splitmemory | training buddies

[ Rook isn’t a dense man. In fact, Epel’s positive he’ll catch on before long. Maybe he already had. Still, advice from the source of this dilemma could be beneficial. Or Epel could stumble and ruin his second chance. ]

I want to tell them… That I’d like to spend more time with them. To get to know them personally, instead of just the ‘them’ here at school. They’re different. I… want to be more than just students. To be friends, explore further than that. But—

[ It’s so difficult to voice this… ]

How do I say that… without saying all of it? Without potentially…

[ Being rejected. Laughed at. Called ‘cute’ for even trying. ]

What a beautiful sentiment! I'm sure if you ask with sincerity, they can't fail to respond in kind. Everyone longs for such bonds, after all.

As for how, let's see..... It's important to remember that you're not asking them for something. You're not really giving them something, either. Growing closer and learning about each other is a process--it's something special that you're doing and building together.

[ Could Rook really be so sure? ]

... and what if they say no? How would I face them again, after?

[ It's soft-spoken, yet so firmly rooted in what he was really worried about: making things awkward, uncomfortable. Losing what he already had. Was it worth it to try, if trying could cause such pain?

Then again, isn't that one of the tenants of their dorm? Tenacity, persevering through difficulties. ]

No-- if they say no, then I will need to move on and hold them close in another way. To continue being in their life how I can, regardless of their response. Right...?

Oui! I know well how dire the stakes can seem, when you feel so strongly--but at heart, isn't this similar to things you're already used to doing? You might say after Spelldrive club one day "I had a lot of fun playing against you today! Don't you think we make a good team? Would you like to practice together more often?"

Even if they don't want to practice more, that doesn't mean they don't like spending time with you, too. Maybe they're more worried about their grades, and you decide to make a study group. Or maybe they're just not very serious about sports, and you decide to have fun together in town after classes.

[ That all... does make sense. When Rook puts it that way, it helps put it into perspective for him. Besides, hadn't Rook literally asked to train together? What was he even afraid of? That he would take it back??

Nodding, Epel gets this real determined look on his face. Okay! He's got this! Now, to go through with it before he can second guess it all over again...! He takes a second to grab that little box, before holding it out to Rook. He knows now, what he wants to say. Hopefully Rook would be willing to hear him out. Would he be? ]

... I get it now. I know what I want to say. Will you hear me out?

[That's what he likes to see! The fire in Epel's eyes burning bright, the passion steeling his heart, once he shakes off his uncertainty and finds his resolve. Epel is stronger than he knows, after all--he just needs a little help to realize it, every now and then.

Rook accepts the box readily enough, looking from Epel to it and back again. It seems he'd been right in his suspicions, hmmm? Oh, he can't wait to hear this.]

But of course! Please, go right ahead.

[ This was still so frightening, wasn't it? To look at Rook directly, to hand over that little box, to be standing in front of him like this...

Deep breath. You've got this. ]

You asked the other day about us training together, while I was under the influence of that potion I'd messed up on. I have a hard time knowing what you mean at times, whether you're serious or if you've some other intentions for the words you say. I want to work with you, to train by your side. To grow with you.

If you'll have me... [ Oh, the more he spoke, the more nervous he got. At the same time, the more fired up he got, the more ready to say all he had to say. ]

I want to learn more about you. As Rook Hunt, who you are as a mage, as a student, and as a person. As a friend, as a mentor, as another human being. I'm sorry for the way these feelings might've come out the other night. You deserve something more like this. Something genuine, from the heart. Not words brought on by impulse, by the more foolish parts of my mind.

[ With all that finally said, he clutches onto the front of his own shirt near his chest, his fingers curled there as if to help calm his nerves. ]

[Oh, his heart..... How is he supposed to handle this? There's no way he can be unmoved in the face of such courage, such passion, such purity..... Ahhhh, he's so proud of him! What a beautiful confession!

Just as he'd said--sometimes, even Rook struggles to find the right words, when his heart is too full. Sorry, Epel, but you're getting swept off your feet and twirled around with a delighted laugh. Does it look like he cares about the awkwardness the potion had caused?]

I'd like nothing better!

Eeh--?!?

[ Epel exclaims as he's swept up, his hands quickly reaching for anything he can grab to steady himself in Rook's hold, ending up grasping his shoulders as he's spun. His face burns, he can feel it. His eyes are wide, and- ow. Rook was strong, unabashedly so when he was happy, wasn't he? ]

H-- Hey! Put me down--...!!

[ Another little exclamation, this one squeaked out, almost like a little startled mouse. Have mercy, he can only have so much bravery in one day...! ]

Oh--forgive me, it seems I forgot myself.

[Rook laughs apologetically at Epel's squeak of protest, bending to set the poor thing back down on his feet.]

I didn't hurt you, did I?

[ Okay, okay, light panic over. Epel takes in a short breath, huffing it out, before shaking his head. His hands stay settled against Rook's shoulders for now, steadying him there. ]

No, no, I don't think so...

[ ...
Okay. So. He confessed, he showed his heart. What was next? Where do they go from here? Rook had yet to open that little box, but it didn't seem to matter all that much. His words had already been accepted, taken in.

He kinda forgot to ask about the 'what after' step, hadn't he? ]

Oh, good. That would be a terrible start, wouldn't it?

