Rainbow-Roosters

Melitta had been returning to Brandanus often to work on training his new pup. They had made great strides in getting her where she needed to be for the perfect scouting dog. Mel, though, had taken an interest in Brandanus as well, enjoying his company far more than he thought he would given their initial meeting and the grey Rexal’s more gruff exterior. They’d finished training for the day, so Mel worked up the courage to ask Brandanus out for a walk, or perhaps something to eat. Even with all his preparation, Melitta stumbled over his words and awkwardly asked if Brandan would like to go eat pumpkins with him. Surprisingly, he said he would. He’d always loved going to the pumpkin farm to try their newest ciders and juices, while also grabbing himself a couple pumpkins on his way out to share with his dogs. They planned to meet the next day and enjoy some fall produce. But, that was yesterday, and today was the day Melitta was fretting over how he looked, and what should he wear. He’d never really been this nervous over something small like this. Finally, after Athena whined at him to stop fussing he stopped. Setting down the brush he held, he turned to face her. “Alright, alright, I’m done. You’re right, I look fine.” Sighing, he gave her some farewell pets before leaving his house to meet Brandanus. The farm was a ways out of the main town, so they had to walk a fee hours to reach their destination. Mel struggled to find a conversion topic, but Brandanus luckily started blabbing about previous years when he went to this farm and how he liked, or disliked, a certain dish. Conversation came easier afterwards, and both were ranting about their love for pies before too long. Mel argued that pumpkin pie was the best, while Brandanus had his heart set on it being apple cinnamon pie. This topic continued for quite a while, leaving both laughing at the others more absurd arguments why their choice was the right one. It didn’t feel long until they could see their destination ahead. The farm was HUGE. There were pumpkin fields and corn fields as far as the eye could see. Many Rexals bustled about their work while many others were there visiting the great fields. Workers were helping young Rexes pick out pumpkins to take home, others were pulling carts with many younglings bouncing about inside. There were many areas where Rexes were eating the fresh apple and pumpkin pastries and drinks that were being made. The trees surrounding the main farmhouse had turned bright yellows and orange. Mel suggested they get something to eat after their long walk, and Brandanus agreed, stomach rumbling quite loudly. They stopped at a food stall that seemed to be selling fruit pies, of course Mel went with his pumpkin one while Brandan went with apple cinnamon. They settled a little ways away at a small table where they could eat and continue their conversation, which had turned to training the dogs and Brandanus telling Mel his life story. It was all really interesting and Melitta found it amazing that Brandan had such a connection with his animals. Once they finished eating, they decided they would go pick out a few of the special gourds and a pumpkin or two for the trip home. Brandanus wanted to be sure they left early enough to make it back before dark. The field seemed to go on forever, but they found two medium sized pumpkins they really liked, and a couple of extra small ones to take back for dog treats. Melitta bought a couple of shapely gourds that he could repurpose into bird houses or other decorations. Their colors were bright greens and whites, stark against the orange of the pumpkins. With full bags and tummys, the two began their walk back to the city. The journey back felt a lot shorter than going to the farm, and they were back just as dusk was beginning to set in. Mel paused a moment to take in the sun setting over the colored trees, wind rustling those already fallen. His fur took on a brighter orange, seeming to glow in the light. Mel turned only to see Brandanus looking away swiftly, turning quickly to continue their walk home. They fell to an uncomfortable silence, not really sure what to say to each other. Upon reaching Brandanus’s stop, they lingered, neither really wanting to go just yet. Finally, Brandanus broke the silence, “I had a good time today. I haven’t been out for fun in a long time, and it was… nice. If you’d like to, I’d love to do something like this again.” Mel nodded in agreement. “I’d like that too.” He softly head bumped Brandanus before quickly turning towards home, not wanting to linger as his face burned hot. He scurried home without looking back, not daring to breathe before he was safely inside his front door. Athena barked in greeting, sniffing intently at his bags. Mel huffed and made her dinner, all while telling her about what they did that day. She lay in the kitchen, waiting for her food, but Mel felt she was listening. “We’ll be going back over in a couple of days… hopefully I didn’t make a complete fool of myself, argh.” Mel dramatically fell to the floor and was immediately dogged. “Okay okay! I’ll get your food,” he laughed. He sat on the floor while she ate, wondering if Brandanus was feeding his dogs at that time too. Hopefully they could talk next time they went over. Mel sighed, it was enough thinking for that day. Now it was time for bed.