employee and made his way over.
Sharp, Boney elbow met gut as Leon attempted to rescue his boyfriend still had to get used to that.
Leon cleared his throat "Hello Love, sorry I took so long."

“Urgh! Are you freakin’ crazy ?!”
The guy started to grumble at Leon after his majestic appearance. It has to be said that he certainly didn't appreciate the elbow in his gut, but didn’t he deserve it after all? The guy was turning red as his anger grew. He started to make a move to reach Leon, but Nao interposed himself between them.
“You better move on and leave, or I’ll have a good reason to call security this time.”
He said with the coldest glance and voice he could have. The guy stopped and shot a last angry look at Leon.
“That’s not the end, son of a b—-.”
Then he began to finally walk away. Nao sighed in relief and turned to face his boyfriend. He took Leon’s hand and gave him a soft look and a loving smile.
“Hello, Honey. I’m happy to see you.”
He then placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
“I’m sorry, I got in trouble again. How have you been since the last time we met ?”

"That guy an asshole rig-honey??" Leon raised an eyebrow at the pet name he kinda felt like an old woman being called honey by her husband but he let it slide, again, this was another new thing usually his exes didn't even bother.
"Um anyway no it's fine I couldn't figure out where you were and I didn't have service to call. This place is damn crowded." He rambled and waved his hand in annoyance, "I've been alright, how have you been?" Leon looked up at Nao with a raised eyebrow, he seemed a little stressed…
"Why don't we go somewhere less crowded? That way we can breathe ya know?"

“Are you sure that’s fine? If you don’t like this nickname, I’m sorry, I’ll find another one.”
Answered Nao with an embarrassed smile.
“I’m glad you found me too. And yeah, the service is awful and the crowd is oppressing.”
Nao was still stressed by the people around him. He would have loved to be in a place with just Leon and him. The hotel room? Again? Maybe… He started to look around with anxiety when Leon asked him back how he has been since the last time they saw each other.
“I've done good, pretty busy with my horses but… It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t looking forward to our next meeting! I appreciate your invitation to this event.”
When Leon asked him if he wanted to go to a place less crowded, Nao sighed with relief. He agreed with a nod.
“That would be great. I do not feel my best here.”
He launched a look at Leon’s hand, uncertain about if he could take it, and decided to not. Maybe Leon wasn’t comfortable enough to show their relationship in the face of the world now. Anyway, Nao had decided to not rush things, to take his time. That was harder than expected, but he knew that’d be the best.
“ I follow you, so.”

"no, it is." Leon dismissed "Im just not used to it so it caught me off guard" the redhead nodded "I've been busy with mine too mostly training though I haven't been too interested in the competition since Im heading back to the US in a couple of weeks and Im glad you wanted to come with me actually, my parents have been too busy giving lessons plus they aren't much on the show scene anymore you understand" Leon rambled on, he began to walk off, showing the way to a less active area before he paused and looked back at his partner " are you not going to take my hand? This is a huge crowd after all." Leon extended his hand toward him so he could take it, he was happy Nao decided to come to the event, more so happy Nao decided to come to see him! He'd been thinking about him a lot since his last trip to London with his brothers when they officially decided to give it a try. Leon's cheeks began to burn soft pink thinking of it, " cmon let's go"

When Leon suddenly said that he had to return to the US, Nao froze. Ah, yeah. It was already this moment. That was not like he didn’t know about it. After all, Leon told him that he had to return to the US during their very first meeting but… That was still hard to accept. Since then, they were approximately 1000 miles away from each other. In the future, they’d be over 5000 miles away. That was a lot. The man felt his heart squeezed a bit and a huge sadness crossed his mind. He tried to pull himself together but he took a few seconds to realize that Leon had extended his hand to him.
“Uh? Oh, yeah, sure I’m going to take it. You’re right, that’d be stupid to lose the other one.”
Nao said with a happy voice which was certainly looking false, but he had to pull the wool over Leon’s eyes. He didn’t want to waste this last moment with him for a long time by being sad about something he was supposed to know.
“Where are we going ?”

