~Scaredy Cat~

5 years passed. Etho got the medication for his, episodes. Joel is now 19, and Etho is now 21.

—————

Joel and Etho were getting ready for college, Joel in his room packing while Etho waited outside his room, suitcase filled. Etho got a new style after he ditched the constant sweaters and sweatpants. He got a dark blue t-shirt, and a green vest over it, and dark blue skin tight pants, Etho's self harm scars were exposed all the time. Joel opened the door, and smiled.

"So, we almost ready to go?" Joel asked, picking up the suitcase full of his clothes and a few other things.

Etho blushed ever so slightly at Joel's smile. Etho's feelings for Joel never faded, but were never revealed. Etho nodded, and the two made their way to the limo that was waiting outside. Keralis and Xisuma were standing there, waiting for the two.

"You two coming for the drive?" Joel asked, chuckling.

"Course, we wanna see our son go to his new college," Xisuma stated, "and since it is a two day drive, we're not taking the limo, people will rob us if we do."

Joel chuckled, "So, what're we taking?"

Xisuma and Keralis moved aside, revealing a black van behind them.

"Road trip!" Keralis exclaimed, shaking Xisuma.

"Ralis and I are gonna spend a few days near the college," Xisuma stated, "we aren't gonna drive you two and then just come back home!"

Joel chuckled, "Well, shall we get this show on the road?"

Joel and Etho loaded their suitcases into the back of the car, and got in. Xisuma took drive seat, and Keralis took the passenger seat. Etho took the seat behind Keralis, and Joel the one behind Xisuma. Xisuma started driving, chatting away.

~~~~~~

A few hours into the car ride, Joel had fallen asleep. Etho just kept, staring at Joel, his cheeks dusted a very light pink.

"So, Etho," Keralis said, "you like Joel, yeah?"

Etho froze, baffled, "What makes you say that?"

"Don't worry, he sleeps like a log," Keralis stated, "and I can see the love in your eyes for Joel."

Etho's face lit up a bright pink.

"I-Is it that obvious?" Etho asked, covering his face.

"Kinda," Keralis stated, "but thats just me."

"Huh, I never noticed," Xisuma stated.

"Well," Keralis said, "please take care of him while you're at the college."

"Was planning on it," Etho said, voice slightly muffled.

Keralis chuckled, "who knows, maybe you two will profess your love for each other~"

Etho buried his face further, and became a flustered mess.

~~~~~~

Joel's eyes flickered open, waking up. He looked around, and saw Etho asleep as well. It was the middle of the night, yet Xisuma was still driving. Etho had reclined Joel's seat a little, as well as his own. Keralis was half awake.

"Good morning...?" Joel asked, voice quiet.

"Go back to sleep Joel..." Keralis said softly, yawning, "we aren't there yet..."

"Fine, only if you do too..." Joel said, shifting his position.

Keralis chuckled, and reclined his chair a little. Within minutes, the two were asleep.