fel-mi-er

[fel-mi-er]

Heading there right now? Epel had to get ready quick! He made it to his room and put his stuff down, zipping back out the door as fast as he had come in. He didn't bother changing out of his uniform, as he didn't think he'd be doing anything super strenuous or messy. That, and he didn't know what else he could have changed into-- his dorm uniform was too fancy, but his loungewear was probably too casual, and his gym uniform probably wasn't appropriate either. His regular uniform was likely best, it was a good thing he was already wearing it. He did brush a comb through his hair really quickly as he was going out the door, throwing it behind him towards his bed as he left. He didn't wanna leave Rove waiting for too long, and if he made them both late he'd make a bad first impression.

Luckily, it didn't seem that Rove had been waiting that long-- he didn't seem angry or annoyed or anything, at least. He was inspecting the wall, probably some bug that was on it. It was a bit of a surprise to hear Rove on the other end of the phone honestly, but it made sense when he remembered the boy's last name.

"Hey!" Epel called as he jogged over, not the least bit out of breath. "I'm here." he spoke at a lower volume as he got closer to Rove. Rove wasn't that much taller than him, which was nice honestly.

Epel waited for Rove to start walking, since he didn't know where they were going exactly, but he did want to ask some questions while they walked; the flyer was kind of vague, honestly. "So, what will we be doing today? I've never worked at a job like this, retail I g- suppose. But I can move boxes, heavy ones," he straightened up a little taller as he walked, "and I know my way around yarn and thread too, if you need me to sort some... inventory?" thinking about it, he wasn't sure if they made the fashion or just sold it. Based on the pictures that appeared when he looked it up, he was imagining something like a tailor's shop, but they could just sell the stuff already made, like a regular boutique.

Rove had been pulling on his shoes getting ready to leave to help in the store. Dreading it and having been putting it off as long as he could he really had to leave at this point.  Baby, it's the Beetle Ball, And bugs are crawling to get in, When they hear that beetle beat, Those beetles beetles start to spin, And now a cheer for you, my dear, Yer beautiful, babyStopping to look at his phone he pulled it out confused to see who was calling him. Part of him wanted to just send straight to voicemail but with a sigh he would answer the call.

"Hello?"

Walking while talking he headed to the main gate as the other would explain he was answering the bulletin board request.

"Oh yeah...um I was just heading there....I'll wait at the main gate then." He said before quickly hanging up. Quickly stopping at the iron gate and propping himself against it with a grumble. Least of all the people to answer it was someone who wouldn't be an ass about it...hopefully they will just do the work, get paid and never bring it up again.

When Epel would make his way over he would see the only slightly taller second year leaning against the wall. Inspecting some webbing that formed on one of the corners as he waited looking like he would rather be anywhere else but here or where they were about to go.

[fel-mi-er]

The Weather Outside Is Frightful ( But The Yarn Is So Delightful )

continued from here

 “  you  crafted  this?  in your spare time,  that’s quite impressive.  ” Where before Sebek's expression seemed grumpy and defensive, it now softened into something like awe. “  you must teach me sometime,  skills like these are overlooked  -  very useful,  in the case that one needs to mend their own uniform.  ”

Epel felt himself getting a little bashful, and a little more proud. Impressive, he called it impressive. He was glad that the guy liked it, and even gladder to have his craftsmanship appreciated for what it was: a useful skill that Epel had honed in his hometown, and that more people would do good to know.

"I'm very glad you like it! I hope you like green, I used it to match your uniform, and also your hair I g- I suppose. Somehow I thought that the lightning bolt would suit you. I used a stockinette stich to keep things flat since I didn't know if you would be adverse to bumpy textures, but I used a garter stitch on tha- the border so that the ends wouldn't curl up on you. The yarn is quality too, I get it from--" he realized that he had been rambling a bit, which probably wasn't proper, "-- from home." he finished quietly. He really was glad that Sebek liked it, and he was really proud because he knew he had done a good job.

Sebek hadn't called him creepy, turned his nose up at the gift, or insinuated that knitting was for girls. So far, this was a win.

"I could certainly teach you, just let me know when you aren't doing anything. It's really not as hard as it looks-- I also know how to sew, and crochet, and I've been thinking about picking up embroidery as well. I can sort of do it, but I want to get better, I mean. My me- grandmother is wonderful at it, much better than me." he smiled down at Sebek. He could have sat next to him, but he was quite enjoying not having to look up at someone.

This had gone leagues better than expected.

