TFLN

[1sts]

you know what to do.

Comments

[topino]

You're right. Shameless is probably closer to the truth, but after so many years, you forget others are looking.

He must have thrilled to see them. I still think, though, maybe the tin horses you gave him were better.

[transfuge]

Lost in Joe's everything?

They are so sweet when they are young. Older... you aren't the center of their world.

[topino]

I know we sometimes become wrapped up in each other. I apologize.

Older, they are grown and you have taught them well enough to go out into the world.

[transfuge]

Don't do that. Don't ever apologize for that.

They were good boys. I was very proud of my sons.

[topino]

I think I forget sometimes there are others, and I should be more mindful.

I wish I could have known them. Did any of them have children of their own?

[transfuge]

I remember what it was like. Be happy. Don't let an asshole make you stop.

Yeah, they did. A few.

[topino]

Are there any now, Booker? Ones still alive?

[transfuge]

I'm not stupid enough to look. Fucked myself over once like that. Don't need to do it again.

[topino]

I'm sorry. I think I understand the need for the liquor.

You have a family, though, Booker. You have us.

[transfuge]

But probably shouldn't give myself alcohol poisoning. Don't think that's fun to heal.

I know, Nicky.

[topino]

I actually did that once. It was very early days and I was trying to understand my feelings for Yusuf. I don't recommend it.

Good. We bear the pain together.

[transfuge]

Can't blame you. Remember how long it took me to accept you two?

Yeah. Who else do we have?

[topino]

At least you were just an outside party, not someone who was overwhelmed by the sight of Yusuf without his shirt on.

We have each other. We make it work.

[transfuge]

I can understand why it's distracting. Sadly, you never got over it.

More of your destiny?

[topino]

If you liked men, I think you could also appreciate that view.

We dreamt each other, Booker. It was for a reason.

[transfuge]

I like women better but after a hundred or so years, men aren't bad either.

Yeah, and that reason is to die together again and again?

[topino]

So you agree, then. Joe without a shirt on is a work of art.

Or to be with people who understand what it's like?

[transfuge]

He's not bad.

We're safest together.

[topino]

He is a very incredible partner, yes.

And yes, we are. We protect one another.

[transfuge]

You don't need me to tell you this but you're very lucky.

I do like the look of surprise and instant regret people get when we stand up again.

[topino]

I am the luckiest man in the universe, and have been for a millennium, yes, I know.

It is a nice shock, especially when they are so smug about killing us.

[transfuge]

Good.

Killing them with their own weapons is satisfying.

[topino]

I know we shouldn't keep cell phones, but it would be nice to video some of it.

[transfuge]

What? Why?

[topino]

I need something to watch at night when I can't sleep, why not vindictively reliving the good moments.