A Game of Dog and Sheep

by Soniana252

Bitzer was a tired sheepdog, Shaun a new sheep who loved trouble. Their opposite personalities and views of life gave room to a somewhat rocky start. But as time goes by, both slowly discover there's more layers to each other than just a reckless sheep in leather jacket and a strict sheepdog who never lets go of his whistle. / Shaunzer Longfic - Different Meeting/sort of Greaser AU

3. Anybody have a map? I'm still here

Finally an update yeehaw

...Sorry. My god this chapter was HELL, I barely had time to write and I changed so many things on the way TAT I'm so glad it's finally done(and now I gotta worry about the rest of the story ack)

Also included a lil illustration in my tumblr blog (soniana-draws) bc I feel bad about taking so long,,

This chapter songs are 'I'm still here' from treasure planet(basically Shaun's theme in this story lol) and 'Anybody have a map?' from the Dear Evan Hansen musical(this one talking about Bitzer's struggle to deal with Shaun both as a problem and as a sheep he wants to protect, plus how stressing leading the farm is in general)

Edit: I'm dumb and forgot to mention the important fact that Shaun arrives around the start of season 3, so have fun spotting refs to some eps from now on. First clue: there's a contest mentioned.

oOo

Iron sheets, rusty gears and other mechanic tools flew in the air of that sunny day, going one after the other in a display that quickly got the attention of the ones around.

After the last metallic piece fell on the grass, a small wooly body finally emerged from the depths of the junk mountain with a relieved sigh. Shaun was wiping the sweat off his forehead when he noticed the seven pair of eyes settled on him.

He forced himself to bite back the cheerful bleat and wave he would usually give.

Shaun knew well by now these sheep were nice and friendly and that a cold attitude was the least they deserved; but also...he had noticed himself getting a bit too comfy with them lately. Shaun had barely beeen there for a month, not long. Now that there was no damage to it, it was better to remember that wasn't part of the plan.

So instead the young sheep simply secured the jacket tied around his waist to avoid looking at them, then walked over to where his sketchbook was on the grass. He held it up, inspecting the improvised blueprints he had doodled for a moment before putting it down to look at the pile of gathered pieces on the grass. Not the usual materials he used to work with, but it would do.

It had been a while since Shaun built something. Without intending to brag, he had always been good at it, could improvise the most clever devices out of any materials he had at hand even under pressure. It was an ability that had came in handy through his whole life, and to this day Shaun was thankful from having learned from the best.

But today there was no emergency or complicated plan to just get something to eat like before, no. That morning the sheep had simply been bored and got hit by sudden inspiration after seeing that biker's gang passing by the farm's road. The sound of the motors echoing in his ears just told Shaun he had to build one himself.

The project was ambitious, might take him days, weeks even. Perfect to keep him occupied on his own for a while.

However, in a place full of animals of flocking instinct, doing something 'on his own' wasn't that easy.

Before Shaun noticed, some sheep had already gathered around the selected pieces with curiosity, instantly reaching for the tools for further inspection. The three remaining sheep — Timmy, his mom and Hazel — stood behind him, trying to take a peak at what Shaun had in his hooves.

At realizing what it was, Hazel, who had been the most reserved with him so far, seemed to get excited by the way her eyes shinned, and the lamb in the arms of her mother too judging by the interested 'oooh' that left his mouth.

From a moment to another, his solo project, his plan, was yet again being changed by a group of eager sheep wanting to join in.

And Shaun just didn't have it in himself to say no to them.

(He wished that bothered him more)

—

Though a little rusty at first, the flock's ease to follow orders, probably attributed to having a nagging sheepdog on their backs their whole life, as well as Shaun's own guiding skills, had made the construction process go way better than expected.

Much enough, it raised a few questions.

It was as if they knew what each sheep should do in these things. Shirley and the twins had quickly taken the role of being the muscle of the operation(with amusingly different levels of energy); Timmy and his mom could be counted for for anything that required crafts or paint; Nuts was like the joker of the pack, had his own particular ways to do it, but would get anything you asked done and Shaun certainly appreciated the energy; and it was in Hazel where Shaun found the answer to where the flock's apparent familiarity with the built of gadgets came from. She was another fellow mechanic! They hadn't talked that much so far, yet it only took to build one thing for them to share various tips and her assuming the role as his right-hand in the project.

The rest of the work day went almost perfect, save for one inevitable interruption: the sound of an irritant whistle sounding out of nowhere by afternoon.

Shaun ignored it with no remorse.

The agitated barking and bleats outside could be heard perfectly from his spot under the motorbike prototype. With his tongue out in concentration, Shaun barely noticed the fuss as he kept looking for the correct wires inside the recently built compartment.

Just as he was about to grab the ones that would turn the vehicle on, something stepped on the skate he was using as a mechanic creeper and pulled it back, rolling the rebel sheep's view from the colorful cables in the dark cabin to a blond dog's scowl. Shaun greeted Bitzer with the same expression.

