No! [Zac]

[Eric Bower]

"That is Mrs. Fluffy, to you, and if Mr. Snowball hears you mocking him, he'll send that 'pet' cat after you in a heart beat," Eric scolded him with flat eyes, his voice held a dry warning. He rolled his eyes, then, and sighed. "We don't have tea parties. We just hang around," he said again with a shrug of his shoulders. Eric was actually proud of himself for being able to keep their garden a secret. He usually wasn't so good about those things.

That sinister smile about Zac's face wiped Eric's little one right off his face. When he started talking, Eric's eyes widened a little and a small blush started working up on his cheeks. Zac was insinuating....that. Eric rung his hands together and glared at the table, because he couldn't look up at Zac. He just couldn't. "Don't...don't say that." Did he have a reason? Kinda. He just couldn't put it in words, his insides were squirming, and his face was hot enough to leave burn marks. It wasn't fair that Zac painted that picture in his mind, it wasn't fair that he had the power or the knowledge (or something like that) to embarrass Eric like that so much. It was mean, and wrong.

When Zac brought out his shiny phone, Eric could focus again as that House-scene melted from the front of his mind (no doubt it'd return again later, though). "It's so shiny," He couldn't help but comment. He knew that was the new iphone, so expensive his father would laugh himself silly if Eric asked for it. He felt a tiny nagging feeling in his brain, that he wanted that, there in front of him. He was greedy for it, and that alone kinda put Eric off on the idea. He didn't need it, so then why should he ask for it? He didn't even need a phone, Zac just insisted he did. "Oh, uh...I don't care." Eric waved his hand at the idea, he didn't like that greedy feeling he felt, he wanted to erase it from him and never feel it again.

When Zac patted him, Eric leaned away from it like a stubborn child and folded his arms across his chest, furthering the image of one. Though what he said did merit some truth, Eric didn't need to go out into Pilot Ridge, everything he needed was at Hammel, and if it wasn't...well he'd cross the bridge when it got there. If Autie wanted to go out into the town, well that was something different. Eric just didn't need to on his own; so he didn't. Eric leveled a look in Zac's direction when he suggested he chaperon their dates. Eric didn't want Autie and Zac to be in the same room. He had a feeling that Zac would do everything in his power to make the situation awkward, most likely at Eric's expense. So...yeah, the two of them would never meet. Ever. However, as much as Eric didn't trust him with Autie, his advice did ring true, a little, and he appreciated the sentiment, so his hard glare (well he thinks it was a hard glare) faded into a smile. "Thanks," It was a little bland, just because Zac couldn't even be nice without being mocking."

"Oh my god! What is it with you and mermaids!" Eric nearly threw his hands in the air, but it occurred to him at the last moment he had spoken a bit to loud and he shrank back in the chair, to avoid the wrath of the librarian. His brother had once told him that all librarian's are Nazis. Eric scowled at the doodle on his notebook and he snatched it away from him, so he couldn't defile the paper and further, and he hid the notebook under one of the research books. "Quit it."

When Zac ruffled his hair again he glared at him and pulled his fingers through his hair, to straighten them back out to how he 'liked' it. He did so with a mocking face in Zac's direction, and a quick jerk of his hands. He'd rather the boy didn't touch him again, obviously. Though he did straighten up and listen to what he had to say about Capo-whatsit. "Dancing?...." Eric was visibly put off on by the idea. Dancing wasn't scary...it was dancing. He couldn't make the connection between Zac's ripped stomach and dancing. Of course in his mind he was picturing some sort of silly ballet, with someone walking on their toes and punching with a flourish. Of course, he had it all wrong, and even Ballet was amazingly hard, but he didn't know that. "Yeah I've played Tekken....I think...Wait...no...yeah...no. My brother did, but I never got into it." Eric finally settled on an answer. That was the game that came out with like a million versions but they were all the same; fighting in a tournament.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Eric answered in reply to Zac's question. "The best of everything rolled into one, and stuff. The hardest, right?" The eager little boy didn't know what he was getting himself into, and even if he did he might not have cared. Zac's words about Autie caught him off guard and he started to blush. She wouldn't do that...would she? When he pinched his cheek he smacked his hand away, again, and glared at him. Again.

