Hanging by a Moment (Open)

[Ashton Harper]

Ipod. Sunglasses. Tanning oil. Well this was a typical Saturday for Ashton. Every weekend he'd go out to the lake for a good tan. It was relaxing and a good escape from reality, even if it was only for a short while. Ash preferred being outside tanning instead of stuck on a hot bed that just baked you from the inside out. Not to mention the tan lines from those stupid goggle things he used. It was just a waste of time. He liked being outside to enjoy the fresh, cool air that came off of the lake, the feel of the actual sun instead of a light bulb. It was just all around better.

Ash had grown up in Pilot Ridge. Him and his family came out to the lake every chance they got when he was little. There were memories here. The first time he had gone on a boat. The first time he had gone swimming. All of it happened here. Ash liked being able to think about those things while he was relaxing. Usually that's why he came out to the lake every weekend. It was a great place to think. Sure, there was some noise, but that's why he brought his ipod. He didn't blast heavy metal, he listened to classical music when he was tanning. If anyone knew that, he'd definitely get made fun of. It was the same as when he went running. Lifting was a different story though.

Although, this was one of his alone times, he always wished that someone would come talk to him or something. He had been going to Hammel Institute for seven years. Only two years ago did he start actually making friends. Avinea was one of his best friends, they had met by racing each other. Ash claims that he won, but Avi believes she did. It was probably a tie, but both of them were just too stubborn to admit it. There was Adrianna who was a somewhat close friend, more of a younger sister type. That was about it though. He had no real guy friends.

Ash walked towards his usual spot. It was near a tree, so once he was done tanning, he could relax there and still get the luxury of fresh air. He got to his spot and spread out a blanket. He peeled off his wife-beater and laid down on the blanket. Then he spread the tanning oil on his skin and put his headphones in his ears. The first song was Clair de la Lune by Debussy. Again, if anybody that knew him as the BA, super star jock/man whore, saw that he was listening to classical...it would ruin his rep.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Summer was one of those times when Zac’s face is all but a rarity around Hammel, and to an extent Pilot Ridge, grounds. Ever since he came to the Institute when he was thirteen, he’d been going home for the summer, home being a relative term considering the number of estates they have scattered around the globe. First summer back from Hammel he went to their English estate, and was delightfully surprised that the East Wing of their home (which he unwillingly destroyed upon the manifestation of his powers) was now fixed. Second summer he was sent to the one in Switzerland (his dad has a meeting to go to at that time; they promptly flied to their Caribbean Island soon after) and the third was in Japan. It was only midway through his stay in Japan did the idea of dragging some friends along for the ride got into him.

As weird as it may seem, yes, the pompous heir indeed has friends. Not simply pawns he use to get the latest gossip news around campus and do errands for him, but actual friends that he couldn’t imagine living without (not that he’d tell them that of course; it would ruin the whole I’m-a-heartless-jerk-so-you’re-nothing-to-me image he’s been putting on since he turned fourteen). They’re not much, which is actually a good thing, considering how odd their group seems when they’re together.

Since a good chunk of those friends just graduated, he – being the show-off charitable friend that he is – decided to treat them out to an around-the-world tour. It’s only been half a month or so since graduation, and they’ve only managed to finish half of Asia. They would’ve finished Asia and gone to Europe already, had it not been for Robbie suddenly realizing that he forgot his passport in his room.

So they all agreed to take three to four days break in Pilot Ridge, to get all their stuff arranged so that hopefully next time their trip would be continuous. With jetlag still in his system, Zac would’ve been in bed right now had he been thinking properly. But as it seems, the thought of being able to swim in the lake he’d been deprived for so long (he’s been waiting for the chance all year) overrides the body’s need for daily torpor. Taking his shirt and shorts off the moment the lake came into view (leaving nothing but a skimpy panda swim trunks

[/url]), the boy did a few laps from the shore to the buoy and back. Says this’ll be his workout for the day.

