Chapter Text
It had all started the moment he told his parents, and he wishes he hadn’t.
“How could you do this to me?! Our sons a defect!!” His mom had cried
“Well Jeppy!! We’ll get you a nice lady friend and you’ll be all fixed up in no time!!!” His dad had said in a semi threatening tone.
It was not what he wanted to hear, of course, being gay in the Sunfolk community was definitely a rare thing, but usually so widely accepted, it was usually, to most other sunfolk, it was seen as something so very natural, to hear his parents bitter words about it made his heart ache. Of course though, he wasn’t entirely sure, he could just be a little off track and confused like his parents say he is, but it really wasn’t likely in his eyes. He was upstairs by now, sitting at his desk, looking at his work schedule again, he has work in the morning, great. He began to grow nervous, his parents had always seen him and another sunfolk from his job getting together, what if they make them get together? Nah, he doubted it, they wouldn’t be THAT cruel, they’d probably just try them on a date then give up and disown him, that would probably be the best outcome out of all the possible outcomes.
Jeppy laid down on his bed, he was going to move out soon, he had just turned 18, and he had enough money for it anyway, he just had to wait until the perfect time. Jeppy closed his eyes, trying to go to sleep, he didn’t want to be exhausted at work tomorrow, especially with how much he was already starting to fall behind on.
…
Morning came quicker than Jeppy hoped it would, and before he knew it, he was getting ready to go to work, trying to brush his teeth and making sure he looked acceptable, before attempting to head out silently.
“Jeppy Jothers.” His mother called sternly from the top of the stairs. “Yes, mom?” Jeppy asked timidly, he was anxious now, his mother only called him by his full name when she wanted him to remember something important, or when he was in trouble. “I don’t want you telling anyone about your…’preferences…” She paused for a moment “I don’t want to be known as the woman with the freak gay son.” She spat bitterly, and Jeppy winced internally, he felt so gross with how she talked to him, as if he was the most disgusting creature she had ever had the chance to meet. “And don’t go scaring others away by eyeing them up!!” She yelled as Jeppy said his goodbyes and walked to work. How could she say such horrible things to him? He was her son! He felt so down, he just wanted to go back in time and never say anything of the sort, never come out, it would be much better if he didn’t, then he’d have nothing to be shamed for.
As he made it to work, he opened the employees only room to the same old friendly coworkers he faced every day. “Jeppy!” One of them called Frank said, patting his back and giving him a smile. “Hey.” Jeppy replied, smiling back. “So…how’d telling your parents go? Did they react as well as you thought they would? Obviously, right?” Frank said, picking up his coffee from a table in the employees only room, taking a sip. “Uh…not…not really actually.” Jeppy murmured in reply, beginning to grow a bit anxious for no reason. “What…? Seriously? That’s like, so unusual!!” Frank gasped, clearly quite surprised about the situation. “Sunfolk are like, the most accepting specie there is!! Seriously!! How in a hole are your parents?” Jeppy winced internally at Franks words, but he was somewhat right, sunfolk are usually so accepting, he had no idea why his parents were so…disapproving. It made his gut wrench slightly. “So, anyway, the manager wants you on restocks today he said.” Frank said, sipping his coffee again, and Jeppy nodded, putting his stuff away and heading out to restock, he swore, the moment he got a new place, he’d finally be able to open a store of his own, and sell things he actually likes.
…
He was midway through his shift, restocking some boring old soup cans, when suddenly he heard his mothers oh so sweet, but fake tone. “Oh, Jeppy! I was just talking with your lovely coworker here! Remember her? She has the military brother! The strong one! The one that doesn’t like it when his sisters heart’s broken! Anyway! I talked to her, and I explained how Confused you were, and she agreed to go out with you!!” His mother cheerily beamed, and Jeppy forced a smile, he was far from happy however, he didn’t want to go on a date with her, he didn’t like her like THAT, and he especially didn’t want her brother to be onto him if he broke up with her, he just had to date her once, and then hope she doesn’t see an interest in him, otherwise that’ll be so much harder to split off from. Jeppy sighed internally, before finally responding to his mom. “That’s…that’s great mom…but…why?” He immediately cursed himself for doubting her, and he watched her grin twitch slightly. “Why? Because its nice for a young man like you to find a nice lady to settle down with! I just know you’ll be a perfect couple, your practically meant for each other anyway!! You both have the same hobbies, same likes, same interests, your perfect, come on! Im just a parent, I just want the best for my Broken son!” His mother beamed, but her eyes said ‘your done for’. Jeppy bit his lip nervously, before nodding slightly. “I…I guess…maybe…sure, ill try it.” He agreed to it, mostly because he knows if he didn’t, he’d probably have worse things to deal with, she might tell her brother on him, he didn’t want a military man onto him, anything but that. Jeppy watched his mother walk back to his coworker, seemingly excited about his approval. “He said yes! I’ll get him to meet you at a nice diner tonight!” He overheard his mothers excited words, and he froze. Tonight?! This was going too fast for his liking! Seriously, he preferred things a little slower than this.
