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.
[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.]
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.
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?
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.
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?
[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.
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.
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.]
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.]
[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.]
[Jack still thought that the chocobo farm would be a better place, and he was resistant to allowing himself to be attached. He'd already extended himself to Gabriel and to an extent his pets, willing to take care of them all. He had put away his tent, but he hadn't entirely settled down.
All the things that were here? These were Gabe's things. His house, his farm animals, his land, his resources. Jack was there to help out, but aside from Gabe himself, he hadn't exactly committed. For him, Gabe was enough. He passed the time with everything else.
He released the wing and checked the other to be certain, and they looked the same. Feathers grew in different manners between boys and girls.]
You're planning on keeping it? I do recall you saying you wanted a companion for Roxy.
May as well since you brought her here- and she's attached to you.
[And him as well now, considering how she tucked in to his hands. Not fussing as Jack checked wings other than those affectionate little beak nibbles. Really, these were surprisingly incredibly affectionate creatures and maybe it wouldn't be bad to get Jack help in raising one up.
Had certainly given him something when he'd had that time with Roxy.
Shoulders shrugged a bit as he spoke.]
Yeah? There's no real reason why we can't or even shouldn't keep her here.
She seems pretty attached to anyone that holds her.
[However, he wasn't opposed to keeping another chocobo, especially if Roxy was in need of a companion. Social animals should definitely have some of their own kind to interact with, and that chick would benefit from being raised with one of its own kind. Last thing anyone needed was a chocobo that thought it was a dog or cat.
He shrugged at Gabe's suggestion and justification for keeping her. He bent to pick up the bowl from the deck and turned it over in his hands.]
Alright. Does Roxy's paddock require special outfitting then?
[Running with a number of their own kind, and their attitude made it no surprise that they bonded with humans in the worlds they came from to be used as they were. Part of why he'd even volunteered to take Roxy in when eggs were expected, thinking she'd be a good companion for longer hunting trips- never regretted it.
His head tilted back in thought, still idly petting over feathery fluff while letting the chick keep tucked in an arm.]
I don't think so, not yet. With the weather how it is, and there would only be Roxy, probably best to let her sleep inside at night. Don't want to chance her getting sick after all this.
It does seem like it. They stay social as adults too.
[He only had experience with fully grown chocobos after all, but this little ball of fluff was rather unoffensive and eager to meet and greet everyone. A part of him wondered if he should have dropped the little one off at the chocobo farm anyway, but he knew Gabe would probably be called anyway. He was known enough at the farm after dropping off greens with Gabe.
He nodded with a touch of hesitation at the idea the little chick would have to stay inside. They didn't have a heater set up outside, so that would need to happen. He figured they needed to set up a pen with a heat lamp anyway for indoors. Baby chicks could become cold quickly.]
Alright. I can set up a bird box and a pen where she can stay. I'll need to hit town for a specific heat lamp though.
Yeah, figure that's why the people of where they're from use them for things like horses. Reliable and loyal.
[Gabriel would find out one way or another, really.
He was idly checking over the chick, just making sure she was as healthy as she looked, going off mainly on memory when it came to his care of Roxy. Seeking warmth was normal at least, trying to remember where he'd put the blankets best for all of this-]
Can just do with her what I did with Roxy, honestly. Might have the heat source from when she was little, but right now we just need a blanket or two and an old pet bed I still have.
That makes sense. They are the right size and they have good strength behind them. They are like hardier and less asshole ostriches.
[Jack was turning the empty bowl over in his hands as Gabe checked over the chick. He had done so as well once it was fluffed up and able to move about, and it had seemed strong and healthy by his measure. She sure could chase after his feet and even played with his shoe laces.
And she seemed in equally good spirits under Gabe's care. That's good by his measure.
He stepped up to bend to grab the dropped saddle bags, throwing them over his shoulder before grabbing Roxy's empty bowl too.]
You don't have a secured bed box? We could have a little fenced area for her to be in. [A beat.] Let's head in so I can wash dishes and you can figure out your saddle bags.
Roxy is among the stronger side of them, too. All has something to do with their colors. The blue ones, if I remember right, have more magic and are strongest in defensive spells. Don't ask me how that works.
[He glanced up when Jack took the saddle bags, nodding a bit and gesturing that he was going to step over just to let Roxy say goodnight to the chick before waving her off to settle in for now.
She got her treat, time for her to wind down for the evening.]
When I had Roxy I sort of let her tuck against me and sleep, bundled up in a blanket nest. She's house-trained for that reason. [Stepping back to head inside, chick still tucked against his chest in an arm.] There's a bit more dish soap in one of them.
I figured their colours weren't just for show, based on how you described them. Not sure how magic in birds works, so your guess is as good as mine.
[He nodded his head and went inside, leaving the trio to get acquainted to each other, since he figured that would be her main caretakers. Gabe did like to collect animals after all, and he preferred to wander when he could but return to the older man anyway. It seemed that Reyes was very taken with the chick and so was Roxy.
