You Don't Impress Me Much (Eugene)

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It was a rare day that Kodi wasn't sipping on an alcoholic beverage of choice.  Well, it was still somewhat early in the afternoon, so that probably wouldn't happen until later.  At least his head wasn't aching from a painful hangover at the moment, so he could actually stand to be outside in the fall sunlight, with the crisp autumn breeze keeping him wrapped up in a warm jacket.  

He should be doing homework... or training... or something, but he just couldn't be bothered.  Kodi sat dully at the edge of the courtyard, watching students pass by on their way in and out from campus.  Most were in couples or groups of people, which made the dentokinetic bite down bubbles of jealousy and sadness.  He wondered what Gryphon was doing these days.  Was he thinking about Kodi at all, or had he already moved on?

Kodi sighed and was about to head inside, since this was starting to make him depressed, but he caught sight of someone walking alone, with a strangely colored... cloud?... surrounding them.  It only took him a second to recognize the brat from the bookstore a week or so ago, and a small, smug smile crossed his face.  He had gone and done his research, and he'd been waiting for an opportunity to show off what he knew.  Kodi stood up and quickly followed after the kid, waiting until they were a little more isolated before speaking.

"Hey, brat," he called after the skinny boy.  Kodi had been studying his cloud-thing for a little while, and thought he had a fairly decent guess at how he was feeling.  "Feelin' pretty unsociable right now, huh?  Ah, damn, am I buggin' you?"  The last bit was said with much sarcasm.  "Too bad."

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After school. This was probably Gene’s most favorite time of the day. The downside were the crowds of other students in the halls and on the courtyard, making way to wherever it was they thought was important. Many of them stayed at the school for clubs. Some ran off to part-time jobs. Others went to the library to work on homework, while the remaining simply went back to either the dorms on campus, or to their own residences in town.

Gene was of the very last in that category. He just wanted to go home. Gene had no interest in sports teams, or clubs, or any other activity that seemed to take place after classes. Not that he didn’t get an offer to ‘hang out’ that day from someone from the art club….but he only had half of his latest video game finished. And his mind couldn’t even think about concentrating on anything else until he’d logged in at least 172 hours on that epic rpg. So it was going to be a while before he could even consider joining those guys…and even then, he probably only would if they asked. And even then, they’ll probably get their timing off and do it when Gene was in the wrong mood.

None of them had bothered to figure out the meaning behind his aura colors….actually, they just outright ignored them. Actually, Gene hid it most of the time anyway, and never bothered to explain either. Which was fine, because Gene didn’t want to explain any of that to them anyway, especially if they weren’t even interested. It was a boring subject for him too, after all.

Whatever, they were all losers anyway, and Gene had more important things to think about. Like how he was going to get that super rare item from the depths of X-dungeon in under five minutes so he could unlock that one achievement. Yessss….that was the important thing.

Gene walked at a semi-brisk pace, obviously in a hurry to get home, though he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep up this pace for long. Maybe he should just call Aggie and have her come pick him up? It would be easier on him…but would ultimately take longer. Unless he decided to stop somewhere for a snack…which he might just. But Aggie wouldn’t let him stop, no doubt. She was always saying stuff about his eating habits and it got annoying to hear over and over again.

Gene was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t see the punk from the other day stroll up to him, and almost didn’t hear him. Gene blinked and turned his head to glance at the boy, pressing his cheek up against the scarf that was wrapped several times around his neck and shoulders. Gene frowned and his aura – which had been a blissful collection of pale yellows, oranges, and a touch of grey – instantly darkened into a deeper red and grey. Gene tried to fade it as much as possible, which wasn’t terribly difficult in the bright sunlight. “Am I supposed to be impressed?” he asked, continuing with the pace he’d being going at. “What do you want?” Whatever it was, it better be good. Gene wasn’t annoyed, per se, but he was impatient and wanted this to end quickly so he could get home to his game.