He was just about to drive back to the Institute (and possibly guilt-trip Robbie about making them stop) when he saw someone familiar a few paces from him. “Eww dude, why’d you look like someone just drooled on you?” he laughed, sitting down just beside the boy (and yes, he needs not to be invited. Hooray for such a large ego). “Didn’t you know that tanning is so last year already?”[/justify][/blockquote]
ooc:
Wewt. Hope you don't mind me jumping in Trix.^^.
- Jam[/font]

[Ashton Harper]

Ash was half-asleep when he heard footsteps getting closer. He glanced up and saw a boy in extremely tight swim trunks. It wasn't a pretty view from Ash's position. It was actually really scary. He knew the boy from somewhere. He was a senior too, at least Ash thought. What was his name? Adri talked about him all the time saying he was a jerk and cared a little too much about his appearance. Well Ash saw that part. He didn't really like the view he was getting so he sat up and pulled out his headphones so he could actually hear what this guy was saying.

Zac! That was his name. Mr. Egotistical jerk. Just the greeting had Ash understanding why Adrianna didn't really like him. Ash wasn't bothered though. It took a lot to make him mad. "Nice to see you too LaRousse. And as for the tanning thing, I don't care if it's in or out, I enjoy not being as white as marble." He said with a shrug. He turned off his ipod and focused on the boy next to him. Really what was with the bathing suit? It was disturbing. Not that Ash was looking, but it was just so...there.

Ash looked up at the sun and closed his eyes. It was so nice out. This was what Ash loved about summer. He wasn't alone for once, even if his company was a jerk, he didn't mind it. He always had a high tolerance for people like that. It was just one of those things one got used to when surrounded by many of those types of people. He cleared his throat, "So Zac, aren't you supposed to be gone for the summer? I heard that you and your group were going on a trip around the world or something."

Ash had heard it from several people. Not many people that he knew were in Zac's pack, but everyone knew about it.

OOC:
Thank's JamJam I'm glad you posted here! I can't wait to see how this plays out ^^

[Zachary LaRousse]

“For a second there, I thought you forgot my name,” laughed Zac, playfully punching Ashton’s right arm like they’re old friends. (Apparently that’s one of the perks of having boundless confidence and virtually no shame). Not that he could read minds, but he thought he saw some doubt in his eyes before he talked. If it wasn’t true, Ashy (hooray petnames?) could easily shrug it off; if he shows any form of embarrassment, Zac’s more than ready to attack. “Don’t worry Mr. Harper I, on the other hand, don’t forget a pretty face,” he winked, teasingly wrapping his arms over the boy’s shoulder and using his arm to pinch the boy’s cheeks, “Especially the one that stuttered so much in front of Jessica Wu during the Halloween dance three years ago.” After sneaking in one last nose pinch (courtesy of the cheetah speed his powers allowed him to achieve), he promptly leaned back on the tree, acting like he didn’t do anything.

“Ahh. Not so white. The perks of having predominantly Asian blood in your system.” Zac was blessed with having relatively tan skin, so he really hadn’t seen the sense in letting himself bake under the sun for hours and hours on end. Not only is it potentially dangerous, it’s also mighty boring, even if he has music in his ears. “So you’ve been here a long time already? Doesn’t that get mighty boring?” Consistent with his we’re-old-friends-so-I-can-be-all-nosy act, he grabbed the boy’s iPod without even asking. “Eww. What’s this song?” asked the mimic with a frown, putting on the earphones, “Where have I heard this one again?”

“Dude, stop staring,” teased the pompous jerk once more, snapping his fingers as he tried to get Ashton’s attention. It wasn’t that the boy was really looking at him, but he did catch him once (maybe twice), and that was enough for the self-proclaimed Prince to say that he was indeed staring. “Didn’t know you swung that way? Sorry dude, I’m already taken.” Will he ever stop rubbing himself on everyone?

He gave Ashton a rueful shrug when he asked about their trip. “Yeah. But Robbie forgot his passport so we had to come back.” Not that Zac can’t use his father’s connection to simply let the blonde go, but JD was insistent. “We’ll probably stay awhile here for the moment though. Maybe leave next week?” A small yawn escaped the boy, not because he was bored with Ashton, but more of the combination of the strain his body got from all that swimming, as well as the jetlag he’s oh-so-keen on ignoring. “How ‘bout you? Any plans for the break? Where are you going for post-secondary anyway?”

