No! [Zac]

[Eric Bower]

Eric needed distractions. What better distraction than school work? He knew if he really wanted to get neck deep in information, he couldn't do that in his room. His roommates seemed to have a thing about leaving him alone. It had something to do with him being young and injured, but whatever. He was pretty much over it. Pretty much. With that annoying little though in mind, he spread out the books he had plucked from the shelves and began to do his research on his History paper. They were currently going over the Black Plague era of Europe and Eric decided to go the extra mile and actually learn more about it.

Though he really wasn't finding anything more 'in depth' than what his text book was telling him. 'No form of sanitation, fleas transferred disease to rats, rats to humans.' He wasn't getting any more interesting information then that and after the third reference book that told him the same thing, he smacked it shut and leaned back in the chair, his hands rubbing his eyes. After all this concentration, his eyes were having a hard time of focusing on distant things. Like the window, or the empty chair across from him.

After a moment he sighed and leaned forward again and began to lazily flip through the pages of the reference book, his face rested in the palm of his hand. The light in the library wasn't 'oh my god' bright like the rest of the school, so the remaining discolored skin around Eric's eye wouldn't show that much, but the eye itself was still reddened from the beating it too. The cut on his forehead still had the stitches, though, because that would take longer to heal. He wished it'd hurry up and seal so he'd stop having to explain the story.

Though now that time had passed, he wasn't so flinchy anymore. He knew they weren't going to break into the school just to kick his ass again. And he knew that not everyone was like that. He was aware he was safe within the halls of Hammel, and because of that he had felt more relaxed recounting what actually happened--even if he still didn't want to talk about it easily. Thinking back on it still made him break out into a cold sweat.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac was in a bad mood. It wasn’t his fault really. Well, not entirely. After all, he said it in good faith and as a joke. Fine, it wasn’t a joke and he meant every bit of what he said, but it wasn’t directed to him. No, not to him directly but for what he’s forcing Zac to do.

Today’s after school afternoon started with a meeting in Zac’s drama classroom. Mr. Bond Darryl called the class over to discuss how their Christmas play would go (logistics, props, location, publicity, etc.) and run over some lines afterwards. Being awarded the lead role (it was either him or Samuel; of course Zac wouldn’t let him be defeated by Rixon, no, not in this lifetime), he had to attend the said meeting. Also, he was warned by Cedric that if he didn’t attend, his private jet privileges would be suspended again (which meant shopping at local stores once more). Despite not being in the mood for “work”, he still attended, despite coming in 30 minutes late.

For the most part of the practice, everything went by smoothly. Zac participated and followed Darryl’s every whim. But things started to take a turn for the worse when Darryl proposed they practice the whole play again. Zac ‘unintentionally’ shouted “Why? That’s so gay” and Darryl’s face just turned sour. He gave Zac a stern warning not to say those words again. Zac’s never seen him so agitated that he just nodded almost immediately.

But it seems his promise is all but set in sand. A couple of scenes later, Zac said the sentence again when Darryl asked him to move off center a bit to let the others be seen. Then again when Darrly told him to feel the emotions more. And again when he was told he was off cue. And again and again and again that Darryl just got furious and sent him out. He tried apologizing to Darryl but his mind’s pretty much set now; there’s nothing he can do. And what’s worse, he feels this’ll reach his parents. Goodbye private jet forever.


And that’s why he’s in the library today, carefully observing his ‘prey’ from behind an aisle. He was on his way back to his dorm when he saw the twerp go inside the library. He’s been itching to tease Eric about anything and everything under the sun after that tree-throwing incident but he just couldn’t find him alone. He’s always with his girlfriend. But now, he’s not, making the twerp an easy target for him to release all his frustrations upon.

After making sure redhead-girlfriend won’t come anytime soon, he stealthily approached the kid, seating opposite him without even making a noise. “Oooh. Twerp’s a good student I see. You sure that’s not just an act?” he asked coyly, his arms crossed together on top of the table.

[Eric Bower]

He had flipped his way all the way to the 'G's in the encyclopedia, and was starting to nod off in boredom. He hadn't been listening to his music in public lately, because past experience revealed that was a bad thing. First he nearly crushes a girl and tosses a total butthead into a wall and the second time he gets jumped by a bunch of bible thumping teenagers. He'd like to not repeat any sort of action like that. He'd even gone the extra mile and left his ipod in his room. It was hard at first, but he just learned to tune out his teachers without sneaking an earbud up through the back of his shirt and then sitting with his hand over his ear the entire class. That was uncomfortable anyway.

Now he just doodled.

