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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Post by Nu on Dec 15, 2017 6:58:46 GMT
284 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
Every once in a while, Ethan has to go off to some remote country to work under some remote company and in those six months, he missed his son, Wyatt something awful. Hearing his voice over the phone every other week just didn't cut it and Ethan wasn't ashamed to admit, he chokes up every time he speaks to his son.
But now that he was back, the first thing he did was call his brother in law and his best friend to meet at their favourite diner with his son. Bert and Gerty greeted him warmly and cleared out the back booth that they had pretty much called their own over the years and a waitress rolled over with a cup of iced water. "Welcome back, soldier." She winked and patted Ethan's shoulder good naturedly before rolling away.
He took a sip of water as his leg bounced on the floor. His eyes were glued to the entrance and every time it opened, he jerked up. Finally, Elliot and Wyatt arrived and Ethan jumped out of the booth, trying hard not to just rush the kid but Wyatt was already running towards Ethan and he jumped into Ethan's arms, wrapping his small arms around his father's neck, squeezing tightly. Ethan tried not to squeeze but he held the boy, burying his face in Wyatt's hair, breathing him in.
"Missed you so much kid." Ethan mumbled into his son's hair before pulling Elliot into a one armed hug. "Ugh, miss you guys." Ethan laughed, bending a little to drop Wyatt on the floor and wiped his eyes. "How are you guys?" He looked to Wyatt and then to Elliot, his smile hurting his face.
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Dec 15, 2017 19:07:27 GMT
394 Words
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Death of a Bachelor
Put my heart on my chest so that you can see it too
Elliot supposed he was used to his brother in law being out and about on jobs that he couldn't talk about. He never asked when Wyatt was dropped off or when he came back. It wasn't his business. Ethan had been one of his best friends for years. Along with Nick they were like the three stooges, except Elliot didn't quite look like the other two. He was slimmer, leaner, not as bulked up and he was a musician not a fighter of crime. Even so, they had all been as close as brothers for a long time. When Ethan had Wyatt with Elliot's sister, he had known what would happen, despite hoping for a different outcome. He loved his nephew, but he hated the way that Ethan had been left with him. So of course he offered as much help as he could.
Ethan had shot him a message that he was back and with Nora off with Jamie, he'd been able to focus on Wyatt and meeting up with Ethan. The little boy wasn't anything like his mother, he was tame and thoughtful, often caught up in his own little world. It made getting him to the restaurant much easier than it ever was trying to get Nora there. They entered the restaurant where the boys had all grown up and Elliot stood back as Wyatt took off towards his father. He smiled at the exchange between them and came closer once they separated.
Elliot gave his brother in law a quick hug and smiled, "We've been good, huh Wy? We colored a bunch with Nora and caused mayhem at the music shop." Elliot looked up at Ethan and shrugged, "Easy peasy dude." He sat down in the booth after giving Gerty a wave and a smile. It was his favorite place to be, the place that he gathered the most inspiration and it always made him feel better when he dropped Wyatt off. Not because he cared if he was watching his nephew, but he just enjoyed seeing how excited the two of them got. It made him miss his wife a lot more than usual. "Everything go okay?"
Smile even though you’re sad
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Post by Nu on Dec 20, 2017 3:22:09 GMT
202 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
Elliot's reassurance brought a soft smile to his lips, just as Wyatt scooted closer to him and leaned in against him. Ethan slung his arm around his son and turned back to Elliot with a nod. They never discussed his work but Ethan would always tell him whether it went south or smooth.
"Not a hitch. Just long days and even longer nights." He smiled wryly. "Nora didn't wanna see me?" Ethan asked teasingly. Their small family unit had always been close, especially after Elliot's wife passed away. Before Wyatt came along, Elliot had Ethan and Nick to help raise Nora as best as three still growing men could. Before Wyatt came along, Nora was Ethan's favourite.
"What time is Nick coming? Is he coming?" Ethan asked. The underlying question of whether Liz actually let him come out evident in his tone. Ethan did not like that one of his best friends was in a controlling relationship. And Liz, for all the angelic persona she tried to portray, was the devil incarnate. Elliot and Ethan often spoke, at length sometimes, about how much they dislike the woman. But they couldn't really express it to Nick because somehow they knew Nick knew.
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Dec 21, 2017 2:29:12 GMT
313 Words
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Death of a Bachelor
Put my heart on my chest so that you can see it too
The mention of his daughter made Elliot shrug, "You know her and Jamie, can't be apart for too long. I'm not sure when I need to start worrying about that." They were still only ten which was the only shred of comfort Elliot took from it. If the two did end up together, he supposed it wouldn't be the end of the world. Nora was a smart girl, nothing like his sister and everything like her mother and Jamie was everything like his father and his brother. "She told me that she missed you a ton and that she's sick of you leaving though, but then she added that she knows you're super," He paused and covered his nephews ears briefly as he continued, "bad ass and that makes it okay." He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. The swearing wasn't something he was keen on, but with the way that she'd grown up, he couldn't quite scold her for it when it was in front of him and not everyone else.
