Silence. Pure, dead silence filled the hotel room that Tyler once shared with Josh. Tyler sat up in his bed, pushing the covers off of him and going to the bathroom. He stopped to stare at Josh's phone for a few seconds before he opened the bathroom door. Tyler stared at himself in the mirror, taking in his features. Tear stained cheeks, puffy red eyes. Fuck. Why was he like this? He shouldn't have said anything about Josh's comment at the interview. It wasn't even a big deal. He ran some cold water, splashing it on his face as he cursed himself under his breath. He turned the water off as he heard his phone ring from the other room. He quickly dried his hands and face, walking in a fast pace to his bed. He picked up the phone. "Hello?"
Josh stood at a payphone, looking around and leaning against the booth's wall. His leg bounced up and down as he waited for Tyler to answer. He looked at his car, sighing in disappointment. As soon as he heard Tyler's voice, he almost burst into tears. His eyes welled up as he replied shakily, "Tyler.." "Josh??" Tyler asked, his voice filling with confusion. "Y-yeah.. Yeah it's me uh.. Listen, I made a few mistakes, and I kind of just-" Tyler cut him off "Josh, shh. It's fine." He said in a hushed tone "Just come back, okay? We can work this out.." Josh nodded, swallowing "I.. Yeah, I'll be there." He hung up, exiting the booth. He sighed again, looking at his car once more. He ran a hand over the now slightly crinkled hood, leaning over to look at the shattered headlights. His reckless driving caused him to jump a curb, and hit a tree. He had called Tyler after a conversation with Columbus City Police, who gave him a ticket. He crumpled the ticket in his pocket up and threw it in the back seat as he climbed in the drivers side. He took a deep breath before starting the car and driving back to the hotel.
Tyler heard familiar footsteps approaching the hotel room door, he quickly got up and flung it open, seeing Josh. Josh's eyes welled up in tears again, and he finally let them fall. He stood in a way that wasn't normal for him, defeated. Tyler noticed immediately and wrapped Josh in a hug, pulling him into the hotel room. He softly closed the door behind them, leading Josh to the bed. All Josh could do was follow Tyler's steps, his head buried in Tyler's chest. Once they sat down, Josh pulled away from the hug, wiping his tears. "Josh.." Tyler began, "I'm so sorry, my love." He reached a gentle hand up to cup Josh's face. The familiar sensation caused a warm wave to wash over Josh. He leaned into Tyler's touch, "It isn't your fault, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did.. I just-" Tyler cut him off "We both reacted in ways that weren't really okay, but we're both here now. And you're safe." Tyler looked Josh in the eyes, his chocolate eyes burning into Josh's coffee gaze. Josh nodded "I guess so, yeah.. I should've asked how you wanted to announce us, and I shouldn't have gotten as angry as I did." He shifted, sitting up fully, "I just had these horrible thoughts, y'know? Thoughts that maybe you were ashamed of being with me, or that you wanted to keep it a secret. I just felt hurt, and I should've said that instead of storming off." Tyler's heart swelled at Josh's words, he shook his head quickly, "Oh my love, not at all.. I'm not ashamed, I don't want it to be a secret. You have no idea how long I've waited to be with you like this. I'm so sorry I made you feel that way. Nothing in the world can compare to the feelings I have for you, I'd do anything to keep you around. I never want you to feel like I don't love you, or that I don't want people to know. I want everyone to know." Josh wiped his cheek as tears fell again, Tyler's eyes taking a hint and pouring out as well. Tyler laughed through the tears, wiping his own face. "Fuck.." Josh smiled, holding Tyler's hand. "You have no idea how much that means to me, Ty. I'm so sorry I acted the way I did." Tyler nodded, squeezing Josh's hand "I know" and it's all okay now. I promise you that."
As they settled down again, Josh kicked his shoes off. The pair curled up together just as they did the night before, Tyler holding onto Josh and Josh burying his head into Tyler's chest. "Checkout day is tomorrow, Josh.. We gotta be up a bit early, okay?" He offered in a hushed voice. Josh nodded, looking up and humming in response, "Mhmm.." Tyler kissed the top of Josh's head. "Oh, Tyler?" Josh scanned Tyler's face. "Yeah, Josh?"
"I'm gonna need to get my car fixed."