[Ashton Harper]

Ash laughed quietly and shook his head, "Nope. It's hard to forget when you hear about it all the time." He looked at Zac when he got punched in the arm. They were barely even acquaintances, but Ash didn't really care. He raised an eyebrow as Zac draped his arm across his shoulder. "Um thanks I guess." Then the embarrassing memory of the Halloween dance, the first time Ash had actually met Zac. He had tried so hard talking to Jessica and he failed so miserably. That was definitely not one of his favorite memories. "I'm surprised you remember that actually. I barely do." He said without so much as a pause. He didn't really like that Zac was messing with his face. He actually wanted to slap his hand away, but he didn't.

"I don't have that luxury unfortunately." Ash frowned and rubbed his arm. "I've only been out here for like an hour or so. It's not that boring. It's actually relaxing." He said quietly. Ash's eyes widened slightly when Zac grabbed his ipod. He cursed internally and winced when Zac turned the music on. "It's classical. Debussy."

He hadn't even glanced at Zac's...suit recently, but unfortunately for him, Zac caught him sneaking a peek before. "I'm not staring and I don't roll that way. I like girls a little too much to go for guys. Sorry. You're not even my type dude." Ash said with a scrunched up face. He wasn't attracted to guys, no, but if he had to choose a type of guy...Zac wasn't that type.

"That's always fun. Robbie does seem like the type to forget something that important. Well at least you guys can still go back." He shrugged as he looked out at the lake. "I'm not going anywhere for break. My parents are here and so am I." He frowned at the lack of life he had. Being stuck in Pilot Ridge at all times was a bit of a bore. "Post-sec? I don't even know yet. I haven't had much time to look into it. Been busy with some other stuff." Like making friends... he thought to himself.

[Zachary LaRousse]

With an ego as big as his, it’s only but natural that Zac digs for compliments every now and then. When he doesn’t get one, he gets mighty cranky – a mood of his which doesn’t translate well to the people around him. So despite Ashton’s relatively neutral answer, the mimic immediately took it as a compliment, smiling widely as he put his arms behind his head and promptly leaned on the tree. “I know. It’s so hard being that famous, right? Have you seen that photo shoot I did for the swimwear magazine yet? It was absolutely amazing, if I say so myself.”

“Of course I remember that night. Jessica puked on me five minutes after I snagged her from you.” On his new, five-grand white shoes at that. Boy was he furious. “Which reminds me, we never really had closure regarding that. Or those other times I swooped a lady from your arms.” Nope, he’s totally not rubbing in Ashton that he’s the better guy (or at least he believes him to be). “We’re good right?” he asked, extending his right arm out for a handshake. I’m fairly sure Ashton can see the arrogance behind your façade of kindness; you’re rather transparent after all.

He only heard half of what Ashton said. An arrogant prick through and through, he was already shuffling through his playlist, grimacing at most – if not all – of Ashton’s music choices. “From metal to classical, sure you don’t have a bipolar disorder?” he teased, Clair de Lune still playing in his earphones, “I’m sure I’ve heard this before. What movie was this in again Ashy?” (Yes, apparently he has a pet name for Ashton now. How wonderful).

“I’m hurt dude, I really am.” Normally he’d take into offence and the experience will go down a totally inappropriate route (take his encounter with Verax, for example), but since it’s a beautiful summer day, he’s decided to let it go. “Don’t worry, the feeling’s mutual,” he grinned, coy look on his face, “Though I remember that’s what Andrew said last year before he went into a mad obsession for me.” A complete exaggeration, please ignore.

“That sucks,” he said bluntly, not bothering to at least sugarcoat his rather offensive remark, “If you want, you can come with us. I’m fairly sure my jet can carry one person more.” He promptly removed one of the earphones when he heard something about not going to post-secondary just yet. “Oh, so you’re staying in Hammel for another year like JD and I? That’s awesome.”

