One particularly chilly afternoon found a slight redheaded girl making her way through the snow to the stables. Sophie didn't really want to take her horses out in the conditions, just to visit with them. The girl had a tight bond with both of her horses and hadn't been to see them in several days. With all the holiday preparations, she hadn't had time to do much. She knew both of them would be upset, so Sophie brought treats.

The familiar sights and sounds greeted her as she entered the stable. The girl smiled, as she headed down the row to find her friends. Finally, she came upon a small grey Quarter horse and a large chestnut Thoroughbred. Both noticed her at once. The former perking up her ears and the latter turning his head. Sophie went to the grey first, knowing the mare would be more forgiving. "Aurora," she said cheerfully. "I missed you, girl. Here, I brought some presents." She made sure to say the last part loudly and slowly take the treats out of her pocket. Making sure the gelding next to her saw, Sophie fed Aurora the treats. The mare nuzzled her hand gratefully, forgetting the last several days.

Next door, the Thoroughbred moved closer. He looked at the redhead with pleading eyes. "So you forgive me now? Huh, Pacheco?" she laughed. "Okay, I guess I can feed you this." Sophie pat the larger horse on his head while he ate his present. The girl continued to feed the horses until she ran out of treats.

When Pacheco nudged her again, Sophie held out her hands. "I have no more treats. You'll just have to do."

Zakery found his way into the stables by mere accident. See Zak had no horse, well he did, but he didn't like the claim the bugger. Its name was Jordick, his little niece named him, Addy. She demanded his name be Jordick, and well, How could Zak not go along with it, because if he hadn't, well his face wouldn't be as pretty as you see it now. But that is besides the point. Zakery would never come into the stables to feed the stupid thing, as long as the stable boys got along to it, why would he care. His horse could die and Zak would be just fine.

The real reason you could find Zakery in the stables today was the fact that Zak had fallowed Sophie. Well not exactly, but as soon as he saw her hair disappear into the stables, Zak fallowed. Slowly at first, not wanting to make it obvious that the young man really wanted to talk to Sophia. He hadn't seen her in such a long time, and for some reason, after his min-fights with Miss Jerin, he had a feeling he just wanted to be talked to by Sophia. Strange for Zakery, I know.

Finally, the man made it to the stables. He walked in, horses trying to get at him, and there stood Jordick, but he ignored the horse and instead watched as Sophie fed her horses treats. A smile lifted upon his face as he watched her. Okay, so it wasn't really a smile it was more of a smirk, but it was getting close to a smile, closer then ever before. And on he watched.

When she showed her horses she had no more treats, he chuckled, it wasn't the nicest of chuckles, filled with his 'evil laugh' as well but it was a laugh, none the less. "Well, well, aren't we Miss Goody Goody, feeding our horses and giving them extra treats in which they don't need," He chuckled again, before looking at her.

Sophie turned around when she heard a familiar drawl behind her. It was none other than Zakery Bartone himself. His sentence was accompanied by a laugh. The girl just raised her brows and shrugged.

"I suppose you haven't come to visit your horses, have you? Maybe if you weren't so neglectful to 'em, you might actually be able to ride well," she said in her nicest tones. Sophie went back to petting Pacheco on the small white diamond that marked his head. He whinnied slightly in appreciation, clearly enjoying the attention. Sophie gave a misty smile back, still wondering what Zak was doing here.

"Wadda you doing here anyway?" she asked. "I thought you didn't prefer company."

How could someoe say something so cruel but say it in such a nice way. It was weird, and startling to the young man and he was taken back a bit. He actually took a step back, as if he had been slapped> But he wasn't. Instead he just looked at Sophia. Not wanting to really say anthing. For he had no answer. He sighed deeply and a hand went through his hair.

"well, I think my niece has scared the thing plenty. No need for me to scare it any more. Not like I really want to take care of a horse anyway. I rather have me two legs.." He muttered to her shaking his head, for this was true for the most part.

"I don't, but you are so lovely," He said, winking, as he tjried to flirt with her once more. "You already know this, but its fun to say,"

Sophie could tell her comment had hit hard. She didn't usually mince words like that, but the girl had wanted to give Zak a little back to what he gave people. She almost apologized, feeling slightly horrible. Then, she remembered his poor horse. Sophie loved horses more than any kind of animal and hated to see any lonely or mistreated. Not that his horse was mistreated. Just deprived of human company.