His paper, by the way was sitting half written next to him. Since he had started writing it before he started looking at all the different sorts of books, he had thought he'd find more interesting things about it. That, however, was a bust, and he'd have to start over to make the paper flow like his old English teacher taught him. He didn't like the idea of wasting paper (and having to start all over again) but there you go. However he jumped slightly when he suddenly saw a figure slink into the seat across from him. The asshole attitude made him recognize who it was before he recognized the actually person. Self appointed jerk-wad of Hammel. His absent expression soured instantly at Zac's use of the word 'twerp' because who says that, and secondly because he was sitting there.

"I don't have a man-slave to do the work for me." Eric quipped, extra bold for some reason. He really didn't want to put up with anything at the moment because everything had been going...remotely alright lately, except for the whole attack thing. But besides that, he had Autie, so how could he be sad all the time?

"Don't you have some little girls to threaten or something?" Eric asked with a small glare, obviously still bent out of shape because of what happened on the courtyard. But seriously. Who yells at a thirteen year old for not being able to control their power? Zac seemed to qualify for a lot of the 'who does that' questions.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Unfortunately for Eric, Zac seems like he’s just naturally drawn towards he boy (not romantically of course). He can’t pinpoint exactly why of all the freshmen he’s encountered all these years in Hammel, Eric stands out. True, Eric’s the first one to throw him halfway across the courtyard using a tree, but others have done far worse than that. He does look cute and fluffy and cuddly, but other kids are like that too. Or maybe, because Eric seems so innocent and naïve and gullible – like a child in every sense of the word – that somehow, Zac remembers himself in Eric, minus the attitude of course. Well, that last reason may be a bit of an exaggeration already, but whether it is true or not, we’ll never know. Even Zac can’t exactly pinpoint why, so how are we to know?

What we do know is that Eric appeals so much to Zac that he plans on corrupting the kid. Yes, you heard that right. Unlike the dozens he’s broken and thrown out to the dumpster (literally and figuratively), Zac has much greater plans for Eric. He plans on making Eric just like him. Probably akin to a legacy he’ll leave when he graduates out of Hammel.


Zac couldn’t help but laugh when Eric replied ever-so-sourly at him. He was expecting a more passive “Get out, I’m working here” response, so it wouldn’t take much to say that Zac was extremely surprised. Maybe the redhead was a good influence after all.

“Gosh. Who knew Twerp had a backbone? How’d you grow that? ‘Van gave you lessons after I left?” Zac gave Eric a cocky gaze, his eyes more interested and amused than insulted. “And for your information, I do my schoolwork properly. My man-slaves are rather incompetent when it comes to academics. Sad really.” He made a slight pout and shook his head to ‘emphasize’ his sadness. True he doesn’t actually use servants to do his schoolwork for him, partly due to him excelling on that field already and another due to the fact that his mom prevented such practices. “So,” he asked, trying to sound vaguely interested at Eric’s work, “What’cha writing about? An essay on how to throw people across the courtyard?”

“Well, what do you think I’m doing right now?” If Eric was a normal kid, Zac would’ve grabbed him by his collar already and growled in front of him, scarring him for the rest of his life. But as said earlier, Zac was rather amused by everything right now. The fact that Eric now knows how to respond "properly" makes Zac want to push his buttons more and see what other tricks he might dish out.

[Eric Bower]

If Eric only knew what Zac had in store for him...he'd probably lock himself in his room and never, ever leave again. Or he'd catch the first city bus back home. Zac might find him in his room at school. But with his big brother on guard at home, Zac couldn't possibly single him out there, right? On second though, Eric wouldn't want Zac anywhere near his little sister because of how much of an ass Zac was, and how much of an ass Amanda already was.

Though, of course, Eric would love it if Zac hadn't appointed him his protege for whatever reason. Eric couldn't really stand Zac. He was hauty, egotistical, spoiled, and Eric couldn't really see a 'good' in him. Because, seriously, who yells at a little girl (and shoves boys against trees for doing something on accident)? After a moment of clenching his jaw, he started to flip the books closed, just to avoid speaking to the prick for a moment longer. "No Van didn't help me." Eric seethed, though in retrospect that was probably the worse thing to say because it didn't denounce his jib at him getting help in getting a backbone. Sure, something did happen that turned him a bit more...that, but Eric didn't reflect on it as any sort of good or helpful thing. his face was still messed up from it!

"It's for History." Eric was aware that his answer didn't help at all, but he also wasn't in the mood to amuse Zac, for whatever reason. Gooo awaaay. Eric thought-yelled at the guy, but Zac wasn't telepathic so he wouldn't get the message....if only...