He left the dogs to find their way back in and dropped off the saddle bags on the back of the couch before heading for the kitchen. He washed up the bowls that the birds had eaten out of, ignoring his subtle sense of disquiet.
Keeping his hands busy always helped. Had with the dapper bird incident, helped when he was uncertain about staying in one place long, and it would help now.]
Boys at the stable know more, but I got a crash course when I adopted Roxy.
[Of course Gabriel was keeping an eye on Jack the entire time, noting down the subtle signs and changes. Kept a frown off his expression for the most part at least.
Was quiet when he followed inside, setting the chick down so he could go through the saddle bags. Sorting out what he'd gotten for the kitchen and everything else, stepping in to place the few goods on the kitchen counter, out of Jack's way.
The chick no doubt following along if she hadn't run off to find Jack first.]
We can ask them later. Maybe they'll want to sent a search party out to collect any left over eggs that might be around the forest.
[There wasn't much to wash up, but there was enough to keep him occupied. He was rooting around the fridge and putting things in order to busy himself when he felt a weight land on his feet.
Looking down, the blue chick was back to sitting on them, and she met his questioning gaze and chirped hopefully. Like she wanted to be picked up. He stepped aside, nudging her towards Gabe when the older man came into the kitchen.
She might have gone but found his socked feet closer and thus currently warmer. Back on she hopped.]
We might need to contain her safely. She likes to get underfoot right now.
[He glanced down at the chick and the bit of avoidance that Jack was trying to attempt, walking past him as Gabriel started to put things away that he'd bought and needed to be in the kitchen. Had a few pieces of fabric and thread spools he'd deal with himself in a moment.
Humming a little.]
She's seeking comfort and warmth, and she's attached to you. We've got a few options on keeping her safe- and, by the way, since you found her you get to name her. Not right this moment, but still.
[Jack knew what the chick was seeking, having raised his fair share of farm animals. Babies were much the same, especially bird types. They wanted to be in groups where it was safe, to be warm, to have food and a safe place to explore now and again. In some ways, he would prefer to treat it as a farm animal rather than a pet; one had to keep a certain amount of emotional distance from farm animals as they were for production or work.
He glanced over at Gabe wandering around putting items away and grunted at the sheer notion that he was to name her.] That a rule now? Just saying, tou seem more than capable of coming up with a name given how often you've done it.
More reason you should name her instead of me. Outside of Tripod, 'Zo, Trouble, Tahira, and Rafiq I've named all of the animals here.
[Trouble and Tahira being two of Graymalkin's litter, one of them had obviously belonged to Ana along with Rafiq while the other was that extremely talkative black one that nearly looked exactly like her mother. Tripod the three legged black cat he had helped Genji save, and 'Zo being the odd blue lizard that had belonged to the Shimada as well.
It was almost funny how he kept ending up with animals.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2020-03-18 04:15 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 04:24 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 04:29 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 04:32 am (UTC)[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?
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Date: 2020-03-18 04:47 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 04:56 am (UTC)[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?
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:04 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:08 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:14 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:20 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:31 am (UTC)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.]
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:37 am (UTC)All the things that were here? These were Gabe's things. His house, his farm animals, his land, his resources. Jack was there to help out, but aside from Gabe himself, he hadn't exactly committed. For him, Gabe was enough. He passed the time with everything else.
He released the wing and checked the other to be certain, and they looked the same. Feathers grew in different manners between boys and girls.]
You're planning on keeping it? I do recall you saying you wanted a companion for Roxy.
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Date: 2020-03-18 05:53 am (UTC)[And him as well now, considering how she tucked in to his hands. Not fussing as Jack checked wings other than those affectionate little beak nibbles. Really, these were surprisingly incredibly affectionate creatures and maybe it wouldn't be bad to get Jack help in raising one up.
Had certainly given him something when he'd had that time with Roxy.
Shoulders shrugged a bit as he spoke.]
Yeah? There's no real reason why we can't or even shouldn't keep her here.
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Date: 2020-03-18 01:54 pm (UTC)[However, he wasn't opposed to keeping another chocobo, especially if Roxy was in need of a companion. Social animals should definitely have some of their own kind to interact with, and that chick would benefit from being raised with one of its own kind. Last thing anyone needed was a chocobo that thought it was a dog or cat.
He shrugged at Gabe's suggestion and justification for keeping her. He bent to pick up the bowl from the deck and turned it over in his hands.]
Alright. Does Roxy's paddock require special outfitting then?
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Date: 2020-03-18 10:48 pm (UTC)[Running with a number of their own kind, and their attitude made it no surprise that they bonded with humans in the worlds they came from to be used as they were. Part of why he'd even volunteered to take Roxy in when eggs were expected, thinking she'd be a good companion for longer hunting trips- never regretted it.
His head tilted back in thought, still idly petting over feathery fluff while letting the chick keep tucked in an arm.]