[Zachary LaRousse]

My, my, was that sarcasm? Was Eric being snide at him? Did he just give Zac a rather witty retort instead of his usual “Stop it!”-frown-slap Zac’s hand away routine? Zac knew he was having an effect on the kid already, but he really didn’t expect it to happen this fast. It was amazing. An achievement really. Whoever thought that underneath all that innocent boy-next-door charm was a jerk-machine just waiting to be turned on. Seems choosing pretty boy Eric was a good idea after all.

“So Mr. Fluffly’s a Mrs Fluffy now? Guess sex change isn’t exclusive for human beings anymore nowadays. And he, I mean she, even found a husband! You should tell him-her I said hi.” Undoubtedly weaker than Eric’s, but really, who could top that out of the blue remark from the kid?

Seeing Eric flush ever so deeply made Zac happy once more (but then again, what did Eric do over the past few minutes that made Zac upset?). That reaction reminded Zac that somehow, Eric would never really get out of the cute boy image. ‘Cause really, blushing red that much? Last time Zac’s cheeks got so warm was when he was 14. Eric’s 15. One year older, but still. Then it got him thinking. Maybe that’s Eric’s charms? If Zac was supposed to look like a bad boy jerk, maybe Eric would be the cuddly bad boy? Zac smirked as he imagined that maybe, just maybe, Eric might surpass him if he does succeed in brainwashing the boy. Apparently Eric retained that childish charm that Zac’s outgrown eons ago. Promising really, this venture is.

“Oh yeah, I forgot, you’re still a virgin still. You haven’t even kissed a girl, how could you even proceed with that?” he mocked, grabbing one of the books beside him and aimlessly flipping through the pages. Not that being a virgin is bad. After all, Zac himself is still one. But don’t tell Eric. Or anyone for that matter. He’s trying to maintain a bad-boy-that-you-simply-can’t-resist-image remember? “I mean, have you reached puberty yet? And are you sure you’re a guy?” Poor Eric. I wonder how he can still stay seated in front of Zac even after all the jabs.

Zac gave Eric a satisfied smile as he heard his comment. To not be in awe with Zac’s stuff was blasphemy to the prince. “It is. Shiny, new and top-of-the-line. Expensive too,” he said, rather rhetorically, as he was texting his order for the kid. He could see the want in the kid’s eyes, but something seems to be holding him back. Guilt? Why? It’s an offer of a new phone, why would he feel bad about it? It seems Zac has to acclimatize Eric a bit more regarding his not-so-frugal spending. “I don’t think they’ve released an I don’t know model yet Eric-poo. I’ll just order both phones for you so you can try them out for yourself to see which works better.” He titled his head from side to side in a rather amused manner as he finished his text and put the phone down on the desk, feeling so proud of the new nickname he’s thought for Eric.

“What’s wrong with a little mermaid fetish Eric? What?” Apparently Zac, a lot. “Don’t tell me you haven’t fantasized about that feisty mermaid Ariel from Little Mermaid at least once, ‘cause you’d be lying. Doesn’t she remind you of Autie? I mean, they’re both redheads. And have close ties with nature.” He hummed Under the Sea for a while, not caring if he’s destroying a children’s classic by all the innuendos he’s inserting. “Oh yeah, I forgot, you’re still a kid. You’re pure. You haven’t had thoughts like that still. Forgive me,” Zac added in a teasing tone, as if being cute, cuddly and believing in tooth fairies is a bad thing.

