Last chapter! Wahh! Sorry it took so long!

He sighed, leaning back in his chair and running both hands up through his bangs to the back of his head.

He lifted the feather from the table in front of him and held it up to the light, turning it between his fingers delicately. It was so small and light and yet it meant so much more than anything else he had ever bought.

He had it all planned out. After work today he'd bring her to the forest, they'd have another picnic- this time he made all her favourites- then he'd pop the question.

Four words and one feather.

That was all it took to completely change your life. That thought alone was terrifying- and yet, he still wanted to go through with it. The feelings running through him, were they fear, excitement or both?

He was definitely worried though no doubt about that, he had difficulty choosing the right things to say when he was nervous, and couldn't really trust himself. For just once in his life he prayed he wouldn't be the complete idiot he usually was, that he wouldn't end up picking a fight with her or getting angry for no reason. When he thought about how that was even a concern he wondered why she put up with him in the first place.

The alarm clock at his desk side went off and he jumped, quickly but carefully putting the plume into his pocket while shaking his head.

He had woken up an hour before he was supposed to- a rare occurrence, and for the first time in his life, he simply couldn't go back to sleep.

He walked over and brought a hand down on the off button and the loud "moos" died away. He still wasn't sure why he used Dunhill's gag gift instead of a regular alarm. Cows were more soothing than a blaring screech he supposed.

The day had now officially started and anxiety made him shiver, work was going to be torture today.

Rod walked beside him excitedly with a bounce in his step as they pulled the horses which pulled the carts along. "I can't believe you're getting married!" He exclaimed.

Neil sighed, regretting having accidentally let it slip a couple days prior. "She hasn't said yes yet." He reminded.

The pet seller merely laughed and slapped his back heartily, "Well of course she's gonna!"

He didn't really respond, choosing to watch the orange haired man from the corner of his eye carefully. He felt weird talking about his relationship with Rio around Rod. It just kind of seemed like a jerk-y move considering he was fully aware that he also had feelings for her, though to what extent he was not sure.

Rod caught his glance and grinned as if reading his mind, "I keep telling you, I'm totally fine! One hundred percent over it!"

"Okay." Said Neil, unconvinced. After all, if the roles were reversed he would not be over it. He would never be over it probably- no greater proof than the soft plume tucked away safely in his pocket. He was actually planning on marrying her!

"In fact," Said Rod, "I've got a date tonight~!"

"With who?" Asked Neil in surprise.

"Wouldn't you like to nosey?" Rod teased.

"Seriously," Neil pressed, "You know everything about my love life, you wouldn't leave me alone if you didn't! SO how is it fair for you to leave me in the dark?"

"Okay fine," The ginger agreed too quickly. He really had wanted to spill after all. "I've been hanging out with Tina recently!"

Neil nodded, a predictable pairing. He began to regret prying though when the rest of the walk was Rod continuing to ramble about all the 'cute' things the newspaper girl did and said. They got into town and he began to tune Rod out, noticing the villagers stopping to watch them go. Well, not them, him in particular.

Hina giggled and her father who had been walking with her gave him an approving nod. Neil's brow creased in confusion.

Some of the village girls were gathered together, talking quickly in hushed and excited tones until the two passed and they stopped to watch him go with a couple gleeful hushes to each other and knowing grins.

He caught on and turned to his rambling companion darkly. "Who did you tell?" He growled.

"I miiiiight have accidentally told Tina." Rod admitted and Neil slapped a hand to his forehead. Tell Tina anything and it'll be spread around the village before the day's done.

They set up in silence. Rod must have realized he was in the dog house after this slip up.

They went through their morning ritual, ringing the bells and announcing their openings and then they sat, and waited.

He sighed and checked his watch. Eight hours to burn.

The first person to the stand was not anyone he expected. The quiet tailor looked up at him with what he thought might be excitement. They hadn't really spoken much after the first time she came to the village and complimented his outfit- for that alone as well as the fact that she was quiet he liked her. At least as much as he liked anyone but to him she had always just been Emma's daughter.

It took him a moment even to remember her name. "Yuri." He greeted.

