You're The Voice - Sidemen

Chapter 9

Ethan's sat on the steps of the community centre, tapping his foot against the concrete slab, bored. He looks at his watch, and sees that it's currently 4 minutes past 3.

At 2:30, Tobi had driven off to the nearest train station to meet Josh and Simon off their train and bring them back. They should have been back about 4 minutes ago, and Ethan's mind is presuming the worst.

Admittedly, it's a stupid thing to do, but that's how Ethan's mind works. Tobi crashed the van, the train never arrived or it went the wrong way, there's a lot of different accidents that could have occurred.

Until a gentle hum of an engine cuts itself off, Ethan's brain continues along this path. Then, he looks up, a grin spreading across his face.

He stands, and launches himself at Simon, who welcomes him into a hug, laughing as he does so.

Pulling away from Simon, Ethan watches Josh chuck the keys back over to Tobi, so he can park Dilly back in her current home, at David's place. Then, he drags Simon by the arm in Josh's direction and into a hug between the three of them.

"Missed you so much." Ethan mumbles into Josh's shoulder.

"You're so fucking codependent." Josh laughs. "How's everyone been?"

Ethan sighs.

"Ups and downs. Harry's been switching his opinion on Vik."

"Nothing's changed there, then." Simon rolls his eyes fondly.

"Tobi had a weird moment with Harry as well, just after we came down. There's something a bit off with him and Vik as well, now that I think about it."

"Really?" Josh's eyebrow raises, "they seemed all cosy when they first left."

"Yeah. I... also wanted to speak to both of you about something before we go see everyone." Ethan's voice becomes softer, and it's clear that it's a hard topic of conversation for him to breach.

Simon rubs his hand up and down Ethan's back lightly, comforting and supportive. "Yeah? Everything alright?"

"A couple of comments have been made regarding your... situation, and Vik, bless him, is a bit out of the loop. I had a bit of a breakdown after you called during the week, and he sorted me out, but didn't know what it was about. I feel bad, and as he's one of ours now, I'd like him to know. I didn't want to betray you though, so I've waited." Ethan's eyes water again, and both other men are quick to reassure him.

"It's alright, kid, it's alright." Josh breathes against his hair. "You did the right thing."

"I think you're right, Ethan. He does deserve to know, but I'm glad you waited to ask us as well. You and Josh can tell him, okay? I don't really want to talk about it." Simon's eyes become temporarily distant until he snaps out of it, smiling at Ethan and Josh.

"Let's go see the rest of the group then!"

With that, Ethan leads them back on the walk towards Tobi's, explaining the village's treatment of them so far, among other such things.

Arriving at David's, Ethan pushes open the door, smirking at the surprise on Josh and Simon's face. Both clearly expected him to knock.

"I'm back, did you miss me?" Ethan calls out, as JJ sprints from the living room and jumps on Simon. "Wow, I can tell how much I'm loved."

"Ethan? Oh my god, it's been ages since I last saw you! How've you been?" Sarah calls from the living room, and Ethan laughs loudly, wondering in to join her, Josh, Simon and JJ following.

After a massive group hug that has Vik crushed underneath Harry's arm, Josh and Simon are introduced to Chris and David.

Interestingly enough, the only slightly awkward interaction is between Josh and David. Their handshake is awkward, clumsy, and slightly too forced on David's side. Josh can't help the fact he's got a fairly strong grip, but he can help how inquisitively he's staring at David, trying to figure him out.