Red Hair and Black Paint

Chapter Five

A/N: Back to Tyler's point of view.

Tyler wasn't sure why he told Josh that them hanging out that night would be a date. Maybe it was because he already had five cups of coffee by the time he saw the redhead. Either his confidence was spiking or he was being an idiot.

Most likely the latter.

But, he was sorta serious with it because he did want to ask Josh out on a date, he just didn't know how to act on it. He was awkward and not cool or smooth at all. But, Josh didn't seem that way either so that made him feel better. The least he could do, was go over to Josh's place and have a good time. That was it. Easy and simple, but he felt petrified all the same.

The rest of Tyler's shift was slow and boring. There were never very many customers in the afternoons and he was nearly about to fall asleep when he was notified that he could leave. With new found energy, he clocked out and practically bounded out of the shop, not noticing the smile on his face.

By the time he got home and changed, his face was cramping up from his smiles and he had to massage his face. Also, reminding him that he really needed to chill.

His phone beeping brought him out of his self lecture and he instantly perked up and read the text from Josh.

Josh: Whenever you're off work, you can come over. I'm ready whenever you are.

Tyler: Is now alright?

Josh: Yeah, head on over.

Tyler took an extra five minutes of getting ready, half wanting to look good and half of him wanting to not come off as clingy or needy. Horrible traits he seemed to have when he got close to someone.

When Tyler deems himself ready to go, he headed out, locking his apartment and heading over into his car. He has to take a moment and debate whether or not to take the long way to Josh's or not. He decides not to because as much as he wants to deny it, he can't stand that thought of him being super late and Josh being upset.

He would feel horrible.

He arrived to Josh's apartment on the proper time, knocking only once before the man opened the door.

"Hey--" he starts to greet and then stops, looking at Josh. "You have eyeshadow on."

Josh's face gets red and he reached up to cover his face a little. "Uh, I forgot I had it on. It's for a art project." He explained awkwardly, letting Tyler into the apartment. "I'll be right back, I need to take it off."

Tyler was quick to grab his wrist and he held it for a moment staring at him. "Sorry, uh, I don't think you should. It looks good on you." He explained, because he really did think so. The way the bright red was messily applied over the lids and underneath his eyes made his brown eyes pop out more than usually. Josh looked great. So great.

Josh seemed to relax and he smiles a little. "You think so?" His smile brightened after Tyler nodded. "Okay, well, cool. Thanks. Uhm...we can go into the kitchen. I made spaghetti. Do you like that?"

"It's practically my favorite other than Taco Bell." He smiled and followed after him, realizing after a moment that he was still holding Josh's wrist. He blushes lightly and let's go of it, ignoring the way Josh's face seemed to get less bright. But Josh didn't say anything, offered a smile and gave him a bowl.

"I don't have a table since I'm like, broke all the time and I live alone, so we can go out to the couch." Josh explained, a joking tone in his voice and Tyler laughed with, nodding in understanding and followed after him. On the coffee table were scattered pencils and paper, crumples of it all over the surface.