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Kodi felt better today than he’d felt the other day at the bookstore, so was more apt to respond to hostility with amusement and humor (aggressive humor, but humor nonetheless) to the little twerp if he was going to act the same as he had before, rather than letting himself get irked and upset. He was used to being around Oriel, after all, and that boy had a mouth on him like no one else. Kodi was used to it, when he wasn’t already in a bad mood to begin with.

And today he was feeling mischievous. He hadn’t known when he would see the twiggy boy again, but now that he was here, there was no way that Kodi was going to let him just get away without a (playful) confrontation. After thinking back on their ‘conversation’ the other day, he’d become more amused than angry over it, and he was actually sort of looking forward to seeing how many buttons he could push and get away with.

Aw…. Look at that fluff-head, all bundled up in a warm scarf. Kodi wasn’t jealous, nope (okay that was a bit of a lie, he was always cold when it got to be below 65). “Whoaa,” he smirked, watching the color cloud change shades. “It happens so quick. Do I really irritate you that much?” Good, he liked getting responses out of people. He watched in interest, though, as the already somewhat pale colors faded away into almost nothing. “That’s a pretty neat trick. I’m sure I’d get mad if everyone knew how I was feelin’ too.” Or at least, everyone that actually knew what the colors meant. Like Kodi (mostly) did now.

“Why d’you keep thinkin’ I’m tryin’ to impress a twerp like you?” he asked with a snort. “Colorology is weird shit. But at least it’ll be useful.” In getting into this guy’s head, at least. Kodi didn’t know why he was so intent on having this guy be the target of his so-called abuse, but it was too late to change now, after he’d dedicated time into reading up on his ability. “What do I want?” he repeated, hurrying to catch up and walk beside the younger boy. “Why do I gotta want anythin’? Maybe I just wanna make a new friend.” Kodi smirked sarcastically over at him. “How’re those comics treatin’ ya? Have you graduated to the big-word book yet?”

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That was one thing they shared. Gene disliked cold temperatures, though that was mostly because he got cold easily(because he had no fat on his bones). Hence why he was bundled up in a chic wool winter coat, with black gloves, and a grey-knit scarf that his grandmother so kindly knitted for him(no she didn’t, she bought it at Macy’s). If it got any colder, he was going to need to start wearing something to cover his ears. Those always numbed easily in the cold.

Anyway…..yes, Gene was mildly impressed that the other guy actually did what he suggested and picked up a book on the subject of color and auras. Though he wasn’t all too happy that he could now basically read Gene like an open book, if Gene wasn’t paying attention and letting his aura glow too much. Gene sighed. “Yes, you do,” he said point blank. “I was thinking about something and your stupidity interrupted that.” Gene usually got irritated when he was shocked out of his private thoughts. It was rude, if you ask him! Gene turned his eyes forward and kept walking. If this kid wanted to converse, he was going to have to keep up.

“Why else would you boast about your so-called accomplishments so proudly to me?” he replied, not bothering to look at the other boy. Gene scowled even more at the continued pestering and tried his hardest to keep his glow from manifesting as his irritation grew, such that he was starting to get a headache. This was getting tiring. “I doubt your intentions are ernest,” he said to the punk’s claim of wanting to be ‘friends’. At the last verbal prodding, Gene said nothing, though his features grew darker. No, Gene was not amused. No, he was not impressed. No, he did not want to engage wit this person. “Don’t you having anyone else to bother? On the other side of campus, maybe?” Speaking of, they were just reaching the road that led off the campus and down to the town of Pilot Ridge. Gene suspected that if he didn’t shake the guy now, then he might actually follow him into town like a senseless puppy. Gene smirked to himself at that thought.

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Most of Kodi’s clothes were hand-me-downs that he picked up at thrift stores, or at least on the clearance rack at inexpensive outlet shops. He did have a certain style, though, and managed to look less poor than he was most of the time. At least now he actually had an income and was able to shop a little more high-end, so his coats and such were a little thicker and warmer to get him through the cold months.