@zigvoltage

[fel-mi-er]

MAY HOUSEKEEPING

Epel's birthday was in may , so that was fun !! and i think im gonna reach my goal of completing his stamp card for his birth month :o)

i think my goal for next month will be to have him kick someones ass hwjfHQJJDKFKCKVKA i just want him to win a fight man . hes been taking too many L's latley . he has no chill for bullies so if it doesnt come up in a thread i can simply write a drabble fir him :o)

i also wanna maek some moar graphics / assets 4 him !! im sure i can come up w something :o)

thats all for may !! bye bye now !! 🍎🧪⚠️

[fel-mi-er]

this is moar of a silly post but . i saw a moodboard challenge that was " pick a random gallery folder and you can only use photos from that folder " . so this is an epel moodboard from my reaction images folder 🍎🧪

[fel-mi-er]

"I-"

Epel couldn't even hear Zacaraya. He just felt sick.

"- calm down a moment,"

'Calm down'? Was he seriously telling Epel to calm down right now? Fuck Zacaraya. Fuck him. Stupid prick. Stuck up jerk that thought he could do whatever the fuck he wanted to people. From the fucking moment they met he's been looking down on him. Insulting him and throwing him around. He thought he was so great, he thought he could treat people like shit just because he was kind of strong. Fuck Zacaraya. Epel would be happy if he never saw his stupid face ever again.

That was the twisted part, though. Was that Zacaraya kind of could do whatever he wanted, because he was kind of strong (or, terrifyingly, because Epel was kind of weak). Twice now he had overpowered Epel. Epel could tell him off and swing his punches and stand up for himself as much as he wanted, but at the end of the day, a fiery attitude wasn't going to keep Zacaraya from doing whatever he wanted to him. And that sucked. Despite all his talk, Zacaraya was above him, and Epel was crying like a girl. He hadn't felt this low in a while.

Suddenly, he was being pulled towards Zacaraya, face against Zacaraya's chest as the beastman's arms wrapped around him. His stomach churned. No. He hated this. He was flooded with memories of being held down. Memories from before he started standing up for himself (and a little just after that), from when he would come home crying to his meemaw and he would stare angrily at himself in the mirror, as if he could will himself to change. That was before he started working out, and fighting back, and mean muggin as a first line of defense. Before he had this chip on his shoulder. But what, really, had even changed since then.

"Geh-offmee" Get off me, muffled by Zacaraya's chest and the rapid acceleration of his own breath. He hated this. He hated Zacaraya. He hated being manhandled and pulled around and he was just fucking exhausted. He hated feeling small. He squirmed, pushing himself away from Zacaraya. Zacaraya didn't put up a fight to keep him there, but Epel wasn't grateful. He was just looking down on Epel again, like the first time they 'fought'. Zacaraya didn't see him as an equal, let alone a threat.

Epel was practically on autopilot. He grabbed his box from Zacaraya's hands. Zacaraya didn't stop him. He grabbed his knit bag from the floor and held it, with the box, against his chest. He didn't want to look up at Zacaraya, so he kept his eyes on the floor. Tears still ran down his face as he beelined for the stairs up to the second floor, and his voice was all kinds of mixed up as he spat "Jus' leave me tha fuck alone". He glanced at Zacaraya once, and only once, before continuing up the stairs as fast as he could, though he had to take them slower than he would have liked because of his ankle. He couldn't wait to get as far away from him as fucking possible.

Of course, Zacaraya expected resistance and pushback, it would be foolish to assume otherwise. However, he knew that he was fully capable of keeping it from Epel's hands, considering both the height and strength difference. Although he took advantage of these differences, and although he was winning, he wasn't wearing the trademark Zacaraya Samble smirk, and no sarcastic chuckle was directed at Epel. Rather, he was deadly silent, his brows furrowed and completely intent on trying to open the tiny box whilst keeping it from Epel's hands; why the hell was it so small and fidgety?!

A sudden shriek and a sudden sharp slap to his face got him to stop fidgeting with the box momentarily to glare down at the Pomefiore, just about ready to rip this guy into shreds.

But... Anger did not arise within him. Rather, when he saw the look on Epel's face: the look of betrayal, of helplessness, of regret... Zac's stomach churned and his heart became tight in his chest. Epel looked so... vulnerable, and he was reminded of the days when he himself was but a small and frail cub, desperately trying to fight the bigger and stronger bullies to find his place in the world. He didn't feel sorry for him, far from it. He felt... a remorseful connection.

Oh, jeez, the tears...

He had built a reputation for himself, and being a big softie was not in those particular plans.

"I-" he choked out, though he couldn't find the words to continue. So, instead, he simply gawked at Epel's glistening eyes, a stinging red hand mark already appearing on his cheek.

He never wanted to be the foundation of someone's pain, but it was looking pretty clear that he was quickly becoming Epel's. All because he got scared that he revealed something personal about his past.

Zac was coming to the realisation that he could not 'fix' this particular relationship, and he hated it. It seemed like every interaction ended unfavorably. But if he handed it back now, Epel would just bolt and never speak to him again. For some reason, he hated that idea even more than his secret getting out.

"Wait, I... won't break it. Just- calm down a moment," he ordered with hasty breaths in an attempt to calm down.