And then the typical happened: with his paws gesturing everywhere Bitzer started his well-known speech — What were they doing?! They were making a mess! The farmer could see! Didn't they know how dangerous this was?! Etc, etc. —, and Shaun was the one to roll his eyes and get up to make front to it in the name of the rest(this had been his idea after all).

Bleating in a way he hoped didn't sound exasperated, Shaun gestured for the mutt to relax, then put a hoof around his own ear to prove his point.

Bitzer's ear lifted at that, turning his head to the house at faintly hearing a television playing there. Snores could be heard if one paid close attention too. By the sheep's logic, since the farmer was sleeping soundly they had nothing to worry about.

Bitzer still narrowed his eyes at him, crossed his arms. Not willing to give up, Shaun waved a dismissive hoof, then bleated again in a more cheerful tone while pointing at the helmets and other safety items around — It was fine! Really! Just building something following good ol' protocol. They knew, his favorite thing.

A few badly-hidden snickering came from the flock when he gestured at Bitzer to accompany the joke. While in other instances this was the part where the other person was charmed enough to let anything Shaun did pass, with Bitzer this barely got an arched brow.

Shaun bit back a huff and reached for the napkin Timmy's mom offered him to clean his oil-covered hooves. He continued bleating to try persuade the dog — Besides, it wasn't that dangerous. Only thing of risk would be-

And then he bit his tongue.

At this point the sheep in black knew any chance of danger, as minimum as it was, was a reason for Bitzer to ruin their day. It really wasn't the best idea to be shady with these stuff, but in all these years he had learned sometimes there were no other options and Bitzer certainly didn't give any. Shaun wasn't going to lose this thing, not with all the hard work he and the flock put in their first big project together.

So instead Shaun grinned to pretend he hadn't nearly spilled the guts, then tossed the napkin over the unfinished vehicle's seat to pick up his sketchbook there. He passed by the various doodles of planned ramps and fire rings to reach the innocently looking page of a magazine he got inspiration from. A motorbike convention. Perfect

He showed it to Bitzer with a bleat, then walked over to the motorbike to pat its seat in a proud motion — It was just to show around, a decoration that looked cool! — Shaun pretended he was grabbing imaginary handlebars, doing a few motor noises before waving a dismissive hoof with a laugh — He? Drive it? Of course not!

Disappointed 'awww's came from the flock at that. Shaun managed to shoot them a knowing wink while Bitzer wasn't looking.

Just a tiny white lie. He won't drive it yet.

Though having the slightest relief in his eyes at hearing that, the sheepdog still didn't look convinced. Shaun took it as a sign he just needed to insist a little more. He returned to now being beside Bitzer and lightly punched him in the arm with a confident grin — C'mon, he knew he could trust on his old pal Shaun!

And despite knowing he was already pushing the limits of what their odd relationship was, Shaun still decided to shoot Bitzer a wink. The sheep just kept doing that since he arrived for some reason, maybe to annoy him or just to get a reaction, anything.

And once again, Bitzer just didn't seem to acknowledge it besides of simply blinking at the gesture. The usual result still always managed to make him lower his ears in disappointment.

The other sheep joined in in trying to convince the dog, all desperate enough to give him pleading eyes. It almost seemed hopeless when Bitzer didn't even flinch. Up close where he was however, Shaun caught how the sheepdog's frown softened the moment his eyes fell on the eager ones of the lamb of the group.

From a moment to another, Bitzer simply clicked his tongue, rolled his eyes and with a sigh it was known he gave up for now.

It was when everyone cheered that the dog pointed two fingers at them then at his eyes, leaving clear they were still being watched over. While everyone left to continue their respective activities, Shaun stood there. He arched a brow, arms crossed and head slightly tilted to the side.

By now Shaun should've forgotten, pay no mind to it at knowing it wasn't anything important. There was no reason to care in the first please, but still, in little moments like that, the same question always returned to the sheep's mind:

Was this really the same happy dog he met on his first day there?

—

It only occurred to Shaun that he was surrounded by animals who knew the answer to that question late that night, after the sun settled for the day and all the sheep had to go back to the barn.

The now-finished motorbike was outside, suffering under of the vigilant gaze of Bitzer while the flock prepared the room to put said 'decoration' somewhere. A risky option, but the pigs had been sharing snickers and whispers with each other while staring at the vehicle for a while and the rebel sheep knew, just by noticing himself glaring, what poison was preferable.

He tried to drop the question of what the flock's opinion was of their sheepdog in the most casual way possible as they moved things around. The sheep all seemed to agree and nod their heads to the comment of Bitzer being too strict sometimes, that he was obsessed with work and that it won't hurt him to loosen up a bit. However, contrary to Shaun, the rest didn't seem to think of all the mentioned things as annoying.

It was subtle, but there seemed to be...a certain warmth, the smallest hints of concern, carried within those word. Shaun couldn't help but wonder why those feeling would be be there for someone who had antagonized them their whole life.