Eric rolled his eyes and leaned back in the chair, and folded his arms across his chest. That was the best 'don't mess with me' face and posture he could come up with, whether that actually worked on Zac or not---ok Eric was pretty sure it'd just amuse the sadist. At Zac's return question about threatening little girls, and the implication that Eric, himself, was a little girl his cheeks flushed angrily. Which really wasn't any help at all. "What do you want?" He snapped, since his social skills didn't include being a total butthead.

[Zachary LaRousse]

“Of course it wasn’t Van. He’s much too sweet to help you grow a backbone,” Zac’s tone more akin to someone thinking out loud than telling something to somebody, “I actually find it very interesting why I haven’t ‘broken’ Evan yet. Wonder how he slipped through my fingers…” Zac couldn’t snap at Evan, no. Despite being at odds with the boy personality-wise, Zac owed Evan one. Evan unknowingly saved him from a fight before; a fight Zac had no chance of winning. His untimely phasing allowed Zac to gain the upper hand of the said fight, saving Zac’s ego from taking a huge blow. But Eric doesn’t need to know that; he might see Zac as a damsel instead of a conqueror, and that might ruin his plans of making Eric his padawan.

“If it wasn’t Van,” Zac said, as if pensively thinking about the subject, “Then was it that creepy hag Fifi then? Or the drama-geek Ari?” It was clear that Zac had done his research (albeit a little creepy at that). Not everyone gets Zac’s favor, and he must make sure he made the right choice. If Eric has been under Ari’s “tutelage”, then this would be hard – Ari knows Zac a little too well that she knows exactly how to stop Zac. But if it was that creepy hag, well, let’s just say Zac would rather Eric be under Ari’s guidance than her.

He leaned in a bit closer, adding softly, “Or maybe,” he paused for effect, smirk clearly visible on his face, “It was the redhead, Autie?” He said Autie’s name a little too breathy – a bit too sensual that a kid Eric’s age would probably not understand the undertone. Eric and Autie are practically inseparable (in Zac’s eyes) and he actually finds it “cute”, for the lack of a better term. Deny it all he can, he’s actually a fanboy of the two.

“History? Under Mr. Tonaya? Meh. Hate that class,” Zac huffed, returning to his seat. Having Samuel and Vincent together in a room was never a good combination (which is probably one of the reasons why he doesn’t hang around his dorm suite as much as before). Sure putting them in History (arguably one of the most boring classes ever) made class more “exciting”, but it was never enjoyable.

“Is it wrong for a guy to want to hang out and bond with another?” His tone was of sarcastic sweetness, and his mediocre puppy pout was nothing to laugh about. Zac couldn’t help but laugh inwardly when he saw Eric’s pathetic attempt at being “tough”. He clearly had his work cut out for him.

[Eric Bower]

Err, he had a feeling Zac would throw it back in his face and he wasn't surprised when he did. He didn't get why Zac cared so much about 'breaking' Van. He though only slave drives and horse owners did that. Eric didn't see Zac dressing up in a rodeo costume anytime soon, and getting on a horse...Yeah, that wouldn't happen. So why did he care so much? He was such a weird person. Like one of those crazy popular people that only exist in movies. And for some reason, Eric got on Zac's list. God he hoped Zac didn't try to 'break' him.

Then his eyes widened as Zac gave pretty good descriptions of his roommates. His jaw clenched together for a moment as he processed that. How in the world did Zac know who his roommates where?! Judging by how he spoke of them, he wasn't friendly with either one, so that didn't explain it. Did that mean Zac like..watched him or something? That was just too creepy for words. Eric's face etched slowly into a scowl. "It's none of your business how it happened." Again, he wasn't discounting to the fact he grew a backbone, because he really did realize how much he changed from before that attack.

He blushed because of how Zac said Autie's name. He didn't know exactly why, but he felt Zac was implying something, and that kinda freaked him out. A lot. He scratched the back of his head and wished his blush went away, because that would probably only egg Zac on. Which wasn't fair. Why can't he just spit back a retort that would make Zac leave him alone? "Don't talk about her like that." He said hushed because of his embarrassment. It wasn't fair! Gah, why did Zac have to pick today to be a butthead?! Autie was someone that Eric got along with great, but also scared him an equal amount. Yes they were....dating, but Eric didn't know what that meant! Well he did and he didn't. But mostly he 'didn't.' He had no idea what he was supposed to do when they hung out!

