Work Text:
Witness: Bdubs
Etho wakes up feeling like he lost a fight…badly.
His head is pounding, he’s sore in places he wasn’t aware he could be sore in and he’s exhausted despite the sun leaking through the curtains that tell him it’s midday. He groans into his pillow, rolling onto his side as fast as his aching muscles allow him to avoid the blinding sun while pulling his blanket up to his chin with a sigh.
There’s a new smell.
Etho sits up like someone dumped a bucket of water onto him, propping himself up on the headboard of his bed and ignoring the throbbing in his head. The edges of his vision are fuzzy but as he scans his room–familiar gray walls, cool blues and minimal decor–he finds no trace of another person.
The blanket slides down to his lap as his eyes dart around, exposing a chill to the air that wasn’t there before, which then prompts Etho to look down. It’s only then that Etho comes to the realization that he isn’t wearing any clothes.
Confused, scared and naked. What an award winning combination.
Etho grasps the ends of the sheets as soon as his brain fully registers his…predicament, pulling them back up to his shoulders quickly.
Okay. Okay.
He was naked, hungover and sore which only could mean two real explanations. He highly doubted he suddenly decided to become a practicing nudist last night which means he hooked up with someone. The question was…who? Etho racks his groggy brain as he tries his hardest to conjure up a possible image but everything–and he means everything–comes up blank, which only freaks him out even more. Etho didn’t usually drink, at least not enough to get blackout drunk, but apparently that’s what happened as he can’t remember anything from last night to save his damn life.
Etho gets a whiff of the unknown smell again, this time he’s able to pin the scent down to his blanket–makes sense, it takes two people in a bed typically to have sex–which he brings up to his nose for a deep inhale. Just a run of the mill perfume or cologne, nothing special or identifying. He groans–half due to frustration and the other half due to the sharp sting in his head–letting the blanket drop and throwing his head back into the wall.
Okay. Restart.
Etho forces himself to the end of this bed, planting both feet on the floor. His keys, wallet and phone are on the nightstand next to him thankfully (although he’ll check his bank statements later just in case) which means unless they really wanted his toaster or whatever, the person didn’t come with any ulterior motives. Came and left like a ghost which is…fine for Etho, he’ll live with the fact that they didn’t care to leave a thank you note or anything. He turns on his phone, wincing at the blurry image of the time alongside thirteen missed notifications and calls from Bdubs.
A corner of his brain lights up. Bdubs…he did something with Bdubs yesterday.
Bdubs
If you don’t respond to me in the next ten minutes I’m going over to your house
And if you’re not there I’m calling the police
And if someone else is reading these messages YOU’RE DEAD YOU SICK FREAK GIVE ME BACK MY BEST FRIEND
Etho
I’m fine Bdubs
Bdubs is back online in an instant, the three small dots indicating a response was immediately being crafted. Etho can’t help but chuckle. It’s comforting to know if he got kidnapped or left in an alleyway somewhere, Bdubs would probably come and find him with sheer force of will alone.
Bdubs
ETHO! YOU HAD ME WORRIED SICK
ARE YOU OKAY?! DO I NEED TO COME AND GET YOU?!
Etho
Sorry mom
I’m okay, I’m at home. I just woke up
What’s wrong?
Bdubs
Judas priest
“What’s wrong” this guy says when we were supposed to hang out half an hour ago and you weren’t answering ANY of my calls!!!!
Now that is something Etho remembers, the lunch plans he made with Bdubs a week ago…the lunch plans that he promised that he wouldn’t miss unless a meteor crashed into his house or whatever Bdubs made him say. Etho pulls himself out of bed in an instant, nearly tripping over last night's clothes in his haste to get to the closet before he’s rummaging through for something semi-nice he can wear out to brunch.
Etho manages to send a clumsy, one handed text back as he’s pulling on a clean shirt.
Etho
Oops
Bdubs
Is that really all you have to say for yourself?
“Oops”
I’m going to push you off a building and say that just you wait
Etho
Sorry! :((
I’m getting up now
Bdubs
You better be. I’m heading over right now so you best be ready in ten minutes or I’m kicking down the door and then your ass
Pulling you around like last night just you wait
That message in particular gets him to freeze with his pants halfway on, staring at the screen with newfound clarity. Etho feels like an idiot for not realizing earlier. If Bdubs was there too, he’ll have a better picture of what happened last night…hopefully.
Bdubs
AND I WANT A PROPER APOLOGY WHEN I GET THERE
Etho
I already said sorry twice! How many more do you need?
Last night was a bit rough for me
Etho chews on his lip as he presses send, swallowing hard as he sees Bdubs typing a message back. He was starting off small, testing the waters, and trying not to give away the fact that he couldn’t remember anything just yet. Delaying the inevitable scolding from Bdubs about being irresponsible just a little longer.
Bdubs
Last night? What were you up to man?!
It was a work party don’t tell me you got wasted?!
A work party! If he didn’t still feel like shit Etho would be jumping for joy at the revelation; it’s like a switch in his head flicks on, cogs in his brain finally turning.
He and Bdubs went to an "unofficial halloween work party” last night hosted by the event coordinator Scott. By unofficial, that just meant the party was at Scott’s house and everyone who was close to Scott was invited…meaning everyone who had so much as smiled at Scott while at work. Even people from other teams and departments.
Etho
Maybe…
Bdubs
What did you do?
Etho
Might have went home with someone
Bdubs
ETHO SLAB WENT HOME WITH SOMEONE?!?!?!
I need to sit down for this
WHO?!?
HOW?!?
TELL ME EVERYTHING!!!!!
Etho chuckles at the message as he makes his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth, comb his hair and pop an aspirin in hopes of feeling and looking less like a zombie. He flicks on the lights, putting his phone down on the bathroom counter when his mouth drops open at what he sees reflected back in the mirror. Littered on his collarbone and the base of his neck are several purple-ish bruises covering his pale skin. Etho makes the mistake of poking at the tender skin, hissing at the stab of pain he gets in return.
Forget a ghost, he might’ve brought home a vampire last night.
Etho
Don’t really remember
Bdubs
You’re kidding
Etho
Well it’s not completely my fault! They didn’t stick around!
Bdubs
Yeah but how do you not remember?!