The following arise of anecdotes seemed as the perfect way to answer all his doubts. The narrations of each sheep were fun, full of energy and the kind who made the room light up with laughs and cheeerful conversation; the kind Shaun adored.

Yet Shaun just suddenly didn't feel like listening.

So instead he focused on carrying the last box of trinkets over the shelf. Once his hooves were free, from the corner of his eye Shaun caught sight of Timmy trying to reach and stick a piece of paper to the wall. A difficult task for a lamb who was still getting used to stand in two. Shaun smiled and took the paper to place it on its respective spot himself.

It was a crayon drawing of the motorbike they had built, he noticed, now being surrounded by other drawings of different habitants of the farm. His mom, Shirley, the farmer, Bitzer even... all people Timmy liked and wanted to be part of his art wall. Shaun was still flattered to be included there back when barely two weeks had passed since his arrival.

And the feeling was mutual, really, but...despite the smile it put on his smile, seeing his drawing there, between the ones of everyone in the farm as if...

A giggle from Timmy suddenly snapped him out of his thoughts. Shaun blinked at the sight of his own hoof, stupidly lifted in an undone attempt to rest over his drawing on the wall. He quickly held it back, frowned and shook his head to clear his mind. Was he really with that so soon?

Timmy at his side didn't seem to notice that slip as he was still grinning, small hoofs clapping softly at how good his art wall was looking. Though faintly, seeing how those shinning eyes were expecting a reaction from him made Shaun able to ignore the sensation in his throat in order to pat the lamb's head. His eyes wandered to the old clock on the wall. Bitzer's security check sure was taking a lot.

Shaun made sure his jacket and hair were in place before walking over the peek his head out the door. Bitzer was just looking at the bike in the search of any reason to scold them, nothing unusual, no reason for Shaun to be as disappointed as he was. Just because the flock liked him didn't mean the dog would suddenly change.

But what was the reason they liked him then? What could Shaun not be seeing?

As he leaned on the door frame to stare a little more, small hints to answer that question started to show up.

Biter was indeed 'inspecting' the motorbike, but the checklist was in no other place than abandoned on the grass, not a single 'danger notation' on it. The dog was instead walking around the vehicle, paws behind his back and his tail wagging in a way that just looked...curious, almost amazed with how cool the thing in front of his eyes was.

Shaun knew that look, had been there a hundred times now.

A lamp casually turned on behind him the moment he had an idea.

The way Bitzer had played happily with the frisbee on the sheep's first day there, how his tail waggled whenever the dog found a bone, that shine in his eyes whenever the farmer congratulated him for a well done task...just to many things Shaun had seen from afar but could never get them for himself. The solution was right there! Bitzer was a dog, a playful puppy hidden behind the stricness facade of guardian dog.

Shaun scratched his chin, deep in thought. Maybe that was what the flock were talking about. Bitzer's ability to have fun was there somewhere, he just had to find it.

Because if Shaun found it, that could be the key to get his freedom back.

Also a little help to loosen up wouldn't be bad. Shaun would get to work on a long project to keep himself distracted and Bitzer less stress. It was a win for both!

At noticing Shaun staring, Bitzer straightened suddenly, ready to blurt out an excuse turned scold.

He could only blink at seeing a malicious grin being directed at him.

oOo

If Bitzer had to choose a word to describe the past few days, that would be 'strange'.

And by something strange he didn't mean things like the bleat-like laughs and working metallic tools coming from the barn at that moment, no. That was an everyday thing in that farm. By strange, Bitzer meant that one specific sheep was being way too amicable lately.

Shaun dragging the flock into 'funny' misadventures was normal; him wanting to include Mowermouth because the chaos that goat created was 'oh-so-hilarious' was normal; heck, even him finding a way to be at peace with the moody chickens and bull was normal! But trying to do all that with Bitzer? After all the back-and-forths and silents agreements that they wouldn't ever get along with the other acting the way he did? That sheep had to be planning something.

And Bitzer hated how easily he had given that plan room to work.

In his defense, it included dirty tactics, used his weakness like any sneaky villain like Shaun would. Snacks, bones, toys, his favorite movies or hobbies, getting him entertained with conversations; lately all of Shaun's plans involved any of those in some way and had managed to get Bitzer to sit down to accompany them in their weekly shenanigans, make him forget he was supposed to scold them.

It was softening him, Bitzer couldn't get soft, not with how many things could go wrong when he did. Just last week the pigs stealing the motorcycle Bitzer allowed to be built already caused a disaster and oh, surprise! Shaun had once again lied about it being a harmless thing. 'It could've been worse' he even had had the nerve to say, and Bitzer knew, he knew first hand it could.

He knew it too well.

So whatever the plan was, Bitzer wasn't going to let the sheep continue with it. Shaun could've charmed everoyne in the farm, but Bitzer was sane enough to know what a danger that sheep was. With his daredevil attitude, not caring for rules and that-that stupid leather jacket, ugh!

