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“Oh no way you still slept in this bed.”
Well, that wasn’t exactly the first thing you wanted to hear waking up in your allies’ base.
“I’m home-” Etho answered with slightly strained voice, trying to stretch out the kink in his arm as he sat up. “I’m home everybody.”
The redstoner could hear Grian’s expression before he saw him ascend the staircase.
“NoOoo, you’re not!”
Much to his amusement, the builder looked even more stubborn than anticipated. Etho held back a grin.
Jumping out of bed, he trudged over to Grian with a saddened expression.
“I got killed man~”
“By karma!” Grian crossed his arms over his chest, glaring up at the redstoner. “Rightfully so, at that!”
Etho paid the comment no mind, instead adopting a kicked-puppy look.
“Comfort me - comfort me Grian.” He pleaded. The builder fought a smile, trying to keep up his stubborn tirade despite the amusing sight before him.
“Nu-uh, no was sir.” He paused for a moment, before turning to the previously accommodated bed in confusion. “Wait, you were sleeping in our bed this whole time?”
Etho blinked, turning to Grian with an equally puzzled expression. “This is my room, isn’t it?”
The builder snickered.
“You-, your bed is upstairs!”
The redstoner slowly processed the information before walking up the stairs to his real bedroom. He stared.
“Oh.”
Grian watched with an amused smile.
A silence fell over them.
“Well, seeing as my bed is right there and these kills are just so tiring,” Etho yawned as he stretched dramatically, “I think I’m gonna nap for a little while.”
And just like that, the smile fell from his face. Grian gaped at him.
“Wha- No!" He squawked indignantly. "Get out of here!”
“Did Etho spawn here?!” The disbelieving voice of a certain red-headed builder could be heard from downstairs.
“He did and he’s not leaving!” Grian yelled down the stairs, visibly miffed. “Get up here and kick him out, Gem!”
Etho’s face shifted from wariness to confusion.
“Wait, I thought that was Gem.”
Grian turned towards the redstoner’s direction and stilled.
There were invisible particles floating in the corner.
Gem walked up the stairs, glaring at Etho until she followed their line of sight. Her face quickly changed from frustration to abject confusion.
Another pause.
.
.
.
“Oh hey guys.” The particles began casually. “Nice base you have here.”
Gem groaned as Grian let out a snicker. Etho watched with visible amusement.
“Ren!”
“How’s it going?” Ren responded with a totally calm and collected voice. “I realized I’ve never been to your place before. Just wanted to see if there’s anything of interest going on.”
“You were spying on us, you mean?" Grian leaned back with a smirk.
“Well, that’s one way to put it.” Ren looked up at the tower floor. “Interesting TNT minecart system you have up there, by the way. I’ll definitely have to come back here and-”
Etho placed a stone block next to his feet. Ren stared at the block.
Everyone fell silent.
Etho placed another two blocks around him. Ren’s face was no longer visible.
“...um-”
Grian placed another block next to his feet. Ren was now stuck in the corner.
Gem placed a block over his head.
Well, now he couldn’t see shit.
They all stared at the pile of rocks in the corner.
“…”
Etho turned to them with an awkward smile. “So anyways, we’re still allies right? Since I passed the second loyalty test?”
Gem and Grian gave him bewildered looks.
“ Second? ” Grian repeated in disbelief. “There was no second anything.”
“You already failed!” Gem crossed her arms, squeaking angrily. “Just get out of here already!”
“Aw, what?” Etho visibly deflated. “But I just passed the second. We’re supposed to be even now.”
“No way.” Grian responded firmly. “We’re getting rid of your room right this second, pal.”
“But whyyy~”
“Scar can move in with us instead.” That seemed to add insult to injury, especially as Gem glared him down. “At least He never killed his allies on purpose!”
“Come on that’s not fair-” The redstoner looked pleadingly to Grian, who turned away with a ‘hhmp!’. “Think about it Grian - it was the moment. You know the moment.”
“No siree-bob!”
“I really like this alliance though.” He looked at them with hopeful eyes. “Can I at least sleep in your guys’ bed?”
“Wha-no!” “Why-”
“The couch? I’m okay with the couch.” He interrupted with even bigger, more pitiful eyes.
Grian looked away, knowing he would crumble.
Gem smacked herself in the head. Glaring at the redstoner, the builder gestured wildly to the exit as she yelled.
