Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Etho had been staying with his roomie Iskall in the Last Lounge Complex, previously known as the 3Lounge Complex, for over half a year now. When he got a job offer all the way in Emsea City, he decided to move out of his parents house and have a fresh start. He got to work in a greenhouse all day, which he loved, but other than that life was pretty slow. It was always wake up, go to work, go back home, and repeat. He had gotten so used to this repetitive system that he didn’t know what to do with himself for the next six months he had off. The first few days were wonderful. He and Iskall hung out, celebrating Etho’s sabbatical, but after the weekend Iskall had to go back to work.
After moping for a few days Iskall suggested that he should get to know some of the people in the complex. If Etho was being honest, he wasn’t much of a people person. Though, once he had fallen into another pit of boredom he decided to give it a try.
He met his next-door neighbors, where there were surprisingly five people living. Every time he knocked, a different person answered the door. The first time it was a shorter male with sandy blonde hair, the second was a taller fellow with an exquisite black mustache, the third was a lighter blonde with blue eyes, but most notable used an excessive amount of “aha”s in his conversations, fourth being a brunette with a friendly demeanor and a sick graphic-tee with an “i” on it, and the fifth being another sandy blonde that seemed to only dress in red, white, and blue. The quintet consisting of Grian, Mumbo, Martyn, Impulse, and Jimmy (or was it Timmy?) were also known as the Southlands since their condo was the farthest South. Etho’s other next door neighbours were a brunette with blonde highlights and a Scottish man with teal hair, otherwise known as Pearl and Scott. Further down the hall was Scar. A mystical man who has only ever been seen wearing expensive looking suits and luxurious robes. Etho seriously wonders where that man gets the money to buy all of those things. Next to Scar is an empty apartment that hasn’t been rented since Etho’s been in the building. Across the hall lives Lizzie and her roommates Ren, Cleo, and Big B with her boyfriend Joel living next door. On the opposite side of Lizzie’s condo is Skizz and Tango, who were quick to befriend Etho.
His newfound friendships kept him pretty busy and definitely pulled Etho out of his sulking.

It was a normal late afternoon hang out session with Skizz and Tango. Skizz telling Etho all about how they should all start a band, while Tango tuned his guitar.

“So if Tango plays the electric guitar, and you play the bass while I’m on the drums all we really need is a singer. Do you guys know anyone who can sing?”

“I’m pretty sure Joel, Lizzie, Ren, and Scott all did high school theatre together. Maybe one of them?” Etho suggested.

“Ren wasn’t in any musicals, same with Joel. I already asked the other two as well, but Scott said he’s already in a band and Lizzie just wants to focus on her job.” Tango replied, looking up from his guitar.

“What about the new guy?” Skizz asked.

“New guy?” Etho tilted his head.

“Yeah. Someone just moved into the empty apartment next to Scar’s. Apparently the two know each other from his mayoral campaign.” Tango once again answered.

“Scar ran for mayor?” Etho asked in total disbelief.

“He was mayor,” Tango said tersely.

Tango laughed at how shocked Etho and Skizz looked, before he continued talking.

“I’m not sure he will say yes, but we could ask.”

“We are not asking a stranger to join our band. What if he’s a serial killer!” Etho jokes.

“But what if he’s a serial killer and the greatest singer of all time!” Skizz quipped which sent the three of them into a laughing fit.

Once they all settled down, the triad continued to think about the logistics of the band before Etho inevitably had to go home for the night.
The next day Etho decided he was going to meet the new neighbor. Before doing so he headed out to grab a gift basket. Might as well try and befriend the guy. Besides, who doesn’t like chocolate?
By the time Etho got back it was mid afternoon. With most people still at work, Etho wasn't surprised when no one answered the door as he knocked. He was about to turn away when he heard a half muffled scream. He looked back at the door and noticed it was left slightly ajar. Against his better judgement, Etho pushed open the door to see what was going on. Upon entering the apartment he walked through a narrow entryway which led to the living room. When he rounded the corner, he couldn’t have prepared himself for what he saw. On the ground was Etho’s neighbor Grian. His face was pale and eyes void while an increasing puddle of blood was seeping from his neck. Crouched next to him was a man he didn’t recognize with dark, practically black, hair wearing a shirt which was now completely covered in blood. The man stood up with a cold glare. After staring at his victim for a few seconds he looked over to Etho. The icy look in his eyes made Etho freeze up, even shiver a bit. The stranger’s eyes went wide as he looked at the corpse he just murdered and then back at Etho. The two’s staring contest lasted a while before the man covered in blood broke the silence.