The next question made Elliot smile. "Shoot man, you missed a lot on the Nick front. He is coming, yeah, he'll be here in like," His voice cut off as he heard Gerty cooing and laughing. At the door stood the third to their tripod of man power. "Well, now it would appear." Elliot nodded at Nick while the other guy struggled to free himself from the interrogation from the little old lady. Elliot figured it was about the date he'd gone on, but Ethan could hear about that from the man himself.
"C'mon Gert, give the man a break! You got to see him last week!"
Smile even though you’re sad
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Post by Nu on Dec 21, 2017 7:27:52 GMT
358 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
Ethan chuckled and shrugged. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, considering Nora's godfather is a cop. And she has me as an uncle. And I suppose she has you too." Ethan teased before smiling at Nora's compliment. Wyatt batted at Elliot's hands, squirming a little. "Hey!" He exclaimed with a little giggle.
The private security contractor didn't have much of a qualm about swearing and wouldn't make a fuss when children do it. He did, however, respect Elliot for being particular about it.
"Papa, I want a milkshake." Wyatt declared just as Elliot mentioned Nick. Ethan's eyes were drawn to the entrance where Gerty was making a big fuss over Nick. The six months Ethan had been away somehow did Nick good, it seemed. He stood taller, the smile on his face seemed a lot more genuine and there was just an air about him that Ethan hadn't seen in awhile.
"And I haven't seen him in half a year. Cut me some slack, would ya? I need me my sugar." Ethan called out, slipping back into his old habits easily. He had the ability to leave work at work, something that was completely crucial to what he did. Elliot and Nick had never seen that side of him and he had no intentions whatsoever of revealing it to them. Ever.
He then called one of the waitresses over to order Wyatt's strawberry milkshake before placing a kiss on the top of his son's head, sliding out of the booth to meet Nick halfway. "Okay Gert, there's plenty of Nick to share."
The old woman rolled her eyes and shooed them away, warning Nick that whatever they were discussing was not over and Ethan looked at Nick curiously. "What have you done, Nicky?" He asked before pulling the slightly shorter man into a bone crushing hug. "Argh, I miss you guys." He chuckled before practically dragging Nick over to their table.
He pulled Wyatt close to him once more and slung an arm over the boy, moving in to give Nick some space. "Okay, spill. Everything." He looked from Nick to Elliot with a raised eyebrow.
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Dec 23, 2017 4:48:17 GMT
350 Words
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The Words
An Open Heart is an open wound to you
There was very little surprise on his face as he walked into the restaurant at the immediate Spanish Inquisition he was getting from his grandmother. She had bombarded him with questions about Halley, the rest of the date, where she was, when she'd be back and Nick's head felt like it was going to explode. He loved Gerty, but she was going to drive him nuts, "Hey, hey, look, keep hassling me and I won't bring her back!" He narrowed his eyes at her before smiling because it had shut her up quick. She whacked him with a menu and he lifted his hands in surrender, "I'm sorry, I was kidding!"
As she shooed him towards his best friend that he hadn't seen in months, Nick found himself smiling wider. He wrapped his arms around Ethan and grunted as he was squeezed, "I didn't do anything! She mobbed me!" He glanced back at Gerty and winked at her. "Dude, I missed the hell outta you. Glad you're home." He shoved Ethan as they walked towards the table. Seeing Wyatt sitting next to Ethan always made him ache for a kid of his own. His two best friends were both parents and kick ass ones at that. The closest thing he had was Jamie and Leah, neither of which were the same. He ruffled Wyatt's hair and hugged Elliot as he stood up, "Don't worry, El, I missed you too bud."
He settled into the seat beside Elliot and leaned back as Ethan stared them both down. "Everything?" Nick's face scrunched dramatically and he laughed, "Well, uh, I'm guessing by the look on your face that you're not shocked that I'm here. Which means Elliot may have mentioned that I was coming. And uh, well, I'm not with Satan's Mistress anymore. My new girlfriend is scary perfect and my neighbor. That's the most that happened to me. Oh and I got shot, but ya know."
The scariest part is letting go..
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Post by Nu on Dec 24, 2017 6:47:50 GMT
215 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
Rolling his eyes, Ethan ruffled Nick's hair and jostled him a little. "We both know Gerty only mobs when she knows you did something. You act like I didn't grow up with her."
