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The lights surrounding the audience fade to darkness as a stubby man steps out on stage, creating a roar among the viewers.
“Hello there,” more screaming ensues. The brunette smirked, swiping his green streaked hair out of his face, chuckling to himself. It's true what people say about him, he is a gorgeous and gracefully generous man who just happens to have his own late night television show.
“A few months ago a number of actors ever so graciously accepted our invitation for an overnight excursion in celebration for an upcoming season.” Cutting himself off staring towards his co-star, his wife, the love of his life; a beautiful lady with luscious lashes encircling her blue eyes and flowy pink hair that reached her collarbone.
Winking at her, he looked towards the audience once again, “Gentlemen, ladies, people who realised I said that backwards, give a warm welcome to Hermitcraft!”
___
Rolling along the gravel road in a large blue and charcoal bus was not something Grian ever thought he would experience past his high school days. He had only been a cast member of the world-renowned show Hermitcraft for three years, but he was already a fan favourite. Grian's charming personality quickly won over viewers. His ability to entertain and engage the audience made people like him more.
As the bus slows down, the voices on the bus grow louder, his co-stars talking to one another. You could taste the excitement in the air. An overnight trip to a camp is intended for adults.
Unlike his colleagues, he kept his bag above him in the overhead gate for small carry-ons. Grian preferred to have his belongings within reach. Sure, he trusted his coworkers, he simply didn't want to risk losing anything before the trip. Glancing out the window, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation for the upcoming adventure at hand, he scurried off the bus with his bag before most had the time to move from their seats.
“Brian, you’re an excited little bird.” Glancing behind him was Keralis and Xisuma, the only other people off the bus beside him. X was half asleep, fair seeing as it was 6am and they have been on this bus since dusk. Keralis held a pillow in each hand and looked like he was a morning person.
“Hi, Keralis.” Grian's voice sounded like sandpaper. In addition, his eyes were bloodshot, and his face was pale. Despite his exhaustion, Grian mustered a sluggish smile as he greeted Keralis.
Keralis smiled back, but his eyes were drawn to Grian's condition. His usual fluffy hair was flat on his head, and his vibrant attitude was left at the bus stop they came from. "Are you okay, Brian? You look like you haven't slept in forever."
Grian let out a worn-out chuckle and replied, "Yeah, just a rough night. I couldn't really get to sleep on that nasty bus." For Grian, the bus ride had been anything but peaceful. The road was uneven once they entered the countryside, and the engine was rumbling constantly. It was impossible to find a comfortable spot to sleep. “Scar and Zedaph's yelling didn’t help.”
Despite his exhaustion, Grian mustered a weak smile and said, "I'll survive. Hopefully, I can catch up on some sleep between activities." The lack of rest had taken a toll on his body, leaving Grian drained and irritable.
The sounds of birds chirping and the fresh air were so peaceful. Taking it in, staring into the horizon. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a bearded man with a black and blue jumper holding a professional camera, he must be a part of the camera crew.
A loud yell from the bus made him turn around. Looking over in time to see a 6'4 raven-haired man tripped over himself, off the bus, and onto the dirt below his face first
“Mumbo! You spoon!” Another man jumped off the bus after him, narrowly missing Mumbo’s head. He wasn't as tall as the former but he was definitely taller than Grian himself. He had a short beard and was quite tan despite it being winter.
The man who jumped off the bus was wearing a bright green jacket, which made him easily stand out in the winter landscape. As he helped Mumbo up from the ground. As they moved over out of the way, it became clear that Mumbo’s nose was bleeding onto his jumper.
“Maybe you should start doing your own stunts, Mumbo.” Grian giggles as he assists Iskall in removing dirt from Mumbo's dark tracksuit.
Another person comes off the bus using Mumbo as a railing, gracefully as she grabs her bag from the newly opened compartment under the bus, “you right luv?” Stress grabbed a packet of tissues from a small pocket in her bag, “took a tumble?”