“Guess Halloween came early this year?” He said, questioning himself before putting on a smile that looked a little too nervous.

Etho finally blinked, slowly looking at the body once more. Another wave of panic went over him as he looked at Grian who was most definitely dead. His lifeless limbs looked far too realistic for this to all be some sort of elaborate prank.

“Yeah, that wasn’t the best excuse, was it?” The ravenette slightly chuckled, “Look, I know you can’t unsee what you just saw so I’m going to have to kill you.”

The man’s face looked serious as he deadpanned, so definitely not a prank.

Etho took a step back and clutched the gift basket as the other approached him with a knife.

“H-hey come on. We can talk this through!” His voice cracked with fear. He barely noticed how the end of his pleading came out a yell.

“I e-even brought-uh” He looked down into the basket, “chocolate! And-uh-there’s coffee in here too-and a...clock?”

The man looked at Etho with a sort of guilty or perhaps pitiful expression.

“I’m sorry but it's for your own good.” He couldn’t bear to look Etho in the eyes as he said it.

“So this is how it ends huh.” Etho thought.

He would be greatly outmatched. The nearest weapon being that metal clock in the basket while his opponent wielded a sharp knife and the intention to kill.

Etho hadn’t come to terms with death, but a knock on the door meant he didn’t have to.

The other male stopped advancing Etho. He looks at his blood stained hands before shooting Etho a look that could kill.

“Answer the door,” He said calmly, “and if you even try to run I will hunt you down and kill you in the most painful way possible, capeesh?”

Etho nodded quickly at the other’s candid words. He did his best to compose himself before answering the door and seeing the person who very-well saved his life. Scar gave Etho a friendly smile even though his expression was laced with concern.
“Hey there, just wanted to check in since I heard some yelling. Also, don’t you live a few rooms down?”

“Oh Scar, you have no idea how happy I am to see you.” Etho let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“It’s always a joy to see you as well, but seriously what’s all the commotion about?”

“Oh, y’know, just a little disagreement and yeah my place is further down the hall.” He answered quickly, as he nervously looked to the ground.

Scar must have picked up on Etho’s nervousness as his expression shifted to something more understanding.

“Oh, arguments are the worst. Also I didn’t know that you knew Bdubs.” Scar said, changing the subject which Etho was grateful for. Although, he wasn’t grateful for having to continue lying to Scar.

“Oh yeah, me and him are-uh-close.” He stammered.

“Oh?”

Before Etho could respond Bdubs, as Scar called him, walked towards the two now adoring a blood-free shirt.

“Oh hey Bdubs!” Scar said, greeting the murderer cheerfully.

Bdubs smiled wide upon seeing Scar at the front door. The once cold glare was now replaced with eyes lit up with joy.

“Scar! To what do I owe you the pleasure?”

“Oh, I just thought I heard some yelling, but Etho here has filled me in on the situation and let’s just say I am extremely disappointed you didn’t tell me sooner.” Scar disapprovingly shook his head.
“What exactly did Etho tell you, Scar?” He holds his smile through gritted teeth.

“Enough for me to conclude that all this yelling was the byproduct of a lover’s quarrel.”

Scar looked so proud of his conclusion that he didn’t notice the shock on Bdubs' and Etho’s face. The two looked at each other in confusion.
“Is that so?”

Etho couldn’t help but notice Bdubs’ eye twitch.

“Yes, but fear not! I have a solution,” Scar stated with such credence, “I may not have told you this, but before my crystals business I used to be a marriage counselor.”

“What did you say to him?!” Bdubs whisper-yelled.

“Nothing!” Etho whispered-yelled back as if Scar wasn’t standing right in front of him.

“Oh Bdubs, Etho. I was greatly wounded that you didn’t tell me sooner. And to think you would keep this a secret from dear old Scar.” He said dramatically, clearly not paying attention to the conversation Etho and Bdubs were having.

“Then how’d he get that idea then?!”

“It's Scar for goodness sake!” Etho retorted before realizing he should probably hold his tongue when talking to the person who mere minutes ago was threatening to kill him.

“Although you have caused me great anguish, I must push through my own pain to solve this quarrel. Come on now, let's sit down and talk about this.” Scar begins to walk towards the entryway.
“Wait-uh Scar! You don’t want to go in there the-the floor is being painted!” Etho said with false confidence. It was a bad lie but somehow Scar believed him.

“Alright then we can talk in my office.” Scar said cheerfully.