Believe it or not, Zac was having fun with the whole touch-slap game he’s having with Eric. He doesn’t really mind that Eric’s been getting better at catching his hand and preventing him from molesting annoying him. “Yes, dancing. It’s hard actually. I have tried it once. It was amazing.” Teasing aside, Zac was actually interested in martial arts. He took quite a few classes when he was 15 but was unfortunately too lazy that none of them came to any fruition. He was thinking maybe this training with Eric might actually be a nice way to continue his abruptly stopped training. “I like it. Seems fluid and unpredictable.” Despite the physical prowess his powers grant him, if Zac would be caught in a fight, he’d rather confuse and boggle his opponent first before striking. Brute force is really not Zac’s style. “You’re missing half of your life kid! Come by my dorm room some time then, I’ll introduce you to the wonderful world of Tekken. But don’t think I’d go light on you on any game though.” Whoever said Zac has left the video game stage already? Sure his collection isn’t as expansive as others, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Eric was definitely pumped up. That offer to study martial arts with him really did do the trick. Nice job Zac, he told himself. Just a little more and Eric will be his little kid now. “Yes. But before that, we need to build your stamina and everything up first. We can’t have you panting like a dog within just 10 minutes of the lesson right? So shall we start the body-building sessions next week? Unless you have a date with dear Autie of course.”


ooc:
Yey for delays. Sorry NanaKee.^_^. And Zac asks if you could give Ann his thanks.:3
-Jam

[Eric Bower]

It seemed like there was an 'annoyed' switch in Eric's mind, and Zac knew just how to flip it. And once he did, the sarcastic words just sorta flowed. Eric was actually quite proud of himself, though with Zac's continued jibes to that topic he just sighed. Even winning, there was no winning with Zac--which was hardly fair in Eric's mind. (didn't he once say it wasn't a game?) "Neither Mrs. Fluffy or Mr. Fluffy had a sex-change. Duh. At that particular instance, Mrs. Fluffy was in attendance and Mr. Fluffy was out." And that was all he was going to say on the matter, really, because they didn't have tea parties--at least not those kind. On occasion, they did hang out with a pot of tea, but not surrounded by stuffed animals.

Eric hated that his cheeks were so easily set a-flame, but he also couldn't do anything to help it. Anything intimate right now, especially things pertaining to him and Autie, just made his stomach squirm. Speaking of squirming, Zac seemed content on continuing his embarrassment. "Of course I'm a guy!" His voice squawked with the remnants of puberty, just to emphasize. He then realized he had raised his voice and he looked around hurriedly. When the giant librarian wasn't spotted he sighed a little in relief and then he glared at Zac. "I wouldn't have gotten my power if I didn't go through puberty, duh." Of course it didn't occur to Eric that Zac was just teasing him.

Eric nearly groaned at the nickname, but being treated like a little child by Zac was something he had already grown to expect. He didn't see the necessity in ordering both of the phones, but his heart kinda swelled with the idea that he was getting that expensive phone for his very own. He smiled a little but chose not to say anything, though it was mostly to bask in the joy he also didn't want to say something that would illicit a childish nickname or something from Zac.

He did groan, however, when Zac wouldn't let the mermaid thing drop, and went so far as to be...raunchy. Eric hadn't fantasized about a fish before, even if she sang some catchy songs. He didn't find cartoons attractive, not that he'd admit that because Zac would probably asked a whole bunch of questions about what he did find attractive. Eric didn't really know what he found attractive. Sure...he had thoughts, and things....but he wasn't about to admit any of that to Zac. It certainly wasn't his business.

He raised an eyebrow to Zac saying it was hard, but he didn't argue, since he didn't know. It might be, in might not be. Either way, he was sure that wasn't for him. He scratched behind his head when Zac invited to kick his ass at Tekken. He was sure Zac would win until he got used to the controls, but Eric was actually pretty adept at winning, so he smirked. "Sure, sure." He grinned because he was sure he would totally pwn Zac, after the first match or two--if the two of them every did play the game.

