#orcules

@gothedistance-herc

The first snow of the year meant hot chocolate, pictures, snow ball fights, snowmen, and trying to catch snowflakes on your tongue. For Orville it meant a 24/7 ‘Wet Floor’ sign, a mop, and a piece of paper in forming him that he not only needed to be cleaning the inside, but he was now also responsible for the walkways outside since most of the maintenance people were on road duty, throwing salt and sand mixture across the streets and parking lots of the University. 

He had groaned, having thought he would have been safe in the heated buildings of the University, but now knowing he was going to be outside made him pout like a four year old who didn’t want to eat their dinner. But he knew he needed to get it done so he could come back inside and defrost. The bad part was he didn’t really have any winter gear, since he hadn’t had money to spare when he was in hiding, only a hat and the University’s uniform jacket that wasn’t all that thick. But it was fine, it just meant he could complain about it. To no one.

Except, wait-. Orville looked up at the Cow Calendar he had picked up at the store for the janitor’s closet. He smiled to himself. Thank, God, today was today Hercules was supposed to be paying his civil duties by working with Orville. 

Their little trip to the school’s offices had resulted in quite the ordeal, the kid and the staff member going back in forth until they came to an agreement. Orville had stood by the door, having given his side of the story and sticking around just to see what would become of the kid, but instead his presence had seemed to spark and idea. They gave Hercules a few hours of service with Orville and they could not have picked a better day.

Orville wasn’t known for his grace. He was a clumsy guy at best. And it wasn’t cute, it wasn’t quirky, most of the time it resulted in unwanted scratches and bruises or his bag spilling all over the place. It didn’t bother Orville, though. Nope. He just got right back up and kept walking, rubbing at his wounds and shoving everything back into place. 

The point being, he understood when someone fucked up. He had fucked up. He considered himself a fuck up, if you will. He and Wilbur had broken numerous things around the house horsing around, including themselves. Orville knew that kids, especially these University kids, were prone to making messes. Spilling their blasted coffee on carpet or their food combusting in the microwave. He was just happy he wasn’t responsible for the dorm buildings because he thought he might have to decline the job if that were the case.

But this-

“For God’s sake, lad!” 

 -was something he had never seen before. He had been on his way back from cleaning the bathrooms when he turned the corner to find this.  

“What the hell happened?” He stepped away from the cart, closer to the young man he was addressing. Orville’s right hand came up to press against his temple, hands gripping at his hair.