Your confidence is quiet

“You just made your own conclusions.” He grinned. “And what kid doesn’t want to be with his mom? I wouldn’t take that personally, we’d have made the same decision. Doesn’t mean he can’t have the best summers ever with his dad and Uncle Jaxon.”

Jaxon smiled, always glad to wind him up. “Well you have headed into fatherhood and us Johnson’s are notoriously good fathers.” He added sarcastically. “Because... you’re back here. And not with your wife and your son.”

“If you say so yourself.” Jaxon laughed, smiling slightly. His brother wasn’t bad and even after everything that went on in his family. He was dedicated to them. “Dad says that. Dad is about as unhinged as they come. You have to talk to me Aust. if you’re not.” 

Jaxon nodded, listening to the opinion of the girl. “I think so... although would definitely make certain people ask some questions.” he didn’t need every human in town thinking he was a mad man. “Mmm no need. I’m taking it to the council later.” 

“No... but i’ve seen enough of you as a brother and you aren’t bad at that.” He half smiled. “Are you sure you’re okay? I guess it’s supposed to be your job to worry.”

“I don’t think our father cared what anyone else thought,” he half laughed. “You really think so? I do. I mean, he’s seven. That’s true. My name is on the door and you’re the mayor.”

“No, he never does.” He folded his arms. “I do think so. You’re an okay dad, and there are worse places to visit then Whiteash. Don’t go robbing banks, i can’t pull you out of that one.”

“Yeah... guess it could be frowned on.” He chuckled to himself. “You’ve done the right thing... no you could probably just take him into the office. Your mayor says it’s fine.”

“No, no it didn’t. I guess, you’re the only person who would ever really understand.” He nodded. “We were fighting, we weren’t happy. Staying together wouldn’t have helped anyone. And right now, we’re managing to be civil.” He looked at him. “Yeah?”

“We are who we are, but i guess telling kids your purpose to kill monsters really fucks with your head.” He laughed. “I guess that matters, so is he coming to stay for any of the summer?”

“I guess... but life never felt that easy. Did it?” He half smiled. “You... were trying to protect him from our upbringing.” He paused. “I’d do the same if i had a kid.”

“Maybe i’ll talk to him sometime, about time he knows his uncle Jaxon.” He laughed slightly. “Are we still talking about Hendrix, or your therapist? Cause that’s a bit co-dependent. No wonder he’s dropped you.” 

“Well, you have to keep yourself relevant. You’re not too old, even in mortal years. You have a long career ahead of you. The mayor should have more belief in himself than that,” the vampire smiled at him.

Jaxon laughed. “Tell that to the kids in town. I don’t know, guess i’m starting to have my midlife crisis. But i... do believe in my career, i’m good at what i do.”

“Don’t think I want to know,” he laughed, shaking his head. “Well, I guess that’s the reception I was looking for. Thank you, brother. Hmm, he’s seven now. Isn’t that the classic therapist line? How does that make you feel?”

He grinned. “he must be getting big.” he had to admit he wasn’t overly involved in his brother’s life outside of Whiteash. “It is, it’s also a brother’s line. When he genuinely wants to know how you feel.”

“Hmm, I enjoy having a purpose. How long could I do that for? When would sipping drinks on a beach becoming pointless? Helping people… I hold onto my humanity,” he told the human.

“Maybe...” He nodded. “I don’t know though, i don’t think i’d want to be the mayor forever. Sooner or later someone younger and better would come right?”

“No, you’re softer than I thought,” he grinned at him. “That was me saying I’m going to be sticking around a while. Yeah.” He paused. “Though she has Hendrix with her.”

“You have no idea.” He wiggled his brows. “I guess... i’m not angry about that. I’d like to have you here brother. Oh Hendrix huh? And how are you feeling?” 

“Maybe you don’t know me as well as you thought, big brother.” He chuckled to himself. “No? Does that mean you intend to stick around a while?”

Jaxon smiled politely. “Having to fix things, having to be wise. All... the supernatural stuff. You could just retire, live somewhere sunny. Drink pina coladas on a beach with a young girl who’s name rhymes with peach.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment, i was quite the character in high school.” He folded his arms, laughing gently. “You’re the kind of support i need in this town. People who think i’m always right.”