Eric left the table and headed for his backpack, which sat by the stairs, waiting for his leave. Nate's wasn't too far, as well, but noticing it didn't compare to what had just happened between his brother and parents. Nate had come out, whether his choice or not, and both his mom and dad had accepted him regardless of the surprise. Eric even heard his mother purring. That on its own was enough to show big things were coming.
And then Eric thought of Julie, his own girlfriend. Although everyone knew of her and their growing relationship, Eric still felt some anxiety over possibly becoming a merman or getting closer to the mayor's daughter. Yes, he would be supported, and he would be a part of a large group interconnected throughout the city (The Twists, his family, and Julie's). Knowing this didn't change anything, though. It only brought more concern to his future and the date promised at the end of the day.
The boy grabbed his things and pocketed some money for lunch later that day. He knew he wouldn't be back until later, but what he grabbed should help, he thought, in keeping him full until dinner. Besides, if Julie and he really got hungry, they could always come home or go to her place. With Yvette locked up, traveling around would be a breeze.
"Excited?" Nate asked?
Eric jumped, nearly dropping change as he headed for the door. His breath caught in his throat, head turning. "You scared me," he said.
"Sorry. You smell like something's on your mind."
Eric sighed and couldn't hold himself back from smiling. "Didn't know I was stinking the place up."
Nate simply touched his nose and grinned.
The boys left their home, Eric telling Nate everything on his mind. Julie's feelings for him, the nervousness everything brought. With him changed and dating someone, Nate would know some of the feelings that Eric was feeling, or so he thought. His voice cracked on certain cues, and in his mind, Eric thought over the dream he'd had with him and Julie in the lake, both swimming close and revealing each others' sexes.
"Although we may have different forms and directions, I'm sure we'll be okay with whatever happens," Nate said. "I mean, it's just a date, right?"
"It is, but what if more happens? What if we get closer, and I don't know what to do or say?"
Nate used his shoulder and bumped Eric in the back. "Easy. You'll do what you feel is right and have a good time. At least that's what I've been doing. Nothing seems to have gone wrong since then."
True, and Nate did just come out. That wasn't necessarily his choice, however, so Eric couldn't use it to give him some confidence.
Nate bumped Eric again, a snort leaving his nose like a dog breathing hard. "Look."
Look? Eric lifted his eyes and saw the bus zone coming into view. Standing, however, with eyes glued on him, was Julie with her bag and a smile plastered on her face. What was she doing here? he thought. He had always assumed that she would be inside or in class, having arrived early to let her dad get to work. Eric's heart raced from its calm spot and got some sweat dripping down his nose.
"You'll be fine," Nate said. "Just talk to her."
The boys walked up as calmly as possible. Eric waved, hand shaking. He remembered that wet spot he'd earned in the morning of his dream with her.
"I thought we could maybe talk before class, spend time together." Julie moved forward, meeting Eric halfway. The younger boy glanced to see Nate, but his brother was gone, probably off searching for his pack mates or boyfriend.
"Sure. Did you have anywhere in mind?"
"We can stay out here. Really, I don't mind. We could also go to the pool area where it's more private."
Eric bit his lip. Dang it, Nate, he thought. How could his brother leave him to decide on his own?