Stress hands Mumbo the tissues and offers a sympathetic smile. "Yeah, just a little accident," Mumbo replies, dabbing at his nose. "Thanks for the tissues." Stress nods and gives him a reassuring pat on the back. Grian couldn't help but feel sick.
___
“Now from what we’ve been told, that wasn't the only accident of the day?” The pink haired girl questioned. She raised an eyebrow, waiting for Mumbo to explain himself.
“Far from it, my friend, far from it.” He chuckled, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Let's just say, we had a few unexpected mishaps." The crowd gasped with enticement, intrigued by Mumbo's cryptic statement. Mumbo leaned forward on his spot in the lounge he was on.
“Care to elaborate?” The green streaken man's curiosity piqued as he leaned in closer, eager to hear the full story behind the day's mishaps. The crowd grew silent, anticipating a response.
"After we all settled down, you know, put our bags in a cabin while the crew set up the tent, where we went to be attacked by brushes. At around 7:30, after we all had breakfast, we headed off to our first activity of the day, milk crates."
The green streaken man's eyes widened with intrigue as he imagined the chaos that must have ensued during the first activity. The crowd leans in closer, their curiosity growing with each passing moment.
___
Grian sulks as his hot, blonde, red eyed colleague begins to make fun of his situation. His face turns red with embarrassment as he tries to ignore the mocking coming from the opposing team. They were the final group to go, to say Grian was exhausted was an understatement. He still felt sick and nervous from this morning, and being the last group to go did not help his anxiety.
"Tango! It's not my fault, Scar keeps- he keeps breaking things!" Grian is fully hot and flustered; his face is red, and his armpits are sweaty. He was frustrated and wanted to cry at the site of Scar.
"Forget to tell him this isn't TNT run?" Grian's confidence wavers, and he struggles to find a witty comeback to defend himself. He wishes we could give Tango and his team a nudge into their 17 crate high stack. But he can't. Simply because he has to hold Scar in the air.
Grian's frustration grows as he realises that his inability to communicate with Scar in the air is the root of their team's struggles. He looks over to Bdubs, pleading with his eyes to use his booming voice to get Scar's attention.
"Scar stop it!" Bdubs’ voice echoes through the forest.
Clearly, Scar heard him because he leant his head over to look at them with a wild grin on his scarred face. "I thought we were playing spleef! Come on, just a little bit of spleef." Adding fuel to the fire, the cat-obsessed man begins to pretend to surf, causing a roar of laughter from those who were not participating.
As the laughter fills the air, Bdubs and Grian exchange worried glances. They knew if Scar continued his shenanigans, their chances of winning the game would be slim. Desperate to regain control, Bdubs musters up his courage and steps forwards while continuing to hold the crate stack, determined to bring Scar's focus back to their team's strategy. "This building is not breaking!"
Zedaph, who was holding a crate in his hands, laughed as Bdubs’ commanding voice. Grian curses under his breath, wishing he could give the other team a taste of their own medicine. "Scar! Come on, I want to beat Team Z.I.T." Scar remains oblivious to his pleas. Grian's heart sinks. They had almost rebuilt the tower now. "Scar, don't make me do something I will regret!"
Scar obviously wasn't listening.
"You might want to take cover, Bdubs." Even if they were all wearing helmets, this could still hurt him. Grian took a step back with Bdubs, but while he kept going, Grian stayed on the platform where the competition was being held. He could see a cameraman in the background getting closer. He didn't care. Taking a final step back, he lifted his right leg off the ground and kicked the crates.
A loud crash and scream follow. The crates toppled over, sending a cascade of milk crates crashing all around Grian and with one falling on top of his head. Scar is now dangling in the air by his harnist. Silence fell over the forest, “Grian you pesky bird!” Scar laughed. Tango and Zepdah, who were supposed to be stabilising Impulse in the air, were doubled over holding their stomachs.