"Mr. Tonaya is a great teacher!" Eric snapped, defending one of his favorites. Mr. Tonaya was nice, and if Eric had a question about something (he often did), the teacher was eager to answer his questions. And Eric admired he was such a comic book nerd. It was a great class when Eric could get Mr. Tonaya to talk about the Green Lantern. Eric was almost as big a nerd in that area as Mr. Tonaya. And he didn't appreciate Zac mouthing off about him. Was nothing of Eric's sacred to that boy?!

Eric snorted at Zac's counter question. "I though I was a girl." ...Why did he just say that?! What in the world--he might as well have just stuck his entire leg in his mouth. Any sort of victory he won--gah! He was such an idiot. He leaned forward in the chair and ground his palm into his eye--the good one--for a moment and sighed loudly. "Just--just not today? Okay Zac. Please." He meant it and he sounded completely exhausted. "I don't need this sort of crap right now. Please." He had leaned forward a bit more just to get his point across.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Fortunately for Eric, Zac wouldn’t ‘break’ the boy. God no, that’s the last thing he’d want right now. Like what was previously said, he’d want to ‘make’ the boy, not destroy him. And besides, he already ‘broke’ the boy, in one way or another, during their first meeting (which he kinda regrets now, seeing that he’s met with much opposition already).

Despite Eric not asking how or why he had such an opinion on his roommates, Zac decided to babble about it still. “If you must know, I’ve known Ari for a couple of years already, much more than you can ever imagine,” Zac told him with a no-nonsense tone. He would’ve wanted to say that he’s been with Ari when he was young, much like Eric is with Autie right now, but that would just be too weird. Revealing too much information (especially those that weren’t really asked of) was never a good thing, unless you want to surprise someone with the said information and take advantage of the shock. “As for the hag, well, I just know.” Zac never had any personal encounter with Fifi yet, and he has no plans of ever having one. Rumors of what she can and might do to a person just gives Zachie the chills. “You friends with them already or something?”

“Well it is my business dearie,” he chuckled, giving Eric a friendly pout. “I mean, I just couldn’t let people just corrupt my sweet, sweet Eric, could I?” He gave Eric a soft pinch on the cheek and ruffled his hair a bit. Actually, he just hated it that Eric had grown one even before he started ‘working on him’. Made his plan a bit complicated, but not totally impossible.

Zac couldn’t help but laugh when he saw Eric blush widly at the mention of Autie’s name. Seems he wasn’t so innocent afterall. “Oooh, Eric’s got a girlfriend, Eric’s got a girlfriend.” Childish and immature, but Zac could care less. Somehow, it reminded him of the time when he flirted with someone because he likes the person, not because he can. “So, have you kissed yet?” he asked in a teasing, irritating, yet amused tone. He’s already started showing a snippet of the fanboy side of his, so it doesn’t matter hiding it completely anymore.

“He’s a great teacher alright, but the subject itself is really boring,” said Zac, rolling his eyes. True, he admired Mr. Tonaya. He seems so fun and he does try to make the class more interesting (and lately he seems so giddy, so happy, as if he’s…blooming). But really, history is so not for Zac. He’d rather wear a $100 ensemble and live on a hundred-thousand per week allowance than study how the United States poked its nosy nose on the Korean War (not that he ever considered it). “Don’t tell me you’re a history fanatic too?”

Oh my. And that was supposed to stump Zac? Really Eric, really? It seems Eric’s backbone is only good at the beginning. As the conversation drags on, it disappears. Sad really. He did some sort of face palm, shaking his head and sighing in a mix amusement and pity. “You do know that you’re not supposed to give up that easily, do you? Especially to me. I do like the challenge and if you bore me, I’ll leave you.” Not exactly the words he wants Eric to hear, but hopefully it’ll encourage the kid to give a more witty remark (according to Zac’s twisted logic).



ooc:
Bananuh! I am so so sorry for the late reply. Fortunately, Jared!music helped revive Zac!muse, but I don't think it was that good. D;. No worries though, I think I'll get better (quality and posting-time-wise) come the weekend, since I'll be having a long one. YEY!
School's hard. *nods*. Lol. Again sorry for the delay and I do hope you have fun spazzing over JongHyun. :3.
- Jam

[Eric Bower]

((Dear GOD, that boy is a sexy angel. >_> And seriously, don't worry about posting immediately. No need to stress over something ya do for fun, eh?))

Eric really wouldn't like to figure out what was going on inside that head of Zac's. He already didn't like what had been coming out of his mouth, but if he heard that Zac wanted to mold him into a clone (or something like that) Eric would do all he could to never see this guy again. Because that was just weird. Like before, in the category of 'who does that' Zac was more qualified than anyone he'd ever met. Seriously.

