The morning sun cast a warm glow over the fields as Lone reclined against a bale of hay, her eyes half-closed as her mistress, Sushi, pampered her with light pats and gentle strokes. Sushi's round, freckled face was rosy as she sighed dreamily, talking endlessly about her love for Oyster, the farmer who lived nearby.
"Oh, he's such a good man, that Oyster," Sushi cooed, smoothing down Lone's fur. "So strong and hardworking. But I tell you, girl, he's just too shy to ever ask me! Why, if he'd just say the word, I'd marry him right here in this field, chickens and all!"
Lone's ears perked, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. "Mistress, perhaps if you didn't slap him with that ladle every time you see him, he'd be a bit more… forward."
Sushi laughed, waving the thought away as she absentmindedly snacked on a biscuit. "Ah, he knows I mean well. Just look at him, plowing away without a care in the world. I tell you, there's no finer man around!" she sighed dreamily, her gaze drifting off toward the neighboring farm.
Nearby, the three young hens, clustered around the old rooster, who was meticulously preening his feathers.
"Oh, Mr. Rooster," Helene cooed, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Your feathers are so glossy today! How do you manage to look so dashing every morning?"
Rooroo, ever the suave gentleman, gave a proud ruffle of his feathers. "Ah, it takes dedication, my little feathered ladies. Style and elegance aren't just given; they're earned!"
The hens giggled, flattered by his charm, each of them fluffing their feathers in delight. Chichi gave a bashful tilt of her head, Hanna tried to hide a smirk, and even Helene gave a little fluff, glancing away with a coy grin.
But the peaceful chatter of the morning was interrupted by an unexpected arrival. With a spring in his step and a brightness in his eyes, Shadow trotted up to the farm, beaming in a way no one had ever seen before. His usual brooding air was gone, replaced with a joy that lit up his face.
"Shadow!" Lone's eyes widened in surprise as she watched him approach, but she tried to keep her tone cool. "Well, well, look who's feeling chipper today. What brings you here so early?"
Shadow flashed a grin, stretching like a dog. "I just thought I'd get a head start! Got a lot to do, and I'm ready to work!"
The chicks exchanged wide-eyed glances, hopping after him as he began his tasks. Shadow headed to the chicken coop first, gathering fresh straw for the nesting boxes. As he spread it around, the chicks chirped, buzzing around him excitedly.
"Look at him go!" chirped Hanna, hopping on a bale of hay to get a better view. "Wow, Shadow, don't drop that straw!" exclaimed Chichi, right behind Hanna peeping around her tail feathers.
"Don't worry," he laughed, fumbling with the straw and nearly tripping over his own tail before regaining his balance. The chicks burst into peals of laughter.
Lone leaned against the fence, watching him with a hint of admiration. Despite his clumsy start, he was earnest and focused, and there was something captivating about the way he'd dive right into work, mistakes and all. She approached the coop to help him, grabbing a fresh stack of straw.
"You missed a spot," she teased, nudging his arm as she laid down some straw beside him.
He grinned, giving her a playful shove. "I'm just getting warmed up! Besides, I'm the expert here now, aren't I?"
"Expert?" Lone raised a brow. "I don't know, Shadow. The chicks seem to think otherwise."
The chicks giggled, chirping encouragements. "Go on, Shadow, show her how it's done!"
He rolled his eyes with a laugh but got back to work, happily finishing up the coop, feeling proud under the approving glances of Lone and the tiny spectators.
Next, Shadow moved on to the laundry. He gathered Sushi's clothes in a bucket, filled it with soapy water, and began scrubbing. The chicks perched nearby, their beady eyes fixed on him as he worked, chirping little cheers.
"Look at him go!" Hanna piped, flapping its tiny wings in excitement. "Bet he'll wash those clothes sparkling clean!"
"Don't get too excited," Lone said with a smirk, leaning back against a post, her arms crossed. "He's bound to make a mess any second now."
And, sure enough, just as she predicted, Shadow fumbled, spilling soapy water all over himself with a surprised yelp. The chicks erupted in delighted laughter, hopping up and down.
"Nice one, Shadow!" Helene called. "Maybe a bath isn't a bad idea for you too!"
Shadow laughed, wiping soap from his fur, and splashed a bit of water in the direction of the chicks, who dodged it with little shrieks. Lone tried to hold back a laugh but failed, letting out a snort that made Shadow look up in surprise. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to appear serious, but he noticed the glimmer of admiration in her eyes.
"Glad I could amuse you all," he said, bowing dramatically. "Just part of the service!"
Roo roo, still looking dignified, puffed his chest and nodded approvingly. "You have style, Shadow, even in soap and suds."
Finally, Shadow moved on to the garden, where he carefully weeded around the plants. Lone had followed him, her gaze softening as she watched him work, seemingly more dedicated than ever. She was impressed by the energy and optimism he brought to each task, and though she tried to remain aloof, she couldn't help but feel her heart beat a little faster as she watched him. His resilience and spirit, especially after all he'd been through, drew her in.
As he finished up, he glanced over to see Lone leaning nearby, her expression somewhere between playful and impressed.
"You know," she said lightly, trying to keep her tone casual, "for someone who used to sulk and growl all day, you're not too bad at this farm thing."
He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I just needed to see things a little differently. And… well, the encouragement doesn't hurt." He shot a look toward the chicks, who fluffed their feathers, pretending to be busy.
Lone couldn't hold back her smile this time. "You know, Shadow… you're alright," she said softly. nudging his shoulder with hers.
He looked at her, warmth flooding his chest as he returned the smile. "Thanks, Lone. That means a lot."
The chicks, unable to resist the heartfelt moment, ran up to Shadow, hopping and chirping. "Shadow, you're a proper farmhand now! Even if you can't hold a bucket without spilling it!"
They all laughed, and even the stoic rooster gave a nod of approval. Sushi peered out from the house, grinning at the lively scene.
It was a bright, beautiful day on the farm, filled with laughter and warmth. And as Shadow worked alongside his friends, he felt, for the first time in a long time, that he truly belonged.