Robbers - [joshler au]

16.2

Trigger Warnings
Mentions of drug use;
Cocaine
Marijuana
Mention of death
Infidelity
Drug Withdrawals
Drug Relapse
Illusion to Overdose

Note: This is more or less a flashback chapter. This is everything that was happening at the same time as the main storyline, but behind the scenes. You will see Tyler's discussion to get sober, his decision to cheat on Josh in exchange for drugs, and the moments leading up to his overdose. If you need a brief, non-descriptive summary, don't be afraid to message me!

June; Before Josh's mom's death

Brendon watched Josh and Tyler disappear down the hall before sighing to himself, turning off the TV and heading to his and Ryan's room. As he entered the room, Ryan was changing into his pajamas, t-shirt sliding over his head as he turned to see Brendon coming through the door.

"Hey, baby," he said as Brendon went to sit on the couch and his finished changing his clothes before joining him. "How was the movie?"

Brendon shrugged as he leaned on Ryan's shoulder, his mind racing as he stared off in front of him. "It was a slasher movie," he said, bored. "You've seen one, you've seen 'em all."

The older male looked at Brendon strangely before turning to face him. "What's wrong?" He slipped a hand under Brendon's chin, peering into his dark brown eyes. "You're usually in love with all the gore and murder a slasher fic has to offer. Is something the matter?"

Brendon took a deep breath, releasing it evenly. "Josh saw you and Tyler."

Ryan's lip set into a straight line, thinking for a moment before nodding gently. "And I assume Tyler never told him?"

Brendon shook his head, sighing as he closed his eyes. "I tried to keep him from coming back here," he said as he turned to look at his boyfriend. "He didn't know you did it either, and I know you wanted to keep it that way, I'm so sorry I didn't try harder to keep him away."

Ryan shushed Brendon as he pulled him against his chest, stroking his hair. "It's not your fault, love," he whispered as he held the younger man close. "You did your best, I'm sure. I don't mind that he knows, because I know he won't tell anyone. Besides," he added with a grin, pulling Brendon back to look into his eyes, "I've been thinking about getting sober for a while now, anyways. This stuff's really starting to make my head hurt."

Brendon grinned wildly, sitting up on his knees as he turned to face Ryan and put his hands on his shoulders. "Seriously? You're not just saying that, right? I mean, you know it doesn't totally bother me, but if you're being serious—"

Ryan laughed gently as he pushed Brendon back and hovered over him. "I'm definitely being serious," he said in a whispered voice. "I've got way more important things in my life to worry about right now."

Brendon's eyes shined as he looked at Ryan's smiling face. "Really?"

"Yeah," Ryan said, kissing Brendon's forehead. "I mean, the new update for Starfield is coming out next month—"

"Oh, get off!"

*****

"...and then he just drove off!" Tyler was throwing his hands up in the air, exasperated as he told Brendon and Ryan what had happened between him and Josh that morning. "God, I feel so stupid! I should've just told him the truth, right? Why did I have to get so defensive?"

Ryan and Brendon shared a look before the older shrugged gently. "I mean," he started, "It seems to me like you're more upset over Josh wanting to do drugs just because you are, and that makes sense, Ty."