You want me to WHAT?!

[Anzeh]

Some things in life, Gunner would admit, were hard to accept. For example, accepting that government suits were going to invade your home and force you into a foreign land heavily inhabited by dangerous creatures, that was hard to accept. It would always be hard to accept. But something that was surprisingly easy to accept was that somehow the unicorn had gotten herself into a relationship with a griffin. An animal that flew. And this animal that flew was the one with the job, which meant that she lived with him, in the upper Canopia of a great tree.

Still, she didn't look out the window unless she absolutely had to. the leaves and branches were thick enough in most places that one could walk on them without the slightest fear of falling to a lower level. That didn't mean that all places were safe. So she went the same route everyday down into the lower levels. It would be hard to get used to living this high up.

Aeon splayed herself out on the nearby couch and sipped the tea she had made for herself. It was spice chai, not her favorite blend but still delicious. Times like this she wondered what had happened to Shou's cousin coming up with a way to reverse whatever had happened to her. She missed being fifteen, and she had barely gotten to enjoy it before she was thrust into being eighteen. All those wasted years... for some reason she felt like Aeon had missed out on the funnest part of being a teenager: the part where you become an actual teen.

Now her time in this phase was almost over, and that made her sad. Would she survive? She was a trooper, there was no reason she shouldn't, but still....

A sigh...

She missed the old way of things. Pretending to be a boy. Now her hair was too long, her face too round and her body too thin to be a boy. Ah well... she had missed the crux of her identity crisis. For some reason that saddened her.

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] Shoutoku dived toward the small roof below, pulling up just in time to land lightly on the front porch. He shed his feathers and walked inside, smiling when he saw Aeon sitting on the couch. She was drinking tea, not unusual, though she didn't look particularly happy. She was thinking, it seemed, so she wasn't upset either. That was a relief! She wasn't often angry with him, but when she was... There was this one time, when he had ignored her while she was talking to him because of work... yeah, he had a bruise on his forehead after that... Walking over to the couch, he sat down beside her. He looked at her and smiled gently. She was such a beautiful young lady... He had liked her other self very much, but this her was very appealing. Even better, her personality hadn't changed, and that's what he really loved about her. She had this way of never giving up and she was always so confident. She wasn't so different from him in that way, but she was still so unique. He turned and rested his head on the back of the couch. "Whatcha thinking?" He had work to do on his new computer station, but that could wait. Aeon seemed pretty content to sit and think, but he was always curious of what she was thinking. He didn't typically ask because of her contentedness, but today he figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Anzeh]

Aeon heard a small thump noise as Shou landed just outside the front door, on the porch. He was back from whatever he did at these times of the day. Gunner trusted him, so she didn't monitor his comings and goings too closely. She just paid attention to what time he usually left and what time he normally returned by. Aeon gave a 9 minute grace period. After 10 minutes she asked questions, and boy could she be a pain when she started asking questions.

Shou walked in, but Aeon didn't seem to notice him. At the moment she was calculating that grace period (which he was within, thank goodness) and took a sip, smiling up at him. "I took the liberty of raiding the tea stash and we're running dangerously low on Earl Gray so I figured it had to be rationed." Call her what you will, Aeon loved Earl Grey. It was tangy, with a sort of citrus taste. Unlike Spice Chai which was--well--spicy.

Of course, her thoughts weren't simply on teas. They had never really discussed it at length, though they did have the smallest argument about it at first. She just assumed that Shou had realized what going back to her old age had meant to her, which is why he acted the way he had. So understandingly, after all, she was sure that he had never been forced to age 3 years over the course of one night. Perhaps it was wrong of her to assume but that's what she thought.

"I was also thinking about... this," she gestured to herself. "We haven't heard anything from Kendryek, so I guess maybe it is irreversible." Aeon heaved a sad sigh and set the teacup down on the coffee table atop its accompanying plate. "I suppose I'm stuck like this then."

