Forever Love

By Moony

AN: Awww, geez. Looking back at all the reviews, I wonder why it took me so long to finally update this. Maybe deep down I was slightly miffed that a three-chapter BGC2040 fic got almost as many reviews as my eight-chapters FFVII fic and my twelve-chapter Zelda fic TT

Ah well. Can't argue with the public, I guess. I promise chapter five will be up in maybe a bit more than a week. I've set out to update all my fics, so I have to make the rounds first. And now, without further ado …

Chapter 5: A Growing Boy Needs His Nene

Macky felt her eyes on him and he averted his gaze towards Linna, pretending he didn't notice. Nene had been moping about all morning, staring at him from beneath lowered eyelashes. Granted, in reprogramming himself, her attention had been exactly what he was seeking, but he'd sort of imagined it as being much more lustful and a lot less angry.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, smiling politely and laughing when Priss made a slightly crude comment about Macky being of age. They sat around the table, eating a very large and stately breakfast, which Macky proceeded to ingest without delay. He had no time to answer any questions sent his way, as every second the fork was again in his mouth, its prongs poking lightly at his tongue as he bit down on the metal.

Food had always been a secondary form of nourishment for him, as his skin was constantly absorbing the thermal energy that kept his essential functions in order. He ate mostly for pleasure, including the threedaily meals, though his body was able to process food much to the same effect. Now, though, he felt hunger gripping at his stomach, squeezing his abdomen in its talons. Linna watched in amazement when she asked him a question he was unable to answer, due to his mouth being full of toast and orange juice.

"You're even eating like a 19-year-old." Sylia remarked.

"He's a growing boy!" Linna replied. Nene huffed, turning away as Nigel leaned in, taking a sip of his coffee.

"His appetite will calm down in a few days," he explained, "but in the mean time his body is trying to absorb and store as much energy as possible. Its his natural reaction to a growth spurt." Macky smiled nervously at this, inclining his head towards his sister.

"I've never been so hungry before. Sorry." He apologized, hesitating a full flicker of a moment before stuffing his mouth with omelette. Sylia gave him a warm smile and waved her hand in his direction.

"Oh, don't worry. I should only expect my little brother to eat like a horse. I've been getting away Scott-free for far too long." She delicately cut away at her omelette, taking lady-like mouse nibbles and winking in Macky's direction. Priss's eyes were on him, too, as she studied him with interest.

"So, why did you do it?" She asked, her voice low. Her eyes flicked briefly towards Nene as the younger girl shot her a glare. Macky noticed the exchange and came to the rescue, swallowing his mouthful of ham and cheese omelette.

"Just thought it was time for a change. I don't want to always remain the same age while the rest of you grow old." He bowed his head, his cheeks quirking as he poked at a sausage with his fork.

"I want to grow old with you." He whispered. Silence reigned over the table as Nene's shoulders tensed, her cheeks catching fire.

"Well, that's very nice of you, Macky." Linna said, trying to salvage the atmosphere. "We're all very fond of you." Another silence, the only sound the hesitant clink of metal against porcelain.

"Well, that's perfect." Linna spoke again, still valiantly ploughing on through the tension, "That AD police gala is tonight." She nodded, smiling in Nene's direction and raising a glass. Sylia smiled coyly, clapping her hands together.

"Yes! If Macky promises not to eat all the hors d'oeuvres, he can be your date." Sylia beamed at Nene as the younger girl's eyes widened in horror and she opened her mouth to protest.

She'd wanted Macky to come along, hadn't she? Her only excuse had been his age, and now that it wasn't a problem … she shook her head, trying to abandon that train of thought. He'd endangered his own welfare in order to age; she wasn't going to encourage that kind of behaviour.

"I…" She started to protest, but her eyes met Macky's and the sad look she received made her heart come to a shuddering halt. She could always flip that reasoning around. If she hadn't laughed at him and said he was too young, then he wouldn't have reprogrammed himself in the first place. She sighed, smiling meekly at the boy. Well, the man, now.

"All right," she answered, and Macky grinned.

"Great! I can't wait!" He replied, eagerly. Nene shrugged off Linna's surprised look.

"I couldn't find anyone else, so I might as well go with Macky over here." Nene jutted her thumb in Macky's direction, and he cleared his throat. She looked over and saw him waiting expectantly, his face set in a posh, superior expression.

"What?" She asked, clueless.

"Mister Macky." He corrected. Nene blinked, stunned for a moment, before she reached over and whacked him over the head.

"That's it. I'm going home, Mister Macky, and you can pick me up at seven." She rose from her seat, waving around the table and smiling at Sylia.

"Thanks for breakfast, Syl. But teach your brother some manners or he's going to be stood up!"

Macky rubbed at his head as she left, watching the door shut behind her.

"Okay." He said to no one in particular. He turned back to his breakfast, sighing sadly.

"I think," he started, poking half-heartedly at his empty plate, "I think the only thing worse than her saying no is her saying yes because she thought she had to." He didn't feel shy around the table. His affection for Nene had never been a secret, and he couldn't have kept it hidden even if he tried. He wasn't a good liar.

"Nene's stubborn, Macky, but she really cares for you." Linna said, comforting him, "Give her time, and she'll warm up."

"Now, eat up." Sylia said, pushing some more food onto his plate, "you have a big date tonight, and a growing boy needs his nourishment."

Bwaha, I have more written, but you must wait until I update my other stories first! torture torture taunt taunt