[A/N]: :3 New characters being thrown into the mix. Who could they be~? :o

Dedications

My Sis, ANB Lover, Mysterius6irl398, CrazySakuraHarunoXD and Ulyss

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Thanks again!

[Edit]: January 31, 2014

Beta: Lucy Kay. I really appreciate it~! :)


New Friendships and Stowaways

It was another early, warm summer morning. Meaning the sun was bearable now, but by the time noon hit, it would be at energy draining proportions. This was why Neil wasted no time in restocking his cart for the day. He was currently at his warehouse/animal sanctuary on the outside of town. It was where he kept his inventory and animals for his business.

He moved a box and turned, only to see a flurry of pink cloud his vision. He took a step back in confusion.

"Pink?" was the only word that could form in his head. He watched Rio chuckle lightly and run her fingers through her hair, or what was left of it. It had been cut short; just below her ears. It was much wavier and to top it off, it was a delicate shade of pink. Rio's lip trembled as he looked her over. He shook his head when he realized what was coming.

"What you don't like it?! I got it just for you!" Rio flailed her arms wildly. "No matter what I do, I just can't make you love me, Neil! Should it have been blue or red or purple? Why don't I know you anymore?"

Rio dropped to her knees for dramatic affect. She was even able to summon up a few fake tears. However, her bad acting went in vain. Neil ignored her fake tears and went back to stacking boxes. He wasn't in the mood for her antics, but then again, when was he ever?

"We've been hanging out too much. You already know me so well," Rio stood up and dusted off her overalls.

"It's not hard if you're always this predictable," Neil took some items out of the box to organize them on the shelves. Rio assisted him. She had picked up on his system a while back and wasted no time in lending an unwanted hand. He didn't complain because she actually did a good job. He tended to forget that, despite her childish personality, she was a hard and competent worker.

"I shall remember that wisely, sensei," Rio bowed deeply. "So, do you want to know why it's pink?"

"No, not really…"

"It's my own fault," Rio pretended she didn't hear him. She petted one of the cows tied to the cart and noted how it liked her more than Betsy. "I told Allen, that's the hair stylist; to give me what he thought was best and voila!" She flicked her hair and grimaced. "He thought this would make me a more feminine looking farmer. I didn't know I was so manly to begin with…"

Neil grabbed the reigns to the horse and began to pull it out of the warehouse. Rio followed close behind. She had laughed lightly at the comment, but it was strained. What that Allen guy said had obviously hurt her feelings. He had seen that look on plenty of faces, usually because of him. It wasn't always on purpose and he would normally just let it go because he felt if he said more, he would only make matters worse.

Now, he wished that he hadn't just let it go. The practice of making somebody feel better would come in handy right now. Rio not smiling, or being childishly angry, would always be the one thing to stump him. His heart tightened in his chest as he felt heat flush up his neck. He coughed awkwardly to get Rio's attention. She watched him expectantly which caused a rosy blush to form on his cheeks.

"You're not manly. You're a farmer and a builder. You're strong, but anyone would be a fool to say you're not feminine," Neil said in disbelief. He didn't take Rio for the type to worry about what others thought about her, but he guessed everyone got a little insecure at times. "You shouldn't take the advice of just one guy."

"Then, why should I listen to you?" Rio asked. She was genuinely curious in what he had to say. Neil could be a bit harsh, but he was honest and that went a long way in her book.

"Because, I'm-" Neil stopped himself short when he thought about what he was going to say. The foreign word that was on the tip of his tongue sounded funny coming from his lips. "A friend."

Neil braced himself for an impact of teasing or maybe another dramatic performance, but all he saw was a small smile come to Rio's face. Her cheeks even glowed a bit as the smile continued to grow.

"Then, thank you for the advice. It was the nicest thing I think you ever said to me," she spoke softly.

"I wasn't saying it to be nice. I was just speaking the truth," Neil replied firmly. For a moment, he wished he had never told her to be less predictable. He was never sure how to deal with this Rio; the more serious one who didn't snipe sarcastic remarks or wail around like a little kid. He prided himself on being able to peg people down at first sight, but every now and again, she would surprise him.

