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[dadication]

[While it was entirely unhealthy in any other situation, Jack was completely focused on Gabe, the feel of the older man under him, the motions that worked together and how the darkness enhanced the experience of feel only. He could hear, touch, taste and smell everything so much better, from the hitch of breathing to the taste of sweat.

He grunted softly in acknowledgement to the word, so close himself and trying to keep that last bit of control. He felt amazing, and a part of him didn't want to lose that feeling after so long seemingly without a physical connection with anyone. Instead, he was mouthing along Gabe's jawline, moaning as his thrusting lose some of it coordination in desperation of chasing down his climax.

His hand stroked harder and faster as well, determined to milk it out of Gabe as well. Not that he apparently had to fight for it. Still, he teetered on the edge for a few last aggressive thrusts before he was ramming their pelvises together as he came with a growling groan, shuddering full body.]

[blitzcheer]

[ Tidus lets out a low, unargumentative hum kept short, pointless to drag out when the guy was already heading off. It wasn’t him who felt the need to defend his old man pride of beating the youngsters, but Tidus was as ready to start heading to port as his partner obviously was. Sometimes, it was just easier to let old men be old and grumpy than argue points.

But it does take Tidus a second to figure out what he’s doing, following in pace with 76 to begin with. It really would be easier to either be standing still or running, and not this middle ground where he’s never thought to set off a Haste spell. But it’s a small consideration, Tidus studying his left arm with its fist clenched while keeping something of an eye on where he was going, ditching the plan to cast a Hastega just to be a show-off and letting his pace drop behind Soldier 76 for convenience.

So as long as Soldier doesn’t think to stop to watch or nag (in which instead, he’ll have Tidus bumping into him), Tidus lets out a grunt, a small shower of wisps in colours of polar lights--pinks and blues and greens--coming off his body before he throws open his left hand towards Soldier 76, to an effect that would be harder for 76 to miss.

Because it’s not just about what the spell does to the body, but the brief light show that occurs around it: rings of gold basking and surrounding the target as the actual effects carried within them seep into them, down through the skin and into the muscles. The body becomes lighter, easier to carry; unnaturally so, that it may be startling for someone already walking to prepare for if they have no experience with such a sudden shift to their body.

It has to be a weird sight for anyone else them around to see a guy be looped by rings.

But Tidus will still knock into 76 if stops at any point. ]

you know wheeeeeeeeeen

[gr1m]

[Well, things had started to settle down again. Return to what was basically 'normal' for a place like this, things moved on and it still felt like there'd always be something more. That could be nothing more than the start of something else.

Still, things settled, and Gabriel was coming back from running a few errands, leading Roxy to her fenced in area as he unsaddled her, taking bags with him towards the house itself—]

Jack? I'm back.

[Dogs had no doubt sounded something of his return home already, perking up without barking since his movements were familiar to them.]

New addition to the house

[dadication]

[Jack hadn't meant to bring it home, had meant to give it to the chocobo stables. The parents had obviously been killed in a struggle and most of their nest had been destroyed, but a single egg had survived. He thought it might be dead already, replaced as it was under a bush, but he had taken it when there was faint peeping from inside.

He had tucked it into his jacket to keep it warm and gave up on his hunting outing to head back towards the farm where he could take the road to the stables. He had good intentions, but the egg hatched there in his coat and the wet uncoordinated little creature imprinted on him when he had gone about cleaning out his coat.

It was a little light blue thing, all wet fluff and pitiful as it scrambled to stay close to him as its only source of warmth. Back in his jacket it went where it snuggled into the heat and rode along for the walk back. It had dried and fluffed up by then, finding some coordination on the floor of the house. Dogs didn't bother it, and it eagerly peeped along at his heels, trying to hide under him and ended up just sitting on his feet.

He was still grappling with the idea of keeping it when he heard the call of his name. The dogs had already lifted their heads at the sound of Roxy. He opened the front door to the sight of Gabe with saddle bags, opening his mouth to announce the fact he might have brought home a chocobo chick.

Before he could, the ball of blue fluff hauled ass out the door, peeping and chirping to take up the now 'acceptable' spot on his feet. It looked up at Gabe and peeped curiously while Jack sighed heavily.]

So much for the explanation first. [His socked feet were warm, okay? He bent and scooped the blue chocobo up and let it nestle into the crook of his arm.] So... in case it wasn't obvious, I found this on my hunting and gathering trip. Hatched in my coat on my way to take it to the chocobo farm.

A baby

[gr1m]

[Roxy heard the noise and was curiously moving to the closest part of her area to where they were as she could. All curiosity at a sound she of course knew what that was. Leaning over the bit of fencing as she could with a curious wark of a noise.

Gabriel meanwhile still had bags in hand, an eyebrow arching rather high for a moment at the sudden appearance of the little thing. Looking between it and Jack for a moment.]

Must be from when all of those wild ones were running around- and it's still here. [Which meant it would be staying, surely.

Huh.]

There's no taking it to the farm now, I don't think.

[dadication]

[Roxy was pretty obvious, and he stepped outside to allow her a good look at the chick who recognized its own kind and chirped excitedly. He let them have a moment together, even if the blue fluff ball was content to stay in the crook of his arm where it was safe and warm now that they were outside.]