[Ashton Harper]

Ash shook his head, "Um, no I haven't seen the photo shoot. I don't really pay attention to swimwear magazines that much. I'm glad you did good in it though," He said with a polite smile. Ash was always the nice guy. Adri had told him time and time again, if he saw Zac...be a total jerk back. Well Ash wasn't very good at that. He could be a jerk, but only when he was pushed to it. Which was rare. It took a lot to make Ash that mad.

"Well then I'm glad I wasn't with her," Ash laughed once. Actually, for Jessica's sake he wished he had been. He could only imagine how Zac reacted. Ash at least would have been nicer about it. He was always nice to everyone. He was gullible and he was a total pushover. His number one weakness. He couldn't help but think that she did deserve it for ditching the nice guy for the playboy. It was typical though so Ash couldn't complain. He didn't really care all that much anyway. Jessica had just been a week long crush. No biggie. "It's cool man. I'm sort of glad you have taken all those girls from me." He didn't add the reason behind why he was glad because that would be rude. Obviously I wouldn't want to be with a girl who rather date him of all people. Talk about man whore, Ash thought to himself.

"I don't have bipolar disorder, I just like a variety of music. Different activities require different types of music," Ash shrugged and watched him scroll through the music. Nosy much? Ash shook it off. "As for the movie...no clue. I just know it because of my parents." He didn't elaborate because he knew Zac honestly could care less about his family. He had learned that from Adrianna as well. Ashy? Really? Why was it that everyone called him that?! Ash internally sighed, but otherwise it didn't affect him. He was going to keep his composure, it was what he was good at.

"Sorry, but we have practically nothing in common," Ash said with a shrug. It was true, they were pretty different. "Don't worry, I won't get too obsessed with you." He said with a small smirk. Ash was just humoring Zac. He honestly wasn't worried about getting attached to Zac in any way, shape, or form.

"And yes it does, but family is important to me so I stay here." He was surprised at the invite. "I'm not sure your crowd knows me very well, so I'll pass. It sounds fun though and thanks for the invite, but I don't want to intrude." He smiled again politely as usual. "Yeah Hammel is still my home for the time being. I gotta figure out what I'm gonna do soon though," Ash sighed. His father was getting impatient.

[Zachary LaRousse]

For someone as manipulative as Zac, he was rather gullible at times. Instead of looking further and all that, he was actually taking Ash’s answers at face value, mighty pleased at the words coming out of the boy’s mouth. “That’s a shame. I think I have a copy in my car, remind me to show you before we go.” And yes, he’s decided he’d stay and chat for a while. Or at least until the blonde grows bored of him and decides to move on. He’s liking the vibe he’s getting from Ashton – unassuming and pretty laidback. If he’s simply putting on a façade, then it’s a mighty good one really.

To say that Zac went berserk would be an understatement. It was utter chaos really. He didn’t care much if it was a girl he’s shouting to. He didn’t care much about the detention he had, or the fact that he had something written down on his permanent record; it was the scolding by his father that he’s most upset about. Not because his mistakes got rubbed into his face, but more because he’s disappointed his dad. Didn’t stop him from acting up though; he just got a bit more careful and learned how to take care of loose ends. “God, you’re making me feel bad,” he chuckled, shaking his head as he patted Ashton’s shoulder, “Fine. I promise you I won’t snag the next lady that comes into your arms. I promise that.” Hopefully he’ll remember the said promise though.

“Awesome. Your parents listen to Cla-whatshisname?” Because the boy totally did not look like he’s got any taste in the arts. Not at all. “Oh I remember now. Isn’t this from Twilight or something?” And it’s totally not because he’s a fan. He clarifies that it’s due to Robbie teasing him about the movie all the time. And that soundtrack got stuck in his head. Or something. But it totally doesn’t involve him and being a fan of the said series. Not at all.

