"Oh by the planet of Pagnia." Zaria groaned as he brought the book inside. "Muin's become a complete psycho now. I don't know what to do. I try to say something nice and suddenly she thinks something's wrong because the book says so. I do laundry or the dishes, she thinks that I don't think she can do it by herself, the book says so. I just don't do anything and, according to this stupid book, I'm accused of making her overwork." He whined as he dropped the book beside him and landed on the couch. "I didn't know what to do anymore."
"So you ran here?" Zeph couldn't help but smile a bit. "I've always guarded just women or the king. I've got no clue what to charge you if you come again."
"It's okay. I know she'll settle down in an hour or so," Zaria said as he relaxed. "I just have to stay away until then." He groaned and looked at the book on the floor. "I can't let her find that book, it's ruining my life."
"Yeah, I've heard of that book before," Zeph admitted. "Actually, I knew the author, we both went to the same Guard Academy. He didn't pass, but I hear he's doing well."
Zaria slouched into the couch. "Well he's made my life miserable. I am used to Muin's gloom and doom moments, but this is out of my league. How did you get through Zella's tantrums?"
"Easy," Zeph said, chuckling. "She isn't Muin. It's not a soft delicious piece of dessert, but it wasn't so much as concrete cake. Muin laid the foundation and it was quick drying."
Zaria smiled strangely, "You are actually funny."
"Who said I wasn't?" Zeph answered back.
"No, it's just strange," Zaria commented. "I mean, all the Guards I've known or heard about are always serious about everything. You actually seem more laid back."
"Yeah, well I'm sure your friend Bates would disagree with you." Zeph put his feet up on the couch. "You would too if you'd think back."
"Bates?" Zaria seemed impressed. "You knew my friend?"
"Sure did. I never forget an arm I break or a finger I fracture," Zeph said smiling strangely.
"Oh." Zaria slowly began to sit up. "Oh, I think I actually remember you now. You always tossed him back over to his yard and gave his family huge hospital bills to pay."
"It wasn't my fault he, and you, wouldn't leave Zella alone." Zeph held his fingers together at the tips. "If I was still here when you started to like Muin, I would've done the same to you again." Ha, like he didn't know Zaria was involved too.
Zaria held his hands up. "It was different and it was an overwhelming pheromone thing. It's not the same with Muin at all. Really it's not, I love her."
"You better," Zeph practically growled. "You're so lucky I wasn't here."
Zaria gave him an awkward smile. "I think I finally get it now. You're pretty tough on the outside but you're a nice guy on the inside."
Zeph cocked up an eyebrow. That wasn't what he expected.
"I know." Zaria relaxed on the couch again. "I know Muin's young but I'd never hurt her if I could help it. I mean look at me? I'm running away from her."
Zeph couldn't help but smile. He knew Zaria was right. "You still shouldn't have married her so young."
Zaria shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe in a different world I would have waited." He looked over at Zeph. "Come on Guard Zeph, don't tell me you can't feel it? I've felt it for years now," he said and sat upright. "I don't know how great life will stay. Why waste a moment?"
Zeph took his legs off the couch and sat up straight. "You are smarter than I gave you credit for. Yeah, we don't have real long before some kind of assault but we're doing what we can."
"You mean, you're actually doing something?" Zaria's eyes were wide with curiosity. "What?"
"Don't get your hopes up." Zeph's demeanor turned from serious to casual again. "We're not revealing our colorful tails and hair anytime soon. We're just investigating right now."
Zaria nodded. "I guess 'Guard' took on a whole new meaning over this last century, huh?"
"Not really," Zeph admitted. "We guard who needs our help. Whether it be women, the king, or a guy hiding from his wife."
Zaria rubbed his face. "Yeah, Muin. I love her but she's going to be the death of me." He sank back into the couch further again. "You trained eight decades to be a Guard, any advice Zeph?"
"Guard Zeph," Zeph reminded him. "Not really and eight decades still isn't long enough to know the female mind."