Up In the Clouds

Katie Worley: Redefining the term "bird-brain" since I learned to read. Apparently I'm also considered a precious baby...whatever that means.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

I am okay with my punishment at the moment, I assure you. But my time here will always be that: a punishment. Excess enjoyment, although I do experience joy on occasion, would be a mockery of God, would it not?

[katiew-flies]

...In theory I suppose it could be. But you always told me that God loves everyone, no matter what they've done and that if they're willing to repent, he'll forgive. You may be here as punishment, but you feel sorry about it right? You've been trying to earn back your place in heaven. ... but maybe having a good life here is a reward for your efforts? *Helpless shrug* I can't give you a real answer to that Seth...I'm sorry.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Yes, I am feeling better about it, thank you. [Seth nods his head, something like a genuine smile playing across his face. It vanishes as quickly as it makes itself apparent.] I would prefer to be in heaven, but here has some qualities that are not intolerable.

[katiew-flies]

Would it be bad to suggest that you make the most of your time here? You don't have to stop trying to get back to heaven - but maybe it wouldn't be bad either to at least, I don't know, be okay here?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Does that not make me Andrew’s brother? Often I have said all mortals are brothers and sisters, but this is nonsensical. 

[katiew-flies]

If you felt that way about Andrew I'm sure he wouldn't object. I certainly wouldn't. At any rate you're as good as family to me and I'm very glad to have you around Seth... Are you feeling better about kissing Mr. Whitmor?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

No. You are my favorite, and I tolerate you because I am fond of you.

[katiew-flies]

Thank you. I'm quite fond of you as well. You know I consider you to be an uncle to me right?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

So long as it is in moderation, it is acceptable, I suppose. I enjoy serving for that is my purpose. [Seth nods.] Yes, but he is better at other things such as not annoying me. 

[katiew-flies]

... And we were having such a nice conversation. *Pouts as if he hurt her feelings* Is he  more tolerable than me?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

I think that is a far stretch. The object is to learn now in order to procure more pleasant time later. Just as the object is to be moral now to procure paradise later. [Seth shakes his head.] You try valiantly.

[katiew-flies]

But if I like learning and I study hard, it's going to be fun for me or at least interesting anyway, regardless of the work I'm doing. Is it really that bad to enjoy what I'm working on? *mostly just teasing him a bit* Am I at least better at cleaning than Andrew?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

But you should also remain rigorous in your pursuits. [Seth raises an eyebrow.] Perhaps he would think I would no longer stay here to tend to the cleaning.

[katiew-flies]

So can it be both rigorous and fun? I know people mostly hear it from athletes about their workouts - but we could shift the concept to learning being my sport and homework being the workout. *Smiles a bit* I don't think that would be his main concern. Besides, it may not be perfect, but I clean up the house okay when you're busy.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Studies should be rigorous. Not a game. [Seth shakes his head, but the smile does not leave his lips.] Do you think Andrew will approve of Claudio and me? I do not keep secrets.

[katiew-flies]

Why can't studies be fun? You should like what you study. *smiles curiously* why would he disapprove? I bet he'll be happy for you for finding somebody.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

I am spoiled with my knowledge of language perhaps. But I could teach you any which you thought proper. [Seth smiles sincerely, an odd occurrence for him.] Well, I invited you, so if you find yourself bored, it is your own cross to bear.

[katiew-flies]

You should just teach me all of them. It'll be fun ad we could make a game of it. *Half-teasing since she does like the thought of being multi-lingual* And I appreciate the offer, I just don't know if it would be appropriate to go on your date with you. Besides, you'd either have to explain to Andrew why I'm on a date or not tell him and keep it a secret.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

言語を一つは決して足りない.There, you now know some Japanese. [Seth grins, seemingly enjoying messing with the girl.] Did you not used to scold me for not being open to outside friendships?

[katiew-flies]

Oh you're funny today. It takes more than that to learn Japanese though. And I did, but I talk to plenty of people at the store and the library and all sorts of places I go. Besides, I can't intrude on your date. That's just - rude. I'm sure Mr. Whitmor would much prefer just you with him.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

…If Claudio and I decide to attend “dates,” as they are called when people who kiss go to locations together, you may come as well. Then I can keep an eye on you as you meet people.