It was understandable that the two of them had known each other for a while, OK. What did Zac mean by 'more than you can imagine,' though? Did they...date, or something? Maybe Eric would ask Ari about it, just to hear her side of the story. Eric didn't know much about either of them, but whatever. It was just creepy to hear Zac knew who his roommates were. "Or something." Eric said with a sigh. "Fifi is kinda creepy...always trying to touch me for some reason." Eric shrugged away the matter, because some people were just the physical sort, right?

Cold chills traveled down his spine at Zac's words. His sweet Eric? What? Because of this mental distraction, Zac was able to get away with pinching his cheek (which hurt) and ruffling his hair (which hurt what little ego he had). He smacked Zac's hand away from him with a glare. "Cut that out." He ordered, though he wasn't that threatening of a person, even angry. He got flustered more than angry.

Which that angry evaporated as Zac began to chant 'Eric's got a girlfriend.' Mostly because Eric could hardly believe it himself. Him and Autie were great friends, and yeah, he liked her. But he...didn't...know what to do with that. However, Zac was never going to find that out. (Eric, honey, everyone already knows). "That's none of your business." Eric snapped when Zac asked him if they kissed. The answer was a flustered and stammering 'no.' Eric was..afraid. He didn't know how to kiss, for crying out loud. He wished his older brother was here, to give him some pointers or advice, but sadly he wasn't.

"History isn't boring." Eric mumbled, he was rather fascinated by it, and it was interesting to him because of how Mr. Tonaya taught the class. Eric very rarely lost interest in the topic of discussion. And as for allowances. Eric got twenty dollars a week put into a bank account that he had the card for if his grades remained good and there wasn't and discipline problems. So far, Eric had just been saving his money for....something. Eric probably wouldn't be able to wrap his brain around Zac's allowance. Like, at all. (I barely can)

"I'm not 'giving up'! Sheesh, it's like a game to you!" Eric, that's exactly what it is. Though Eric didn't know that. He didn't know people did that. Eric's version of a game involved a Tv or a computer and first person shooter. However, that little tidbit of information about what would 'bore' him. Maybe Eric could be boring? So Zac would leave him alone? That would be great. Though Eric wasn't a tactful person. He wasn't good at planning the direction of a conversation, or baiting others. Or being subtle. Or being sarcastic.

[Zachary LaRousse]

It seems Eric was still quite scared of Zac. Despite the supposed backbone growth, Eric’s still like everyone else – intimidated, a bit terrified and generally irritated (well who wouldn’t be?) – which spells quite a problem for Zachie. If he was going to mold Eric, he must first see Zac as a ‘friend’, more or less. But how will he do that?

“Woah. I knew she was kind of a slut but I didn’t know she was a pedophile too,” Zac chuckled as Eric told about his personal Fifi experience. Really, what Zac knew about Fifi was hazy at most (probably because a few were left to tell the tale) but he from what he can gather, and what he sometimes saw, is that Fifi is one weird woman. Innocent on the outside, horrible on the inside. He wouldn’t dare touch that woman, not even for a handshake. And this new knowledge about her uncontrollable urge to touch Zachie’s little boy made her more repulsive in the prince’s eyes. “I do hope you don’t let her touch you,” he said, still in his ‘Zac tone’ but now with a pinch of care (only if you squint), “Just stay away from her. She seems trouble.” Yes, more trouble than the prince, if he might add.

“You look so cute when you try to act all tough and macho,” Zac laughed quite loudly (his laugh both amused and mocking), not caring that they’re in the library and Eli could send them off any minute. Yes, he did say the forbidden c-word quite loud. It seems Eric just has this weird effect on him. Is Eric sure that he can only control trees and not emit some kind of pheromone or maybe one that can affect his emotions? Well whatever it is, Zac hopes this unexpected, but not totally unwanted, ‘explosion’ of un-Zachie-ness would calm Eric’s nerves.

And things just keep getting better and better. Eric seems more flushed now that the topic’s on Autie, which made Zac pry even more. “Wait, so you haven’t kissed her? Why? You had all the time in the world during the dance. Heck, you were inseparable,” Zac asked, knowing the meaning of the tone even if Eric hadn’t said ‘no’ out loud. “Wait, is she really your girlfriend Eric? Or maybe, you’re just friends with benefits? Or worse yet, maybe you’re just imagining that you are together?” Again with the boisterous mocking laugh. He enjoyed teasing the kid as much as being a fan of the two. Hopefully Eric wouldn’t take it the wrong way.

