Seventeenth Lotus

[spandexisyouth]

I would like to apologize for my son's behavior and writings. I do not remember much about being a father and I think that is apparent.

Stoneface, Bridge, I would like to take a few days off if that is not a problem. I think I would like to have a few days to myself.

Comments

QUICKLOG

[stonyfaced.livejournal.com]

[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.

QUICKLOG

[spandexisyouth]

[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.

QUICKLOG

[stonyfaced.livejournal.com]

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.

QUICKLOG

[spandexisyouth]

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.

ENDTAG!

[stonyfaced.livejournal.com]

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.]