Nothing against that look, Bitzer had always kind of...liked it since he read a that dogs romance novel. But the guy from the novel was different! He was no troublemaker and it was all for looks, opposite to Shaun who was bad(and only that) and arrived at the farm thinking he could flip his-their lives like that. Didn't she care?!

Timmy's mom blinked at him. He...just said that out loud, didn't he?

Bitzer bit back a grimace and awkwardly returned to lean his back on the barn door, arms crossed in a failed attempt of looking casual. His yawn due to another night of poor sleep got interrupted by a new wave of laugther coming from the building. He tapep a paw on the dirt anxiously. Just what were they doing over there?

Folding the towel she had just used to wash her wool off any oil from the current project, Timmy's mom looked between the dog and something far away in the field before smiling and shaking her head. For some reason, that gave her enough context for her to answer his rhetorical question.

The ewe bleated — Just a little suggestion but...— she lifted a finger to softly tap the side of her head — he was giving it too much thought, maybe it was all in his head?

Bitzer couldn't help his frown.

As the eldest of the flock, as a mother, Bitzer expected the ewe to understand him, and she did to an extent(being the only sheep who willingly listened to his rants would do that to anyone), but even then she still considered him paranoid like the rest sometimes. Bitzer was clearly offended by the accusation.

The sheepdog quickly opened his mouth to object, but the lack of words that followed, plus her knowing smile, got him huff and childishly shrug instead. As much as he wanted to ignore it, Bitzer couldn't deny more than once he had been wrong about the danger of certain things.

He still had enough reasons to trust his gut this time. The guy only brought more problems to the farm and augmented the ones already there. He was a threat, pure chaos contained in a small wooly creature.

...The so-called 2wolf in sheep's clothing'.

Bitzer's ears perked at the steps that came with the arrival of the 'wolf' in question running towards the barn. The sheepdog couldn't even begin to wonder in what moment did Shaun escape his watch before he instead took notice of the way the sheep stared at the doghouse with a box in his arms, as if searching for something(someone, him).

When he nearly bumped into Timmy's mom by doing that, the younger sheep was quick to apologize by stepping aside to let the ewe go in first. The chivalrous bow he added earned giggle from her. Bitzer could only blink.

After that unexpectedly silly exchange, Timmy's mom opened the door to leave both of them behind, not without directing yet another knowing smile at the dog. The way it could only be interpreted as an 'see?' left Bitzer even more astonished.

'See'? What was he supposed to see?!

Only thing at sight at what moment was how Shaun who didn't show the smallest drop of guilt over having a box full of familiar cups in his arms. He had entered the farmhouse to steal stuff, again.

The moment Bitzer raised a finger to ask, no, order him to return all those immediately, Shaun managed to leave him quiet with a mere cheeky grin and a gesture with his head telling the dog to come with him. He then went inside the barn with happy bleats receiving him, mindless of the dog about to lose it behind him.

Bitzer crossed his arms and huffed, looking away. In one hand, he had to see in what problems they were getting at now to scold them, but in the other, it seemed Shaun had another plan to drag him in and he wasn't going to fall for it.

Yes, Bitzer was strong, he had a will power of steel. Shaun wouldn't get the satisfaction of winning this time, no sir.

—

Entering the barn 15 seconds later, just in case this really was a dangerous thing, ended with the discovery of all the fuss being about...a mere hot choco dispenser.

The sheep were sitting around the machine in a perfect circle, some with oil spots all over their wool waving at him, others serving themselves a mug. A scenario so normal it even felt disappointing.

There were at least the same little things which Bitzer could be upset over. The mug offered to him coincidentally being his blue one, the sheep receiving him with snacks so cheerfully, and the cacao being the dog-friendly one the farmer had brought for him from the vet. Things so specific that there was no way a newbie like Shaun could know about it's existence less where they were...unless someone told him.

Bitzer narrowed his eyes at all the sheep grinning at him. Traitors.

Despite wanting to be angry, he couldn't really help but feel at least a bit flattered by their insistence on including him. Only for that reason did Bitzer decide to sit on a hay-square beside Nuts with a warm mug between his paws, just for a little while.

He purposely ignored the way Shaun punched the air in victory behind him.

Unable to not roll his eyes at that, his focus instead went to what was happening over the dispenser of the room. Shirley was trying to drink straight from the machine with voracious intentions, while the twins were doing their best to stop her from leaving them without a drop of the drink they took so long to make. It looked more like sibling bickering than an actual fight, so Bitzer allowed himself to smile amused and shake his head. His sheep really were just like children sometimes.

Shaun, now standing beside him, was less discreet and straight up laughed at the display. A sound Bitzer barely got to hear as their interactions weren't precisely friendly, yet lately he had gotten more of it when accompanying the flock.

