Hiding Ruddiger
(This is a sequel to Pest Control but can be read as a stand alone. It's a little longer than usual, but people really wanted more Ruddiger and Varian.)
It had all started 2 months ago, when Varian freed the raccoon from the trap. Out of gratitude or perhaps hunger, it had returned several times since. Always Varian would free him (from the new humane traps) and if they were alone, Varian would feed and pet him and generally tell him he was a good boy.
But tonight was different. It was a heavy downpour with thunder and lightning. Varian couldn't in good conscience leave his little buddy outside. So, using several ham sandwiches, Varian lured the raccoon close, then picked him up and carried him into his room, slipping past Quirin with the excuse of how he was working on an experiment, don't mind the noise, and don't come in.
Varian had let the raccoon, who he was now calling Ruddiger, sleep curled up next to him in bed. Ruddiger was soft and the sounds of his snores were surprisingly comforting. Varian slept better than he had in weeks, almost as good as before the black rocks came.
"Varian, breakfast!" Quirin called in the morning.
"Okay Dad, be right there." Varian replied. He turned to Ruddiger. "Now you're gonna have to lay low for awhile. I'll put you back outside when Dad goes to check on the apple trees but for now, you stay here, under the blankets and don't move til I come back." Varian instructed.
Ruddiger eyed Varian curiously as he walked away. Why was Varian leaving and why wasn't he allowed to come with? Down the hall, in the direction Varian went, Ruddiger could smell cooked eggs, bread, and yes, apples, the most wonderful food of all. Obviously, Varian was mistaken and Ruddiger was meant to follow.
"We're having eggs for breakfast. There's no ham, though." Quirin said pointedly.
"Oh um, I got hungry last night. Teenage metabolism and all that." Varian fibbed.
"Well remember to ask first next time." Quirin allowed.
Varian relaxed visibly. It seemed Dad was in a pretty good mood this morning and Varian should take advantage of that to- see Ruddiger out of the corner of his eye dart into the room. Ruddiger chittered as Varian made frantic "go back inside" motions with his hand.
"What was that?" Quirin asked as Ruddiger chirruped again.
Varian coughed loudly. "That was me. I think I'm coming down with something." he lied.
Quirin looked at him seriously. "Varian, I know." he stated in his most sincere 'parenting' voice.
"-that I'm sick? So I guess we- I mean I'd better go back to bed." Varian was inching his way towards Ruddiger.
"About the raccoon." Quirin clarified.
Varian froze. "Wh-what raccoon?" he stammered, trying to deny the presence of the animal who was currently tugging on his apron.
"And I know I told you not to get too attached to him." Quirin continued.
"But it was cold and rainy and I think the thunder scared him!" Varian protested.
"And if you're going to have a pet you'd better keep him out of trouble." Quirin finished.
Varian's face broke into a smile. He bent down and picked up the raccoon. "Did you hear that, Ruddiger? You can stay!" he exclaimed joyously. Ruddiger pawed at this friend's face, then positioned himself onto Varian's shoulder.
Quirin sighed. He'd learned long ago with Hector, there was just no separating some people and their pets.
THE END
Hector was right, pets are awesome and everyone should respect that. XD