Grian couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Scar suspended in the air, his face a mix of surprise and amusement. The sound of Bdub laughing echoed throughout the forest, breaking any sound barrier and intensifying the chaos sevenfold.
Tango followed in suit, and Impulse danged in the sky just as Scar. "Tango, why would you betray me?" Impulse's voice carried a mix of disbelief and mock betrayal as he playfully scolded Tango.
“Are we all ready to announce the winners of this activity?” A loud roar covered the forest, “I will take that as a yes!” The man who announced it had glistering crystal eyes and sky blue hair. He wore a denim jacket over a sunset shirt. Grian stood on top of the wooden fence near the back inorder to see.
“Well we can start with the third place winners, team Z.I.T with approximately 476 cm off the ground and 17 crates high!” The trio cheered as they followed the man's instructions to come to the third place podium.
“In second we have tie with La Revolution and New Hermit Order, in brackets, minus Bdubs, with both 21 crates each! That is about 588 cm high!” The two groups stared daggers at one another as they both stood cramped on the podium. Stress and Iskall laughed as they were ones given the second place trophy opposed to the other four.
Iskall raised his arm in the trophy, and Stress followed, "For Sparta! This is Sparta!" The crowd erupted in laughter at Iskall. The tension between La Revolution and the NHO seemed to subside.
“Coming in first place with an amazing mark of 25 crates high or 616 cm of the ground we have the Evil Empire!” This caused a loud sound of laughing protest amongst the Hermits. The Evil Empire members couldn't contain their excitement and proudly raised their trophy. "Would anyone like to say anything?"
A white haired man took the microphone from the host before anyone could protest. "I am well aware I didn't win," he said from where he stood on the second place podium, "but I would like to thank Bdubs’ mother."
The crowd erupted into laughter at Etho's unexpected comment. Bdubs’ face turned bright red as he tried to hide his embarrassment, while the rest of the hermits couldn't help but chuckle along. Etho continued, "Feel free to boo if you wish." The crowd responded with a mix of playful boos and cheers, appreciating Etho's lightheartedness.
Bdubs yelled, "she is a saint, I'll have you know!" The crowd erupted into even more laughter at Bdubs’ defence of his mother.
Etho grinned, "well, then I guess I owe her a thank you." The hermits applauded and cheered, enjoying the friendly banter between Etho and Bdubs. Cleo's wolf whistle was heard for kilometres, and Hypno's loud taunt caught everyone's attention."
"Going for the throw, Etho!"
Etho chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Hypno. "Oh, you think so?"
Hypno grinned, "I know so!" Hypno jumped from his spot next to Mumbo and Grian on the fence. He gestured for Etho to come closer, ready to engage in a playful competition. The hermits eagerly gathered around, anticipating the entertaining showdown between the two skilled players.
Grian wanted to see up close what Hypno was going to do. So as Mumbo leant forward on the fence and slid off towards the Hermits cheering at the podium two metres ahead of him, Grian followed and met with a face full of dirt, just as Mumbo did this morning.
Xisuma leaned over the microphone with his white hair and a large ‘x’ shaped scar and spoke, "I knew you would do that."
___
“I can't help but believe you’re bending the truth a little, Bdubs,” The brown eyed host started at Bdubs with a goofy stare that was meant to be menacing.
“Who do you think I am, baby?”
“A liar.” The pink haired woman smacked her husband on the forehead with her notepad.
“Conflict of interest. Don't mind him,” She side eyed Etho as the crowd gave a loud applause to the blue eyed beauty. She gave a slight bow using her hand. “Did you three end up getting anything from that experience?” She looked towards Grian, Bdubs and Scar who were on the same back lounge together, Grian being closest to the door.
“Nothing interesting,” Scar held his cane in front of him resting his chin on top. Grian's anxiety was about to detonate.
Etho looked back towards the three as Scar spoke and saw his agitated state “You good, Grian?” He whispered to the shorter man.