“Wait, wait, wait. I think I know why,” Zac suddenly added, his smile turning into a smirk, “You don’t know how to kiss someone. Yeah. That seems right.” He leaned back to his chair, his right hand under his chin as if thinking ever-so-deeply. “You haven’t kissed a girl yet, did you? My, my, Eric’s a virgin.” He continued chanting the phrase for a while, enjoying the sight of Eric getting more and more worked up over the whole thing.

“Fine, fine, to each his own,” Zac huffed. Clearly Eric was a history-geek. He can let that pass. A few non-Zac-like quirks were ok, he thinks. He wants a Zac-apprentice, not a Zac-clone after all.

“It’s not a game Eric? Then what is it? Enlighten me!” Zac said in false interest, complete with the exaggerated eye widening and hand gestures. Unfortunately for Eric, nothing he can do can get Zac off his side (well, unless Eric had some hidden sadistic persona inside that is even scarier than Zac). Boring or not, Zac will continue to pester him. After all, Zac has enough frustration for the both of them to keep the conversation going (his drama flop is still at the back of his head). And he doesn’t need to worry about sarcasm, subtlety or conversation manipulation. Why would Zac be here other than to teach the boy that? (Well he was here to blow steam primarily, but that’s beside the point).


ooc:
Yup yup. To both. Haha. :3.
-Jam

[Eric Bower]

Eric wouldn't say he was 'scared' of Zac, mostly because he just didn't want to admit he was scared of a meta, but it wasn't just that. Zac, while he seemed very outwardly aggressive, just seemed....not, at the same time. Eric didn't really have a word for that, but he was more wary towards the older male than scared. If Eric could hear his thoughts (although it's already been established that he can't), however, he'd be severally put off because of Zac's plans to 'mold' him. It didn't sound fun, or safe.

Eric felt offended for Fifi's sake, as Zac called her a slut. That was a bit extreme...wasn't it? Eric didn't know her that well, or know of her like that, so it didn't seem fair at all for Zac to say such a thing about Fifi. And he also didn't quite understand why Zac called her a pedophile. It wasn't like she was trying to...do that sort of thing with him and it also wasn't like there was a huge age gap between them. Whatever, Eric was just confusing himself. "She isn't...that bad." Though honestly, Fifi scares him more than Zac does. He looked down at the table while Zac offered advice of staying away from Fifi. It was sound advice, but it would be hard to do, considering she was his roommate.

Eric's blush deepened and remained present on his face as Zac seemed to badger him with loads of questions, that were all extremely embarrassing. "I don't know!" He snapped, because he really didn't. It wasn't like they'd talked about it! Sure, they hung out all the time, they went to the dance together and Eric found himself often staring absently at the bracelet she had made him, and playing with it. He really did like her, and he was under the impression she did as well, but he didn't know what to do!

But he most certainly was not going to ask Zac for any manner of advice. Especially pertaining to this.

Eric's gaze went to his shoes beneath the table in embarrassment. He really hoped it wasn't that obvious. Not that he was a virgin, because to him, that wasn't bad, however, being inexperienced was. He didn't like that being broadcast or common knowledge, but it was pretty obvious, now that he thought about it. Though, half of him wanted to know why Zac cared so freakin' much. Maybe because he just liked to see him squirm? Because Zac was some alien sadist? Yeah. That was totally it. "Hey. It's not a bad thing." He scratched his fingers against the edge of the table for a moment before he looked up at Zac, "is it?" Oh Eric, that was a mistake.

"It's a...uhm...I don't know! But it isn't a game." Yeah. You so told him, Eric.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Maybe calling Fifi a slut was too much, but Zac doesn’t really regret saying it. True, he hasn’t had the chance to get to know the person, but as far as he’s concerned, she hasn’t done anything to prove his claim otherwise. From what he can gather, she touches almost everyone. And by touch he means touching touch. She’s one of the people that despite Zac wanting to learn more about, he almost always returns blank (yes, Zac keeps a tab on the people around him – at times he employs his school drones; sometimes he goes as far as using his personal clan connections to find out a person’s background).

As for the pedophile comment, well, Zac doesn’t really see Eric as a teenage kid. Well, not since he’s grown fond of the boy. He doesn’t really realize that Eric’s only two or so years younger than him. To him, Eric’s this little cuddly boy, and whoever tries to take away his ‘innocence’ is a pedophile. (Apparently Zac has protective instincts too.)

“Really? ‘Not bad’? Are you serious about what you’re telling me?” he asked with a scrutinizing gaze. Normally he’d bash the comment, even if it came from someone he’s fond of. He wasn’t one to change his beliefs easily, especially if he’s extremely sure about it. But Eric is Fifi’s roommate. They interact on a daily basis. Of course he would know. Gosh. He should’ve asked Ari about that woman earlier.