Zac was actually pretty surprised that the boy turned down his invite. He can’t help but leer for a bit, slowly thinking that maybe the boy has some hidden ego in him. Not good. “You sure? It’s so not a bother. They wouldn’t mind. You’ll fit right in, I’m sure.” Because he is so not turning an invite from a LaRousse down. That would be utter stupidity, right? “Well at least you still have a choice on what you want to do in life. Mine’s basically set to stone the moment I came into the world.” Not that he doesn’t like it, he just feels that it’s a bit too restraining at times.

[Ashton Harper]

Ash smiled and nodded, "I will definitely. I'm interested to see it." He wasn't really, but he was still keeping up his manners. It was polite to take interest in a hobby of someone you were talking to. It helped make conversation too. Ash was surprised at how cool Zac was being. From what he'd heard from Adrian, Zac had been a total jerk to her. Not a nice bone in his body. Ash didn't see it though, underneath all that arrogance and ego, he saw something better. He was determined to reach that part at some point. It would be a good thing to be on Zac's good side. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him.

"Sorry, not trying to make you feel bad," Ash laughed quietly. He leaned back and sighed in content. It was a beautiful day. He was making a friend with someone he had heard nothing but bad things about. He was actually conversing without being too trusting. It was a miracle to say the least. "Let's hope you can keep that promise eh, Zac?" He laughed again. "Kidding, I'm sure you can."

"It's Clair de la Lune by Debussy. He's French I believe. And yeah they do, they have since I was little." He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "Isn't Twilight that sparkly vampire movie? I've never read the books or seen the movie, but I heard it makes vampires look pitiful." He shrugged, Ash was definitely not a fan. He didn't really get into fantasy books much. He was more about the real world writing with a little science-fiction thrown in here or there. "It may be on the soundtrack, I don't know though."

Ash noticed the surprise on Zac's face at the turn-down. Okay, Ash, don't get on his bad side. Adri said Robbie was cool, hang out with him and Zac really isn't that bad... he thought to himself. "If you think so, I guess I could go. I'd have to clear it with the rents and all, but they should be cool with it. Thanks for the invite." He smiled and then frowned when Zac started talking about his future. It sounded a lot like Lucah's future. Chosen for him. "Yeah I guess it's nice having a choice. I'd hate to have that taken away from me. I know Lucah hates it." He nodded slightly trying to think about how it would be. He couldn't. It just didn't sound all that fun.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac doesn’t really care much if such actions are true or just some clever pretense; as long as his ego is satisfied, so is he. Most of the time, he actually prefers the whole only-due-to-politeness thing – somehow it translates to him seemingly having enough power over an individual to make them do something they normally wouldn’t. It is this exertion of influence unto others that he thrives on, lives on even. “Just don’t feel bad about yourself ok? I mean, this body?” he grinned, using a hand to point from his head to toe, “Effortless. Though if you want tips on how to remove those excess fat around the edges” -he playfully poked Ashton’s sides (not that they’re fat, but in Zac’s eyes, everyone not him is anyway), smirking a bit as he did- “I’ll gladly tell them to you.” Seems like him being helpful in most eyes, but really, it was just another form through which he shows himself off. Rather sneaky, ain’t he?

The mimic does have his moods after all. While he’s assholic and a dick most of the time, he does have his moments. Ashton was rather lucky he caught Zac in his cheery-happy-I-don’t-really-care-much self. And so far, he has done nothing but to indulge the boy’s ego. It would take quite the effort to make him all jerk-ish now. “I will try to keep my promise, have faith in that,” nodded the Prince, sending another punch up Ash’s arm, “But it’s the ladies I can’t promise. I mean, it’s not like I can control them, right?”

Phooey. So his plan to get some dirt about Ashton failed. He totally thought he got him on the whole Twilight thing. Damn it. “That’s what the reviews say about it anyway. I don’t really care much. It’s just I hate hearing something and knowing that I knew it, but can’t pinpoint what. I could tap into an elephant, but that’ll be too much work for a song.” Now he just needs something, anything he could use to dig up some dirt about Ashton. But what?