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] He nodded as she mentioned the tea. He didn’t think he needed to say that it was noted and he’d pick some up next time he was out. Besides, her expression said she wasn’t done. There was something else, more pressing, than her tea shortage. Aaand there it was. Her age jump… He knew she wasn’t thrilled with it, but he hadn’t brought it up in case she pressed him to hurry Kendryek… And then there was the fact that they disagreed on it. She really wanted to change back, but… he had multiple reasons for wanting her to stay this way. Taking a deep breath, he gave her an apologetic smile. ”He hasn’t contacted me with any results. I’m sure its reversible through magic, but… I don’t think I want you exposed to that stuff.” He knew it was a poor excuse, but it was true. Kendryek knew magic, quite well, but he also knew of Shoutoku’s dislike of the unscientific world. He could blame it on his being a griffin, but many griffin, most really, quite liked magic and studied it thoroughly. As with many things, he was the odd one out. Often he had wondered why he didn’t like magic. It didn’t unsettle him like it did other people. In fact, he had studied magic extensively with friends so he knew a decent amount himself. After a while he decided he didn’t like it because he believed magic to be a cheap way out of problems and situations life cast upon him or others. But he should probably be completely honest with her. Magic was one of his apprehensions, but it wasn’t the main one. He reached over and gently ran his fingers up and down her arm. ”But… Aeon… how much do you want to go back? I… I would rather you stay like this. If you would do anything to get back then my reasons aren’t as significant, I suppose, but… ” He lowered his voice to a mumble. ”Now you’re of legal age…”

[Anzeh]

Most people she revealed her insecurities to would impolitely ask what was so great about being fifteen. What did she have back then that she didn't have at that moment with Shou? They would say that she should think about all she had at that moment, she had a boyfriend and she had so many more rights than a little fifteen year old girl. She couldn't explain her reasoning to anyone else. All she knew was that she wanted to be her old age, and no one else's opinion mattered on that.

Aeon looked up at Shoutoku and raised her eyebrow. What was that supposed to mean, he didn't want her 'exposed to that stuff'? It SOUNDED like he was trying to limit her decision making skills on whether or not she could return to her old age. But she knew that couldn't be the case. No way. Shou knew better than that, to make any type of life altering decision without her say, and even more if it was HER life that was being altered.

But he knew better, surely he knew better than that. She just shook her head and assumed that he was saying that he was afraid of the reprucussions, about what could go wrong. Of course that's what he meant.

At least, it better become what he meant.

Shou continued talking. Usually she would have already made up her mind and just tune him out. Anything else he had to say could not be as important as her decision to turn back, but after what he had said, she decided to give him the chance to redeem himself to her.

The first part of what he said made her frown, but it didn't make her retaliate. It was Soga's opinion, so he was intitled to have his imput. But it was what he mumbled, what she heard under his breath that really made her feel angry.

'Now you’re of legal age…'

"What?" She prompted, turning to look him in the eyes. She merely looked curious, not angry. "Now that I'm of legal age, what? I'm curious to know. Tell me."

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] Oh goodness… what had he just said? Legal age? By her reaction he knew he was the only one thinking on that path. She wasn’t serious about dating him… He was such an idiot! He shouldn’t have said anything. He should have kept his mouth shut. It was really her decision. He was only dating her, and even though she lived with him it didn’t have a lot to do with him. It was her business. But… he wanted it to be his business as well. He wanted to marry her. Eventually. Not now, definitely not! Wait a second… why not now? What would it change? They were already living together. It would only keep her from being able to just walk away… and that was why he didn’t want to get married soon. She wasn’t ready, he knew. She was so much younger than him, no matter how old she looked. She had the mind of a fifteen year old. He should at least tell her though… right? She asked what he meant and knowing her she wouldn’t allow him to reply with “forget it, it’s nothing”. Standing, he ran his hand through his hair and sighed. ”It’s just… I… I’m nine years older than you, no matter how old your body is. But if your body is older, like now, no one could protest to… us…” He scoffed at himself and turned away. He couldn’t say it. ”Nevermind, forget it.” She was too important to scare away with talk of marriage. He could be patient, and if she wanted to turn back that was what he would try to make happen. Even if Kendryek’s only solution was magic… he had to let her choose. He turned and walked toward the hall. ”I’ve got some work to do. I’ll be out later.” He shook his head once, banning the subject from his mind. If it would hurt her, he would keep silent until she could hear it.

[Anzeh]

Gunner was a young girl, that much could not be denied. And no matter what he did, until she actually aged to that age herself, she would always be three years behind the way she looked. But that didn't mean she didn't understand. Had it been any other guy than Soga she would immediately assume that he was talking about sex... but probably not, he was probably thinking about something more substantial. Like marriage.

But then he said that he would be going to work for a while. Aeon wasn't ready for him to leave yet. She didn't want the conversation to be over yet. It wasn't over, that little... he was a fool to think he could just say 'nevermind, forget it' and expect her to just leave things like that. He should know her better than that by now.

Even as Shou was walking away, Aeon was already on her feet and gripped his hand, pulling him back.

