A/N: Thanks to anotherjaneway, whose suggestions and questions helped turned this conversation piece into an actual story. Any remaining mistakes are mine alone.
Please read, enjoy, and review!
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As Mitch Buchannon ascended the wooden staircase, his son's words haunted him. Earlier that day, potential contenders had participated in the final race to select this season's Baywatch Rookie School. His son, Hobie, had qualified, though only just. While they were preparing tacos for dinner, the experienced lifeguard had made his irritation clear in no uncertain terms. As he neared his destination, he also had to admit to himself that he hadn't listened to his son at all.
(FLASHBACK)
"You know, I was a little surprised you finished so far back this morning." Mitch deliberately kept his voice matter-of-fact.
"At least I made it, right? It's not like Junior Guards. I was up against college kids." Hobie hated that he sounded whiny, like he was begging his father for a compliment.
"Yeah, well, I thought you'd be more competitive. You hardly broke a sweat." The man's frustration was now clearly evident.
"Once again, I fail to live up to your standards." Hobie couldn't keep still, nor could he contain his annoyance at his parent's reaction.
"All right, look, we haven't really talked about this. But if your heart's not into it, maybe you shouldn't be out there." Mitch tried to calm the situation by offering the only solution he could fathom. After all, life guarding was everything to him. It was all or nothing.
This ultimatum only served to make Hobie even angrier. "Dad! Just because I don't eat, sleep and breathe life guarding, doesn't mean I'm not into it." He took a breath to compose himself. "Besides, no matter how good I do, I'm always going to be compared to you. It's not easy following in the footsteps of a living legend. You might want to take that into consideration." His tone was half pleading, half placating.
"Maybe I will." The father had meant these words to be light-hearted and teasing. Looking back, even he had to admit they just came out egotistical and condescending.
(END FLASHBACK)