save [joshler]

one year

Joshua's pov

Month 30

"Hey Josh." She smiles, pulling me into a hug.

I hug her back for a second, then pull away. We make our way into our seats across from each other at the table.

"How've you been? I feel like it's been so long since we last saw each other." I say.

"Yeah, it's actually been a few months." She said, almost bitter.

"I'm sorry, I've just been busy with work and spending time with Tyler."

"No, I get it." She picked up the menu and went through it. "You get a boyfriend and have no more time for your friends, it's okay."

"Debs, you gotta give me some slack, man. I work 80+ hour weeks and come home to shower Tyler in my love so he knows I'm not lying like his last boyfriend. I'm trying to be better than Brendon-"

"You are, Josh!" She yelled, slamming the menu down on the table. People looked over at us and she continues, ignoring the stares. "You're so much better than Brendon, and if he doesn't see that, then he's just stupid!"

"Woah, okay, first of all, Tyler is not stupid. And it's common fuckin' sense to need to be active in a survivors life, especially his!"

"Yeah, but you can still make time for other people!"

"Other people aren't fucking important like him, Debs! I'm trying to build something with Tyler and that thing needs a strong foundation, and if that means not hanging out with other people, with you, then I am mighty fine with that!"

"Wow. If it weren't for me you two wouldn't even be a thing!"

"Why the fuck do you think that?" I scoff.

"Because when Brendon beat up Tyler and I ran into him that day, I told you! You wouldn't have figured out that he was being abused if it weren't for me!"

"Debby, do you even fucking hear yourself? You sound insane!"

"Am I insane, Josh? Am I fucking insane?"

"Yes!" I yell, standing up abruptly. "Yes, you're fucking insane dude!"

"Maybe I'm just in love with you, Josh! Have you fucking thought about that?"

"Debby, I'm gay! I like men! More specifically Tyler!"

"You don't know, I could be an exception!"

"Jesus fucking Christ, Debby. You really are insane."

//

"Joshua, I'm home." Tyler yelled.

I smile to myself and run out to the living room. He's facing away from me, taking off his shoes by the door. I jog up behind him and in one swift motion I wrap my arms around his waist and pick him up, spinning us around a few steps.

"Jesus Christ!" He laughs. "You scared me!"

I put him back on the ground and kiss his cheek. "Sorry love." I smile.

He turns to face and and gives me a kiss, smiling wide. "Do you know what today is?"

"Hmmm," I hum, tapping my pointer finger on my chin. "No, I have no idea."

He gives me a look of disappointment and puts his hands on his hips. "How could you not know what today is?"

"Love, I'm only messing with you. I know what today is." I say pulling him into me by his waist.

He smiles, gives me a kiss and wraps his arms around my neck. "You do? You're not just lying?"

"Yes, I do know what today is Tyler."