Where did he go? {kleinsen} (COMPLETED)

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Jared waved goodbye to Steven. His shift was ending. He'd been working there for a couple days now.

"Oh, don't forget! Rynn is stopping by tomorrow and Christa is sick so Chris' not coming along."
Steven called out to Jared. Jared chuckled and waved goodbye.

"Okay good to know. Bye! Pet Burnt Marshmallow for me!"
Jared called as he ran out and started walking home.

Home.

That has a nice ring to it. Truth be told, Jared hadn't felt at home since his parents died. His uncle was never home, and when he was, he just watched the TV.

With the Samuels and Charles, he truly felt at home. He could trust them and they loved as if he was their own son and Sammy like a brother. They were his family now. His home.

"I'm baaaaaaaaack~!"
Jared called out into the house.

Sam came out and shushed Jared.
"Lil Sam is sleeping. Keep it down ya stampede"

Yep. Like a mom.

Jared laughed a bit and spoke,
"Where's d- Charles?"

Sam didn't notice his little slip and answered,
"He's at the store getting eggs. We're out and we figured we'd make breakfast for you two boys."

He ruffled the teen's hair. They laughed and Jared walked to his room.
"I'm going to get ready for bed, night"

Samuel smiled a motherly smile.
"Goodnight Jared."

~~~~~~~~~

Evan could tell he looked like mess. He knew how terrible he must've looked, but if there was a chance that Jared could bad in trouble, he would do anything to help him. He had been in New York for two days. His aunt knew why he really came because he told her. He hadn't slept at all since he arrived in New York. All he'd find was look for Jared.

He decided to go to his aunt's house. He walked in and realized that it was three am. He plopped down on the mattress his Aunt lied down for him and immediately fell asleep.

Evan woke up and immediately walked to the shower. He took a quick shower, washing his hair, and brushed his teeth. He packed a small bag and left the small house. He decided that he needed new shoes, for his current pair were old and worn out.

He continued walking down the street until he saw the sign he was looking for. It read 'Mangovski's Clothing and More'. He walked, hearing a little ring from a bell above the door.

Evan yawned and walked to the shoe section. He looked at the sneakers and decided on a navy bye and white pair. He took the box up to the register and looked at the employee who was working the register. He gasped when he saw the worker.

"Steven?"
He sounded slightly doubtful.

"Whoa, Evan? Is that really you? Wow, you've grown so much! I haven't seen you since you were this tall."
He remarked, placing his hand near his chest to indicate Evan's former height.

Evan laughed at his mom's cousin's son. Steven used to come to every family occasion until he moved to New York. Once he moved, he cut pretty much all ties with his family. To Evan, it was nice to see a familiar face in the busy sea of strangers.

The two exchanged a few words before Evan finished purchasing his item and left the store. While they were talking, they arranged a time to meet up at a deli to just talk and chill.

~~~~~~~~

Jared woke up with a smile. It was a real smile. Not a smirk, nor was it a cover up. Not at all, in fact, he was content and happy. He realized that he regretted nothing. He didn't regret running away. He didn't regret escaping the hospital. He didn't regret staying with Sam. He didn't regret anything at all.