Author's note: Hi again! I've been away for a really long time =( entering graduate school will do that to you. Hopefully I'll start updating fairly regularly now since I need some way to de-stress after a long day in classes. This chapter might be a little different than the previous ones, I'm a little out of practice writing. I hope you enjoy, please read and review!
The next morning I was woken up well before sunrise by a soft whimpering. Confused I lifted my head and noticed a small black shape sitting in front of the door. My sleep fuzzed brain took a moment to register what the shape was before I realized it was Orion whining.
"You need to go outside huh?" I murmured to him. At his soft bark I groaned quietly and got up. Glancing at the clock I gave a mental shudder at the glowing 5:30 and decided to just throw jeans and a new shirt on. Changing quickly I looked around for something to tie to Orion's collar so he wouldn't run away. Not finding anything I looked at the little ball of fur sitting patiently by the door.
"I'm going to open this door and you better not run away and get lost okay? Vaughn would kill me if that happened," I said as I slowly opened the door. Orion bolted out the door and I panicked and quickly stepped outside intending to chase after him. I relaxed when I noticed that he had just run over to a patch of grass. As soon as he was done I called his name and felt a burst of pride when he tried to lope over to me. I had spent most of last night teaching him his name and it was nice to know that he had learned it that fast. I laughed as he got half way then get tangled up in his paws and tripped. Walking over I scooped him up and hugged him. I hadn't realized how much I had missed having a dog in my life until yesterday.
"Well since we're up might as well get started on the chores huh? But first some breakfast for both of us." Turning I walked back into the house.
A half hour later we emerged again and headed up towards the barns. I was pleased to see that Orion was curious about his new home, running off to investigate some new smell or plant, but he always came back when I called for him. I wasn't sure what I should do when I got to the barn with my cows, I didn't want to leave Orion outside but I wasn't sure if Daisy and Patches would like a small puppy running around their feet.
"Orion come here," I called, scooping him up when he got to me. "Now we're going to meet some new friends and you have to be nice and quiet so you don't scare them okay?" I laughed as he licked my hands and took that as a yes. Pushing open the door I held Orion close to me as my cows came to investigate what I had. As soon as I was sure that they would get along I set Orion down and went about feeding my cows and giving them a quick brushing.
"You girls really are getting to be pretty big huh? Soon you'll be able to spend all day outside instead of cooped up here in the barn. Though maybe that will have to wait until spring it's starting to get cold out." I laughed as Patches mooed at me. "Yeah maybe for now you'd like being in your nice warm barn instead of outside."
Finished with my cows I scooped up Orion and we went to go meet Peep. Once again I let both animals investigate each other before putting Orion down. This time however I watched him and made sure he didn't seem interested in chasing Peep. When he went over to investigate something in the corner I decided he wasn't interested in her and fed her and collected her egg.
"Maybe I'll get another chicken for you so that you're not lonely," I said as I watched my chicken peck at the feed. Then I remembered all the improvements to the town I had promised to fund and grimaced. Taro was excited that the bridge to the Meadow would be built soon because he could start planning festivals. I had to admit that that sounded like fun and so many of the townspeople were looking forward to them. I sighed and looked down again. "I'll try and get you a friend as soon as I can." Calling to Orion we walked outside and headed towards the barn. I was excited to see my new horse again but as I got to the door I stopped, memories from last night rushing back.
"What if he's in there?" I asked looking down at Orion. He sneezed and shook his head before pawing at the door to go in. Taking a deep breath I pushed open the door letting Orion run in before me. Cautiously looking inside, though now that the puppy was in the barn fully intent on exploring every nook and cranny it was a little useless, I breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed no one else was in the barn. Relief or disappointment? a little voice whispered in my head. Scowling slightly at the traitorous thought I walked over to stare into the large box stall. Dios was still as gorgeous as the day before, his coat shining and eyes bright. I was surprised and happy to see that he had lain down during the night, little bits of shavings were stuck to his coat on one side of his body.
