Summer was here in the Mossy Bottom Farm. The time of season Bitzer especially looked forward to, half of the time that is; the other half he would spend mentally preparing for it. Not in a mean way, of course. Summer meant new adventures, shenanigains, and/or problems to solve with the help from the flock (the ones who may or may not have been the reason behind these things). But Bitzer was OK with that, mostly because the sheep somehow had a way to figure them out in time before the Farmer could ever find out.
One sheep in particular, however, never ceased to amaze him (but he would never say that out loud. Unless the day would come where he had a reason to, but he doubted the thought). No matter how difficult the problem was, he always had a way to fix it with a snap of his hoof (a talent that impressed Bitzer, honestly).
That sheep was Shaun, the leader of the flock. A smart leader but with a bad habit of letting his curiosity get the best of him. And when that curiosity did get the best of Shaun, Bitzer made sure to watch how it turned out in the end....Or just be the one to help Shaun get out of whatever he got himself into. Which happened a lot (although Shaun would disagree).
Being the farms one and only sheepdog, his schedule for the summer was always the same. Just like it was the same in the spring, winter, and fall.
Bitzer wakes up, brushes his teeth, rushes out his doghouse to greet the farmer because he doesn't have time to make breakfast, and then starts with his chores. Chores like: Taking Shaun and the rest of the flock out the barn and onto the field, feed all the animals, go inside and make the farmer his usual afternoon tea, go back outside to check on the animals, ect ect ect. Then once it turned 8pm: send the animals to bed, make sure the farmer has what he needs for the night and is satisfied with Bitzers completed chores, then finally return home to his doghouse and practically pass out from the long day.
This repeated cycle was something Bitzer was accustomed to. I mean, again, he was a sheepdog. As a sheepdog, he's the sheep's main protector and only dog they can depend on, which meant more work for Bitzer. Although, there were times where the farmer would step in and help the poor dog, but he didn't understand the sheep like Bitzer did so it really wasn't much help in the end; not to say the farmer didn't love the sheep, it just wasn't the same.
Today happened to be another of those 'ordinary' days for Bitzer. The farmer spent the day indoors while Bitzer stayed outside, supervising the farm as usual. Everything was at its usual. Or so Bitzer thought.
~Shaun's POV. In the Barn.~
As the sheep were already comfortably in bed, sleeping in their usual spots. Shaun would be the only one bunked beside Shirley for the night. It was a very kind offer coming from Shirley. He didn't have to do it since it technically was Shaun's fault he was in this mess.
The issue?
Shaun's bed was in need of its yearly new change of hay, which he had meant to replace this morning but forgot. Timmy's mother had lectured him about it once everyone settled in for the night, saying he 'would have caught a death of cold if he had forgotten to replace his beds hay in the winter'.
"Baa..." Shaun apologized, "You need to be more organized, Shaun." Timmy's mother bleated as she tucked Timmy in his bed. Organization wasn't the issue in Shaun's opinion. Shaun was just caught up in the intense game of soccer this morning between the rest of the flock that he didn't have time to get to fixing his bed... but it was on his nonexistent to-do list.
Lost in his thoughts to the whole ordeal from an hour ago, Shaun closed his eyes in an attempt to fall asleep. Most nights, Shirley slept silently like the angel that he was. But tonight was not one of those silent nights. Shaun opened his eyes in defeat to the loud snoring coming from Shirley. Again, most nights this wouldn't have bothered Shaun, but that was mainly because his bed was a little farther away from Shirley's. Tonight however was a whole other story.
Tossing and turning in the hay bed, Shaun just couldn't seem to get comfortable no matter how hard he tried. 'What if I just try to sleep in my own bed?' Shaun thought to himself. Moving off Shirley's bed, Shaun stepped over towards his own bed. Remembering those nights of him sleeping on his bed: the smell of fresh warm hay brushing against his nose each night, its soft 'cushion' and perfect size. 'I took you for granted,' Shaun thought to himself with a sigh, pressing his hoof down on the old hay he pondered some more, 'It shouldn't be that bad'. Laying down on his bed, he instantly sunk in the old hay as if he were laying on a wet sponge, 'nope...its bad...' Shauns thoughts sighed. Sitting up at the edge of his hay bed, Shaun stared around the dark barn, considering his few options. 'I could try sleeping on the floor... but it'll be too cold... or I could just be grateful and sleep with Shirley' glancing over at the snoring Shirley, Shaun frowned at the thought. Then it hit him. 'I could...try to ask Bitzer if I could spend the night at his place...' snapping his hoof, Shaun quietly pulled his pillow from off Shirley's bed before tiptoeing out the barn. Quietly closing the door behind him, Shaun made his way to the Sheepdogs house, 'Why didn't I think of this in the first place. I mean - We're friends, aren't we? It wouldn't be weird asking- right?'.