“Well I wasn’t sure, do you want to stay at the event or go somewhere else?” Leon asked and glanced over to the other man, “Are you alright?” he could tell something was up but didn’t know what exactly. He was a bit wary of the distance but he knew he had to go back, maybe that was it for Nao as well? Leon decided to try to comfort him anyway, taking Nao's hand himself and intertwining their fingers, “Are you worried about me going back? Because I can always fly to France you know, or you can come there?” he tried to offer some kind of solace.

“Hm, I’d prefer to stay here, as we pay for our tickets, after all, I’d like to see some good competitors riding. Did you think there are some VIP private spaces available over there ?”
He asked, pointing to the VIP area. Nao didn’t deliberately answer the question asking him if he was alright, because he either had to say that he was not or had to lie to Leon, and this last thing was something he refused himself to do to his boyfriend. When Leon took his hand and joined his fingers to his ones and finally asked about the distance matter, Nao gave him a sad smile.
“Am I so obvious? Yes, I am worried about your departure. That’s stupid, ‘cause we already live in different countries, but this time, you’ll be far. I know that we can both fly to the other one’s country, but that’s not the same kind of travel. I mean, I can decide to come to London after an impulse for a weekend, not in the US. And if you meet someone else over there while we could not see each other for months ?”
Nao made a low and nervous laugh.
“I’m stupid I know. Sorry about that, I don’t want to ruin our date.”

"You are." Leon agreed then sighed "I have zero ulterior motives or plans to meet anyone else over there you know. Just cause you're farther away." Leon led him toward the VIP rooms he mentioned "Besides I've been worrying about that myself but with YOU on the other hand" he thought it kind of funny how they worried about the same thing, strangely.
" You aren't ruining anything, Nao." Leon was quiet for a moment " I've had multiple relationships like this before so I guess I'm used to it but you aren't right?" He paused again, "Sorry for agreeing that you are stupid also…I didn't mean it."
Leon managed to find a nice VIP room for them, it had a great view of the competition with no one but them. " Finally. Now we can watch without that creep stalking up or our elbows rubbing elbows with whatever other weirdos they're are in that crowd"

Nao was letting himself be led by Leon while he was quietly listening to him. The statement about his stupidity hit a bit, but heh, he was the one who admitted that first. At Leon’s affirmation that he was thinking the same as Nao but on the other side, he couldn’t restrain a little smile. He was not the only stupid one here. When they arrived in a free VIP room, Nao began to relax. Away from the crowd, finally!
“The creep was still staring at us? Seriously ?”
Nao asked with surprise. He had thought that the guy moved forward after Leon’s appearance. He didn’t wait for the answer and locked the door for more safety.
He then turned himself to Leon and made a big sight.
“You’re right, I’m not used to it. I had more one-night-stands than any other type of relationship, ‘cause I was convinced that serious relationships were not for me after my ex… Until I met you, of course.”
Nao goes to one of the armchairs which were in the middle of the room and sat down. He put his head in his hands for a second.
“Thank you to say that I’m not stupid, nor that I am not ruining things, because that’s not my impression.”
Nao realized while he was talking that he was showing the worst aspects of his character at this moment: his anxiety mixed with his lack of confidence, making him seem to doubt his partner. He started to feel a kind of panic, remembering that this whole side of him was one of the main reasons that his ex decided to dump him. And if the same happened here? He was not like a trusty person and he knew that.
“I wish you never had to see me like this.”

"Yep, he was a weird one." Leon looked from the window back to Nao, "Why not?" Leon asked simply and walked over he scooted the second armchair close to Naos and leaned in, "I'm not usually the rational one in this kind of situation but isn't it good to talk about things like this?" He'd read that in article one, one of those dumb little ones that get you hooked on a sentence and then ambush you with various dumb things and ads, but maybe it would help. He'd been doing a lot of research about communication, something that was his weakness...but he wanted Nao to be happy and felt this was a good step.
"You aren't gonna scare me off that's my job." he placed a reassuring hand on his knee, and he read about that too, "Look I'm not planning to go off to America and get another lover, nor am I planning to dump you. I can just as easily fly to you if I'm off, rich kid privilege and all that." Leon attempted to make a joke to lighten Nao's worries, "It'll be alright."

