Welcome to Gaia! ::

Raven was out in the park dueling with Jimi on unplugged guitars, when he got the call. In essence no one outside of their little circle in the grass really heard what was going on, and he didn't catch the message until they were finished.

Jimi plucked at strings for a moment waiting for Raven to listen to the message before handing the instrument to another anthro with them, Matt. "I like that one."

The unicorn hybrid grinned as he took it. It was one from his shop; he didn't play so he let friends try them out as an excuse to make sure it was good merchandise, and in the process hear good, live music. "I know. Er, it better be, you wouldn't believe what I paid for it."

"Hm," Jimi grunted with a smirk then looked at Raven, whom had just finished packing away his guitar. "Who is it?" He blinked. "Nevermind." When Raven was done he asked, "You serious about that guy?"

"Who?"

"You know damn well who! It's written all over your silly face."

"You serious about Horea?" Raven laughed then got to his feet. "I'll see you guys later. Nice seeing you again, Matt." Raven shouldered his guitar and headed back down the walk out of the park and toward the shop.

Honestly he couldn't have answered Jimi's question for certain. He liked Jolteon a lot, maybe even loved him as much as he had loved anyone, but no one's life was ever so simple. When Jimi and Matt met for the first time, they hadn't even known they were related, let alone father and son. Talk about bizarre. And as for himself and Jolteon? Sure they liked each other, and sure they fooled around sometimes. That was not how Raven used to be, he had been a marriage and gothy wrought iron (instead of white picket) fence kinda guy, but ever since Mousse it was like he was afraid to let go completely. He didn't want to plan for the future and raise a bunch more kids. That was probably not what Jolteon would want to hear. But Raven was no longer in a hurry to make any kind of choice. Every time he got lost there was no one left around when he found himself again. So he was happy to let things continue as they would, but technically separate from Jolteon, not building or tearing down anything. No futures, no fighting, but lots and lots of exploring the "now."

Instead of the pale fluff-ball announcing his presence, Raven had the guitar with him. Honestly he had been wanting to play for Jolteon for quite some time, but only today seemed like the perfect opportunity, unless Jolteon had something in mind he would rather do. That would have been fine as well.

Jolteon was easy enough to spot on the way to the shop. When he was close enough that he was sure Jolteon had seen him, he waved.

"Yes, I was out and about with it and thought you might like to hear some songs." Raven's hand went to Jolteon's shoulder as he leaned in and returned the kiss. "How have I been? Good... but it looks like you've been doing pretty well yourself," he replied with a grin, pointing to the arc of electricity dancing between Jolteon's fingers. "This is new."

"Then I'll be happy to play for you! Though you'll have to forgive that I don't have an amp with me. It'll have to be a close session," he grinned. His eyes widened when it seemed apparent that Jolteon would poke his nose. Instead of an arc or feeling some kind of shock, he felt his hair stand on end. With a laugh, he reached up to feel it and could almost feel a charge. "You're really getting good at this, aren't you Jolteon?"

This man before him had changed so much since they met a year ago. He had grown in confidence, skill, and overall happiness. He had become more of himself when it came right down to it. And Raven had been able to see all of this happen slowly over time. What an amazing process! "Do you have any idea how proud I am for you?" he asked with a warm smile and kissed Jolteon square on the lips.

Finding Jolteon's arm around his waist, he chuckled and pulled away lightly, pulling Jolteon along with him. "Well let's go find somewhere to sit." He glanced back at Jolteon uncertainly; he was still smiling, but he had to wonder if he had made any changes of his own that were really that positive. "Proud of me?" He flashed a grin and kissed him again. "You know how I feel about you," he murmured. Neither one of them seemed willing to say it. By now Shelby knew of Jolteon though they had never met. Even so, Raven didn't want to jinx anything, even after so much time had passed. A year was nothing in the grand scheme of things, but in the scope of a relationship a year can seem like a whole lifetime. And with that thought, he had to wonder if Jolteon was happy with it, satisfied with it.

What Jolteon had to be proud of regarding Raven the demon could only guess. But Jolteon was content right now with Raven's similarly vague remark on the subject of pride, so he let it go. They were both happy, he could ponder about it later.

He was surprised though by Jolteon's question. He had been getting good about guessing when Raven was doubtful or pondering over something; either that or Raven had taken up wearing everything on his sleeve. "Well..." He pulled out the guitar and fiddled with it before he began to play it. There wasn't any specific song that came from his fingers, more of a background tune. Even so, he watched his fingers as they plucked and strummed the strings.

"I remembered something that has been bothering me a little bit lately. When we first met I wanted to take everything slow for you because we weren't sure how things would work out. But even when it was clear that there wasn't any danger, I've continued to do just that: take it slow. I feel like I've gone nowhere, instead I'm going with the flow and not becoming involved with anything. I like the freedom of not really worrying about anything." He glanced up at Jolteon. "So I've been wondering if you're the one that's waiting on me."

(this sounded so much better in my head. xD )

Raven noticed how easily his body adjusted when Jolteon pulled him close and then he leaned against him, with his head on Jolteon's shoulder. "Hm, well don't let me stunt your growth," he replied softly. Despite the pun, he was also serious. "I will be honest with you, I have no intention of marrying anyone ever again. That does not mean that I am afraid of a more serious relationship, I'm just not in a hurry." He loved the way Jolteon's voice sounded mixed with the high, almost nervous twang of the guitar strings. Then he began to hum as well, harmonizing with them. He wanted to say more but was drawn in by the music. He and Jolteon were so very good together.