Take Me Down Like I'm A Domino (Raph)

[Zachary LaRousse]

January is usually the month when people, aside from starting new resolutions which they’d eventually break, stay off from malls and shopping. December is a wallet-draining month after all, especially when gifts and parties sprout out of nowhere.

As it was though, Zac has never been part of those people. With more than enough cash to burn, he’s once again found in the local mall, cleaning out shelves with clothes and other accessories he’d most likely wear only once or twice (thrice, if he really likes it) before being discarded to their estate in France where he’d spend a day during the summer sorting them if they’d have to be donated already or he’d like for them to spend another year in his closet untouchedwear them again soon and should be kept.

He’s just put his second batch of bags in the car and had just started window shopping for this third when he saw something – someone – familiar from the corner of his eye. He turned his head slightly to look at ithim more closely, but even if it was only his back, his nostrils flared at the recognition.

“You!” he shouted just slightly as he walked across the mall to the unsuspecting man, “What were you thinking, giving me that gift?” He gave the man a tap on the shoulder, just in case he didn’t realize it was him Zac was talking to. “So you were interested in me after all eh?” added the boy with a smirk.

And yes, coincidence as it may, Zac’s currently wearing Raph’s lovely gift.

[Raphael Jenkins]

Ah, the after holiday sales. It was once again time to stock up on crap he didn’t need, and in some cases, didn’t want. But such was the way of life when your parents sent you another small fortune to assuage their guilt. It was far enough after Christmas that Raphael felt it safe to once again venture into the mall, and he had quite the haul so far. Six bags roamed around his feet, while he sat on a bench, enjoying a pretty decent frap from the cart across the way. It wasn’t gourmet, but it wasn’t all that bad. Besides, this was a small town, he didn’t really expect the baristas to be current with the latest coffee making wizardry.

The cup was lightly tossed when he finished, and the bags gathered, and the bleached blond headed out towards the car, ready to go home and go through the things he’d impulsively bought. As he passed some electronics store, his gaze was caught by the new iPad in the window and he stood and stared for a moment. He had one of course, who didn’t?, but the new one had some pretty nifty features in it. As he stood there, trying to talk himself out of buying something else that he really didn’t need, he heard a shrill voice call out, the sound being quickly followed by a tap on his shoulder and more words, this time in a lower key.

Slowly, he turned and faced Zac with a huge smirk on his face. “Merry Christmas to you too. I thought you liked them, figured I’d pander to that enormous ego of yours and buy you something completely dorky. It really had nothing to do with being interested in you. It was more…a practical joke.” Raphael could barely control his laughter at Zac’s reaction. It was just so damn perfect. He knew the boy would either be outraged or think that Raph was interested, so to have both mixed, well that was heaven.

Raphael grinned and brushed past Zac, continuing on his path out of the mall. He wondered if Zac would follow, just to berate him some more for such an inappropriate gift. He also wondered if the other man would wonder how in the world Raph had possibly found out where he lived to deliver the present. That part had been easy though, the lingerie shop folks had been more than happy to help.

[Zachary LaRousse]

He knew he shouldn’t have worn that particular underwear today.

He didn’t know why he didn’t throw it away in the first place anyway. He could’ve dumped it easily the moment he saw it and he wouldn’t be in such a pickle. But then he really liked the underwear. Raph’s nasty comments aside, he really thinks it looks good on him – then again almost everything he wear does, with his big ego and everything – and it’s quite comfortable, he says. There’s just something about the snug fit around his butt that he can’t quite get enough of.

Which brings us to the second point, the fact that he could’ve just let Raph alone. It’s not like the man noticed him, winked then walked away. No, he was the one who saw the older teen and waltzed over on his own volition. Unless the boy’s a pheromone manipulator or any other mental meta that could’ve subconsciously pushed him to his side.

But at the moment, Zac could care less. He’s in front of the smug teen now and he’s about to get his answers, even hoping to settle the score as their first meeting was cut rather abruptly. “Really, you expect me to believe that?” said Zac with a grin, shaking his head as Raphael just passed by him. After rolling his eyes for a bit, he followed the man, smirk still on his face as he matched the force field manipulator’s pace.