Despite every voice in his head yelling at him not to, that it was a bad idea that will only end negatively, Zacaraya would attempt to pull Epel into his chest in a swift motion, wanting to essentially hold him in place in a tight hug. The box was still safely in Zac's grip just behind Epel's back. An attempt to calm him down and with him, the situation at hand. Perhaps it couldn't be fixed, but this was essentially the last step he could think to take.

[fel-mi-er]

"Epel," Ember called out to the freshman, a small bag precariously sitting in his lap, "Atticus told me it was your birthday. I got you something."

He mentally cringed at himself, not wanting to point out that this gift was specifically ordered for Epel.

"I hope you have a great birthday."

He handed over the bag, giving Epel a small smile and nod before heading to his next class.

Inside was a small card and a knife, gifted for the intention for carving apples. It had a slight curve to it and the handle made was of a stained wood, marked by the stamp of a craftsman from Ember's home.

The note read:

Happy birthday, Epel. This knife is specifically for carving knives- please do not use it in any fight. - Ember Parca

Epel smiled at Ember, appreciative that he had gone through the trouble. "Really? That's very kind of you, Ember, thank you!"

He thanked him again when he wished him a happy birthday, and watched him roll away. When he opened the bag he was impressed by the craftsmanship of the carving knife, and interested in trying out new angles and cuts already-- he had never thought about using a curved knife before.

Reading the note, he again had to laugh. Ember and Jinx were similar, weren't they? Though he couldn't say he minded his apparent reputation. Still, he had never used a knife in a fight before, and he wasn't about to start now, so Ember had less to worry about than Jinx. He smiled to himself as he put the knife away, and tucked the note in his notes for class.

[fel-mi-er]

At first, the present was a little hard to come by, but after a bit of thinking, perhaps simple was the best way to do it. Carrying a small basket, he approaches Epel. The foot traffic was less here and he didn't feel like anyone was following him, so he assumes he's in the clear. It's definitely right in the middle of homemade and store-bought.

"A happy birthday to you, Felmier," Luciano starts with a small grin. "Thought you might like some local food from Stellavine."

Inside the basket is a batch of farinata, cut up into triangle slices, with a small olive oil bottle. From the smell of fresh herbs, it's most like freshly baked. The olive oil seems to be bought, but it appears to be from a farmer's market. Perfect for dipping.

And to top it off, there is a utility keychain that is geared towards carving tools is on the side of the basket.

"It's a small gift, but I think you might be able to enjoy it."

People had been approaching him all day today to tell him happy birthday, mostly fellow Pomefiore students and a few spelldrive team members. So he wasn't that surprised when Luciano approached him. Despite the fact that they hadn't gotten many chances to hang out yet, the rural confidant was a welcome face.

Epel thanked him for the birthday wishes before Luciano was handing him a basket. Inside were little triangles of... bread? He couldn't quite tell, but whatever it was smelled delicious, and would probably go well with the olive oil that accompanied it. Epel didn't consider himself a foodie or gourmet, but he always enjoyed whatever Luciano shared with him, probably because his cuisine of choice was so similar to his home's.

He was about to thank him again when he spotted the keychain, glinting in the light uncovered. "Wow," he picked it up, examining it, "This is all real neat. Thank'ya kindly, Luciano!" he smiled up at him, and was already thinking of carving patterns to test his new keychain out on. He wanted to work on his lettering, make fancy fonts so people would buy even MORE apples, that they could spell things with. Right now, he could try an L, a U, a C, an I...

[fel-mi-er]

When Epel would return to his room a small wrapped package would sit on his bed. Unremarkable in most ways but a little unsettling in others. But as Epel would unwrap the gift he would find inside a soft fleece ladybug much like the phone Epel once had. Wrapped around a hot water bottle. 'I heard heat was a good way to handle injuries from sport so here I'm sure it will be of use somehow -R ' Sat written on a note.

Scattered in the packaging were some chocolate treats as well, some shaped like bunnies and some as bugs.

Epel had no idea what to expect when he came in to see a package on his bed. Well, it was probably a present, right? But still, it was so mysterious...

He was a little cautious as he opened it up-- this school was full of pranksters, and he didn't see any identifying information on the box (did someone not want to be identified?), but his worries were for naught.

Inside was a fleece ladybug surrounding what looked like a hot water bottle. It reminded him of his old phone, which he still had in his drawer. He read the note and smiled. That was so thoughtful! This would surely come in handy real soon. 'R', huh? Judging from the insect theme in both the gift and the chocolates, he had an idea of who this could be (plus, it's not like he knew that many people whose names started with 'R'). He would have to do something nice for Rove on his birthday.

