Dude,
I just started considering gear and I'm 26. I have been lifting for a long while and the results often fluxuate. Howerver, since I have turned 26 my body seems to be going through a sever change. I am growing muscle faster now than I ever have. I am more intense and dropping weigh at will. All without gear. Yeah I have some but I havn't touched it yet. My point you ask?
Give your body a chance to do it's thing. As some one has tagged after thier name "you gotta feed the engine". Feed the body and it will grow. Work it hard and it will grow. Bitch and moan about magic pills and take them and you will probably get all fucked up if not dead. You got a long time to live learn to work harder and smarter and you will benefit. By the way tell your fat buddy to hit the cardio and lay off the pizza and sweets.
good luck man. I hope you listen to many of the intellegent folks on this board and just put it out of your head for a long while. You are not gonna get wat you want, I guarantee it.