In those short moments, when Shaun was still in his place, cothes too big for him, wool messy for running around all day and just chatting and laughing along with the rest like that...more than the embodiment of chaos, he just looked like a silly, reckless kid.

And it was strange how easily Bitzer forgot why he said all those bad things in the first place whenever that happened.

But how could he help it? How could Bitzer think that was the same sheep that made his life impossible when sometimes, when he stared long enough, the warm look in Shaun's face would suddenly fade like that?

It was happening now, it had happened so many times that Bitzer knew what would follow that: Shaun would hide his eyes behind those dark glasses, would just leave out of nowhere to lean his back on a near wall somewhere. Away from the group, away from the laughs, away from any company but his own. Just drinking from his mug with his gaze and thoughts lost somewhere far from there.

Timmy, sweet lamb he was, sometimes followed Shaun when he noticed this, could go past any raised walls without missing a blink.

Out of the many things he usually did to get the older sheep's attention, this time the lamb lifted his baby cup and bleated to offers his cheers, then lied on the wall imitating Shaun's uninterested posture. After a pause, Shaun smiled and lifted his mug to return the gesture, earning a giggle from the lamb.

A certain mother was watching the scene from afar too, the dog noticed. When their gazes met, the soft smile and worry in her eyes said all that was needed.

Was this what Timmy's mom meant with all being in his head?

Looking down at his own beverage, on his reflection Bitzer noticed himself frowning. Because he knew a sheep preferring to stay away from their group was worrying. Even if he wasn't in the best terms with Shaun, even if the guy was unbearable sometimes, he was still under his charge, was his job to make sure all the sheep were okay.

It was hard to admit, but deep down he knew she was right. No matter the problems, no matter the fights that left Bitzer clutching his teeth in fury, in reality Shaun wasn't a machine of destruction and void of any emotion. He was a new sheep in the farm who had trouble adapting.

What was Bitzer going to do about it, he wasn't sure yet. But if for whatever reason Shaun was still trying to be on good terms with him despite their differences, then maybe, perhaps, Bitzer could try to be a bit more patient with him. Anything do to his job the right way.

Sighing and shaking his head, Bitzer brought the mug to his lips to let the sweet, hot beverage wash away any bad thoughts for the time being.

oOo

Thunder. A step. Metal hitting the ground.

It was coming for him. Whatever it was, whatever it wanted to do to him, Shaun could sense it hidden in the dark at the other side of the alley.

Step. Metal. A growl. It was even closer now.

Cold pavement hurt his back as Shaun desperately tried to scramble away from there. His upper back hitting a surface, the end of the alley, showed it was in vain. The walls around him, tall end seeming to have no end, suddenly made him feel like an small, scared lamb again; out of breath and trembling in hopes for a dog to jump at his rescue at any minute, but he knew nothing would come this time.

Something emerged from the dark then. First a human hand, holding a catch pole, then a metal foot, both of which Shaun knew their dangers too well. Whatever horrifyng creature was about to reveal itself, he wasn't able to see it as the flash of another thunder forced him to squeeze his eyes shut.

The scream didn't come out when Shaun sat up on the bed, sweat cold as ice and his heart beating so fast he feared it would jump out his chest.

After a long, almost eternal moment, his sigh came out heavy. In the dark of the room, everything remained in a dread, unsettling silence. It took another thunder for the scared bleats of the flocks to reveal he wasn't alone there.

Just and storm, nothing Shaun had never dealt with before, it should be easier now that he had a roof over his head actually.

The uneasiness of the nightmare however...there wasn't a paw ready to pat his back this time, no words like 'it was okay, no one would ever catch a brave sheep like him' being there to encourage him, not anymore. He was alone once again, and by know he should know how to deal with these things on his own.

His hoof went to get a hold of his jacket on the floor in look of comfort. If Shaun squinted, he could spot the flock gathered in a corner of the room, all looking scared but still trying to be there for each other.

Shaun stared, and stared, hoof clutching on the leather as he thought if he also should- could...

Another noisy burst of light filled the room then. All the sheep bleated in fear yet again, pointing and screaming at the dark figure now standing menacingly at the doorway...until someone turned the lights on to reveal it was just Bitzer wearing a rain jacket. Even at a time like that, the whistle he used to boss everyone around hanged around his neck.

In his uneasiness, Shaun still had it in himself to frown. What was he so scared of right now?! This was dumb.

Once everyone calmed down, Bitzer took off the jacket to show a fairy tales book he brought with him.

Definitely dumb.

The flock however, seemed pretty content with the idea as everyone quickly returned to their beds, all of their eyes shinning in expectation of the story to come. Shaun clicked his tongue and hid under his covers again, giving his back to the group. He wasn't a lamb anymore, he didn't need those things.

His ear still perked unconsciously when the story started. Bitzer's barks were soft and careful in his narration, going confident through it as if already used to that kind of situation.

