Money To Blow // Henry && Open

[Terrance Kellam]

Saturdays were truly great days to visit the mall. For the socialite, he thrived on the energy present. People lined the walkways, filled every shop, crowded every corner. If he ever got to the point where he was bored out of his mind, he could always count on the mall. Always someone new to meet here. And for the one who fed on social interactions like a vampire, he was glad to have this source so close to Hammel.

But, meeting people was not the goal of this trip, at least not for TK. No. See, TK had a party to plan, and in order to make it memorable, he had to get supplies. He didn't have decorations, utensils, and other supplies, and after last time, he was all out. He had a few plans together for the party so far. "The End Of The Year To End All Years Party," he was thinking of calling it. Kind of long; it was a work in progress. But he had some time, a few days at least, before the party was supposed to happen. Besides, he had to get it cleared with the roomies... Well, moreso, he had to just let them know it was happening...

Unless I move it to the lobby! It was genius... Bigger space, and maybe more people would show. He'd have more time to think on that. Now, he had to get the decorations. He had translated a few documents for someone a few weeks ago and just received the payment. TK planned on using almost the entire thing to fund this party. Food, decorations, flyers, the works. He could only hope that it didn't get shut down.

TK's first destination was the party store. It had a bunch of things on his list and he was hoping it had everything.

[Henry Ballo]

Henry wasn’t sure why he was doing this. He wasn’t a big fan of the mall, not really. Shopping was okay, but only when you were doing it for someone else or were trying to purchase books or something However, he’d just gotten a new roommate, and as a result, he was here. There was one reason for this: TK seemed to love parties, and so when TK had mentioned that he was going to go shopping, Henry’s suspicions had been piqued. It wasn’t that he disliked parties, except that he was. Parties weren’t really his thing—people weren’t really his thing. But TK seemed to like both things. He hadn’t known the other boy for all that long, but he knew enough to be suspicious.

It wasn’t that he disliked TK. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Quite surprising, considering his own opinions of social people, but he found the other boy bubbly, friendly, chatty and all in all quite friendly. It was impossible not to like TK, and considering that Henry could manage to hate just about everyone, this was quite an accomplishment on TK’s end. Besides, it was also nice that he had someone to speak Tswana with. He’d gotten quite rusty with his time in America. However, he was concerned with what kind of party TK was planning. Still working off his detention from his misjudged fight with Katurian, he had no desire to get into trouble. So instead he’d headed to the mall—conveniently only a little after TK had gone—and arrived promptly, haunting the shops that he thought his roommate might be visiting.

It wasn’t stalking if it was for your own good, was it? He suspected it was no. Still, he had pretty good success at the party store, and when he saw TK there, he offered a slight wave.

“Hello,” he called. He wasn’t much of a ‘hi’ kind of guy. “I did not think I would see you here. What is it you are doing?”

[Terrance Kellam]

"Roomie!!" TK had been wandering the aisles, getting different ideas for the upcoming event. Nothing 'old school,' like streamers and balloons. He wanted different lighting and maybe a punch bowl to spike. But upon seeing one of his new roommates, he got excited. TK had got the unexpected gift of being roomed with a guy who spoke another language, which sparked his interests almost immediately upon meeting him. And he thought it was good that the guy got to speak more of his mother tongue more; TK could only assume that living in America would begin to strip away one's roots after a while.

TK had no plans on making it as infamous as Project X -- after all, TK liked living at Hammel. However, he was going to make sure that all of the students' (maybe even a faculty member or two's) problems were completely forgotten that night. It wasn't his original goal, but that dream he had kind of… spooked him. And he was going to do his best to forget it.

"Just shopping for the party. I think I'm gonna get a black light…" He didn't exactly know why, until his eyes scanned a bottle of foam. "Dude," he grabbed the bottle, looking it over. It didn't glow, but he was sure he could google how to add stuff to it to make it glow under a black light. "this party is going to be EPIC!"

[Zachary LaRousse]

[/IMG][/right]

With literally money to burn, it’s no surprise that Zac’s been quite the common sight in Pilot Ridge’s sole mall over the years. Growing up a bit too well-off than most everyone has taught the boy nothing about spending responsibly, despite his mother's best efforts. And though his allowance has been cut to a mere tenth of what it used to be (and his credit cards finally having limits on them), it hasn’t stopped the boy from indulging and purchasing things that he’d only use once, twice if he liked it.

He’d been through five different stores and had just gotten out of his sixth (an underwear store, judging by the print on the bag) when he passed by the two on his way back to his car. (The mimic says he’s just putting the bags on the trunk; it’s barely noon and he still needs to find a new denim jacket). “What’re you doing here?” he asked Terrence, then almost jumped in surprise when he saw Henry, “ What the fuck dude, you have a twin brother? And quite the giant at that. He stole all your growth hormones?” There’s nothing worse than laughing at your own joke right?