[fel-mi-er]

birthday boy !!

a collection of headcanons / canon points surrounding epel's birthday . some will refrence the harveston event as well as birthday card homescreen lines

epel was tha first baby born in his town in a while , and as a result he was doted on a lot . everyone adored him , and were constantly gifting him hand knitted plush toys ( source : harveston event )

i think that birthdays were great for epel . he got a lot of attention from a lot of people who loved him and wanted to celebrate that he was alive . he's probably in a good mood the whole day on his birthdays , and if something happens to sour that ( say , something at school , if it falls on a weekday ) he knows he can come home to his town that he loves

as for birthdays now : still pretty great . one of his voicelines for his union birthday card says that tha spelldrive team got him weight training stuff , which indicates that he's on hood terms with them and he's supported there ( i acknowledge theres a chance that it could have been some kind of dig , but probably not ) , to say nothing of the friends hes made at NRU . for example , deuce got him a cool cap on his first birthday card , and on his union birthday card he and sebek shared macarons that sebek had bought for him . he mentions that his parents sent him a happy birthday video as well

the canon of this account / this directory does not one for one follow the game , however i like to think that his birthdays are still happy here . since the events of the game have not happened , he hasn't made as many friends / the same friends , but he still has his family , and he still has people wishing him a happy birthday and giving him gifts :o)

again , epel was canonicaly given a lot of plush toys as a kid , because he was the first kid around in a while and tha people in his town love to knit . i think epel has gotten really good at doing that " an avocado ... thanks .. ^v^ " thing sjxjGAJJFJCKCKKA

epel lieks those funny versions of birthday songs . the " happy birthday to me , im 103 " one always gets people laughing , and he likes the " cut tha cake and say hiyah " ending too . he probably used to make funny versions of the song up as a kid

i think hes also tried to make his own cake before , as a kid , and it turned out .. less than stellar . he insisted that he wanted to eat his cake too , because he made it , but added that he wouldn't really mind it if meemaw made an apple pie too ... 👉👈

[fel-mi-er]

“Epel! Wait up,” Jinx called out as he ran up with a shoddily wrapped gift in hand, “Happy birthday. I think you’ll like this.” 

If Epel looked, he could see a nondescript cardboard box through holes in the paper. Upon opening, he would find a pair of iridescent brass knuckles with an apple engraved. There was also a little post-it note with Jinx’s handwriting that says “Happy birthday. Please Use Responsibly.” 

Epel stopped and turned to look at Jinx, a smile already on his face. It brightened when Jinx wished him a happy birthday, and brightened still as he took the box that was offered to him.

He thanked Jinx and tore off the paper (that wasn't on that securely to begin with), then opened the box. He wasn't sure what they were at first, but as he picked them up to examine them, confusion turned to awe, and then to sincere appreciation. There were little apple engravings and everything... he picked up the note and laughed. 'Use responsibly'... could you even use a thing like this responsibly?

He put them on immediately, and pulled Jinx into a hug. "Thanks, Jinx!" His excitement was infectious, always in high spirits on his birthday. "I can't wait to use 'em." he said, this time with a voice a little less innocent. His mischievous smile broke as he laughed again, pulling away from Jinx and tilting his head to the side to give him another enthusiastic smile.

[fel-mi-er]

happy birthday epel !! 🎉💖🍎💖🎉

[fel-mi-er]

"It's not exactly a problem with my housewarden, to be honest."

Epel was a little confused, until Luciano continued, saying that Scarabia had its own (but different) issues surrounding it, ones concerning individuality. This made Epel consider. At least in Pomefiore you could be an individual... sort of. There were parameters on the ways one was allowed to stand out, but there was no problem if you wanted to shine some light on yourself, maybe striving to have the best hair in the room, or trying out a trend from fashion week. Though, if Epel were to try and stand out that way... he wouldn't really feel like it was himself he was shining a light on.

"Perhaps in another location, we can talk in sticks to our heart's content. Otherwise, if you want to share about your place, be my guest. I'll make sure nobody's listening." Epel could pick up on some of the changes in Luciano's voice-- he was really good at it. At changing it quickly.

"Man... ah didn realize ya'll had it liek that in Scarabia." He shook his head softly, not in a sad or pitying way-- Luciano didn't seem all that bothered by it from what he could tell, so there wasn't really a need for that. "Ah tell ya what, in mah dorm... shoot. Ya slouch fer a half a second and tha dorm leaders givun ya a whoopin. Well, that might be jus me" he frowned slightly. He had had his hair pulled and his back slapped to sit up straight so many times, there was probably a permanent red mark on his spine.

He looked up at Luciano with clear blue eyes. "Is there a place ya'd be more comferatble talkin? Fer future refrence? I mean, I'd hate ta be tha only one that gets ta let loose here" he put his hands behind his back as he tilted his head, something he had a habit of doing.

The moment that Epel let his accent fall freely, a smile spills from his face, almost having to cover his mouth to contain the laughter that threatens to spill from his lips. The only thing that betrays an otherwise stoic expression is a quiet snicker. He gives a nod at what he meant by the complicated manners and etiquette that the wealthier class has. Sure, he was taught the basics of high-end etiquette for the sake of meeting with upper-end folks of his village and for provincial life reasons, but it is definitely exhausting.

