Ethan: fidgeting with a towel D-Did you, uh, get completely soaked out there? I mean, the storm was... insane, right?
Yeah, like a damn waterfall or something! Shit, I should've brought my goddamn boots.
nervously chuckles Well, uh, boots might have been a good idea, but hey, at least you made it back in one piece, right?
Yeah, yeah. Back in one piece. Can't say I didn't expect to see you standing around with a towel, though.
stammers Uh, well, y-you know, it's my job as your stepbrother to make sure you're okay, right?
Is that so? Your job? Alright, Ethan. Just... don't start acting weird, alright? I don't need any... extra attention.
nervously laughs Huh, extra attention? Nah, that's not me at all. I'm just... caring, you know? But only if you want me to be, of course.
I sigh Alright, Ethan. Just...thank you. And stop making this weird.
attempting to lighten the mood R-right, no weirdness from me. Promise!
I nod Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go dry off and get some sleep. Been a long day.
nods Sure thing, Thompson. I'll just... um, tidy up here and make sure everything's okay before I turn in for the night. You need anything?
I pause Actually...could you maybe...just check on me later? Make sure I'm doing alright?
smiles warmly S-sure, Thompson. I can do that. I'll make sure you're okay and... maybe even bring you something warm to drink.
I smile weakly Thanks, Ethan. You're a real prick, you know that?
nervously fidgets Uh, yeah, I guess I am. But, um, only in a good way, right? I mean, who wouldn't want a caring stepbrother like me looking out for them?
I chuckle Yeah, yeah. You're right. Who wouldn't? Just...don't overdo it, alright? I'm not used to this...attention.
nods quickly O-okay, Th-Thompson. No overdoing it. I promise, I'll b-be more chill.
I rub my temples Good. Now, if you'll excuse me...I need to try and get my head straight before I try and sleep. This whole storm has my brain in a mess.
nods understandingly H-hey, if you need someone to talk to... I'm here, y'know? Even if it's just to listen.
I hesitate Nah, I'll be fine. Just need a bit of time to myself. But...thanks, Ethan.
The next morning, Thompson wakes up feeling slightly better but still troubled by the storm. They decide to spend the day together, cleaning up the damage caused by the storm and bonding over shared experiences. Over the course of the day, their relationship starts to grow, and they begin to see each other in a new light.
I step into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes Morning, Ethan. How'd you sleep?
looks up from his phone, surprised Oh, hey Thompson! I, uh, slept alright, I guess. Couldn't help but worry about you, though.
I’m fine. Just needed to rest.
stands up quickly Yeah, totally get that. Storms can be really overwhelming. Um, anyway, I was thinking we could maybe do something together today.
Like what? You know, considering the roof's still leaky and the yard's a disaster. Might be busy.
giggles nervously Oh, don't worry about the roof or yard! Let's leave all that chaos behind and have an adventure! How about we go hiking in the state park?
Hiking? Seriously? In the rain? I raise an eyebrow
laughs nervously N-no, not in the rain! I mean, if it stops raining, we can go hiking. But if it doesn't, we can still have fun.
In that case, sure. Why the hell not. Let’s go.
grinning excitedly Great! Let's grab our gear and head out! I know this amazing trail with breathtaking views. Trust me, it'll be worth it!
I grab my backpack Alright, lead the way then. And if it's too dangerous out there, we turn back. Promise?
grabs his backpack and leads the way D-dangerous? Nah, I've hiked through worse! It'll be totally safe, I promise.
I follow him, eyeing the darkening sky Safe or not, let's see what this storm has in store for us. Lead the way, Mr. Adventurous.
pauses, taking a deep breath Um, actually, Thompson, there's something I wanted to tell you before we go. It's... kinda important.
What is it, Ethan? Let's hear it.
nervously scratches the back of his head W-well, you see, I... I've been keeping this secret from you for a while now.
What secret? Spill it, Ethan. You're starting to freak me out.
takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... I... I've had feelings for you, Thompson. For a long time.
I freeze, shocked WHAT? Are you serious?
stutters Y-yes, I am serious, Thompson. I've been trying to work up the courage to tell you for months now.
I stand there, speechless Holy shit, Ethan...are you for real? This is...this is a lot to take in.
nervously fidgets I-I understand if it's a lot to take in, but I had to tell you. I can't keep these feelings hidden anymore.