Kodi smirked slightly at the boy’s response, walking quickly to keep his shorter legs working as fast as the other guy’s longer ones. It was a good thing he was in fairly good shape, otherwise he would get winded after a while. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he replied, not sorry at all (and it was obvious in his tone). “I hope it wasn’t somethin’ too important, like wonderin’ whether you’re gonna have lobster or caviar for dinner. Or what new sports car you’re gonna ask daddy t’buy for you.” Yes, he remembered that the boy must be fairly well-off, considering how big of a tip he’d given Kodi. The dentokinetic had almost kept it, but ended up giving it away to some guy on the street out of spite for the bratty boy. At least the homeless man had been happy about it.

Kodi shrugged at the question. “I dunno, I just thought you’d wanna know that someone actually thinks your cloud-shit is interestin’ enough t’do some research on,” he replied. A grin returned to his face. “Since we’re beeeest friends an’ all, now.” Lies, Oriel was his best friend, and it would take a hell of a lot more than this skinny twerp to even come close to being someone like that for Kodi, even if the guy wanted to. And they would have to have sex at least a half-dozen times, too. Not that he was particularly against that idea… “Who, me? Nah… My usual target is either at work or bonin’ his boyfriend, so I ain’t got anyone better, unfortunately.” He wasn’t sure where Oriel was at the moment actually. Oh well, he’d text him later. Kodi continued to walk beside the taller boy, trying to think of something else to say. “Sooo…. You gonna tell me your name, or am I gonna have t’beat it outta you?” He was only half-joking.

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Keeping up this pace was going to kill him, honestly. Gene was already starting to feel aches in his calves and he was breathing just a little bit harder than before. If this guy continued to follow him…Gene was going to have to slow down eventually. But for the moment, he tried to keep it up.

“Of course not. I don’t like seafood,” he said bluntly. “And why should I have a car when I can just have someone drive me?” And besides that, Gene preferred to walk if only so he didn’t have to listen to the annoyances that Aggie would nag on him about. “Besides, if I could drive, do you think I’d be walking?” he added, rolling his eyes. Ouch, that just made the headache worse. And he was starting to get tired now. Reluctantly, Gene slowed his pace, his shoulders rising and falling quickly with each breath.

Gene sighed. “Why would you think I even care about that?” Because he didn’t. Nope. Not at all, people were too stupid to put forth the effort anyway. Though that this guy did…and that he was a perfect stranger too. “I do applaud your effort though, it’s more than what anyone else is capable of.” Because they were all too lazy. “We’re not friends,” he said quickly and bluntly. “So quit deluding yourself, it’s as unattractive as you are.” Gene wondered when this guy would leave. He was already annoyed, now he was just getting tired.

“Huh…” he huffed. So he did have other people to bug. Gene vaguely wondered why he was fixated him then. “I have no reason to tell you. Give me one, and I might.” Gene was being stubborn. He didn’t want to give this guy anything without making him work for it. It was almost amusing to see how hard or long he could keep it up before finally giving up and giving Gene back his solitude. Almost.

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Kodi wasn’t really paying attention to the kid’s breathing; he was too busy trying to catch glimpses of his aura and not succeeding for the most part. Hmph, annoying. “Oh, right, of course,” he scoffed. He’d been sarcastic, anyway. “Oh, I don’t know… Independence? Not havin’ to rely on someone all the time?” For fuck’s sake, did the guy have his own hired driver, or was he talking about his parents? It was at that point, when Gene spoke of walking, that Kodi noticed how hard he was breathing. He smirked. “I dunno, but it sure sounds like you could use it more often, if just a little stroll makes you that winded.” He was still doing fine, despite his shorter legs. He was glad, though, when the other boy slowed down, and matched his speed once again.

He shrugged and pursed his lips together, trying to think of a legitimate answer to the younger boy’s question. “I dunno. You don’t seem like you have too many friends, so maybe it’ll make you less grouchy if someone’s actually interested,” he mused. The guy reminded him of himself a couple years ago, honestly. Hostile and ready to snap at anyone. Granted, he was still like that now sometimes, but for some reason he wanted to dig into this guy and see if there was something else hidden underneath. He just smirked at the compliment, but didn’t respond until the latter comment. “Oh, ouch. Another stab at my appearance,” he replied dully. “How creative.” At least he actually didn’t look hungover today. “Fortunately, I’m not easily offended by pretty boys.”