“Black light for a party? Dude, bad idea. You seriously want to explain to people why you have stains all over your carpet?”

[Henry Ballo]

One thing that Henry liked about TK—and something that Estelle seemed to have in common with his new roommate—was that TK seemed to be able to get excited about almost anything. It didn’t matter if it was small, indifferent, or large and irritable (AKA—Henry himself). TK could always find a reason to enjoy something. To a person like Henry, who found it difficult to get excited about anything at all, it was simultaneously an endearing and obnoxious trait. For one thing, it made it very hard for Henry to attempt to express the “I wish you wouldn’t throw that huge of a party” sentiment that was currently running through his head.

He was about to say that a black light wouldn’t be that bad, but perhaps the foam was a good way to get into trouble, when Zac showed up. He only knew of the other boy from reputation and from periodically seeing him around—he remembered the disastrous talk quite well—but that was enough for him. His arms folded over his chest as the mimic spoke, and he gave him a glower (you know, the one that really doesn’t frighten anyone, and tends to irritate John Thornton in particular). He didn’t appreciate being called a giant.

“We are not,” he said coldly, “related.”

But he had a point about the stains.

Which was actually a disgusting thought.

“Maybe not a black light,” he said aloud, and in Tswana (not to exclude Zac at all, what would make you think Henry was that terrible of a person?). “They have those…disco things there, TK.” He nodded to the rotating orbs that had many different colored lights. “That could be better.”

Why was he participating in this? He was here to be a moderating influence.

“And then we could get the foam in different colors,” he added, just to further put the nail in the coffin of his sanity. Then he turned back to Zac and, switching back to English, said, “Do you not have somewhere else to be?”

[Terrance Kellam]

He was kind of caught off guard by Zac. Not that his presence wasn't wanted, just… he knew how things could get. TK looked away from his potential future purchase to look at Zac and Henry, the next comment from Zac causing him to raise an eyebrow. So they had to be twins?

TK was going to respond, but Henry happened to get in before him. The stains was something he wasn't worried about. Not only was he a clean person -- he cleaned up all his messes… hehe -- he had no plan on having the party in the room anymore. It was either going to be outside or in the lobby, and he was favoring the latter.

"Disco?" he responded to Henry in Tswana without ever knowing he was doing so. It was a random quirk of his power: every once in a while, he had no idea it was working. So right now, he thought the two were speaking English. "Different… colored.. foams," he began, sounding a bit skeptical… only for a few seconds, though, "sounds AMAZING!!!!!". He pretty much yelled the last part, all in Tswana. God, if his roomie was gay he would've kissed him. It was a true stroke of genius, and could only wish he thought of it himself.

He looked to Zac, sighing. "It's going to be in the lobby probably, so black lights and foams are going to be amazing. Any stains will not have come from me…"… all in Tswana. TK looked back to the shelf of things, reading a few of the labels -- thankfully in English -- before speaking, finally, in English. "Pink, green, and red foam sound good?"

[Zachary LaRousse]

[/IMG][/right]

Yeah, Henry’s glower didn’t really frighten Zac. It did, however, give the boy something to talk about instead of pointing out that his ‘twin’ comment was a joke.

“I don’t see it. I really, honest to goodness, don’t,” he said in a methodical voice, rubbing his chin as he ‘inspected’ Henry’s face, looking as if he’s thinking way too deeply for his own good. (Exaggerated gestures are an area of expertise for the egotistic heir after all). “This-” –he traced a circle around the outline of Henry’s face with his finger as he talked to TK– “-beat out Robbie into Estelle’s heart? I can’t. I mean, I just can’t.” A facepalm soon followed, as well as a disappointed sigh and head-shake. “Did Estelle tell you that she gets off that grimace of yours? You know Robbie right TK? I mean, would you tap this-” –accompanied by a quick one-over with his finger- “-over that?”

He’s just the nicest guy ever, isn’t he?

And then Henry started speaking in Tswana, a language which registered in the boy’s ears as chicken clucking. Smart move, he thought, sending a glare towards Henry as he just stood there, awkwardly staring as the two conversed. He would’ve stormed off by now, but he wouldn’t let Henry win, not just yet.

“Can you repeat that for me please?” asked Zac, sounding sickeningly sweet before changing his tone to an irritated one near the end of his question, “I don’t speak gay, unfortunately.” He gave Henry an obviously sarcastic grin before answering, “I do, but I’m learning so much from you two retards. I mean, I feel like I’m watching one of those nature shows about monkeys and how they play with their own shit.”

