splitmemory | training buddies

Really? Let's see it!

[Rook follows along more sedately, hands folded as he peers into the window. Blastcycle parts, hmmm..... This is something completely outside his field of expertise. But Epel certainly seems knowledgeable, doesn't he? He can admire the aesthetics of the parts on display, but their functions are beyond him.

They can put off lunch for a little while, can't they? If Epel is having fun, he hardly minds.]

What makes them ape style?

[ Bringing his hand up, he points into the window, motioning towards a specific set of handlebars. ]

See, so, those long ones are called Ape Hangers. The shape of them requires the rider to reach up and grab onto them like an ape hangin' from a tree, so that's how they got their name. Some can be super extreme while others have a more light curve to 'em. The type you choose has to be for two reasons: handling and style. Ape hangers are the coolest style you can go for.

[ He then points over to a very straight set of handlebars. ]

Those over there are called 'drag handlebars'. You'd use 'em if you wanted to lessen your wind resistance and improve acceleration... I think. But! If you look at them, versus the apes, they look so much less cool, right? You'd lose out on style points!

Edited 2024-08-24 02:57 (UTC)

They are very aesthetic.....

[Rook rubs his chin thoughtfully. Who would have guessed that some blastcycle enthusiasts might favor a style that outright hinders their performance? Does the style being cooler translate to how you look while holding onto them, as well?]

I suppose if you're going too fast, nobody will be able to get a good look at your blastcycle at all.

[ Epel can't help but laugh, bringing one hand up to stifle it some. Certainly, Rook had some understanding, but, well... that's not the only reason to sacrifice speed for style!! ]

A good rider will always be able to control their speed under the right circumstances. To be able to ride so fast you're a blur, while also being able to slow it down to a cruise to ride with others, and at the same time having everything customized to your liking, to make your blastcycle even more you -- there's no other way to do it!

[ With that fiery little grin on his face, he peeks up towards Rook. ]

One day, I'll have one of my own, you know? I'll take you for a ride! Promise!

I see! Not so different from a broom in that way, is it?

[He thinks he understands a little better, now. The difference must be relatively minor--the sort of thing racing enthusiasts would care about far more than general hobbyists. There's no need to prioritize speed, if you just want to enjoy riding together and expressing yourself.]

I'll be looking forward to it! How will you style yours, once you have it?

Exactly!

[ Yeah, exactly!!! When Rook seems to apply that, to relate something he knows to what Epel's talking about, the smaller boy seems to get even more excited. Isn't being understood wonderful? ]

First things first, I'll get handlebars like those, [ the ape hanger ones, he points back to, ] ... A long set! The longer the better. Then, the next step will be to get a huge flashy rocket cowl. I'll get a seat with a real tall back, get some wider wheels... and, finally, I'm gonna paint dragons and tigers on it for extra flare. Once I've got all that down, I'll trick it out completely for the best ride possible while looking the coolest out there.

[ He's so excited and clearly fired up just thinking about it. ]

People will have to take me serious, too. I'll look fierce, strong, intimidating. I'll pick fights and get into all sorts of trouble. [ ... not that he doesn't already, but he does have to hold himself back, with his and Vil's deal. Unfortunately. ]

They'll certainly be able to recognize you immediately, with a blastcycle like that.....

[Rook's eyebrows raise as he listens, quietly impressed. A rocket cowl, enormous stylized handlebars, dragons and tigers..... What a mental image he paints. Fierce and intimidating is right. Epel clearly has a very specific aesthetic style he's aiming for, isn't he?

Still, he can't help the flicker of concern as Epel goes on. Picking fights and getting into all sorts of trouble? It seems needlessly reckless, if you ask him.]

What do fights and troublemaking have to do with blastcycles?

[ What was that look? Brief as it is, Epel recognizes it. He's seen it on his family's face when he'd come home from school all beat up, in tears after getting in one too many fights. Ah... was... Rook worried? Epel's smile softens, his hand coming to rest against his own chest. ]

It has everything to do with blastcycles.

[ Epel declares, before reaching out and taking Rook's hand in his own, taking a few steps backwards along, towards their destination again, dragging Rook along. Or, trying to. ]

It's suuuuper simple... I like it. Shouldn't we always go with what our heart tells us? Sounds like something you'd say, at least...

[ And now he's beginning to use Rook's own words against him.. learning far too quickly. ]

Does it?

[It's clear enough that Rook doesn't understand, even if he follows Epel's tugging readily enough. He's never gotten into trouble simply for its own sake, after all--it's always been in pursuit of greater goals, even if they were as simple as exploring the savanna.]

Well, I suppose..... But take care to ensure you're prepared for the worst, if you must. An exciting hunt can turn into a deadly nightmare in the blink of an eye, if things get out of control.

[A sneaky little thing, isn't he? Of course he advocates following your heart. Still..... isn't that a dangerous path to follow your heart down?]

[ Epel had never experienced anything all too dangerous. His own little adventures had been nothing more than childish games. Rook's warning doesn't go completely over his head, but, well... he's pretty sure there's nothing to worry about. Not right now, at least. Once he's strong, he won't have to worry like this. ]

I know, I know. It's not something I seek out now.

[ Who knows, really, if he's being completely honest. Still, might as well try not to worry Rook too much, hm? He gets most of his energy out during his Spelldrive club hours, anyways. The only trouble Rook has to worry about currently is with that crowd... who are mostly very careful with Epel, while treating him like an equal. ]

Looks like we're almost there, [ He points out, peeking down again to their little set of directions. ] I can't wait.

[ It's then he seems to realize they're still holding hands, as Epel drags Rook along. His cheeks dust pink, and he offers the other boy a soft smile, ] We should sit on the same side of the table so we can keep holding hands.