[Oh, he'd almost forgotten he was still holding that box, hadn't he? Rook's arms retreat from where they'd been wrapped around Epel's waist, bringing it back between them so they can both peek inside together. With Epel still holding onto him like this, it's even nice and cozy.....]

I'd forgive you. Maybe. As long as I didn't end up in the infirmary.

[ Inside the little box, is something of an art that Epel was known for: an apple carving, this one specifically in the shape of a rose. ]

That's... my apology.

[ A soft murmur, an explanation that's most likely unnecessary. ]

Heh..... how very generous of you.

[Rook takes the apple out to hold up to the light and admire. The bright healthy gleam of its skin, the delicately carved petals, the clean lines that betray the confidence and skill needed for such clever and steady hands.... It really is something special, to see the beauty in the heart of even something so simple and seemingly mundane, and be able to bring it to life through talent and hard work.]

Oh..... it's beautiful! Thank you, Monsieur Pommette. But you know you have nothing to apologize for, don't you?

[ As Rook takes the apple out, Epel's hands finally pull back from his shoulders, settling back by his sides. He watches closely, almost with bated breath, hoping that it was enough to add to the not-so-little confession he'd offered Rook mere minutes before.

Nothing to apologize for? ]

It was my carelessness that... allowed for the situation that arose the other night to happen at all. You took care to ensure I was alright and instead of thanking you... I made you have the same disgusting taste in your mouth as me. That was a consequence only I should've been dealing with.

... Now you can have a much sweeter taste.

Heheheh..... Oh, Monsieur Pommette, there's no need to blame yourself. Almost everyone falls for that trick, didn't you know? Ask nearly any second or third year, and they'll probably be still be mad about it.

I'd say a bit of a foul taste was well worth it, personally. Why don't we share this? Oh--but we should take a picture, first! Art so lovely deserves to be remembered.

[Just give him a second to dig out his phone and ambush poor Epel for a group selfie--]

Are you sure? You want to share...?

[ He'd love that. It's clear in the way he lights up, that cute little smile he flashes Rook. That is, until his phone is pulled out. He never knows how to pose for selfies. Must he?? Must he really? ]

Wait why do I have to be in it? Can't you just take a picture of the apple and leave me out? C'mon...!

[ Ducking under and away, Epel moves over to plop down on the edge of his own bed, crossing his arms. No thank you...!!! If Rook wants a picture that bad, he's going to have to pull him in so he can't move.

Which, he doesn't suggest aloud, because he's half sure Rook's already going to try. ]

Now, now, there's no need to be shy! Why not take pride in the beautiful art you've created?

[Guess who's plopping down on the bed to throw an arm around Epel's shoulders for the picture? He's beaming, the beautiful carving is angled properly towards the camera, Epel is pulled in close against his side--perfect!]

[ In true Epel fashion, he's clearly still surprised by the sudden arm around his shoulders, his eyes widening and-- well, doesn't that picture look just adorable, with how Epel gazes at Rook, how he looks so bashful and surprised, pressed up against Rook's side.

There you go, Rook, have your picture. Not that Epel's happy about it!!

Really, Rook's lucky...! That...!!!! He didn't take it back! Or try to steal his phone to delete the photo. ]

It isn't such a big deal.

[Oh, how precious. What a perfect photo! He'll treasure it for sure--and back it up, in case Epel gets the idea into his head later to try and delete it. Isn't it nice how he doesn't need to worry about the what next anymore?]

Au contraire, such skill and talent deserve to be celebrated! I'm confident in my own knifework, but I doubt I could manage such a feat--nor could anyone else I know, I suspect.

[Well..... maybe Silver? He's quite a formidable swordsman in his own right, isn't he? And one with far more patience and finesse than Sebek seems to have.]

I could teach you. If you wanted to learn.

[ A small offer, one made without hesitation, that shows just how genuine it is. The practice required would take weeks, months maybe... but with Rook's already existing knife skills, he might pick up on it easier than most could. ]

Or I could make more for you, when my family next sends more fruit my way. To share with you again... maybe.

Oh, learning sounds fun! Maybe I'll manage to make something for you too, eventually.

[It's only fair, right? If he's going to train Epel, Epel deserves to have the chance to be the expert sometimes, too. Isn't it nice to be able to share your talents and passions as a way of growing closer?]

[ With a nod in agreement, Epel carefully moves to lift the apple into his own hand. Leaning close to Rook, his chin tilted up towards him, he brings the apple to his lips. ]

C'mon, you have to take the first bite.

[ Pushy, pushy, now that he'd gotten through that little awkward confession he'd wanted to say, huh? ]

Oh là là, with an offer like that, how can I refuse?

[Adorable. Rook leans in to take a bite, licking his lips and humming in approval.]

Mmmm~ You're going to spoil me, you know. How will I ever be able to go back to normal apples after tasting Harveston's finest?

[ Epel can’t help but laugh at that comment, barely thinking through his response. ]

You’ll have to settle for me in the meantime, I guess. Might as well be hooked on all of Harveston’s finest goods.

[ With that little joke, he takes a bite himself, before offering it back to Rook. Once he swallows his bite, Epel seems to fully process the rather flirtatious joke he made, trying to hide the flush to his face by leaning in against Rook. ]

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