Chapter Text
BoJack looks at Todd on the other side of the table. He remember how 5 or so years ago, on this very table, was the first time he really looked at Todd and found out something about his past, instead of just thinking of him as a parasite that came to a party and then never left. No wonder Todd hates his house as much as BoJack does. BoJack never really thought about the fact that Todd never spoke of his parents. He's known him for 10 years with nary a mention. And now Todd is going 'Moms are weird'? He's surprised to realize that he wants to know more. That's probably the sobriety talking.
"Todd, what's going on?"
Todd looks up from his phone and the empty ace app, "What do you mean?"
"Just, before this I only knew that your Mom kicked you out before you moved in with me. Did something happen?"
Todd rubs his neck, looking uncomfortable and not saying anything. Maybe BoJack should make the first move here.
"You know, the day you moved in with me was the day my Dad died."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I found out just before everyone else left. It was weird. My Dad was a bastard, and his death was stupid, but it really helped to have you around. I never told you that."
"I don't think I properly thanked you for letting me stay so long. I don't know if I had survived if you hadn't let me stick around."
"You don't have to thank me, I treated you like shit. You deserved better than that."
"Yeah you did, and I know I do. But you still might have saved my life, so," Todd shrugs.
This conversation is very heavy, and not really one you should have in a random diner. Yet even though the conversation is in a lull, BoJack doesn't want to leave. If Todd wants to talk about this, he wants to hear what he has to say.
"My Mom was in a coma recently and needed my kidney. My stepdad came to Princess Carolyn's to ask me to donate one."
The old BoJack would have snarked about that, made a comment that he wouldn't have pissed on his mother if she was on fire let alone give her a kidney. Todd's mother hasn't contacted her son since she kicked him out over 10 years ago. Animosity would have been understandable. But Todd has always been a softy.
"And you gave it to her?"
"Well, yeah, after we stole it back from Whitewhale in Chicago. Diane says 'hi', by the way."
"Maybe I'll visit her. So, is she OK?"
"Yeah. She woke up. But I'm not ready to talk to her."
"Understandable."
"Jorge, my stepdad, said that she's been too proud to call me all these years."
"I wish my mother had been that way," BoJack says. The Old BoJack is still clearly in there.
"Yeah, well, I don't. A part of me wants to call her, tell her about everything I've done, and let her know I'm happy. But a part of me..." Now Todd stares through the window. They've never been physically affectionate, but BoJack chances it and puts his hand on Todd's shoulder.
"You didn't break the relationship. She did."
Todd looks at BoJack and shrugs, "I don't know. I wasn't the kid they wanted. Jorge thinks he failed me because I don't live up to what 'Chavez' stands for. And maybe I hadn't gotten so addicted to that game if I wasn't asexual and was interested in Emily in that way. Maybe I could have been something different."
BoJack tries to give Todd an encouraging smile, "Todd, few people have your resume and life experience. If your parents aren't proud of you for living your life and being yourself then..." BoJack sighs, "then I'll be proud of you. You're a great person Todd. Just as you are."
Todd gives BoJack one of his genuine smiles. BoJack never thought someone would be happy to hear he was proud of them. He's never wanted to say that to people.
"Thanks BoJack."
Just then the waitress comes to cough meaningfully by their table, and BoJack and Todd finalle leave the table.
"I need to go back to Ruthie. This was fun BoJack. Let me know when you want to hang out again." And then Todd hugs him, and BoJack doesn't mind returning the hug.
Todd leaves, and BoJack decides to make his way to the airport.