Jeeze, this kid really demanded a lot, didn’t he? “More reasons…” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I’m Kodi. And I would think you’d prefer me usin’ your real name over ‘brat’ an’ ‘twerp’.” That was just an assumption, though. And Kodi didn’t plan on leaving anytime soon, he was too stubborn. “An’ otherwise I’m gonna assume it’s somethin’ nerdy, like Alfred or Humphrey.” If only he knew.

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Gene didn’t understand what this guy was getting at. “I am independent. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He did what he wanted whenever he wanted, pretty much. The only thing he couldn’t get away with was going to school, but if he could, then you can bet that he would stay home every day and play his video games. He glared at the other boy when he commented on his breathing. “I wouldn’t…have to walk so fast…if you weren’t following me.” Because it was obvious that Gene was trying to get away from him, wasn’t it? Whatever, it wasn’t worth the effort at this point, so if he wanted to stick around, then he was welcome to.

“I don’t need ‘friends’,” he countered sharply. Especially not idiots like this person. Gene did quite well by himself, and if he wanted friends, wouldn’t he just go out and get them? If he wanted to be around people, he would. He didn’t. So there was nothing to talk about!

“I’ll keep stabbing in the same place, then. Maybe repeated blows will make a difference?” At the boy’s next comment however, Gene stopped walking and snapped his head to face him, his eyes wide and cheek growing flushed, and not just from the cold. “P-prett—What? I am not—!!” Men were not supposed to be pretty!. And besides that, Gene wasn’t…there was no way he was….! Gene glared at the punk, his aura flickering slightly in his sudden unsettlement, the colors growing slightly more vibrant as they became more visible. What was….what was he supposed to say to that? So he growled instead and turned away, picking up his pace once again and keeping his expression hard, though he could not make the color in his cheeks fade quite as quickly as he could his aura.

At least the guy picked up on his lack of manners. Or maybe he didn’t, who could tell. But if you’re going to ask someone for their name, it was polite to offer your own first. That’s really all that Gene was getting at. He harrumphed at Kodi’s suggestions and tilted his chin up proudly, ceasing his walking so he could do this properly. “My name is Eugene Harrison Whitaker,” he said, as though he expected Kodi to be stunned and awed at the sound of it. Well…why shouldn’t he be proud? It was his name, after all. And it was a good name too, no matter what anyone else said. A strong name. His grandmother said so.

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Kodi sighed and shook his head. This kid obviously didn’t know what being independent meant. “When you move outta your mommy and daddy’s house an’ start makin’ your own choices, then I’ll think you’re independent,” he said wryly. It was then that Kodi realized that the other boy must live at home. Was that where they were going now? (Yes, they). “That don’t make sense,” he snorted. “Why would you wanna get away from harmless ol’ me?” The dentokinetic gave him a signature shark-tooth smile. Unfortunately, since it appeared Kodi was in much better shape, Gene wouldn’t be getting rid of him anytime soon.

He shrugged and looked up at the sky. “Suit yourself. You prob’ly spend a lotta time alone in your room masturbatin’ t’cheap porn, huh?” Kodi taunted. Not that he’d never done that before… But Kodi didn’t have too many friends either. He smirked at the other boy’s assumption. “Nah… It’s just gettin’ more borin’ and unoriginal each time you use it.” Kodi hadn’t expected such a strong reaction to his ‘pretty boy’ comment, but oh boy, did he enjoy it. “Like hell you ain’t. Looked in a mirror lately? Those lips’ll suck a nipple right off,” he snickered. He noticed the aura change, and looked at it with curiosity, but it was still too faint and too quick for him to quite pick out what to think of it. “What’s the matter, ain’t got a witty response to that?” he asked teasingly. Kodi totally saw that blush, and smiled wickedly to himself. He had the guy hooked.

