✦Joshler✦: He's A Butcher With A Smile

Our Hometown's in the Dark

"The heart was made to be broken."
—Oscar Wilde

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

After we said goodbye to my parents, we were on the road again, heading over to Josh's parents' house, which was a short drive. Now Josh was the one freaking out, instead of me. "Tyler, maybe we should just wait another day to tell my parents. I mean, we've already told your parents, I think we deserve a break," he paced back in forth in the hallway of the bus, wiping his forehead with a clammy hand.

"Josh, we need to do this today. Because one day will turn into two, then two into a week and then we'll end up keeping it a secret. You know I'm right babe," I coaxed, handing him the glass of water I'd just poured. He exhaled, rubbing his eyes.

"I know, I know. It's just, I don't think they'll be as understanding as your parents. They don't really believe in homosexuality," he combed his fingers through his hair. I loved it when he did that.

I felt the instant need to kiss him, so I walked over and and grabbed his face, melting our lips together again. Maybe it wasn't the best time to kiss him, (considering he was talking about how his parents didn't like gays), but I honestly didn't care. So sue me.

He hugged me back, his hands roaming to my lower back as he eased into it. Every time I kissed him, it felt like fireworks should be going off around us. "Thanks. That helped," he murmured against my lips. I wasn't good at comforting like he was, so I just relied on my kissing skills.

"Ok, now just like you told me. They'll love you no matter what," I brushed my hand against the side of his face, giving him a reassuring nod. He bit his thumb nail and turned towards the door. "Let's go," he exited the bus with me on his tail.

We walked up to the front of his house, and Josh knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal his smiley mother.

"Josheee!" His mom practically tackled him, and he stumbled backwards. "Hi mom," he chuckled, as she fixed his messy hair. "It's so good to see you guys! You have no idea how much I've missed you. And I want to hear all about the tour," she grinned, hugging Josh a second time.

I was prepared to follow her in, but Josh stayed cemented to the porch. "Are you boys going to come in, or just stand out here?" She tugged at Josh's arm.

"Mom wait..." He took a step back, grabbing my hand and shutting his eyes for a moment. She stared at our connected hands for a while, then looked up, face covered in confusion. She wasn't an idiot, so I assumed she got the memo.

"Josh, what are you doing?" She asked hesitantly. He gulped, avoiding her eyes. After a deep breath, he answered. "Ma, me and Tyler are dating," he kept his voice steady. I was taken aback that he got straight to the point, but then again, I'd done the same thing. She furrowed her brow, looking utterly heart broken. All I could think was 'uh oh'.

"You can't be serious Josh," she trembled. Oh dear, this definitely wasn't going at all how I expected it to. Josh was also surprised by her disapproval. I held his hand tighter to let him know I was here, next to him, and that I would always be here at his side.

"You can't be gay Josh!" She shook her head. She laughed exaggeratedly, as if finding it comical- most likely because she didn't want to believe the news. "Bill! Come here!" She yelled for her husband, eyes growing teary when she realized this was far from a joke.

He came outside happy, then saw the expression on his wife's face and turned to us with an accusing raised brow. "What's going on boys?" He asked, his tone threatening. Then he saw our hands.