Then that thought came into mind. “By the way, how are you and that blonde girl anyway? The ditzy looking one? Avenue? Avina? A-what’s her name again?” Apparently the boy needs some sort of leverage against most people. And unfortunately for Ashton, the more or less frequent shyness Zac sees in him whenever he faces certain women isn’t enough.

“Don’t worry. You won’t be raped, I’ll make sure of that,” teased Zac when the blonde said he’ll have to ask his parents first, “You’ll be perfectly safe. My security team’s almost entirely meta-human, how could you go wrong with that?” Not to mention their household and any other staff that deals intimately with his family’s affairs. “You know Lucah too? Boy. I think that’s what makes him so grumpy and straight-laced all the time. He so needs to let loose.”

“I mean, the only perks about it is that you get to meet big stars and supermodels. But other than that, it’s all stress, stress, stress.” Thank goodness his dad wasn’t around to hear him talk about his inheritance like this.

[Ashton Harper]

Ash forced a smile for that comment. Don't feel sorry for myself? Who the hell does this guy think he is? He made his smile more genuine and shrugged, "I'll try not to. I know I need to work on the excess fat, it's driving me crazy really." Ash squirmed when Zac poked his sides. He was ticklish as hell. Really he wanted to punch Zac for poking him. Only girls were allowed to do that! No one really knew he was ticklish and he didn't want anyone to know, so he usually just played it off.

"Of course you will. I trust you," Ash said even though he was smarter than that. He didn't trust Zac at all, how could he? This guy just kept fishing for compliments and it was like he tried making people hate him, but Ash was a good guy and he gave everyone a chance even if first impressions were terrible. "As for the ladies, you're right. You can't control them, they have minds of their own and needs. Some guys just can't fulfill those needs...apparently I'm one of them." He smiled slightly at how ridiculous this was.

Ash nodded, "Yeah I hate that too. It drives me nuts until I figure it out." He said honestly. This guy was fishing. Ash could see it. Luckily, he wasn't in his most oblivious stage now. He was actually on to what Zac was trying to do. Dirt? Ash had some, but not a lot and no one knew about it except Avi.

"It's Avinea actually, and we're good. I mean we're only friends of course, but she's cool." He said with a shrug. That's all they would ever be. Ash liked Avi, yes, but only as a friend. They bumped heads too much and they just wouldn't last long in a relationship. At least he didn't think so. Whatever happens between them in the future happens, he's not going to stop it if it does turn to that, but he isn't going to look for it either. He had other interests...

"Raped? Oh good, because I prefer it to be consensual you know or at least give me a warning." Ash laughed lightly. It was a respect thing for his parents, he didn't just run off whenever he wanted because he knew they would worry too much. "Very true, meta's are probably the best kind of security," He agreed. "As for Luc, yeah he's very straight-laced, and a little brutal sometimes. I think it's because of his dad, I don't know for sure though." He shrugged, not wanting to talk about Lucah with Zac in case Zac was still looking for some dirt on Lucah too.

"Stress is never a good thing, but the perks don't seem all that bad," Ash said with a small smile.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Lucky for Ashton that Zac didn’t pick up on his discomfort. If he did, he’d be poking the boy to death. Well, not really, but rest assured he’d be finding a way to manipulate that to get the boy irritated. It also doesn’t help that getting rid of the pompous heir is almost impossible. Just look at his excessive clinging (quite literally) to JD. Even though the speedster frequently smacks his head with a rolled New York Times copy, it doesn’t nothing but make the mimic more persistent. Poor JD really.

“Know what? I’m going to help you get started on them right now,” nodded the Asian teen, promptly standing off and dusting himself off. He promptly did a few stretching maneuvers – with his arms, legs and his core – then turned back to Ashton. “Sitting around tanning wouldn’t be helpful. And besides, if you exercise under the sun, you’d get tanned anyway.” He motioned for him to stand up, summoning him by moving his index finger forward and backward. If you ask me, it looked more like a taunt than a summon really. Then again, anything Zac does can be interpreted as such, so that isn’t anything new. “I’m finished with my morning workout, but I don’t think a little extra would hurt.”