“Uh-actually,” Bdubs interrupted, “I think we are okay. We have little arguments all the time y’know. I-I’ve just had a bad day, stepping on the paint that was on the floor and all-”

“I was just going to ask why there is red all over your shoes. I’ve got to say, red flooring is very bold of you-”

“Anyways, I was just having a rough day and that’s why the argument got heated. Nothing to worry about. Oh, and Etho-” he turned towards the taller, “I’m sorry”

Etho was taken aback by how genuine Bdubs sounded. This guy must have a great poker face.

“It’s okay Bdubs, I forgive you.” He tried his best to make his forced smile visible through his mask.

Scar had his hands together and was practically cooing at the two. He feigned wiping away a tear.

“Now isn’t that just adorable. You guys sure are lucky,” Scar looked at his watch, “Oh look at the time! I have to get going but if you two need any more help my door is always open.”

The two waved goodbye to Scar before turning back to each other.

Bdubs’ friendly demeanor seemingly vanished as he glared at Etho and pointed towards the inside of the apartment. Etho gulped, trying his best to calm his nerves before turning and walking inside. He felt a surge of adrenaline run through him as he heard Bdubs close and lock the door behind him. The only thing louder than his own heartbeat was the footsteps of the killer walking closely behind him.

“You are damn lucky Scar was there.” Bdubs practically snarled.

Etho once again froze up. Every hair on the back of his neck stood up upon hearing Bdubs’ words.

“Don't worry. If I kill you now Scar would definitely know something is up.”

Etho turned around to face Bdubs.

“So here’s the deal,” Bdubs started, “You aren’t going to tell anyone about what you saw here today and we are just going to play along with whatever Scar says, but-”, Bdubs pointed an accusatory finger towards the Canadian, “if you tell anyone or even break the ruse for a second, I’ll cut off your head. Now do we have a deal?”

Etho nodded quickly.

“Good now let’s get our alibi figured out.”

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since the “incident”, as Etho liked to call it, and he was heading over to Skizz and Tango’s place.

Etho had been trying his best not to think about the situation he was in, but it was difficult. He had barely gotten any sleep these last few nights. His mind always seemed to wander back to Grian’s lifeless eyes and the Bdubs’ cold stare that sent him shivers. He can’t blame himself for being shaken up. It's hard to imagine someone could just willingly take away someone’s life like that. The idea really got him thinking throughout the night but, all those countless hours of lost sleep were coming back to get him. 

Etho is glad he's going to spend some time with his friends, even though he has to trudge his way through the halls with half lidded eyes. In his current state he really needs this change of scenery, because if he stayed in the apartment any longer Iskall would probably catch on that something is wrong.

While walking to Skizz and Tango’s apartment in his drowsy state, Etho accidentally knocks into someone. He mutters an apology before he looks up and sees who it is. 

All fatigue is immediately washed away by pure adrenaline upon seeing Bdubs. 

“No worries.” Bdubs says far too casually to not set off the alarms in Etho’s head.

They both keep walking in silence until they are standing in front of Skizz and Tango’s apartment. Etho goes to knock on the door with a shaky hand and Bdubs looks at him confused.

“You know Tango?” Bdubs questions.

“Yeah, I’ve known Tango and Skizz for a few months now.” Etho states while rhythmically knocking a code on the door.

After knocking, Tango swings the door open.

“Hey Etho! Oh, and Bdubs! Glad you could make it. Come inside.”

After being ushered in by Tango, Etho immediately plops himself face first onto their couch. He doesn’t remember it being so comfortable.

“Yeah, yeah, go ahead Etho make yourself at home.” Etho can practically hear Tango rolling his eyes.

Etho said a muffled curse through the pillow that was mainly unintelligible.

Bdubs sat on the other end of the couch from where Etho laid, while Tango sat in front of the TV with his guitar. He called for Skizz to come to the living room to which Skizz came in practically running out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn.

“Sorry I’m late-was getting snacks-why is Etho dead?” Skizz said quickly and a little out of breath.

“Don’t worry Skizz, the party just got here and Etho is just being Etho.” Tango said through a snicker.

Etho would have thrown a pillow at Tango if he could manage to move his arm, but all of his fatigue weighed him down. Instead, he decided to say “Shut up Tango”, still face first into a pillow, which once again rendered him incomprehensible.

“Yeah, no, I totally agree with you, Etho.” Skizz said with posed seriousness, which produced a stifled laugh from Tango.