I don't think so, not yet. With the weather how it is, and there would only be Roxy, probably best to let her sleep inside at night. Don't want to chance her getting sick after all this.
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Date: 2020-03-19 01:15 am (UTC)[He only had experience with fully grown chocobos after all, but this little ball of fluff was rather unoffensive and eager to meet and greet everyone. A part of him wondered if he should have dropped the little one off at the chocobo farm anyway, but he knew Gabe would probably be called anyway. He was known enough at the farm after dropping off greens with Gabe.
He nodded with a touch of hesitation at the idea the little chick would have to stay inside. They didn't have a heater set up outside, so that would need to happen. He figured they needed to set up a pen with a heat lamp anyway for indoors. Baby chicks could become cold quickly.]
Alright. I can set up a bird box and a pen where she can stay. I'll need to hit town for a specific heat lamp though.
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Date: 2020-03-19 02:05 am (UTC)[Gabriel would find out one way or another, really.
He was idly checking over the chick, just making sure she was as healthy as she looked, going off mainly on memory when it came to his care of Roxy. Seeking warmth was normal at least, trying to remember where he'd put the blankets best for all of this-]
Can just do with her what I did with Roxy, honestly. Might have the heat source from when she was little, but right now we just need a blanket or two and an old pet bed I still have.
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Date: 2020-03-19 02:16 am (UTC)[Jack was turning the empty bowl over in his hands as Gabe checked over the chick. He had done so as well once it was fluffed up and able to move about, and it had seemed strong and healthy by his measure. She sure could chase after his feet and even played with his shoe laces.
And she seemed in equally good spirits under Gabe's care. That's good by his measure.
He stepped up to bend to grab the dropped saddle bags, throwing them over his shoulder before grabbing Roxy's empty bowl too.]
You don't have a secured bed box? We could have a little fenced area for her to be in. [A beat.] Let's head in so I can wash dishes and you can figure out your saddle bags.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 02:24 am (UTC)[He glanced up when Jack took the saddle bags, nodding a bit and gesturing that he was going to step over just to let Roxy say goodnight to the chick before waving her off to settle in for now.
She got her treat, time for her to wind down for the evening.]
When I had Roxy I sort of let her tuck against me and sleep, bundled up in a blanket nest. She's house-trained for that reason. [Stepping back to head inside, chick still tucked against his chest in an arm.] There's a bit more dish soap in one of them.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 02:32 am (UTC)[He nodded his head and went inside, leaving the trio to get acquainted to each other, since he figured that would be her main caretakers. Gabe did like to collect animals after all, and he preferred to wander when he could but return to the older man anyway. It seemed that Reyes was very taken with the chick and so was Roxy.
He left the dogs to find their way back in and dropped off the saddle bags on the back of the couch before heading for the kitchen. He washed up the bowls that the birds had eaten out of, ignoring his subtle sense of disquiet.
Keeping his hands busy always helped. Had with the dapper bird incident, helped when he was uncertain about staying in one place long, and it would help now.]
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 02:37 am (UTC)[Of course Gabriel was keeping an eye on Jack the entire time, noting down the subtle signs and changes. Kept a frown off his expression for the most part at least.
Was quiet when he followed inside, setting the chick down so he could go through the saddle bags. Sorting out what he'd gotten for the kitchen and everything else, stepping in to place the few goods on the kitchen counter, out of Jack's way.
The chick no doubt following along if she hadn't run off to find Jack first.]
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 02:47 am (UTC)[There wasn't much to wash up, but there was enough to keep him occupied. He was rooting around the fridge and putting things in order to busy himself when he felt a weight land on his feet.
Looking down, the blue chick was back to sitting on them, and she met his questioning gaze and chirped hopefully. Like she wanted to be picked up. He stepped aside, nudging her towards Gabe when the older man came into the kitchen.
She might have gone but found his socked feet closer and thus currently warmer. Back on she hopped.]
We might need to contain her safely. She likes to get underfoot right now.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 02:53 am (UTC)[He glanced down at the chick and the bit of avoidance that Jack was trying to attempt, walking past him as Gabriel started to put things away that he'd bought and needed to be in the kitchen. Had a few pieces of fabric and thread spools he'd deal with himself in a moment.
Humming a little.]
She's seeking comfort and warmth, and she's attached to you. We've got a few options on keeping her safe- and, by the way, since you found her you get to name her. Not right this moment, but still.
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Date: 2020-03-19 01:26 pm (UTC)He glanced over at Gabe wandering around putting items away and grunted at the sheer notion that he was to name her.] That a rule now? Just saying, tou seem more than capable of coming up with a name given how often you've done it.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-20 02:38 am (UTC)[Trouble and Tahira being two of Graymalkin's litter, one of them had obviously belonged to Ana along with Rafiq while the other was that extremely talkative black one that nearly looked exactly like her mother. Tripod the three legged black cat he had helped Genji save, and 'Zo being the odd blue lizard that had belonged to the Shimada as well.
It was almost funny how he kept ending up with animals.]
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