Were you doing shots with them or something and then you blacked out?!
Etho wishes he could say yes but unfortunately the knowledge that he went to a party last night is all his brain has decided to supply him with. He sighs, running a hand through his hair roughly to somewhat fix the rat’s nest that formed on top before grabbing his toothbrush. The hickeys look worse the longer he stares at them but luckily for him if he buttons up the collar of his shirt high enough he shouldn’t get any stares or questions. The vampire from last night was sensible enough to keep them low enough to be covered…too bad that’s about as far as their kindness extends.
Etho
Don’t know. Barely remember a thing
Bdubs
That’s not like you
Etho
I know
Bdubs
And you’re sure they didn’t leave a note or anything? No new contacts in your phone?
Etho
Nope.
It’s fine B. I wasn’t looking for anything serious anyway
Bdubs
Well they’re missing out
Etho
Wouldn’t go that far lol
Etho wouldn’t say he would be a bad boyfriend or anything. He had a nice job, a place of his own and a personality but he knew that he wasn’t the most experienced in terms of dating. He’s not shocked that whatever conversation he had with this person–not including any bad firting–and one night together was enough to send them running for the hills. Can’t blame them for seeing behind the mask and immediately wanting out.
Etho
By the way Bdubs, it’s been ten minutes
And I’m kinda waiting for you now…
Bdubs
The nerve of this guy…
I was heading out before you distracted me by saying you hooked up with someone
Worse was when you said you can’t even remember anything
Etho
Maybe you can help fill in the blanks for me? :D
Bdubs
Can’t do anything without me
Etho
Please?
Bdubs
I’ll tell you what I know in the car.
The first thing Bdubs does when he sees Etho walking towards the car is lay on the horn and disturb everyone around them. The second thing he does is shout at him from the window that he looks terrible despite Etho’s efforts to clean up but then, true to his words, the third thing he does is fill Etho in about last night. Etho finds that his own memory finally gets the memo and fills in the remaining blanks.
—
Etho opens the door to who he thinks is his friend Bdubs. It's hard to tell when he's wearing a giant puffy green jacket covered in leaves, moss and other unrecognized fuzzy green items paired, camo stripes on his face and a matching green hat that's equally as cluttered. Not to mention he smells like pine needles.
"What are you–"
"Bush." He cuts in, narrowing his eyes at Etho in disgust. “Immediately no."
Etho gasps, hand still on the edge of the door as Bdubs forces himself past Etho and inside. Etho decides to be gracious for the day and ignores all of the green tuffs from the outfit falling all over his floor.
"What's wrong with my outfit?"
"It's a themed costume party idiot!" He hisses in response as he awkwardly shifts in his costume. "Emphasis on costume and themed."
"Bdubs–"
"You know what Etho, I knew you would be difficult so I did your job for you." He states, shoving his hand into the confines of his outfit for a split second before he pulls out a small plastic bag from who knows where. "You can thank me later."
"Bdubs." Etho repeats as Bdubs shoves the bag into his hands while at the same time pulling Etho towards the bathroom like a frustrated parent at the grocery store. "You know I don't do costumes–"
“Try it on first.” He demands, practically pushing Etho through the bathroom doors and shutting it. Etho doesn’t have a doubt in his mind that he’s standing outside like a prison guard waiting for Etho to try to make a run for it. “You don't get to say a word about the costume until it's fully on.”
Etho sighs dramatically, turning on the lights and peering into the bag. No obnoxious neons or other signs of a gag costume but with Bdubs he couldn’t be too sure.
“If it's dumb I'm taking it off.”
"Oh please, you know better than anyone I have taste." Bdubs scoffs dramatically. "You're lucky to have me, you know?"
"Yeah yeah." Etho smirks, dropping the bag on the sink counter before pulling off his shirt. "What would I do without you?"
"Exactly."
Etho reaches into the bag and pulls out an old Victorian looking white shirt with a grimace. "Bdubs–"
"What did I say?” He shouts, the wood of the door creaking like he's leaning against it now.
Etho huffs but throws on the shirt anyways, fingers awkwardly clasping on the buttons. "Why do you want to go to this party anyways? It’s not like it’s mandatory."
A second unspoken question hangs in the air. Why do you want me to come as well?
"Because." He starts, dragging out the word. "I know the host and he does the best kind of parties, they're smaller, the music isn't too loud, the drinks aren't clearance isle and–"
"Is Impulse going to be there?"
"Shuddup!"
Etho laughs, imagining Bdubs red as a tomato as he shoves his legs through the pant holes. It's tighter than he expects. "I can’t believe you need me to wingman–"
"I don't need a wingman." Bdubs snaps in disgust, like he's mad that Etho had the audacity to even suggest that. "I just…I just need you to start the conversation, okay? Talk about your engineering things and I'll do the rest."
“Why don't you talk about your ‘engineering things’ since you like to think you're an expert.” He responds as he pulls out a long strip of fabric. A cape…great.
“Come on Etho, do me a favour for once in your life will ya? Besides, you need to get out of the house anyway.”
Etho chuckles, reaching into the bottom of the bag to pull out a plastic white mask that looks to be cut in half vertically. He takes a second glance at the mirror, connecting the dots as he straightens the bowtie.
"Oh." He muses out loud, pulling his normal mask off with one hand in favour of the plastic one in the other. "I'm going as that guy from that one movie…"
"Phantom of the Opera you classless hack." He hears Bdubs shout, a small thud like he's punching the door. "One of the most influential books, musicals and movies of all time. Again, you can thank me later for being the only one of us who thought of a great costume for you."
Etho stares in the mirror. It's not a bad costume, it's classy, not as uncomfortable or dated as he thought it would be but…
"It doesn't really cover much of my face."
"It'll be dark and most people are drunk, it covers enough of your face."
There's a short pause, Ethos fists tightening around the sink as he forces himself to take a breath. Etho wasn't stupid, he knew he looked strange without a mask even if none of his friends would ever say it out loud. Pale skin, too sharp features and a scar that seems to tear his skin in half. At least the mask could cover his scar but everything else…one night. He only needs to deal with the stares for one night.