Zac replied with what seemed like a disappointed headshake at Ash’s self-depreciation in an effort to continue his façade of being a good and concerned friend. (In his eyes, it’s still working anyway). “Don’t say that. I’m sure you’re attractive enough, it’s just that I’m around and all that.” He acted like he was going to punch the blonde on the arm again, but then sneakily used his other arm to poke the boy once more. “If you want, I can set you up with someone. A blind date or otherwise.” Already he has a list in mind. Heaven knows he’d make sure it’ll be entertaining.

“Only friends? How many times have I heard that before?” Hopefully he doesn’t have to repeat the whole heterosexual-males-can’t-be-just-friends-with-female-best-friends speech he gave Ann before. (Aiden was anything but cool with Zac back when he was still chasing the empath’s tail). Which would explain why he keeps on believing Estelle and Robbie would end up walking the aisle together. “Don’t worry Ashy, you can tell me. I won’t tell anyone. Especially not her.” Again he flashed his pearly whites, hoping such a smile would be enough to earn the blonde’s trust.

The pompous teen burst into laughter when he heard Ashton’s reply. “Dude, I’d make sure you get laid somewhere in our trip then,” he said with a pat on the boy’s shoulder. He would’ve expected a reply like that maybe from Robbie, but from Ashton? Not really. “Dad problems? I should’ve known. Good thing my dad’s all but agreeable then. I don’t suppose you have anything of sort right?” He did have dad problems before, but lucky for him, they were resolved early on. Now he’s back to being spoiled and doted beyond compare.

“You ready for a lap or two around the lake? Or do you need a moment to collect yourself still? Promise I won’t make you feel so sluggish,” taunted the boy, sending a rather arrogant wink towards Ashton. Make him eat his words Ashton, will you?

[Ashton Harper]

Ash was glad Zac didn't continue the poking. He might have started screaming. It was incredibly annoying when it wasn't a cute girl. He was just that weird about it. It wasn't really that he didn't like being poked, he just didn't like constant poking. Then again, not many people did. He could tell that Zac was more of a touchy person than Ash himself was. Most people were. Ash didn't like touchy, feely people. Not that he'd let them know that.

"Really? Are you sure? I mean a guy like you has to have better things to do," Ash said in a somewhat genuine curiosity. Of course he knew Zac had better things to do. This guy was a walking agenda. Parties, girls, many more things, this guy did everything. That sounded bad, yes, but it was true. "If you could help me, I'd be so grateful. I really do need to work out more and I would probably still get tan." He said with a nod as he stood up.

Ashton tried not to just burst out laughing at the attempt by Zac to seem like a concerned friend. He acted oblivious, "I'm not as good looking as you. I mean seriously dude, I don't know how any guy has a girl with you around." He said in a simple exasperated tone. He wasn't being sarcastic, he was speaking the truth. How did any guy have a girl with the poster child of man-whoredom around? He hated competing with Zac for girls, what did they see in him other than that he was rich, good-looking, experienced...okay so it was kind of obvious why girls didn't choose Ash instead. Still, you'd think a girl would hate being put down so much by that guy. He had a reputation for those things.

"Yes only friends. I don't think of her as the dating type. It'd be weird," Ash shrugged. He honestly had never looked at Avinea that way. She was just one of the guys to him. Her opinion was helpful when he was interested in a girl, but he couldn't ever be interested in her. He knew the feeling was mutual too, so it didn't hurt his feelings. "Honestly Zac, I don't see her like that." He said with a perfectly straight and honest look on his face.

"Wow thanks man, I don't think I'd be able to get laid if it were up to me alone." He nodded with a mental eye roll. This guy was really arrogant and egotistical. Damn. "Yeah, but don't tell Luc I said anything, he'd get pretty POed." Ash said trying to be the good friend. Lucah scared him sometimes, so he didn't want to get on his bad side. "I don't have family problems luckily. I don't know what I'd do if I did..."

Ash smirked lightly and nodded, "I think two would suffice. And I think I'll be fine." He nodded with a small innocent smile. Ash didn't mind racing. He was pretty fast considering he wasn't in track. "You make the call."