“You see, if you knew already where I stayed before, I would’ve just brushed it off as a simple prank. After all, you did seem rather ‘uninterested’ back then.” He wasn’t one to use the word when referring to someone’s perception of him, but then Raph’s one of those select few who’s had the guts to defy him while still being extremely cool about it. Zac does give credit where it’s due, sometimes. “But the fact that you didn’t and yet you gave me a Christmas present still speaks volumes. Tell me, how’d you find out where I lived?”

Learning from the past that Raph isn’t all too big on being seen by people, he waited until they’re in a relatively secluded part of the mall before dragging the man to a corner, pinning him slightly to the wall. “What now, Q-bert?”

He may or may not have raised his shirt just slightly to show the waistband of the aforementioned underwear around him. Just so Raph knows Zac’s not just coming on him for any reason.

[Raphael Jenkins]

Raph had a sneaking suspicion that Zac would react as he had. Thinking that because he sent an intimate present, he was interested. It was far from the truth. The truth was that Raphael enjoyed messing with the egotistical boy's head. He saw a lot of himself in Zac, and he couldn't help but pick on it. He could hope that the boy wasn't fronting as much as he was. A lot of times fronting sucked. A lot.

Raphael didn't bother to answer Zac, just kept walking. Hearing the footsteps follow him, a grin flirting with the corner of supple lips. The mall wasn't crowded today, and the light traffic didn't impede either of them from their intercepting paths. Zac kept talking, and Raphael was hard pressed to not just pop off with a smart answer, given just how full of hot air the other boy was proving to be. As the inevitable question was asked, the smirk broke free, blue eyes dancing with amusement. He was about to answer when Zac pushed him into one of the small service hallways and up against a wall, trapping him in a corner.

Panic flared for a moment, but Raphael pushed it down and away before his power activated. He did not need to be weakened if he was fixing to get into a fight. He swallowed back the fear welling as he looked at Zac and tried to regain the cocky attitude he'd had a few minutes ago when they'd first met up.

"The clerk was a lot cuter than you, and more willing to give information for some attention and a small bribe. I sent them just to see what you would do. Your ego is so immense that I figured you would think that I just had to be interested. As for what now... well, that would be up to you. If you continue to threaten me, I might just surprise you. If you let me go, then we can just pretend this little incident never happened."

Raphael was so focused that it was entirely possible he didn't see what Zac revealed. After all, he didn't flinch or react in any way when the underwear was revealed. The blond was pretty much trying not to freak out and let his power explode. It would get Zac off of him, but he didn't want to do that in the mall. It was to public, and there was simply to much at stake for that to happen.

[Zachary LaRousse]

[blockqoute]

Finally the mimic got the message. Or at least part of it, since he still believes that Raphael’s so attracted to him. In any case, the force field creator’s use of the word ‘threaten’ somehow told Zac that the older teen’s not quite a fan of being pinned randomly, and he’s totally not kidding about it.

Not one to admit on the wrongs of his ways loudly though, he backed off just slightly and walked back towards the main part of the mall. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not walking out. I’m just giving you room to breathe. Wouldn’t want you passing out because of how close we are and how it makes all the blood in your system go down between your legs,” he said ‘simply’, grinning and winking, “I like surprises better than anything, just so you know.”

And considering how confident Raphael’s been, Zac believes he’d enjoy whatever surprise the boy has for him.

He stood still for a bit, eyes not leaving Raph. Nope, he’s not hiding the fact that he’s checking the guy out. Why bother, he’s the one who sent the underwear first after all. “Mind sharing the clerk’s name? There’s this guy I want to shower inappropriate gifts too, but even his name escapes me. Maybe she could help.” Amazing how he still hadn’t gotten the boy’s name after all the chaos they’ve been in.

“Would buying you a drink help calm you down? I don’t think standing still with all those bags would do your mood any good. I know it wouldn’t if it was me,” grinned Zac, pointing to one just over to their right.