"Sorry big guy did we wake you up?" I murmured as I reached over the door to let him sniff me. I felt another rush of pride as he pushed is muzzle into my hand. Reaching up I gently scratched under his jaw and laughed as he wiggled his lips. "Oh you like that do you?" I kept scratching until I heard a loud crash which startled us both. Whirling around I once again saw Orion in the middle of a pile of buckets wagging his tail and looking very pleased with himself.
"You little trouble maker you were being so good this morning too," I said as I walked over to pick up the buckets. Noticing the bag of feed I picked it up, making a noise of surprise as I realized it was so heavy, before depositing it in the feed bin. Taking a small scoop of it I dumped it in a bucket before taking it over to the stall. "I don't know how much of this you're supposed to get so I can't give you much but this should hold you over until I can ask someone." I clipped the bucket to the inside of the door and watched as Dios happily munched on his food. When he was done he bumped the bucket as if asking for more. I shook my head. "Nope that's all for right now but I'll come back and see you later after I'm done with my chores." Giving him a goodbye scratch under his chin I grabbed Orion before he could get into something else, grabbed the rope off Dios's halter, and went outside.
"Alright now I need to go look after my crops so you can go investigate but don't wander too far okay? Then we'll go down to town and meet everyone." As soon as I put him down he was off exploring. Shaking my head at how much energy a puppy has I walked over and started tending my crops.
Almost two hours later I had finished weeding, watering, harvesting, and clearing more land to plant. I had had to stop when I ran into a tree stump and I was vexed that even after trying to dig it up and chop it into smaller pieces it still remained firmly in place. But I had gotten five more rows of crops planted and I had started collecting more lumber. I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for but I figured that I could expand the corral I had or I could make another one. By now it was light out and I figured that most everyone in town would be up so it would be okay to go down and introduce people to my new puppy. That and you need to find Vaughn and ask him your questions about Dios. I blushed at the thought of finding Vaughn. I can't even think about him without reacting how am I going to stay calm when I find him? Sighing I gathered my tools and called for Orion as I headed back to the house. Dropping everything off inside and making sure that I wasn't too covered in dirt I clipped the rope onto Orion's collar before heading down to town.
The trip to town took twice as long as normal because Orion was so distracted by everything as we walked. Any hole in the ground needed to be fully explored and investigated to ensure there was nothing fascinating down it. By the time we finally got to town people were outside working. I waved to Charlie and Chen as I passed their shop and remembered I still hadn't bought myself a proper jacked. You still have Vaughn's though my mind whispered. And I need to give it back at the next opportunity I snapped back. Great now I'm arguing with myself I though. Spying Natalie and Julia I tugged on the rope to get Orion's attention and headed towards them.
"Oh my gosh Chelsea it's so cute! What's it's name?" Natalie asked bending down to say hello.
"His name's Orion," I replied smiling as he got distracted but Natalie's fingers wiggling in front of his nose.
"He is very cute isn't he," Julia stated ruffling Orion's ears before turning her attention to me. I decided at this point that the tips of Orion's ears were extremely fascinating and I kept my eyes glued to the black ball of fuzz rather than look up at her.
"So," she started slowly, "how's your other present doing?" At this Natalie glanced up from playing with Orion and grinned. "Yeah Chelsea, how's your other addition doing? Anything happen with your cowboy last night?" I hesitated before responding then cursed silently as they exchanged a look.
"Not that it's either of your business but no nothing happened last night. And once again, for the record, he's not my cowboy." I hope I sounded more self assured than I felt. Glancing at Natalie and Julia I knew I hadn't fooled them at all.
"Oh really?" Natalie started, "Because we just happened to be sitting in the house last night when a certain someone came back and he looked a little flustered. I'm surprised that hat of his didn't catch fire." She smirked at the look on my face. "Apparently he's not nearly as good at hiding his emotions as he thinks. You must have riled him up good girl cause he saw us sitting there and practically turned tail and ran back out the door." She and Julia started laughing remembering the previous night. I felt a brief pang of guilt at making Vaughn feel uncomfortable but it was quickly replaced with relief that I wasn't the only one being affected.
