I Am My Father's Son (Thunderheart, Ray Levoi/Walter Crow Horse, PG)

[carlyinrome]

Ray doesn’t like kissing Walter when he’s been drinking. It’s not the taste, like Walter thinks; it’s the smell. Beer’s bad, but whiskey’s worse, the smell instantly taking him back to long days and drunken nights, get away from him, Raymond—don’t—don’t—let go of him, you’re drunk! That heavy hand and his mother’s voice, not shrill but high, warbling with worry. And Walter rides him about most things, but never not drinking, and never pulling away when Walter’s had a few—not flinching, just turning his face away, demurring. And it’s a good thing, too, because if Ray’s addicted to anything himself—this kind of thing runs in the family, doesn’t it? a question he’s heard too many times—it’s Walter.

Comments

[dishwasi.livejournal.com]

I love this one, it's a little bit sad. *pries bottle from Walter ... that stuff is no good for you anyway!* And yes, Ray is definitely addicted to Walter, how could he not be? <3

[carlyinrome.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I think drinking is something they'd disagree over, but not something they'd fight about. Walter would understand.

[dishwasi.livejournal.com]

I love the title of this, but for some reason I see it only in the e-mail that I got telling me about your reply, same thing with your inventory of Ray's go bag. :(

[dishwasi.livejournal.com]

Back to the story <3 I do love Walter for being so kind and understanding underneath the smartassery. It probably helps that Ray is nonjudgmental about Walter's drinking --- doesn't flinch away from him as you say, and doesn't lecture him, just quietly reacts in a way he probably wishes he didn't.

[carlyinrome.livejournal.com]

That's something I love about Walter; he's never really mean to Ray. He teases him, but he's never cruel, even when it would be easy. Like when Ray asks what a powwow is, or after, when Walter is explaining about the residential schools; Walter is hurt, and he's tired of Ray not understanding, but he's not mean to him even then; instead he just explains.

[dishwasi.livejournal.com]

Walter has the biggest, warmest heart. <3

[dishwasi.livejournal.com]

Another thought I have just had about Walter: I can see him getting really angry and (figuratively) kicking Ray's ass, yet still conveying respect and (tough) love, never contempt. That is one major thing that makes him a trustworthy partner. <3

[carlyinrome.livejournal.com]

I think this layout hides the post titles; I'm not sure how to fix that . . .