Ethan groaned in frustration. All he wanted to do was finish editing this video for his channel so he could start working on some of Mark’s videos. But his computer decided now was the best time to do automatic updates. Ethan wasn’t as pissed as he was worried. He knew he needed to get at least one of Mark’s and one of his own videos done today or else he’ll be behind on editing. Ethan was already not putting out as much content as he thought he should be. Ever since he moved out to LA, his scheduling had been fucked up. He knew the others in the house had tried to make his transition as easy as possible. And it did help some. But it didn’t help that he could only edit when at the office and that Mark made a rule that no one was allowed to edit past 9 pm. Back home, Ethan was use to editing into the early hours of the morning. That was one way how he was able to get two videos out each and every day plus work on a lot of Mark’s content. Now he could only get at least one video uploaded a day and was barely getting through Mark’s videos.
Ethan didn’t realize he was hyperventilating until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Ethan jumped as he whipped around, scaring the other person as much as he scared himself.
“Woah there buddy,” A soothing voice said.
“I need you to breathe. Can you breathe, Ethan?”
It took a minute for Ethan to realize that the voice belonged to Mark.
Ethan’s first instinct was to run. He didn’t really know why, but he felt trapped and needed to get away.
That was, until big muscular arms engulfed him and scooped him up out of his chair. Ethan looked up to see Tyler’s face looking back at him with concern. Ethan wanted to cower away.
“Hey now Ethan.” Tyler said gently.
“You’re okay. Breathe.”
Ethan was a shaking mess by the time Tyler got him to the couch. Tyler started rubbing circles on his back. Ethan almost didn’t notice Mark placing a blanket around him.
Ethan turned his head and looked at him. Mark sighed and wiped his thumb under Ethan’s eye. Ethan was suddenly aware of wetness on his face and realized he must’ve been crying.
“Do you need anything, bud?” Mark ask in a soft tone.
“Could- could I have some water please?” Ethan asked timidly.
“Yeah of course.” Mark smiled.
As Mark made his way to their kitchenette, Ethan leaned into Tyler’s side. Tyler instantly started playing with Ethan’s hair. Ethan let out a little hum and closed his eyes.
“Feeling any better?” Tyler asked.
Ethan nodded.
“A bit. Thanks.”
“Do you wanna talk about what just happened over there?”
“I uh I-” Ethan could feel the anxiety rising back up.
Ethan’s eyes darted around frantically before locking eye contact with Mark.
Mark seemed to realize what was going on, or at least that Ethan needed help, and quickly came over to the couch.
“Here’s your water.“ Mark smiled.
Ethan took it gratefully and gulped it down.
“Its getting late we should head home soon.“ Mark said, looking at his watch.
“Sounds like a good idea to me. Ethan?” Tyler looked at him for a response.
“Huh?” Ethan stopped drinking so he could hear.
“You ready to go to the house?”
“Uh…” Ethan glanced towards his computer.
“The videos can wait. Its ok, Ethan.” Mark said.
Ethan just nodded before standing up. Ethan can sense both Mark’s and Tyler’s eyes on him the entire time. He kept his head down as he went back to his desk to grab his phone.
“You ready?” Tyler placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, almost protectively.
“Yeah.” Ethan said, slightly leaning into his touch.
Tyler smiled as he led them to his car.
They piled in. Tyler driving, Mark sitting shotgun, and Ethan in the back looking out the window. Mark and Tyler almost instantly started up a conversation and only a few minutes later, they realized Ethan’s responses had faded out.
They looked back to see Ethan curled up asleep in the back seat.
“Poor kid.” Mark sighed.
Tyler just nodded in agreement.
“Should we wake him or?”
“Nah, I’ll carry him in.”
Mark got out once the car was parked and opened Ethan’s door. Mark carefully slid an arm behind Ethan’s back and an arm under his knees.
Mark carried him bridal style through the house, with Tyler opening doors for him until they made it to Ethan’s bedroom.
“Alright we should get out and let him sleep.” Tyler said from the doorway.
“I’d love to but uh…”
“But what?”
“He’s not letting go.”
Tyler looked over and saw Ethan clinging to Mark’s arm like it was a stuffed animal.
Tyler chuckled.
“Should we take him to the couch then and watch a couple of movies til he wakes up?” Mark suggested.
“Sounds like a plan.”
~time skip~
Ethan woke the next morning to find himself squished between Tyler and Mark.
The tv was left on and there was discarded plates and cups on the coffee table, which led Ethan to believe they didn’t fall asleep there on purpose.
Ethan pulled the blanket that was draped across him up to his chin before snuggling back down.
Ethan had a soft smile on his face as he drifted back to sleep.
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