"I heard you're going to propose." She said and he coughed in surprise before shooting another angry glance at Rod who quickly turned his head away and whistled.

Neil's response seemed like enough of a confirmation to her and her eyes twinkled. "When I heard I began to imagine the outfits I've seen people wear in the cinema… before I knew it I got carried away and made this." She placed a garment bag on the desk.

He blinked in confusion.

"Have her wear it…" She said.

He shook his head, "If I do that she'll know something's up." He pushed the article closer to her and she pushed it back.

"Just hold onto it for now." She said and then left before he could argue it any further.

Before he could even examine it he spotted a cow-print stenson making it's way up the hill and he quickly hid it under the counter.

Rio looked a little confused as passing villagers giggled and he sighed, could no one in this village keep a secret?

"Hi Neil." She smiled when she got to the counter and his throat constricted.

"Hi." He said curtly.

She beamed and he gulped, "Aw, you too? Everyone seems to be acting weird today." She glanced down at herself self-consciously, "I can't figure out what it is but it's starting to drive me up a wall. Is there something on my clothes? Er- more than usual anyway? You'd tell me right?" She asked glancing up at him worriedly with those baby-doll eyes that made his heart leap out of his chest.

"You look perfect." He said, "Uh- fine, I meant to say."

She giggled and he admired the light patterings of red spreading across her cheeks. "Anyway." She said, "I was hoping to take the animals to the sanctuary today."

He froze. "What?" He asked.

She gave him a funny look, "You know, the animal sanctuary? The place you take animals to wind down?"

"Uh right." He said, scratching the back of his head. This ruined everything, they wouldn't be back until it was far too late. Sure he could easily do it another day but since the entire village was now in on it surely SOME idiot would let the cat out of the bag. "Yeah sure." He said in disappointment.

"Neil?" She asked in worry.

He stopped, He could just propose at the sanctuary. Sure it didn't hold the same meaning to the two of them but on the plus-side she'd never see it coming. "You prepare the animals, I need to get some of my own stuff together." He told her.

She smiled in relief and agreed before running off.

"Watch the stand." He ordered Rod and quickly ran back to his house.

He returned a couple minutes later in the sanctuary truck with a large wicker basket stashed in the back. As per usual, he began to secure the cart within when he noticed the garment bag under the counter and stared at it with a lost expression. He had forgotten about it. He stashed it under the basket to deal with at a later time.

Rio came back with a small parade of animals following behind her, which was always a spectacle the way they followed her without tethers.

As they began to load on he stopped at Rod's stall.

"Good luck!" He beamed.

"Yeah." He nodded.

"I can't believe your actually going to propose!" He squealed into his hands like a girl.

Jessebelle's ear flicked with interest and Neil jumped back having not even noticed her joining them.

"Aw hey girl!" Rod grinned, reaching over to scratch her head, "Do you approve of Neil marrying Rio?"

She mooed happily.

"Just don't tell her, it's supposed to be a surprise." Neil told the cow sternly.

Rod laughed, "How the heck could she tell her anyway? She's a cow! You're being paranoid."

Neil glanced away in embarrassment, "Yeah I don't know, guess that does sound crazy… It's just this feeling I sometimes get. Like Rio can just look into their eyes and know what they know or something. You know I was calling this cow Jessebelle before she even named her?"

Rod laughed even harder, "Jessebelle is one of the most stereotypical name for a cow after all- right up there with Bessy!"

"Whatever." Neil grunted and quickly led Jessebelle over to join the others in the back. Rio was already waiting in the passenger's seat.

"It's always so weird to be in an automobile now." She marvelled, "And to think it used to be a day-to-day necessity.

"Yeah, funny what you forget about in this village." He agreed as he began the drive.

"I haven't gone to a movie in forever either! I don't even know what movies came out in the last year!" She realized in awe. "We should go to one sometime, it'll be like a highschool date! We can share a popcorn and everything!"

He shook his head, "Honestly, how do you never get embarrassed by the things you say."

"Oh…" She frowned, "Sorry."

"That's not what I meant!" He said in surprise, "I just meant casually throwing around compliments and words like 'love' and 'date'… even now I have a hard time saying them…"

"Ok." She nodded.