"Body-building? You mean like weights and stuff?" Eric asked, though he wasn't really looking forward to that part of it, he knew it was necessary. He wasn't in the best shape or had the best stamina. He was sure that running would help more than weight lifting, but any chance to bulk up a little before they started would do him good. He drummed his fingers on the table, distractedly. "No, we don't plan that far into the future," Eric answered with a small smile. Usually they decided to do something the day before, because Autie was random like that.

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac liked making Eric annoyed. He loved seeing the boy flustered and embarrassed. And no, it’s not just because he’s a sadistic freak, but because Eric’s just so cute when he’s angry. Zac just wants to grab the kid and cuddle him when he’s red all over. He wants to get him in a headlock and ruffle the kid’s hair. You know, typical big brother stuff. He never had a younger sibling (not that he blame his parents for it), and while it didn’t bother him that much before, seeing an opportunity to be one to Eric (even against the younger one’s will) is much too good to simply let go. And yes, Zac would never let Eric win, not until he’s established that the kid’s his little sidekick already.

“Ooh. So Mr. Fluffy married somebody, that’s why there came to be a Mrs. Fluffy. I see now. Thanks for clearing the confusion,” he said with an ever-so-sarcastic tone, his eyes wide enough to annoy Eric. “Do you think they have little Fluffies running through their house now? They are rabbits after all.” Of course, Zac wouldn’t let Eric off the topic of sex that easily. Sure he won’t tease the boy about him and Autie being intimate, but that wouldn’t mean he’d stop making references.

“Don’t worry, I’m in good terms with Eli, you don’t have to be afraid of being a bit too loud,” he chuckled as Eric hurriedly looked around for the man. “And besides, I think he’d take your voice crack as cute, adorable and forgivable. It’s not like you’re obsessed on humping him despite having a boyfriend already or you set books on fire regularly.” Oh yes, Verax and Rixon’s fame exceeds them exponentially. All the more reason for Zac to hate the two.

Oh, smartass attitude. Didn’t see that one coming. “Not all people manifest their powers during puberty Eric-poo. Take Mr. Kilbourne and Dr. Campbell’s ward for example. I doubt Niko’s gone through puberty already but he has his powers. And that new guy, Lani. He’s my age but he’s got his power only recently. That’s what I heard anyway. I doubt it if he only experienced puberty now.” That would be very sad indeed, Zac thought. “What I’m asking is if you’re already growing hair in not-so-obvious places already.” He leaned in closer and gave Eric a not-so-decent stare, smirking as he went. “No, don’t tell me. I’m just joking,” he quickly said. Too much information is not good for anyone. And it’s not like he doubts Eric is going through the cycles of life anyway.

“Puberty aside, tell me, have you ever had physical contact with Autie before? I mean, at least holding her hand and hugging? And a good night peck at least?” he asked, going back to his previous question. “Have you done anything else other than tea parties?” If not, then Zac has to give the boy quite the lecture again. Which is good actually. That means he can further infiltrate the boy’s mind and mold him. Who says you need to have mental powers to mess with affect how people think?

If Zac picked up that Eric had…fantasies…he would’ve teased him about it already. Kidding aside, at least he’d know that Eric’s a kid and a male kid to beat – not that he doubts it, the kid has a girlfriend (something he doesn’t have at the moment, not that he’s sad about it). He’d be ecstatic to know that Eric isn’t the goody-two-shoes he seems to be. At least he doesn’t have to work hard on the nasty thoughts department (it would be rather awkward, it seems).

Zac smiled as Eric agreed to play with him. Yet another bonding moment for them, he figures. He is really making progress here. First the self-defense and work-out offer, now this. Really, it won’t be too long before he’s got the kid wrapped around his little pinky.

“Yup. Cardio and body-building. When you look buff, I doubt people will pick on you anymore,” he nodded as he explained stuff to Eric. “And it’ll help you pick more girls up,” he added, giving the kid a sly wink. “Good. Clear that on your calendar already then. I assume you have the ‘proper gear’ right?” And if he doesn’t, Zac doesn’t mind splurging a bit anyway. In short, Eric need not care about anything, not with Zac beside him.