[/blockquote]
ooc:
Sorry for being perpetually late Kasuuu. D;.
- Jam[/font]

[Raphael Jenkins]

The blood in his system was not boiling with attraction or lust, but more with anger and frustration. Zac might have gotten the message but the boy didn't know when to back off. He was still pushing, still reaching to far, and Raphael wished there was a lesson he could teach him, but anything he did at this point would be taken as acceptance.

"You wouldn't like my surprise." He said. Especially not when it would bounce you off the wall and leave you bleeding on the floor. When he was in panic mode, the field came out randomly, and very forcefully. That had been the hardest part to gain control over. His own sense of panic and being frightened.

"He might help, but if its me, then you can forget it." Raphael didn't want any gifts from Zac, and he wanted Zac to leave him alone. Although, a small voice asked why send the guy a gift if he really wanted to be left alone? That didn't make sense, and ultimately the blond boy wasn't sure why he'd bothered to send the Asian a gift. It was just something that seemed funny at the time.

"I was actually on my way out, Zac. However, if you want to give me a moment, and let me put these in my car, then I'll have a drink with you if you promise to drop the damn attitude. I've known enough egotistical people in my life that I don't need another. So decide what you want to do, and I'll be back in a minute."

Raph picked up his bags and went to his car. He was silently berating himself for agreeing to the drinks, but really, what else could he do? He couldn't see Zac as a threat, and he needed to learn to relax so the field didn't cause damage if Zac did something stupid. By the time he had returned inside the mall, he had his head on straight and arched a brow at Zac.

"Did you decide?"

[Zachary LaRousse]

It’s this push-pull technique that Raphael’s employing (or at least to the mimic’s eyes) that makes the pompous heir ‘want’ the older teen even more. Call it the thrill of the chase, and the promise of immense satisfaction when he brings that teasing prey down. (Because the boy believes that he is such an effective predator). He might back down for a bit – not unlike what he’s doing now – but heaven knows he’s just letting things cool down so he can catch Raphael off guard and end the whole thing once and for all.

Or at least that’s the plan.

So when Raph said something about dropping his stuff out to his car, he simply shrugged and flashed his usual haughty smirk. “Whatever makes you happy,” he said, pushing his bangs out of the way as he leaned onto a wall with his arms crossed over his chest, “I’d offer my help, but seems like you can handle those bags on your own anyway.” No need to worry that Raph would use this opportunity to run away, effectively ditching him. Zac says he’s encountered enough girls and guys like Raphael and he claims that those like him don’t just scram. And besides, the older teen’s had more than enough chances before to keep Zac at bay but he didn’t; that alone is enough to confirm to the mimic’s enormous ego that the force field manipulator’s still interested despite his persistent claims.

And when the boy did come back, the younger teen’s smirk just got wider. “I’d ask you if you missed me, but we all know you did so why bother?” Purposefully ignoring Raphael’s little question (What was that about anyway?), he pointed to a nearby coffee shop and happily led the way. “The apple fritters in that place is amazing. I seriously would want to know how they do it.”

Once seated and done with ordering their drinks, Zac leaned forward just slightly, his chin resting on his clasped arms. “So, will I be knowing your name soon or will you just drop me clues until I figure it out myself?” He figures the boy will crack somehow if he just keeps on prodding. “Or I can just call you a dozen different names – Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael – if that is how you roll, anyway.”

Apparently dropping the attitude is a little bit of an impossibility at the moment.

ooc:
Ohemgee. Sorry this took sooo long Kas! D:
- Jam

[Raphael Jenkins]

There wasn't any kind of motive in Raphael's actions, except to make himself more comfortable. Regardless of what Zac might have thought, his own ego had killed whatever attraction that might have developed between the men. Raphael knew himself to be to vulnerable on the inside to allow someone like Zac access to that person. So, instead, the blond engaged in a game of keep away that was played through flirting and careful hints. It didn't really seem to be working on Zac though, and as he walked to his car, he wondered why he didn't just get in his car and leave. It wasn't like he owed the other boy anything. He could just ditch the whole thing, but he had more integrity than that, so despite the wish to leave, his feet ate up the distance back to the Asian, and another hour of torture.