"I mean…" Bdubs muses, causing Etho to jump. "We could always stop by the costume store and get a full mask, I'm pretty sure the original book had the phantom with a full face mask anyway–"
"It's fine." Etho responds, taking another deep breath and tearing his eyes away from the mirror. The outfit is nice, his face still obscured. "I…you're right, I'll be okay."
He opens the door, rolling his eyes when Bdubs turns and lights up before quickly composing himself and crossing his arms.
"See, was that so hard? You look nice."
"This better be worth it." Etho states, giving Bdubs a small spin. Bdubs claps his hands as he stares, giddy and clearly proud of himself with a genuine smile on his face that say he’s proud of Etho as well.
"It'll be fun!" He grins, toothy as always. "I promise!"
—
“That’s it?” Etho asks after Bdubs stops for an extended amount of time. Bdubs spares a sideways glance, a deep frown on his face as the car turns a bend.
“What’cha mean ‘that’s it’.” He mocks, fingers tapping against the wheel. “I wasn’t with you much after that.”
“Oh.”
He knows the disappointment comes from the mystery more than the person itself but…it's weird how much of it there is sitting at the bottom of his stomach and clawing at his insides. He really shouldn't be all that disappointed over a situation like this, it makes no sense.
Bdubs clears his throat. “I mean you can ask around–”
“It’s fine.” Etho interrupts, probably too quickly based on the look on Bdubs' face. “It doesn't matter anyways.”
“Etho, you–”
“Let’s talk about something that does matter…like Impulse.” Etho grins, holding back a laugh at the reflexive noise that Bdubs makes, followed by a flush. “You spent your entire night with him, no? I'm sure you remember all the details…”
“Nothing happened!”
“Sure.”
They argue back and forth a bit some more, a staple in their friendship at this point, but the conversation is basically put to rest as a result. They go to lunch, Bdubs steals food out of his plate and Etho begs hard enough that Bdubs buys him a useless trinket to decorate his room with. The day is fun, they get coffee on their way back and Etho almost forgets about the mystery person from the night before.
Almost.
It’s only when he’s cleaning up his room later, picking the pieces of his costume on the floor when not only does he find that his cape is missing but he finds a piece of a costume that doesn’t belong to him, a black eye mask.
A goal.
Witness: Impulse
“Etho, you okay?”
Etho couldn't sleep at all last night, lying in bed as his hands played with the black mask; turning and flipping it around like it was going to reveal a hint about its owner if he just picked at it enough. It was stupid how much this person was weighing on his mind, considering that they probably didn't even think of him at all.
“Huh?” Etho replies dumbly as Impulse slides into the seat across from him with his lunch bag. “Oh yeah I'm fine, just tired.”
“From what?”
“Just a long day yesterday.”
Technically not a lie. He was out for half the day with Bdubs and he didn't exactly have a great night sleep that day either. The bruises have for the most part faded but seeing them again this morning didn’t exactly give him a good start to the day. Again, he had no idea why it bothered him so much to not know this person, if it was someone who cared about him or respected him in the slightest they would've sent at least a single text message to him by now.
He'd even take a ‘hey let's just forget about last night’ right now over the radio silence.
“Yeah, Bdubs can really wear out a guy.” Impulse chuckles sympathetically, the smell of curry filling the break room as he pops open his thermos.
“You would know something about Bdubs wearing you out, huh?” Etho teases, taking a bite of his sandwich to avoid laughing at the way Impulse goes red; mouth dropping open.
“I…we’re not–”
Etho's eyes widened. “Are you guys not seeing each other yet?”
“We are!” Impulse exclaims, voice immediately dropping back down low. “Just…we haven't gotten there yet.”
“Oh sorry, too much?” Etho snorts with a small exhale of a laugh but his question is sincere.
“No it's…Bdubs did warn me that you were going to tease me about this, I really should've expected it.” Impulse huffs with amusement in his eyes and redness still in his cheeks. “I mean…what about you and the guy you were talking to at the party, huh? Anything happening there?”
It's like the whole room freezes, all other conversations around them reduced to nothing but distant noise as Etho locks in on Impulse; hands slamming the table hard enough to get Impulse to jolt.
“What do you know?”
“Sorry?” Impulse questions, eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
“The ‘guy’ I was talking to at the party, what do you know about them?”
“N-nothing?” Impulse stammers, a mix of confusion and fear. “That's why I was asking you?”
Etho grunts, chewing on his bottom lip. “Let me rephrase that, what did you see?”
“Is this a trick question?”
“No I…you're not in trouble or anything like that Impulse.” Etho clarifies, just now realizing he's starting to crowd over Impulse. “I just…I don't remember much from that night, trying to see if anyone else does.”
“Oh! You could've just said that man, you scared me there thinking I saw something I wasn't supposed to see.” Impulse chuckles, relaxing in his chair.
“Sorry I didn’t…”
“No need to explain.” Impulse interrupts with a smile back on his face. “But I will say that I don’t remember that much.”
Etho nods. “That’s fine, just tell me what you know.”
“In that case…”
—
Bdubs is a liar.
Well, he didn't lie persay. He said that the party would be fun and looking at him now as he danced with Impulse dressed as Scorpion from mortal kombat–or so he's been told–Bdubs was certainly having fun.
It just didn't automatically equate to Etho having fun.
The party was fun on paper, Bdubs was right about that. The open spread of snacks and finger foods that were tasty but clogged his arteries just looking at it, people were singing and dancing to classic pop anthems, everyone seemed friendly and even the choice of drinks weren't awful.
Hell, it wasn't bad looking either.
Colourful lights that weren't too harsh on the eyes are strung up around every room, floral tablecloths cover most flat surfaces and even the host's furniture is matching…Etho just didn't realize that he'd be ditched so quickly, left to stand awkwardly in the corner of the lounge with a cup of beer in hand.
Theoretically…how long would social convention require him to stay here? One hour? Two? He had a feeling that he'd be going home alone anyways but Bdubs would definitely notice if he left too early but he didn't have anything left to do. He was still too sober for conversation with drunk strangers to appeal to him and even talking to sober strangers didn't sit well with him either. Maybe he could burn an hour and a half if he just wandered the house alone–
"Phantom of the Opera! Good choice lad."
Etho blinks back into existence, tilts his head down slightly to look at a shorter man dressed entirely head to toe in black complete with his hair covered by a black headscarf and a black mask to pair with it. There's a glint in his eye, a cheeky grin on his face and a sword attached to his hip.