"I know you were, and that makes me happier," Rio giggled. She grabbed his hand that wasn't holding the horse's reign as they walked. "Neil said he was my friend."

"I know. I was there," he told her sharply. He wanted to snatch his hand out of hers because the swinging was getting annoying, but Rio laughed at his comment, and he knew she was back to normal. He decided he would let her get away with it just this once. Though, he had to ignore the smirks coming from Hana and Emma as they walked through town hand in hand. It was the only time he had tried to snatch it away again, but as said before, Rio was pretty strong. However, he had found his hand tightening on hers when they passed the hair stylist's home. He caught a glimpse of the stylist Rio had told him about. He was pretty sure he didn't like him already.

They didn't let go until they reached the plaza. They both noticed the empty stall that was next to Neil's. Whoever it belonged to had not shown up yet. Neil had asked Rio if she had any news on the newcomer, but she just shook her head.

"Nope, I didn't hear about anyone who would need a stall. I mean I did build a place for a newspaper business and a restaurant and I have plans for an inn. Oh! Maybe someone moved into the cottage I built the other day," she nudged Neil in the arm jokingly before untying the animals from the cart and leading them into the pen. "What? You scared of a little competition?"

"No, just wanted to see how bothersome they might be," Neil explained. He already had to deal with Rio. The last thing he needed was another person to talk his ear off. Rio just shrugged him off again and gave a little feed to the chickens. They clucked happily around her.

"Oh, you guys are so cute. Why can't Betsy be as sweet as you?" Rio cooed.

"Betsy is a sweet cow," Neil defended, but Rio shot him a look that read: 'are you out of your mind?'

"Says the guy she is in love with. If bestiality was legal, Betsy would off me and find a way to kidnap you, so she could force you into marriage," Rio got a fearful look. "Bestiality is illegal up here, right?"

"Of course it is. Why would you-?"

"And, speaking of restaurants…"

"We weren't talking about restaurants," Neil growled under his breath as Rio changed the subject.

"I said something earlier about it. Anyway, the guy who moved in there and Dunhill thought it would be cool to host a cooking festival in a week or two," Rio said excitedly. "I heard that there is good money in good food, so I want to join it and win it!"

"And, this has what to do with me?" Neil gave his shop the final once over before opening for business. There were only a few people lining up and most of them just wanted feed or treats. The animal buyers usually didn't show up until later. He handed out some change while Rio hopped from foot to foot in anticipation. He was thankful that she had promised not to distract him when the customers came. Once the last of the current ones walked away, she spoke again.

"Well, since you're my first truest and bluest friend, I want to extend an invitation to you."

Neil sighed, not liking the sound of that and against his better judgment, he asked her to what.

"To the Rio's Cooking Festival Boot Camp Training Thing-Thing or RCFBCTT…T for short," Rio counted off the T's on her fingers and resaid the acronym just to make sure she got it right.

"Why would I need to go to that? I don't want to join the cooking festival," he scoffed at her and then, a strange thought came to his head, his brow scrunching in confusion. "And, why is the title so long? What's the point of the extra Thing?"

"That's not important right now. I don't need you to cook. I need you to taste. All you have to do is try whatever I make. I swear, I'm actually a decent cook. I just don't know if I'm contest winning yet. Plus, you're the most honest person I know. I need a strict judge, not someone who is going to baby me," Rio said with determination and fire in her eyes. It was almost scary.

"I don't know," Neil said warily.

"Ha-ha, it sounds like fun to me," Neil and Rio broke away from their conversation to see a spikey, blond haired, blue-eyed boy smiling at them. He was dressed in a white tee with orange writing. A yellow puffer vest, rolled up blue jeans; and red and white converse-like shoes completed the rest of the outfit, but the thing that caught both of their eyes was the tiny, brown, floppy-eared dog yipping at them.

