Chapter Text
Side A
Wes was born into a very privileged life which allowed him to be carefree he didn’t have much to worry about as his future was all already planned out for him by his father. Although he had his doubts he never really questioned it or had to until he met Eric who became a unexpected path. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Wes was so drawn to him.
Wes had noticed that Eric was always wandering around campus alone. He was very standoffish and kept to himself for the most part as he would usually brush off anyone who approached him. Wes’s peers never understood why he was so persistent about befriending Eric while the rest of them made an effort to steer clear of him as much as possible.
“What’s that guy’s deal, who does he think he is anyways? He acts as if he’s better than us.” One of them says.
“Yeah, when did they start letting just anyone into this school? He should know his place.” Another chimed in.
That last comment had struck a nerve in Wes but before he could respond someone shouts “Who cares! Let’s get out of here and hit up my beach house for the weekend, you in Collins?”
“No thanks, don’t wait up.”
“Whatever, your loss.”
They go their separate ways, Wes starts heading back home and is immediately greeted by their butler Phillips who’s been around for as long as he can remember. He felt like family, without a mother around things have become rather difficult especially for Mr.Collins as he simply refuses to talk about her whenever mentioned and has chosen to dive into his work instead as a result but Phillips remains one of the few people who actually listens and sympathizes with Wes. Even though at times he has that poor man stressed out.
“Welcome home I didn’t expect you to be back so soon, no plans this evening? I take it you must be hungry as well I can have something prepared for you.”
“No, not tonight but you did just read my mind. He grinned. “I’m starving!” After dinner his father arrives home to find Wes in the kitchen, cleaning up the last of the dishes.
“You know there’s a reason why I have these people around Wesley, it’s what I pay them for.”
“I know…but I don’t mind.” He protested. “Besides I think everyone’s already got their hands full preparing for that important business dinner meeting that you’re hosting tomorrow.”
“Well I’m glad you didn’t forget about that at least, it’s time you start taking things more seriously I-.” Great… another lecture. Wes pretends to yawn. “Can we talk about this another time? It’s been a long day.” His dad just sighs as he bolts out the door. Neither being in the mood to deal with each other at the moment.
A part of him always dreaded and knew that this isn’t what he really wanted to do with his life but what was the alternative? He had no clue and the pressure only grew more everyday especially as the only child, having to follow the footsteps of his father.
Side B
As for Eric, life was drastically different. His grandparents tried to give him the best life they possibly could but after their passing he was forced to grow up and take responsibility at a young age which has taken a toll on him although he won’t admit it. He’s had to work hard just to make ends meet, over time he started to develop a cold demeanor and it has become difficult for him to open up to others or accept help from anyone. Despite everything he’s never let his disadvantages determine his chance at a better life.
Eric was going to prove everyone wrong that ever doubted him, he will make something of himself and someday money won’t be an issue. He’ll be able to have a nice place to call home that he earned all on his own. He wasn’t going to let anyone take away any goals he wanted to accomplish but having nobody to celebrate them with every time he achieved one had to be the loneliest part.
So this was it, the school that’s suppose to give him new opportunities and a fresh start. It didn’t seem very promising at all but nonetheless he got accepted so he would try to make the most of it. His plan was to focus on his grades, graduate and get the hell out so he can finally start moving up in the world but of course it wasn’t going to be that simple. It never was.
He thought by signing up for Karate it’d be a fun excuse to be able to beat up these snobby rich kids, learning a new fighting style just happened to be a bonus. That’s when Eric ran into Wes, who was friendlier than the rest of them. Always trying to invite him to hang out after school or offering a ride home. This guy probably just wants to show off everything he’s got, he thought. He also couldn't stand being treated like a charity case so he declined.
It usually doesn’t rain here but today it did, luckily he catches the bus on time as it begins to pour other than that the commute home was silent. At his doorstep was a stray tabby cat that occasionally stopped by whenever it was hungry, it runs towards him and starts purring and nuzzling the side of his leg.
“Have you been waiting for me?”
”Meow.” Now it was clawing at the front door.
”Go on, get inside then.” He gestured. “Before we both get drenched.”
He rummages through the cabinets to find a can of tuna and opens it up then sets it down for the cat. “Little freeloader.” He says while gently patting it, eventually it had gotten adopted by a nearby neighbor which he was happy for.