[Zachary LaRousse]

Oh Ashton, Ashton, Ashton. While there are undoubtedly more than just three ways to Zac off your back, showering him with what seems like sincere praise and admiration is definitely not on the list. If anything, it’ll make the boy stick to you more.

Want proof? Ask a certain blonde Richmond. He got into the mimic’s pants that way.

“Dude, stop,” he laughed wholeheartedly, waving his hands in front of him as if he wanted the boy to stop with all the praises. If anything, it’s just a face; he knows people are more likely to give him more compliments that way. False humility and that entire fishing-for-compliments thing. “You don’t want to stroke my ego so much. I might explode. You don’t want me all over you, don’t you?” And yes, that’s a bit of a double entendre, or at least in his eyes it is. Might explain why he giggled chuckled all of a sudden anyway.

After that brief chuckling fit, the boy went back to racking his brain for possible blind dates for Ashton. And surprisingly, he’s changed from just finding a good match so that he could laugh at the boy’s antics and all that (something he’s already seen too well, thank you) to finding someone who the boy might actually have a chance with. He’s been gracious with his compliments; the least he could do is find him a good date. “I’m totally setting you up with someone,” he said with such finality, “If you’re not coming with me in the cruise (we’ll be missing three to four weeks of school by the way), the least I can do is leave you with a number of girls in your arms right?” Whoever said the boy was a stingy giver has probably never said a single compliment on the pompous teen.

“Fine, fine. You don’t have to eat my head off you know.” This time he did give the blonde’s arm a playful punch. He figured the boy isn’t just comfortable telling him all his deepest thoughts; while they’ve known each other for a while, they aren’t exactly bros yet anyway. “Just remember that I’d be looking out for the right opportunity to say ‘I told you so’, ok?” No way was he letting Ashton off the hook that easily.

He promptly gave Ash a pat on the shoulder. “You can always drug someone or make them drunk right?” Bondage also comes into mind, but Zac decided not to tell Ashton that yet. He might get the wrong idea after all.

The self-proclaimed Hammel royalty did a few more stretches, flexed his arms and legs some more before lining up along the side of the lake and tapping the ground beside him (the ‘inner lane’, so to speak) to signal Ash to come over. After he positioned himself, he turned to Ashton and grinned, “On three ok? One. Two.”

“…Three!”

[Ashton Harper]

Ash laughed. Well that had worked better than expected. Now the boy wanted him to stop. Easy. He could stop complimenting Zac. It wasn't hard at all. Sure, Zac had his moments of being cool, but Ash was a little fed up with the ego himself. "No I really don't want you all over me," Ash answered in a bit of a snippy tone. He hadn't meant for it to come off that way, but it had. Adrianna had been right, this guy was all about the ego.

"You really don't have to set me up. I mean it'd be a little difficult finding a girl who'd want to hang all over me, ya know? If you want you can try, but don't expect many to take you up on it." Ash said quietly. He was partially just trying to keep Zac happy, but the other part was being serious. Not many girls looked at Ash and saw a boyfriend. He was just too adorable for that. He didn't do one night stands, he didn't forget to call a girl, he would be the perfect guy...if someone gave him the chance.

"I'm not biting your head off, I'm simply stating fact," He shrugged and glanced at his arm where Zac had playfully punched him again. Why didn't people just understand? Avinea and him would never hook up. Ever. It was too strange even to think about. "If it happens Zac, I'll be waiting for the 'I told you so,'" Ash said finally.

"I don't drug people and I don't force drinks down their throat. I'm not that type of guy." He was a little surprised at Zac's suggestions. This guy had it all figured out, but Ash wouldn't stoop that low.

Ash reluctantly walked over to wear Zac tapped and got in his running stance. He had gotten beat by Avi when he took off. Mr. Sprinter ate dust. This time he would pace himself. One. Two. And Ash was off on three. He didn't run full out like he had last time against Avinea, this time he kept his speed at a constant rate, easy enough. Now he wouldn't be so damn tired half way through.