That's what I thought. There was a struggle, so I expect they are either dead or disappeared. The nest and some other eggs were busted up. This one had to have rolled out.

[He shrugged a touch helplessly. He hadn't meant for it to hatch as it did, but he also hadn't wanted it to die trapped in an egg either.]

It's pretty attached to me so far, but maybe other chocobos would break that bond?

[gr1m]

[Roxy was very, very happy to see a little one and even lowered her large head enough to be closer. Cooing softly as she leaned against the fencing; surprisingly gentle for such a big bird, really.

Gabriel had his bags better slung over a shoulder so he could free up a hand and was getting a good look at the little blue chick himself. Same size as Roxy had been and looked healthy.]

Probably, wouldn't be surprised if this little fluffball may be the only thing left of that nest. Must've been ready to hatch it it did on you, too.

[He let out a breath, shaking his head slowly.]

They're extremely social, it makes other bonds that don't get replaced.

[dadication]

[The two birds seemed to very much like each other already, the little fluffball flapping underdeveloped wings and chirping out a little sing-song. It did not rise to bustle towards Roxy though, apparently safe and satisfied being warm at his arm and body. It was very cute, more than it had any real right to be.

He turned so Gabriel could inspect the little chick. It took to the observation by chirping and seeming to beg for food. Jack hadn't the knowledge of the feed for this species as chicks.]

I checked around, but the other eggs had been smashed. It clearly was. I only made it halfway back when it hatched, so I brought it here. I figured you'd know what to do with it.

[He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He figured he probably shouldn't have opened his jacket and imprinted it, but what else was he to do?]

It would be better with someone else.

[gr1m]

I have a few ideas- Will you let me hold it?

[Already had a hand offered out as he finally let the bags sit on the back porch so both hands could be held up in offering. Be safe enough in his hands.]

What makes you say that?

[Roxy really wanted out of her fenced off section just to be right then and there, making noises back and letting feathers ruffle, keeping her head on eye-level with the chick. It really was cute, and this would be her first time interacting with any chocobo outside of her siblings.

Just looked very happy to meet the blue chick.]

[dadication]

Yeah sure.

[He shifted the chocobo chick in his arm and set it into Gabe's waiting hands. It was big enough to settle into them easily, bobbing its head about and then peering up at Reyes between stretching its head towards Roxy and chirping.]

I haven't had to take care of an animal in more than a few decades. I would want it with someone that deserves it and will cherish it.

[He wasn't at the point of accepting entirely that he could have nice things. He had Reyes and that seemed like a miracle enough for him these days. They had a good routine, and he was good with that. The simple life was just fine.]

[gr1m]

[He held the blue chick much the same way he had held Roxy, making sure to keep it close and warm while also moving a little closer to Roxy so neither of them had to stretch so much. Settled on leaning back against the fence so the large red chocobo could easily rest over his shoulder and just.

She was gently grooming the chick with that big beak of hers.]

Hard to accept as it is, Sundance? You deserve something, and for now little blue here is safe with us, I think.

There's some fish in the kitchen that can be cut up in to thin strips, and mix that with a few fresh greens. I don't doubt this one needs to eat.

[dadication]

[A few of the dogs had come out to see why the door was still open, peering about and wagging their tails at Reyes and also Roxy. He watched as Gabe took the chick over to Roxy, how she seemed to immediately know how to mother it, grooming with a quiet softness that only maternal instinct could provide.

He figured that Roxy could take over caring for the chick. She likely had all the instincts that allowed her to do a great job after all. And the chick? It preened and leaned into the groom, chirping and nestling into the safety and warmth of Gabe's hands.]

I have something. I have you, and for me, that's more than I thought I would ever have. [He also keenly remembered the last bird he had gotten close to had manipulated him and he had felt it die on a deeply personal level. He wasn't looking for a repeat performance of the latter in particular.]

Alright, I'll go put some food together. I didn't know what to feed it, so let's get some food into it. [He turned to go.] Do you think Roxy will raise it?

[gr1m]

[He kept his eyes on Jack.]

You do have me, and I've got you. More than either of us have had in too long. Wouldn't give it up given the choice. [Which was saying a lot for Gabriel, honestly. He was a man who held on to things tightly, and everything ever lost metaphorically held claw marks when he din't want to lose it.

Never thought he'd hold on to something again.]

Get enough for Roxy, too. Give her a little treat along with feeding Blue here- [Temporary name, he figured. Had to call it something, right?] I think she'll at least teach it to be a chocobo. You and I are going to have to pitch in with the weather still cold.

[dadication]

I know. That's all I need these days, so I don't think I'm much suited for doing more than maintenance on the farm animals. You're the one with the horde.

[He gestured to make it clear he was heading back inside to put together a meal for both the chick and adult chocobo, leaving Gabe out there to mind the pair who seemed to like each other. That was good. Social birds should be with their own kind.

He walked inside and searched around for the fish in the fridge, pulling it out and cutting it up into small pieces for the chick and bigger ones for Roxy. Then he was pulling on boots and heading to the greenhouse to grab some fresh greens. He trekked back inside, washed them up and also cut them into smaller pieces.