“Yeah, sorry, Etho.” Grian looked down at the man he feared he may cry. It was a practical joke and no one got injured but he felt horrible about it.
"If you need me, just tap my shoulder three times and we can leave together."
___
“How is everyone getting all these amazing prizes?” Grian watched as Hermits walked around the campsite with their rucksacks, tent bags, and all their winnings of the day. Jevin, who was talking to Xisuma, had a large slime toy in a cloth bag for winning a canoe race. Stress was with Iskall who were holding identical bears dressed as chefs for winning the ‘partner chef off.’ Grian was just standing in the middle of the open trees by himself.
“What was that, G?” Grian looked over to see a tanned, black haired man looking at him, alongside a man with a beard and piercing blue eyes.
“Sorry, Cub, I was talking to myself.”
“About the prizes? I mean I only got a first place metal and a bag of candy for winning milk crates while Xb won money. Personally, I feel victimised.” Beef laughed from beside Cub. Grian smiled. Beef has never failed to make him laugh despite never really talking to him. The two weren’t on the same set most of the time and on the off chance they were, they didn't really talk.
“I have hand warmers and a bag; and I stole the hand warmers,” Beef laughed at Grian’s honest words.
“Good on you, G.” There was a short green eyed man talking on a megaphone in the background, “probably should go find Hypno now. The Podzol Party will prevail..! at putting up their tent.”
Grian laughed as the man left following his gaze to Bdubs and an older moustached man with stunning blue eyes. He walked over to the two and smiled, though they didn't see “oh you’ve already set up for your tent, Bdubs!”
“Of course, I am amazing?” The man in his question laughed at Joe, “Who are you two sharing your tent with?”
Bdubs beamed, “Etho!”
A woman's voice in the background yelled over the rest of the voices in the field, “your boyfriend, Bdubs?” Grian turned to see where the voice was coming from and saw a chubby woman with fiery red hair and mud stains all over standing next to a man with sunglasses and a red polo shirt.
Bdubs blushed and shook his head. Cleo smirked and winked at Bdubs. "Well, he's a lucky friend, then." Bdubs walked off as Joe and Grian laughed. The group continued their chat as they made their way to Joe and Cleo's rolled up tent on the floor. Ren stood besides Cleo as they watched the two walk towards them.
"Cleo, you look very unchobblesome." Ren said with a playful grin, causing Cleo to roll her eyes.
"Oh, please, like you're any better," she retorted, gesturing towards Ren's dirty appearance.
"Someone notify her next of kin. I'm going to shove you in my sack!" Ren instantly regretted his choice of words because he dropped his tent and small plush giraffe and covered his mouth, “please don’t report me!” he whined. Cleo couldn’t stop her snorting.
Grian was worried. It was getting late, and he hadn't thought to ask Mumbo to be his tentmate yet. He was so nervous that if Mumbo saw him, he would immediately notice something was wrong. Walking out of the bathroom with his toiletries, he searched for the man across the sea of actors and crewmembers. A tall man wearing a black tank top and black jeans caught his eye. Mumbo! Thank Notch. Walking closer to the man, the dread in his stomach grew when he spotted Iskall.
“Of course Mumbo and Iskall are together, Stress isprobablywithFalseandXiswithKeralis. I’m so fucking stupid.” The two men in question were oblivious to the blonde. As Grian walked backwards the bathroom block to the other side tears started to fall down his face. He couldn't breathe. He needed to get out. Trying to avoid the dirt, Grian manoeuvred his way through the bush trying to be unseen. Walking along the trees he gathered scrapes and cuts from the bush. He walked far and long to the other side of the camp, where a few hermits were standing there making a mess as they helped clean the open kitchen.
