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Etho was enjoying the sunset after a long mining expedition, even though there is so many things to work on, chores to get done, he couldn’t help but let the sunset capture his attention for a moment. Joel joined him, throwing the wooden hoe aside with a tired sigh. “The farm’s done. No big house for us yet though.” And Etho hummed in respond.
They sat on the hills, the fluffy grass caressing them with a certain softness that filled them with calmness that made them relax. It had been a hectic day, for the both of them, leaving them barely any time to process anything that had happened. Between the chaos that naturally comes with starting anew, the search for their soulmates, and the shenanigans from the pillagers, they really needed this.
Joel let himself lean against Etho’s shoulder, both of them are tired after a long day, and there is a certain soothingness from just being with one another. Weird , Joel had never felt something like that before, he was never really that close with Etho back in Third Life or Last Life, sure, but even when they’re friendly term, he never felt anything like this. It must be a soulmate thing, the most important aspect that they still haven’t really touch on.
“I still can’t believe we’re stuck with each other now.” He mumbled, the words teasing but don’t have any bite to it. “Well, you say as if you’ll be doing better without me.” Etho chuckled, he likes the banters between him and Joel, jabs that are enough to tease each other but not enough to rile them up. And he likes the fact that Joel is in on it too.
“True. Sorry about the enderman...” Even though they aren’t necessarily fussed about losing a life, but he still felt a tinge of guilt from putting Etho through the pain. “Ehh it happens. We’re fine now, aren’t we?” Etho waved it off, he was going to quip about it but he can hear the guilt in Joel’s voice, he couldn’t help but try to comfort his soulmate.
“Guess you’re right.” Joel leaned into Etho’s side, letting his mind being occupied by the strange bond between them, finally taking the time to process it all. “What do soulmates do?” “I have no idea, but we can maybe try things out as we go?”
Joel let his instinct decides what to do, he scooted closer to Etho, he enjoys this closeness, as small as it may seem. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts drift. Though he was interrupted as he felt a pair of arms pulling him close and wrapped around his shoulders. He let out a content hum and let the pleasant heat from Etho’s body warm him as the chill from the approaching nighttime sets in.
“This is nice.” Etho ran his fingers through Joel’s hair, gentle hand against the soft brown locks, and Joel leaned more into the touch. This feels right, the comfort from just sitting in silence with each other, it feels like something they should be doing, as if they’re on this world just for moments like this.