#bergen_county

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Having let Zane out to continue his patrol, or wherever he'd like, Frank drives on. He heads for the Thomases.

He sees Kyle coming home

Mr. Thomas looks surprised

Looking around to make sure no mortals can hear he says "Mountain?"

Frank nods from the jeep, grabs a mask and steps out. "Kyle."

He slips his own mask on, then shakes the other troll's hand "Come in, come in. WHat can I do for you?"

"Just checking in. How's everyone here?"

"Well, the wife and are still sorting out things, and we were all worried about Adam with that raid of yours. But... given who it helped I can't help but be proud you know? " A sigh "Unfortunately he's got some drama of the more typical teenage type . WOuld barely eat, stopped his Knight Heart Ride service...wouldn't come out. He seemed to recover but then he returned and seem sulking all over again"

"not that I blame him.. " A sigh "When I was his age I got my heart crushed too"

Frank nods; a fraternity that share some heartbreak. "He did well, Kyle. You can be proud of him for many reasons."

"I am. I am. I wish I could make it easier. He'd probably not thank me for sharing his love life's story with you, but it IS affecting him and you did ask"

Frank rubs his beard. "Hm. Heart crushed.... he and Piper?"

A nod "Yeah. A shame too, Brenda really liked Piper. Thought she was a good influence on Adam."

"What do you think?"

"I think she's a good kid"

Frank nods. "Not quite the same thing." Understanding.

"Well, I didn't thin kshe was a BAD influence.. .but I think folks are going to tell Adam 'maybe you can still be friends' and I know when I was his age ,I thought that was really an ignorant thing to say. Not because they must be enemies, or she's a villain... but rejection stings, and it hurts to be near the other person sometimes... folks expect it all to 'reset' but in truth? It's like a dental drill for the heart every time you sit next to him or her... and know you put yourself out, and it wasn't up to snuff, and what COULD be, now won't be. I' mnmot saying they never WILL be friends again, but it can't be rushed, and we can insist on it. It's cruel to do so"

Frank nods. "Yes." He understands, on a personal level.

"So my game plan is to be here.. see if he needs me to throw a rope to pull him up. Now, how are your kids?"

"So, perhaps some time .... not sulking, but grieving.... is understandable."

"They are well. Brekke and I are thinking we might visit Jessica soon."

"Mexico right? Tijuana? Dangerous city, but on the other hand, we have an edge with danger" A nod "And family's family. She's the Countess right? Worked her way up?"

"She did." Quietly proud. "Without a House."

"Sounds like that without a house part means she really had a challenge... " He nods "Kidn of like breaking the glass ceiling without the boys' club help?"

"Very much like that."

"You said your wife was worried about Adam going on the Raid. How is she doing with that now?"

"Better since he made it all right. She's now focused on the relationship worry like I am." A nod "Heck, even Lily is worried for her brother, was and is. But Adam'd resilent. Or at least that's waht I tell myself"

"I think he is." Frank agrees. "Lily is doing well?"

"Yes, worried for Adam but.... generally?"

"Lily's handled these changes the best of us" He says proudly "I guess part of it is she's younger, kids learn languages faster, sometimes accept more. Honestly, the rest of us have issues galore but Lily could be sained tomorrow and the slaugh would greet her with those silent nods and such. Not that having a sluagh in the house is always easy, we love her, but geez... I was shaving, turned for a moment, looked back to the mirror and she was stuck to it like a gecko. I nearly cut my upper lip off"

Frank makes a sound like clearing his throat.

"Sounds like she's doing well, then." A pause. "Would you like me to speak to Adam?"

"Actually, it might help. He .. I don't think he likes the vibe you give off, sorry, but he might still prefer an outsiders's voice or the idea that he can do something for the lodge. Mostly Adam wants to be loved, respected and feel like a hero. Sometimes he doesn't think beyond that, but he's a dman good kid"

Frank scratches his beard, nods. "Adam.... wasn't really prepared to meet a member of House Liam when we met. He... hit the ground running, and ran into me. He has been more accepting of late, and I know it's not easy. He obeyed me well during the Raid."

A sigh. "Loved, respected, a hero. Mmph." Another nod. "If he's available, I could speak with him now. Or come back."

"I could use some pointers from you then," Wryly

"This way" And he leads the Mountain in "Adam? You have a guest"

A head tilt. "I know what Brekke has told me about some... insubordination issues with him. Is it still happening?" As they walk.

"Not as much to be fair, but then, we're not really insisting on much. Didn't seem to be right"

Frank nods.

Adam is on the couch in the living room; he's stopped reading the library ebooks he had been studying, and his work outs have consisted of half-hearted solo hoop shots. He's not gaining weight, of course (TEEN) but mostly he goes from lying in one room to lying in another. Sometimes he changes which piece of furniture he's on.

Which is better than him being ONLY in his room.

"Adam, you have a guest" Kyle says again. And gestures tto the mountain

He looks up. "Hey. Oh, Mountain." He stands up. Even now, there's a handsome bed-head look about him. "Sorry. Uh. -I- have a guest?"

"The Mountain came to see you. I"ll leave you two be." Kyle says with a nod "Something to drink either of you?"

"No, thank you Kyle." Frank rumbles.

"No, thanks." Adam mumbles.

"All right. " And he moves to the kitchen to leave them to the living room.

And the two talk.

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