“Just leave Etho!”
Etho did now give up, however. He made his eyes more MORE PITIFUL.
“W-what about the basement?”
Grian was clearly struggling now. Gem scoffed at the audacity.
“You’ll steal our stuff - definitely not.”
The redstoner fell silent, brows furrowing as he contemplated.
While he was definitely overplaying it, Etho really did want to be at least on ally terms with the Villies. They were not only one of the stronger groups with their PvP skills and wit, but all the members were usually loyal…to each other, at least.
Plus, they wouldn’t accidentally kill him like certain people.
And…you know…
He glanced up at Grian, who was stubbornly looking away from him, arms crossed over his chest as he attempted to act annoyed.
Etho felt his mouth curve upwards.
There are other benefits to being a part of this team.
An idea struck him suddenly, and he smirked internally.
Now this was a plan he could get behind.
After a few more moments of silence, Etho sighed dramatically.
“Okay okay,” Gem and Grian blinked. “I can see you guys aren’t going to forgive me anytime soon unless I actually make this right, so how about this:” The redstoner cleared his throat. “In exchange for being allies again, Grian, I will give you..”
Grian perked up. He’d been secretly waiting for a peace offering ever since the betrayal.
What’s it gonna be then? Diamonds? TNT? He’s going to need a lot of either if he wants forgiveness from me.
Gem, on the other hand, stared at Etho skeptically.
It’s going to be something stupid, isn’t it-
“A hug!” Etho said cheerfully.
.
.
.
Gem’s jaw dropped right onto the floor.
Ren could be heard falling down in his rock prison.
Grian was visibly taken aback.
“H-huh?!”
Etho was thankful he was wearing his mask right now, otherwise his expression would definitely give away how sweaty he actually was.
Outstretching his arms widely, the redstoner stepped towards the builder with a grin.
“Since you insist on me comforting you for this completely accidental kill, I suppose I can give you an apology hug.”
The builder reddened with both embarrassment and indignation.
“Um, no - ‘scuse me sir, don’t you try to turn that on me now.” Grian backed away, glaring all the while.
Etho took a step forward. Grian took a step back.
Etho took another step forward. Grian took two steps back.
…
Grian bolted out the door. Etho grinned wildly, racing after the builder.
“C’MERE GRIAN!”
“Ugh just gO aWAY-”
Their voices gradually exited hearing range, leaving a gaping Gem and stupefied Ren staring at them in silence.
.
.
.
“You know, I can’t say I expected that from Etho-”
“oH MY GOD????”
“-but I can say I do really like that’s this is heading in a super cheesy fanfic way. Like, I could never imagine this happening in any other situation and… and that face you’re making seems like you really want me to stop talking so I’m-, I’m just gonna-”
Ren stopped talking, vanishing from Gem’s line of sight. The faint sound of footsteps could be heard down the stairs for the next 15 seconds.
Gem slumped forward in defeat, groaning loudly.
“Pearl’s not gonna believe a single word of this.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I don’t buy it." Scott pinched the bridge of his nose. “I mean, we’ve literally heard him make Shrek references before - how doesn’t he know any fairytales?!”
“Y’know, I think he does know them but can’t really tell them apart.” Bdubs patted the man with a sympathetic expression. “Or he’s just messin’ with ya. Knowing Etho, it’s probably the latter.”
Scar wiped the sweat from his forehead as he finished fixing up the fire tower base. “You should totally mess with him back, like pretending you don’t know the difference between..” He paused, sweatdropping. “...uh, something he likes.”
Silence.
“He…” Scott’s eye twitched. “He doesn’t really care about much, does he?”
“I’ll admit Etho’s a pretty chill guy.” Bdubs sighed. “Almost too chill.”
“He doesn’t like mazes.” Scar supplied, but was clearly struggling. “You could…pretend mazes are easy and not annoying at all?”
“That’s an idea, but I don’t think it’s just desserts for this crime against fantasy.”
“Oh!” Bdubs perked up. “You could pretend cabin core and cottage-wait, he already knows about that.”
“Uh-huh.”
Silence.
“Oh! We could throw wind charges at him while pretending to be the big bad wolf.” Scar grinned. “That would definitely annoy him, dude.”
Bdubs and Scott quieted.
.
.
.
“That..actually could work really well.” Scott placed a hand on his chin, a contemplative expression on his face.
