A/N: Okay, whoever said senior year is easy was a filthy little LIAR. I haven't been this busy in a long time. Anyway, I'm so, so, so sorry for making you guys wait. Hopefully this chapter will make up for it.

Enjoy!

The last few days of summer passed by quickly, the heat of the sun gradually dying to a subtle warmth accompanied by a slight breeze. Finn's theory proved successful so far. Sophia had been able to collect two more sunstones, each resurrecting steps toward (hopefully) the submersed island. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

Also, ever since Vaughn had visited her upon Mirabelle's request, the thought of owning a farm animal became more and more tempting to her. Sophia finally gave in one day, making the trip to the store.

She found Mirabelle at the counter, who gave her a friendly greeting. "Hello, Sophia! Did you decide to buy an animal?"

"Why else would I be here?"

Mirabelle just slid a thick catalog in front of Sophia, "Well, you can see a complete list of all the animals we sell."

Sophia pulled the book closer to her and turned the glossy pages, examining each animal. "Hmm…" There were robust steer, dairy cows with big doe eyes, sheep with pristine wool, and powerful looking horses. All magnificent creatures, but she knew what she wanted. She stopped at a specific page, a small smile on her lips, "I'll buy this." The witch turned the catalog back to Mirabelle, pointing at the picture in it.

The older woman glanced at the page then nodded her head, "That's a good animal to start with. You know, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy a few more, especially since they're cheap."

Sophia shrugged, "Sure, alright."

"Great!" Mirabelle handed her an order form, "Just fill this out and they should be delivered this Monday."

With a click of the pen, Sophia began to fill out the paper. It never really occurred to her until she walked into the shop how much she missed the company of farm animals. She missed the bleat of a lamb, the feel of a horse's sleek back on her hand, even the smell of fresh hay inside the barn. She couldn't wait for Monday to come.

Sophia heard the door open behind her, followed by the sound of heels on the hardwood flooring. She turned to see Julia, Mirabelle's bu xom daughter with a sizable bag of dog food, "Dogs are taken care of," She huffed, fatigue lacing her voice. She noticed Sophia's presence as she placed the bag in a closet. "Hey, Sophia. I wasn't expecting you to be here."

The witch stepped aside as Julia joined them, "Heard your farm is doing pretty nice, " She gave a playful, but gentle, punch to her shoulder, "Way to go! Not many people can handle a whole farm by themselves."

The younger girl smiled, signing her name at the bottom of the form, "Yes, slowly but surely." She handed Mirabelle the paper, causing Julia to lean forward and glance at it in curiosity. Her slender eyebrows rose slightly, "Oh? So, Vaughn was able to convince you to get an animal? That's surprising."

"What was even more surprising was when he actually volunteered to talk to you." Mirabelle chimed in.

Sophia perked up at this, "What?"

"I said it was even more surprising that he volunteered to talk to you."

"You mean you didn't make him go?" Sophia questioned.

Mirabelle laughed, "Oh dear, no! The poor man has the social skills of a rock. If I let him do all the talking, I'd be out of business."

"Yeah, she usually makes ME do that," Julia scoffed, pointing a thumb at herself.

Sophia was a little more than perplexed. Though she didn't talk with Vaughn on a regular basis, she knew that he wasn't one to be willing to socialize…with ANYONE. But, what made her different?

"Um, Sophia?"

The young witch blinked, then looked at Julia, who just stared at her with an uneasy smiled, "You in there?"

Sophia swiped a hand over her forehead, attempting to clear her head. "I was just lost in thought." She turned to Mirabelle as she dug through her satchel for money, "Thanks for helping me." The older woman said it was no problem as she took the currency her customer handed her.

Sophia's mind was still turning even as she made her way home with puzzling thoughts of the stoic animal trader. Though she was confused by his actions, Sophia could not stop the hopeful flutter in her chest at the thought that Vaughn might actually- however mildly- enjoy her company. This growing (dare she call it) friendship was slightly different than the one she shared with Angie. Sophia loved the girl like a sister, but Angie didn't truly understand what she constantly when through in Harmonica Town: The neglect from her peers, the nervous glances, and the relentless, aching loneliness. Despite the knowledge that she was safe to tell her anything without being judged, Sophia also knew Angie didn't fully conceive the feelings she often felt. But, she supposed that was a good thing, because she would never want someone to be familiar with that hurt.