Zac let out another one of his mocking laughs when he saw Eric go deep red under his machine gun of questions. He is really is a bit clueless about things, which made him even more adorable and childish child-like in Zac’s eyes. He truly believes that the two are together, he just wants to mess with Eric’s mind (‘cause he’s just a sadist pig like that). “Oh my, it seems you have a new power then, the power of assumption.” Zac’s eyes opened wide and made the infamous Spongebob hand gesture (minus the rainbow of course).

And it just keeps on getting better and better.

Seeing Eric squirm on his seat is really a sight to see. True, Zac’s gotten a bit protective of the kid, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make him suffer from time to time. He’s already ‘marked’ Eric – in other words, Zac’s the only one with the right to make him suffer. To anyone else, it’s a crime.

“It’s not a bad thing? It’s not a bad thing?” Zac repeated in the most mocking tone ever. “Of course it’s not dear Eric. It never was. After all, Autie will like you even more when you kiss and it feels so awkward. You know what’ll make it even better? You fainting right after the kiss.” Zac got his first kiss when he was 14, only about a year younger than Eric. And though he had a (or tried to maintain a) cool-chic image back then, he became so awkward after they kissed that he couldn’t show himself to the girl for a few weeks. It was really an embarrassing stage in Zac’s life, something he doesn’t wish to relive, ever. But Eric need not know that.

As for the last statement, well Zac decided to simply drop it all together. “Fine then, it isn’t a game. It’s not. I was wrong. Happy?” He was stumped; not because Eric’s reply was too witty, but because it was too bland. To an extent, Eric achieved his goal – he bored Zac with that comment. Unfortunately, instead of making Zac leave him, it only made Zac even more determined to ‘mentor’ the poor kid.

[Eric Bower]

As far as Eric had seen, and experienced, Fifi just liked to be close to others. Or that was what his innocent mind saw. She'd always sit close to him on the couch when he was watching cartoons tv, or she'd lay her legs across his lap, or lean her back against his arm, or just something to that effect. It didn't really irk Eric so much so as the words that came out of her mouth. Yes, some were a bit vulgar (to Eric's virgin ears), but he still didn't qualify any of that to 'slut.' Eric was pretty sure she was a nice girl, just...different.

And then he realized he was justifying Fifi's actions because Zac so obviously didn't like her. Almost as if he'd decided to be nice and friendly to her because he knew Zac wouldn't. It was really odd, and it almost reminded him of his sister, Amanda. Whenever Eric or Justin expressed a liking towards something that Amanda would probably liked, she'd hate it just because they liked it. He always considered it childish of her (though she was eight, so it made sense), he wondered exactly why he was doing it.

Eric tried not to squirm under Zac's scrutiny, and for the most part he was successful. Why did Zac care so much? Did he have some personal vendetta against the girl? (if he did, it'd make a little more sense for him calling her a slut) Or was Zac just one of those people that just opposed the opinion of whoever they were talking to; a devil's advocate or something like that. "Um yeah. She's nice. In a 'in-your-face' sorta way. And she usually doesn't grab the remote..." To save himself from revealing his enjoyment of afternoon and Saturday morning cartoons, Eric let his explanation run out. Whatever. Zac seemed like a stubborn mule and Eric's little watercolored opinion of her wasn't going to change his mind.

Eric tried to glare at Zac for laughing at him, but the embarrassment failed to let that happen. He slumped a little in the chair but then sat up a little, because maybe--just maybe--Zac might be able to help him--a little--on this. It seemed to Eric, that because Zac was so cocky and asshole-ish, he had been in a handful or relationships or more, and might be able to provide just a tad bit of insight on his situation. However, Zac's mocking comment stopped him from asking any questions. The fact he took the little hand-movement from the imagination episode of Spongebob was not lost on him. His glare was successful this time. "Haha." It wasn't funny.

"And hey, I never even said the word 'girlfriend' you did! I really don't know what we are and I don't think she does either. We just like hanging out, sheesh." He was obviously starting to second guess himself and Autie, because of Zac's words. And of course, he blushed again when Zac brought up the idea of kissing. Eric was too...scared he'd mess it up, but it wasn't like you could practice that sort of thing. Eric, also, would never make kissy faces at himself in a mirror. Period. "I wouldn't faint." At least he really, really, really hoped he wouldn't do something like that. It's a shame Zac kept the information about his awkward past to himself, because it would probably lessen his assholish demeanor in Eric's eyes (or something of the sort).

"Ecstatic." Eric replied flatly. He was obviously jumping for joy because Zac admitted he was wrong. Alert the media, stop the presses, call a friend, or any of those other really sarcastic sayings that Eric wasn't too familiar with. This was good practice, though, right?