“That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard and I’m not even joking.” Bdubs said seriously. “Let’s do it.”
Scar beamed. “We can start by just explaining the fairytale to him and then, when the time comes, we-” He took in a big breath, voice now deep and booming, “huff! And we puff! And we…..we….”
The builder trailed off as his eyes focused on something in the distance. He scratched his head in confusion.
“Are you guys seeing what I’m seeing or is Etho fighting Grian right now?”
Both blinked in surprise before whipping around to the field behind them.
They stared.
Quickly approaching their base was a panicked and visibly frustrated Grian, jumping and dodging tackling attempts by none other than Etho as he raced over to them.
Said Etho was also grinning like a madman.
“-no! Bad redstoner! Stay aWay!” Grian swatted at him mid-run. Etho barely dodged, arms outstretched as he tried to catch the builder.
“Ima.. get’cha!” He pounced, only for Grian to jump to the left with a shriek. It was then that he made eye contact with Scar.
The next thing the cabin boys knew, Grian was beelining towards them with sheer panic on his face.
“Scar! Protect me from this-, this creeper!”
Grian swiftly ran behind the man and crouched beside him. Scar…didn’t know how to react to this situation.
“Uh-”
The human shield yelped as Etho crept creepily towards them, eyes locked on Grian as he grinned.
“Scar’s in my group, Grian. You think a fellow cabin boy isn’t gonna help me?”
Scar sweatdropped at that, raising his arms warily.
“You know, usually I would, but you’re…kind of freaking me out with your face right now dude.” He shivered.
“What are you doing to our allies now, Etho?” Scott shook his head fondly. “Haven’t you done enough today?”
“Yeah, and what’s with that face?!” Bdubs snickered. “What are you planning here, ya creep?!”
“What? I’m not a creep!” Etho defended. “I’m just trying to make things right with the Villies!”
“By chasing Grian with a freaky expression?” Scar backed away slightly. Grian held back a laugh as Etho sulked.
“It’s not freaky or creepy. I’m just..” He made eye contact with Grian again, causing a creepy/freaky smirk to appear on his face. “I’m just having fun making up with my allies, that’s all.”
“No, don’t believe a word out of his creepy and freaky mouth.” Grian glared, squinting at him accusingly as he peered out behind Scar. “He’s just a menace, that’s what he is.”
“I’m so confused right now.” Scott scratched his head. “Can someone please explain what’s happening?”
“I’ll tell you what’s happening.” Grian jumped out and pointed dramatically at Etho as he yelled. “He’s trying to hug me!”
Several things happened after that.
Etho flushed a brilliant scarlet.
Scar’s brain stopped working.
Bdubs’ eyes bulged out of his head.
Scott was still processing the information.
And Grian.
Grian was desperately trying to keep an affronted expression despite the sheer absurdity of the situation. He stifled another laugh.
“...oh my God.” Scar abruptly moved away from Grian, eyes wide as saucers. “I need to see this happen so bad.”
And, just like that, Grian's smile dropped. He sputtered at tha man’s reaction.
“Scar!”
“...hug?” Scott repeated weakly. “ You are trying to hug him??? ”
“It’s - well -” Etho crossed his arms defensively, looking away in embarrassment. “It’s only fair to comfort him considering how badly I hurt his feelings by with this accident .”
Grian glared at him. “The was no accident of the sort!” A pause, followed by an even more frustrated groan. “And I don’t need comfort Etho! Just go away!”
“No way. Not until I make this right!”
“Grian please you gotta let him do it.” Scar clutched his shoulders, a pleading expression on his face. “This may the only time Etho ever agrees to hug any of us.”
“Which, by the way, I just want to say I am horribly offended by.” Bdubs placed his hands on his hips, narrowing his eyes at Etho. “You hug sunshine over here before me ? Do you know how many comfort hugs you owe me pal? Like at least 60!”
Etho smiled sheepishly. “I’m just-”
“-not a touchy guy.” Scott rolled his eyes. “We get it. But that begs the question-”
“Why’re you so keen to make amends with him like this?” Martyn chimed in, causing everyone to jump. “It is a bit out of character for you, Etho.”
“Oh geez!” Bdubs flailed dramatically, exclaiming. “When’d you get here?!”
“Oh, I’ve been stalking Ren for the past hour.” Martyn shrugged, before turning to Etho curiously. “So, answer me this Etho, what’s the deal with this hugging business?”