He let go of Nick when he was shoved and watched as Nick greeted the rest of the booth. "You two make me sick. Get a room already." Ethan rolled his eyes at Elliot and Nick. They had always been more affectionate than Ethan. He often wondered exactly how he ended up in their friend group. It wasn't that Ethan wasn't affectionate, it was just odd for him to do it in public. At Gerty and Bert's, everyone knew everyone so he felt slightly less uncomfortable displaying his affections.
Then, Nick spilled everything. Shock didn't even cover what Ethan was feeling. Six months really did change a lot and Ethan was just sad he hadn't been around to witness the change. "Damn." Ethan said after a moment of silence. "You brought your girlfriend here? Nick, that's big." He said before cracking a grin. "Wedding bells ringing already?" He chuckled.
Wyatt's milkshake arrived and Ethan asked around for their orders. "So wait...who is this neighbour and how have I not heard of her? Emma didn't even tell me about this, that little snitch."
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Dec 24, 2017 20:20:21 GMT
311 Words
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The Words
An Open Heart is an open wound to you
"You're just jealous that I don't give you that much sugar, Sugar," Nick shot his best friend a wink and laughed. Meanwhile Elliot sat there kind of blushing and fidgeting awkwardly. So Nick nudged him. He knew that Elliot was only affectionate because he'd been sort of an oddball out in his own family. Hardly any masculinity around when he was growing up and a mother that made it her goal in life to emasculate him. That was why Nick found their trio to be so important. They all had issues in their families that required the help of each other.
As he filled Ethan in on the events over the past six months, he found a fair amount of amusement in the reaction that he had gotten. Both of the guys would understand the importance of him bringing Halley to Gerty and Bert's restaurant. They were family and knew the ins and outs of Nick as he grew up. The guys also knew why he hadn't brought his last girlfriend. Gerty had given him hell for it, but she didn't know the gory details. Not that he'd told anyone other than Emma, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. He was just glad that no one had outright told his mother about it. Layla would likely go to prison.
"No! No wedding bells, it hasn't even been that long. But, I mean, she's really cool and you'll like her. Honestly I'm shocked that Emma didn't say anything, I think she likes Halley more than I do," Nick snorted. With a quick glance at Elliot and an angelic smirk, Nick turned back to Ethan, "Speaking of Emmmmmaaaaaa. Care to share Elliot?"
The scariest part is letting go..
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Advanced Member
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Post by Nu on Dec 25, 2017 20:34:01 GMT
193 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
"You're right. I am very jealous. Give it." Ethan lurched forward and made kissy faces at Nick and Wyatt laughed. "Papa, you can't do that!" He called out. Before Ethan could say anything, Wyatt interrupted. "Your beards will get tangled up!"
Ethan snorted and squeezed his son and gave him a big sloppy kiss on his cheek, making sure to rub his facial hair especially hard on Wyatt's face, which made him sputter and smack Ethan's face repeatedly. He laughed and turned back to his friends, entirely missing Elliot's discomfort.
"I'll let her slide just this once. We haven't seen each other yet." Ethan shrugged before his curiosity was piqued at the mention of Nick's sister slash aunt and the relationship she suddenly had with Elliot. He raised an eyebrow and turned to Elliot. "Wait, El, you and Emma-lemma?" A smirk started to grow. Admittedly, he didn't quite remember Elliot mixing around with Nick and Emma while they were growing up. Ethan wasn't around them much either but he knew he had been around a lot more. Did Emma and Elliot just meet? How had he missed so much in just six months?
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Dec 26, 2017 4:52:03 GMT
350 Words
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Death of a Bachelor
Put my heart on my chest so that you can see it too
Elliot had not planned on mentioning his interactions with Emma. Nick only knew because it was basically his sister and his best friend. There was no way he wasn't going to know. It was different with Ethan. Not because he wasn't as close with Ethan, but probably because he was closer. Their lives had been intertwined a lot more than it was with Nick despite them growing up together. Ethan was his brother, he'd been there when Corinne died and he'd seen a lot more of the effect it had on him than anyone else. The same way that Elliot had been there when his sister bailed on Ethan and Wyatt.
He was uncomfortable still, moving on from his wife. It was one thing for Emma to do it because her and Wallace had ended on poor terms. Corinne had been Elliot's love since he was Nora's age, when she died, he hadn't been able to look at another woman as anything more than a friend or just a person. Emma coming into his life like a wrecking ball had knocked him out of his rut. Not just because she was beautiful., but she was a force to be reckoned with. And his daughter's reaction to her had been everything. He glanced at Nick with wide eyes before he turned his attention to Ethan for a reaction.
His smirk did nothing to make Elliot feel better, but he supposed he couldn't blame him. "It's not a big thing, we're just hanging out and, ya know, getting a feel for each other," Elliot shifted and cleared his throat. "Nora loves her, Ethan. You know my kid, you know how she is with women. And she loves her.... I didn't expect it." He looked down at his hands and chewed on the inside of his cheek, meanwhile he noted that Nick was practically vibrating with excitement about the whole thing.
