Chapter Text
“Why are you sitting in the dirt?” Ted asked, leaning over to get a better look at Carson.
“I’m not feeling it,” He replied, not really answering him, “I’m just not into it.”
Ted rose an eyebrow. “Well, I’m not doing all the work by myself,” he said, putting the shovel in front of him like it would convince Carson to get up quicker, “What do you think I am? A workhorse that doesn't get tired?”
“I think you're Ted,” Carson said, looking up at him through his fringe, “And I think i’m tired.”
“You're the one that wanted to bury this thing. This joke was your idea.”
Ted nudged the plastic skeleton with his shoe, which was covered in the rich soil, much like his jeans and gloves were. It was too hot to wear a jacket with the work he’d been doing, despite the chill to the air, so his was tied around his waist. Carson was flushed red with the warmth, but was yet to take off his own.
“Dude, c’mon. Let’s just take a break,” Carson patted the bare patch of earth beside him under the shade of the tree, “Cooper isn't back until Tuesday, anyway, so it’s not gonna make much difference if we do it now or later.”
Ted sighed but did what Carson told him to, and sat down beneath the tree next to his friend. He had to admit, having the cool bark of the tree against his back did help with his overheating, as did the chill that came from the earth he sat on. Autumn was well and truly in swing now, with the trees losing their leaves and people putting up their halloween decorations prematurely (he swore they sold them earlier and earlier every year), and he was looking forward to going inside and helping himself to a glass of mulled cider, even if it was the shit from three days ago.
“I want cider,” Ted found himself saying out loud, even if it was to distract from the fact that they were two dudes sitting under a tree with a shovel and a plastic skeleton.
“Oh my god,” Carson said, “Same.”
Ted looked over at him, considering.
“Travis still has some left over.”
Carson gave him a look, “That shit from three days ago?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think it’ll still be okay?”
Ted shrugged, and while Carson couldn't see it, he could feel it nudge his own up and then down again. He sniffled, feeling the coolness begin to seep in deeper.
“Do you want some?”
“Fuck yes.”