[Is it bad that he thinks nothing of it? It's what he's used to saying. Of course Larry isn't ignorant of the change from one terminology to another, it doesn't stick though. Recounting the years in his head, when he was on his way to being a man, Freddy was working on becoming a boy. Fucking funny world they live in.]

Tough kid having it out with anybody.

[Not a discouraging word yet, though honestly he would not expect one after the talk. And the questions that are asked really aren't a fuss. He is so fucking lucky every which way. Larry moves splaying his legs a little, leaning farther back into the cushions. That arm bearing his old ink is surrendered into the kid's hands.]

Vickie. Heh. [Freddy loves a story too.] She went to my school. I wasn't sure what to make of her wanting to be around all the time, though it didn't take me long. She'd doll herself up, you know? So we were everywhere together. Holdin' hands first. That was what was okay for the most part.