Jeppy quickly got back to work, stocking shelves, he didn’t want his manager to think he was slacking off on work hours, he didn’t want his pay cut, though he supposed it would probably be let off easy considering its more him just staring at nothing, not like, skipping work, or just sitting in the staff room like he’s heard some of the other coworkers have their pay cut for.
…
God stocking shelves is boring, and it takes forever! not much is being bought anyway, it must be a slow day today. Jeppy returned to the staff only area, thinking, what else needs to be done? He checked the schedule. Cashier work? No way, they’re fully stocked with workers, he had no idea if he was even allowed to purchase stock, guess he should probably sweep, it is autumn after all, leaves come in constantly. Jeppy picked up a broom, before heading out to the main part of the store, and making sure the aisles were swept clean, he was so bored, bored out of his mind. He zoned out slightly again, before being brought back to reality by his manager. “Jeppy!! Your hours are up bud, and I don’t plan on paying you overtime, so head out will ya!” The manager said, and Jeppy obliged, gathering his items in the staff room, saying his goodbyes to the others, and heading back home.
He walked the longer way today, not that it was really any different from most other days, he walked this way so often nowadays. Jeppy listened to the crunch of the dead leaves under his boots, he couldn’t wait for it to be spring again, he liked when the flowers were blooming and when everyone couldn’t stop sneezing due to how many flowers are in this town. For a town with a half percentage with hay fever, they sure did love their flowers, but the specific species that they plant wither away and die in autumn, which leaves giant, barren spots in their place, before sprouting again in the spring. Jeppy looked ahead, passing the old houses which usually had the older Sunfolk living in them, he was pretty sure that was actually a retirement home, though he’d have to check. He reached the block where his parents live, before trying to locate the driveway that was ACTUALLY theirs, he had once stumbled into the wrong house, and that was one of the only times anyone had ever heard him scream loudly, and he certainly didn’t want to relive that experience, it was humiliating! And for a good 4 weeks he couldn’t look the friendly couple in their eyes. Jeppy eventually found the driveway that actually belonged to his parents, and his mom was already sitting outside.
“Jeppy! Me and your dad decided you should go on a date with that young lady tonight!” She beamed, and Jeppy, not wanting to ruin her good mood, decided to act like he hadn’t heard her earlier in the store “Oh! Really?” He said quietly, not sure how to act. “Jesus Jeppy! Its almost like your getting quieter every day! You used to be such a loud boy! ‘Oh I’m Jeppy. I’m so quiet and I kiss boys.’ Hahahahah!” She mocked his quiet voice and laughed, and Jeppy didn’t really react, he was so used to it by now. “Hahaha…very funny mom…” he murmured, before carefully stepping past her to head inside. “Oh cheer up will you!” She called out bitterly, before lighting a cigarette.
Jeppy headed to his room, getting out of his work clothes, before deciding he should probably tidy up, even though his room wasn’t a mess, he liked things in order, easy to find, otherwise he can’t find anything.
He took a step back, before deciding that everything was neat enough for him, before sitting down at his desk, staring at empty paper. He didn’t really know what to do, when suddenly he remembered his mom wanted him to go on a date tonight, and he decided he should probably find something nice to wear. Jeppy got up and opened his closet, flicking through the clothes he owns, he didn’t want to be too fancy, and he didn’t want to be too casual. He decided a nice button up is good enough, he decided to just go back to staring at his desk.
Apparently, a lot of time passes when you zone out, because before he knew it, his mother was in his doorway telling him he had an hour to be ready, otherwise he’d just have to go as is.
Jeppy blinked back into reality, before getting into the somewhat formal outfit he had prepared, and heading downstairs, getting startled by his mother, who was staring at him from the bottom of the stairs. “Change. Now. I don’t want you wearing something that highlights how…Boney…you are.” She said sternly, and Jeppy looked taken aback. “What…? I chose this hours ago though.” He muttered, nervously scratching at his hands. “whatever Jeppy, just don’t be surprised if she thinks your too weak for her.” His mother said in a somewhat mad tone, probably because he was fighting her on something. Secretly however, Jeppy didn’t really care if he looked too skinny, if anything, it means more of a chance that he’ll be rejected by her and that his mom will give up with trying to play matchmaker with him.
Eventually his mom decided it was time to head off, and Jeppy wasn’t exactly keen on her coming with him, it seemed a bit…childish, to have your mom accompany you to a date, but he wasn’t going to try telling her no, especially considering she’s so keen on him meeting this ‘lady friend’ that he’s about to go on a date with.
