First-Line Challenge (by joandarck)

[joandarck.livejournal.com]

Prompt: first line of "Duty" by akite
Pairing: Bob and Caroline with implied F/K.
Length: 250 words, G


The Here and Now



Bob Fraser and his wife argued. He was glad that was still true, actually. Relieved, even – it wouldn't have felt the same without that. He'd always admired her strong nature, her independent spirit. She hadn't really changed, there was just more... spirit.

"It'll make him happy, Robert," she told him. They both chose to spend time here, close enough to the Borderlands for their old lives to have meaning, close enough to sense the presence of their son. Benton hadn't drifted this way in a long time, though; he'd found some sort of anchor on the other side.

"What, that – that fuzzy-chinned excuse for a law enforcement official? He can't even render otter fat properly."

"Are you sure?"

"Well, I'm assuming." Bob would have harrumphed, out of old habit, but it would have been pointless. Caroline knew he didn't really disagree. They still argued, but it was all form, now. Still, he made another attempt, for form's sake. "Besides, what about my grandchildren? They can't exactly reproduce, now can they? Do you want the Fraser name to die with our son?"

The snow-covered Borderlands remained empty, unneeded, the petty sweating urgent world of life on the far side.

"Robert," she chided. "My dear. Is death really such a bad thing?" He could hear her low voice, see the warmth in her hard face, feel her calloused hand soft against his cheek, as if it were only yesterday.

He'd thought, being dead, he would have more answers.
 
 
 

Comments

[joandarck.livejournal.com]

It was fun going through your first lines! Lots of interesting beginnings there. And, yeah, I bet Ray's quite good at rendering, really! Bob's just being difficult.