A growling could be heard coming from Victor's stomach. They'd been on the move for three days now and hadn't had a ton to eat in that time.
"Carrot?" Logan waved the veggie at him, "It'll make your teeth feel better."
"I would prefer meat," he took a chomp from the root, crunching loudly, "Think the farm has any meat lying around?"
The younger saw a farmhouse as the train paused to board, "Only one way to find out."
"Lets go."
X
The demesne was at least a good mile and a half walk, but that was fine. Good exercise. When they finally got there it was a little smaller than it seemed but still a respectable size.
"See anyone? Like the owner?" Jimmy looked about a second before he realized he'd lost his brother, "Victor?"
The elder had found his way into the barn, "Hello ladies," he dived to the cow and started tugging at her udders.
"Who the h3ll are you and what are you doing here?" A man raised a gun to the mutant.
"Just looking for a little food. Didn't mean to intrude," he raised his hands in a manner to convey he meant no ill will.
The man looked to him then to the cow, "Milk her."
Vic raised a brow and slowly started the task.
"You tend animals?"
"Not in years."
"You not running from anyone? Or bringing trouble?"
"No at all," he shook his head, "Just bringing my baby brother. And we'd be happy to work."
The man looked him up and down before sighing. He looked good for work, "I suppose it would be the neighborly thing to give you both a place to stay," he saw Logan peek his head in, "What are your names?"
"Victor. And that's Jimmy."
"Name is Isaac," he lowered the gun, "Best give you both some work to do."
X
"How do you get the easy jobs?" Logan grumbled, carrying a bale of hay.
"I'll happily show you how to milk a goat," he swept up, "And you're helping me with the horse."
"You boys want some food?" Isaac stepped in and set a plate on a stool for them, "got some biscuits and gravy."
"Thanks." Logan hurried over and snatched some, "We appreciate you giving us a job and a place to sleep."
"You're working for it," Man nodded, "My daughter is away right now and my wife has been ill. I'm not a great cook."
"Make Victor cook. He made sure he brought his cookbooks," Jimmy smirked, "He appreciates being here too, despite his silence."
"Might take you up on that," He nodded.
When the man left, Logan grabbed the plate and brought them to his brother, "What are you all gloomy about?"
"Nothing in particular," he shrugged.
"You're acting cut off. Like you do when you have nightmares," the younger offered him some, "Food."
Victor gave it a look before going back to sweeping, "No thanks."
"You need to eat."
"Sure don't."
"Victor," Logan started.
"Jimmy."
"You were complaining about food three hours ago. Now we have some and suddenly you're not hungry."
"I was saying I wanted meat. Help me with this horse," Victor grabbed for the shoes.
While he did that Logan grabbed for his brother's chin. Gripping both his cheeks and cupping his chin, he brought the biscuit to his mouth, "Open."
Victor gave his little brother a raised brow, "Are you serious?"
"Open up," he put the food to his mouth again. Vic sighed and opened, "Now bite," he demanded, "You may be older but it's just as much my job to care for you as it is for you to care for me. Now eat your food, jerk."
The elder just took the food and ate.
"What is the matter?" Logan let loose his brother's face.
"Nothing, just have my mind on other things," he made a face, "This gravy is a clump of uncooked flour."