Just the two of us.

3- Cold comfort.

The atmosphere in Josh's office felt like a pressure cooker about to explode.

George sat stiffly in the chair across from Josh's desk, his arms folded defensively, his gaze fixed on the floor.

He hadn't said a word since Josh had mentioned the pills, and the tension was suffocating.

"George, I'm waiting for an explanation," Josh said, his voice low, measured, but laced with frustration.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes locked on George.

But George just sat there, jaw clenched, refusing to meet Josh's gaze.

He could feel the walls closing in on him, his chest tightening with the weight of it all.

Why couldn't Josh just leave it alone? Why did he have to pry into everything?

"Look at me, George."

George didn't move.

"Now."

The sternness in Josh's voice made George flinch, but instead of complying, he exploded.

"Why do you care so much? Why do you have to control everything I do?" He stood up suddenly, knocking his chair back with the force of his anger. "I'm not a child!"

Josh's eyes darkened, but he stayed seated, his calmness more intimidating than any raised voice could be. "I care because you're my best friend, George, and I'm not going to watch you self-destruct."

"Self-destruct?" George scoffed, pacing in front of the desk. "I'm not a project, Josh. I don't need your constant supervision. I can handle myself!"

"Clearly, you're not handling anything," Josh replied coldly, his patience wearing thin. "You're hiding things from me, throwing away your medication, and pushing me away when I'm just trying to help."

"I'm pushing you away because you treat me like a kid!" George yelled, his voice cracking. "I don't need you to fix everything. I don't need you to—"

"Enough."

Josh's voice cut through George's rant like a knife. He stood up slowly, his tall frame imposing as he rounded the desk, closing the distance between them.

"I've given you enough chances to come clean, but you're just making excuses. So, we're going to handle this the way we used to."

George froze, the meaning behind Josh's words hitting him instantly. His heart raced as Josh's expression darkened with that familiar strictness. "Josh, no—"

"Yes," Josh said firmly. "You've left me no choice. I won't have you spiraling out of control again."

Before George could protest, Josh grabbed him by the arm, pulling him toward the couch with a swift, no-nonsense grip.

George struggled, but his resistance was half-hearted at best, panic and shame flooding him as he realized what was about to happen.

"Josh, wait, please—"

"I told you this would happen if you kept hiding things from me," Josh said, his voice steady but stern. "You need to understand that your actions have consequences, George."

In one smooth motion, Josh guided George over his lap, his grip firm but careful, positioning him across his knees.

George's face burned with embarrassment as he buried it in his hands, mortified by the situation.

He hadn't been spanked in over a year — not since that reckless night with the car — and the humiliation was overwhelming.

"Josh, please, I'm sorry—"

"You should have thought about that before throwing away your pills," Josh said, raising his hand. "This is for your own good."

The first smack landed firmly but not too hard, and George winced, more out of shame than pain.

Each swat was delivered with a steady rhythm, not harsh, but enough to make George feel the seriousness of the situation.

Josh wasn't punishing him out of anger — he never did.

It was a reminder, a way of reasserting the boundaries George always tested.

Tears welled up in George's eyes, the frustration, the shame, the overwhelming emotions all crashing down at once.

He hated this.

He hated feeling so vulnerable, so helpless, but more than anything, he hated disappointing Josh.

After several more swats, Josh stopped, resting his hand gently on George's back. "I don't enjoy doing this, George," he said softly, his voice filled with a rare tenderness. "But you need to understand that I care about you too much to let you keep hurting yourself."

George didn't respond. He was too busy trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to break free. His body shook with the effort of keeping his emotions in check, but it was no use.

The dam broke, and tears spilled down his cheeks, soaking into the fabric of Josh's pants.

Josh gently lifted George off his lap, guiding him back onto the couch, this time beside him. Without a word, he pulled George into his arms, holding him close as the younger man finally let go of all the pent-up emotions he'd been holding in for so long.

"It's okay," Josh murmured, his hand running soothingly through George's hair. "Let it out."

George sobbed against Josh's chest, his hands clutching onto Josh's shirt as though it was the only thing grounding him.

He had fought so hard to keep everything inside, to maintain some semblance of control, but now... now, in Josh's arms, he let it all fall apart.

When the tears finally subsided, George pulled back slightly, his face red and tear-streaked, but he felt lighter somehow.

He glanced up at Josh, expecting anger, frustration, something... but all he saw was concern.

"I'm sorry," George whispered, his voice hoarse.

Josh shook his head. "You don't need to apologize. I just need you to be honest with me. I can't help you if you keep hiding things."

George swallowed hard, guilt settling in his chest. "I didn't want you to think I was... weak. That I couldn't handle things on my own."

"You're not weak, George," Josh said firmly, his gaze intense. "But you don't have to handle everything on your own. That's what I'm here for."

George looked away, his throat tight with emotion. "I... I was scared you'd treat me like a child again. That you'd start hovering and—"

"I'm strict with you because I care," Josh interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. "Not because I think you're incapable. But when you shut me out, I have to step in. You understand that, right?"

George nodded, wiping at his eyes. "Yeah... I get it."

"Good." Josh leaned back, still holding George close, but the tension in the room had finally dissipated. "Now, you're going to the doctor, and we're going to get you back on track. No more hiding things. Deal?"

George sighed, feeling the weight of his exhaustion, both physical and emotional. "Deal."

As they sat there, the room quieting, George found himself leaning into Josh's side, the comfort of his best friend's presence easing the rawness of the moment.

Josh returned to his work, his arm still loosely wrapped around George, offering silent support.

And for the first time in a long while, George allowed himself to feel safe...

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