“Yeah, I know that we are supposed to talk about that, but… I’m afraid. You can say whatever you want to, I’ll still be afraid, not because I don’t trust you but because I don’t trust me. I have a really bad vision of myself and I try to not let my anxiety overwhelm me with some panicking thoughts.”
Well, he tried to hide this side of his demeanor but it seemed it failed. Maybe Leon was right, after all. Maybe talking was the solution. Nao launched a look at his lover, who was just patiently waiting for him to react.
“And I didn't want you to see me like that because that’s not how a trustful boyfriend is supposed to react, huh? I am supposed to be happy for you going home, and meeting your friends, horses, and students again. But I’m not, and that’s selfish.”
Damn, Nao was feeling so bad, but he still made a light smiles at Leon’s joke. “Heh, rich kids these days, able to do all they want–”
He suddenly stopped his sentence, feeling a kind of fear waves overwhelming him. A panic attack was ready to happen.
“Fuck.” he mumbled as his hands started to lightly shake.
The crowd, the creep, the departure, his lack of confidence, and his anxiety were too much and he couldn’t handle it. He started to try thinking about anything else, looking up to look at Leon’s eyes. Maybe he could avoid it like that? He had to at least try. Fuck, he wasn’t ready for that.
!

"Nao?" Leon asked when Nao suddenly stopped talking to him and just looked at him he was confused, "Are you okay?" he attempted to take his hands when he noticed how shaky Nao was, and he looked back up to him, was it some kind of panic attack? he remembered learning what to do in case one of his students ever had severe anxiety, and how he could help them.
"Hey, I think you're having some kind of panic attack, it'll go away soon but for now why don't you come over here and try to breathe alright?" Leon swiftly took action leading Nao to the nearby couch and sitting down he offered the other seat to Nao and pulled him down so his head was in his lap, "I'm usually not the sweet one here, what have you done to me, Nao Maida." Leon joked lightly and began gently messing with Naos hair, truth be told he was a bit worried if this would work or not. His mother, Sorcha, used to do this to them to quell the aftermath of a tantrum, it always put Leon to sleep.
Leon didn't have many kind moments with his partners, to be honest, he and Nao probably had more already than any of them, though he was brash and rude most of the time he liked being sweet to those he loved.

The seconds were running and the panic wasn't getting low. Nao knew the process well, as this one was not the first panic attack he had in his life, so when he started to feel his breath becoming loud and heavy, he knew he couldn’t avoid it. Too late, the process was already advanced.
“I… I’m not.”
These were the only words that could come outside his mouth as he was gasping to get some air. He heard Leon saying that he knew what happened and felt glad that for once someone knew that. He let Leon take him to the couch and lay on it, still trying to catch some air. Leon’s joke extracted a slight smile from Nao, who couldn’t say anything at the moment, just trying to focus on breathing. He could feel the tears of pain and panic coming into his eyes.
“I’m… Sorry.”
He gasped between two deep breaths. After a moment, he felt that the attack was getting less important. That’s when he realized that Leon was messing with his hair, a thing which had certainly helped during the crisis.

The breathing was still difficult, but the shaking was gone.
“I know I apologize too much, but I’m sorry you had to see that. That hasn't happened in months.”
He raised one of his hands to make a stroke on Leon’s cheek.
“Thank you for playing the sweet one. I needed it.”

"As unnatural to me as it is...I'm happy to play it when you need it." Leon continued to mess with his hair and let out a soft sigh, "You don't have to worry Nao, You've already been a great partner in the little time we've been together and I'm excited to see what's in store. " Leon maneuvered his way down to plant a small kiss on his cheek, " I'll probably call and text your so much you'll get annoyed with me, and I'm gonna come see you whenever I like so you better be on the lookout for my car at all times or get surprised." The Brit smiled slyly, "I'm gonna spam your phone with photos you don't even ask for, and when I DO come to France well. of course straight to the hotel first. then I'll drag you out on a date." Leon rambled peacefully about all the ways he'd make Nao feel like he was nearby still, "Let's watch the show then go back to the hotel, we can get ice cream, a usual bad movie, and do what we do best." Leon hoped offering something familiar after the show would ease Nao more and he'd hoped his words would too. He felt bad for leaving the UK but he knew he was needed at Acetoma...
"Maybe one day I'll convince Evie to open a branch in the UK or even France so I can run it. and you can come to stay whenever you like~"