The redhead searched in her back pocket and found one extra treat she had been hiding. Both Aurora and Pacheco perked up at the sight of it, but Sophie moved toward Zakery. "Who says you're going to scare it?" she asked while taking his hand and depositing the treat in it. Her green eyes met his, offering a silent apology.

It was nice for a moment, then he tried the flirting thing again. Really, she thought, this must stop. Pushing away his hand, the girl rolled her eyes and muttered something along the lines of why bothering to try. Sophie moved to perch on a nearby stall door. "Are you going to feed him or not?" she asked playfully. "If the second, I know of two horses who would like it very much."

Zakery jumped as Sophie put the treat inhis hand. The only other person to touch his hand now adays was his little niece, insisting that they hold hands so she don't get lost. Again, Zakery doesn't want his brains splattered against the wall, so he does so. Not liking it one bit. But Sophie's hands were way better then Addy's by far.

"I do," He muttered at her as he cursed to himself as her hand left his and put a treat there instaed. He took the treat and held it up to his eye level. Looking at it strangly then walking on over to Jordick. He just through it in there, not caring if the horse got it or not.

Jordick watched as it flew past its nose and leaned down to lick it up. He whined happily as he tried to get at Zak for another one. Zak jumped and glared at the horse as it came close to licking his ear. "Away with you." He muttered.

Sophie's eyes sparkled mischievously as Zak jumped when she touched him. Apparently he wasn't really used to it. A small smile graced her face when he contradicted her. The girl just shook her head, not really wanting to say anything. She just watched, appraising, as he threw the treat in the stall, not bothering to touch his poor horse.

When his horse whinnied and begged for more, Sophie jumped down from her perch and gave him a pat. "Zak, come here," she said, motioning him to come over. Without even waiting for him to move, the redhead grabbed his hand once more and placed it on his horse. Jordick gave off what could almost be compared to a purr from a cat. "See? You can touch him," she said, looking him in the face. She was incredibly close to him, Sophie noticed for the first time. Closer than she had ever been to him before. The strange thing about it was that she almost didn't want to move away.

I don't like him, Sophie thought. I don't. Right? After a moment, she remembered her hand was still on his. She slowly took it off and apologized. "Sorry."

Zak was going to be stubborn, he was a Bartone afterall, you have a go with his brothers, you'll see what I mean. He stood there looking at her like she was crazy, as if he would get close to the damn horse. But He was suddenly pulled by her hand again, and he let her. Her hands were nice and soft and, it made him want to close his eyes and take her away. But he resisted as she then pulled his hand upon the horse, he jerked a bit, but let it stay there, if only becaseu her hand was over his.

Her voice was suddenly in his ear and he moved to look at her, she was shorter then him, of coures, most was, and suddenly she was right there. She was far closer to him then he would ever imagine herself to allow. But then again she was starting to amaze the young man. He looked at her and sighed deeply, trying not to blow the hot hair of his mouth into her face, knowing it probably stunk. ALl he had to do was lean down and.. there lips would meet.

But Zak had a feeling that wouldnt' be a good idea. He wasn't sure what Sophie was cabable of, or if she even had big brothers to beat his head in, she had spoke of a sibling, but Zak had not been paying attetion. Then her hand was away from his, and he sighed deeply as he nodded his head. "It is okay. Your hand is way softer then mine.." He muttered as he then brought his away from the horse, not wanting to pet the nasty thing.

Sophie was just glad he didn't fight her. He let himself be pulled along to touch his horse. She was happy about that. Then the closeness. The girl discovered he wasn't very far away at all. That it had happened, she hadn't even realized. After that awkward moment, she moved away and he commented something about her hands, prompting a laugh from the redhead.

Sophie moved back toward her own horses, burying her head in Aurora so not to show how red her face was. Really, that was a bit embarrassing. Being so close like that. Sophie certainly didn't want Zak to think she liked him like that. She didn't want to give him the wrong impression. The girl knew his reputation. She knew of his like for flirting. Probably more, the girl thought, lifting her face from her horse. It had lost it's red color and was almost back to normal.

"Sorry," she repeated, unsure of what else to say.

She seemed to be emabarresed by Zak's words, or at least this was his conclustion as she suddenly disappeared in the fur of a stupid horse next to her. He hassumed it to her's, but how was he to tell. It most likely was. Jordick was now trying to nip at him, and Zakery rolled his eyes as he stepped away from the horse and closer to Sophia. Having a feeling she was blushing.