Kodi wasn’t sure if his ‘convincing’ would be good enough, but apparently it was. Success! He paused in his walking as the younger boy did, and raised an eyebrow curiously. He was expecting something rich…. And wasn’t too surprised. He started snickering. “That… That’s even nerdier than I imagined…” he giggled. Who the hell named their kid Eugene? That was just cruel. “I’m gonna call you, Gene,” he announced, slowly starting to walk again. “How old’re you, Genie?” He paused, then added,”I’m nineteen, if you wanted t’know first.”

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“i do make my own choices,” he said sourly. Yes, he decided what he ate, what he wore, where he went and when he went(save for the school situation), what he spent his money on… It wasn’t like there was anyone around to tell him how he should do all that stuff. “If that’s not independence, then I cannot fathom what would be.” It never occurred to Gene that taking care of himself - as in cleaning up after himself, doing his own laundry, working a job, cooking his own meals, etc - were also a part of independence. He had a person who was paid well to do all that for him. Gene glanced with seeming disinterest at those sudden shark teeth. “….you look like Rin,” he commented. Gene didn’t suspect this guy knew who he was talking about, and he wasn’t about to explain either.

“If it makes you happy to think that, then so be it,” he said with a knit of his eyebrows. Gene would never so anything so…abhorrent(yes, he did). Gene shrugged at the boy’s claim of getting ‘bored’. “Then I shall continue to use it without restraint,” he resolved. If it did nothing to the ugly shark-boy, then Gene had no reason to be worried.

Unlike the other boy’s response to ‘ugly’, however, Gene most definitely did not want to be called ‘pretty’, and it was very obvious in the glaring scowl he gave the nuisance of a boy. “You may leave now, if you’re quite done,” he suggested to the buzzing mosquito beside him. Gene refused to address the matter further. His face still felt very warm, though it was also not something he chose to acknowledge.

Gene also didn’t appreciate the mockery on his name. “It’s a good name,” he insisted. “I like it.” Gene closed his eyes and sighed. “That’s fine…” Gene was what everyone else called him anyway. Nobody liked using his full name. At the second nickname, however, Gene glared at Kodi for the nth time since he’d started shamelessly following the younger(but taller) boy. “Don’t call me that,” he warned, a grave tone in his voice. His aura seemed to darken around him again, spreading outwards as though trying to make himself look bigger. Gene held this for a few moments, then relaxed again, facing forward and resuming his walk. “Seventeen,” he said simply. Gene didn’t see how that mattered anyway.

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Alright, Kodi was beginning to realize that he was going to go nowhere with this conversation. “You’re a really stubborn sheltered kid, ain’t you?” he snorted, just as sour. “You prob’ly even have a maid do all the dirty work that you’re too ‘good’ t’do yourself, huh?” He wouldn’t be surprised by this point. Kodi hoped said person at least got paid well, if they had to put up with this brat and his presumably stuck-up parents. “… What’s a Rin?” he replied to the comment, brow furrowed in confusion. Kodi assumed it was an insult, because he didn’t watch anime. Whatever, he let it drop as his teeth dulled back to their normal state with only a small ache. At least his side-effects seemed to be getting better, even if his control over it when he was angry/upset/eating was still poor.

“Mm… I think it does make me happy,” he decided with a nod and a smirk. That sort of imagery might make one of his own nights a little entertaining. After all, Kodi did think pretty boys were sexy, even if he wouldn’t admit it. “Sure, sure, you do that,” he said offhandedly with a wave. “When you come up with somethin’ more clever, let me know.” He really wasn’t bothered, Kodi knew he wasn’t the most attractive guy around. At least he was (obsessively) working out again when he wasn’t too hungover to function. “I’m not done, but thanks for the permission,” he smirked, resisting the urge to lean in and give those nipple-sucking lips an experimental tap. Kodi let the subject drop… For now. It would likely come up again soon, especially if they were going where the dentokinetic hoped they were.

