Question Collection
An Ugly Little Thing
(What?)
"That thing is not staying in this house, Gus." The thirteen-year-old was standing in front of his Dad and Pops, holding his new, recently acquired pet. He turned wide eyes to the more malleable of the two.
"It isn't that bad, Brian. And Gus really wants to keep it, just look at him." Brian couldn't help but snort at that comment.
"I invented that look. Fuck, I just used it on you last--" He was effectively cut off by Justin's elbow making contact with his ribs. Gus had a good idea what his father was going to say and what it would mean. Years spent with Grandma Deb, Auntie Em, and his very own father could do that to a child. "Whatever, that thing is not living here."
"Come on, Brian. It's kind of cute."
"By what standards, Sunshine? That thing is repulsive."
"Brian..." Gus smiled at the tone of voice, he knew he'd won. Pops was on his side now. And, Dad always did what Pops wanted. "Gus wants it. I want it here. It stays." Brian's expression was downright petulant, pout and all.
"But, I don't want it. It's ugly and gross."
"Brian. Two to one. You've been out-voted. Get over it." If Justin didn't know any better, he'd swear Brian was ready to stomp his foot.
"Fine, but I'm not feeding it."
"That's okay. I'll feed it."
"Ha, you know what those things eat, don't you?" Fuck, Gus did not want the conversation to go in this direction. Fucking Chester was going to ruin it.
"No, what does it eat?" Justin was already sounding hesitant.
"It eats little bunny rabbits." Justin gasped.
"Cute little bunny rabbits? I had a bunny when I was a kid, Chester. He was the best pet in the whole world." Gus had heard about the stupid rabbit before.
"I know, Pops."
"We can't keep the snake, Gus." He'd lost.
"Fine, I'll give it back to Reid."
"Good." With that, Justin walked back to the kitchen to finish the lunch he was making. Brian slung his arm across his son's shoulders.
"Nice try, Sonnyboy."