Now finding himself in front of Bitzers front door, Shaun gulped, "Why do I feel so scared all of a sudden?! I mean- Bitzer wouldn't mind- would he?" Shaun muttered under his breath. Staring back at his barn, draped beautifully under the moonlight, Shaun sighs. "Well- I'm already here..." nervously raising his hoof to the door, "I might as well ask..." With a shaking hoof, Shaun swallowed down his fear as he gently knocked against the wooden door. 'Now that I think about it- I don't think I ever seen inside Bitzers' house before-' Shaun thought to to himself as he waited outside, 'From outside it looks so-...so small' Shaun hums examining the small dog house, 'How does that even work?' Pausing in his thoughts, Shaun froze once he realized footsteps were approaching the door, clutching his pillow close to his hip. He listened carefully as someone unlocked the door from the inside.
Opening the door slowly, Bitzer peeked outside, "Baa" Shaun waved, "Arr?" Opening the door wider, Shaun took notice to the sheepdogs, tired eyes and messy fur, 'I must've woken him up..' Shaun thought to himself. As Bitzer asked him what he was doing up so late in the night, Shaun motioned to the dog about the issue with his bed and Shirley's snoring. "Would- Would it be alright if I spent the night with you?" Shaun hesitantly bleated, Bitzer stared at him for a couple of seconds. "Arr.." Bitzer nods, stepping back from the door he motioned for Shaun to step inside, "Baa" Shaun beamed stepping inside the home. Closing the door behind him, Bitzer yawned, "This way." With a nod, Shaun quickly followed behind him.
~Inside Bitzers doghouse.~
The house was actually pretty spacious than Shaun had imagined it to be. From the outside, it really was small, but in the inside? It had a living room, a kitchen, and a small hallway leading to what appeared to be the bathroom and bedroom.
"This is my first time seeing inside your house." Shaun bleated eying the organized books on their shelves, polished furniture, and fresh homey scent. This place was definitely something Shaun would imagine Bitzer owning. "It's very nice." "Thanks..." Bitzer barked, leading him into the bedroom with a wagging tail. Following Bitzer inside, Shaun watched as Bitzer dragged his pillow to the left side of the bed, leaving space beside him for Shaun. "There," Bitzer barks. 'Is he really letting me sleep beside him?' Shaun thought to himself, 'I could just sleep on the couch-' watching as Bitzer plopped onto the bed, Shaun couldn't help but remember missing the comforts of his own bed. 'But then again- I might as well enjoy this while I can.' Shaun shrugs to himself.
Walking over to the other side of the bed, Shaun gently placed his pillow beside Bitzers. Climbing onto the warm mattress, Shaun tucked himself beneath Bitzers covers, 'So this is what sleeping on a mattress feels like' Shaun's thoughts hummed at its warm feel, "Goodnight" Shaun bleated, turning to Bitzer who was falling back to sleep. "Goodnight, Shaun." Bitzer yawned. As he did, Shaun took notice of Bitzers sharp teeth, glistening like pearls in the dim lighting.
'Oh wow'
Shaun's thoughts awed. What was this feeling that suddenly flushed Shaun's chest. Is this even a feeling? Could Shaun call it that? 'I never noticed how sharp his teeth were,' Shaun thought to himself: Not realizing he had intensely been staring at Bitzer, who was now fast asleep, for the past three minutes. 'What am I doing?' Shaun blinked, adjusting himself to a more comfortable position, Shaun closed his eyes. Letting his body relax to the silence around him, Shaun felt comfort in hearing Bitzers soft breathing beside him. Like an embrace, slumber weighed heavy on Shaun, pulling him to sleep.