As Grian gathered himself on the ground with lost dignity, he let his fillings fall as silently as his sobs. Most of the Hermits that surrounded him were oblivious, just as Iskall and Mumbo were. Most of them. Wels, who was wearing an excessive amount of silver jewellery and Doc who was wearing a wearing a coat with no shirt in the freezing cold were both kneeling in a circle around Grian, who was now shaking on the ground. Etho was beside him, rubbing his back. Wels was looking him in the eyes; he was saying something, but Grian couldn't understand a word coming from the man's mouth. Doc seemed to be waiting for someone as he kept looking over his shoulder at the many rows of tents that magically popped up the minute Grian was not paying attention. The atmosphere was tense as the group exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to comfort the crying blonde.
“Grian? Hey it’s ok.” Etho was beside Grian. One hand was rubbing circles on his back and the other was on Grian’s closed fist that was clenching his shirt. “Did something happen?"
Grian's curiosity was piqued by the unexpected display of empathy. He noticed the concern etched on their faces and the genuine care in their actions.
Another figure kneeled down to his other side, “did someone do something to you? you can tell us, Grian.” Cleo whispered with pleading eyes. As pleading as Cleo could look, that is.
He choked another sob, his hands grasping his hair, and Etho's followed in suit. "Grian, stop, please. I need you to breathe with me, ok?" Etho whispered something to the three. A loud shout from Doc made Grian look up.
Mumbo and Iskall were running towards the group in the forest, followed by a medic. They quickly moved closer to Grian and Etho, concern etched on their faces.
Mumbo placed a hand on Grian's back. “Grian, are you injured?”
Etho whispered something to the medic. Grian cried harder.
Grian doesn't even know what's wrong. Maybe he's worried about who he will be sharing a tent with, maybe it’s his clothes or career. Maybe it’s global warming. He doesn't know.
“Grian, can you hear me? Hey, can you take a deep breath for me?” Everything is dizzy. The ground, the noise and Etho’s touch feel so far away and it’s almost like the sky is eating him whole. Black spots and stars are dancing across vision and he feels numb. The medic is holding her palm to Grian’s forehead. She has black hair and dark brown eyes he notices through his blurry eyesight.
He tries to focus on her voice, but his mind is clouded with confusion and disorientation. He wonders if this is his life now, living in a panic filled world for the rest of time, never to be normal, never to be better. As the medic speaks soothingly, Grian's racing thoughts begin to settle, and his vision clears to where he can see the woman. Her skin looks like silk, shiny and smooth. Grian notices the gentle smile on her face, which brings a sense of calm amid the chaos inside his head.
That's when notices the man in front of him.
“Mumbo..!” Grian wrapped his arms around the neck of the man crouched in front of him and sobbed into his shoulder, “I’m so sorry.”
“Breathe in and out. It's ok you’re alright, G.” The man gently patted Grian's back, offering comfort. Grian's body trembles as he tries to steady his breathing, his mind racing with confusion and fear. He's no longer crying but it hurts not to. The familiar voice of Mumbo reassures him, grounding him in the present moment. He finds himself drawn to his calming presence, as if he holds the key to calm a storm. He needs to cry, "let it rain, Grian."
As Grian gradually regains control over his emotions over the few minutes they're on the dirty forest floor together, he looks up at Mumbo with tear stained eyes, searching for answers. He's still out of it, and Mumbo can tell by the look of absolute terror on his face.
Grian's voice quivers as he asks, "What happened? Why am I so scared?"
Mumbo sighs, his own voice filled with empathy and understanding. "I was hoping you would know. It's going to be okay, Grian. Let's take it one step at a time."
The medic gently reaches out and places a comforting hand on Grian's shoulder. "You had a panic attack, Grian. Can you tell me if you remember what caused this? Was this because of somebody else? Did somebody else do something that caused you to react this way?" His breathing starts to steady as he tries to process the information. He felt sick and dirty, like he would never be clean again. Mumbo was still holding him, with the brunette medic standing to his left holding a small box. Etho was still drawing circles on his back and holding his hand. Wels, Doc, and Cleo were now standing with Iskall and other crew members in the corner to give the group some privacy. "Can you stand, Grian? Please try."