At Epel's question, he blinks a bit. It would be weird to continue the conversation with casual-formal and pure countryside on the notebook. So he decides to settle with a semi-casual tone. More or less like how he'd talk to his neighbors or the people in the town part of his hometown. And it's not much like he's revealing much: he'd been slowly introducing this slightly more relaxed accent with some of the Scarabians as a way to fabricate amicability with his peers.

"It's not exactly a problem with my housewarden, to be honest." Compared with the way he spoke with Epel at the beginning, there's the slightest hint of an accent in his voice now, but in a way that it doesn't interfere with speaking. If anything, it just makes him sound friendlier, with a little bit of general Shaftlands charm to an untrained ear. To Epel though, he can just faintly hear the shifting twang and pitch that the Stellavine locals are so well-known for: a voice that sounds like small chimes in the night sky.

"It's just that I feel like there will be more hassle if my classmates in Scarabia gets a wind of my home accent." He gives a slight sigh as he leans back, allowing his weight y to relax a little more. Call it kinship or subconscious, but maybe he was expecting for the worst. "Scarabia is not as uptight with its manners, but give the guys a bone of individuality and they'll hold it over you until you graduate." A single chuckle escapes his lips before it closes. His tongue might be collared out of his own will, but is it considered a burden if he's been doing it for most of his life as is? Just better to not be noticed. To just blend in the background, unassuming.

"Perhaps in another location, we can talk in sticks to our heart's content." He clears his throat, sensing his accent starting to slip a little. "Otherwise, if you want to share about your place, be my guest. I'll make sure nobody's listening." The way he changes to semi-casual is almost flawless.

[fel-mi-er]

“Okay, well, that was good, but I have some notes.”

Epel relaxed slightly. Jinx didn't sound mad at all. So that was okay, then.

Suddenly he was doubled over, breathless from a hard hit in the stomach. Jinx snapped at him so fast he barely even registered it, definitely not in time for him to react properly.

Jinx continued giving him advice as he tried to catch his breath, and though he was nauseous and coughing, he was actually listening to what he said with serious interest. A throat punch... Epel would probably have to kick a taller guy in the shins first, to get him down enough to reach his throat, or his ears for that matter. He hated admitting that to himself. But at his current height the angle would just be too awkward to do any real damage, even if he could technically get his hands that high without jumping.

Or maybe he could just swipe their feet? Right out from under them? In past fights, Epel usually got on top of his opponents and started wailing on em, getting as many punches in before he was dragged off (if they could drag him off). His train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a kick in his chest, knocking him on his back.

“You gotta square up your foot stance, I shouldn’t be able to knock you down like that. If you’re not pissed at me when you get up, I’ll show you how to put more power behind your punch.”

Epel groaned, but was up on his feet pretty quickly, standing ready for another attack, still frowning. "I know how to take a punch" he felt the need to say. "I just wasn't ready." he knew how to watch for shoulders, he knew when to tense up, he knew to keep his chin tucked. He just didn't know Jinx was that fast. Usually his fights broke out after a ramping up, so by the time fists were flying he knew what was up, some opponents even taunting him and telling him to hit them, or saying things like 'you wanna go little guy?'. He had been jumped a couple times, sure, but his usual was a standoff. Jinx, on the other hand, was on another level with his speed. Epel honestly thought it was really cool, but this wasn't the time to be impressed. He needed Jinx to know he won fights. That he didn't fold like this all the time.

He wanted to go back at Jinx again, but he also wanted Jinx to show him what he did to put more power behind his punch. So he could use it against him. He debated his for a moment before, sounding frustrated, he said, "... show me."

There was hardly any hesitation when Epel actually punched him in the face. Like, actually for real punched him. He stumbled back in surprise alone, and felt his cheek sting where the knuckles had connected. Yeah, that’ll bruise. If Vil was gonna fuss over it, he wasn’t going to mention who did it, but it looks like Epel thought their housewarden was omniscient and headed their way now to punish him. It was almost cute how remorseful he looked.

“Okay, well,” Jinx stretched his jaw to try and disperse the pain faster. Little guy packed a punch, “That was good, but I have some notes.”

His fist snapped forward suddenly, hitting Epel square in the stomach. Much more practiced in fighting, he turned his body into the blow, twisting his fist as it made contact to get that extra force from the torque as if he was punching through him. Maybe it was a little mean to hit Epel back this hard, but he’d never learn unless he had experience. Getting the air knocked out of you was basically a rite of passage.

“The face is full of bones. If you’re gonna go high, punch the guy in the throat because it’s soft and it’ll stop them being able to breathe,” he talked through Epel keeling over in pain, “Or, box the ears. Your balance is in your ears, so if you get them ringing your opponent will fall over easier.”

Suddenly he plants a front kick squarely in Epel’s chest, sending the freshman flying backwards into the dirt. Kicking him when he’s down was a little low, but knowing him he’d come back in a rage.