Zakery had to sigh, he was good at this, real good. He coudln't help that he was full of himself, that he knew it all to well. But he had to admit that he was. I mean, was she hiding from him? She must like him, it was the only conclusion he sought and as he watched her head bob back up, he saw that there was a very, very faint trace of blush. he was correct.

"Sorry.' That was all she said, it seemed as if this was all she said. Sorry. He was sure it was the only thing she ever said. "Why you so sorry, Sophie? It is all ya ever say," He told her as he moved closer to her, liking how close he had been earlier, but she head moved away.

He kept getting closer and closer. What, Sophie thought, is his problem? I didn't ask for this. Almost as if he was trying to confirm her earlier thoughts, Zak moved right back to where they were less than five minutes ago. The girl was determined not to let any of this get to her.

"What do you want me to say?" she asked, a small grin coming to her face. "Maybe if you help a girl out once in a while, we wouldn't be having this problem." Despite all of her best intentions, Sophie stayed put. She was determined to let him do all the talking and walking. If he tried anything else....well, she knew what to do.

The girl only wished she had listened to her sister more. Myah knew far better than she what to do in such a situation.

(OOC: Sorry to be so short.)

Zakery coulnt' help but let a deep chuckle come out of his throat as she said these words. She was crazy, he concluded, really she was. He sighed and rolled his eyes a bit and then let his hand go through his long hair. He shook his head, not jreally sure of waht to say to the loony. He sighed a bit. And then smirked as something came int his mind.

"How about ya don't say anything at all?" He asked, and as he got closer her had the intentions to kiss her. Yup, that was his intentions alright, and he hoped like hell she didn't stop him, and when he felt no thand across his cheek he leaned further and and let his lips touch her's in a small peck.


ll don't worry about it. See mine is short to. XP ll

Zak laughed when she spoke. The girl frowned a bit, not exactly liking the response. Then he told her to not speak at all. The frown deepened a bit. More in concentration than in unfriendliness. Why did he just contradict himself? First this, then that. Sophie wished he would just make up his mind already.

If it was even possible, Zak had moved closer to the redhead. He hesitated for a moment, and Sophie saw what he was going to do. For a split second she considered pushing him away. Then a small part of her whispered, what the heck? Why not? She let him kiss her. Slightly surprised at the feel of his lips, she kissed back.

It was fast, but not too quick. Sophie quickly stepped back before he could do anything else. As much as she liked that, she didn't want a repeat. The girl wasn't fully sure of Zak's motives. "What was that for?" she demanded, her face blank. Sophie was determined not to give anything away until he spoke. And as soon as this was over, the redhead was heading straight to town to speak with her sister.

Ha, he knew she would. How he knew she would kiss him back? How did he know this, because he is just smart like that. He had a feeling this girl would kiss him, she was like many who had fallen for Zak's charm, for some reason, Zakery had a small voice telling him that this was the first kiss she probably had received, from someone other then ehr family.

But as soon as he pulled away, she darted backwards. "That, M'dear, was a kiss. And it was to lighten up your spirits some. Your spirits are so dreadfully dull at the moment," he stated, smirking at her as he said this he wanted to take another step foeward and kiss her again, but he refrained, she seemed as if she wasn't ready for another kiss just right yet.

Sophie got the feeling that Zak was laughing at her. Not out loud, of course, but inside. He acted like he knew so much more than she did. What if he thought she had never kissed anyone before? Inwardly, the girl grinned. Let him think that. She would never tell.

"I know what that was," she retorted, rolling her eyes. How stupid could guys get? "And what gives you the idea that my spirits are low? How would you know anyway? You barely know me."

That was true for the most part. They really had only talked a couple times since the first time in the mess hall. Mostly in passing. Nothing really substantial. Sophie supposed that Zak didn't really remember anything she said anyway. She also guessed that he wanted to kiss her again. He was certainly looking that way.

"No more kissing until you know me better," she told him, before he could do anything else. Not that she didn't enjoy the kiss, but she didn't just want to go around kissing people. It wasn't entirely proper. Wait a minute, the girl thought, I don't care about properness. But your mother and sister do, a little voice in the back of her head said. The redhead shook it to try and clear her thoughts, but it didn't really work. She really needed time to think about all of this.