Lightheaded as he was, he tried. Etho held his arm around Grian's waist while Mumbo wrapped his arm around his back. Grian's legs wobbled as he attempted to stand, but he managed to find some stability with the support of Etho and Mumbo. The room spun around him, making him feel even more disoriented. Stars followed his vision, and the moon looked big as it rose. Too big, too bright, too wide, too fake. Grian coughed, slowly sliding down to the floor.
"Let's get you out of here." Grian didn't protest as Doc picked him up bridal style and walked him towards the medical demountable.
___
Grian spent the night there for what the doctor said was a 'psychiatric observation. The man spent the night watching over Grian, and to ensure he was fit to travel the next day, he wore a panda hat that covered his overgrown, dyed hair.
Grian never slept a wink that night, too worried about what others might say when he sees them. Will they be mad that he ruined their afternoon? More than likely.
"Grian, I think you should try to go to sleep." The doctor's voice was gentle but firm. Behind him stood the medic who had seen her before; she had brown hair and a silver headband. 'It is almost 5 o'clock in the morning."
Grian sighed.
Grian woke up two hours later to Scar gently shaking him awake. "Grian, it's almost time to go. I figured you might want breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day after all." Grian rubbed his eyes and nodded, grateful for Scar's thoughtfulness. "I got your clothes for you. I didn't know if you wanted to see anyone after what happened yesterday. Mumbo told me you had a panic attack, or maybe an anxiety attack? The spoon was so nervous I could barely hear him!" Grian felt guilty. Mumbo was worried about him?
"Of course that wasn't your fault. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard Wels and Cleo talking to the camp director about how they were worried you may have been sexually assaulted. Just between you and me, those two have gone through a lot. It's not my story to tell, obviously, but they notice things most people don't..." Grian's guilt deepened as he realised the extent of Wels and Cleo's concern for him. He felt a mix of gratitude and vulnerability, knowing that they cared enough to have such a serious conversation with the camp director. "Now once again, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I did hear the doctor lady talking to the camp director. A police officer is coming to talk to you. I just thought to warn you, G! Now go get changed!" Scar shoved the tote bag in his arms and limped out the door.
He quickly got dressed and joined Scar for breakfast with Cub. Grian sat with Concorp outside an old library and prayed to the Watchers that no one would come up to him anytime soon.
Just as he finished his breakfast, which consisted of eggs, beans and toast, a police officer came up to him. The man had sun bleached blonde hair and chocolate chip coloured eyes. “Grian Xelqua?” Grian raised his hand slightly, “please follow me.”
Grian followed the officer back towards the medical demountable, inside sat the doctor with his hands folded over his lap. The officer sat next to the man and Grian filled his lead.
“Yesterday afternoon I was asked to come here and talk to you about a potential assault that happened on these grounds. I just wanted to have a chat with you one on one but before that I wanted to discuss a mental health evaluation.” Grian was shocked, did they think he was crazy?
“Grian I can see on your face you’re a bit panicked, don't worry there's nothing wrong with you, a mental health evaluation will just provide us with a sense of state of mind, your line of work can be very reprimanding for beauty and talent requirements. We just ask for your permission.” The doctor smiled softly, “I had a chat with your friend, Mumbo, not long before you woke up, he told me how you have panic attacks quite often from what he knew.”
“Mr Xelqua, this is nothing to be upset or embarrassed about. Your friends are generally concerned for your health and wish the best for you, please consider getting evaluated.”
“Okay.”
___
“-Wow! That morning dip in the lake sounds to be a forever memory. Hypno tell me what Jevin said is true!” The brunette man leaned on the back of his chair as he wiped a tear from his eye.
“Well um…” Hypno blushed an unbelievable shade of red.