There was a silence and he felt like he had already messed up. "I'll take you sometime." He said.

"What?" She asked.

"To a movie." He had to keep his attention on the road but he gave her a brief smile and watched as a smile of her own erupted.

"I'm so happy." She grinned into her scarf.

They got to the sanctuary and unloaded, he put the stall and basket in the shed, and hung the garment bag up on a hanger before exiting out of the small dusty building into the sunshine.

They spent the rest of the morning brushing and caring for the animals and the afternoon laying in the grass.

Eventually she groaned and rolled onto her side and hugged her legs. "I always forget to pack food, we've already missed lunch and now it's dinner." She looked at the long grass tickling her face and sighed. "What do you suppose grass tastes like? Jessebelle says- uh I mean Jessebelle seems to like it."

He sat up and pat her head, "I brought a basket, you don't have to resort to that."

She slivered over and plopped her chin into his lap, "I love that you're always prepared."

She turned on the spot to lay on her back and look up at him. He blushed and placed a hand over her face and she protested with a giggle, trying to pry it off. "what are you doing?!" She asked gleefully and sat up off him.

"I don't know." He sighed and got up, "I'll get the food."

She watched as he left and turned to Lacie. "What's with him?"

The sheep only giggled and walked away.

He returned a moment later and began to lay out the blanket near the sanctuary's cliff's edge, giving the pair a brilliant view of the endless expanse of green treetops far below.

He watched the farmer come up to join him nervously, everything had to be perfe-

She yelped as she slipped and he quickly stood "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." She said, "I'm fine, the dirt was just really slippery right here- oh bother." She muttered as she realized that what she slipped in was DEFINITELY NOT dirt. "You can tell I'm a farmer huh?"

He grimaced at the dark splotches caking her overalls. "It has quite a smell… and I don't want to get your blanket dirty… maybe I'll just eat from over here?" She suggested.

For a moment he panicked before he remembered, "There's some sort of garment hanging in a bag in the shed- you could try that for size." He told her and she nodded and headed off.

He sighed in relief and silently thanked the tailor before unpacking the basket. The sky was turning orange and he knew there wasn't much time left before they had to go.

He pulled the saran wrap of the dishes and took out little LED candles, turning them on and placing them in the center of the blanket.

Finally he checked on the feather, pulling it out to inspect for damage. Suddenly there was a huge gust of wind though and it was torn from his unready fingers. He jumped up and gave chase as it speed along the grass.

A hoof stopped it, gently holding it down to the ground by the base and Jessebelle mooed. He caught up and pat her head but as she lifted her hoof the wind picked up again the feather resumed its flight. Now both the animal dealer and the cow were chasing after it.

It fell in front of Fleece this time and the melancholy sheep glanced down at it.

There was a warning baa from the other sheep somewhere behind them and the sheep quickly lowered its upper body to hide the feather. its rear still sticking up awkwardly in the air. Neil turned to see if he had time to snatch the feather before Rio could see but paused. She had already exited the shack and was walking towards him in a soft silky flowy dress, it moved with the breeze and fluttered with every step she took and his breath hitched for a moment. When she finally made it to the crowd of humam plus animals she shifted under his gaze, flushing lightly. She was beautiful, probably the most beautiful thing he had ever seen- even if she wasn't dressed up. The soft pale light tinging the wide plains basked everything in an ethereal glow and softened the pair's features and shone through her layers of airy fabric.

"I feel so silly." She said in her soft voice and gave him an embarrassed smile and clutching at the hem of her skirt, "Being all dressed up like this at the sanctuary." Then she laughed, "But really, to think something like this was just laying around! I really have to wonder what goes on around here when we farmer's go home!"

Neil just shrugged as if he was just as baffled.

She turned to Fleece questioningly, "What are you doing?"

The sheep baaed lowly and she frowned as it took a bite of the grass in front of it.

He had no choice but to guide her away from the feather and to the set up.

He plopped down onto the checker blanket he had practically drenched in lavender detergent the night prior and looked up at her when she didn't immediately do the same.