"So cute!" Rio wasted no time in gushing over the dog while Neil held back. His pride would never let him openly gush over any animal; even if the need to pet was heavy on his fingertips.

"Isn't it just adorable, Neil?" Rio held the dog close to Neil, and he forced his hands deep in his pockets before turning away in defiance.

"Yeah, it's cute," he murmured in hidden embarrassment. Rio looked worried for a moment, and she looked between the dog and Neil and then, back to the newcomer. She wasn't sure what was bothering him, but she wasn't going to question him about it.

"My name's Rod. I'm going to be opening a pet shop here," Rod introduced himself as he took the dog back from Rio. Rio nodded with a smile that rivaled Rod.

"My name's Rio."

"Neil," Neil's introduction was curter than Rio's.

"Don't mind him. It's just takes him a minute," Rio whispered to Rod when he got an unsure look on his face. He nodded and smiled when Rio went on to talk about how much Neil loved animals, too.

"What are you two whispering about?" Neil asked. He had been distracted when some new customers showed up. Rio and Rod were still being buddy-buddy and chatting it up. He thought he had heard his name being whispered a few times.

"We were talking about the RCFBCTTTT," Rio explained.

"You added an extra T, Rio," Rod laughed warmheartedly with Rio joining. Neil realized it was something worse than just sharing space with a bothersome person. It was sharing a space with someone who got along well with Rio. He could just imagine Rio spending all her time over there now. Both her and Rod would have a hell of a time at his expense; the thought of it sending a sting of agitation coursing through him. "So, can I join in on this training exercise?"

"No, she just needed me," Neil heard the words coming out of his mouth before he realized it. Shocking even him, but it was too late to take it back now. He felt a feeling of dread wash over him as Rio hopped around in joy.

"So, you'll do it?" She asked for clarification and he nodded quietly, ready to kick himself. "Yes! Thank you!" She turned back to a confused Rod. "I'm sorry. He's right. I need his special brand of expertise, but to make it up to you; I'll make you a snack for tomorrow. It'll help you keep your energy up. These sunny days get pretty draining."

Rod rubbed the back of head and smiled again. "No worries; I understand! And I'm sure I'll love anything you make for me."

Rio wasted no time in thanking Rod and Neil again.

"I'm going to go start on a few things. Come by my house later, okay?" She waved before running off again. She left Neil and Rod in an odd silence. The dog barking, wishing Rio would come back.


Rio placed another plate down on the table. It was now full of various soups and salads for the upcoming festival. She had pulled out every secret recipe her grandmother had taught her, and they were each fabulously prepared. Rio looked at her watch and noticed she had just enough time to water her crops and freshen up before Neil got there.

She grabbed her water can and went about her evening watering routine when she noticed something was amiss. She carefully went through her field of tomatoes and noticed that a few of them were missing. She could see the places her plants had been viciously ripped away.

"Betsy!" Rio quickly deduced. There was no doubt in her mind that the cow was messing with her again. She was the only one who would be on Rio's farm since she practically got free reign of the place. Rio delivered a quite unnecessary kick to the front of the barn doors; making Betsy jump in surprise. "Okay, you have gone too far! I put up with you stomping on my feet, and I put up with you tripping me into the water trough, but I will not put up with you messing with my lively hood! How dare you eat my tomatoes!? Is that even good for cows!?"

Betsy's eyes narrowed as she mooed at the wild accusations.

"Well, if you didn't do it, who did? Where's your alibi, missy?"

Betsy mooed in agitation again before turning away. She stated her case and told Rio she had no time for her.

"Oh, you expect me to believe you were in Milan on a fashion tour?" Rio crossed her arms and shook her head. "You really have reached a new low. I'm going to have to take you in. You're going away for a long time for this, Betsy."

Rio was just about to throw the book at Betsy when she heard some rustling nearby. She turned her head to the haystack in the corner of the barn. She saw the hairs on Betsy stand up with worry.

"Betsy, what are you hiding?" Rio asked as Betsy's eyes nervously glanced over at an adjacent haystack. Betsy shook her head to say she wasn't hiding anything.