[Eric Bower]

Eric had decided to not saw anything further about Mr. and Mrs. Fluffy and he meant to stick to that, so he wasn't going to answer any more of Zac's innuendos to things he's not really sure what they are about. So what's it matter that they are rabbits, what did that have to do with children, if that was what Zach was even implying?! Eric had no idea, but he still remained silent about the matter. Because he decided he'd stop talking about it.

Eric assumed that Eli was the librarian. He wasn't sure to believe Zac about being on good terms with the dark lookin' giant, but when Zac continued to talk he frowned. He was hardly cute and adorable. He then furrowed his brow as Zac made a reference to...something he wasn't exactly sure what was. "Why would...hump his leg? And set his books on fire? What?" He was missing something, or someone, clearly.

"Well there are exceptions to any case, but the vast majority of metas manifest their power at puberty. So there." He made his point logically and then ruined it with a poke of his tongue between his lips. The urge to stick his tongue out was a powerful one, and sometimes he was powerless to stop it, like now. He clammed up, however, if Zac asked if he was growing hair. Why yes, he was getting a bit of sprout beneath his chin, and scratchy hairs under his arms and...pant region. He wasn't in a rush to admit that to Zac, however, because there wasn't much to be proud of. Justin had to start shaving his face when he started growing hair nearly immediately, and the two of them have the same type of hair, so Eric's really not looking forward to shaving his face.

"Well yeah we hold hands and hug," he said it with a shall shrug of his shoulders. And one time he may have accidentally brushed his lips against her cheek when they pulled away from a hug, but that was completely on accident! He'd blushed for nearly ten minutes from it! Autie darted off. As to his question about anything else they'd done, he kinda shrugged. "We went to the dance together," he wasn't sure if Zac knew that already or not so he'd said it anyway. "And we hang out outsiddee..." Don't tell him, it's a seeeccret! He had to remain steadfast and strong about this.

"Yay." He celebrated a little, but that was all. He was looking forward to looking strong and intimidating, but he wasn't about to happy dance about it....in front of Zac. He cleared his throat as Zac continued to talk (that always seemed to be a problem; he kept talking). "I don't want to pick up any girls. Especially more." Yes, he did know what Zac meant, but he'd decided to be literal about it. He then kinda chuckled when Zac said to clear his calendar, like Eric was such a busy person he had to schedule time in. "Proper gear like....shoes? Aaand shorts? Then yes."

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac’s eyes brightened when he heard Eric’s apparent ignorance about the existence of the dynamic duo. Whether Eric did not realize the reference or he simply has no knowledge whatsoever that such beings roamed the campus was fine to the prince. Guess the terrific twosome isn’t so popular after all. (Of course everything’s a popularity contest for the guy). “You sure know how to make my day Eric-poo,” he smiled, consciously stopping himself from giving the kid a hair ruffle, a pat on the head or a pinch on the cheek. Not that he minds being slapped by the kid, but he figured he’d let him go, for now. “Remind me to buy you a car when you turn sixteen,” he added, a huge smile plastered on his face.

“Vincent Verax and Sam Rixon. Two of the dumbest people you’ll ever meet. And nope, this isn’t just coming from me,” he explained, brushing his hair with his hand and rolling his eyes in disgust as he tried to remember his unfortunate encounters with the two. While he’s been lucky to have spent the four years of his Hammel life with minimal contact with the said duo, apparently fate decided he should pay for all those years and saturated his life with the said faces. He sees both of them in History, Sam in Drama, then both of them again when he retreats to his room. Whoever said that Zac’s life was boring anyway? “You do not want to cross them. Not because they’re powerful, ‘cause they’re definitely not, but because they’re extremely stupid that it makes them super unpredictable. You can never have a coherent argument with those two I assure you. I’ve tried.” A dozen times really, no matter how hard Zac tries to avoid them. “Verax’s the horny goth boy and Rixon’s the pyro with no control over his flames. So sad really.”