Now that's a reference he knows.
"Oh, yeah." He starts, giving a short look down at his own outfit. The costume has gotten a little uncomfortable to wear as the night has gone on–the vest a bit constricting–but on the bright side this guy was the first person to really acknowledge Etho’s existence outside of general pleasantries. "My friend made me wear it, said I wouldn't get in without a costume."
The shorter man hums, taking a glance back at the man with cyan hair. "Yeah Scott is pretty strict on themes for his party, pretty sure he's sent people home before on half-assed costumes."
He has a slight accent that Etho can't quite place, softening the 'th' sounds and having syllables roll off his tongue.
"So I've heard." He picks at the loose fabric at the end of his gloves. "I've never been so I don't–"
"First time meeting Scott?" The man interrupts with a short bark of a laugh at the end.
“No, just don't work with him all that often. Different department.” Etho explains with a shrug.
"You're lucky, I wish I saw him a lot less sometimes." He takes a sip of his own drink–probably the same as Etho's–winking at Etho when he's done. His Adam apple bobbing as he swallows. "You didn't hear that from me though."
Etho raises his eyebrow. "You don't like him?"
"No it's not like that, me and Scott…we just have a bit of history that's all." He shrugs, letting out a low chuckle from the back of his throat. "A bit of a rivalry you could say."
"Are you fighting over a woman named Buttercup?"
"No we're–" The man stops, takes almost a double take before he laughs again, more like a giggle this time. "I was wondering when I'd run into someone with good taste."
"No way. Am I the first to recognize your outfit?" Etho asks, genuinely surprised. "Isn't ‘The Princess Bride’ a really famous movie?"
"I thought so too but everyone so far has guessed musketeer because of the sword.” He responds, exasperated with his hands thrown up. “But that doesn't make sense because first of all I'm not matching with anyone this year and second of all this isn't even the right type of outfit, hell black isn't even the right colour scheme for a–"
The man stops suddenly, curls his bottom lip inwards with a sheepish look before clearing his throat. His eyes dart around, searching for a potential audience with the beginnings of a flush on his cheeks barely visible over the dimmed lighting.
It’s kind of cute.
"Sorry, I think I got a little too intense–"
Etho laughs, rolling his shoulders back a little to relax. "No, that's fine, I don't mind. I can see why that would be annoying."
There's a shyness to the man, a trait he's trying hard to hide and something Etho less successfully hides. Etho thought that this guy would be more of a frat boy or peaked in high school type just based on the way he carried himself but maybe under their masks, metaphorical and literal, they're more alike than he originally thought.
The masked man tilts his head. “Has anyone recognized you yet? Or do they somehow think you're the guy from ‘V for Vendetta?’”
“I…” Etho hesitates, feeling embarrassed already. “I haven't really spoken to anyone yet.”
Mystery man eyes go wide. "Why not?”
“I'm not really a social guy.”
“Me neither.” He agrees with a smile, Etho tries hard to mask his surprise. “But I don't exactly go to a party and expect not to speak to anyone. Do you at least dance?”
Etho winces, even more embarrassment building quickly. "I…um, no, not really."
"Yeah honestly, me neither." He whispers, leaning in like it's a secret and making Etho chuckle to himself again. He pulls back, a small lapse of silence before he sticks out his hand so fast that it startles Etho. "D'you wanna dance with me?"
Etho freezes, feels his fingers tighten around his cup. "Are you flirting with me?"
That question seems to catch the man off guard for a second before he smirks. "Why? You want me too?"
"I–"
"This can just be a dance for fun, doesn't have to mean anything.” He explains, smile growing wider. “It’s just…you seemed lonely standing here all by yourself, that's all. I know a thing or two about that."
The last part is quieter, something soft and sincere peeking out through the bravado. Etho's starting to think maybe he's stereotyped someone just on first glance like a hypocrite, that maybe the confidence is just persona. He's always been better at observing people rather than reading them, usually they come in tandem but this may be another exception.
"Is this you playing into the character or…?"
The man rolls his eyes. "Just dance with me."
"As you wish.” Etho hesitantly takes his hand, putting his drink down on a random shelf which gets the other man to do the same.
"That's my line."
—
“That's it.” Impulse finishes sheepishly, most likely at the way Etho sighs in disappointment. “Sorry.”
“No it's okay.” Etho waves off, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It makes sense that you didn't pay attention to a conversation I was having while you were hanging out with Bdubs.”
“I mean…”
“It's alright, Impulse.” Etho snickers. “You've given me more than I expected.”
“I was going to say I can ask around.”
Etho shakes his head. “Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal.”
“I don't think you can say that when you get that intense with me just asking about him.” Impulse laughs, Etho’s turn to flush. “I mean…it really seems like you like this guy.”
“No it's not like that I just…” He trails off, rationalizing quickly in his head. “I just need to know, for closure.”
Impulse hums in disbelief but goes back to his food anyways, picking at it with his fork as he moves the conversation away from the party. He knows Impulse doesn’t quite believe him but it’s the truth! Etho barely knew this guy from what it seems so just knowing his identity would be more than enough to satiate him. It was kinda fun to think about honestly, creating his own mystery to solve. Etho was good at puzzles, he wasn't one to back down from a challenge, if anyone was going to figure it out it should be him.
Mystery guy couldn’t run forever.
Witness: Grian
Etho hasn't been this active on social media since…ever.
It wasn't his favourite pastime and he didn't talk to many people on the regular but even he can admit that it's the easiest way of finding people (and personal information) for the least amount of work. Besides, Etho doesn't really want to involve more people than he already has, and no, it's not because it's embarrassing to explain the fact that he got black out drunk and that's why he needs all this help…that's only slightly related.
Unfortunately the search didn't yield too many results, most of the party wasn't posted online and from the pictures that did get posted–mostly from Scott’s socials–there was no sign of the mystery man in any of them.
At least not yet, Etho hasn't completely ruled out the fact that maybe he was just really bad at navigating social media.
Luckily for him, the fact that it's someone at his office has already made the search ten times easier. His team itself consists of twenty-ish people on the regular, if he includes other departments that interact with his team frequently which adds another fifteen or so on top of that. Maybe there's more people on top of that who Scott invited just out of general friendliness like the janitor or a receptionist but he has to start somewhere and someone working in the actual office feels more likely.
