Modify.

hayden-romero:

"You know, technically speaking, you’re older than me. If anyone’s old, it’s you and you’re always going to be old. Always." It was actually kind of sad, when she thought about it. A life she had once considered for herself, one that she was now glad she hadn’t taken. Missing out on the joy that was her children, that was being married to Caleb and the day to day routine of taking the girls to school? No. She didn’t want that. Not even for eternal life. "You do that. See if I care." 

Aaron shrugged at the comment. The joys of living forever. He had come to terms with that shortly after Klaus had turned him. The sacrifice was worth the reward or his reason behind it anyways. "But I'll only look 18. Not the age I would have liked but it's a little too late for that now." He replied after chuckling softly. "I'll just send you mysterious notes reminding you of it." He said trying to use a joke in place of the seriousness that this situation could turn into. Aaron didn't want that.

Nooo, please no catching up. But I agree, let’s pretend this never happened. As soon as you give me my Christmas present, that is.

Christmas present? Keep dreaming, Stone. You're always wanting me to buy you something I swear. 

"He’s five years older than me. If anyone should be getting old jokes, it’s him," she retorted with childlike petulancy. All in a manner of teasing, of course. This was how they communicated, how they had always ensured that the other was okay. Joking, teasing, poking fun and making fools of each other. "That implies that you’re sticking around." There was no bitterness in her voice, just a fairly straight-forward statement. It was Aaron, after all, he’d find some excuse to remove himself from her life again.

"Eh--that doesn't sound too fun. You're easier to get a rise out of I'm sure." Aaron replied as he smirked again. Then shrugging. Even in age they still joked the same as before. Given that he didn't physically but the concept was still there. He bit his lip at her comment. Aaron was sure that she knew just as well as he did that sticking around wasn't an option. "I'll just have to mentally hold it over your head." He replied. Clearly not giving her indication that he might stick around instead. But he slightly smiled regardless. 

Hybrid or not, the idea of Aaron kicking Caleb’s ass was sort of hilarious. Not to mention the fact that Peyton took a bit of offense to the idea that she couldn’t do it herself. “I’m plenty capable of kicking my own husband’s ass, thank you very much.” She retorted, eyebrows raising slightly in a dare to contradict her. His reaction drew a smile to her features again, though, another snort of laughter sliding free of her chest. “You’re lucky you got an agreement at all, jerk.” 

"Right." Aaron replied sarcastically. Just teasing her. "Don't make me start with the old jokes again." He added before chuckling. "Either way I was right and you were wrong. That's something I'll always hold over your head." Aaron boasted. "You still have a knack for the name calling I see. Some things never change." He said while smiling. 

"He’s a good man." She said, because somehow the topic felt awkward. Peyton loved Caleb. She loved him like she’d never loved anyone else, was devoted to him, would never be able to find someone to replace him—nor did she want to. But Aaron… Aaron had been the first man she’d ever fallen in love with and, as they say, you never forget your first love. There were still feelings there—but they were fleeting, the remains of her 17 year old heart and big dreams. Nothing could ever happen there, and she didn’t really want it to. "And I hate to say it because it’ll go to your head, but you were right. I wanted this life." 

"Better be or I might have to kick his ass." Aaron replied as he chuckled. The main reason why he couldn't be a part of her life all those years ago was because he wanted her to find true happiness. For Peyton to live a normal life and everything in him was happy that she did. Not that he had worried but still. A confident grin plagued his lips. "I told you so. But yeah I'm glad to see you finally agree this time. It's a little late but I'll take it."