“Right, right, my bad,” Kodi replied while raising his hands in ‘surrender’, even while he continued to snicker. “Just didn’t know anyone named their kids that anymore these days.” Or rather, seventeen years ago, but still. “What? You don’t like Genie?” he asked, pouting. “But it’s cute. Like y’might grant me a wish if I ask an’ rub your… Magic lantern.” Cue more snickering. The kid probably wouldn’t get the innuendo, but he hoped he did. However, even Kodi paused to gawk at the sudden dark aura around the younger boy, eyes slightly widened in awe. “Wow… You could really scare the shit outta people with that,” he whistled, hurrying to catch up again. Ah, seventeen… Kodi felt like it was ages since he’d been that age. “Not too young, then,” he mused vaguely to himself, smiling mischievously. “So, Genie- I mean, Geeeene – where’re we headin’?”

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Gene had been told he was sheltered before.  How could he not? Most people thought that rich kids were sheltered, didn't they? It was just another stunt of theirs to poke fun at people with a fortunate life that they will never have, and could never appreciate.  "It doesn't matter if you think I'm sheltered or anything else degrading you can come up with.  I'm still better than you."  That was just plain fact. Indisputable. This guy could call him all the names he wanted, it wasn't going to change fact.  He had to admit, though, the teeth were pretty cool.  This offensive guy could probably pull off a number of awesome cosplays with teeth like those.  Gene pondered over this, still refusing to explain what a 'Rin' was. 

"Good for you, then," he said with patronizing sincerity. "I'm glad you have at least one thing you can be happy about in whatever pathetic life you live."  Even if it was something as vulgar as imagining another man masturbating.  Whatever got him off was his business.

Why was Gene even still talking to this guy?  Because he kept talking to Gene, that's why.  Annoying as it was, it wasn’t in Gene’s nature to ignore people talking to him, even if they were pests.  Still, Gene wished that this punk would leave already, but had (almost) resigned himself to the fact that he was probably going to be followed all the way home.  Now wasn’t that great…

“There’s 6 billion+ people in the world, and you can’t imagine that at least some of them would name their child Eugene?” he asked rhetorically. Gene rolled his eyes. “You really are an idiot.” And no he did not like the nickname Genie. For one, he was not a girl. For two, it was not his name. The innuendo was not lost on Gene, however, and this was shown through the deeper colors that were spreading throughout his aura. Yes, he was getting both angry and impatient with this obscene fellow. He pulled in the dark glow once he started moving again, though the colors did not change much. He quickened his pace only slightly, but would gradually slow down once again, as soon as he’d calmed down enough. Gene took a breath. “I am heading to the convenience store,” he said, as if to stress that he was going alone and wasn’t actually taking Kodi with him. That punk was just tagging along as a nuisance.

Though….Gene sighed as they slowed to a stop in front of the convenience store. “Is there anything you want?” he asked tiredly. “I’m getting a snack.”

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Kodi wasn’t that jealous that this guy obviously lived so easily in his privileged life. Well, okay, maybe he was a little jealous. But he also pitied the boy a little bit, because if he was ever thrown out into the real world, Kodi was sure he would flounder and be completely lost. At least Gryph, despite being rich, also knew how to take care of himself…. “Better than me?” he snorted in disbelief. “Right. Okay. Not like you had to work your way into it or anythin’, you were just born lucky, but sure, that’s logical.” Jeeze, this kid was a riot. And Kodi supposed he would have to try and find what a “Rin” was later, because now he was curious, but he wasn’t going to beg for an answer.

He didn’t bother to respond to the patronizing. It wasn’t worth it. And Kodi didn’t know why he was being so stubborn in continuing to talk to him either. The dentokinetic was entertained by things that most people were annoyed by, so he supposed that was why. He found their silly banter more amusing than, say, doing homework, or wallowing in his bedroom alone. So poor Gene would likely have to deal with Kodi until he had something else he had to go do. Like work.

