head over heels

39 ~ lake trip

[A/N - just had the most diabolical week at work i've had in a long time oh man, it was truly so tragic, fuck the holiday season tbh, anyways, we're here and we're so back (again). the lake trip arc is as much happiness as i can squish into a few chapters before the shit hits the fan, so enjoy hehe]

Home was just as stifling as ever. Dad didn't look in his direction as he walked in the door, but by now, Evan had grown to expect it. It sucked, but at least things hadn't worsened.

He also wouldn't be home for the weekend and maybe— just maybe things would calm down without him around.

Upon stepping through the door, Ethan quickly set off to pack his things, and Evan followed.

As soon as he shut his door, Kei called him.

"Hey," Evan answered, setting his phone on speaker on his desk as he gathered his stuff.

"Hey—" Kei said, "Are you leaving soon?"

"I think so," Evan hummed, shoving more clothes in his bag, "We're picking up Ry and Willow on the way."

He heard Kei shift, "Cool, I convinced Ollie to help us get a room together by the way."

Evan snorted, "Really?"

"Yeah, we owe him like, a fair few favours now," Kei sighed, "He's a menace."

Evan shrugged, "Worth it, I think I'd go insane not being stuck sharing with someone else."

"Me too," Kei agreed.

Then, Evan heard Ethan's door slam, signaling his exit.

"See you soon?" Evan said quickly.

"Yeah—" he could practically hear Kei's smile, and after a second, the phone clicked off, just as Ethan barged in.

"You ready?" Ethan uttered.

Evan shrugged, "Yeah— I'm ready to leave this shitshow," he grumbled.

Ethan winced, "We can get some food on the way to the lake, yeah?"

Evan nodded. He was hungry. "Okay."

They made it downstairs, and Ethan only paused briefly to address the fact that they were leaving, being admirably brisk with Dad especially, barely even glancing at the man, even ignoring him as he questioned after Ethans day at practice, while sparing Evan entirely.

Ethan just turned and left without a word more than necessary.

Evans' chest warmed slightly at that.

They stopped for Riley and Willow on the way as well as Ethan making a point of stopping to buy Evan a burger and everyone else ice cream.

It felt like an apology, but now Evan was starting to realise that Ethan had nothing at all to be sorry for.

They had the same parents.

It wasn't like it was his fault he was the favorite.

Ethan was probably just as affected by this whole thing as he was, and his brother really did everything he could. The fact that he'd resented him for it was starting to make him a bit sad. 

Evan sighed, deep in thought as he ate his burger amidst the growing excitement around him.

The drive to the lake was rowdy.

The car had been stacked with bags, and Riley was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, and the more excitable she got, the more Ethan seemed to match her energy.