The hungry farmer stared down at all of her favourite foods and nearly drooled. She bent down quickly beside him and set him with a serious gaze "I love you." She said.

He looked at her for a moment and then burst out laughing.

"N-neil?" She asked in shock.

"What's with that confessing for the first time tone of voice?!" He asked.

She glanced away in embarrassment and then looked back at the usually stoic dealer with mixed fascination. He quickly pulled her between his legs in another one of his rare acts of playfulness. "You're cute." He murmured into her ear and could feel her face heat up against his cheek.

He let her go but froze as he saw something unmistakably blue fly towards them and pulled her back into a hug to stop her from seeing the feather.

Unfortunately he was not able to give it chase and was helpless as it blew over the cliff's edge. The animals that were chasing after it stopped and looked down in what almost looked like horror.

"Let go!" Rio laughed, "I'm hungry!"

When she was out of his clutches she glanced up, "weather's weird today isn't it? These freak gusts of wind..."

"Yeah." He said hollowly staring over at where the feather flew down.

Rio glanced behind her and frowned at all of the animals at the cliff's edge. "What happened?" She asked and stood up to join them.

He followed wordlessly.

Lacie baaed at her sadly and she frowned leaning over the edge to get a better look.

"It's probably nothing." He said.

"But she just said something important to today flew over… whatever that means." Rio said and then froze- "I mean-!"

"This might sound crazy but… can you understand them?" He asked.

"N-"

"Rio." He said before she could lie.

"Yeah." She admitted.

"You were keeping such a big secret from me?" He asked in wonder and just a little hurt.

They walked back to the blanket and sat down. "Well how do I put it… it's never really felt like a secret. It's just something I didn't bother telling anyone because nobody would believe me anyway- um are you sure we don't have to worry about whatever blew over the cliff?"

"It's gone now." Neil dismissed.

She shrugged and finally began to eat.

"I feel like we're really not making a big enough deal about the fact that I just found out you can talk to animals." He said in wonder. "Well, it makes more sense than anything else given the stuff that's happened."

She shrugged again, "It's not like some huge dramatic reveal, you figured it out on your own so I don't get why either of us should be that surprised…"

"Huh. Do you think our kids'll have that ability too? Is it genetic?" He asked.

She frowned. "Probably not… no one in my family- WAIT KIDS?!" She choked.

He blushed, "Well ya." He defended, "when we get married we'll probably have 'em eventually!"

"When we get married?!" She flushed.

"You don't ever wanna?" He scowled.

"Well it's not that I don't want to- it's just you just said it so suddenly I was surprised!" She protested.

"I can't believe you find the idea of us getting married more shocking than me finding out you can talk to animals!" He said angrily.

"Neil…" She said.

He shook his head, "You're right sorry, it's way too early to be talking about this sort of thing, we have a lot of time ahead of us…"

"I-" She started but he cut her off desperate to change the topic, "So what's it like?" He asked.

"What?" She blinked.

"Talking to animals?" He continued.

"Oh." She said and then grinned, "Right I guess I can tell you all these crazy stories now that you know!"

She told him about the animals on the farm, her crazy chicken with a eighth grader syndrome, her sassy cow, then she chided him for corrupting Fleece with his metal music and he laughed. The animals wandered over to listen and he pat the sheep affectionately. "You've got good taste in music, you should listen to some of the new bands I found some time."

The sheep baaed almost excitedly.

She continued to tell them stories and he smiled, relieved that the feather flew over the side and didn't ruin everything. He'd ask again someday in the future, but not now.

"So wait." He said after her last story, "you're telling me that the cow was in love with Vaughn and that's what all that was about?!"

"Yep, and she talked like she was out of a Shakespearean play!" She threw her head back dramatically and quoted the cow, "Separation has cleft my heart in twain! - A day? Oh wrecked day that separates he from I!"

At that moment they both noticed a mole running over.

"And that's Momo! The mole I was talking about that helps me with construction." She said looking to Neil excitedly. "I told him he could come."

Neil froze, still watching the mole carrying something that was once again that unmistakable shade of blue. His chest filled with panic as the mole stopped behind her and squeaked.

