Having been taking time to do the Santa Cloud promotional thing as well as helping watch over those first facing their shadows, Cloud had been taking time off from the Ranch. So of course when he was able to show up for his shifts that meant the Old Man worked him double hard. Cloud was used to this by now, the Old Man always seemed to think that his being a Hero was all the more reason Cloud should work harder than the others, especially when he split his time to other things.

But it kept him in good shape and the work was good for his soul, which was a real help as their saga as Heroes went on. Sometimes Cloud wondered if the Old Man was actually doing all this to help...Well he'd never admit to believing in Cloud to his face anyway.

While Natalia worked in the field picking the greens, Cloud kept the birds busy so that they wouldn't try to steal any. The fences could only do so much to discourage a hungry or greedy chocobo after all. Eventually their work lead their paths to cross, Cloud keeping a firm grip on a ranch bird's lead while the princess walked past with her full basket.

"Hey there. Thanks for coming out to lend a hand with the picking. Is everyone treating you alright?"