“Anyways, you are probably wondering why we invited you over.” Tango began, “Me, Skizz, and Etho have been thinking of starting a band, and we were wondering if you would be interested in joining Bdubs. I know we haven’t talked in a while, but you already seem to know Etho, and we all think you’d be a great fit.”

“Wait. You two know each other?” Etho put his head sideways against the pillow so he could speak clearly.

“Yeah it’s crazy! I didn’t put the name to the person at first, but me and Bdubs used to work at the same demolition company before it shut down.”

“Shut down?” Skizz raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not exactly sure what happened, but apparently there was an accident where someone died, then the company got sued and decided it would be better to just shut down.”

“Uh-huh.” Etho said, putting the pieces together in his head.

Etho didn’t notice, but Bdubs shifted uncomfortably at his little remark.

“So Bdubs, what do you say?” Tango said, getting the conversation back on track.

“I don’t know about this Tango. Y’know I can’t play any instruments, right?”

“I’m sure one of us could teach you and don’t act like you can’t sing well. I used to hear you sing at work all the time.”

“Oh I thought no one could hear me over all the explosions.” Bdubs blushed, out of embarrassment.

“Yeah, Tango said you had the voice of an angel.” Skizz said through a mouthful of popcorn.

Etho scoffed. He thought, “Angelic sure is the perfect way to describe a cold-blooded killer.”

“Come on dude we really need you. Do you think you could sing for us until we got a replacement?” Tango pleaded.

“Well…” Bdubs tried his best to avoid looking at the puppy dog eyes Skizz and Tango were giving him, but ultimately failed, “It wouldn’t hurt if it's just for a little while.”

Skizz and Tango let out a small cheer of victory while Etho kinda just laid there and gave an awkward thumbs up.

“Alright, let's fill you in on all of our plans so far, and Tango-,” he said before turning towards Tango enthusiastically, “Etho needs to be awake for this conversation, so get this man a cup of coffee!”

After Etho finished drinking his second cup of coffee time seemed to fly by. The four of them had surprisingly gotten a lot done while informing Bdubs.

They talked about a few songs Skizz had been working on, a few spots where they could get potential gigs, and even came up with a band name. Team B.E.S.T. Although, Etho said it sounded a bit egocentric .

In between all the serious stuff, they just hung out. They made a bet on who could throw the most popcorn into Skizz’s mouth. Tango won which created a whole conversation arguing how he had probably been practicing and how the competition was completely unfair since the two lived together, which sparked even more banter and allegations.

Etho was surprised though when Bdubs told jokes that made everyone burst out laughing. It's not like Etho expected Bdubs to be unfunny or anything like that. He just didn’t expect him to act like an actual person. It seems silly to think about but Etho had only seen him as an intangible thing or entity of some sorts rather than actually human.

Etho decided to stop thinking about how people are so infinitely complex and are made up of multiple components since he is definitely not a philosopher and still on his caffeine buzz. Instead focusing on enjoying the coffee high until he inevitably crashes.

Once the clock struck midnight, everyone was super tired (well except Etho cause this caffeine addict just finished his fourth cup). The popcorn bowl was long empty and Tango snored lightly while leaning slightly into an also sleeping Skizz.

Bdubs and Etho quietly left the living. They stopped tip-toeing away from the pair once the door softly clicked behind them. Despite the fact that they were far out of range of the sleeping pair, the walk back was silent, with Bdubs occasionally looking over to Etho.

Once Etho had to take a left to go to his apartment, Bdubs stopped him.

“Hey Etho,” He began, “I’m sorry to intrude into your life.”

It was the second time today Etho was surprised at how human Bdubs seemed.

“I promise I’m not trying to ruin your life or anything like that, it's just, my situation is… complicated. It’s hard to explain I just-”

“I believe you.” Etho said without really thinking. He doesn’t really know if it’s true or just the coffee high talking, but he would like to believe it is.

Bdubs gives Etho a faint smile before the two part ways.

Chapter Text

Etho was on his way over to Skizz and Tango’s place as he carried a container of warm soup. He made it for Skizz since the poor guy was feeling a bit under the weather. His sickness came out of nowhere and he was definitely not thrilled about delaying progress on the band. Thankfully, Tango was able to convince him to stay in bed and rest.

When Etho arrived at the apartment, he knocked on the door in the same pattern he always does. The three had come up with individual knocking rhythms so they would be able to identify who was at the door. It took a lot longer than they expected to memorize knocks, but they got the hang of it. Now it's more like second nature.

“Hey Etho, come on in.” Tango said after opening the door.

Etho stepped inside and placed the fresh soup onto the coffee table in front of the couch.