“Nope. None of them, not one,” he quipped snidely. “Your parents must’ve really wanted t’make you miserable, t’choose it for you.” Okay, it wasn’t that bad, but Kodi had to make fun. Still, he was distracted once again by the dark swirls of color in Gene’s aura, which he gazed at with curious delight. “I must really be getting’ on your nerves,” he snickered to himself. Kodi quickened his own steps to keep up with the taller boy, wondering how much longer it would be before the kid really exploded at him. Or maybe he’d pay him to leave? Heh, that would be funny. “Oh neat, I’m gettin’ hungry anyway,” he replied, totally ignoring the enunciation. And when they did reach the store, and Eugene seemed to give in and ask what he wanted, Kodi grinned to himself as he pondered his answer. “Hmmm… How ‘bout… An ice cream bar,” he determined. “One’a those really expensive, fancy kind.” Kodi usually didn’t let himself indulge in those sorts of things anymore, so he wouldn’t let this opportunity go to waste.

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The idea that he might not have his privilege – his house, the money, and everything else that made his life easy – had never occurred to Gene. Kodi was completely right that Gene wouldn’t know what to do without it all. He’d be helpless But that possibility wasn’t even a glimmer in any corner of the teenage boy’s mind. “I’m only seventeen, of course I haven’t worked,” he contested. “I will one day, though.” As a doctor or businessman or something else that would yield him a considerable paycheck. That was just matter-of-fact, like everything else he knew in his life.

Okay, that managed to coax a laugh from the sour-faced student, however short it was. “I’m certainly not miserable, and especially not because of my name,” he said with a less stiff, though still condescending smirk. “I like my name. It has character. Just because you hate your generic name, doesn’t mean everyone else hates theirs.” After all, how much more plain can you get than Kodi? (Though he was assuming it was spelled the traditional way, as Cody, and not an abbreviation for real name). It was such a shame Kodi was too much getting on Gene’s nerves, because apparently he could be funny…sometimes. And only just barely.

Despite that, the only reason why he decided to offer to buy Kodi a snack was because it was polite. And he figured that if Kodi was going to follow him around like a puppy, then he may as well feed him. You know, taking care of pets and all. “Ice cream bar,” he repeated. “Fine.” Believe it or not, Gene had never had one of those, but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out which one Kodi wanted. Just grab the most expensive one. Gene went inside, not caring if Kodi followed him in or not, and meandered through the aisles. When he returned to the front, he had three Nutella &GO! snacks in hand. He approached the cashier, again not caring if Kodi was with him or not.

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Considering Kodi had basically been disowned as soon as he’d been taken to Hammel, he knew what it was like not to rely on his parents for his needs and wants. Granted, he had people at Hammel to help him when he needed it (and when he actually asked for it), and his mom was back in his life now, but still. “Sure you will,” Kodi scoffed, unconvinced. “Let me know when you do, so I can give you a pat on the back.” He didn’t want to know what kind of employee the brat would be. Probably one that wouldn’t get hired very easily (at least, he thought with his biased opinion).

Kodi had to let out a laugh when Gene assumed he had a “generic” name. “Kodi’s a nickname, Gene,” he replied, although there was a tad bit of embarrassment when he thought of his full name that he hated. ‘Kodi’ was just the best he could get away with. Although now that he thought about it… He should have chosen the nickname K.O. That would be a good choice. “I don’t think you could handle my full name,” he said with a mockingly patronizing sniff. “Only the most worthy of people are allowed t'hear it.” Oriel and Gryph were two of the only ones that did.

Kodi was very surprised at the offer, honestly, but he tried not to let it show. And he was pretty hungry… maybe he should get more than just the ice cream? Nah, that might be pushing his luck. “Thanks, babe~” he cooed, giving another (dull-toothed) smile. The dentokinetic did follow Gene into the shop, glancing around a little but mostly watching and observing the skinny twig of a boy in front of him. Kodi doubted he ate very well, and he was proven correct by his choice in his own snack. “That’s, like, rabbit food,” he commented, eyeing his own quite large, gourmet ice cream bar. “I hope you eat more than that at home.” After the snack was purchased, Kodi happily bit into it and let out a small, satisfied moan. “So good~” he cooed, nibbling on the chocolate edges happily. His teeth were slightly sharp, as was common when he ate. “I’ll have t’repay you somehow.” Kodi hoped he didn’t regret saying that.