[katiew-flies]

*Stares at him for a minute* Or, you two could go on your dates and I could stay here learning how to juggle or speak Japanese or something. And you wouldn't have to take any attention away from your date because I wouldn't be there for you to worry about me meeting anyone.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

It will not make me feel any sympathy when I watch you scrub them away. [Seth raises an eyebrow.] All I shall say is that you are the mortal age where things are novel and exciting and therefore, you try them. 

[katiew-flies]

... I'm pretty sure if I understand what you're trying to hint at - that involves more than one person and I don't think that's going to happen. I have to leave the house and meet people for that...

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

If you draw on the walls, you are cleaning it. [Seth raises an eyebrow, and while his eyes are joking, his tone is serious.] 

You are not so bad either, but you cannot try romantic love yet. 

[katiew-flies]

Then don't get obsessive and I won't have to draw on the walls. *She grins and sets her empty mug down* At least now they'd be better than stick figures.

Thank you Seth - ... I wasn't planning to? I mean - I don't really think you can plan when you start romance. You for example. You didn't plan thinking Mr. Whitmor was pleasing to kiss but it happened. But - I really don't think you have to worry about me. We're talking about you right now.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

I just worry. I worry that I will corrupt myself. That is all. I ought to have faith in my own strength, but that is more easily said that it is enacted. [Seth shrugs his shoulders, seemingly uncaring about his misuse of the idiom.] I have been on this planet for a short time by my standards. It has felt like longer. Finding peace. It is an odd thing 

I will try. We will see what happens. 

[katiew-flies]

All of us have times when we don't feel strong enough Seth. Even if we don't like admitting it. Nobody would look down on you for it. And it's not like you wouldn't have people around to support you. After everything you've done for me and all the stuff you've had to put up with from me, I'd really like to be here for you on this one. I know I can't offer a lot of help but I can let you know if you're getting obsessive or something... Or I'll just have to start drawing on walls and giving you something to distract you. *Teasing but trying to lighten the mood and make him feel better*

Whatever happens I still think you're one of the best people I know and nothing Mr. Whitson says will change that view.

[claudio-whitson-deactivated2013]

Darn it... I swear...

[claudio-whitson-deactivated2013]

Mint… I like mint. [Claudio cleared his throat.] Oh uh… Nearly d-done. Just one more string and then I c-can break it in.

[katiew-flies]

I think I have some mint at home. I'll make sure it's on my dresser or something so I don't forget it ... Could I hold it? The guitar I mean. When you're done stringing it.

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

Katie?

[seth-lenfant-custodian-blog]

I will have a discussion with him tomorrow. I simply worry of making a mockery of my place here. It is a punishment. I am here because I fell from heaven, and should I allow myself too much pleasure, would it not be wrong? [Seth lets out a sigh.] And should I give too much way to this pleasure, I shall fall again and rise as a demon. I will no longer be the Seth you know.

I shall never be truly mortal. I will always bear the marks of my angelic conception. And I will be infinite until the end of days whereupon I pray I shall be judged once again. 

[katiew-flies]

*Katie stares into the bottom of her mug thoughtfully* Is there a standard for how much pleasure is too much? If you're content with someone you love and you enjoy the little things in life a little more, that's not giving into lust. I wouldn't even call that desire. It's finding peace and being able to share that with someone important to you. *She has a hard time understanding the second concern but offers the best she can* The nice thing about being here is that you don't have to do it alone. You've got people around you who won't let you throw your life into a single act - even love - so if I understand it correctly, you're not at a large risk for becoming a demon.

Then maybe it wouldn't be so bad to spend some of that time in love. That's if you even decide you're going to give love a chance. But the thing about it is, being nervous is normal. Even after you ask and succeed in finding a partner. It's work. You just have to make sure you've found someone worth it.

[claudio-whitson-deactivated2013]

Darn it... I swear...

[claudio-whitson-deactivated2013]

T-Tea works just fine… Just no caffeine. I don’t do caffeine.

[katiew-flies]

What kind of tea is your favorite? I can bring some tomorrow and we can talk about music or life or whatever. ... How's your restringing going by the way? *Nods to his guitar*