~The next day. Bitzers POV.~
Lost in his slumber; a faint, familiar whistle called out to him from his dreaming. Fighting his eyes awake, Bitzer stared up at the ceiling with a huff. Listening to the birds chirping outside his home, he waited patiently to hear that whistle call out for him again. Hearing nothing Bitzer turned his head to the right of his pillow, 'It must've been my dream or something-' Pausing in his thoughts, Bitzers eyes widened to Shaun sleeping practically face to face beside him. "Arr-!?" Bitzer yelped under his breath, eying the sleeping sheep who breathed so soundly. He couldn't help but notice how perfect the sheep looked beside him-
Wait, no- as far as Bitzer knew, Shaun only seen the pair as friends- thinking this type of thing was dangerous as much as the dog hated to admit it.
'I should probably get up already...' Bitzer thought to himself, his tail wagging softly at his side. Bitzer couldn't seem to take his eyes off the sheep. Yet alas, the guilty thought of thinking this way towards his dear friend finally got the dog to turn away with a sigh. He valued their friendship. There's no way Bitzer would want to ruin what they have now for these silly thoughts and ideas.
"Bitzer!"
Ears perked up. Bitzer practically leaped out his bed, pulling his hat and watching on Bitzer dashed to the restroom to brush his teeth.
"Bitzer! Oi!" The farmer shouted once more.
Running past his room and out the hall, Bitzer paused at his living room, 'Wait- Shaun is still asleep- in my bed! Do I wake him up now or come back for him?' Bitzers thoughts pondered as he glanced back to his room. "Bitzer!" The farmer shouts, "Arr!" Bitzer gasps running out his front door.
~Out on the field.~
Running across the field, Bitzer leapt over the stone fence, causing some nearby ducks to cheer at his impressive stunt. Tumbling forward to the farmers front door, Bitzer turned its silver cold knob, swinging open the door just enough for him to slip inside the house. "Arr??" Bitzer barks sniffing around the house in search of the farmer. Taking in the farmers' familiar mossy scent, Bitzer followed it into the kitchen. "Arr?" Bitzer tilts his head to the unusual sight of the farmer eagerly writing a letter on the kitchen table.
"Bitzer! There you are, " the farmer practically beamed, 'Writing? This early in the morning?' Bitzer thought to himself after taking a quick glance at his watch. "Arf," Bitzer barks, stepping over to the table. As he did, the strong scent of cologne hit his nose, seeming to be coming from the letter. 'A cologne scented letter? What is this??' Bitzer pondered to himself as he subtly covered his nose with a paw. "Hey" The farmer huffs, noticing Bitzer peeking at the writing in the letter. "Arr.." Bitzer quickly glances away before yelping an apology. With a sigh, the farmer signaled to the tea kettle on the counter, ordering himself his usual, early black tea. Saluting to the farmer, Bitzer stepped forward to the kitchen counter, collecting the farmers' favorite tea cup. Bitzer wrapped a black tea bag around its handle before dropping the bag inside the cup itself. Filling tea kettle with water Bitzer glanced at the calendar that hung on the wall, 'The farmer is writing a letter... but for who? Is it a birthday maybe?' Bitzer thought to himself, observing their empty schedule. Bitzer huffed in confusion. 'There's nothing going on this week. Or the next. So maybe it's something else?' Bitzers thoughts raced.
The letter wasn't what bothered Bitzer too much, it was just that the sheepdog was so used to the farmer telling him all about his plans and ideas no matter how unimportant they might've been that this seemed a bit off. Did the farmer plan something without telling his trusted and upmost loyal dog and companion? Unless maybe it's a surprise for Bitzer himself? But It couldn't be the case, Bitzers birthday wasn't until the fall, and his yearly vet visit wasn't until December.
"Hey! Watch what you're doing!" The farmer huffs, pulling Bitzer from his thoughts. "Arr!" Bitzer yelped, noticing the farmer was now standing beside him, "Honestly" the farmer huffed, pulling the overfilled kettle from Bitzers paws, placing it on the stove Bitzer watched as the farmer turned it on. "Here. I want you to put this in the mail box after you finish taking the sheep out into the field" The farmer orders as he handed Bitzer the cologne scented letter with the words, 'For a special someone' written in black ink on the envelope. "Be very careful with it, understand?" The farmer orders giving Bitzer a stern glare, "Arr!" Bitzer barks saluting to the farmer. Rolling his eyes, the farmer clicks his tongue, "Go. Get. Do your thing, " he huffs, dismissing the dog.