[Henry Ballo]

To be fair to Henry, he hadn’t meant to keep the entire conversation in Tswana. Although he should have realized that was a risk. Omniliguism meant that switching, especially while in training, was going to be a real issue. He initially felt a pang of guilt, but he couldn’t make himself tap TK on the shoulder, not while he seemed to be having such a grand time thinking over the idea different kinds of foams. He hesitated, then eventually spoke in English to Zac. “The party is in the lobby and not in our room.” It was said with the utmost reaction. “To make things clear.”

Except, of course, Zac had to go for the insulting factors. His jaw clenched at the mention of Estelle, then relaxed. He was not concerned about Robbie. Estelle had picked him, not Robbie, and he was comfortable with his looks. But the second comment made him go very, very still. He liked TK. He wouldn’t have called the other boy his best friend—he doubted he’d call anyone a best friend—but he enjoyed his company and he had no desire to see him hurt. Zac, on the other hand, he had no ties to. At all.

“Funny,” he said, voice practically freezing in its temperature, “from what I have heard, you speak it very well. Let him be—it was my fault. And you would not need to watch a documentary about playing with yourself—you have that down as well. Does that charming manner of yours let you get anyone into your bed? Because I think it would just be you alone most nights.” Just because Henry didn’t usually make the comments didn’t mean he didn’t know them. And Zac had done it first. “TK, would you like me to leave?” He looked over at him. “I appear to be making things uncomfortable.” TK and Zac he could picture getting along. He, on the other hand, had no desire to attempt working it out with Zac.

[Terrance Kellam]

He couldn't help but laugh at the scene unfold. It was a little funny… at first. But it seemed it was escalating to a point that he didn't need to deal with. Was all this stuff from Zac necessary? He was hoping that a party would shut down all of this squabbling and everyone would be talking. Make sure to get alcohol, he wrote on a mental list.

Who was Zac to say Henry wasn't good looking? Not that he'd ever tell his roommate -- unless he asked, of course, and it would be in the most 'cool gay roommate' way possible -- but he was very handsome. Estelle was lucky. TK wasn't really looking for love at the moment, but he would still hope it was in his future. The translator didn't want to be alone with his words forever. He would want a nice guy to chat with and do… other things with.

Though Henry already retorted, TK had to say something, too. "Of course he speaks gay. Every time he talks, I have to fight the urge to randomly say 'top, bottom, or verse?'" He smiled. TK immediately began thinking of further gay retorts. He felt like the whole 'gay' thing was going to be a common joke between the group.

"Nah, bro. You can stay. Zac can, too, if he learns to shut up though." He looked Zac over for a second. He hadn't gotten to really meet Zac yet so he wasn't sure if he was someone they should really take seriously.

[Zachary LaRousse]

[/IMG][/right]

At least Zac and Henry can agree on one thing – they’d never be able to see eye to eye. It was probably a good thing that T.K. was around to ease the tension a bit else things might’ve gotten a bit too ugly for words. Yes, oddly enough, the mimic didn’t take offense in what the translator said. The chuckle it got out of him was rather sincere, and the light pats he gave while laughing were of the friendly sort.

“I’m a firm believer that actions speak louder than words,” he said with a wink directed to T.K., “If you’re lucky, I might just give you an answer.” Never mind that what he said now might’ve undone what he’s been saying earlier. Terrence being friendly with him seemed to be getting on Henry’s nerves, so he might as well milk it for what it’s worth. “I knew you were ignorant Henry, but I didn’t peg you to be this dense,” continued Zac, his friendly demeanor vanishing in a flash, “Haven’t you heard of the whole ‘nice guys finish last’? It also helps that I’m not as hideous as you.”

A big grin appeared on Zac’s face when T.K. said he could stay, giving Henry a smug glare as he casually put his arms around Terrence as if they’ve been friends for the longest time. “Carry these bags, will you?” asked Zac, though it seems more like a command than a request, given how the boy just shoved them towards Henry. “So where are we again? Party with foam? What more do you need? Smoke machines? Disco balls? A DJ?”

[Henry Ballo]

Ironically, had Henry known that TK was planning on making sure everyone got drunk, he probably would’ve tried to talk him out of it. Henry was fairly convinced that himself drunk would be no one’s friend. He had a bitter personality already: what would drinking do to it? Definitely nothing good, that was for sure. But thankfully for TK, Henry was not a mind reader and so had no idea what TK was planning.

As he’d suspected he would, TK managed to ease the tension with his comment and smile. Although Henry still felt wary, he felt the tension in his shoulders easing, and he rolled his eyes at Zac’s comment. Apparently, the other boy hadn’t been able to resist. Whatever. At least he wasn’t insulting TK now.

Nope. Now he was just insulting Henry. But that was all right, because Henry knew he could handle himself. His eyes narrowed.