“How can I get annoyed by someone like you ?”
The question goes out of Nao’s mouth with a soft and lovely voice because it was coming directly out of his mind, without any filter.
“If I have been a great partner, you showed up being way better than me. But I’m happy that despite all of these weaknesses, you still want me by your side.”
The words of Leon made the young man smile. That was silly, but they reassured him a lot.
“If so, I’m impatient to get all of these calls, texts, and photos. I’m impatient to see some slices of your life over there. I’d come as often as I could too, ‘cause I want to meet your students and see who is fool enough to be under your directives !”
Nao said with a joking voice, then stood up straight then came closer to Leon.
“And be sure I'll be looking for you in France. I’ll take you on some trips over my lands, showing you the better places. Some of them are way better than a hotel, trust me, for a lot of… Activities.”
He leaned to put his head on Leon’s shoulder and gave a loving look to Leon.
“I am lucky to be your boyfriend. I think you’re way sweeter than you think and I’m glad that the other guys weren't able to handle you. ‘Cause we wouldn’t be together if so.”

"Fools? Or do you mean future champions?" Leon bantered back when Nao mentioned 'showing him around' Leon couldn't help but smirk "Oh really? Then I'd love to see them~ " he glanced at Nao again, his head resting on Leon's shoulder, and sighed peacefully "Sweet? Me? I would never." He gently leaned his head into Naos and looked down into the show grounds, the show was about to begin, "y'know I'm kind of glad too." He admitted, man, it'd been a while since he was this happy, especially with someone…had he said that before? He couldn't remember anymore, too focused on the soft glow of the arena lighting highlighting the man beside him.

“I mean future champions. What else can they be under your teaching ?” answered Nao with a sweet smile.
“I’m sure you’ll be loving them. France has a lot of charms, you know? I mean, apart from the fact that I live there.”
Well, Nao was feeling better as he was able to joke like that. He made a delighted sigh when Leon put his head on his shoulder. “You misspelled ever.” he jokes as he puts a kiss on Leon’s head.

"Terrible? You don't seem to be complaining" The redhead laughed he was enjoying himself and his time with Nao though he was sad he'd have to leave he wanted to make the best of it, he'd become more comfortable around Nao too he noticed himself relaxing and being less rude…to him.

"I am not complaining, you're the most lovable terrible person I know."
Nao was now quietly looking at Leon, stopping for a bit his kisses. Well if he had imagined a few weeks priors the evolution of his relationship with him, he wouldn't have believed it.

Leon was amazed at how quickly their relationship developed from a one-night stand , to regular partners for the night , to now dating . Nao certainly was a special one for even convincing the Brit that he should begin to date again. Leon admitted to himself in his mind, yes, he loved Nao. It was a sudden revelation but he kept it to himself, one day…he'd tell him. When he was sure they could weather their issues. Together.

And Nao was feeling good. He was thankful for fate to have put Leon on his way. Because he had found someone who was understanding, patient, secure, and who was willing to make an effort to help him in difficult situations like the one before. Who was not judgemental about his weaknesses. Yeah, Nao was considering himself absolutely lucky to have Leon as his boyfriend and felt relieved to have found someone surely able to help him to heal his wounds. He was in love. Like deeply in love. He wasn't even sure if he had loved someone like that before. And one day, he knew that he'd be confident enough to fully trust Leon and himself too.

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WORDS COUNTER : 4019 w. (WHAT THE FUCK XDDD)

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I also chose to draw a piece more based on figurative / symbolic way. Nao is like underwater, sinking in his own darknesses and taking away from reality too (that's why he's upside-down). Meanwhile, Leon is here the bringer of light in Nao's darknesses, slowly taking him back to reality and allowing him to breath again. It came to complete Ace's part.
Of course, all of this happens before this piece of art... Which will have its own storypart.

Nao belongs to meee ♥
Leon belongs to Acetoma

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Art & Story (c) by IvoryHillStables / NellaesArts / Acetoma
All Rights reserved
Ref : There, found on Pinterest
Softwares : Paint Tool SAI & Photoshop CC 2020