Prompt 111, Fic

[lycomingst.livejournal.com]

Title: Kindness
Author: lycomingst
Rating: PG
Length: 323 words
Prompt 111: Your Favourites
Characters: Ethan


Kindness

Ethan knew about kindness. From, for instance, his father. The man took kindness to the poor very seriously. “They’d only drink it away,” he’d say of his reluctance to give them money. He was doing them a favor, saving them from their folly. “They need to get off their behinds,” he’d add, so thoughtful about their health and well-being.

Edward “Ted” Rayne was also charitable in his business dealings. Ethan would hear him expound at the dinner table about allowing others credit. It was kind of him. And if those who owed him money hit a rough patch in life and need a little leeway, Ethan’s father realized it was kindness to teach them about life. He would take over their company, or buy it cheaply because they were desperate. These people must learn to plan more wisely, Ethan’s father would say.

Ethan’s parents were particularly assiduous in charity work if it meant their photo would be in the local newspaper. Charity balls, church fetes, fund-raising dinners, they were sure to be at all of them. Being seen to do good, Ethan’s father explained, was a burden that leading citizens had to assume.

And at school, Ethan saw that the teachers who caned him were only trying to be kind. He was obstinate and non-conforming. He scoffed at games and ridiculed traditions. He was beaten to teach him to respect their customs. They pointed out to him that they were doing it for his own good. His teachers always made him thank them for this instruction.

Ethan saw many examples of kindness in his life. They were inspiring. But, alas, he knew himself to be of a rather lazy disposition. Not given to expending energy to curry the good opinion of others. So though he’d been tutored well in kindness, he saw no sense in maintaining the façade. Really, let’s call it evil and revel in it. He found it much more restful.

Comments

[rebcake.livejournal.com]

Hoo boy! He got a first-rate education in hypocrisy, did he not? Excellent background for the hardest working man in chaos!

[lycomingst.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I have a whole background for Ethan in my head. 8 ]

[cmk418]

I really liked this and the way it seems to explain Ethan's motivations so perfectly. Very well done!

[lycomingst.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I have a lot of thoughts about Ethan. 8 ]

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed this telling insight into Ethan's "training," and the way this conditioning taught Ethan to call his cruel, sadistic streak a cruel, sadistic streak. It's no wonder he finds self delusion exhausting. Nice job.

[lycomingst.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Ethan would rather put his energy in something more entertaining than hypocrisy. 8 ]

[angelus2hot]

WOW, Extremely well written! I loved this look into Ethan's growing up period.

[lycomingst.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Ethan's a favorite of mine; I've thought about him a lot. 8 ]

[buffyangellvr23.livejournal.com]

well done :)