“You gotta square up your foot stance, I shouldn’t be able to knock you down like that,” Jinx shrugged, “If you’re not pissed at me when you get up, I’ll show you how to put more power behind your punch.”

[fel-mi-er]

continued from here

“I gotta ask, you ever won a fight before?” Epel scoffed, incredulous, and a little offended. Yes, he had won fights before! He had the detention slips and the blood on his backpack to prove it! They didn't call him the Poison Apple of Harveston for nothing. He had lost fights too, of course, but... “You’re determined, but a fighting spirit doesn’t mean anything if you’re not smart about it.” Epel huffed.

"Yes, I've won fights before. Plenty of them" he frowned as he took off his uniform jacket, tossing it to the side. It's not like he had a place to hang it up, so the ground would have to do.

“Show me what you got, then we can improve from there,” All right. Epel shifted his shoulders to get ready to wind up, but found himself hesitating for a moment, realizing that he didn't want to hurt Jinx. “I won’t even block it, promise. Don’t think it’ll even hurt.”

At that, Epel ticked, feathers thoroughly ruffled. Oh, he'd show him all right. What the hell was Jinx saying, 'don't even think it'll hurt'. His ass. He was about to make him eat crow.

Epel might have been small, and there were certainly lots of guys at NRU that were stronger than him, but that didn't mean Epel was weak. He might have seemed weak in comparison, sure, but he could still pack a punch-- after all, he was used to working on a farm, and Vil had had him doing physical activities as well, to say nothing of his (admittedly crude) previous fighting experience. He wasn't some frail and delicate little doll.

If Jinx wanted it, Epel would give it to him.

Epel wound up his fist, leaning his shoulder back to get some momentum, and brought it down hard against Jinx's cheek, lunging forward. He heard the slam of the impact, and felt the slight sting on his own knuckles. It was a solid strike. Jinx stumbled backwards, and Epel cracked a satisfied grin, but his triumph was short lived, careening to a halt as he really registered Jinx's recoiling form. Oh no. Was it wrong for him to have gone right for the face? What if there was a bruise? Vil would totally have his head. Or maybe Jinx would be mad. Immediately he brought his hand back to him, looking wide-eyed at Jinx like a kid that knew he was in trouble. He might have fucked up. But Jinx wanted him to hit him!! He asked for it! He waited for Jinx to say something.

[fel-mi-er]

"Yes," he watched Ember raise an eyebrow at his question, "I don't get many of them at home, too cold to grow. Though we would get them as gifts, occasionally."

Epel looked surprised at that. It was plenty cold where he came from, and they obviously had apples everywhere. He didn't know where Ember was from, but maybe they just weren't growing the right kind of apples-- there were over seven thousand different cultivars, after all. Surely one type, at least, would be able to weather whatever climate Ember was familiar with. Except for maybe like, a desert, he supposed... but deserts weren't cold. Perhaps a place with icey grounds year round would be too extreme.

"Where are you from? ...if you don't mind me asking."

Epel decided it was best to be a little vague, while tying his apple observation into his answer. "I come from a place with a lot of apples, actually. I suppose you can see why they're my favourite fruit. Apples are really hardy, and there's lots of different kinds; if you wanted to, you could probably find a type that would grow where you're from."

He wanted to know more about Ember, so he decided to try and ditch the apple conversation-- it was too much of a mine field anyways, and it wouldn't tell him much about the person he was talking to. He still wanted to make sure this guy wasn't a jerk, for Jinx's sake, too. But, not being the most charismatic or best at conversation, he wasn't sure what to pivot to.

He thought maybe he could discern Ember's interests, as well as lead the conversation towards whatever he suggested, by asking, "I'm not really sure what to carve on this one. What would you like to see?" He tilted the apple, one side already peeled, to face Ember.

Truth be told, Epel was the slightest bit sheltered. He wasn't completely ignorant about sexuality, he knew what being gay was and he knew that some people thought that it was bad (for stupid reasons he didn't agree with), but he hadn't really thought about it past that. He activley avoided thinking about romance and all things related, including his own sexuality-- trying to think about it was frustrating and confusing, so he decided to table those thoughts until they mattered enough to spend the time on, which hadn't happened yet. His priorities thus far had included studying, working out, chores, etcetera. Who he was attracted to and what that meant for him did not make the list. Though, this did not stop other people from speculating on it. He had had people ask him when he was 'coming out of the closet', so he knew what Ember meant when he said that, and nodded sagely in understanding.

And even if he had not understood it, Ember telling him straight up that they were trying to be private about it was enough for Epel to get the message that he should be discreet as well.

"...are you carving apples?"

Epel looked down at the apple in his hand, and the knife balanced on his lap. He picked the knife up again, the small nick it caused already done bleeding.

