The Matchmaker

Friend waddles between Shiro and Sabine, blocking Sabine's path to the gangway. The chicken stretches her wings wide, making herself as large as possible.

"What's gotten into you?" Sabine peers down at the determined bird.

Friend pecks at Sabine's dress, tugging her back toward Shiro, then runs to Shiro and pulls at her pant leg.

"I think your chicken's broken." Sabine crosses her arms, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Friend clucks loudly, darting back and forth between them. She grabs Sabine's dress again, more insistent this time, nearly causing the woman to stumble.

"Hey now!" Sabine catches herself on the railing.

The chicken puffs up her chest, strutting in circles around them while making soft cooing sounds. She nudges Sabine's legs, trying to herd her closer to Shiro.

Friend lets out an exasperated squawk when neither woman moves. She pecks at Shiro's boots, then Sabine's dress, then flutters up to land on a nearby crate. From this elevated position, she spreads her wings like a conductor before an orchestra.

"Is this... normal?" Sabine glances at Shiro.

"No." Shiro's voice remains flat despite the ridiculous scene unfolding.

Friend hops down, waddling between them with renewed determination. She grabs both their clothes in her beak, attempting to physically drag them together.

"Your chicken's quite the romantic." Sabine laughs as Friend's efforts cause her to spin in place.

Shiro remains still as a statue, even as Friend circles her legs, clucking what sounds suspiciously like encouragement.

The chicken stops, fixing them both with a reproachful stare. She ruffles her feathers, clearly disappointed in their lack of cooperation.