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Reth has always been intrigued by Jel.
The tailor was newer to Kilima village than most– probably their newest resident if you excluded the rising populations of humans. Tish, with her endless kindness, had insisted on personally going to meet them. Jel was around their age after all. Their little friend group, plus a few others, were considered the young adults in their small community.
Their generation was next after all, to take over the world. They’ve had a few years to settle into their chosen paths, (er… re-chosen in Reth’s case?) and as they get older the expectations seem to only grow.
So, it was important to Tish that they welcomed Jel with open arms.
They’d seemed weird at first, at least to Reth. They were quiet, and spoke with elegant words he could barely match together sometimes. They spent a lot of time overthinking, and trying to start these deep philosophical conversations that Reth didn’t feel smart enough to contribute to.
He was constantly in a mood, and never seemed to relax and just have fun. Especially when it came to his craft. Reth couldn’t understand dedicating your time to something that made you so miserable. That’s what led him down this new path. Straying from the chosen trail to explore his own interests and make his own journey. It’s gotten him in trouble time and time again but he doesn’t regret it a single bit.
Jel always spoke of disappointing his family. That’s why he came to Kilima, isn’t it? To get away from the bustling streets and spotlights of Bahari. Reth wonders, if one day they get their validation… Would they go back? Would they leave him, and Tish, and everyone else they’ve connected with here in The Valley? Would they hesitate? Or would they be gone before the sun rises, while Reth is stuck underground, blissfully unaware of anything other than Zeki monitoring him from the entrance?
Reth could understand being a disappointment. He lived as one, every day and every night for years and years. His parents never made it long enough to see his change. Some sick, twisted part of him is almost glad that they died before they could see his betrayal to the legacy they built up with planks and screws and eventually their lives.
From what he can remember, they were kind, but traditional. They would not love him for changing his path. He’s lucky Tish even does. She’s their perfect child– always has been. She’s so kind, talented, and passionate about her work. She’s going to do great things, even more than she already has. He’s like a table leg, compared to her. He’d work himself through the Veil if it meant she could get what she wanted out of life. She will live long enough to establish her legacy. Reth’s deal with the cartel promises that, at the very least.
The point is, that’s what Jel and Reth had in common– they were both major disappointments to their families. Other than that, they’re polar opposites. Jel is sophisticated and quiet, a fashion master with a bright future ahead of them even if they can’t see it. Everything about him is as smooth and silky as the fabric they work with. On the other hand, Reth is loud, and messy, with soup-stained hands that dirty everything they come in contact with. On top of that, he’s known for his mischief and– let’s be honest here– his criminal record. Those two things aren’t exactly compatible.
Jel was closer with Tish, anyway. Reth mostly just tagged along with them. He didn’t know how to help out at their nightly dinner/brainstorming get-togethers, considering he’d sworn off carpentry forever and is kinda terrified of trying whatever it is that Jel does. He could make a soup look nice and appetizing, but that’s about as far as his artistic design goes, so he leaves the creatives to them.
It’s nice to listen to. His sister and his best friend, talking in quiet but excited tones as they fire ideas back and forth. Their voices wash over him, familiar and comforting even if the words themselves go right past his head.
Jel looks lighter with Tish. The little crease in their brows is less obvious, but their pessimism doesn’t get any better. They’ll say something, and immediately backtrack. Reth’s no tailor, but he thinks Jel’s designs are nice. Without Tish’s constant encouragement, he doesn’t think they’d actually go through with any of them.
Despite the fact he pisses them off, and disrupts their discussion with off topic questions and thoughts he needs to learn to filter, Tish and Jel cared for him. He likes to think they do. Otherwise, they’d kick him out. At least, Jel can. Tish might be bound by the whole sibling thing, but Jel owned the house they always met up in.
Unlike everyone, Jel didn’t even blink when they heard about Reth’s path scandal. He can’t help but wonder if they’d come to the conclusion he did– they’ve both messed up enough to be outcast. Clearly, there’s some sort of companionship that comes with that shared experience, because Reth can’t think of any other reason they tolerate him this much.
Reth also wonders how much they act. Reth was a professional actor, at this point. Everything that came out his mouth went through a filter, carefully curated smiles and phrasing he’s perfected over the years that made people want to keep him around despite his less-than-ideal reputation.
Is Jel that melancholic all of the time? Are they hiding a chaotic side, behind those wistful eyes and tinted glasses? A flaw in their stride hidden by their perfect posture and beautiful clothes?
Do they really accept him, despite his past? Or are they pretending to, for Tish’s sake?
Reth is dying to know, and has been for a while.
Jel has always intrigued him. He considers them a friend, of course he does– but it feels shallow. He wants to know them, and not with Tish’s help. He needs a best friend. That’s something he’s always wanted.
Something about Jel draws him in.
He needs to try and be closer friends with him.