"So, there's nothing in this haystack?" Rio smirked in triumph. She slowly made her way to the stack. "Betsy, have you been bringing home some hearty studs or something? You sly girl."

Rio joked as her hands almost reached the stack. She paused when she thought she heard someone call her name. She stood up and wagged a finger at Betsy.

"Don't think I'm going to forget about this," Rio scolded her and went back outside. She saw Neil standing in front of her house. His eyes were closed and his lips were tightened in annoyance. He opened his eyes when she approached him.

"It's kind of rude to invite me here and then make me wait."

"Oh, I don't want to hear that talk from you. I had to handle something. Which reminds me, I'm going to need you play good cop later on. I would ask you to play bad cop, but our criminal has a thing for you, and I'm going need that charm of yours to win her over," Rio said thoughtfully as she led him inside. Neil was going to question her further when Rio pushed him in a chair at the table.

"Worry about it later. You have to try everything before it gets to cold," she motioned to the vast sea of dishes laid out in front of him. Neil grimaced and turned a sickly pale color. Rio gave him a look of worry. "What's the matter? You haven't even tried anything yet."

"…I don't eat soups and salads…"

"What? You don't like soup or salad!? That's what the whole competition is all about. There has to be one thing here you must like," Rio panicked and started looking through all the soups and salads she had made. "You can't completely dismiss an entire group of food without trying it all."

"I can if I want to, and you're not going to change my mind," Neil sighed, getting up to leave, but Rio made him sit back down by grabbing his arm.

"Now who's being childish?" She smirked before giving him a pleading look. "Please just try one, and if it completely disgusts you than we don't have to try anymore."

"You promise?"

"Pinky square and scouts honor and yes, I am a legitimate scout. I sold the most cookies in record history. They found my business tactics were very impressive for a ten year old," Rio reassured him. Also hinting that there was no way he was going to talk himself out of this. She took a spoon from the table and dipped it in one of the bowls. She brought the spoon up to Neil's lip, her hand under it to keep it from spilling. "Just one spoon."

Neil stared suspiciously at the spoon. His lips quivered slightly as he opened his mouth to let Rio feed him. She watched him with great interest as he smacked his lips after swallowing. His face was no longer that sickly pale color, but he wasn't happy either.

"Well…?" Rio pushed.

"…It's okay," he finally told her. "It one of the few that I wouldn't want to spit up."

"Just okay?" Rio pouted and looked at the bowl. "That one was grandma's specialty."

"I can't exactly be the judge of soup if I don't eat it," Neil scowled at her hard understanding of the situation.

Rio huffed back into her seat. He had a point after all.

"Then, what do I need you here for?"

"My thoughts exactly," Neil stood up to leave again with Rio jumping up abruptly to follow after him.

"Hey, wait… whoa!" Rio didn't watch her footing as she hooked a table leg and was sent falling forward. The plates and bowls on the table rattled loudly as Neil instinctively reached out to stop her from falling. He wrapped his arms around her waist to stabilize her, and she gripped a hand on his jacket.

"I saw my life flash before my eyes," Rio chuckled nervously.

"It must not have been that impressive if it flashed by that fast," Neil rolled his eyes at her dramatics. Rio looked up at him, still in his arms.

"I'm still young. I have plenty of time to make some decent memories," she pouted before blushing slightly at the situation they were in. Neil, sensing her apprehension, flushed as well, but he didn't let go. The thought didn't seem to process in his mind while his body seemed to enjoy having her nearby. Rio picked at a piece of lint that had fallen on his jacket, musing to herself. "You know I thought you would smell like barn yard animals or something… but, you smell really nice."

Feeling flustered, Neil felt his mouth open to respond when a strange person came bursting through the door. It was a young boy wearing a blue and yellow cap over dark brown hair. He wore a light brown jacket over a pair of blue overalls. His eyes, which were brown as well, glared directly at Neil.

"Get your hands off my cousin!"