“’Nice guys’ may indeed finish last, Zac, but as others will tell you, I am not nice. And you may think you are good looking, but you are thin enough to snap like a toothpick, so I would think twice before insulting people twice your size. Those good looks of yours may not last that long.” Henry wasn’t going to actually do anything to him. And he also knew that this could get him into trouble, but he didn’t appreciate the commentary. Realizing that TK was still there, however, and willing to let things go, made him back up a little, and he took the bags with only a slight grimace. Whatever. There were some things not worth fighting about. He tilted his head slightly to motion for TK to keep looking. He’d already gotten detention for fighting. Better to let this one be, especially this close to graduation.

[Terrance Kellam]

He didn't completely expect that comeback from Zac, so he looked a little shock at the fact Zac was willing to 'give him an answer.' TK smiled and shook his head, returning his gaze to the items on the shelves. But, of course, the other two were still bickering. Could they just relax?

"Chill, Zac…" He saw the bags just transfer from one set of hands to the other and raised an eyebrow. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to let Zac stay… but, at the moment, their 'bully' appeared to be harmless, so maybe they'd just end up having one of those love-hate friendships… That was probably pushing it, though.

"Um… yea, smoke machine. No disco ball; I had one of those last time. And do you know anyone who can DJ? I was just gonna get some songs and randomize but that might work better…" The song selection and timing had been an issue last time, but he was going to say fuck it. But, if Zac was offering a solution to that problem then maybe it was worth looking in to.

Graduation was definitely coming up. He'd probably have it once the seniors graduated. Everyone would be free and no one would be tied down by school work. He couldn't wait!!

[Zachary LaRousse]

[/IMG][/right]

“Thanks for the concern Henry, but I’m pretty sure I can take care of myself.” The mimic’s pretty confident about his abilities after all. He prides himself for supposedly being above most arrogant jerks; he claims that unlike them, he can back up whatever he’s claiming. And his stuffed animal collection does nothing to decrease his ‘street cred’, so he says.

“Hey, don’t look at me. I’m being nice. It’s Grumpy over there who’s threatening to beat me into pulp,” Zac quickly answered back, dragging T.K. along by the shoulder as he began looking around for party favours. “He’s so wound up and shit. You’re probably not getting any from Estelle, are you?” He gave Henry a wink from over his shoulder. “Why don’t you take a book from Terrence’s page over here and do it yourself. I mean, why else would this boy over here be so giddy all the time right?”

Umm, yeah. The prospects of Henry and Zac actually getting along in this lifetime are practically zero. Sorry ‘bout that T.K.

“Consider those two done.” He already had a DJ in mind, and while he’s pretty sure he won’t come cheap (not to mention airfare and accommodation), he’s got it covered. Sure he might be a stuck-up jerk, but that doesn’t mean he’s a scrooge. (Don’t mistake it for charity though; it’s an outlet for him to brag about his social status). “When it this going to happen anyway? After graduation? Are you two guys graduating too?”

[Henry Ballo]

Had TK mentioned his hopes for Zac and Henry getting along, Henry would have laughed. He didn’t like First World pretty-boys who thought they had it all but couldn’t survive without their daddy’s credit card, and he didn’t appreciate people who pulled pranks to hurt other people because they could. Now, the fact that Henry had done both these things himself at some point in his life wasn’t considered at all, but that’s Henry for oyu.

“If this is nice, then I would hate to see what you do when you are being sweet,” Henry murmured under his breath, but not quietly enough not to be heard. “And what Estelle does is none of your business. Leave her out of it.” Insults toward him he could handle, but anything more about his girlfriend was a very good way to press his buttons. He also ignored the comment about TK after a quick glance at his roommate to make sure that he was okay with the comment.

“I am graduating,” Henry said aloud, and then, because he knew TK’s feelings about the subject of graduation—take that people who said he had the emotional sensitivity of a teaspoon!—changed the topic. “We have cleared this with the head of housing, yes?”

[Terrance Kellam]

TK still had hope for the two… You know, despite the still on-going bickering between them. He shook his head for a second, only to find himself being dragged by the shoulder. Would these really be necessary? "I don't think we nee--", the comments to Henry threw him off. It was apparent that he was going to have to cut this shopping trip a little short. He could always come back later… alone.

"Um, yea… Right after graduation, I think." The topic of graduation stirred some emotions, but he was okay. Besides… it wasn't like he had any strange and disturbing dreams… yet. "Nah, not graduating," he added after Henry asked about permission to have the party. It had crossed TK's mind to ask for permission. It really did… but he had chosen to just go for the spontaneous, 'you can't stop us!' thing. There had to be a meta-student who could hypnotize or something.

He looked to Henry to respond to the question, smiling. "Of course… not. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."