“And so I rest my case, Dr. Bower,” he replied, throwing his hands in the air then stretching his arms. He then gave his legs a little rub to ease his numbness. Apparently prolonged sitting is not so good for the guy. As for the hair issue, it’s not like Zac’s doubts Eric really. He doesn’t seem too small for his size, his Adam’s apple’s slowing showing and his voice’s cracking, what’s there to find out? He just wants to tease the kid, that’s all.

Zac stood up for a bit and stretched his back, even yawning in the process. He walked over to Eric’s side and looked at the books behind him, all while listening to the boy’s narration of his activities with the redhead. “Good. And here I thought you’re all embarrassed to have skinship with her,” he nodded as he brushed his fingers over the spines of the books. Dusty. Engrossed in the state of the books, he apparently didn’t hear the part about them being in the dance or hanging outside, wherever that is. “Don’t be too shy about it. In fact, be assertive. Girls like it when the guy takes the lead,” he told the kid, flopping carelessly beside the boy, “Like I told you, be the boss, ok kid?”

“Aww. Eric’s a faithful boyfriend. So cute,” he chuckled, mocking Eric with a mouse-like face. “Don’t worry kid, I’ll be your wingman. Autie dearest wouldn’t hear a thing about it. As long as she doesn’t find out anything, it’ll be ok. Trust me,” he laughed, giving Eric a playful poke in the belly. So much for being a good influence.

[Eric Bower]

Eric furrowed his eyebrows in thought as Zac told him he made his day (he ignored the nickname, though), because he didn't understand exactly how. Most of this conversation had been Zac teasing him or....teasing him. Maybe that was why, but it didn't exactly click with the boy. He stroked his chin, his eyebrows still down when Zac continued to speak, and mentioned a car. That shot both eyebrows up. "Wh-what?" He asked in a laugh of surprise. He couldn't be serious. Buy a car for his birthday? It wasn't for another year, but gosh. That was certainly odd, of all things. And out of nowhere, or so Eric thought.

"Oh. "'Ve never heard of them," Eric replied with a small shrug of his shoulders. They didn't particularly sound nice if they humped things or set things on fire. "I'll be sure to avoid them." Eric nodded his head along with his decision. They didn't sound like nice people (goths kinda scared him...and so did fire), and since he hadn't crossed paths with them yet, he figured he was doing something right in avoiding them. So he'd just keep it up.

Eric shifted a bit in his seat as Zac stood and walked over to him. He much liked conversations to be on the same level; between two people sitting or standing. He tilted his head back to look at the guy, he didn't like it also because it would be a lot easier for the older guy to touch him. "Be the boss. Right." He nodded his head, though he wasn't sure exactly what that meant for him to do. Sure he knew what bossing around was, but that didn't seem like fun. And Autie was a hard person to keep up with, let alone lead. However, Zac seemed to know what he was talking about, so that had to merit something.

"I'd rather not." Eric knew that when you were close to one girl, you didn't get close to another. His elementary school friends taught him that. Even little girls weren't afraid to slap when they were offended or angry. His friends told him the pain of it, and Eric had then decided not to become the person on the receiving end. He liked Autie and wouldn't do anything to make her mad, and in this case he wouldn't pick up others. When Zac poked him in the stomach, he held back the laugh quite successfully and smacked Zac's hands away. Yeah, he knew he wouldn't like the fact he was closer to him, and standing over him.

[Zachary LaRousse]

A word of advice to dear Eric should he plan on tagging along with Zac in the foreseeable future: don’t be too surprised with the older guy’s (usually random) bouts of generosity. While he does have the occasional soft spot, such seemingly philanthropic deeds are by and large self-serving, as always. Not only does it give him a warm and fuzzy image (a stark contrast from his normal jerky and condescending demeanor), it also allows him to brag about himself. From something as simple as a drink or as extravagant as a one-week vacation overseas, Zac is never one to be stingy. (Eric shouldn’t fret however, as I have a strong feeling Zac’s really sincere about his promise this time; it’s not like bragging would work when they have no audience but themselves and the books).