"Now when has ever saying 'nevermind' ever, EVER worked with me?" Gunner stood with her arms crossed, looking shorter and much less threatening than usual. Now she was upset. She wasn't sure why. Was it because he wanted into her affairs when he shouldn't be. Maybe she should consider letting him into them. Maybe. But not now. Right now, she wanted him to have nothing to do with this. Not anymore.

So Gunner did something she had only done briefly in jest.

She turned Shou to face her.

"So complete your thought Shou! I wanna hear your imput since you seem so KEEN to give it."

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] She was right. He knew it never worked. It hadn’t even been intentional; he just… couldn’t say what he wanted to. And yet, she wanted him to. She wouldn’t let it go, he knew. He knew but he wanted to try to get her to forget. He couldn’t make up something, really. She saw through that, most of the time. This wasn’t to mention that she was upset. No, beyond upset; she was mad. He had began to give his opposing viewpoint on a subject that shouldn’t have an opposite argument and now… He did not want to be in this situation. Then she made him face her. Every muscle in his body tensed and both his hands clenched. He took a deep breath through gritted teeth and forced his hands to relax. She had no idea what she was asking, what facing her triggered. Her shook his head and stepped back and to the side. He relaxed a little, but the tension was still there. It didn’t help that she would turn him back to her. He knew she would, but hopefully he could explain to her why she shouldn’t before he lost it. Taking another calming breath, he looked at the wall. He glanced at her for a second, but the hormones running through his body made it impossible to look her in the eye. He was way too attracted to her. Maybe turning back to fifteen wasn’t so bad. Then he could probably at least control himself if he faced her. ”Aeon, please, just let it go this once. My opinion right now is quite silly and very selfish. It won’t change your mind, so I don’t see why you should hear it.” He didn’t really believe what he was saying, but if she would let it go, (and he knew she wouldn’t) then everyone would end up happier. She just needed to trust him. But, then again, she was fifteen and strong willed. There was no way she was going to let him, or anyone else, control her future. Which was exactly why she should listen to him now.

[Anzeh]

Let it go? Let it go?

Was she overreacting? Should she really just 'let it go' and just sit down, go back to begrudgingly drinking her tea? No, she would not allow herself to take that path. Just the thought of backing down sent a disgusting shudder up her spine. No, she wouldn't let it go, some boiling rage within her refused to let her let it go.

Fire burned in her stomach as she reached out and turned Shou back to face her. "No!" she proclaimed, hard but not shouting. She squeezed his arm and made him stay.

"No matter how insignificant you think it is to you, it's my damn decision in the end!"

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] There it was, her seething anger. He felt it in her grip, and saw it in her eyes. He was forced to look at her, but her anger was contagious. He threw his arms out in exasperation. “That’s exactly why my opinion doesn’t matter! It is your decision and if you change back and I have to wait three years to marry you, that’s also your choice!” There. He said it. She won. It wouldn’t make her happy, but she won. He clenched his fist again and turned away, slightly calmed. ”And don’t face me like that again. It’s not healthy.” oh crap… Now she would ask about that, too, wouldn’t she? Idiot… thing before you speak…

[Anzeh]

Gunner's eyebrows furrowed. Something about hearing that made her uneasy. She couldn't place it, but something about him having to wait 3 years to marry her, those words held so much genuine care and yet so much malice, like he was brandishing a weapon at her. She felt... oddly threatened by that, but why? She wanted to be married. Like any other girl she had fantasized about that day, albeit in secret, and in the silence of her guarded room.

"..."

Words couldn't come out. She... was unsatisfied. There was something else she needed to know that he didn't want to tell her. About facing him. Taking a deep breath she decided to reflect on that fact. It was true. They rarely ever faced each other when they spoke. Usually they were oriented in a way that had one of them craning their necks to get a glimpse of the other's face.

And that quickly her attention from fight one was redirected, like a piston, towards the next important thing.

Aeon raised one jet black eyebrow at him. "How can it be unhealthy to face someone?" Sure, Gunner did it to annoy him every now and again, but it was unhealthy? That seemed to be a bit of a stretch in the impossible direction, right? She'd never heard of orientation hurting anyone.