Neil looked down at Rio and took a step back, his brain finally deciding to switch back on. The young man's tension left him immediately as he walked to stand between Rio and Neil. He shot another dirty look at a dazed Neil before turning to Rio. He grabbed her in a bear hug.

"Henry, what are you doing here?" Rio asked him after he put her down. She looked over to Neil and watched him start walking towards the door.

"I still have some business to take care of," Neil told her. Rio went to walk him to the door.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow," she told him solemnly. He made an "hn" noise, but otherwise left silently.

"I guess I have to keep my eye on that pretty boy," Henry huffed slightly. Rio smacked him on the back of the head, causing his cap to fall off. He grabbed it and hurriedly put it back on. "Ow, what was that for?"

"You didn't answer my question. What are you doing here? Where have you been? And what have you been up to?" Rio asked when she was sure Neil wasn't going to come back soon. "Jay came through here and said that some people are after you."

"First off, those are questions. Secondly, I know. I saw him when he left," Henry told her nonchalantly. He looked over to the table full of food. "Don't tell me you made all that for one guy? You must have it bad…"

Rio flushed slightly at the thought. She guessed to anyone on the outside it would look like she made a nice home cooked meal for Neil, but she shook it off. There were more important things to deal with.

"Don't worry about that. That was just for something else," Rio told Henry and he took that as a sign to take a seat and scarf down the nearest bowl he saw.

"Hm, this is pretty good. Not as good as Granny's, but right now anything is better than plain tomatoes," Henry said in between bowls.

"My tomatoes? Exactly, how long have you been here?" Rio took a seat next to him. Henry took a napkin and wiped some soup off the corner of his mouth.

"About a week. I've been hiding out in your barn. You have a very nice farm up here by the way," he explained. Once again, he didn't seem at all concerned about the news he relayed to her.

"And you didn't think to say anything?" Rio thought in frustration.

"I didn't say anything because… I got into some trouble, and if I would have told you, then, you would have been in trouble. I knew the Martinos would come looking for me up here, and you would seem less suspicious to them if you actually didn't know where I was, but I know Jay. If he tells them I'm not here, he, or anyone else, won't be popping in anytime soon. Which is why this was the perfect time for me to come out of hiding; only to find you getting felt up by some punk rocker. Who is that guy anyway?"

"Neil is just a friend. He was helping me prepare for a cooking festival, so you can put the guns away," Rio rolled her eyes. Henry was a cousin, almost brother, and he was very protective of her; especially of any guys she's gotten close to. "Anyway, I guess that was why Betsy was acting so strange; lying cow…"

"You actually have a really sweet cow," Henry defended Betsy. Rio scowled as she murmured harsh insults at the cow that seemed to like everybody else, but her.

"Be careful, she's a man eater…"

"What?"

"Nothing, Henry, I need you to tell me what's going on," Rio demanded. Henry looked down at the empty bowl in front of him and gave a pained sigh.

"I will. Just not now, there are still some things I need to figure out, but I promise I'll explain everything, okay? Can you just trust me on this, Rio?" He frowned and prayed Rio would just let things fly for now. It was hard though. She was brimming with questions, but she did trust Henry, too. Finally, she relented.

"Fine," she said, and Henry grinned before nudging her.

"Don't look so down. I promised, and I never break a promise. Everything will be fine."

Rio pinched him in the arm, causing Henry to jump at the sudden pain.

"I know it will be alright because you're going to help me work. If you're going to hide out here, you're going to work the farm, and you're going to have to pay me back for those tomatoes because now I'm behind. Plus, you're going to have to grow or cut your hair. Maybe dye it or something just in case they do decide to come back and maybe some new clothes… I'll have to order them though since we don't have a tailor, or maybe I can work on that building next, but which would be cheaper in the long run? It doesn't matter. It's all going on your tab anyway because now my house bills are going to go up…"

Henry sighed, wanting to drown in one of the bowls of soup as Rio named more things to charge him for and more ways he could make her money. This was going to be a long stay in seclusion…