~Out in the field~
Stepping outside, Bitzer curiously examined the letter in his paws. 'For a special someone,' he repeated. A special someone? That could mean anyone. Maybe it was for his mother?...No, mothers Day isn't here yet. Maybe for his twin brother? N- No. I don't think the farmer would send a scented letter to his brother.
Placing the letter into his hat, Bitzer exchanged it with his whistle as he now stood in front of the sheeps barn doors.
Then again- maybe the letter is for the farmers' girlfriend? I mean- the farmer hasn't seen her in a long while after she took that trip across the country in her air balloon. 'Maybe that is who the letter is for,' Bitzer thought to himself with a shrug.
Putting the whistle on his lips for his usual morning alarm, a familiar bleat called out behind him, stopping him before he could start. "Wait! Don't do that yet!" Shaun gasps running to the barn doors with his pillow clutched in one hand. "Arr?" Bitzer watched as Shaun dashed inside, following him to the door Bitzer curiously watched as Shaun carefully put himself back onto Shirley's bed. Laying his head on the pillow, Shaun smiled, "Now," he beams, giving a thumbs up. "Huh.." Bitzer snickers before blowing his whistle, "Good morning, everyone. " Bitzer barked, placing the whistle back into his hat. "Morning.." The flock groan awake, "Why can't you wake us up at nine or something? " Hazel grumbles, stepping over to the barns bathroom. "Sorry," Bitzer shrugs.
Waking up with a stretch, Shirley rolled off his bed, leaving the 'sleeping' Shaun behind. "Shaun. Get up" Bitzer barked walking over to the hay bed, stretching his well rested limbs Shaun grinned up at Bitzer with a fake yawn, "Yeah yeah I'm up, I'm up" he bleated hopping off the bed. "Thanks again," Shaun whispered, leaning close to the sheep dog. Rolling his eyes, Bitzer hummed, "Yeah? Don't mention it." Trying to put on a cool face, his tail didn't seem to get the memo. Instead, it wagged excitedly to how close Shaun was to him. The faint scent of Bitzers bed still lingered in Shaun's wool, causing Bitzers heart to race, 'It's too early to be thinking like this.' Bitzers thoughts groaned
"Shaun," Timmy's mother huffed as she cut between the two, "I hope you remember to fix your bed with some new hay for tonight." she hums, eying Shaun up and down. "Oh- Yeah. Sure. I will. " Shaun bleated with a nod, "Sometimes I wish he was more mindful of things like you are Bitzer. " Timmy's mother tsked before stepping back with the others. Bitzer smirked towards Shaun, causing the sheep to roll his eyes in annoyance. "See you on the field," Shaun huffs, walking past him, "Alright" Bitzer barks, following behind the others as they made they're way onto the field. Once he marked everyone accounted for on his clipboard, Bitzer shut the gate behind the sheep, leaving himself outside on the concrete path that was between the field and the barn. "Baa?" Shaun bleated, stopping in his walk. Shaun stood back up on his two feet, leaning against the fence he gave Bitzer a curious, filled look.
"The farmer sent me to deliver a letter for him. I'm going to place this letter in the mailbox, and then I'll be right back. " Bitzer barks showing Shaun the cologne scented letter. "Oh," Shaun bleated, leaning too close to comfort. Bitzer blinked as Shaun took a couple sniffs of the letter. "Wow- that's really strong-" but before Shaun could finish, Bitzer jolted as the sheep let out a loud sneeze, blowing the letter out of the dogs paw. "Arr!" Bitzer gasps as the wind blew it onto the field, "The letter!" Bitzer frantically barks, "I got it!" Shaun winks before running to catch the falling letter.
'Shaun has been a little too friendly with me today... More so than usual,' Bitzer thought to himself. Watching as Shaun leaped in the air to catch the letter, to no avail, the sheep stood still waiting for the letter to fall into his stretched out hooves. 'What's he playing at?' Bitzer thought to himself.
~Shaun's POV~
Waiting for the letter to fall into his hooves, Shaun quickly glanced back at Bitzer, who seemed to be intensely staring at him from behind the fence. 'I wonder- If I 'forget' to change my beds hay tonight if Bitzer would let me spend the night at his place again,' Shaun thought to himself. Once the letter was in his hooves, Shaun held it carefully before making his way back to Bitzer, 'That really was the best sleep I ever had. In a while, too. Maybe if I get on his good side, he might let me stay for another night.' his thoughts continued.