Zakery rolled his eyes as he ran a hand through his blond hair and taking a sigh he took a step back, because she seemed to be a bit hyped up. he wanted to alugh at this, but he didn't as hse went on to talk, boring boring talk. He sighed as he listened to her. He was far away from her talking though, staring off into space.

He was listening. Well. Not that well, but hew as listening. That was the point. The main point. He sighed deeply again, Zakery that is. He caught the last bit of her voice and nodded his head, only agreeing for the heck of it to get her to shut up. "Whatever you say, luv."

ll sorry really crappy. ll

Whatever you say? Whatever you say? Sophie's mind exploded. She fought to remain calm on the outside, but knew it wouldn't last long. What an arrogant jerk. She knew he was bad before...but hearing about something and experiencing it were two very different things.

Part of her wanted to storm out right now. She knew he would never take her seriously if she did. He would probably think it was some silly girl thing. She could never expect him to understand. Sophie still couldn't believe he had been so inconsiderate. The part of her which had been holding out gave way. She didn't care if he thought she was a joke or not. This was so over. Not that he would even care.

"Fine. Whatever I say, huh?" she spat out at him. "You better listen, because I'm saying goodbye. Don't bother me again."

The redhead turned around and headed out of the stable. As she turned the corner, she stopped for a second and leaned against the wall. Slowly, Sophie's shakes of anger subsided. She took a deep breath and regained some composure.

”Fine-. Whatever I say, huh?” Sophie spat the words at him ”You better listen, because I’m saying goodbye. Don’t bother me again.” Zakery’s eyes got wide. What the hell just happened. Here he couldn’t’ believe what was going on. Suddenly she was turning and leaving and Zak was totally lost. He stood there for a momtent, dumbfounded before he picked up his stupid feet and tried to catch up with her.

”What is the matter with you? I don’t want to stop bothering you. You.. You’re surly different from the rest. What is your problem? Did your dad die or something?” His voice was still big and powerful, but a bit of softness had reached deep inside it as he looked at her and wondered if she would snap if he put his hands on her shoulders. He took the chance, was he not bigger then her? He could take her on if she snapped again.

He caught up with her, and pretty quickly. Of course, she did give him that chance, if unconsciously. He spoke to her, then put his hands on her shoulders. Something the girl really did not appreciate. She shrugged out of his hold and stood a couple steps away.

Sophie wasn't really quite sure why Zak had asked about her father. That didn't make any sense. "Yes, my father is dead. That's why I snapped at you," she said sarcastically. Then, because the redhead wasn't sure if that information would penetrate his thick skull, she added, "Of course not. I think I would be a bit more upset. And while we're on this subject, did somebody in your family die? It seems to me you have some big secret like that."

The girl wasn't entirely sure where that came from. She had never even admitted those thoughts aloud. Sophie wasn't even sure if she was correct. Zak always seemed like he had some big family secret like that. Whenever she broached the subject, he was quick to be silent.

Sophie walked away from his hand, and Zak gave a short sigh of frustration, the young man was at least trying with the damn girl, and all she could do is not try back. He ran a hand through his blond hair as she went on to speak. ”Yes, my father is dead. That’s why I snapped at you. Of course not. I think I would be a bit more upset. And while we’re on the subject, did somebody in your family die? It seems to me you have some big secret like that.” The first part she was only joking, playing with Zak’s head, but the last bit, that was serious. There came another sigh from the young man as he stepped away from her, leaning against the stable, his arms folded across his chest as he did so. He sighed again as he pushed some of his hair away from his face.

”What does it matter to you? Hmm? What does it to you if my sister died right in front of me? Huh?” He kept the feelings in, he was starting to get good at that, speaking of his sister. He missed her terribly, she was always the only one to listen to him cry out, always. And she left him. Left him in his horrible world to shrivel up and die. He looked away from Sophie and up at the sky, shaking his head, curisng Mithros for taking Kaylin from him.

So he did have a secret. It wasn't a very pleasant one, either. Sophie regretted that she made him say it, but it seemed he hadn't ever told anybody about it. She made a move to step toward him then stopped, unsure of he wanted that. Knowing him, probably not.

Quietly, she mumbled her apologies. Then, more strongly, she decided to ask what happened. "What happened?" she asked gently, her voice adopting the tone she used on her horses. The redhead sincerely wanted to know. She really hoped he would tell her. It was worth a shot, right?