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] He sighed once again and brought his hand to his face. He looked over at her through his fingers. He knew he had to tell her, no matter how reluctantly. He let his hand fall to his side and did something dangerous: he faced her. ”It has to do with what I am. Hawks are relatively emotionless and tolerate being with their mate for just enough time to raise a brood. Other than that, they will try to tear apart any other bird of prey. Griffin’s aren’t like that, but the intolerance of other’s carries over, along with some other peculiar traits. One of those is being uncomfortable with facing others. It’s a challenge to fight, in most cases. But now… it’s not the same with you. I… I am attracted to you, very strongly. Facing you amplifies that.” He paused let one hand clench, telling himself to calm down and just say it. He forced himself to look her in the eye. ”Bluntly, facing you makes me want to sleep with you. That simple, and in my opinion, very unhealthy.” He shifted to where they were no longer face to face. ”So, please don’t do it again.”

[Anzeh]

Gunner listened patiently and as he explained, her unhappy look began to fade from her face. Finally, she broke out into a wide smile and hopped onto his back. She wasn't mad anymore. Now she had a little bit of difficulty remembering that she had at one point been upset with him about something. She'd remember it later and begrudgingly apologize, but for right now she thought this new tidbit of information warranted a little teasing. It was the right thing to do.

Aeon gave and soft laugh and wrapped her arms around the male's neck. She could just dig her knees into his sides, but she found that this tended to be more fun. "So that's it then?" he couldn't see, especially not because Gunner was now on his back, but her smile was wide and playful. "The reason you have been running away from me for so long? I must say, it's good to know at long last."

Perhaps if Aeon were a little older she would weigh a couple pounds more and have enough weight to entice Shou to do horse around like old times. But she remembered that she had work, and as much as she wanted to continue teasing her adorably awkward boyfriend he did have to return to what he was doing.

So she freed herself and slipped down off his back.

"I get it now! You want me to stay eighteen so you won't be branded a pedophile... oh... my you are selfish."

Suddenly, she tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"But how is that unhealthy? Do you wish to not have those feelings at all?"

[Ωᴚԑɲ]

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[atrb=background,http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/Orenji_Hana/Deviancy/ShouBack03.png] He grunted when she jumped on his back. What was she up to now? Her tone was playful so he knew she wasn’t mad anymore, but… oh great. She was going to tease him. By the sound of it, a lot, too. Well, it was his fault. He had started the fight, and officially ended it, hopefully. Now to get her off him… ”Aeon, I’m serious.” He tried to keep the amusement out of his voice, but he knew he failed; he had never been good at hiding emotions. She slipped off his back, but evidentally she still didn’t understand the ‘unhealthy’ part. Hmm… how could he explain? It wasn’t really unhealthy for either of them, just… at the moment they should probably stay away from it. But if he said that she would get all victorious and would never let him live it down. So instead, he caught her by the waste and stepped behind her. Wrapping both arms around her, he laid his head on her shoulder. ”Oh, so you want me to have these feelings towards you?” He kissed her cheek lightly and whispered, “Teasing me like that isn’t in your best interest.” He stepped back as he released her and turned toward the hall again. He needed to get on work. If he was busy, she might actually drop it. But… he didn’t really want her to. He wanted her to follow him, to keep teasing him. He liked it, or at least part of him did. One part knew there could be dire consequence if she followed him. The other part didn’t care, so long as she followed. He reached the door to his bedroom/computer lab and hesitated. If she followed… Shaking his head, he walked inside. The whir of computers washed over him and he felt a little bit of sanity come back to him. His only thought was, “Please don’t follow me.”

[Anzeh]

Gunner giggled and crossed her arms as he said that he was really being serious about it, but the amused tone in his voice said something completely different. Maybe her feelings just easily translated to him. It wasn't hard to believe, after all, she could be VERY persuasive with her emotions and opinions. Maybe not the most factual debator, but definitely the most convincing.

After all, it worked on numerous occasions in their relationship, didn't it? Of course it did.

Aeon as usual was wearing a long sleeves shirt and capri shorts, but even still she could feel his arms against her skin as he wrapped his arms around her waist and stood behind her. A slight frustration built. It might have been in her best interest but this was supposed to be an intimate moment. It's not so intimate if she couldn't see his face!

Even so, she smiled past her annoyance. "Well, they're natural feelings... you are a man, aren't you?" Then a large grin graced her features. Aeon was not one to ever do something in her best interest. It was more fun in unsafe situations. Playing it safe was boring. Not to mention that teasing Shou was fun. It was always fun, no matter what the circumstance or pretense.

So she walked back to her tea and finished it, letting him think she was really letting it go. After a couple minutes, she decided to put her cup in the sink and follow. His door was hardly ever locked, so she didn't expect it to be.