He had heard Jinx talk about Ember, but they had never formally met (until now, he supposed), and Jinx was pretty private about it (now he knew why), so he actually couldn't recall much about Ember. He had to be an okay guy though, right? Because he was Jinx's boyfriend, and Jinx wouldn't date a jerk. Would he? He suddenly felt a little protective over Jinx. Was this guy good for him?

"Yeah, I am." He nodded. "Do you, uh..." Did he carve apples? The answer was likely a 'no'. He pivoted to "...like apples?" Inwardly, he facepalmed. What were they, kindergarteners? He could think of a better question than that!

He started carving again, used to holding conversations and carving at the same time. It gave his hands something to do, at least. This was kinda awkward.

[fel-mi-er]

This was going... well? Epel still couldn't get a read on him from his answers. His palms felt sweaty.

“I suppose so. This school is pleasant enough, if you ignore the setbacks.”

Okay... so, he still wasn't using his accent-- that was, of course, assuming he had one to use. Maybe Epel was being too subtle? Should he try again with a more noticeable twang?

He was thinking of what else to say when he noticed Luciano take out a small notebook, and begin writing in it. When he was done, he turned the open page around so Epel could read.

I guess it’s fine, but the only sticks you’re findin’ here are in their pretty school gardens or up the city slickers’ arses.

Epel immediately perked up, an excited smile blooming on his face. He leaned in, and began talking animatedly, "I know, right! You wouldn't believe how many times ma housewarden has scolded me just fer not knowin super obscure things. As if regular folks use all them shiny silverware sets with all tha different spoons." He shook his head. "How's yer housewarden wit stuff liek that? Does he tell ya not ta talk right, too?"

Epel was thinking that Luciano had written his true response down instead of speaking it because he, too, had a collared tongue. Though the Scarabia housewarden didn't seem like such an uptight guy... but why else would he have chosen not to speak those words?

In any case, Epel was really happy he had met someone from where he was from. Not from Harveston exactly (there weren't any other kids his age there, he knew), but from a place like it, and that's what mattered.

continued from here

Epel's chest puffed up with hope and relief when Luciano agreed. He displayed a nervous excitement in his mannerisms as he stepped aside to let Luciano in, and was grateful that Luciano closed the door.

"So, what do you wish to talk about?"

Everything. Everything under the sun, and then some. But mostly home.

"I... wanted to talk about home, I suppose." He looked at Luciano hesitantly, still holding back but trying to gague when the right moment to come clean was. "I must admit that... Pomefiore is very... different, than what I'm used to."

He placed the presents on the one wobbly desk they were afforded in their temporary lodging, and turned back around. He immediately wished he had held onto the items, as now he didn't know what to do with his hands.

Like waves pulling back before a tsunami, he was now overcompensating, talking much more formally than he did usually under Vil's rules. "I trust that you... may know. What I'm speaking of?"

He stood very still, very stiff.

If he was wrong... maybe he was. Luciano didn't talk with an accent either, but as far as Epel knew there was no outside reason for it. Luciano didn't seem to have a Vil. What if he was from the town on the other side of Harveston, but had moved away when he was young and had turned into someone posh? Epel didn't wanna drop his accent and have Luciano laugh at him or say that he talked weird. He never felt ashamed of the way he had talked before coming to NRU, but in this moment...

Epel gulped. He needed to say something small, that he could get away with. A mere slip of the tongue, an accident he could brush off because of nerves.

"I mean... do ya like it here?"

[fel-mi-er]

Zacaraya seemed tense, and annoyed, and Epel probably should have just let him walk away when he started to. But he didn't, and now he was waiting for Zacaraya's answer. When suddenly Zacaraya grabbed the hand that was holding the box, and yanked it above his head. Huh?

His hand was emptied.

Epel tried to yank the box back, immediately panicking, but Zacaraya held it farther than he could reach, all the while wrestling Epel down and away from it.

"A secret for a secret, guppy. It's only fair. You utter a word about this to anyone, and whatever's in your little treasure box will be what Night Raven gossips about for the rest of the year."

What tha hell!? Why was he doing this all of a sudden! He thought Zacaraya was okay now! What a fuckin mistake that was. He honestly felt a little betrayed. Maybe he shouldn't have, but... when Zacaraya gave him his bag back he really thought he was gonna be cool about it. He had even considered, again, showing him what was in the box willingly. How stupid was that.

Seven, this was just like what happened back then. He insulted Epel and threw him around, then he tried to speak nicely with him and carried him most of the way to the nurse's office. What the hell. So Zacaraya would just flip on you, just like that? He was nice one second and then decided to be an asshole the next? What was Epel supposed to think? What did Zacaraya want with him?

"Stop!!" Epel shoved Zacaraya, trying to get to the box. "Dont--!!" he shoved him again harder, more like a punch in the chest with the side of his fist, trying to get him to bring his hand down, or make space for him to jump up and grab it. Epel tried to yank his captured hand back at least, but Zacaraya held him in place.