She looked back at the mole curiously, "Got what?" She asked it and paused as it handed her the feather.

"Neil… I" She started.

"Yeah, it was stupid. You were right it was too early." He blushed. "I don't know what I was-"

"Yes." She said.

"What?"

"Yes." She repeated, tears welling up in her eyes and she leaped into his arms. "Yesyesyesyesyes!" She squealed.

"But you said-"

"That was then when you hadn't proposed, this is now." She said looking up at him.

"You women are purposely confusing aren't you?" He asked.

"Stop ruining this moment!" She scolded into his chest and he smiled, patting her head affectionately.

"You're right." He said. He was about to kiss her but stopped as he remembered they were surrounded by animals. The watching eyes quickly looked away and they all stood up, turned around, and sat back down to give them privacy and he grinned.

He leaned in, tilting his head to kiss her gently.

"I love you." She told him, "We all do. You have no idea what all the animals both here and in the forest did to keep you happy."

"They'll be lots of time for you to tell me." He told her softly, tucking some hair behind her ear. He took a deep breath in and looked at her determinedly. "Listen up because I'm only going to say this once, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone else and I promise to continue loving you forever."

They both smiled shyly and she stroked at her bangs, "Um, Neil… About what I said before… about kids. Forget all that. I really do want to start a family with you."

"What are you talking about?" He grinned as the animals crowded in to congratulate them, "We've already started one."

She laughed as Jessebelle nuzzled her, "Yeah." She agreed.

And that's a wrap everyone! I both love and hate the feeling of finishing a story! I mean, it feels so liberating and accomplishing but I'm going to miss writing about these crazy animals! THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR READING THIS FAR! EVERYBODY! YOU'RE ALL AMAZING WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE SAME LOVE OF HARVEST MOON AND IT IS JUST SO AWESOME THAT WE HAVE THINGS LIKE FANFICTION TO BRING US ALL TOGETHER! I loved hearing from you and I love reading your stories as well! What a time to be alive!

I'm talking as if I'm leaving fanfiction but that's not the case, lol! XD Anyway, If you hven't check out my new RioxNeil story "Beyond the Road's End" 'cause I'd love to keep seeing your wonderful uh... not faces I guess... profile pics?

As always, review responses:

CrimsonCrush- Thank you and sorry it took so long I'm sure your fingernails are in a sorry state now, lol. Anyway good luck on exams, see you on the other side *salutes*

CheetosPotato- Yeah, I figured it's always best to have one dead calm person/cow when you're writing pandamonium, is funniest that way. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING LIKE, PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING I'VE EVER WROTE.

Psycho Kay- I definitly wasn't ever planning on having him figure it out but it was te last chapter and I was like, "eh, why not?" Thank you for reading! :)

Himeno Kazehito- Me too! Except in Tale of Two Towns where strangely enough I went for Ash. He's not really as represented on fanfiction but it's hard to think up a story where they guy is friendly from the get go... I guess I also went with Ray in Magical Melody. I liked Kurt but Ray gave me a fishing pole and I thought that was a sweet gesture. Anyway, thanks for reading!

Guest- Thank you so much! I'm happy you like it and hope you get to read this last chapter! I know as a guest it's hard to keep track of stories.

CommanderApple- WOW. Thank you so very very much it made me so happy to read all that! Yeah I'd have been skeptical of this sort of story too- thus the "wait wait hear me out" in the description but I'm glad you gave it the benefit of the doubt, (I've scrolled past a lot of stories with this sort of plot) As for Rod, yeah, I could never hurt poor Rod too badly, I always end up breaking his heart in these stories, (Although it was a mistake in RP#6 where I paired him with Michelle without realizing that she was a wolf in sheeps clothing), but I always find him someone in the end just to give him a happily ever after too. Making him sad feels like kicking a puppy. :( Anyway, thanks for reading!

Ms. Butt3rNut- Thank you for all your recent support and happy 413! (Although technically 413 is over in the Philippines) You're awesome :33

ObliviousPanda- Sad and happy! That's how I feel too! I love Sampson and all oblivious bears! (That's you!) I HAD to put him in again before the story ended. Thank you so much for reading!