[Zachary LaRousse]

Hearing Eric’s more-than-generous description of Fifi, Zac decided to just drop the whole issue right there and then. True, Eric hadn’t been influenced much by the slut girl for him to be much too sinister than Zac would’ve expected (and wanted), but it was also clear that she was a goody-two-shoes in front of the kid. If she was trying to look normal in front of her roommates (whose testimony would’ve been much more credible as they ‘slept’ together) or she was simply just not interested in Eric enough, only she would know (much to Zac’s annoyance). Whatever the reason may be, it just means that Zac would get nothing from Eric. Not even a single bad habit.

“Fiiine,” he said, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms, apparently irritated, “She’s a perfectly normal roommate. I’m such a jerk for calling her a slut. You are right, I am wrong. Yada, yada, yada.” He even opened and closed his right hand like a mouth, making his sound message more mocking and disappointed than usual. Hopefully Ari’ll be more discerning and critical of their mysterious roommate than Eric.

If only Zac didn’t have a reputation of being a jerk to keep, he would’ve given Eric some advice right there and then. Zac could see the confusion about everything and the need for someone to tell him what he needs to know based on experience. His unusual caring instincts about the kid scream “Help him”, but he decided to let it pass. Maybe in their next meeting, or later. Just not now. Not until he’s ‘smoothened’ their rapport with each other. He feels that his sudden show of affection (however that may be) may shock the kid. After all, you don’t suddenly put a frog in boiling water – you gently increase the temperature until the frog realizes that it’s all too late.

“Oh god, two mistakes in a row? Gosh, what a wonderful day this is,” though this time, he’s more sarcastic than resigned. He leaned back to his chair and smirked at Eric. “Fine, then you’re good friends,” continued Zac, riding along Eric’s logic, “So, how long have you been good friends?” True, Zac’s no love guru, but he’s been in a couple of (serious) relationships in the past few years, so he knows how Eric feels. The first few stages are really confusing, especially since they’re kids and are probably new to the whole thing, and as much as Zac would want to give a friendly pat in the back, he can’t (or wouldn’t). His pride won’t allow him. So, he’d settle for masking his care in his mocking statements for the moment.

“Nice job kiddo.” Zac just couldn’t stop himself. Eric’s flat reply almost made him jump out of his seat. To hear such a sarcastic comment come out of the kid’s mouth was a dream come true. He knew his work on the kid would bear results, but he didn’t expect them to come this fast. It was really something, and Zac was all too proud of himself (and Eric too) for such an achievement. He ruffled Eric’s hair once more, grinning at Eric like a hungry hyena.


ooc:
Bananuh, real sorry for the extremely late reply. D;
-Jam

[Eric Bower]

It was by no means a victory, but it was the second topic Eric got Zac to admit defeat on. Zac resigned his view in the most dick-headish way Eric thought possible. (he really hated that puppet-mock-hand. His sister did it all the time) It was terribly condesending, and Eric knew Zac didn't really give up, but he still dropped it, so that was a win in Eric's book. Maybe with a few more of those not-a-real-defeats, Zac would leave him alone? It was faint hope. A very faint hope.

Yes, any sign of affection or compassion towards Eric would put him even farther on red alert. It would just be strange, because at this point in time, Eric didn't believe Zac had a single nice bone in his body. Of course he probably would like...maybe some sort of...little tidbit of advice from him, because Zac was obviously the sort of person who has had girlfriends before (maybe even know), so maybe he'd be able to help. But he was also a dick so Eric would rather seek help from someone else. At the moment.

"Mistakes?" He asked, obviously not understanding what Zac was referring to. Were they bad mistakes? What sort of mistake? Two mistakes? What-what-what? He shifted in his seat as Zac asked him how long they'd been good friends. It wasn't like Eric was keeping track, exactly. "Like a month." Or two. Or maybe it was since he'd been here? He wasn't terribly sure. Eric wanted to ask the boy what he should do...but well he was fairly sure Zac would either make a terribly smart comment about it or a dirty and perverted on. Or even a some combination of the two, so Eric refrained.

The grin and the appeased nature Zac now gave off was...odd. Why was he so proud of the fact Eric was sarcastic towards him? "Don't call me kiddo." Seriously. What an awful nickname. Eric wasn't a 'kid.' He was a boneified teenager. Ok, maybe in age, maturity wise he was a bit behind the pack, but that hardly called for such a name. And why in the world would Zac call him 'kiddo' in the first place? He wasn't a grandpa.

(No sweat, Jammy. Srsly.)