Chapter Seven:

Star Bright


The Witch Princess was surprised to see me, but happy to listen to me whine. But before she'd let me speak she made me drink some of the liquor she had collected over the years.

"Oh, and this is Samson '39," she said, pouring me another shot.

"1939?" I asked, I was surprised she was using the city's years instead of the islands.

"1839,sweetheart. Oh, what a year that was."

I looked at the glass unsure I wanted to drink anymore of it, but figured I had nothing to lose, well nothing but the farm anyways. I took another gulp anyways.

Over the next few glasses, I complained and thought aloud progressively from calm and depressed to pissed off and energetic.

"Ugh!" I was drunk as a lightweight like me could get without puking on her shoes, "All blondes are stupid!"

"Excuse me?" Witch Princess asked, she was still lucid even though she was drinking just as much as me.

"cept youse, you're immoral," I slurred.

"I believe you mean 'immortal,'" she corrected me.

"That too."

"My, I didn't realize how terrible you mortals are at holding your alcohol. Oh well, a lesson for next time."

"Youse knows—you know what? I tshink I want that losve potion now."

I was really drunk.

"Oh, Chelsea, don't you know? When the Witch Princess offers something, she only offers it once. No second chances," she said, wagging her finger.

"Not cool…"

"Chelsea, perhaps you should go home, and rest. Watch the stars," she suggested, it was then I fell off my chair, "Or just go straight to bed."

The Witch Princess sent me home and got me up on my horse, before I left though she gave me another glass of a bubbling fluid.

"It's a potion to—" she tried t explain, but I gulped it down before finished, "—ease the effects of the alcohol."

"Thanks, Princess!" I said, feeling progressively sober…although I was a bit dizzy.

I rode home with little incident, and immediately went to the stall to put my horse to bed.

"Good night, Rhela," I whispered before sneaking out.

I was concentrating on making myself walk in a straight line when I got close enough to my home to see I had a guest. His hat tipped down to give the appearance that I had a sleeping cowboy leaning against my house.

"Vaughn…?" I asked walking closer.

He stirred and lifted his hat, "Where you been?" he asked when he saw me.

"Uh…" I couldn't exactly tell him I was spending the night with a witch, could I? "I went to the Diner to get some drinks."

"Funny, didn't see you there."

Busted.

"What? Were you looking for me?" I asked, taken aback.

"Sort of, I heard you were spending the night alone."

"As I normally do."

Vaughn's face flushed, "Not what I meant."

I laughed and sat down leaning on the wall of the house and patted the ground next to me, "Sit, boy."

"What am I, your dog?" he asked.

"Sort of."

He chuckled and sat down, "Whatever."

We sat in silence for a bit watching the starry night before us.

"Pretty moon, huh?" I asked, surprised by the sheer size of it, bigger than I had ever seen it before.

"Yeah, pretty bright huh?" he asked.

I nodded and looked towards Vaughn, "Why are you really here?" I asked.

"Like I said, I heard you were going to be alone for the festival tonight, so I came by to keep you company."

"Hate to break it to you, but you're not much company," I laughed, elbowing his arm.

"Well, that just ain't nice," he sneered, socking me back.

The night was filled with our laughter and the owl's coo.

I finally settled down when the sky began spinning. I sighed and laid my head down on Vaughn's shoulder, "Thanks," I said.

I couldn't see Vaughn's face, but I would think from what he said next he was blushing, "What for?"

"Just for coming, I thought for sure you were mad at me again."

"Chels, I couldn't—"

"Shh, I want to say sorry. I'm really sorry for eavesdropping. I shouldn't have," I interrupted him.

"No need to make a big deal out of it."

We sat silent for another moment. What Vaughn had said, about how he couldn't settle down was beginning to scare me. I don't know if it was the alcohol that was making me paranoid or what, but I wrapped my arm around Vaughn's, "Are you really afraid to stay?" I asked him.

I must've taken him by surprise, "What?"

"Do you want to leave, you know…for good?"

He sighed and looked up, "…maybe."

I tightened my grip. I wanted to demand that he never leave, that he stay on this island and keep away from all modes of transportation save a horse. That he should stay with me. But I had no right to say those things.

"At least say goodbye then," I requested.

"Say, goodbye?" he was confused.

"If you ever leave, please just tell me goodbye first. I don't want to wake up one Wednesday and find you aren't here." The thought of it made me want to cry.

"Chelsea…" he paused before going on, "…promise."

I sighed in relief and gave him a two armed bear hug, "Thanks!"

He muttered in response.

We watched the sky for a little longer before we both decided it was time to go home.

"I'll miss my ride if I don't leave soon," he said, standing up.

I nodded and followed his lead. I stumbled on my way up and came close to falling, but Vaughn must've caught me because when I looked up, I close enough to kiss him.

We didn't move or speak for what seemed like a peaceful eternity, just staring at each other, me in surprise and him with a soft gaze.

It must have been the alcohol because I spoke out of impulse, "Promise you won't ever say goodbye," I whispered. I didn't realize it was out loud until her answered.

"I can't do that, Chelsea," he answered. He helped me back to my feet, "Not with the way things are now."

We left each other that night with plenty of what-if's, but one that haunted us both (he would later tell me) was: what would have happened if we let go of our pride, for just that moment.


Author's Note: Dudes, I love you all! If you're reading this, that is ;) Seriously though, I really have to thank everyone who leaves a review or faves or even puts this story on their alert list. Every time I see an email from I squeal like a preteen boy with his first Playboy :D It those little things that fuels the frequent updates. Oh, and I know this may be irrelevant, but that scene with drunk Chelsea and the Witch Princess actually has been running thought my head since the very beginning, before I even decided to write this story. Thanks again for reading!

Disclaimer: Harvest Moon and all characters belong to Natsume