Just Like Animals

№ 13

Ricky sat at the kitchen table, Chris spoon feeding him breakfast even though it was so late in the day it could be an early dinner at that point.  Chris had made them oatmeal with blueberries, it being an easy meal that he could cook with Ricky sitting on his hip.

Since the kiss, Ricky was being incredibly clingy and had refused to let go of Chris up until the food was ready and Chris managed to shed him onto a chair. Even then, Ricky constantly tried to get up and climb into Chris' lap.

"Open." Chris instructed, taking another small scoop of the beige mush and bringing it to Ricky's lips.  Ricky eagerly took the utensil into his mouth, sucking on it softly before chewing thoroughly and swallowing.  Chris fed him several more bites in a similar manner before Ricky refused to open his mouth, clearly not hungry any more.

Chris took the bowl to the sink, cleaning out the excess food before setting it to soak.  He was just about to turn around when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist and Ricky's head popped out from under his arm.

"Would you mind being home alone for a few hours?" Chris asked, tenderly running a hand over Ricky's hair.  He had work to do and was starting to fall behind on his schedule.  It wasn't exactly the kind of job where falling behind was just a bit inconvenient, falling behind meant everything would be so much messier.

Ricky didn't respond, but he did tighten his arms around Chris, nuzzling into his side a bit more.  Chris couldn't help but smile, it being a sweet little moment.

Chris took a minute to think of a solution, eventually having to pick Ricky up again since he was attempting to climb up his side as if he was a tree. 

"Would you be okay coming out to the garage with me? You'd have to sit patiently but you could bring your drawing things to keep you occupied." Chris offered.  Ricky agreed, holding on tight to Chris who bounced him carefully.

Since it was getting darker outside and most certainly colder, Chris knew he had to bundle Ricky up.  From the coat closet, he grabbed a down-filled jacket, a pair of knit gloves, and a beanie, carrying everything over to the den where he was able to sit Ricky down on the sofa to dress him.  Ricky couldn't help but swing his arms around a bit, enjoying how oversized the coat was on him and how it flopped at the tips of his fingers.

Chris chuckled at the silly little action, "How about you grab your art supplies now?" Chris told Ricky, patting him on the shoulder.  Ricky nodded and gathered everything he would need to doodle in his sketchbook while Chris pulled on a thick flannel he had laying over the top of the sofa.

To make sure Ricky wouldn't freeze to death, Chris also grabbed a thick, wool blanket and with that, they headed to the kitchen.  Chris helped Ricky put his shoes on before putting on his own, the two heading out the back door.

Since the snow was rather deep and covered in a crunchy layer of ice, Chris knew he'd have to carry Ricky most of the way.  First he wrapped Ricky in the blanket and then quickly scooped him up as if he was a bride. "Hold onto me." Chris instructed as he began to trek out towards the woods.  Without hesitation, Ricky rested his art things on his lap, looping his arms around Chris' neck. 

The ice on the tree branches caused the trail to be more hidden than normal, meaning the walk took longer than normal too.

"I'm going to put you down. Stay right here." Chris warned, feeling Ricky nod his head against his shoulder.  As he had said, Chris carefully lowered Ricky until his feet were on the ground, only letting go of him when he was stable.  He pulled his jumble of keys from his pocket and released the padlock holding the dented door shut, reaching inside and letting his fingertips find the light switch.

Hesitantly, he looked back at Ricky, watching as the brisk breeze made him cower.  Chris went into the garage and despite how cold it was, the smell was overwhelming and would only get worse when it started to warm up.  As quickly as possible, Chris grabbed his respirator mask that was hanging on the hook with his rubber apron, yanking it over his head and adjusting it until it was comfortable.  The air still smelt dank but at least it wasn't rancid.

From inside, Chris could hear Ricky whimpering, so he worked quick, finding another clean respirator and quickly tidying up.  He had to make sure all the bodies were covered or hidden in some way.  On the way to the door, he flicked on the space heater, turning it up to the highest setting for Ricky's sake.

By the time he got back to Ricky, Chris found the poor kid struggling to fend off the wind, it tugging on the blanket and throwing his hair in his face.  Chris tried his hardest to shield Ricky, waiting until the gust stopped to fix his locks.  Moving fast so Ricky wouldnt fight, Chris worked the mask onto his head, making sure it was secure.

"Deep breath, deep breath," He coaxed as he watched Ricky struggle for air.  It took Ricky a moment to adjust to the constant feeling of drowning but eventually he took a large gasp, feeling the silicone seal lock against his face.  Chris showed him how to check the fit, first covering the valve and having Ricky exhale before blocking the filters and having him inhale.

Before the wind could pick up again, Chris walked Ricky into the garage, making sure he stepped over the ice slick on the floor. He found a clean spot where he could keep an eye on Ricky and sat him down.

Compared to Ricky's previous reaction to the bodies, he was handling the situation well.  He mostly sat there doodling away, occasionally looking over at Chris when he wanted to show off his work or when he heard a partially sawn off limb being yanked from it's rightful socket, the soft tissue popping and tearing.

Chris made sure to do his work quick despite it being something he usually liked to take his time on.  The whole disposal process was therapeutic to him but with Ricky sitting right there, he'd rather sacrifice a bit of precision in the name of time.

The process, even when rushed, was still a long one though so Chris wasn't surprised that when he finished cleaning things up for the night, he found Ricky all curled up and asleep on the floor.  It was a sweet sight to behold and Chris hoped that Ricky would continue to be so well behaved.

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