Chapter Text
Tyler peeked over at Josh, who was putting a CD away, replacing it with another. He smiled to himself, watching Josh's expression as he debated upon something they knew or something new altogether. "I think we should try the one Chris gifted you, it might be good." He rolled onto his side to fully face the other, who looked over his shoulder, letting out a sound of agreement.
Josh grabbed the case and walked back over, setting himself next to Tyler as he rolled back onto his back. The song started playing; it was from a new rock band whose Chris' friend's friend's sister was a part of, or something like that. It didn't matter to them. Josh looked up to the ceiling, finally, causing Tyler to steal little glances. They were so close- it didn't matter. Tyler closed his eyes.
"Do you know where you're going to go once the school year's up?" Josh muttered quietly, as if trying not to interrupt the lyricist.
"I don't know. Maybe Otterbein... My dad thinks I'll get a scholarship." Josh hummed and nodded. Tyler glanced over, "What about you?" He swore he could hear Josh swallow.
"I'm not entirely sure," he sighed as he spoke. It was quiet for a while after that, the two just listening to the next song. The lyrics were odd, something about decision-making. Ironic, Tyler thought. Josh spoke again, "Would it suck if I said I didn't want to go to college next year?" Tyler looked back at Josh, who was already looking at him, his expression one he hadn't seen in a while from Josh. A look in his eyes; it only happened when he was about to cry.
"No," Tyler said quietly, eyes flickering to Josh's features, "I think the stigma around not going is what sucks, Jish." Josh cracked a smile. Thank god, Tyler thought as he smiled back.
---
Tyler met Josh when they were freshmen through a mutual friend; they clicked instantly. At least that’s what his mom said when they came back from orientation. If he were to think about it and be honest, he really couldn’t remember what it was like to live without knowing Josh. To talk about music so freely and have someone who supported him even when he felt like he couldn’t be. Josh was like stepping outside to get a breath of fresh air, and Tyler never wanted to go back inside.
---
Tyler sat on his bed, keyboard sitting in front of him. This was not going well.
“Shoot…” he murmured to himself, bringing his leg up, knee to his chest. Basketball was incredibly stressful- though he would never say that to his dad. There was no point; his mind wouldn’t change. He really tried not to think about it often. Singing helped when he did. Whether he’d write quick bits about whatever was irritating at the time or actual songs about stuff he’d rather not express.
He was about to pick up his notebook and toss it when he heard a tap on his window, causing him to sit up and look over; the tip of a stick tapping the bottom edge of the window.
“Hey!” Josh smiled, looking up at Tyler from below the window. He glanced around before he cupped his hands around his mouth, calling up again. “Can I come up? Or do I need to use the front door?” He snickered as he watched Tyler roll his eyes and motion for him to come up.
Josh tripped as he climbed through the window, jumping forward before steadying himself; Tyler held back a smile. “Sorry about the mess, I was just…’ his voice draws out, “Whatever, it doesn’t matter.” He muttered while picking up his notes and crumpled-up writings of keys that made absolutely zero sense together. Josh looked around before walking over to his bed and sitting down in front of the keyboard. He pressed the F sharp before setting his hands in his lap.
“Did your dad piss you off again?” Peeking over to Tyler, who sighed as he sat down on the opposite end of the bed, resting behind the back of the instrument. Tyler groaned in response, running his hands roughly down his face. Josh let out a faint chuckle in response.
“It’s that obvious?” Josh chuckled again; Tyler opened an eye to look at him. God, he has a nice laugh… He would never say that aloud, though. Josh just nods before glancing at the keyboard again, so Tyler follows his gaze. “Want me to play something?”
“Yeah,” he responds softly. Tyler’s gaze softened, and he swallowed. He spins the keyboard around before repeating Josh’s yeah, quietly. His fingers tread lightly as he looks for a chord, brows furrowing in focus.
In all honesty, playing was something that calmed Tyler down. While it brought up a lot of feelings, it also reeled them back. Because of that, Tyler was known to dissociate while playing. He didn’t realize he finished until he heard Josh gawking, causing him to swiftly change his gaze from his blurred hands to the other’s smile; his crinkled eyes. He’s so pretty.
“Dude, you have to finish it,” he laughs nervously, “I’m like- I don’t know, I guess I’m kind of shocked or whatever.” Josh stutters, “Not that I didn’t think you could sing or anything- I obviously knew you could and like I still know but I am just in awe- it’s really, really good, Tyler.” He moves his arms as he tries to explain before Tyler lets out a laugh.
“Dude, it’s okay… thank you, um…” His face is probably red; he knows this. It’s whatever, it doesn’t matter. The two throw a smile at each other before Tyler gets up and puts his instrument away. He smiles to himself even as he sets it aside in his closet and closes the door halfheartedly. He lay down next to Josh, who still sat on the corner.
They talk for a moment before there’s a light knock on the door, and Tyler’s mom, Kelly, opens it. “Tyler, you’re missing dinner- oh!” She pauses in the doorway. “Joshua! Hello! I did not know you were here! How are your parents?” Tyler glances over at Josh, whose face is dusted with pink; weird, Tyler states.
“Hello, um, they’re good. Mom keeps meaning to bring back the book she borrowed, but work’s been keeping her.” Josh sputters; a frequent occurrence whenever he talks to Tyler’s parents. Regardless of the years.
Kelly smiles before she nods, “Good, well, tell her I say hello, and she may keep it as long as she needs! I know how long her shifts can get…” He expresses a nod back in response, muttering a soft okay, “I was just coming to get Tyler for dinner; please join us.”
Knowing his mother,
Josh would be staying for dinner.