It's a man, so he can get rid of a good portion of possible people, he has a slight accent so that scratches off another batch of people and Etho's assuming the best of everyone so he's also rid of anyone in a relationship leaving just over ten people to focus on.
Not the best but he could work with it.
“Etho!”
Etho snaps upwards, closing Scott's Instagram page hastily before meeting Grian's eyes. He has the same mischievous smile as always, forearms resting against the divider of his desk.
“Yes?”
“Remember that shipwreck project you wanted to do?”
Etho raises an eyebrow. “The one you said no one would be crazy enough to agree to because it would take months?”
“That's the one.” He smirks, before he gestures to a person beside him. “Well I found someone crazy for you. They've agreed to help.”
The person isn't someone he recognizes, meaning Grian had to pull from another department entirely. They're the same height as Grian, brown hair with a green streak and a cocky smirk on his face.
“Joel Beans. Nice to meet you.”
Etho sucks in a breath, biting his lip under his mask. This was not an ideal situation. Don't get him wrong, he was sure this person was capable but after Bdubs told him he was too busy Etho already decided that he'd rather just do it himself than work with a complete stranger. Now he'll have to compromise and deal with a completely conflicting work schedule and…and he didn't want to insult Grian. He did go out of his way to solve a problem for Etho, the least he can do is give it a shot.
“Etho Slab.” He nods. "Nice to meet you too.”
Joel snorts. “Somehow I doubt you mean that.”
“I–”
“I'll try not to get in your way.” He states, adjusting the end of his sleeve almost disinterestedly to expose a small watch on his wrist. “I’ll have a proper blueprint drawn up before lunch, see you then.”
And before Etho can say another word he's walking off, leaving only Grian left at Etho's desk. Etho can only shoot an apologetic look up at Grian who's raising an eyebrow at him in disappointment, still a bit lost for words.
“Sorry, I didn't–”
“He'll get over it, he's too excited about the project to let you ruin it for him.” Grian explains, only making Etho feel worse. He's about to get up to apologize to Joel in person before Grian's leaning closer. “What's up with you?”
Etho startles. “Nothing? I–”
“You've been glued to your phone every break, and you’ve been liking posts.”
“So…?”
“Don't play dumb, you’re never this online.” Grian counters with a smug smile on his face, the one he makes whenever he wants something. “What are you doing? Networking?”
“I'm just checking–”
“Bullshit.” Grian interrupts with a scoff, dropping his voice lower. “Real answer this time.”
Etho debates for a minute how much he should reveal, Grian staring at him with so much intensity that he gets the feeling he's not going to drop the subject. Grian was a persistent one once he latched onto something, it's probably why they got along.
“I'm looking for someone.” Etho concedes, biting back the additional details in hopes that Grian is satisfied with that answer. To no surprise, he isn't.
“Who?”
“That's the thing, I don't know.” Etho sighs, the words more and more frustrating as the days passed by. “I met them at the work party–”
“The work party?” Grian gasps, visibly perking up. “Is this the guy you were dancing with?”
“Yeah, what do you know about him?” Etho asks, sitting up slightly. He’s trying hard to tamper down his excitement this time to not make the same mistake as he did with Impulse.
“Not much unfortunately.” Grian sighs, a guilty look on his face. “I don't really remember everyone's costume and I was kinda busy with…something else.”
“Drinking or Mumbo?” Etho chuckles, tilting his head at him. Grian frowns but the blush on his cheeks tells him that he's right about one of the two.
“Bold words from someone who needs information from me.” Grian snaps back with his hands on his hips.
“Okay, I'm sorry–”
“You better be!”
“–what do you know?”
—
Mystery man is a better dancer than he lets on, nothing jaw dropping but he's a demanding lead which is honestly better for Etho as it means less actual thinking for him and more dancing. That doesn't mean he isn't trying…and it also doesn't mean he's doing particularly well either.
"Stop staring at your feet, come on, loosen up."
“I promise I am trying.” Etho grits out, shifting his feet awkwardly.
The man laughs. “I know but you look like I'm torturing you. Relax mate.”
"Sorry, there's people–"
"Yeah I know but why don't you look at me instead?” The man offers with the end of a chuckle. “I'm a pretty picture aren't I?"
Etho rolls his eyes but drags them up to meet his anyways. They're brown, the most average colour in the world but under the strung up fairy lights and mini disco ball Etho swears–and he feels insane for even thinking it–there's a pretty shine to them. Etho can't see many of his other features well but he has to admit he had a nice smile now that he’s really looking at it.
"You're okay, I guess."
The man giggles again, Etho finds that the sound is growing on him extremely quickly. It's less controlled than his laugh, inherent joy in the way it bubbles out.
"Don't act like you're all that now."
"I don't know what you're talking about.” Etho hums as he's spun around slowly. “I'm extremely humble unlike others."
It's the shorter man's turn to roll his eyes. "Yeah alright mate, turns out the personality doesn't match the face."
Etho’s almost taken aback as he processes the words. “You think I'm handsome?"
"You said that not me"
“You implied it.”
“I implied nothing.” He smirks, even though the blush is back on his cheeks. “That's your so-called humble ego talking.”
It's weird. How easy it is to just talk with this random guy he met ten minutes ago. The way they push and pull when they dance and in conversation, never too quick for the other person to jump on. Normally it feels like Ethos is trying hard to keep conversation, tampering down his inherent awkwardness but it doesn't feel like he has to try very hard for him.
Even if in the grand scheme of things it's a meaningless conversation. It's…nice. He's nice. And maybe that's all he needs right now.
There's a loud cheer erupting from the crowd when a new song starts, familiar and a fan favourite to everyone but Etho as everyone begins humming and singing along in an off tune key that's still filled with warmth. The dance floor is immediately turned into a mosh pit, people crowding in and jumping which almost shoves Etho into the other man by accident.
"Come on,” he says, tugging Etho by the hand, “let's go get another drink."
And Etho follows.
—
“That's probably the last I saw of you at that party.” Grian hums, fingers tapping against the desk. “Sorry.”
“It's fine, thanks for telling me.” Etho spares a small glance at his phone. “I'll figure out the rest.”