~Bitzers POV.~
"See? I told you I got it. " Shaun bleated, Bitzer watched as he climbed over the fence, landing face to face with him he handed Bitzer the letter. "Thanks- But what are you doing?" Bitzer asks as he gently takes back the letter from Shaun's hooves, "Its kind of windy today, isn't it? I should go with you. Just in case it blows out your paw again. " Shaun grins with a wink. 'See? He's up to something.' Bitzers thoughts gasped. "Fine," Bitzer sighs, walking down the concrete path, Shaun beamed following close beside him.
As they walked down the empty road, Bitzer couldn't help but steal quick glances at the sheep beside him, wearing a smirk on his face. "Do you remember when we were younger, and the farmer asked you to deliver his letters for his birthday party?" Shaun bleated as they neared the mailbox, "Oh-" Bitzer groans, remembering that day all too well. "But instead of putting them in the mailbox, you did that awful card trick and landed all of them in the sewers?" Shaun laughs. It always seemed like Shaun knew how to push the right buttons to gain a reaction from the sheepdog. And each time he did, it always painted a large smile of pride on the sheep's face as if he had accomplished something big. "Of course I remember," Bitzer groans as he carefully places the letter into the mailbox, "I felt awful about it for two weeks. I spent the whole time doing extra chores just to make it up to the farmer even though he didn't know what actually happened. " Bitzer huffs, crossing his arms. "You shouldn't have beaten yourself up about it. In the end, he had a really good time." Shaun shrugs as the two make their way back to the farm. "Yeah... You're right." Bitzer sighs, emitting a soft chuckle, "It was a pretty fun party, wasn't it?" "I'm telling you, it was!" Shaun laughed, "I mean- a costume party? When would we ever get to go to one of those?".
Once the two were back at the farm, Bitzer opened the fence, allowing Shaun to step into the field first. "After you," Bitzer barks, "Thanks." Shaun bleated as he stepped inside. Watching as Shaun joined with the rest of the flock, Bitzer shut the fence before sitting down on his foldable chair. "I should probably start with the rest of my chores," Bitzer sighs as he pulls out his clipboard. For a loyal sheepdog, Bitzer enjoyed the intense amount of work he was given, but deep down, he wasn't afraid to admit it was exhausting. But he wouldn't ever complain about it out loud. If the neighboring farm dogs were to hear him, especially Lexi, it would certainly ruin his reputation.
'A dogs job is to protect and to serve' was the motto Bitzer would remind himself, nothing could change that for him, this farm meant everything to him and he would protect it no matter the cost.
As the sheep played their usual game of soccer, Bitzer was hustling around, collecting the eggs, feeding the chickens and pigs, and pulling out weeds in the garden. Once he finished the rest of his chores, Bitzer fell back onto his seat. Pulling his clipboard into view, he marked his completed chores off with a checkmark.
Closing his pen, Bitzer glances up from his clipboard to the gentle tug, pulling on his forearms fur. "Baa" Timmy bleated with tears in his eyes, "Hey buddy," the dog smiles, "What's wrong?" Bitzer hums, leaning down in his seat to be more at level with the baby sheep. "My bear," Timmy whimpers, pointing at the twins who stood guilty in the field. Judging by the cricket bat in one of the twins' hooves and no ball in sight, Bitzer could already paint the picture as to what happened. "They got it stuck in the tree, didn't they.." Bitzer sighs, "Yes. " Timmy sobs into Bitzers arm, "Shh" Bitzer hums, pulling Timmy into his hold before standing up off his chair. "I'm gonna get your bear back," Bitzer winks, holding the lamb on his hip, "So don't cry, ok?" The dog hums, wiping the tears from Timmy's eyes, "Ok. " Timmy nods.
Stepping over to the guilty two, Bitzer pulled out his whistle, "Put the bat down." Bitzer ordered as he blew his whistle, "It was an accident! I told him to throw me something to hit- I didn't think it was going to be Timmys bear!" One of the twins bleats out in panic, "I told him to wait so I could find the ball, but nooo-" the other huffs crossing his arms. "I don't care who did it- Just- Here. Hold Timmy. " Bitzer huffs, handing Timmy to one of the twins, "Make sure he stops crying. " he barks an order before heading to the shed for a ladder.