“I’ll take that as a yes!” The crowd roared with delight as dance music started playing and Jevin dragged off the lounge and the two started dancing. The Hermits were having a field day, Grian had no idea what was happening, had not listened to the story nor been there when this happened. He felt disconnected and caught the attention of the person next to him.
Grian couldn't remember if it was Scar or Bdubs but guess as the hand that was now resetting on his was as hot as the sun, it definitely wasn't Bdubs. “Gri, you need to take a deep breath, you’re about to pass out.”
___
Grian sat across the officer as he explained that nothing happened to him while he was in the bathroom beforehand. He had just freaked out once he realised he ruined everything with his stupid brain and he wasn’t assaulted. Grian felt even worse after making people think he was raped or touched or abuses or whatever happend. It took almost an hour for Grian to finish the evaluation. The doctor said he would be in touch and contact a local doctor's office. As soon as he took a statement and signed a few documents he was free to leave and join the rest of the Hermits in packing up everything.
Leaving the quiet demountable he was almost immediately met with Xisuma, scared aced and white hair. He sent a confused face at him, “X-eye-suma void?” Grian had almost jumped at the sight of the man. “You scared me.”
“Sorry Grian I just wanted to check if you were alright, I heard you got injured yesterday and spent the night in the medical hut.” Grian glanced down at his bandaged arms. After Doc took him to the demountable building, the medic cleaned his wounds and bangaged any concerning cuts he had. “I saw what happened at milk crates. Obviously.”
“Yeah sorry if I worried you or anybody else, it’s all good now.” X smiled at him patting his arm just above where the tote bag strap was.
“Come on, G, I’ll help you pack,” the two walked out the doorway and down the steps towards where the majority of the Hermits were. The walk was silent but not awkward as they strolled along the path. Wels and Beef smiled at the two as they kicked gravel on the path.
“Shashwammy!” A hurling ball of Keralis came crashing down onto the pair, X taking the brunt and falling on his side.
“Keralis!” X coughed as the two men helped him up, “whats up?”
Keralis grinned mischievously, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just thought I'd add some excitement to your day," he replied playfully. “Sorry I was looking for Brian and then I found you!”
X chuckled, brushing off the dirt from his clothes. "Well, you certainly succeeded in both," he said, giving Keralis a playful shove. “What did you need?”
Keralis blushed and looked off in a direction, “Mumbo was looking for you, he put your bag in the bus but he wasn’t sure if you were coming back with everyone else, Brian. He’s helping with some of the Hermits packing up if you want to talk with him.”
Grian spotted Mumbo right away in the small sea of Hermits. Mumbo was next to Doc holding a bag in each hand, halling it to the compartment under the bus.
“Mumbo?” The man in question threw the two bags quickly into the bus with force with protest from a blonde haired woman and turned to face Grian. “Want to go for a walk?”
The sounds of birds chirping and the fresh air were so peaceful. Taking it in, staring into the horizon with Mumbo by his side, Grian can’t help but feel like he's done this before. “Is everything alright, Grian?”
"I'll survive. Hopefully, I can catch up on some sleep on the bus.”
“You know I love you right? Always have.”
“And you always will, Mumbo. So will I.” Grian grinned at Mumbo, turning back to the horizon he leaned his head on his shoulder taking the view in.
___
Grian sat on the floor of the bathroom, away from prying eyes. He tapped Etho's shoulder three times and the two ran from the studio together. Grian's mind raced as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, and he needed to find a safe place to gather his thoughts.
"Bdubs just messaged me and said they just wrapped up. Do you want to go somewhere cleaner to eat something? We've been here for nearly 20 minutes now." Grian nodded, grateful for the distraction. As they walked out of the studio, he couldn't help but wonder if their sudden departure had raised any suspicions among their fellow Hermits. "I think I saw a Vietnamese place down the road; do you want anyone else to come?"
"Dinner with the Hermits?"
Etho smiled, “dinner with the Hermits.”