"So really, tell us all about last night," Julia said as she hooked her arm in mine and lead us towards her house.
"I don't know what there is to tell, nothing big actually happened," I muttered. I bent down to scoop up Orion as we walked inside.
"But something could have happened?" Natalie prodded. I blushed before nodding. Looking around I made sure we were alone before continuing.
"I thought…well…I thought maybe he'd kiss me," I whispered, my face so hot I could feel the heat radiating from it.
"WHAT?!" Julia and Natalie yelped before covering their mouths and looking at each other. Their reaction embarrassed me further and I busied myself looking at different books on animal care. I found one on horses and picked it up not bothering to look at them yet.
"Chelsea that's-" she stopped as someone pushed open the door. The sound of boots on hardwood floor reached me and I knew who had come in without turning around.
"Um, hi Vaughn. Chelsea stopped by…um…" I could hear Julia fumbling for something to say so I took a deep breath before turning around.
"I stopped by to ask about what and how much Dios should be eating. I also needed to pick up a leash and dog bowls for Orion." I smiled through my lie hoping he wouldn't notice…alright it wasn't a total lie, I did need to pick that stuff up but it wasn't why I was here now. He gave us all a look that said he didn't really believe us.
"Don't bother, I picked everything up on the mainland I was going to get it and bring it to you," he said, pulling on the brim of his hat.
"Are they red?" Natalie snickered. I accidentally ground my heel into her toe and was impressed that she managed to swallow her yelp. I glared at her and she gave me a sheepish look. Vaughn looked between us before shaking his head, in either confusion or exasperation I couldn't tell, and headed back towards his room.
"That was not funny," I hissed at Natalie as soon as I was sure he was out of hearing distance.
"I don't know, I kind of like seeing him with his feathers ruffled," she responded as she bent to examine her toes. An unknown feeling coiled up inside me and I was horrified to realize it was jealousy.
"Natalie-" I cut it off as the sound of boots hit my ears. Glancing towards the back I saw Vaughn carrying a rather large bag. As he walked by me and opened the door I took it as my signal to leave and saying goodbye to Julia and Natalie I followed him out the door.
The walk up to the farm as quiet and rather awkward. Occasionally I'd ask him questions, mainly related to the care and training of horses and he'd respond and then we'd lapse back into silence. I had never been happier to see my house.
"Why don't you put Orion inside the house so we can work with Dios," Vaughn said stopping at the house. He set down the bag and reached into it pulling out two dog bowls, a leather leash, and food.
"Sure, I'll do that just let me take this stuff inside and let me get him settled. Feel free to head up to the barn if you want," I replied picking everything up and turning towards him. I saw him nod before picking up the bag again and heading towards the barn. I heaved a sigh. So far so good. Leading Orion inside I got him water and put some food in the bowl before heading up to the barn.
When I walked inside I was surprised to see that Dios was still in his stall and Vaughn was pulling all sorts of things out of his bag.
I walked over until I was practically leaning over him to look at everything. "What's all this stuff?" He looked up at me, quite a feat since he hadn't taken his hat off. "This is all stuff that you'll need for training and daily care," he replied. He grabbed something out of the pile and stood up. "Time for your first lesson," he smirked and a feeling of dread came over me.
Almost two hours later both Dios and I were covered in sweat and Vaughn called a halt to our "lesson". We had gone over so much I was having trouble remembering it all. I learned how to properly brush and pick out Dios's hooves and we worked on leading with me leading the way and not Dios. Vaughn explained that this is all stuff that Dios knows and that this was for me so I would know how to take care of him. The second part of the lesson was new to both of us. Vaughn had instructed me in teaching Dios voice commands for walking, trotting, cantering and halting.
"You both did very well," Vaughn said as he watched Dios follow me around the small paddock. Smiling I clip the rope back onto his halter and waited for Vaughn to open the gate for us before heading back to the barn.
"Yes you did very good, you're such a smart boy," I murmured as I scratched under Dios's chin. After putting Dios back in his stall Vaughn and I put away the rest of the stuff he had brought up and he explained what each piece was for. Every time our hands would brush I could feel heat start to rise in my face and I was glad that I was flushed from working so it was less obvious.