Eventually.
He doesn't care if he has to scrub ten different people's social media for the rest of the week. He'll do it. Honestly it's partially his fault anyways, all that talk and Etho never asked for a name, maybe that’s why they didn’t leave a number.
“Dedicated.”
“Curious.” He corrects.
“I mean if you ask me you two seemed pretty close.” Grian grins. “Maybe he's–”
“Grian.”
Both of them jump a little at the new voice, Joel appearing behind Grian with a few tubes of rolled up paper and a smirk on his face at the looks of shock.
“Joel, you–”
“I’d come back later but I think this is more important” He snickers, waving one of the tubes at Grian.
Grian's eyebrows shoot up. “You're done with the blueprint already?”
“You act like I didn't already do most of these last night. Besides, they're just rough drafts.” He replies casually, like creating what looks to be four different blueprints was normal even for a night. “Now move."
Grian puts his hands up, shooting Etho a sympathetic look. “Good luck Etho, you’ll need it.”
Joel drops the blueprints onto Etho's already messy desk before Etho can say a word. Etho takes the opportunity to shove a few items into his desk drawers and hastily push things to the side.
He clears his throat. “Uh, sorry about earlier I promise I'm thrilled to be working–”
“Whatever lad, I'm already over it.” Joel states as he unrolls the blueprint. It's beautiful, clean strokes and nothing too complex for Etho to work with. Not only that but it's much more detailed than anything Etho could ever come up with.
“Thanks.”
And apparently he said all that out loud.
“I mean, for improvements you could–”
“And here we go.” He laughs, leaning against the desk. “Grian did say you never gave compliments out for free.”
And Joel continues to speak after that, pointing out parts of the blueprint while Etho nods along. But he isn't really listening, mind still focused on the laugh.
He knows that laugh.
Witness: Scott
“Etho, here are those files you needed.”
“Thanks Scott.” Etho hums, only briefly looking up from his laptop. “Just put them over there.”
Etho hears the files drop over the clicking of his keyboard but he doesn't hear Scott move. In fact he’s waiting expectantly for something as Etho looks back at him.
“Do you need somet–?”
“A little birdie tells me you're looking for someone who attended my party.” Scott muses, voice taking a teasing edge. Etho rolls his eyes.
“Tell Grian, snitches get stitches.”
“He means well.” Scott explains with a giggle. “I mean…I'm the one who invited everyone so if anyone knows anything it would be me.”
He feels like a broken record at this point. “It's not a big deal, don't waste your time.”
“If you insist.” Scott responds, conceding suspiciously quickly. “I guess you don't want to know what I saw from the kitchen then...have a nice day Etho.”
Scott fakes walking away, footsteps too slow to be natural. Etho grits his teeth, exhaling roughly through his nose and he gives in like both of them expected he would.
“Wait…”
“That's what I thought.” Scott grins as he spins immediately back around, taking a seat on the desk. “I'll make it quick.”
—
Etho wipes his mouth with the back of his hand after he very attractively emptied the contents of his stomach into one of Scott's nicely trimmed hedges.
He owes Scott an apology for that in the morning.
Mystery man watches from the stairs, concerned but also deeply amused. At least Etho thinks he is, it's hard to tell from the dim porch lights but on the bright side there doesn't seem to be anyone else outside to witness Etho embarrass himself this time; just the crickets and the moon.
“Feeling better?” The man asks, handing Etho a bottle of water from who knows where as he shakily approaches.
“Yeah, sorry you had to see that.” He starts, turning away to take a swig. “It's been a while since I've drank that much.”
The man laughs sympathetically. “You could've tapped out at any time mate.”
“And let you win that easily?”
The man shakes his head, giving a smaller laugh this time before he's patting the step next to him. Etho plops down next to him without a second thought.
Neither of them speak for a minute.
It's hard to sit in silence with some people, the empty space causing some to fill it in a desperate need to not let a single moment linger. He's glad that this isn't the case, the other man bringing his knees up to his chest and tilting his head to look at Etho; a softer smile on his face.
Something inverts in Etho's stomach, but in a different way than earlier.
“Why are you here?”
“This guy.” Etho says incredulously, an awkward chuckle forcing its way out. “If you want me to leave just–”
“No I mean…why are you at this party?” He corrects, tilting his chin up. “Not that I don't enjoy your company but you clearly don't like parties. So why are you here?”
“Remember my friend I mentioned earlier?” The man only hums in agreement. “He wanted my help with getting with someone at the party that we both know so…”
Etho trails off with a slight smile tugging at his lips as he remembers the totally not desperate plea from Bdubs earlier. Not that he ended up needing the help anyway, Impulse latching onto Bdubs from the second he walked through the door.
“And how do you feel about that?”
Etho squints at him, watching as the smaller man curls into himself further like he's trying to look smaller.
“Am I supposed to feel a certain way?” He asks, only for the other man to shrug.
“I don't know, I thought maybe you were interested in–”
“Me and Bdubs?” Etho interrupts, jolting upright. The embarrassed look he gets in return is the only confirmation Etho needs. “No me and Bdubs…we're a lot of things but we're not–we’re not like that.”
“Bad thing?”
“So you are flirting with me.”
Etho gets a small push to his arm as an immediate response. “Shut up, you're interesting so I'm trying to figure you out.”
“Oh I'm not…I'm just me, I'm just as interesting as everyone else.” Etho responds, nervously playing with the sleeves of his clothes.
“You say that.” He starts. “But I see you around the office a bunch and you're so…”
“Awkward?”
“Weird.” He states, hastily continuing at whatever face Etho makes. “In a good way! Normally everything I hear about you is that you're so cool and admirable and I'm not saying there isn't any truth to it–”
“You talk about me?”
There's the blush again. “Not what I said.”
“It was implied.”
“Selective hearing.” He bites back, playfully whacking him once more. “But as I was saying…you're just some goofy guy at the end of the day, I dunno why I thought you'd be cold.”
Now that gets Etho's attention. “Cold?”
“Gaurded."
“Well okay then, what do you want to know?” He doesn't know if it's the alcohol but he suddenly feels like he has something to prove. “Ask me whatever.”
“I don't know…what about the mask you normally wear?”
He should've expected that.