After a while, Shaun found himself turning around to peek his eyes out the covers. The view of Bitzer sitting there, the book on his lap and everyone around him falling asleep to the soothing voice and damp light was if, not silly, pretty calming. An scenario that had definitely happened more than once.

The story seemed fated to have no end when Bitzer noticed everyone was already asleep. He smiled, and was about to close the book when, for the tiniest second, his eyes met the ones of the one sheep still half awake. Shaun instantly chastised himself for following the coward move of hiding his head under the covers at that.

And that was supposed to be all. The dog would either scoff mockingly as revenge for any of the so many things he claimed Shaun did, or simply get up and leave the sheep he didn't care about behind. There was no reason for anything else to happen.

It took Shaun off guard then, to hear the story continuing its course as if everyone was still awake to hear it.

Even when Shaun took a while to finally peek his eyes out to see, the dog acted like nothing happened, and was even kind enough to not once looking at Shaun's direction to not make the situation obvious.

The discretion was appreciated.

Little after, under the soft voice of a tale reaching its end, Shaun found himself falling asleep around the part where the pricess saved the bold adventurer from the evil dragon.

oOo

Shaun had met all kind of humans in his life. Playful children, busy adults, grumpy old people...most of them too self-centered or oblivious to notice what was around them, being few of them interesting enough to act as more than shadowy yet constant presences on the animal's life.

Though Shaun could say he admired what they created, most of the time one had to kept their head low near their presence. Few of them had been happy or comprensible with seeing hungry animals sneaking on their grocery bags before.

The farmer however, the only human there and who for that reason one would expect him to pay extra attention to his own farm, had something different to others. First, he was at way another level of obliviousness, and second, despite looking as grumpy and possessive with his belongings as any other, he was't boring in the slightest bit.

How many hobbies that man had was a mystery. He just kept on bringing new things everyday, some Shaun could teach the other sheep how to use, others new even to his experienced life(but not ones they couldn't figure out how to get a fun adventure out of). With time, Shaun started seeing from afar how the at-first uninteresting farmer had the same long for fun all the other animals had.

It was no surprise that meant he was another cause of Bitzer's constant running around as well.

As interesting and just amusingly ridiculous that man's own personal adventures were to watch, even those could get out of control for Shaun sometimes. It was that afternoon specifically, that the equation of 'Obliviousness + Love-for-fun = Danger' that seemed to constantly be in the dog's mind finally made sense for Shaun when the farmer decided to try on photography.

With Bitzer desperately following close behind, the farmer exposed himself to all kind of dangers that day just to use his camera roll. It took long, but the man ending hanging from the ceiling after failing to chase a bird was the culminating point that got the sheep to stop laughing.

As panic settled on everyone running here and there trying to find a ladder to save the man, Shaun was quick to jump into action. He looked at Shirley, eating grass completely unaware of what was going on, and the maths in his head happened on their own. Next thing he knew, he shouted at Bitzer to get a carrot from the garden now. The dog didn't hesitate to follow suit.

Once the carrot was in Bitzer's paw, Shirley appeared on the wanted spot in a single second, just in time for the farmer to fall over her wool as if it was a comfy bed. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and Shaun couldn't hide his smile at seeing Bitzer's giving him a short but thankful nod.

It really was curios, how quickly they had got used to work together as a team. Despite their differences, regardless of if the weekly predicaments were Shaun's fault or not, this was the only moment of the day when they forgot they were supposed to bicker, when they actually got along and would listen and team up and congratulate each other once they got to save the farm at the end.

Shaun found himself treasuring those moments lately.

Yeah, Bitzer fun side was barely showing up lately, but more than before since Shaun started with his negotiation tactics. The dog appeared just a little more relaxed now at times, thankful for the help he always got from Shaun in these situations despite never saying it, and with that Shaun could live his days with less problems as well.

It was that of course. His plan was paying off. How could he not treasure that?

After the chaos calmed down, the farmer managed to sit up, mumbling and blinking for a moment as he took in his surroundings. He laughed then, instantly going to pat Bitzer's head and congratulate him for helping him up. As the dog waggled his tail, Shaun found himself frowning at the lack of recognition he and the rest got.

He forced himself to shake those thoughts off his head. He didn't need that, less from a human.

The moment the man left, camera on his hand and distracted looking at the photos, all the animals began their cheering for a job well done. Sheep here and there jumped and held each other happily, and both Shaun and Bitzer found themselves sharing their joy as well. Both stopped midway with arms wide open before realizing a hug wasn't really...part of their thing.

Bitzer offered a handshake then, an unusual bashful smile on his face. Shaun smiled as well, bleating and lifting his hoof for a high five instead— No need to be formal by now.

For some reason, Bitzer's smile brightened just the slightest bit, waggling tail giving away what his face, then returned the high five as well.

Yeah, these moments were nice. But that was it. Just part of the plan.

oOo

New arrivals in Mossy Bottom weren't that common, most being temporary for a variety of reasons. Animals passing by before going to another farm, needing them for harvesting season, being paid to take care of one, etc.