[Good, good. Epel has plenty of time to scare the wits out of him, doesn't he? There's no need to start immediately. For now, Rook is content to leave it at that and simply walk hand in hand instead, smiling playfully to see such a pretty little flush.]

That sounds lovely. Just don't be surprised if I don't want to let go later, hmmm?

Who said you're allowed to let go?

[ Epel retorts offhandedly, unable to keep a smile off his own face. He's trying to beat Rook at his own game, honestly. It's probably not going to work, but hey! He's trying! ]

Oh là là, did I misjudge the position I'm in? It seems I've no choice but to obey~

[Does it count as beating him at his own game if he coyly surrenders? Rook squeezes Epel's hand obligingly, thumb stroking circles against it.]

That's-- I mean--

[ The boy stumbles along his words, his cheeks flushing further. Of course Rook was going to take his words and run with them. ]

I just meant--... um... [ No, really, he can't exactly fix what he meant by that, that seems pretty self explanatory, doesn't it? He meant it that way, but the second Rook says something like that...!!! Ugh. Him surrendering was not a part of the plan! ]

... That I don't want you to.

[Rook just giggles to hear Epel stumbling over himself, smile warming with fondness. What had Epel hoped he would do exactly, if he didn't expect Rook to indulge him? It might even be a mercy to poor Epel when they arrive, if Rook gets to flirt with him for the rest of the walk.]

I'm so glad to hear it. Your wish is my command, of course~ ♥

[ Taking a little step closer, so their arms bump into each other, Epel spares a few more glances up towards Rook, nervous little glances that betray his own nerves. He finds himself smiling, despite those nerves. ]

Anything? Isn't that a little dangerous...?

That depends on you, non? Are you dangerous, Monsieur Pommette?

[Rook's smile turns sly and conspiratorial. He'll hardly indulge Epel without qualifications, of course--but he doesn't mind playing along within reason, either. Doesn't Epel want to feel a little powerful and dangerous?]

[ Well.
Epel wants to be dangerous. A force to be reckoned with. He was, right? ... Or did he just want to be? Slowly, his hand shifts to intertwine their fingers. ]

I can be. [ Epel, finally decides, nodding. ] I could... ask you to come out on a night, even if it's extra cold, just so we can look up at the stars together. You'd be at risk of catching a cold.

[ He manages to think of something dangerous that can't quite be turned against him. He hopes. Maybe. ]

[Oh. Oh, his heart..... He's going to melt no matter how cold it is out here. How is Epel ever going to shake the cute allegations if he says things like this?]

Dangerous indeed..... But it seems to me you're worth the risk.

[ How's he supposed to keep a smile from his face when Rook says something so sweet in return to his own statement? ]

Vil would never let us live it down if you got sick... [ Oh! There's the place!! Epel shifts to take a few steps forward, grabbing the door before Rook could, holding the door open for them both. ]

Heheheh..... We got each other sick, back when we were first years. He might scold, but I think he'd just have to accept it.

[Hah, he can only imagine Vil's exasperation--and how it would surely be focused on him, since he should be the responsible party in those circumstances. What was he thinking? Doesn't he know he's not a kid anymore? He's always so reckless.....

It would be fine. Even if Rook didn't point out their own youthful indiscretions, Vil surely couldn't stay mad at him over something so silly.]

Merci!

Really? You and Vil were reckless like that in your first year...?

[ The boy barely knows much about how Vil and Rook actually met. It wasn't as if the two went around talking about it, and Epel didn't have all that many friends yet. Not enough to hear stories about the third years, at least.

Stepping in behind him, he nods at the thanks. Their conversation is cut short for a few moments, as they're led to a table to sit down. In the middle of the table is the little charcoal stove, not yet lit. It's a little booth in the back, allowing the two of them some more privacy. Most likely by sheer luck.

They're given a menu to look over, for their choices of meats and veggies and sides.

Epel slips into one side of the booth, tugging Rook with him. Then, he looks up to him. ]

What else did you and Vil do in your first year that was similarly reckless?

Oh, yes. It was snowing quite heavily, and we stayed out far past curfew..... Small wonder we both caught colds out there.

[It's a nice little booth for chatting quietly, without fear of any other patrons interrupting them..... Though the same can't quite be said for the staff. After all, they need to start picking out what they want, don't they? Unfortunately for Epel, the menus are rather distracting.]

We had to sneak back to our rooms more often than I should admit, really. Our talks usually tended to run rather long.

It's hard to imagine Vil being so reckless like that... he's so strict now, with curfew and all.

[ As Epel's about to continue, they were approached, the little grill in the middle of the table lit up, and the two urged to make some choices to begin. Epel quickly looked back to the menu in a slight panic, trying to pick out what he thought Rook would also enjoy. Only once the two of them had picked something to start with did the staff leave them to chatter more.

Shifting in the seat, Epel turns to face Rook better. ]

Was he less strict back then? Or... that really doesn't sound like the Vil now.

It is, isn't it?

[Rook looks downright nostalgic, thinking about their escapades. Admittedly, they were fairly tame, in terms of troublemaking..... But it's still rather contrary to the image Vil presents these days, isn't it? All the more reason for those memories to be so precious, knowing he'd gotten to know such a secret, hidden side of Vil.

He's content to leave their choices to Epel, at least--if he's going to be their chef, he should be the one to decide what he wants to cook, right? Rook can't imagine Epel would order anything he'd actually object to.]

Well..... I suppose you could say that? He wasn't the Housewarden yet, after all--he hardly needed to mind anyone but himself. That didn't spare me from my fair share of lectures, of course. But I did deserve them, I'll admit.

training buddies

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