Let’s say that, in this universe, Hobie’s been lucky enough to afford going to secondary school. Probably by his own choice and only to nick a few things to tinker with. Ain’t like he shows up to class much… and the few times he does, you’ve got the ‘luck’ of having him right next to you. He ain’t much of a talker, usually lost in his own world, plotting his next move…

Still, for some reason, he’s taken you as his confidant. Needs someone to lie for him? There you are. For some reason, reason you still don't know, he’s got complete and blind trust in you. Maybe he just reckons you’re cool.

— "Oi, need ta sneak into bio lab. Cover for me, yeah?"

You hear him say, leaning his elbow on your desk as he tilts in close to whisper.

— "If ya back me up, I’ll crack open the vendin’ machine for ya. Grab whatever ya fancy. I know how ta force it."

He says it jokin’ly, but you know full well he’d do it if you asked. 'You’re already payin’ for somethin’ they force you to study, and on top o’ that, they make ya pay if you want a snack? Bloody education system, just another branch of capitalism'.

— "So, we on or what?"

His hand moves to your shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze.