@goldnautilus said: As more days passed at the Octavinelle dorm, it became quite obvious that something was on Aurelius’ mind. Although always at work, he seemed to have been spacing out more often than usual. Some were fed up with his antics as he was prone to spilling people’s drinks or confusing their orders. Other times, things that were already said had to be repeated to him multiple times for it to sink in. On worst days, he would fight to stay awake ( with moments where his eyelids would grow too heavy and finally give in to slumber ).
However the answer to his strange behavior was soon revealed when he approached Jett with a handmade bracelet. “Look!” he exclaimed holding it up for him to see. A variety of seashells were arranged in a pleasing to look at pattern on a decorative string. The center seashell was painted black with gold accents that he thought were fitting for Jett. “I made us matching friendship bracelets. Lorel already got hers, but I still need to give one to Alys, Jade, Floyd, Azul, some other friends and of course you! Here is yours, I hope you like it.” // bro idk he just wants to be cute okay
As expected, Aurelius’ strange behavior didn’t go unnoticed. It was clear that something was off, everyone knew and everyone saw. Whether it be spilling drinks, dropping plates or spacing out mid conversation, the merman wasn’t acting like his usual self. If anything, he appeared even weirder than before. Azul already tried talking to him — to no avail. Aurelius seemed too busy with his own thoughts to pay much attention to whatever his dorm leader had to say. Although Jett was not present during such moments, he could easily imagine how things played out by observing Azul after each talk. Each time, the octopus seemed more and more annoyed, and each time, he’d whisper something to Jade. Perhaps, something along the lines of, keep an eye on him or help him out. Whenever Jett caught sight of it, he decided to take over Jade’s part before the other got the chance to even approach Aurelius.
On the outside, Jett seemed to be on good terms with the eel, though in truth it was all just play pretend. He didn’t trust the other one bit. Someone like Jade, who loved digging up the truth and secrets about people, without their knowing or consent, really rubbed him the wrong way. He feared that, if Jade got the chance to be alone with the blonde for too long, he would find a way to get an answer as to why he was behaving strangly. For whatever reason, Jett didn’t like that thought. Everyone had secrets. Forcing someone to open up was just plain rude. Thus, whenever a chance arose, the black haired made sure to stick close to Aurelius, almost as if he was trying to shield him.
This time was no different. Jett decided to help Aurelius out with whatever task he was given, until the blonde eventually disappeared to get something which he had referred to as a ‘special surprise’. This of course caught Jett’s interest, and thus he waited for the other’s return. He just finished cleaning the tables when Aurelius suddenly called out to him. ‘Look!’ His head turned, golden eyes then fell upon whatever the merman wanted to show him. A bracelet. With his keen eye for detail, Jett could tell that it was handmade, with a lot of thought and love put into it. Looking at the bracelet, reminded him of all the jewelry he made out of seashells himself. All thanks to his aunt’s teachings. Though, that wasn’t important right now. What Aurelius said actually caught him off guard a little. “Friendship bracelets, huh?” He repeated the words, almost like he wanted to make sure he didn’t mishear the other. Azul and the twins aside, the fact that he was included as well... how interesting.
Jett never truly considered himself to be close to them or anyone in particular. No matter how many times he would talk to them, tease them and help them. For some reason, being actually friends with them never crossed his mind, or rather — he never assumed they would think of him as friend. It was strange. While he enjoyed their company on the outside, it was hard to form a deeper connection to them on the inside. He knew the answer, as to why that might be, already. His father. As long as Jett would keep an emotional distance, he wouldn’t get hurt. What a fool he was. In truth, it was too late, and he never realized. He had already been attached to each one of them, yet he avoided the facts. Up until now, he simply played the role of the observant loner, thinking that he didn’t need anyone nor want anyone. However, right now reality seemed to hit him like a brick to the face, in the form of a simple bracelet made by Aurelius.
To him, Jett was a friend. Although, the others might not necessarily share the merman’s opinion, the matching bracelets would undeniably connect them in some way. Aurelius, Lorelei, Alys, Floyd, Jade, Azul, and more... including him. They couldn’t be any more different, and yet fate decided to bring them together. Facinating. Jett couldn’t help but feel excited, thinking about what more could happen in the future. He wanted to see it. He wanted to be part of it. After pausing for a while, Jett finally broke the silence. “I like it a lot. It seems your handcrafting is just as amazing as your baking skills.” The corners of his lips turned into a smug grin while he put the bracelet around his wrist. “I’ll make sure to wear it every day.”