genuinely there is something about. both cleo and etho have "scary" reputations. reputations as "survivors". and yet they are BOTH people who deeply, deeply bond with their allies in the series, and are deeply loyal. and they ACT like they're a bit distant but they aren't. and sure, cleo is a bit more obvious about the loyalty. but i think etho ALSO holds on until he can't hold on anymore. it's just that i think etho is waiting to have to cut his losses the whole time, even as that kills him.
so like, the fact that they're each other's ride-or-die partners for life this season is insane actually i am losing my mind,