Anyone Else but You

I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else

Will parks the car on the curb so as to not block Hopper in for his early shift the next morning, and walks up to the house. A porch light's been left on for him, and the place looks cozy and inviting.

I never realize how much I like being home unless I've been somewhere really different for a while.

He picks a crocus from the unkempt garden near the porch and sniffs it. He lifts his shirt and tickles his stomach with it. Then he tucks the flower into his unkempt hair.

Jonathan is alone at the kitchen table going over the college applications as Will walks in.

"Hey Jon," Will greets and Jonathan chuckles.

"Hey, big puffy version of Will. Where have you been?" Jonathan looks up from his papers with a smirk, his eyes lingering on his brother's stomach before meeting his gaze.

Will sighs

"Dealing with stuff way beyond my maturity level. Where is everyone?" he asks as he dumps his messenger bag on the kitchen counter, pulling up a chair at the dining table to sit with Jonathan.

Jonathan puts down his pen, turning his attention to his brother as he sips his hot tea.

"Hop took El rollerskating."

Will snorts

"ice skating? El can't skate."

Jonathan smiles warmly.

"No, but you know El. She dreams big."

Will smiles tiredly.

"yeah she does."

Jonathan must have noticed Will's change of demeanor tonight, the stark difference of his usual sassy self.

"You look a little morose, bug. What's eating you?"

The younger boy sighs.

"I'm losing my faith in humanity." Jonathan chuckles.

"Think you can narrow it down for me?"

Will pauses to think, "I guess I wonder sometimes if people ever stay together for good."

"You mean like couples?" his brother asks, raising his eyebrow as he sips his tea.

"Yeah, like people in love." Will clarifies.

"Are you having boy trouble? I gotta be honest; I don't much approve of you dating in your condition, 'cause... well, that's kind of messed up."

Will scowls.

"What? No! "

Jonathan ignores his brothers protest as a chance to tease,

"Well, it's kind of skanky . Isn't that what you kids call it? Skanky? Skeevy? "

Will groans, "Please stop now."

" Tore up from the floor up? " Jonathan purists with a smirk.

"it's not about that. I just need to know that it's possible for two people to stay happy together forever. Or at least for a few years."

Jonathan looks at Will seriously for a moment before speaking.

"It's not easy, that's for sure. Now, I may not have the best track record in the world, but I've been with Nancy for 2 years now, and I'm proud to say that we're very happy." Jonathan's voice is gentle, and it's clear he's trying to offer Will some comfort. Will nods, letting his brother continue.