Once he was done that, he separated them into bowls, the larger portion to Roxy and eased his way back outside.]

Here's the grub.

[gr1m]

A horde who happens to like your presence and have accepted you.

[He knew about some of the dogs napping with Jack on occasion, and honestly it was good- so he figured. Like in some similar capacity as to how they'd been good for Gabriel himself; a constant, there for him no matter. A comfort that asked for nothing in retur.

Gabriel kept the chick in his hold, relaxing a little and watching Jack when he passed by, only standing straight when he came back with the bowls-]

Set Roxy's down in the fence for her, going to need your help with the chick. Hand feeding will be best, and I can keep a hold of it for it.

[dadication]

[Jack nodded mutely and moved over to set the bigger bowl down where Roxy could easily access it, letting her have a meal and the treat that he had mixed in. He had given her more fish since she had been working hard lately, and the roads were getting muddy from day thaw.

He returned with the smaller bowl and held it out for the chick to potentially dive into. It seemed hesitant to leave the warmth of Gabe's hands and tried to peck at the rim of the bowl.]

Why don't you hand feed it? Just met you and all.

[gr1m]

I need both hands to hold it, and we can sit down on the porch together and make sure it gets enough.

[He stroked a finger over the chick's head slowly, ruffling up a bit of those soft baby blue feathers affectionately. It was definitely needing to be kept warm-]

That way when needs must, it will be comfortable with either of us feeding it.

[dadication]

You can put it down on the porch and feed it that way. It's been following me around in the house, so it's good at walking.

[He picked up a bit of green and fish mix, offering it to the chick. It gobbled down the small ball of food gluttonously, peeping eagerly for more. He held out the bowl as if waiting for Gabe to take it.]

I figure we'll feed it from a bowl soon enough. How long did you hand feed Roxy?

[gr1m]

It's a baby all the same, Jack. Hand feeding for a bit is needed.

[Wasn't about to take the bowl either, just gave Jack a little bit of an encouraging look while he still kept the blue fluffball held close. Secure and warm.

Let it make noise for more.]

Few weeks. Needs a good mix of protein and veggies for it's meals. Do you know how to tell sex for birds? Probably need to figure that one out quick.

[dadication]

Chicks can feed and forage on their own right out of the egg. So do turkeys and ducks.

[Jack looked annoyed when Gabe wouldn't take the bowl and he had to listen to the rising calls for more food. He held the bowl closer and the chick nearly dived right into it head-first. Maybe it was a combined effort to stop that from happening.

He grudgingly gave in to hand feed the chick after that, letting it gobble down the mix. All the while, he looked mildly cross about the whole affair.]

I can sex chickens and turkeys pretty consistently. Not sure about these birds, but they seem like they would be by the same principle. If not, chocobo farm should be able to, right?

[gr1m]

This isn't making it forage.

[He was patient and didn't let his expression falter no matter how cross Jack looked, let him find out why on his own. Gabriel jut kept the chick from toppling itself out of his hands really.

At least he was still doing it.]

Should have a try for yourself first, and I can't be sure. None of them raised chocobos, just knew basics, reason they asked for help when they started.

[dadication]

It can eat out of a bowl on its own, is what I mean.

[He figured that he had to do this once and after that, he could leave the bowl on the floor or if Gabe was going to insist on hand feeding, the older man could do it himself. This wouldn't be the first animal that he had to hand feed, but it had been a long time.

Soon the bowl was empty and he sighed heavily.]

Yeah, I can look and see if its male or female. There are a few ways. Posture method doesn't work on them.

[gr1m]

I think you just saw how bad of an idea that was, Jack.

[The whole diving in head first and trying to go in to the bowl. Once it was bigger, sure, it could be left to eat out of the bowl just fine, but for now this was the best that could be done.

Once the feeding was done he scritched lightly near the chick's beak before offering it back towards Jack. Little sharp talons hooked around Gabriel's fingers with how he was holding it.]

May as well see if it works.

[dadication]

It would have gone better in different circumstances. On the ground for one and in a shallow bowl for another.

[Jack had helped raise enough chicks to know how to get them going to being independent, though usually the hen was around to help teach them. They had Roxy, so that would work out, though not until the weather wasn't quite so cold. Without bunch of chicks to share heat with, this one would need to be with Roxy or them or at least have a heat source.

He huffed and set the bowl down on the porch before he was reaching out to gently extend a wing to peer at the feathers that would eventually become primaries. He touched them with a finger and earned himself a nibbling nuzzle for his effort.]

I have a strong suspicion that it's female.

[gr1m]

[At least he kept his eyes from rolling, it was done and gone with, and he had an idea as to why Jack was being so stubborn and acting so upset over it all. Which Gabriel was keeping to himself, simply remain cam and pushing forward. Coaxing Jack to come along with him in what they were doing.

Another girl, huh? At least it meant once older the blue little thing could be left alone with Roxy without worry.]

Nothing wrong with having another girl around I suppose.

[And that sounded like Gabriel planned on letting her remain here with them.]