[PQ] It ain't broke yet, but damn it needs fixing

Damien

"I never see you at the club!"
Okay? I never see you at the creek

Damien adjusted Aria lightly on his shoulders, letting her claws dig in just enough to hold her steady as he stepped closer to the stack of cut metal vents. His gaze flicked over the pieces, measuring each one against the openings in the partially built shed. Not much room for error here; loose vents and poor alignment would mean leaks, and that wasn’t something he was willing to gamble with.

He hefted the first vent with a grunt, sliding it into place against the frame. The weight pressed into his arms, but he set it carefully, lining up the slots for the screws Colt had set aside. Aria’s small head swiveled back and forth, tracking the motion of the hammer in his hand, eyes bright as if she were supervising with absolute authority.

Strike, turn, tighten—Damien fell into his usual Bob-the-Builder rhythm, methodical and steady. No wasted time, no words beyond the occasional low murmur to Aria when she got a little restless. Ideally, each vent would go into place cleanly, the metal singing faintly under the pressure of the screws. By the time he stepped back to survey his work, the openings would be secure, aligned, and ready for business.

Aria gave a soft chirp, nudging his cheek with her nose as if to offer her approval. Damien allowed the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth.

---

Damien & Aria take over the vents!

Clambering up the ladder with someone well practiced in using rails for footing and heights she might fall from, Colt arrives on the roof to help tar the surface. The sides are slanted to help with run off and snow weight, but the tar will keep it waterproofed. As she slathers it on, the other workers layer and affix the thick roof tiles. The pattern ensures there's no gaps for something to sit and rot into, because she doesn't mean to be out here repairing this roof every season.

Maea does excellent work with getting the doors attached and swinging. They're large and heavy, permitting larger equipment to pull up close and make offloading simpler, but with the help of the other crew members they make it happen. Meanwhile Damien and Aria have done nice and neat work with the vents. They help bring light into the shed and vent out heat, slotted and slatted just right to keep rats and other vermin out. Though, feed sheds always have a way of attracting them, and that's what the barn cats around here will be keeping watch over.

Leaning back from her stooped work, Colt blots some sweat off her 'brow, worked up despite the chill of the season. She glances around with a sparkle at the fresh and wonderful structures that lay around them, strong and better than ever. "I'd say we're done!" she calls out from the roof, tossing her hat in celebration and with a whoop of approval. Some of the other workers cheer, relief palpable with the hard labor done and the enjoyment all that's left.

Making it down from the ladder, Colt grabs up her hat with a sly smile offered to everyone. "Can't thank you all enough, this really meant a lot to the ranch. As promised, payment and food aplenty are at the bunkhouse down the way. Stay as long as you like, the boys are grillin' and playing cards." She nods towards everyone, clapping a few on the back or folding them into a hug. For Maea she tips her hat and smiles, "always welcome back, Maea." And to Damien, she turns, softening from earlier now that the bustle of activity and the threat of work has died out. She doesn't apologize though, but she does lean in to offer Aria a scritch. "Don't be a stranger now."

As the crowds disperse, going to the bunkhouse or home, Colt lingers back to the front gates they'd just made and works to finish the last thing. Hanging her new sign, the new brand of this place. Deadiron Ranch.

---

Done, thanks guys!

[FIN]

 

Colt