"Arriving here in general is a big adjustment," Eddie says mildly, "and I doubt Angel will hold it against you."

The chicks peep excitedly and rush toward Darcy, because attention and warmth, hell yeah! One manages to jump and land inside the blanket, but the others get confused and need the coaxing. It's a bit chaotic, but at least nobody's pecking anybody else.

"We get people arriving pretty regularly, but if you want to avoid them, I think that's doable." Eddie shrugs. His next words are offered up in a light, informative tone. No judgement. "There are some folks that live in the woods. I know Sam fixed up one of the cabins out there, and Amaterasu has a den. Or you could work an evening shift for the factory, rather than during the day at other jobs. If you were real committed to avoiding most of us."

Small smile.