~~In the barn~~<br/><br/>Dukey heard Clara all the way to the barn, but couldn't think of what to say in response. So he entered the barn to find Bruce and Piranha standing there. He thought he probably fit right in there, at that moment. At that point, he was too bewildered to be afraid of Piranha, and grabbed a brush and walked purposefully over to her.<br/><br/>"Hey there," he said calmly, as she eyed him, and slowly turned her big head toward him. "It's me, Dukey. You remember me, don't ya, girl? That's right..." He reached up and gently stroked her velvety nose, and felt the softness of the hair there. He continued to pat and stroke her head as he raised the brush to her side and began to groom her. He was careful at first, watching for any sign that she might mistrust him and rear up, and he covered her eyes as he moved his hand over her forehead.<br/><br/>He spoke softly, still unsure, and not wanting anyone else to hear, either. "...umm, Clara sent me in here to clean up after you two, so here I am," he chuckled. "She's...well, she, uhhh...seems kinda mad at me right now, and I think I'll give her some time to cool off." Dukey ran his hand along Piranha's side, feeling the muscle underneath the skin, slowly from her shoulder to her hind quarters. He brushed and brushed, working the knots out of her hair and said, "That Clara, she's something special, alright. Just like you...a real spitfire." Piranha snorted, and Dukey quickly stated, "In the nicest way, of course." He worked meticulously, finishing one side of the beautiful animal, and then moved to the other side.<br/><br/>He then went over to Bruce, checking on the spot where Piranha kicked him, finding no permanent damage, and proceeded to groom him, as well. He was alone now with his thoughts, and he dutifully retrieved the items to clean up the dung piles. After that, he fed and watered them both, taking a handful of grain and holding it up to Piranha. He felt as if he was making a peace offering.