[hr][hr][center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8m5sxlh370][i]So listen close to the sound of your soul, take back a life we led once before, if it ain't you then who? If it ain't you then who's gonna love you?[/i][/url][/center][hr][hr]
[right][sub]Collab with [@Viciousmarrow][/sub][/right][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/EonxrFK.png[/img][/center]
[hider=Alver]
The moment the door opened, the next minutes went by like lightning. Stunned, Zac looked up at the ungodly tall Albino he had known a long time ago. As if this was something both visitors expected, the door went swinging closed. There was no time to react to such a growth spurt! The door! The doooooor! The young man watched as Jules placed his foot in the opening. After the *slam*, the blonde muttered "[color=gold]Ouchhhh.[/color]" They didn't want to have to use invasion as a means to talk to their childhood friend, but Alver loved to avoid people. This was most likely an impulse reaction because he wasn't mentally prepared to see faces from his past. Who would blame him? Yet, the young man, whose biggest change was his hair, was not going to take 'no' for an answer. The door was fully open and ready for entry~! As if no time had passed between them, Zac took off his shoes, placed them by the door, and handed Al the paper bag filled with breakfast sammies. 

"[color=dodgerblue]No point in making our kind gesture go to waste. We won't stay [i]too long[/i], but we'd like to leave with full bellies.[/color]" The once oh so timid boy that the Albino had known years ago was extremely ballsy now, entering his old friend's home like it was only yesterday they had said goodbye. Letting out a whistle from being impressed, Zac couldn't help but appreciate his surroundings, "[color=dodgerblue]You've come a long way, Al.[/color]"

Crossing his arms and leaning against the wall, the dark haired man commented on the empty threat, "[color=dodgerblue]As much as I want to be scared, you're just not the type to bash old friends' heads in without a good reason.[/color]" Zac gestured at the batman bat he took note of when he entered, "[color=dodgerblue]Genie on the other hand...[/color]" Laughing nervously and not looking forward to the encounter that had yet to come, the youngest and smallest of the men in this room crinkled his nose.  

[color=gold]"You know, I think the only thing you've drained is someone's wallet... I don't remember you with this kind of money."[/color] Julius joked, wincing at the throbbing in his foot. Alver had gone from a tiny pipsqueak to a... tiny, rich giant. He was tall, but man, the blonde swore he could break him in half with how thin he was. 

Turning his head toward the muscle man, he couldn't help but giggle at the wincing Julius, "[color=dodgerblue]Looks like you got Jules good though![/color]" Grabbing his cup of Joe out of the tray the pained man was holding, Zac smelled the strong, morning brew, and took a nice, long sip. 

[color=gold]"Yeah, yeah. Guess I have a new bruise to look forward to! A great memento from an old friend, I'd say."[/color] the blonde spoke, a smile widening onto his face. His stomach began to growl at the same time, hungering for one of those breakfast sandwiches. Impatiently, he strode over to a nearby table and placed the cup holder on top before practically assaulting the bag Al was holding. From within he brought a massive sandwich out and immediately began chomping down on it. He tried to say something while he was eating, something that sounded like [color=gold]"This sandwich is so good!"[/color]

"[color=dodgerblue]Lets walk and talk, I would love to see your new crib! Oh and to explain 'what I want'... long story short, I want the gang back together.[/color]" He wasn't going to beat around the bush. With Alver, Zac felt like he could be clear as day with him, or at least he hoped being blunt was an A-OK strategy. It was too early in the morning to think about crazy, convincing tactics. If his old friend didn't want to take the chance, well they could always use force and drag him to the meet up tomorrow... 

