A/N: This was really hard to write for some odd reason. XD But I hope you like it anyways.

This is dedicated to Dash99, who made me realize that Tug needed a chapter.

Warning: Ummm…. None really.

Disclaimer: I don't own it.

14- Smile

Tug was munching happily on his hay when his master came in. The boy opened the door quickly and shut it with a bang, striding over to Tug's stall moodily. Tug looked up at the young boy, eyes alight with energy. What were they going to do today? He hoped it involved apples.

He nickered, tossing his head and sniffing the apprentice's gray green cloak, looking for a treat. Will just ignored him, putting the saddle on his back and leading him out to the front of the cabin.

The boy led the horse, face turned towards the ground. Tug nickered again, and was worried when his normally happy master didn't so much as blink.

Tug wondered what was wrong. He tugged on the lead rope once, trying to get the boy to talk to him, to look at him… to maybe give him the apple that he so desired.

The boy snapped angrily at him. "That's enough, Tug. I'm really not in the mood today."

Tug flattened his ears and huffed a breath out of his nose. That was the last straw! There was something wrong with his master today, and he was not moving until he knew what it was.

He planted his feet in the dirt, using his stocky body to his advantage. Will feebly yanked on the rope, practically snarling with the effort. Tug just pulled back harder, making Will sprawl into the dust.

The boy turned to look at his horse indignantly. "What has gotten into you?" he asked. Tug blinked once at him, pressing his nose into Will's face.

Will sighed, stroking the velvety nose. "Sorry," he muttered after a moment of silence.

Tug whinnied in acknowledgment. Will could have sworn he was saying, "I was wondering!"

He patted the horse, the corners of his mouth turning up in the beginning of a grin. "I've been having a bad day…"

There was another moment of silence while Will ran his fingers through Tug's thick mane. "Nothing too bad has happened," he muttered. "Just a whole bunch of annoying little things piling up on top of one another. I seem to have forgotten everything that Halt taught me last week, and I can't shoot to save my life."

Tug looked wisely upon his master, pulling on the reins and chewing on one of Will's pockets.

Will rolled his eyes, smiling. "I know, I know. All you really want is this." Will reached into the pocket and pulled out a small, crimson apple, holding it out to Tug's nose.

Tug whickered and chewed on the fruit. Will laughed, patting the horse on the neck once.

"Now come on," Will said, still grinning. "I don't want to be late." Will led the horse into the woods where Halt was waiting, but not before giving Tug a hug and whispering a thank you into the horse's warm neck.

A/N: So I'm doing something differently today. Instead of asking for reviews, I ask you kindly for a favorite or a follow. (But don't hesitate to review XD)

Next chapter will be 'Silence'. As always, tell me if you would like to see anything in the next chapter.

Love you guys so much! Have a good day.

-Dawn