As for the companionship with Denny (though she wasn't sure if that title still stood. She hadn't seen him since the festival)… Well, that was at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from her and Vaughn's. Denny had a fun spirit and a natural love for life that was almost contagious. Sometimes, he was able to make Sophia forget the bad memories.

Other times…he made her remember.

Sophia could see that through the fissures of his cheerful disposition…there was a scornful side. A side that produced teasing remarks, back-handed compliments, and ill-placed frowns.

And they were all aimed at Vaughn.

Whatever happened between the two men must have been very damaging for someone like Denny to act such a way in the presence of the other. Because of this, Sophia never felt comfortable telling the fisherman much about her life before the Sunshine Islands.

But with Vaughn… with Vaughn, she felt like she could tell him anything and he would understand. That didn't mean she was going to pour her heart out in some sort of teary-eyed session, but maybe… if they became close enough friends… Sophia could finally have someone to confide in, and he as well. The only thing needed was for one of them to take the initiative.

It wouldn't be the first time Sophia volunteered for something.

-oOo-

Monday had finally arrived and Sophia busied herself with preparations for her new animals. As she placed some straw down for bedding, she used her magic to enchant a feather duster, which was currently swiping away the delicate threads of a massive spider web in the corner of the celling.

"They're here! They're here with that grouchy looking cowboy!" Finn all but screamed excitedly, flying through the doorway with a trail of golden sparkles. Sophia had asked him to keep watch while she cleaned the building. With a quick wave of her hand, Sophia dismissed the duster's enchantment and it fell to the floor with a dull clatter.

As she stepped outside, surely enough, Sophia spotted Vaughn walking toward her house with a small cage in his arms, "Vaughn!"

He turned around, seeing her approaching in a slight jog, "Huh. This looks familiar." He remarked once she stood in front of him.

She grinned, knowing what he was referring to, "The beach." It wasn't difficult to connect the two instances.

"Yup."

Finn wrapped his hands around the cage bars, pressing his pudgy face against it, "Look how cuuutee…"

"Let's go place these little guys in the coop." Sophia said, peering into the cage with bubbling eagerness.

Once inside the humble structure, Vaughn crouched down smoothly and unlatched the cage door. Sophia sat cross-legged beside him, watching with an ardent expression as he reached in and scooped up one of tiny creatures with more tenderness than she expected from him.

The chick looked encompassed in Vaughn's large hand, the bright yellow color of its feathers seeming even brighter against his worn black gloves. It chirped incessantly, but stayed where it was. "Here. Hold out your hand."

Sophia complied, cupping her hands. Before placing the delicate animal in her grasp, the animal trader gently took hold of her wrists and lowered them until they were nearly touching the floor, "In case it decides to jump." He informed her.

She barely felt the chick's mass as she observed at it with loving eyes, "I always found it astonishing how weightless chicks seem." She muttered as she stroked it with the pad of her thumb.

Finn hovered around it, saying slyly, "Is it…as light as a feather?" He then started giggling wildly, which earned an eye roll from the witch.

"If you take care of them properly, they can grow to be pretty big." Vaughn stated, ushering out the rest from the cage. They watched them hop around, chirping quietly.

Then, Sophia piped up as she scanned the chicks wonderingly, "What should I call them?" She pondered some names, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Her eyes lit up, "I know! Eggbert… Clucky… and Nugget." She exclaimed, pointing to each one.

Predictably, Vaughn visibly cringed and groaned, "Don't be one of those people."

Sophia laughed and shook her head, "No, it was a joke. But, I've never been very good at them."

Finn turned away, muttering, "I like those names..."

"I'll have to look through a book of names and decide." She continued, mostly to herself.

Once the chicks were settled and had been fed, the animal trader stood up to leave, "Well, I'd better be going."

"Wait."

Vaughn stood there as Sophia clambered to her feet, "What?"

"Would you be interested in staying for lunch?" She asked.

It was easy to tell by his demeanor that he was mildly surprised, raising an eyebrow in suspicion, "I have to finish work…why?"

"Because I want to get to know you. I thought that was clear."

Now both eyebrows were up and all he could think of to say was, "Why the hell would you want to get to know me?"

"Why not?"

"Because- Because I'm…" Sophia could see him desperately sifting through is options, his irritation building. Finally, he blew out a huff of frustration through his nose, then replied tersely, "How about dinner instead?"

A/N: Oy… I don't really like how this chapter ended up, but I supposed it could've been worse. :/

Thanks for sticking with me so far! ^^;