“Thanks a lot man. I would have gone out and got it myself, but I practically have to baby him all day” Tango jokes vaguely motions towards where Skizz’s door was.

“Yeah of course, no problem.” Etho said as he sat on the couch.

Tango looked around the room as he contemplated what to say.

“So… there’s kinda this rumor going around…” Tango started. He gestured his hands in an effort to put his thoughts into words. “Are you and Bdubs like a thing?”

Oh.

Etho wasn’t sure how to answer. Sure, he and Bdubs talked about what their “story” was, but that was just for answering Scar. Was he supposed to tell other people? It would definitely help the two’s alibi though he isn’t sure if he’s supposed to.

“N-yes?” He responds, dragging out the vowel sound.

“Oh seriously?” Tango said a little shocked.

“Yes.” Etho, once again, replied but more confidently.

“Oh congrats, dude. I thought Scar was just trying to start some drama or something.”

“Wait, Scar told you?” 

“Yeah he did.” Tango said before having a realization, “You told Scar before you told me?”

Etho rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“Well I didn’t tell Scar per se. It was more like he found out.”

Tango let out an unimpressed “uh-huh” still in disbelief of how Etho would betray him in such a way.

“Whelp, I hope you know that by telling Scar you inadvertently told everyone.” Tango deadpanned as he put his hands together to emphasize his point.

Etho sighed. 

“You better start figuring out what you are going to tell Iskall.”

It took Etho a second to register Tango’s words. When Iskall gets home Etho is going to be in so much trouble. Etho and Iskall tell each other everything. They are practically inseparable. Iskall definitely won’t take his best friend hiding this big of a secret very well.

“You’re right, I should get going now.” He said standing up immediately. "Bye Tango, and tell Skizz I hope he gets well soon.” Etho said in a rush before leaving.

Once Etho arrived home, he tried to decide what the best course of action would be before his inevitable demise.

He figures it would be best to cook something for dinner as a surprise to hopefully avoid the hot topic of conversation for a while. Although, he wasn’t sure how far his stalling would get him.

Etho had finished preparing the meal at least 10 minutes before Iskall had actually returned home.

“Hallo Etho.” Iskall said before taking in the smell of freshly made food, “You cooking something?”

“I actually am. Look, I made you dinner!” Etho set a plate onto the two’s shared dining table and sprinkled a rosemary garnish onto the fresh cooked salmon.

Iskall raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Right… You prepared dinner for me at,” Iskall looked at his phone, “5:36… and you didn’t make anything for yourself. Definitely not suspicious at all.”

“Well, actually, dinner has been ready for a while now. It’s suspicious that you got home so late.” Etho said confidently trying to rearrange the suspicion.

“Well, my usual chit chat with Scar after work lasted a little longer than I expected. He happened to tell me some really interesting information.” Iskall sits down at the table and tries some of the salmon.

“Really now?” Etho says trying to play dumb like Iskall can’t see him visibly tense up.

“Do you have something to tell me Etho?” Iskall asks like he was a parent finding out his child stole from the cookie jar. Iskall set his fork down on the table. The simple action gave off a “not mad, just disappointed” vibe.

Etho sighed.

“So,” Etho began as he fiddled with his hands, “I may or may not be seeing someone at the moment and I’m sorry I never told you.“

Iskall choked on non-existent water.

“You what?!” He asked in total shock.

“I’m seeing someone?” Etho responded confused.

“Oh, well-congrats.” Iskall said, the surprise in his tone still evident.

“What did Scar tell you?”

“He just said you were arguing with the new neighbor last week.”

“Wait so he didn’t tell you…” Etho’s voice trailed off and he blushed out of embarrassment,

Iskall pondered the news Etho had given him and grinned brightly.

“Dude I’m so proud of you!” He said before his grin turned into a smirk, “So who is this lucky person?” 

Etho sat down at the table, taking a seat directly across from Iskall and buried his face in his hands. 

Iskall happily munched dinner while he awaited a response.

“So you aren’t mad I didn't tell you sooner?” Etho asks.

“No, of course not dude. It's your relationship and it's you and your partner’s decision on how public you want the relationship to be.” Iskall was thoughtful with his words.

“But now that the cat’s out of the bag, who is it?”

“It's the new guy.” Etho said hesitantly.

Iskall smirked.

“No wonder you two were arguing. It must be a handful being in a relationship with you.” He says in a teasing tone.

“For your information I am a great partner.” Etho says as he crosses his arms and glares across the table.

“Uh-huh” Iskall hums before taking another bite of his meal.