Of course, Zac would like to avoid 'force' at all cost.
[/hider]

[hider=Mikaela]
As the pretty boy sat alone, a tiny figure with bright lavender eyes and blonde hair skipped toward him and offered him a cookie. [i]Those eyes...[/i]. Something about the shade of lavender was oddly familiar. Smiling and staring at the boy quite lovingly, Zac gave a childish grin, "[color=dodgerblue]It's okay for me to have it? I don't want to eat something that isn't mine! If I got you in trouble, I would be sad![/color]" Maybe one day, the man would have kids of his own. The sentiment was nice to think about but a pointless fantasy. Well, at least until he found someone worth spending the rest of his life with. Getting out of his seat, Zac crouched down to the ground so he could be head level with the little guy. Letting out a soothing chuckle, the personable man asked"[color=dodgerblue]You're pretty handsome, are your parents around? Oh and if you'd like, you can call me Zac! Or Zaky... Heh, you can call me Cookie too if you want![/color]"

Suddenly, someone tapped on his shoulder and Zac looked up to see an old friend from high school. She crouched down with him. Her skin was tan, she wore red-framed glasses, and her hair was long and brown. This was one of his old friends from his clique. Nina had definitely left her past behind, her attire was pastel and white rather than black and red. An odd change for the young man to see. 

"[color=ed145b]It's good to see you Zac! Whose the kid?[/color]"

"[color=dodgerblue]My new best friend! Am I right?![/color]" He offered his hand to Luke for a high five. The woman's gray orbs lit up, seeing a perfect, devious opportunity, she could take advantage of... 

"[color=ed145b]Why don't you sing him a little something? I haven't heard your voice in years![/color]" She stuck her tongue out at her old friend, knowing very well she probably intrigued Luke, while cornering her high school bud in an awkward situation. 

"[color=dodgerblue]Uh... Nina, I don't think this is the time or--[/color]" 

"[color=ed145b]Oh, come on! I'm sure everyone in here would appreciate it.[/color]"

Knowing this was one battle he would not win, Zac stood up and pulled his seat for the little kid to sit in. Sitting in the seat that Julius would have sat in (but Jules was still waiting for his food), the pretty boy clasped his hands together. The song he decided to sing was [i]For Good[/i] from the Broadway Musical, [i]Wicked[/i]. Something emotional but still uplifting. A song about a true and pure friendship, how we are capable to leave hand prints on each other's hearts. Clearing his throat, the long haired man listened to the notes in his head before he opened his lips. 

[img]http://e.deviantart.net/emoticons/m/music.gif[/img] [color=dodgerblue]I've heard it said, That people come into our lives for a reason... Bringing something we must learn And we are led, To those who help us most to grow If we let them... And we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true, But I know I'm who I am today, Because I knew you... Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood... Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good...[/color][img]http://e.deviantart.net/emoticons/m/music.gif[/img]

His voice resonated throughout the room. His blue gaze softly met with Luke's intrigued lavender doe eyes, never turning his attention away from him. In this moment, the stranger wanted to make the child feel important. This was a small show for just the little one, who had a sweet heart, and his whole life ahead of him. Zac prayed this kid had good parents, a great childhood, and would gain friends he would cherish... 

[i]Too innocent. Too young. [/i]

Closing his eyes as his song came to a close, Zac took in the brief silence around him. The room filled with applause and the young man couldn't help but blush. 

"[color=ed145b]I wished you pursued a career in music! You have such a great voice.[/color]" Nina complimented as her phone began to ring. Looking at the pretty boy apologetically, she dismissed herself and left the building. Running his hand through his long hair, with still a faint pink on his cheeks, Zac looked at the boy, "[color=dodgerblue]I hope you liked it... um... maybe I should take you to your parents?[/color]"

Meanwhile, Julius was still waiting at the counter and tapping one of his large feet against the floor. The baristas at the front had left their positions, telling him that they "had to get something from the back". The chick that had been taking his order had been staring at him pretty intensely. She wasn't scared of him or something, was she? He knew he was a bulky, large man, but he wasn't going to hurt anybody. He silently prayed they weren't going to call the cops. [color=gold]"...Uh... Hello?"[/color] he uttered, a confused expression floating onto his face.

From behind him, he heard the voice of an angel singing. Or well, he thought it was until he turned around and saw it was just Zac singing for a woman and a child. Julius had known the kid could sing when he was younger, but he didn't know he had gotten [i]that[/i] good. Internally, the big man sighed. Zac had so much potential, but it seemed like he had squandered a bit of it. Maybe it wasn't too late though... 