Zac's comment on his return caused the blue eyes to roll over dramatically, and followed the egomaniac to the coffee shop, caring less about the apple fritters than the caffeine he was going to need to get through this little meeting. He heaved a heavy sigh as Zac spoke again, rolling those sky blues once again. He could feel a migraine developing behind his left eye and pressed his fingers to the temple to head it off. This was such a bad idea.

"Naming off the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not going to get you my name any sooner. Have you thought that perhaps, just perhaps, I haven't given you my name because I don't want you to know it? If I wanted you to know it, and to be able to find me, I would have given it to you. Chill. Out."

The drinks arrived and Raphael took a grateful sip of his. Anything to distract him from the trainwreck that he was currently involved in was welcome, and he just wanted to get through this encounter and go home. Go home and try to find some sort of way to make Zac forget all about him. He should never have sent those briefs. Damnit.

[Zachary LaRousse]

All those little gestures of obvious irritation – the eye roll, the sigh and the temple rub, among others – were lost with the mimic. Not that he didn’t see them, no, but that he just chose to ignore what they clearly meant. He says that the fact that Raphael’s still in front of him and not ditching him all of a sudden means that his hold on the boy’s pretty strong.

Oh how his ego amuses me at times.

He gave the waitress a simple nod and happily took a bite out of his apple fritter, shivering just slightly in delight. “Sure you don’t want some? They’re delicious?” Zac asked, nudging the plate over to the older teen, “I can assure you it contains no love potion or any other substance weaklings use to gain control over others. I’m so above that.” While before he thought that having powers that influenced how people thought of him was pretty handy, he’s grown to see them as weapons of ‘the lesser creatures’, he says. That he feels bad for people who feel so high and mighty only because they’ve used their powers on those they rule over. The mimic says he has much more respect for those who use their own wiles to wrap people around their fingers and not rely on their ‘unnatural’ abilities. Like him, he adds.

“Oh, so what is this then? You looking for some kind of twisted one-night stand? A quick fuck? Friends without benefits but even without the friends part?” said the boy rather bluntly, thankfully careful enough so that the other patrons won’t hear them much. They might look preoccupied, but eavesdropping is as natural as breathing to people after all. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t say no to that. I like being used.” Not always anyway, but he figures that’s implied.

[Raphael Jenkins]

Raphael had had enough. Dealing with this boy was just more than he could handle at this time. He'd managed to maintain civility until now, but there was just no more to be done. Perhaps if Zac had been less oblivious or egotistical, things might have worked out for both of them to have a good time, but that wasn't going to happen. No, Zac was far to annoying for anything to really develop.

"Listen, Zac, I'm here to be nice. But that's done. Just leave me alone. Seriously. I don't want to interact with you again unless its on a business level. I'm not going to sleep with you, and I'm not going to be in a relationship with you. You are far to egotistical by half, and I'm not going to deal with it."

Raphael rose to his feet, drinking the last of the coffee he had ordered, then shook his head slightly and took the cup to the trash, walking towards the exit, he was not going to deal with Zac any longer than he had to.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac maintained that egotistic smirk he had while Raphael talked, never once looking at the boy straight in the eye. He was idly mixing his coffee, munching on the baked goods he ordered or eyeing that cute redhead a few tables from them. (He even gave her a wink, with which she giggled, tucked her hair behind her ears and looked down shyly).

While he wouldn’t say he’s heard the exact same words before, he’s heard similar speeches before. Heck, didn’t Raph give him one a few weeks before too? And look at where they’re at now.

“Whatever you say boss,” he shrugged, flashing a sarcastically innocent smile as the older teen stormed off. He didn’t bother clarifying to Raphael that he’s in no way looking for a relationship with him. Hooking up, probably, but going into a full-pledged relationship? Crazy talk.

“See you around Donatello!” he added as he took another sip from his drink.

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