Smile even though you’re sad
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Post by Nu on Dec 29, 2017 21:27:06 GMT
235 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
Ethan did know Elliot a lot better than he knew Nick. Which was why it was such a surprise that Elliot had began to date. Not because of anything but the last time they had a serious heart-to-heart, Elliot was comfortable in the fact that Nora was the only girl in his life.
Although Ethan did understand and appreciate how much Corinne's death effected Elliot, he did also personally think that it wasn't exactly healthy for him to be so closed off from any other female companionship. Which was also why in addition to the surprise he felt, Ethan was glad that he found someone. And that someone was Emma, of all people.
Ethan looked at Nick and chuckled at his friend's unadulterated amusement at this turn of events before he turned back to Elliot, his smile warming. He reached out and ruffled Elliot's hair. "Good on you, kid. Nora's scary intuitive, we all knew that the moment she was born. And jokes aside, Emma's a babe. Inside and out." He shrugged before thanking the waitress who brought over their food.
"I'm not liking being the fifth wheel but if you guys are sappy, I'm happy." Ethan grinned goofily at them, genuinely happy for his friends. When he left, both of them had something missing in them and now that he was back, with all his boys, it felt like the voids had been filled.
only then I am clean
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Jan 7, 2018 19:26:15 GMT
276 Words
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The Words
An Open Heart is an open wound to you
Elliot hated that Nick was so on board with him and Emma. And he could understand why. Pushing them together was a bad idea because they both had baggage from prior relationships that made it difficult to move on. He of all people could understand that. But he also knew Emma better than any of them, he had since she was born and he liked to think he knew Elliot well enough to know that they were a great fit. Nora was so much like Emma as it was, and Leah was going to be attached to Elliot in no time. They were both such good people and he was sick of them being alone or used by others.
So he took it upon himself to be the ultimate Elma shipper.
"Can we not call my sister a babe, it's weird. But for real, you guys are gonna be solid. And it'll seem effortless, I promise, dude." He gave a final nod and wiggled happily when the food was dropped off. Before he took a bite, he rolled his eyes at Ethan and his sappy comment. However, the fifth wheel comment did have both of the other men looking at each other with smirks. "Ya know, Ethan, buddy, Emma's got this friend. And she is right up your alley. Perhaps not as crazy as Elliot's sister," He cringed and Elliot laughed. "But she's cool. I wouldn't mind bugging Emma about setting you two up," He waggled his eyebrows and smiled.
The scariest part is letting go..
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962 posts
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Authored by
Nu
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Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
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Advanced Member
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Post by Nu on Jan 8, 2018 7:09:32 GMT
134 Words
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offer me that deathless death
only then I am human
"Nick, Emma's a babe. Emma's like...a really babely babe." Ethan responded childishly with a grin, popping a fry in his mouth. Wyatt looked at his dad disapprovingly. "Papa, stop." He rolled his eyes and Ethan chuckled. "Yeah yeah yeah." He ruffled Wyatt's hair and hugged him close before pausing mid-chew to stare at Nick and Elliot.
"Oh no. No no no. You guys are not setting me up with anyone. Just because you guys are into all that sappy shit, doesn't mean I am." He shook his head, not liking the looks Nicky and Elliot were giving him.
"Alright, Nicky? Don't tell Emma to set us up, that girl can be vicious when it comes to her matchmaking." Ethan laughed and started eating his burger. "Gaw...they do not do burgers in Siberia like this."
only then I am clean
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944 posts
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Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
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Post by Trix on Jan 16, 2018 5:48:37 GMT
252 Words
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Death of a Bachelor
Put my heart on my chest so that you can see it too
Watching Nick cringe at the mention of his sister being called a babe only made Elliot laugh. He remembered hearing Ethan call his own sister a few things he'd have rather not heard. It was a hard thing to look at your sister in a way that was anything more than an alien from outer space. Sure, ya loved 'em, but they were nuisances. Except for Emma, she actually wasn't one, she was far too pretty.
The two exchanged a look when Ethan immediately declined the offer to set him up. Elliot had to admit, Faith frightened him a bit, but in a good way. She was exactly the type that he could picture Ethan with and he'd even seen her a handful of times with Leah, the girl was good with kids. The look between them simply said that Nick wouldn't be the one to tell Emma a thing about setting Ethan up. However, that didn't mean that Elliot couldn't mention it. "Alright, alright, cool your jets, bub. It was just a suggestion since you're now the oddball out. We don't want you to feel excluded. Although, if you really need a date, I'm certain your niece would be all about it."
Elliot rolled his eyes and patted his brother on the back, "Good to have you home, dude."
Smile even though you’re sad
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