Batman finally caught up with the wild redhead, whose ego was leading him around by a leash, who didn't care for any words of patience or thought, not right now, thank you.
He got a solid fifty-minute lecture, emerging pale and stubborn, much the way he would look after emerging from the office at the midway where he would apply over and over for one of the head/titled jobs, year after year, only to be told he was too young.
Nothing says maturity like kicking the doorjamb on your way out of a meeting with your boss. But unlike the old days when he would leave big black bootprints eliciting a threat or a curse in response, today he closed the door gently behind him and walked over to where I waited for my own lecture, which I've already decided to skip because it's sunny and it's a drag.
Bridget.
Batman is in the doorway, waiting, sleeves rolled up as if he is performing surgery instead of teaching discipline.
This could be so easy. Lochlan only works for money. Pay him to keep Caleb safe and happy and the point would be more peaceful than a graveyard. He wouldn't discriminate for a dollar.
It's too nice to be harsh. Let's go for a walk instead. I smile at him. He recognizes the charm of the hustle and frowns.
You too need to stop living in a Bon Jovi song and start taking responsibility for your actions.
Which action did I miss? I'm still smiling though it's just for the show now. This isn't the first time we've been accused of this.
Not you so much as him. We're getting a little too old for fist fights and stealing girlfriends and life-changing stunts to show possession.
Then talk to Cale. He's the one with the issue. He's the one throwing punches.
You're baiting him.
He's earned it! Loch sputters.
Lochlan-
I get it. He's no match for my strength OR my wit. I get that you're all just trying to keep the peace. I promise I will try to behave. He performs a deep bow and Batman frowns.
It makes things better for the entire Collective-
I'm aware of that. But when the history goes back too far for the eye to see, you have to understand-
I understand you got the girl. Let that be enough. For today-
Oh, just for today? I can handle that. What is it, noon already?
Christ, Lochlan-
Walk a mile, Brother. No one understands what we went through to be together. No one ever will. Not even him. She is the first victory of my life. Goddamn all to hell whomever fails to let me savor this.