Walking across the field, Bitzer grumbles to himself as he reaches the shed door, "Can't have one minute to myself without something happening.." Bitzer huffs as he opens the red door, pulling out the wooden ladder he walked back to the tree that stood tall and proud on the field. "Of course, it had to fall up there," Bitzer huffs as he leans the ladder onto the side of the tree.
Sitting on a picnic blanket not too far from the tree was Shaun, Timmy's mother, and Shirley: who had now barely noticed the dog climbing up the ladder. "Next time, just find the ball." Bitzer barks down to the twins before climbing off the ladder and onto one of the trees' branches, "Yeah! We will!" The twins nod, staring up at Bitzer. "Twenty bucks he's gonna fall," one of the twins whispered to the other, "You're on," the other replies. "Be careful, Bitzer!" Timmy's mother cried out as she made her way beside the twins, "I will." Bitzer barks, giving her a thumbs up.
Carefully moving forward on the thick branch, Bitzer reached over to the bear, gently pulling it from out the vivid green leaves. "Bitz! Throw it down!" Shaun shouts, moving closer to the tree, waving his hand up to Bitzer. Staring down at Shaun, the dog couldn't help but smile. "Alright, Alright," Bitzer hums as he drops it down. In an instant, Shaun catches it, "Baa!" The sheep cheered. Carefully crawling his way back off the branch, Bitzer paused as a faint scent hit his nose, stopping him in his tracks. The smell of hunger and desperation sent chills down his spine; it was no smell he was familiar with, and it wasn't friendly either. 'What the-' Eyes sharp, Bitzer stared out at the land around him. Sniffing up at the air in an attempt to catch that scent again; in an instant, it was gone just as quick as it arrived
After a while of living on this farm, Bitzers nose proved to be very useful for keeping the flock safe. He knew what would pass through the farm without having to be there to see it. And each time, he'd report the news to the farmer who, most of the time, would deal with the animals himself or just let them be. Usually these animals were owls, geese, raccoons or mice, nothing too serious that would worry the sheepdog; but just the scent alone could paint a picture as to what took place in that moment, like a ghostly memory of sorts. These strangers hardly did anything unusual. The owls and geese would perk on the trees from time to time, Bitzer could tell by their bird like scent. And the mice and raccoons would just scamper across the field, stealing helpings from the farmers' trash bin before running back to their burrows in the swamp or woods.
But this scent was new. And Bitzer didn't like it.
The last time he smelled something similar was with that pesky fox that kept trying to eat at the rooster and hens. "It can't be the fox again... The farmer sent that guy to the wildlife center, " Bitzer mutters under his breath. Sliding down the ladder, Bitzer pulled himself out of his usual deep thinking. "Thank you, Bitzer." Timmy's mother smiles as she and Shaun walk up to the dog. "That was very kind of you," pulling Timmy into her arms, she gave the lamb a stern glare, "What do we tell the sheepdog?" "Thank you, puppy." Timmy bleated as he hugged his teddy bear. "Heh, no problem," Bitzer smiles.
~Shaun's POV.~
Staying behind, the two watched as Timmy's mother walked away, carrying along Timmy and his teddy bear over to her picnic blanket. "He really loves that bear." Shaun smiles to himself, "The amount of rescues we've had to do for that thing is insane, " he chuckles softly. Hearing no response, Shaun turns to the sheepdog who seemed to be lost in deep thought. "Bitz? You ok?" Shaun asks, leaning closer to the dog instantly, pulling him from his thoughts. "S- Sorry," Bitzer stutters, "What were you thinking about this time?" Shaun bleated curiously. It was well known to the flock that Bitzer was an overthinker. Most of the time, it was a good thing, while other times it brought the dog into a panicking fit.
"I caught a weird whiff of something while I was up there," Bitzer sighed as he crossed his arms. Judging by his burrowed brows, Shaun could tell this was something serious. "Weird like what?" "I can't really describe it. It went by too fast, but it smelled hungry like that fox that used to peek around here" Bitzer barks a reply, "I don't know what it was but I want you and the flock to just keep a lookout. If you see anything, just let me know..." The dog sighs, locking eyes with Shauns, "O-...Ok. " Shaun slowly nods in agreement. "I'm sure it's nothing but- I don't want to take any chances" Bitzer continues, "Yeah...we don't want another incident like that criminal who tried to disguise himself as a sheep" Shaun smiles watching as Bitzer expression changed from worry to disgust in seconds. "Oh that guy was the worst- can't believe he would go that far just to escape jail" Bitzer snarls, "Under my own nose too! Can't believe I didn't realize it until after you pointed it out, " the dog huffs in disappointment. "Hey, cut yourself some slack. You're a sheepdog, not a bloodhound...besides- you have other good qualities. " Shaun shrugs, glancing away.