[color=gold]"Great job, Zac! Now let's get you the Voice and get you famous."[/color] Julius complimented his friend, clapping thunderously. 
[/hider]

[hider=Genie]
([color=dodgerblue][i]Why was he always so intimidating? I know looks can be deceiving but... hm, well, we also interrupted him during his shift... he does have the right to be suspicious... 

I remember the day I was a princess for a school play. Genie never left me alone after that! Always with the teasing... yet, I didn't mind. It seemed to make him laugh. Seeing his less scary side was always nice. Plus, boys liked to pick on people... I suppose at the time, I was an exception and liked to be teased? When he was playful, I couldn't help but smile. Genie, out of all people, gave me attention! That's got to be some sort of feat right? 

I've learned to accept my features. Hell, I even crossdress from time to time for my sister's sake. 

It's weird seeing him again... he carries himself with such power. I don't think I'd ever be able to get over this fear. For now, I'll observe his expressions.[/i][/color])

Catching sight of a faint pink on Genie's face when Julius entered the picture, the pretty boy tilted his head and continued to listen... and watch. 

([color=dodgerblue][i]Those two were like the rowdy rough boys... I never did stand a chance against either of them. But it's nice to see them talking again. HOWEVER. I am ticked he gave Jules a smile and not me, but I'll get over that. Genie always seemed more comfortable with Jules... I'm a bit relieved I brought him along. Things don't seem that bad when jolly Julius is around. With that being said, I think I'll go see Niles on my own... I don't want him to feel like...[/i][/color])

"[color=crimson]I get off at five tomorrow...[/color]" The hazel stare met with Zac's ocean gaze, as the older man continued, "[color=crimson]If you want to meet up. I'm working right now so -[/color]" The pretty boy watched as the dark haired man opened the garbage truck door, "[color=crimson]- it was nice seeing you two.[/color]"

([color=dodgerblue][i]HOLY SHIT. WAS IT THAT EASY!? DID THIS JUST HAPPEN? DID GENIE JUST INITIATE MEETING UP WITH US?![/i][/color]) Frozen in position, Zac watched as the car drove off. Butterflies were in the young man's stomach as he looked at Jules with a gleam in his eyes, "[color=dodgerblue]This is becoming more and more a reality![/color]"

[color=gold]"Huh. Guess I'll just email him the details. He seems more rational now, am I right? I'm surprised he didn't toss that trash at me and then try and wrestle me to the ground."[/color] Julius commented in a joking manner. He sort of missed those moments where Genie and him would just go at it. As his old sparring buddy pulled away, the blonde waved a massive hand goodbye to him, hoping Gene would catch sight of him in his side mirror.

[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwXyuUU9HBI][i]Kiss, kiss fall in love![/i][/url]

Suddenly his phone began ringing, sounding off the theme song for Ouran High School Host club. Julius' face went red in embarrassment and nearly dropped his phone while trying to answer it. He kept forgetting to change that ring tone!

Narrowing his eyes, Zac stared at his friend with the strange... ringtone. Wasn't that from a harem anime directed to women? 

[color=gold]"Hello? ... Oh, hey, babe! ... No, of course I didn't forget! ... Dinner at 5? Sure I can do that. ... Yeah, sure. That sounds great. ... M'kay. See you then. Love you too."[/color] Julius rattled off to the other person on the line, pacing around on the sidewalk. 

([color=dodgerblue][i]Babe? Dinner date? Love you too? Waht. This is none of my business but it sounds like Julius was happily taken. Good for him![/i][/color]) 

After the call was through, he shot Zac a glance, hoping he didn't think anything of it. [color=gold]"That was Erika, my friend. Think you can find Niles on your own? She and I do dinner dates at Mario's every Thursday, and I sorta forgot... Sorry about this."[/color] he apologized to Zac.

