[center][h2][b][u][color=plum]Nicolas[/color][/u][/b][/h2]



There were many things present in Eric's little retaliatory strike that Nicolas could take issue with, but the always cool counselor merely chuckled at the way the supposed professional teacher went from zero to aggravated in record time. The chip on the man's shoulder must've been immense, either that or he was dealing with the embarrassment from being called out on unprofessional antics. Nicolas was erring on the side of the latter if only because the idea of the perennial professional getting flustered over being caught was far too hilarious not to focus on. 

Nicolas was not at all shy about hiding his amusement as a chuckling grin made its way across his lips. Oh, the buttons were being pushed and the only thought that entered the guidance counselor's head was how to push them even further. The first was simple enough; as Eric took a step back, Nicolas took a step forward, closing the distance the math professor had inexplicably put between them. And still the grin on his lips widened. 

[color=plum]"Well that's quite the change of attitude, Eric,"[/color] Nicolas spoke back, taking a few steps closer, [color=plum]"First you're damn near threatening poor Petey the next you're covering for him. I'm not fighting anyone's battles, I'm keeping a staff member from doing something threatening to his career. In fact, you should be thanking me."[/color] As if to prove his point, Nicolas again placed a hand on Eric, again on the shoulder. [color=plum]"From what I heard, little Petey won that little dispute of yours. Your mistake, Eric, was thinking I came to help Petey. I came to save you further humiliation."[/color] 

Nicolas still had his hand on Eric's shoulder and still grinned like a jester. He was enjoying this, more so even than the lunch he had so looked forward to every workday. 

[color=plum]"I'm not the one that needs to check anything, Eric. But just try and stop yourself from checking out how good my ass looks in these pants, alright."[/color] His little teasing over and done with, for now, anyway, Nicolas raised his hand to give Eric's cheek a playful pat before winking at him and starting to walk away, back to the harsh realities of work.[/center]