“Yup, why not? It’s not like they’re that expensive.” Earth to Zac, they are. “So make sure you get your license early.” He absentmindedly grabbed one of Eric’s books and flipped through the pages. History. Dull and boring. Definitely not Zac’s cup of tea. “That’s my boy,” he said in amusement, giving Eric a light pinch in the bridge of his nose. Just a few minutes together and his mind’s already set that he’s got Eric completely under his wing. Not only has he given the boy some crash course in sarcasm, told him how he should handle his relationship with his girlfriend but even brainwashed him to think certain students in Hammel are really that dangerous. Amazing really.

Indeed, Zac is the flirtatious type. While he’s not the typical goody-two-shoes-boy-next-door, he knows that he has a different kind of appeal that, in his words, make people want for more. With his extremely inflated ego and confidence on his looks, he’s able to easily maneuver himself through whatever, may it be awkward introduction or steamy innuendos. Once tied down however, he does know how to tone his rather promiscuous behavior a notch. He still does flirt with people from time to time, but at the end of the day, his partner can rest easy that she’s still the one in Zac’s mind/heart. Or that’s what he says.

He let a rather embarrassed chuckle escape him when his stomach suddenly grumbled, a sound that seems to be a bit too loud for comfort. “Dinner time already? Time does flow fast,” he said as he looked at his watch for the time. “It’s too late to run to town to get something to eat and the guards will kill me if I get another late delivery request. Guess I’ll have to head down the hell hole this time.” Yawning, the self-proclaimed Hammel royalty stood up and stretched for a bit, giving Eric one final ruffle in the head before heading down the aisles. “You’re welcome to join me if you like,” he added as he turned and stopped for a bit, “I hear they’re serving roasted chicken tonight. Hopefully they are as yummy as they sound.”

[Eric Bower]

Eric came from a family where rewards weren't handed out without merit. If Eric didn't break his back with some sort of chore, or get a superb grade on a terribly hard project, then he wasn't going to get gifted anything except on his birthday and at Christmas. Eric was fine with that. That was just how things were for him, and up until recently, he hadn't known that it was different for other people. People like Zac, who could apparently buy cars. Which was completely ridiculous in Eric's mind. It just didn't make sense for him for a teenager to have that kind of power. As for getting his license, Justin had made him a promise that when Eric turned sixteen, he'd drive up from his college and help him get it with his beat up old Cadillac. Eric was looking forward to the experience.

When Zac picked up one of his reference books, he leaned up to watch the book, in case Zac did something to it, like throw it or rip a page out, and when he dropped the book, he sighed back into his previous relaxed position. Zac didn't plan on framing him by destroying library property, good. Eric was a good kid, and he'd never been the type to get in trouble for anything but listening to music during class, and laughing a lot. Eric was just a happy sort of guy, and he usually went out of his way to cheer up his classmates or anyone near him with a few words here or there and a goofy expression. It worked more than it didn't and Eric just liked being in that happy environment.

"Nnn!" Eric verbally protested when Zac grabbed his nose, because his nose was his nose and not something for grabbing. He smacked his hand away and rubbed his offended appendage.
At the sound of Zac's stomach rumble, he held back a laugh, but Eric was actually pretty hungry as well, but he'd made a promise to him to get this work done now because he didn't want to cram it all together at the last moment, because he liked the subject material. His stomach would just remind him that he was needed somewhere else and urge him to work faster. If Zac hadn't shown up, he'd might have gotten done with it by now, but Eric didn't mind Zac's company...that much.

"Oh, uhm, no thanks. I still have work to do." Eric gestured in front of him as Zac invited him to some food. It was a very tempting offer, but Eric had promised himself already. And, also, if he went to eat with Zac, the guy would probably keep touching him and things. "You have a good time, though." Eric tacked on with a small wave before he turned to focus back on his work.