It was a general rule that each animal had to take care of the newcomers of their own species. Bitzer technically didn't really have to get involved unless a fight happened, but one way or another, he always ended at their side to show some type of comfort if an animal struggled to get used to the new place.

Bitzer couldn't say Shaun was an easy case to deal with.

Pencil mindlessly tapping the checklist on his paw with a pen, Bitzer stood behind the stone fence for a moment. His brows knitted together a bit at sight at the other side of the field.

The twins and Shaun in the middle of a wrestling match, as the other sheep either cheered as public or were relaxed doing their own thing. By now Shaun had proven to be way stronger that his size let on, so no one was holding back from giving their all in the competition.

One wouldn't think that was the same sheep that would act distant from them all at random times.

Bitzer just couldn't imagine why. Unlike other newcomers, Shaun wasn't nervous over the unknown, he wasn't shy; that sheep actually fit right in with the rest and embraced the chaotic lifestyle of the place.

Yet it was difficult to get close, to find a way to know what was troubling him.

He really was like no other sheep Bitzer had dealt with before.

Bitzer shook his head and looked down at his checklist. At least, even if he complained sometimes(like it had happened with the shepperd contest a week ago), one could always count on Shaun to never hold back from helping the group. That was one of the times when that one sheep would look the happiest and talkative and– who knew Bitzer would ever say this as a good thing- most prompt to bother the sheepdog just because.

All that was good, as annoying as it could get, and difficult as it was for Bitzer to accept it.

Today of all days Bitzer couldn't deny he needed a little help, so it was a good chance to test that.

Tapping with the pen the doodled of the house in the checklist, Bitzer frowned determined then blowed his whistle to get all the sheep in line.

Shaun wasn't sure how much he had been lying on the grass now. He had gotten used to following the whistle's orders, save both him and Bitzer any boring arguments about 'his lack of reaction to something that important for a farm animal', and for what? To be left waiting when he could be doing something way more fun.

Exhausted of staring at the ants walking in and out their nest now, Shaun turned his head to check on the other sheep. Everyone was in front of the farmhouse, wearing safety vest and playing around with the construction tools at having gotten tired of standing around. Over the fence, he could spot Bitzer and Hazel still struggling to figure out the blueprints the farmer had left as help.

The "help", settled over a table in front of then, had Bitzer scratching his head, and Hazel didn't seem to have a clue of what was there either as she ended shrugging and shaking her head.

Just as Shaun got up to get closer, he heard the ewe bleat something along the lines of 'whatever the old guy wanted to do to the house wasn't possible'.

She squinted her eyes at the paper— At all.

This got a chuckle out of Shaun. If even her, who knew way more about mechanics than construction, could tell that, it meant it was that bad.

Hoofs leaving the pockets of his jacket, Shaun stood between them and took the pencil from Bitzer's paw. He scribbled a couple lines on the paper here and there and ta-da, all fixed.

It only took a few blinks for Hazel to nod and smile at the idea, quickly adding her own thoughts and ending in quick chat with Shaun about it. The rest of the flock gathered around as well. Soon enough, the sheep in black found himself giving each one instructions on how they could pull it off.

It took him a moment to realize the actual leader of the project had remained silent to the suggestion. Shaun's excited grin fell as he caught sight of Bitzer looking doubtful, gaze going between the flock and Shaun before his brows knitted together.

Shaun frowned confused as well, Either the guy was upset about him still wearing his jacket under the security vest, or Shaun was gonna get scolded for not wearing a helmet at the moment. Ugh, he was never in the mood for Bitzer's overreactions.

Just when Shaun started tracing a plan to escape, he got stopped by the blueprint tossed at his hoofs and something being placed over his head. When he lifted it to uncover his eyes, Shaun had to blink at seeing Bitzer not having his blue construction hat on anymore. Shaun looked up for a second to notice it he was the one wearing it now.

Huh?

Whuffing, Bitzer pointed at Shaun, then the house in need of repairs. He gestured with a thumb at himself, and by unfolding the long list of tasks in his checklist, which comically reached the floor(no wonder the guy was always tired), it was clear who was going to take care of what.

Shaun couldn't help the way his eyes widened. Bitzer was leaving him in charge of something? The stubborn dog who wouldn't accept help with something so simple as cleaning windows just because it was Shaun the one suggesting things? That Bitzer?

It took Shaun a moment to process the request, but when Bitzer arched a brow at the lack of answer, Shaun found himself nodding, a bit too enthusiastically for his own liking. Bitzer nodded back, and by doing a quick gesture at the rest before walking away to do his tasks, all was settled.

All the other sheep were already in line staring at him.

No one was questioning why Shaun was in charge, neither arguing against every little detail of the plan or simply deciding to do whatever they wanted right away. The flock was just there, waiting for any orders he would give.

It felt too unreal.