"Well, I guess I should get going since that's all I have to teach you for today. We'll work on the same stuff tomorrow and you and he should practice as much as you can and next Wednesday maybe we'll add something new." I nodded and we walked outside. As we walked towards my house I found that I couldn't keep from glancing over at him.
"So, I guess I'll be seeing more of you then huh?" I asked, fidgeting slightly as I waited for him to answer. I smiled to myself as he yanked on the brim of his hat. Embarrassed Cowboy? Good to know I'm not the only one.
"Yeah, I'll be up here helping with the colt when I can so I guess you'll see me more often." Now it was his turn to fidget. I smiled as I leaned up against my door.
"Something on your mind Cowboy?" I teased. I laughed when he scowled at me.
"You said you wanted something from me in exchange for taking the colt," he muttered looking away from me. I had to laugh, he looked like a little boy awaiting punishment.
"Well, if I remember correctly," I said as I reached out and flicked the brim of his hat, "I think I asked for your hat and you told me I couldn't have it. So I guess I could come up with something else to ask for. Hmmmm, how about…" Natalie you'd be so proud of this "how about a kiss?" I asked hoping I sounded calmer than I actually was. I laughed as a look of shock and disbelief flashed across his face followed by crimson. I promptly stopped laughing as he leaned in close leaning one arm against the door.
"You sure that's what you want," he replied. I swallowed not sure what to say. As Natalie would say you have well and truly ruffled his feathers now girl. I was completely unprepared for a slight weight to drop on my head and all of a sudden I was looking at what I assumed was the inside of his hat. Pushing the brim up so I could see I was met with his smirking face.
"Doesn't really fit you does it?" He said as he made a move to take it back. I reflexively reached up and pulled it down farther on my head.
"Nah ah Cowboy it's mine now," I said ducking away from his hand. "You want it back you gotta give me something in exchange." Okay so I was being childish, but I was a little disappointed he had opted to give me his hat. And if I was completely honest with myself I wasn't ready for him to leave. His eyes narrowed and he ran a hand through his hair in exasperation. I wonder if his hair's as soft as it looks?
"I don't know why don't you find out" he snapped. Oh crap did I say that out loud?
"Fine then I will, stand still," I responded bringing my hand up to the side of his head. When he didn't flinch away I slowly brushed a strand of hair behind his ears. I let my hand continue and brushed my fingers down the side of his neck.
- Vaughn's POV-
The moment I felt her fingers brush the back of my neck I couldn't stop myself from closing my eyes and letting out a low groan. The things this girl does to me. My heart had almost stopped when she asked for a kiss and an embarrassingly large portion of my brain had urged me to do it. I slowly opened my eyes and found her watching me as she played with the hair at the base of my neck.
"What are we doing Chelsea," I murmured my voice deeper than normal.
"I don't know," she whispered drawing my attention to her lips. I wonder if they're as soft as they look…I heard her soft gasp and cursed inwardly.
"Why don't you find out?" A slight pressure on the back of my neck, was that intentional or instinctual, had me leaning towards her.
"Fine, I will," I replied mimicking her earlier comment. I slowly brought my hand up to the side of her face, cradling her cheek in my palm. "Stand still," I whispered roughly before touching my lips to hers.
-Chelsea's POV-
I was in shock, pure and utter shock. Vaughn, mister surly, grouchy, silent cowboy was kissing me! Closing my eyes I tried to pull him closer to me, kissing him back. He pulled back and I opened my eyes slightly. His were dark with an emotion I couldn't identify and I felt a loss as he slowly withdrew his hand and retrieved his hat.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said roughly before turning to head down the path towards town. I let him go too stunned to come up with a witty remark. I slowly turned and walked inside, leaning against the door. I barely noticed Orion licking my hand as I slowly slid to the floor.
"Oh Orion, now I've really gone and done it," I whispered as I scooped him up for a hug. "What on earth am I going to do tomorrow?"
