spandexisyouth | Seventeenth Lotus

Well, what you do behind locked doors is certainly private. [Stoneface amended, then murmured,] Despite what some people may think. But the fact that you two happen to be together? Don't see why it ought to be hush hush.

[At the mention of Samehada, however, Stoneface's brows shot skywards for just a moment. Oh, he had really hoped that this patrol wouldn't involve speaking about a twelve year old's sex life. He had a small understanding that his ears were probably going to drift to the red side of the colour spectrum sometime soon.] He's not old enough to do what Samehada was talking about, and that's final, [he said sharply.] He can think about it, and probably will, and ought to understand the basics, but not... well, that sort of thing is just out of the question. I doubt you'd find many ladies of the night willing, anyway.

[He stroked his chin as Youth described his plan, thinking about it. There were no patterns, were there? No, there were. People left when others came. What did that mean?] That's a good idea, [he said.] I'm not so sure about being comforted by descriptions of those lost being kept on record, but it'll be good for plenty of other things.

[He could see how some would be comforted by that, though. It was the sort who appreciated finery and flashy funerals, and keepsakes. Stoneface had been worn down for far too long and had built up a wall of cynicism too strong to even consider seeing it as a comfort. If they were gone, they were gone. Nothing would change that and nothing would make it better, save for time. Still, the treacherous part of him that paid far more attention to logic than emotion, the part that mourned Wolverine's loss not for only the man, but for his nose, whispered that it would almost undoubtedly become useful somewhere along the line.]

Simon... he's one of the medics, isn't he? I've heard good things about him. It's best to be careful with what you do, but it seems like a worthy enough cause nonetheless. [He crossed his arms against a particularly fierce gust of wind, tucking his chin further into his chest.] I hope it leads somewhere.

Ah! I believe I see. [Though Youth did still think that many more details about his relationship with Bell could stand to be private. There really was no reason to declare to everyone what was going on there.]

[So it was normal to think about things at such a young age. Youth frowned.] I will train with him. He will have no time for thoughts like that or desires like that if he is spending his time as he should be, working and training. Ladies of the-- oh. I would hope they would not be willing! But I am glad to know that he is wrong.

[Youth shrugged.] It could still be a little comforting. To know that in some way the person will never be fully forgotten. Or to know that if you vanish you will never be fully forgotten. My son was here before. Did you know that? But there were only two people left who remembered him. If they were gone, I would not have even known he existed, not until I met him. Bell and I only went out to meet Lotus because we knew that was the name he had the last time. So there are other benefits too. There is no way to know what all the list could do. Which is also why I will not write about it now that Simon and I have the idea.

He is. [Youth nodded.] He is also one of the first people who said hello to me on the journals. And I will be as careful as possible! I do not want things to happen. [Things. Giant acorns, snakes, who knew what else. How many disappearances had been because someone had learned too much, and no one ever knew?] Thank you! I hope so as well!

[It was a little chilly. Youth saw Stoneface's reaction to the wind and looked around.] It will be warmer soon. Spring is here! Now it must only become full and the weather will be very pleasant!

[Stoneface had to smile at Youth's proclamation that he'd keep Lotus too busy to think about things - something that Stoneface knew for a fact would not work - but the smile was a crooked one.] I don't think it works quite like that, [he said pointedly.] Right now he seems to think that relationships are bad, period. You kicking the wind out of him so he doesn't even think about it doesn't seem like the best way to convince him otherwise.

[He thought about the record keeping of those lost for a moment, wondering what he could tell Youth. Nothing about his adventures to other islands, not for now. He trusted the man, but he was a reckless, well meaning sort with an extended circle of friends. Not the sort who needed to be burdened with the knowledge that he had. Besides, it was best to keep current records--if he went through the entire library, it'd be difficult to see any discerning pattern. It was good for other things, gathering other information. Like Free's suspiciously familiar handwriting.

But that wasn't what he was going to talk about now.] Wellspring's got patient records, doesn't it? Simon ought to have mentioned it. Could be a good place to start.

[He watched the light rain running off his helmet, and around the deserted area.] Oh, this weather isn't so bad, [he said, cheerfully.] So long as it's not raining ice, I don't mind. [Which was his way of saying that he rather liked the rain. People stayed inside and gave him some privacy on his patrols, and there was something special of tucking up in a little corner and having a quiet smoke, listening to the rain gently pattering against his helmet. It was comfortable.]

[It had worked for Youth, for the most part, here. For a while. And then things had gotten strange and staying too busy wasn't practical.] I do not think it is relationships that he is against. I think it is Bell. And Bell makes a lot of comments, so I can see why Lotus is upset. But... I will see what I can do with talking.

[Youth nodded.] I had not thought of those. That could add to the project and make things easier. I will talk to Simon about those.

That is a good attitude to have about weather! [Youth went to give Stoneface an approving thumbs-up but then stopped, remembering exactly who he was talking to. Stoneface did not need his approval.] Yes, good. [His finish was weak, but he wasn't sure what else to say.] There have been some fun rains here.

[Stoneface frowned.] Well, Bell could stand to tone it down a bit. Some stuff he says is a bit racy, especially when it's Lotus' Dad he's talking about. No lad wants to hear that sort of thing. [He paused.] Good luck.

[Somehow, he felt that Youth had had enough chastising, and needed a little comfort, which Stoneface wasn't comfortable with. He did what he could, though.] It'll turn out fine. You're around, which is more than most kids can say for their parents around here. He's lucky.

Tell me if you figure anything out from your list, will you? [He asked.] It might be... enlightening.

[Youth nodded.] He could. I have told him, and I believe others have as well. It is something he does, and... [There was a pause before Youth shook his head.] He is from my world. I think this is something he did there too. It feels like him. When we do not have much of us left, it is hard to ask him to lose what he has, part of what he is.

[Stoneface got an appreciative glance.] Thank you! It is very nice to hear you say that.

Of course! You will be one of the people I will tell! It would make sense that you could use the information, too.

We are who we are now, [Stoneface said, firmly.] What we did back then doesn't change that. That's why we don't go around persecuting folks like Black. Not to say he can't do it, it just should be kept off journals. I don't fancy Blood asking me what all the doubletalk is about one day, is all.

I know that. But I believe that for the most part we would like to know who we were and be ourselves. Telling someone not to be what they are when it is not on the criminal side does not seem right. But you should not have to explain it to Blood, so I understand. It is hard enough when Lotus asks what Bell is talking about. I will see if he will use it less on the journal.

I understand, [he said, nodding.] All I'm saying is that he says those things 'cos that's the sort of person he is, not because of his past. [He tapped his nose.] There's a difference. Although, [he added, sounding cheerful,] I'm sure that sort of language is probably illegal in a few countries. Wouldn't be surprised.

[And with that, he decided, the conversation was over. He steered it towards more inconsequential things, the sort of things watchmen ought to be talking about on patrol--stuff that didn't really matter, so you could let your mouth go while your brain worked. And eventually, he slipped into his own sort of comfortable silence.

He didn't like trees and grass much. He knew that. But somehow, in the dark of night, walking alongside another officer with the rain beating down it, he had to admit it wasn't that bad.]

Seventeenth Lotus

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