'Uh oh- did I really just say that out loud?' Shaun's thoughts gasp. Glancing back to Bitzer, the dog stared at him with a lifted brow. " 'Other good qualities'?...Like what?". Shaun was once told (many many times) that he had a bad habit of running his mouth. He never believed it until this very moment. 'Oh gosh- think of something fast and don't say teeth.' Shaun's thoughts groaned.
"W-...Well-. I mean- You- Do a lot...for the farm...I've never seen a dog who does that much stuff and not complain about it, " Shaun stutters. Avoiding to lock eyes with the dog standing right beside him. Stealing a quick glance, Shaun instinctively rolled his eyes to the proud grin painted on the dogs face. "Well-
It's not that much work," Bitzer shrugs, his tail wagging back and forth with pride. "But thanks for that..." Bitzer smiles warmly. Shaun gulped, "Yeah... No problem,".
~Bitzers POV.~
After the flock dispersed with their activities. Bitzer went back to finishing the rest of his chores. Once the afternoon hour hit, Bitzer hurried over to the farmers' house. "Arr?" Bitzer calls out as he steps inside, hearing no response. Bitzer made his way to the kitchen. Washing the farmers' favorite cup, Bitzer pulled out a chamomile tea bag. Wrapping its string around the handle, Bitzer then moved to refilling the kettle. Taking a quick glance at the back door, Bitzer raised his brow at the usually closed door, being partially open. "Arr?" Bitzer barks, "Yeah, I'm out back Bitz, " the farmer replies back. Sighing in relief, Bitzer continued warming up the tea. Once he finished, Bitzer carried the steaming cup outside. Sitting at the backdoor was the farmer taking in the glorious sight of the farm draped in the sun's glow. "Arf," Bitzer hums as he carefully handed the cup to the farmer. "Ah. That's a good boy, " the farmer beams patting the floor beside him. Tail wagging softly, Bitzer sat beside the farmer. "Beautiful, isn't it?" The farmer sighs, taking a quick drink of his hot tea, "Arr. " Bitzer nods in agreement.
'It's been a while since we've shared a moment like this together'. Bitzer thought to himself. Glancing down at his watch, Bitzer sighs, "Arr.." he barks, pointing to his watch. "Ah. Go ahead. I'll just be here for a bit. " The farmer nods, dismissing the dog. Wishing the moment didn't have to end, Bitzer stood up with a stretch before heading over to the field. Pulling out his whistle, Bitzer blew loud enough for the flock to hear, "Come on. We got to start heading in, " he barks out.
Turning to each other with a groan, the flock dragged themselves over to the gate, leading to their barn. Waiting for Bitzer to open the gate, the sheep watch as Bitzer swiftly moved past them. "Shaun told us you sent out a letter for the farmer earlier." One of the twins says as Bitzer opens the gate for them. Stepping forward, Bitzer looked both ways before crossing the street, "Yeah. What about it?" Bitzer huffs, opening the gate leading to their barn he waved for them to continue forward. "You didn't drop it in the sewer this time, did you?" Hazel wheezes as she walks past Bitzer and into the barn. "No.." Bitzer growls watching as the flock made their way inside. All the flock except one. And that was Shaun.
Raising a brow, Bitzer locked eyes with Shaun, who stood across the street, still standing by the gate. "Shaun? What's wrong?" Bitzer barks, hesitant to reply back, Shaun glances away with a sigh, "Nothing..". 'That's a lie,' Bitzer thought to himself. Despite his reply, Shaun still hadn't stepped forward, and he still kept his gaze away as if fighting back what seemed to be a question. Crossing his arms, Bitzer sighs, "Shaun? Seriously, what is it? You're starting to worry me,"
Taking what seemed to be a deep breath of courage, Shaun sighs in defeat. "Can I spend the night with you again?"