“I have a facial scar. You can still kinda see it with the mask but covering it up helps stop the questions.” He admits, not liking the way the words come out; sounding strange especially said to who was practically still a stranger. “I know nobody's going to be mean about it but it's just what I'm comfortable with.”
He gestures to the half mask. “Even this much exposure of my face is weird.”
“It suits you.”
Etho's eyebrows shoot up. “This mask suits–”
“Different suits you.” He clarifies with another gentle smile, scooting closer on his butt; warmth radiating from where their arms almost touch. “Matches your personality, again, in a good way.”
“Thanks.” He scoffs.
“I’m serious. Makes you even more interesting.”
—
“Scott, can you flirt with him after work or something?” Joel deadpans, already looking annoyed at Scott's lack of movement.
Scott smiles, too wide to be genuine.
“Funny Joel.” He replies, batting his eyelashes with faux innocence. In a blink of an eye, Etho is pulled closer by his sleeve; Scott's breath hot in his ear. “Don't look too far Etho, that's all I'll say.”
Scott knows something else.
Not only that he knows that Etho knows that as well but for some reason he can't say it outright. No…it's not that he can't tell him, it's that he won't tell him and Etho doesn't know why. Scott releases Etho unceremoniously and hops off the desk, blowing a kiss to Joel as he walks past him which gets him a fake gag from the brunet in return.
It's only then does Etho find his voice.
“But–”
“I believe in you!” Scott shouts over his shoulder–as if he predicted what Etho would say–not even turning around to look at him. “Ask again later if you can't figure it out!”
Great.
“Do I want to know?” Joel asks with a small chuckle and a teasing eyebrow raise.
Etho shakes his head. “Just gossip.”
“Sounds like Scott.” He hums, dragging over a chair from a nearby empty desk. “Don’t know why he couldn't wait until you clocked out.”
“Jealous?”
“In your dreams.” Joel scoffs with the slightest bit of blush. “It's just that Mr. Popular over here always seems to have someone at his desk, it's like I have to book time with you or something.”
Etho laughed, something weird swirling in his stomach. He really didn't have that many people visiting his desk, it was just a weird coincidence that he was usually talking to people whenever Joel came around.
“People usually want to talk to you when you're nice.”
“I’m very nice. Scott is the only exception.”
“Uh huh...”
Working with Joel was the most interesting experience of Etho's life.
He had heard many things about Joel, the main ones being that Joel was loud, egotistical, brash and quick to anger. This didn't exactly make Etho feel any better after their initial encounter but after several more meetings with Joel he realized there was a lot more to him.
“Is that how you want to be talking to someone who just finished making all those changes you requested?”
Etho has to do a mental double take. “Already?!”
For one, Joel was the most efficient work partner Etho had ever had.
Etho would finish writing notes or criticizing one thing and Joel would drop a new design with all the necessary improvements on Etho's desk the very next day. He would design one thing and Joel would have it added to the tester model within hours. Etho would ramble suggestions and Joel would deliver on every single one without fail. Normally working with other people had Etho sitting around for ages to get even a single update but with Joel he found he was the one struggling to keep up with the insane pace Joel set.
Forget months, Joel was working like he wanted this done in days.
“Where do you find all this energy?” Etho asks almost to himself as he unfurls the new blueprint. Joel laughs again which comes with another weird stomach drop.
Joel was the most sarcastic person–besides Cleo–he’d ever met, passionate to the point of intensity, smart in the sense he refused to be ‘rubbish’ at anything he did and surprisingly thoughtful and sweet; forcing Etho to eat more than just granola bars and sandwiches by packing two lunches.
But more than that Joel was so, so familiar to Etho that it was driving him up a wall.
Everything about him from the way he talked, laughed, walked and even his issues with Scott all reminded Etho of the man he met at the party. They both had the same spark to them, the same cheeky smile and the same sense of humour. Etho already had the identity narrowed down to three possible people now and after his conversation with Scott, Joel was now his main suspect.
He didn't know what to feel about that.
“What do you think?” Joel says, interrupting Etho's internal spiral with the quiet question.
“It's good.”
“Just good?” Joel drawls, the semi-nervous look replaced with a frown. “You were thinking for that long and that's all you can come up with?”
Etho shakes his head with a chuckle. “Sorry, I was thinking about something unrelated.”
“And what could possibly be more important than this?” Joel grins, a teasing lift to his tone.
If it really is you, why not say anything?
Etho thought they got along pretty well, hell he thought they got along the night of the party. So unless Joel also didn't remember, why hadn't he brought it up yet? Did he just not care? Did he not want anything serious? Why hadn't he given a single hint that he knew Etho existed outside of work?
Or maybe Etho was just delusional and it wasn't actually Joel.
Etho opens his mouth, about to make some sort of excuse when an idea pops into his head. A trap of sorts.
“Someone I met at the work party.”
There's a split second of surprise on Joel's face, almost invisible to anyone who wasn't looking. Unfortunately for Joel, Etho was looking.
“Oh.” He states, tone betraying nothing. “Why?”
“I want to get to know them.” Etho admits with a small shrug, a truth he only came to terms with after all his intense social media stalking. “But I think they're avoiding me.”
“Maybe they're scared.” Joel offers, his tone is again neutral but he’s tense, not looking directly at Etho when he says it.
Got you.
“Don't know what they have to be scared of.” Etho chuckles, propping his forearms onto the table and resting his chin on his hands. “Nobody is scared of me.”
“I mean you might not like them once you get to know them.”
“But at least then I'd know.”
“The truth sucks sometimes.”
“And spending the rest of my life not knowing sucks even more.” He counters, Joel swallowing audibly but still no break in his expression. It’s strangely tense.
“I mean…if they work here, it shouldn't be that hard to find their socials.”
Etho bristles. “That’s the thing I don’t remember their name...or anything really.”
“You don't remember?” Joel snickers as he leans back in his chair, the weird tension in the air dissipating. Etho shakes his head, mimicking a drinking motion that makes Joel’s eyes widened for a split second. “Nothing at all?”
“It’s coming back slowly.” He admits, only partially the truth.
“That’s hilarious.”
Etho gets another idea before he can come up with a rebuttal. Before he can talk himself out of it he's reaching over his desk for his notebook, pulling a pencil out of his drawer and scribbling everything down before tearing the page out. He slides the sheet over to Joel who looks at it while Etho pretends to refocus on the blueprint in front of him.