Etho looked away in embarrassment as he stammered out an answer.
“I’m-, I’m just comforting my ally after this totally un-avoidable accident, you know?” The redstoner glanced at Grian, who was glaring at him.
“Stop trying to gaslight Etho.” He crossed his arms, a stern expression on his face. “You put yourself in this mess, pal. You have to deal with the consequenaaCKH!”
Three consecutive jaws dropped. Martyn blinked in surprise.
In the time Grian had begun talking, Etho had taken a single step forward before straight-up pouncing on the builder, scooping him up, and pulling him into a tight hug.
“Gotcha!” He grinned wolfishly, arms wrapped tightly around his frame.
If looks could kill, Etho would be a dead man. The builder sent a withering glare towards the redstoner, before grumbling to himself and seemingly resigning to his fate. Etho couldn't be more elated.
“..oh my God.” Scar began slowly, eyes wide. “Someone take a photo right now.”
“Already ahead of you.” Martyn snapped an additional fifteen photos with his plot-convienient camera. “You best believe I’m sending all of these to the group chat.”
Grian blushed furiously. Etho, on the other hand, seemed to be in his own world. The redstoner sighed contentedly, eyes closed and visibly smiling under his mask.
The builder stared at him for a moment, eyes softening slightly as he took in the taller’s expression.
Bdub’s jaw was still firmly on the floor, eyes quite literally bulging from his head.
Scott was speechless for once. His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.
After what seemed like eternity and a few seconds, Grian sighed and gently pushed Etho away with feigned exasperation.
“You’re the absolute worst, you know that?.” The redstoner chuckled. “And you’re still not forgiven, pal.”
“I know, I know.” A pause, before a sheepish smile formed on his face. “But we’re still allies, right?”
Grian groaned loudly. Martyn and Scar snickered at that.
Bdubs blinked slowly, looking down as he clutched his head in disbelief.
“This is a collective hallucination.”
Scott’s eye twitched.
“That would certainly be easier to understand than…whatever just happened.”
Scar was beaming, having fully recovered from his previous shock. Rushing towards Etho, he stopped in front of the man with an eager expression.
“I want an Etho hug too. Can I have one Etho? Can I?” Etho sweatdropped, scratching the back of his head nervously
“You know, I think I just head Cleo call for me…I should probably-”
“Oh come on.” Scar visibly deflated, “Why does G get one but not me? He isn’t even on our team and you hugged him!”
“Very happily, I might add.” Martyn smirked, causing Etho to look away in embarrassment.
Grian scoffed.
“You don’t expect him to be so affectionate, right? Then you start dating-” Everyone collectively froze as the builder continued casually. “- and BAM, you get pounced on outta nowhere!”
Etho flushed scarlet as he sent him a playful smile. “As cute as it is though, it won’t change the fact that you’re outta our house, pal.”
The redstoner looked away, face reddened.
“Well, maybe I knew it wasn’t gonna work!” Etho huffed out, only to immediately stiffen as he realized what he said. He stared at the shorter with wide eyes. “Uh-”
Grian’s stunned expression slowly turned into a wide, shit-eating grin.
“...WHAT’S THAT CLEO? YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR TNT TRAP? BE RIGHT THERE!” And with that, the chase between them began again, this time with Grian being the pursuer.
“AW ETHO, I DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED SOME AFFECTION!”
“JUST FORGET-”
“COME BACK HERE AND I’LL GIVE YOU A BIIIIIG KISS!”
“WH-, OH YOU SH-, SHUT UP!”
“HAhA-”
Their voices soon trailed off, leaving nothing but silence.
Silence.
Complete and utter-
Scar broke the silence.
“So..am I the only one who didn’t know they were a thing, or-”
“WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?!” Bdubs screeched wildly, clutching his head.
“...”
“..so that’s a no.”
Scott face-planted into the dirt.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus:
Grian: I just want to say, I am not a neglectful boyfriend.
Grian: But can you really blame me for not wanting to be hugged by the guy who just killed me?
Etho: Oh come on, you liked it
Grian: No.
Etho: ...
Grian: ...
Grian: ...okay, it was... kind of nice
Etho: Heh, knew it.
Bdubs: Hey guys this is really great and all but can we get back to the fact that you two are DATING?!?!
Etho and Grian left the chat.