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With his arm hidden beneath his cloak, the adolescent turned a stern eye towards the shapeshifter. He was not mad, but merely uncomfortable discussing such matters even privately. If anyone had known of his plight they would certainly respond with hostility. All of the possibilities had played out in his head. Of course, this wasn’t the first time he had thought about the ramifications of his desire to act so brazen and caste away his covers. He was not fond of deception, nor was he entirely good at it. The resulting decision would be solitude. He would ostracize himself away from prying eyes, remaining alone - at least, for the most part. 

[b]“It doesn’t hurt at all. It feels normal....ish,”[/b] Xander turned towards the door to meander down to the common room. [b]“Just have to keep a little more room on my side is all.”[/b] 

Xander moved through the doorway, specifically walking very close to the jam. His arm swung back and his torso jerked as the bony protrusions on his arm ricocheted off the wood. They left noticeable dents; however, the damage on the wooden frame was nothing more than aesthetic. His gate quickly shifted to one of youthful exuberance, with a sullen teenage underscore. Happiness and glee would not breach this boy’s sour visage. 

Xander’s head jerked forward. His cheeks puffed out as he tried to keep the food he was chewing locked behind his lips. A pale fist pounded his chest as he tried to regain his breath, and dislodge the food that had been caught by his surprise. His eyes wide Xander coughed over his plate of breakfast delights. 

[b]“Are you crazy!”[/b] Xander choked out perhaps a little too loud to not draw attention before returning to panting whisper while he tried to catch his breath, [b]“Are you crazy, Rio?"[/b]

The young man leaned in closely, [b]“you can’t talk like that in here… in any where… in front of people… I mean.”[/b] Xander whispered trying to remain inconspicuous. He finished up the last of his meal. [b]“I’m going to wait outside. You join me in a bit, when you’re ready.”[/b]

Xander pushed himself from the table and placed his spoon upside down on his plate. The universal sign for a finished meal. A few coins were placed on the table beside it and he slowly meandered away. His head darted to and fro as is admiring the owner’s choice of decorum, but it still looked rather queer. He was anything best inconspicuous. Perhaps odd, but relatively unnoticed nevertheless.

On the outside the air was crisp. The grass still visibly moist with the morning dew  as reflected by the swiftly rising sun. Xander found a spot on the porch, overlooking the well worn thoroughfare that lead north along the river. There were already a couple of folks making their own journeys. With his one good arm the boy ran his hand through the flat black of his hair. 

[b]“We’ll head north.”[/b] He spoke to himself, turning to look at the door to await his partners arrival. 

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