XXV.

[hellshaped]

[Hellboy's outside in the garden today, sitting on a stone bench. And also cleaning his gun. Because now that he actually has one again (that he's not renting from the shooting range ...), he should probably take care of it so it doesn't explode again.

Not that this was his fault, for reals.

A lot of people have been leaving lately, people he knows, and it's making him nervous -- why does the castle continue to hold him here, when so many have left?

He opens his journal after awhile and flips to a blank page.]

There have been a lot of departures in the past few months. Or maybe I'm just more aware of them because I've been here this long.

[Long enough to build friendships to the point where it's distressing when they leave, despite this meaning they're escaping the castle.]

The number of people returning has been dwindling, too. It seems like the castle's developed a really particular taste lately.

[He pauses, not really sure if he wants to voice this next bit. But --] I wonder if it's possible for the castle to starve itself by being so choosy. And what'll happen to those of us still here if it does.

[ooc. open in person or over the journal!! i'll be at work until the evening so tags will be scarce until then.]

Comments

[hellshaped]

Ha. Good advice.

[huntersdaughter]

I'm just looking out for you, HB. [It's easier and she likes it. Of course...]

I just tried that on for size; if you hate it I'll never use it again.

[hellshaped]

[His tone actually softens a little.] No, it's fine. People called me that all the time at home. I didn't realize how much I missed it until now.

[huntersdaughter]

[She smiles and it comes across in her tone.]

Then, it'll stick. I know how picky people can be about names, but I'm glad I found one that you approve of.

[hellshaped]

[He chuckles.] I've accepted worse, anyway.

Thanks, Jo.

[huntersdaughter]

Anytime and you should come by the Lux for pancakes again sometime. I'm slightly less... cooking goddess than I was last time, but I can still make them.

[hellshaped]

[He laughs again!!]

At this rate I'm going to get fat. [Everyone keeps offering him pancakes.

Not that he's complaining.]

I'll be sure to stop by.

[huntersdaughter]

[Hey, she knows him from way back in the Thanksgiving days. She gets first dibs at making him fat.]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out.