A/N: I apologise that this is not a very exciting chapter. I'm not 100% happy with it, but it's mainly just to set things up. I was hoping I'd have the last pairing written to post with this, but alas, I am much too time poor. I decided that posting something is better than nothing, though. I will continue as soon as I can!


~~ Kellan ~~

Kellan could not remember the last time he'd done something so reckless. Going to stay in another country he'd never visited for the whole of the summer break was certainly not something he'd done before. He couldn't help but buzz with the anticipation, excited to see Ethos's hometown. After all, it would provide more insight into his upbringing, and his life.

The flight itself from Los Angeles was eleven hours, but by the time you counted the stop over at JFK airport, the whole trip was closer to fourteen hours. Boarding the second flight, he found his seat, squeezing past two other passengers to get to it. He didn't mind however, as it meant he would get the window seat. Settling into it, he was glad when the plane wasn't too delayed, taking off smoothly.

It allowed his thoughts to drift to what Reykjavik might be like. Ethos had spoken fondly of it, obviously having a strong sense of loyalty to his hometown, so Kellan didn't doubt that he'd like it. Of course, he had done his research before leaving. The capital area housed about 60% of Iceland's population. It was famous for its scenery, as well as the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights. He'd even kept a careful eye on the weather, wanting to bring the right clothes for the climate. From what he'd read, the average temperature in June was between 48° and 59° Fahrenheit, and the strangest thing was that it had 20-21 hours of daylight.

But most of all, he found he was excited to see his Match again. Ethos had left the prior week to return for work, while Kellan stayed to finish the school term. While usually a week didn't seem like much, time seemed to pass slowly, and he looked forward to seeing him again. Kellan had spent time looking for a room to stay at, but Ethos had offered the spare room in his house. Not wanting to impose, Kellan had considered turning him down, before Ethos had insisted. It was kind of him to offer, when paying for accommodation for so many weeks would certainly add up, so he was appreciative. In any case, Kellan knew that Ethos was busy with work that evening, and wouldn't be able to meet him to pick him up from the airport. Knowing he would see him the next day, Kellan didn't let the thought get him down for too long.

As the flight continued smoothly, Kellan found he couldn't quite keep his eyes open. He'd caught a flight from Los Angeles at midnight, and he'd barely been able to sleep leading up to the trip. Finally giving in to the tiredness, he allowed himself to rest for the last part of the flight.

ooOoo

Arriving at Reykjavik at nine pm – Kellan knew he'd have to get used to the seven hours of time difference – he gazed out the window as they approached the airport. The view was stunning, able to see the city spread out beneath them, with boats on the water, and the mountain range visible. He could only imagine what it would look like in winter, covered in white snow.

Once the plane had landed, Kellan was careful to collect all of his bags, before he continued on through the final checks. Intent on making his way to find a taxi, Kellan froze in surprise when he heard his name called, from somewhere nearby. Turning, he stared at Ethos in surprise, before he couldn't help but smile. "… You're here?"

"I was able to finish my work earlier than expected," Ethos replied, his tone warm and welcoming. "I thought it would be nice to surprise you."

Walking over to meet him, Kellan gave him a hug, feeling Ethos hesitate for a moment, as if he was not expecting such a thing. Kellan knew he was more used to affectionate gestures, because of his family, but he knew it was a little different for Ethos.

"I am glad," he responded, inhaling as he pulled back. "I know it has only been a bit over a week, but I have missed you," Kellan admitted, a hint of a blush to his cheeks.

"I have missed you too," Ethos replied, inclining his head. "I hope you like it here. I have many things to show you."

"I can't wait," Kellan said, and he meant it, his eyes bright at the prospect of Ethos showing him around. Helping to gather his bags again, Ethos led the way to his car, offering to drive them back to his house.

Ever curious, Kellan watched out the window during the trip, taking in the scenery that they passed eagerly. It was his first real glimpse into the city, and the life there. While he felt tired, it did not seem so late, with the sun still out, and the fact that the sun would never fully set.

As they drove past a large, older building, Ethos followed his gaze, before focusing on the road again. "That is Hallgrimskirkja church. There's a great view of the city from the top – we should look at it sometime."

Kellan nodded, doubting that he would ever be able to properly pronounce the name. Then again, places in Iceland were difficult to pronounce. "And the statue?" he asked, looking at the one displayed in front of the church.

"That statue is of Leif Eiriksson, the Icelandic Viking that found America," Ethos explained, and Kellan was not surprised that he knew so much about his city's history.

As they drove past some of the houses, Kellan found them quaint and unusual, with different coloured roofs and facades. It was a strange collection compared to what he was used to, where everything in the city often looked the same. Pulling into the driveway of a white house with a pale blue roof, Ethos parked the car, before helping Kellan retrieve his bags.

"I have prepared the guest room for you," he explained, as he unlocked the door for them. "I've left you a spare key, and some other necessities, but if you need anything, you must let me know."

"I am just grateful for your offer to let me stay here," Kellan assured him, following him inside and glancing down the hallway. "You have been very kind."

"It was the least I could do, considering you have travelled so far," Ethos replied, inclining his head. "Do not worry about that."

Following him down the hallway as he pointed out some rooms, Kellan found the house clean and tidy, with everything in its place, and it was bright, with many windows letting in the light. The wooden floors, and the colours and furniture in the house had a natural beauty to them, as if inspired by the city itself.

His room was on the bottom floor, and it was simple, yet elegant in design. Placing his bags down, he then ran a hand through his hair. "I know you are busy with work, so I will fit in with you, whenever you're free. Don't worry about me, I am happy to wander the city alone, while you work."

"Thank you for understanding," Ethos inhaled, still by the doorway. "I-… I'll get you some water, and some food. I'm sure you'll need some after the journey." He looked a little flustered, as if he was unused to having guests, and he seemed eager to make sure Kellan was comfortable.

"I have already eaten on the plane, although I will not turn down a glass of water," Kellan replied with a smile, before watching him leave to get one.

Glancing around the room again, he was excited to get out and about to look around. Travelling was still pretty new to him, and he had always been interested in the history. Hopefully his research would come in handy. Despite the excitement, he could feel an exhaustion setting in, after his journey, as if it had used up all of his energy. Sitting down on the bed, he contemplated what he might go and see the following day, while Ethos was out. Before he could stop it, the tired feeling increased, and while he tried hard to keep his eyes open, he soon drifted off to sleep, finding the bed much too comfortable.

ooOoo

Walking back to the room, Ethos found Kellan already asleep, and he smiled to himself, observing him silently. Walking over to the bedside table, he placed the glass of water down, careful not to disturb him, before heading back to the door. He looked peaceful in his sleep, with his red curls hiding part of his face, and he did not want to wake him. Shutting the door behind him, he headed back to his study, wanting to make a plan of what they could do during Kellan's first week there.