“What's this?”
“Phone number and address.” Etho states casually like this is something he always does. “Just in case you can't get a hold of me during work for whatever reason.”
“You didn't have to–”
“It's fine.” Etho could speak his workaholic language. “The faster we get it done the better right?”
“Right.”
Witness: Joel
There's a chill.
At least Etho thinks there is, he's still warm from the many beers but the man next to him flinches, a sudden shudder going through him. Before Etho can truly process what he's doing when his cape finds its way around the smaller man's shoulder.
“Well, aren't you a gentleman?” He smirks even when there's another flush rising up to his cheeks.
“Only matching your energy, flirting with me and all.”
“Again with the insistence that I'm flirting with you.” He tsks, shaking his head but pulling the cape tighter around his shoulder. “Anyone would think you're obsessed.”
“Obsessed? Turning this around on me I see.” Etho gasps, bumping the man's shoulder. “You approached me, not the other way around.”
“And you spoke to me.”
“And you danced with me.”
“And you drank with me.”
“Only because you begged me.”
“Begged?” He repeats, voice nearly shrill. “Please I don't need to beg for anything. In fact in a minute you're about to beg me to kiss you.”
Etho jaw drops open. “Did you say kiss? I can't believe you're thinking of kissing me.”
“Well you took off your mask!”
Etho’s hand institutionally goes to his face, not meeting any resistance. When did that happen? He definitely remembered to put it back on after the first drink of water but the second…
“Don't put it back on.”
“I bet you’d like that.” Etho mumbles, hand fumbling around blindly for the mask only to realize he left it right next to him.
“You look good.”
Etho exhales slowly, fingers relaxing around the plastic. The man scoots even closer, no space left between the two of them.
“Come on.” He goads, his breath tickling Etho's neck. “It’ll be fun.”
“I–”
He couldn't believe he was even entertaining the man–the stranger's–drunk thoughts. But the pleading and soft look on his face, even though it's obscured with his own mask, is enough to get Etho to maintain eye contact. It's enough that he's not pulling away or running back inside. It's enough that he thinks that maybe he does want it as well.
“My breath probably stinks–”
“Oh shut up.”
And Etho would swear up and down that he wasn't this easy, that he didn't crack under the slightest bit of pressure, didn't kiss someone within the first hours of knowing someone and definitely not at random parties. And yet when the man with probably the prettiest smile in the world leans in, Etho meets him halfway.
It's a bit awkward at first with the way they're sitting but they solve that pretty quickly with the shorter man nearly climbing into his lap while Etho's hands find the small of his back; keeping them close together. Etho doesn't kiss a lot of people so it's probably just the alcohol talking but he thinks it’s the best kiss he's ever had. Desperate breaths in between, heated touches along his arm and a churning feeling in his stomach threatening to burst out; it feels like the kisses they describe in books and see in movies.
“You wanna take this somewhere else?” He asks, barely a whisper against Etho's lips.
Etho can only nod.
—
Etho startles awake at the doorbell, the now familiar black mask clutched tightly between his fingers.
A dream? No…it was too real to be, too specific to be just a story pieced together by his sub-conscious.
The doorbell rings again, and Etho–who just comprehended the time–is throwing the mask back onto the nightstand and jumping out of bed when he realizes that it’s not a solicitor at his door.
Joel agreed to come over to help put the final touches on the project which means that Etho was running to get the door, smoothing out the wrinkles in his shirt as he went. He couldn't believe he was saying this but he was excited to work on his day off for no pay, which is crazy to say because nobody is ever excited to work. He wants to say it's the project itself, which was put off for months because they couldn't find someone to work with Etho, although he knows that isn't the real reason.
Etho honestly didn't know whether he thought the mystery man was Joel or just wanted it to be Joel at this point. Something inside of him said both.
“You really want to get this thing done, huh?” Joel laughs when Etho opens the door. He's holding a bag with him, takeout most likely for dinner, considering Etho's afternoon nap lasted two hours too long.
“Well, yeah.” He confirms, holding the door open wider to usher Joel in. “It means I get rid of you faster.”
“Sure.” Joel snorts, dropping the bag onto the table before taking another look around. “Is it mean to say I expected this place to be messier?”
Maybe Etho cleaned to make a good impression.
“Funny way of admitting you thought of coming to my house.”
“Didn't say that.” Joel counters with his signature smirk, opening the bag up. “Did you have dinner yet?”
“No.”
Even if the mystery guy turns out not to be Joel, he'll ask Joel to get dinner with him at some point anyway. If he doesn't feel the same romantically–which Etho definitely did not confuse or misinterpret as indigestion multiple times–he'll get over it, but he thinks he owes as much to Joel.
“Knew you would forget so I picked up enough for both of us.” He explains as he pulls the amazing smelling Styrofoam container out alongside a folded black square. “Also here.”
Etho takes it hesitantly. “What’s this?”
“Your cape.” He grins as Etho opens it up, the smile only growing wider as Etho drops it to the floor. “Don't worry, I washed and ironed it.”
He could cry. Or scream. Or something. Etho doesn't think he's ever felt so…triumphant in his life.
“It's you…”
“You didn't know?” Joel seems just as shocked as he is. “I thought you figured it out earlier?’
Etho steps forward, shaking his head. “I wasn't sure."
“You weren't sure?” Joel parrots incredulously. Etho's hands find his shoulders, Joel doesn't resist. “I thought we were flirting.”
“We are flirting but not because I was sure.” He chuckles, pulling off his mask. It’s not like Joel hasn't seen what was underneath already anyway. “You should’ve said something earlier.”
“Thought it would’ve made the project awkward if it wasn’t mutual.”
“Mutual–?!” Etho gasps, before he settles on just grabbing Joel’s face and bringing him into a long overdue kiss. Quick but heated, only a taste of what was to come; and it definitely wasn't going to be anything productive.
“You're not going home tonight.” He states, only pulling Joel in closer. Joel snickers but doesn't protest, the hint of a smile against Etho's neck. “You're also staying the morning too."
It's not an ask more than it is a demand. Not that Joel seems to mind by the ever growing smile on his face.
“As you wish.”