Things That Go 'Bump' In The Night

Somewhere along the way, when Ricin had thrown his body backwards, his jaws had released the fox’s leg. With fear pumping through his veins and the coppery taste of blood still in his mouth, the lighter brother had thought he was still holding it. Fighting does not come naturally to Ricin and, when the fox bares it teeth at him, his first instinct is to slam his eyes shut and try to ride out the pain that is sure to follow.

Breath catches in his throat and his heart thunders in ears, drowning out the world around him for a brief time. But the pain never comes and eyelids fly open as he glances around terrified, searching to make sure that Chade is alright. He finds Chade panting and watching as the fox steals their fish and runs. Letting a relieved sigh, Ricin gathers himself and is already back on his paws by the time Chade’s glare pins him to the spot.

The words that Chade spits at him sting but Ricin just offers his brother a warm smile as he deflects, “Come on Ny. You think you can get rid of me that easily?” A playful wink is thrown towards his sibling as the lighter boy pretends he wasn’t terrified just seconds ago. Waving a paw through the air he huffs and grumbles, “You know I am not a fighter Ny. Never have been. Sorry if I didn’t do it right. Was just tryin’ to help.”

Ricin knows exactly why Chade wants him to survive, why he knows that has to live… for Chade’s sake. If he died then his brother would have to live with the fact that he chose the wrong sibling to save. Ricin knows he wasn’t supposed to see it, the sacrifice that Chade had made on is behalf. But he had and that is the only reason he is here now.

So, he offers his brother this, “Alright Ny. I promise to keep my eyes open. But you have to be more careful too. No more biting sick animals.” Ricin ignores the fact that the fox’s blood stains his chin and coats his mouth as well. Right now, all he cares about is making sure Chade stays alive as well.



WC: 4150/2500