Jeppy met the woman inside, who was beaming to see him. “Oh my goodness! You must be Jeppy! You know, your mom was REALLY insistent that I go out with you! She’s so sweet, isn’t she!” The woman said, and Jeppy let out a small laugh, smiling slightly, and growing a bit red in embarrassment. “Uh..yeah Im Jeppy Jothers, and uh my mother…she’s a very sweet woman, persistent, but sweet.” Jeppy replied quietly, and the woman laughed again. “Wow, she wasn’t lying when she said you were as quiet as a mouse. Anyway, we should probably sit down now!” She smiled, and led Jeppy to a table, sitting down opposite him. “So…apparently we work together! Isn’t that great! Unless of course this goes south…heh…” she blushed a bit, and Jeppy scratched his hands in anxiety, he wasn’t sure how this was going to go.
An hour in, it was going alright, even though Jeppy knew he didn’t like her like this. He would just let her know the chance he got, hopefully she understood. “So Jeppy! What hobbies you got? Personally myself, I like karaoke!” She beamed, and Jeppy thought for a moment. “Um…I like…going on walks.” He said, and she snorted. “I mean REAL hobbies Jeppy.”
“That is my real hobby.” He replied, a bit hurt. “Oh, my bad! I’ve never really met someone who’s hobbies are…well…walking…that’s all.” She said, blushing again, and Jeppy realized he didn’t even know her name. “Um…this…might be a bit…strange…but uh…I don’t actually know your name.” He murmured, sinking back slightly. “Oh!! Did I forget to tell you? My name is Hazel.” She beamed, and Jeppy smiled slightly, not really sure why.
Then came the part Jeppy didn’t really enjoy lots, picking something to eat. “Ooh! I’m gonna have the fish! What about you Jeppy?” Hazel blinked, and Jeppy stuttered, god she asks a lot of questions. “Um…I…i reckon ill get that too…yeah…” he uttered, absolutely red, mostly because he was just that anxious. “Ooh nice! Were so similar! Apart from how quiet you are! Quiet little Jeppy!” She snorted, and Jeppy let out an extremely shaky laugh.
When the dishes arrived, Jeppy was basically filled to the brim with anxiety, there was no way he’d be able to eat in front of her, not because he liked her or anything, but because she STARES. SO MUCH. “Wow Jeppy! You sure are a slow eat- oh you look soo nervous! Ill stop staring at you now!” She giggled, and then devoured her meal, seriously, how does one do that, and Jeppy was just in shock. He followed suit, just not nearly as quickly as she did, before suddenly she fumbled with her bag. “Ohh…Jeppy…I uh…I forgot my wallet…” she put on a pout before continuing “can you spot me? Just this once?” She plead, and Jeppy stammered, before deciding it was probably the easiest thing to do. “I…yeah…I can…” he blushed again, for no reason this time, before paying the bill and walking out with her.
Hazel reached out to try and grab Jeppy’s hand, but he was quick to move his hand. “How does next week sound for another date hm?” She cooed, and Jeppy knew this was the only time he could actually say it. “Um…actually hazel, I’m not too sure about this, I’m not sure if I’m interested in you like this…surely we could just be friends?” He immediately regretted saying it, especially with the sad look she gave him. “Ohh, I thought that went well…I guess so huh…” Hazel pouted, and Jeppy felt extremely bad. “I guess ill see you on Monday then! See you Jeppy!” She called out, before going home, and Jeppy was so glad she took that better than he had thought she was actually going to.
The date was somewhat alright, he thought, despite the fact that there was no way he was interested in her like that. Jeppy walked home, it was definitely something that wasn’t the usual monotony that he was always wishing ended, but this definitely wasn’t what he wanted, he definitely preferred the monotony that he usually faced instead of this, he didn’t want to be forced into some relationship with a woman he barely talked to at work, he only just found out her name for gods sake! She is nice and all, but he doesn’t like her, not like this, he would rather just be friends with her and leaving dating until later on in his life, when he’s more settled down, he still needs to find another place to live, and probably find another job, and making sure he can actually afford living. He reached his parents driveway, making sure it was their driveway, before heading inside, silently to try and not attract any attention, which of course failed, because his mom was waiting eagerly for him. “Jeppy!! How did It go sweetheart? Do you think you’ll go on another date?! I heard she quite likes you!” His mother beamed, and Jeppy felt bad for what he was about to say. “Uh…I mean…she’s nice…but…I’m not sure if were really…a match…” he murmured anxiously, watching his mothers face immediately go from a smile to a scowl. “Seriously Jeppy? Me and your father were so excited thinking of you and her, and what? You come home telling us your not interested in her?! Forget it Jeppy, just, just go upstairs.” She dismissed him, clearly not in the mood to deal with him. Jeppy’s heart twinged a bit at the cold, dismissive tone she had, and how she shot him a cold glare, but he listened, and went upstairs. He couldn’t wait to move out, then he wouldn’t have her in his face almost every time he came home, he felt mean thinking that, but it was just unfortunately what he felt.
Jeppy got out of the semi formal outfit he was in, swapping into something more casual, before making sure he didn’t have work in the morning and then lying down in bed, deciding he’ll just go to sleep for the night, not like he has much else to do really, his hobbies consist of going for a walk and maybe stopping by the library for a quick read if he can remember his library card, which happens once in a blue moon. Jeppy rolled onto his side, slowly falling asleep.