"[color=dodgerblue]Sounds like things are getting pretty serious! I'm glad you have a special someone that makes you smile. Yeah, sure. I actually was intending to see Niles alone anyways, since he can be kinda... tricky.[/color]"

A confused expression fell on Julius' face as he stared at his past crush... wait what? 
[/hider]

[hider=Niles]
[center]"[color=black]What the... hell are you doing here?[/color]"[h3]"[color=black]What the... [u]hell[/u] are you doing here?[/color]"[/h3][/center]

For some god damn reason, Zac was not surprised when the devil himself appeared. No, not at all. He was fucking annoyed and oddly enough, Louis could see the change in mood in his sapphire eyes. Faking a smile so that Niles wouldn't notice how perturbed he was, the long haired man listened to the the bartender ask, "[color=f7976a]Can I get you anything else...?[/color]" It sounded like he wanted to address the boy but wasn't familiar with his name.

"[color=dodgerblue]Call me Zac! No need for formalities. You know what, I'll take a Kamikaze shot and a nice Italian classic, the Negroni. Damn those hipsters for making my guilty pleasure mainstream. By the way, you're a damn good bartender.[/color]" Digging in his pocket, he pulled out his wallet, some cash, and waited patiently for Louis to ask for it, common bartender etiquette. Drinking was not something the young man did often... well not as of lately, but tonight, he would treat himself. Why not!? Raising an eyebrow, Louis began making the drink not many of his customers here ordered. This club catered to the party animals more so than hipsters, but Louis got a feeling this kid knew his liquor. The Negroni was one of the main drinks every bartender should know how to make and unbelievably strong. 

Turning his stare to his good ol' pal, Niles Blake, Zac boldly rolled his eyes, "[color=dodgerblue]Didn't know I needed an invitation to come to a public nightclub. It's good to see you too, Nye.[/color]" The drinks came around and the young man went straight for the shot with equal parts vodka, triple sec and lime juice, garnished with a lovely lime slice. Shooting it up with ease, especially after last year being drunk everyday, the reckless man gave his old friend challenging eyes, "[color=dodgerblue]I see you've been enjoying yourself all these years.[/color]" 

Hell, while he was here, he might as well enjoy it! It didn't help that Niles triggered the stubborn nature in him. In a way, Zac was upset that this was how his childhood friend reacted when seeing him... there might of been a small hope for a more positive reaction. But at last, such was life. Today was one hell of a stressful day. How was he going to convince this man to come to a meet up tomorrow when he might lash out at him?

([i][color=dodgerblue]I just need to drink until I cool down.[/color][/i]) He was part to blame on why they lost contact, being distracted with fixing his ex's problems, but... Niles didn't even care to fight. There was something about their bond in the past that Zac made himself believe could last forever, but here he was, getting drunk, while trying to ease the tension-- most likely doing a terrible job at it. 

Soon enough, the pretty boy and the bartender exchanged money with drink and then Louis left the two alone to tend to other customers. 

There was a brief silence between the two old friends, now very much acquaintances, as Zac grabbed a hold of his drink and swayed the red liquid inside it like a calm ocean current. They needed to find some place quiet, somewhere neither of them had to constantly yell at each other.

Standing up, with drink in hand, the young one approached the dangerous creature he use to have a crush on. Looking up with a grin, Zac coolly inquired, "[color=dodgerblue]Can I assume you know a place we can talk? FYI. I'm not leaving my drink behind.[/color]" Finally, he took the time to look, truly look, at his old friend. And wow, did he grow up. ([color=dodgerblue][i]Two inches taller than me, clean cut, surprisingly neat hair, and... still very much a looker...[/i][/color]). Keeping his thoughts to himself, the fair-skinned man took a sip of his drink, his eyes never wavering from the muddy brown glare that looked down on him. 

Back then, lil Zac would have never kept a straight face nor look anyone in the eye for long periods of time. Sure, he still had some childish tendencies but after years of being emotionally abused, asserting himself became top priority. From a distance, he could see the two girls from earlier staring at him. ([color=dodgerblue][i]Avoid at all cost.[/i][/color]) Unintentionally, he gave the girls a heartbreaker beam and their faces flushed tomato red. 
[/hider]

[sub][@Henri][@Silver Fox][@AimeChambers][@Fabricant451][/sub]

[hr][hr][center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8m5sxlh370][i]Is there a right way for being strong? Feels like I'm doing things all wrong. Still I'm here just holding on.[/i][/url][/center][hr][hr]