Epel was the one upset now, glaring up at Zacaraya, disgusted. Did Zacaraya enjoy making others feel as awful and panicked as he was? What an asshole, what a jerk. What a no good barrel a rotten words.

Zacaraya had gotten the box out of the bag, and Epel could hear its contents being shifted around inside. The dark wooden box was wider than it was deep. At about eight by eight inches, it wasn't much bigger than the space taken up by Epel's fanned out hand, and it was only about two inches deep.

"I wasn't gonna tell anyone you asshole! That's why I asked if it was a secret! Just give it back!" he was angry, and bitter, and he never wanted to speak to Zacaraya again.

If it was an item that hadn't meant so much to him, he'd be a lot fiercer right now. But it was hard to be livid when you were preoccupied with worrying about what would happen to something you held dear.

Epel reached again for the box, eyeing the golden (in colour) clasp strain under the force of Zacaraya's attempts to open it. No. He couldn't. Epel looked more and more distressed.

"STOP!! You're gonna break it!!"

With the side of his free hand, Epel hit Zacaraya in the face. It was an awkward angle, but it landed, hard.

Were Zacaraya to look back at Epel (instead of immediately pummeling him for the strike), he would see that Epel's face had changed. Where there once was anger, there was now dismay. A helplessness in Epel's face. The tears that started to roll down his cheeks were not the kind he was known to shed without much weight, as the type of person who was easily consumed by his emotions (be they anger, happiness, frustration, etc). The tears now were a rarer kind, for when he was seriously distraught. And he was. Maybe it was stupid, maybe someone else would think it wasn't such a big deal. But Epel was... afraid.

His stomach twisted, a million thoughts tearing apart his head. Zacaraya was gonna laugh at him, he'd have teasing material on him for months, and then he'd tell everyone and they'd laugh at him too, and theyd gossip about it forever like Zacaraya said. Worse than that, Zacaraya was gonna break the box, the box that meant so much to him, and it'd be broken forever, and everything would fall out and Zacaraya would break it too. Worse than even that, if his meemaw found out that the box and its contents were torn up and ruined, she'd be really sad. They had worked so hard on it together, and he knew it was one of her favourite memories. Worse than that still, was that he couldn't fucking do anything. For the second time he was at Zacaraya's mercy. This was so pathetic.

He really hated that he was crying, but once he had started it was hard to stop. Whatever. Zacaraya would probably never respect him. He just wanted his belongings back. He just wanted to go home.

Of course, as Epel was feeling and thinking all these things, only a second or two had passed.

Zac looked thoroughly off. Epel had surely never seen him so stiff before. He looked uncomfortable.

"I don't run" ... but he was, though. He got up so abruptly that it had startled Epel, immediately going for tha door, and now he was tryna say he didn't run? Did he think Epel was stupid?

Suddenly, they heard approaching footsteps, and Epel stiffened slightly himself, tongue retracting. He shouldn't keep talking like himself right now, the walls here were thin and who knew who would walk in on them any moment. If it was Vil... Epel internally shuddered.

The footsteps trailed away, and they were met with an increasingly tense silence once again. Though this time it didn't feel so worrisome for Epel... this time it felt like the one under pressure was Zac.

Epel was about to say something when Zacaraya spoke instead. "There's nothing you could do even if I did decide to run, considering my single stride is about 3 of yours, little guppy. You'd never be able to outrun me." He took a step forward, and brought a hand down to Epel's head. Epel grabbed it, holding it (and, therefore, Zacaraya) in place. He had to let go of his bag with one hand, leaving it less protected.

His brow has furrowed with determination, but his eyes were somewhat soft. He didn't pity Zacaraya or anything. He just knew what it felt like to be so uncomfortable. He felt it pretty much every day, after all. And he knew that Zacaraya was just sayin stuff to say it-- there wasn't even any heat behind his words, Epel didn't feel insulted (though he knew that was the idea).

"Yer- You're tryna change the subject. You are running" Epel was having a little trouble controlling his tongue after letting it off so suddenly, then trying to reign it in just as. "If you dont wan-want to talk about it, that's fine. It's not like I'm going to force you. I just didn't want you to think that I was the type to judge someone for not havin- having a lot of money and stuff." He let go of Zacaraya's wrist, though he didn't use it to clutch his bag again. "I'm not some fancy little rich boy" he used his free hand to tuck some hair behind his ear, "... and I'm not a guppy" he said under his breath, mostly to himself.

Before Zacaraya could make another escape attempt, Epel had to ask, for clarification-- he wasn't sure he would tell Jinx about this interaction (especially since Jinx apparently didn't approve of them interacting at all), but if it did come up he wanted to know what was okay to say. He asked him, "Is... is this a secret?"

Again he thought of the fact that Ruggie was open about his similar background. Epel sure didn't think it was anything to be ashamed of. But if Zac didn't want people knowing about it, of course Epel would respect that.