Shaun had to shake his head to react at once. He unfolded the blueprint, now a little crumpled at having clutched it unconsciously, then looked at the house. It had been a while since he last directed a group project of this magnitude.

But it was nothing he couldn't do of course. Bitzer trusted him with this, and Shaun was motivated to prove himself.

Accommodating his construction hat, Shaun frowned determined, then gave a bleat and gestured for everyone to follow him.

—

That calm evening was met with shared laughs and a general atmosphere of success between the sheep, despite the bruises left by some little accidents in the project.

'Nothing they could avoid when there are tools around, and the ceiling got perfectly fixed anyways!, those and other excuses were already gathering on Shaun's mind as, from his spot sitting on the grass, he saw Bitzer walking over the sheep gathered there.

Shaun expected complaints and scolds for not doing the work 'more responsably'.

Instead he noticed the dog already had a first-aids kit on his paws, as well as too many bandages flooding the box to walk around without losing some on the way. He looked way too surprised to find only a couple band-aids would be needed.

Shaun preferred to ignore that, but noticed himself clicking his tongue anyways.

Someone stood in front of him then. The young sheep turned his head to see Timmy's mom bleating worriedly, her hoof pointing at the noticeable cut on his knee— That must hurt a lot! Was he okay?

Not giving him any time to answer, the ewe knelt down to give the cut a closer look, that always-present motherly vibe of her already showing itself.

Shaun shrugged and waved a hoof, bleating in what he hoped was a casual tone, but once more failed as it quivered(it always did whenever she did...that)— What? That little thing? It was nothing! He could take it!

It did hurt, Shaun wasn't gonna lie. Out of all the sheep, Shaun had been the one careless enough to suffer the worst "little accident" on the project and had been unable to walk without his leg complaining. But those things always happened to him, Shaun knew any cut would heal on its own after a while, she didn't have to make a big deal out of it!

Seeming unconvinced, Timmy's mom bleated softly again, hoof approaching the cut. Instinctively, Shaun attempted to pull away, only to end grimacing at the pain. The ewe arched a brow, now seeming less patient.

She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, something being placed on the grass beside them got their attention. Shaun's gaze climbed from the first aid-kit up to Bitzer. Of course, even if Shaun found ways to ease this attitude a bit, even while having various sheep gathered around him to tell the novelties of their work just a moment ago, Bitzer still had his senses sharpened to know when Shaun was 'causing trouble'.

Shaun stared at them, both frowning as if scolding a child, paws/hooves on their hips, and he just knew a 'no' from him was off the table.

Sighing, the sheep in black lazily waved a hoof at Bitzer to allow him to continue with whatever was to come. If there were no more on the matter, Shaun might as well choose the option who...didn't make him so uneasy.

Bitzer looked at Timmy's mom and whuffed, quickly pointing at the other sheep with cuts in need of cleaning too. This seemed to get a knowiing smile from her, for some reason, to which Bitzer narrowed his eyes at.

Besides of a barely hidden giggle, the mother paid no mind as she left the other two behind. Bizer knelt down and began his work without another word.

Silence between them wasn't unusual, but this time, Shaun found himself unconsciously drumming his fingers against the grass. Waiting and waiting...

And simply getting no comment on the task he just had worked so hard on.

Shaun had nothing to do with the farmhouse in the first place! Nothing in that farm involved him, so more than a task, this was a huge favour he had done for the dog. And worst, Bitzer promised no reward for it either so-

Shaun frowned, looked at the sky as in hopes of getting an answer from it.

... Why did he do all that again?

A light breeze snapped Shaun out of his thoughts, as he noticed that loose paper inside his pocket being dragged out by it. He managed to catch it before it went too far, and that too, got Shaun to wonder further about the topic.

The paper was possible reason, a thing he had been meaning to ask the dog for a while yet kept pushing it back at not wanting to argue about it, not with how well things were going between them.

Yet he had completely forgotten about it until now, so...it wasn't that either.

When Bitzer lifted his gaze at the sudden movement, Shaun was quick to hide the paper back inside. His grin to conceal anything suspicious reached no eyes as Bitzer seemed deep in thought himself. The dog looked at him, then down to the bandages, seeming hesitant of his next move.

After a moment, he finally spoke up, head turning to the farmhouse— Shaun...did a really good job with everything. He had talent.

Bitzer nodded approvingly at it, then met Shaun's gaze again, smile barely noticeable. And just like that, he thanked him for the help. Loud and clear like never before.

The young could just blink as Bitzer retuned to the bandage, working on them at a normal- actually really skilled pace, instead of the strangely slow from before, and his tail slightly wagging in what showed relief. It seemed Shaun wasn't the only one overthinking things between them.

Because really, that was all, just dumb overthinking.

Shaun found himself smiling, as well as his cheeks warming up a bit. He quickly had to chuckle out a 'no problem' and look away to hide it.

...Maybe he should have picked Timmy's mom instead.