Fire and Smoke- Twenty One Pilots

Chapter 5

-Back to Tyler-

"I shouldn't have let go of his hand!"

"Tyler it wasn't your fault..."

"I shouldn't have left him!"

"Tyler!"

"why didn't I stay with him! WHY DIDNT I WAIT!"

"ty-"

"I LOVED HIM!..." Tyler started sobbing again.

"HES NOT DEAD! Tyler I promise you he isn't dead..."

The two had been arguing back and forth mostly Tyler with his mind. The other students had sat down on the cold concrete with their backs against the wall, some still being treated by the teachers and small amounts of paramedics...the fire brigade still hadn't turned up.

"I-I hope not..." Tyler rushed before abruptly standing up.

"Tyler? What are you doing..." Pete asked confused by the sudden change in behaviour. He was close to them listening intently.

Tyler didn't respond. Instead he glanced upon the school structure and took a step forward. Brendon quickly grabbed him.

"What the shit! You aren't going in there!"

"Yes I am!... I'm gonna find him..." Tyler pulled away from Brendon forcefully and broke into a sprint.

"TYLER!"

He pushed out all the screams for his name and rushed into the blazing school building. Footsteps were chasing behind him and he knew most belonged to teachers but one distinct voice was Brendon.

"BE CAREFUL..PLEASE!"

He was terrified but he loved Josh and that was enough to push him forwards. Who wouldn't run into a blazing fire for the one they loved? that question made Tyler doubt his decision slightly but he didn't back down. Pelting up the burning staircase and using a large stick of unharmed wood he forced his way through the burning barricade that was blocking the second floor to the staircase.

"JOSH?!"

'by the art department...' he remembered the teachers words. That was literally round the corner from here. Making sure his path was clear he stepped from the stairs to the second floor. The thin air instantly restricted his airways and he coughed violently as he made the mistake of inhaling the smoke. It was silence on the corridor except for the crackling of timbers and the moaning of the buildings structure. He didn't like the sound of it and knew that he needed to find Josh now and get the hell out.

"JOSH!" he shouted again. He ran down the corridor and with no luck of finding Josh hesitated before walking round the corner. He had to duck down as the smoke was growing closer to his face. As he went round the corner the smoke made it almost impossible to see anything apart from the burning wood and thick grey cloud. He went onto his knees and crawled under the smoke and weaved around the timbers of wood coughing and spluttering as he did so. That was until something different came into his line of sight. First he saw a pair of legs which lead up to a whole body.

This body belonged to Josh.

Tyler gasped and quickly made it to his boyfriend screaming his name. The ash covered Josh's face and masked his blue hair with grey snowflakes. Closed eyes and limp body made Tyler feel slightly nauseous. Tyler moved around his face and checked his pulse feeing his heart leap into his throat when he noticed it was barely there. Josh was incredibly pale and his breathing was short and laboured. It was only then that Tyler noticed the massive gash on his stomach. That's most possibly why Josh couldn't get out.

Tyler teared up at the thought of Josh being stuck here alone and in pain. Quickly kissing his boyfriends parted lips and whispering an 'I love you' he put Josh's arms around his stomach. This way Tyler could pick him up. Placing one hand under Josh's shoulders and one under his legs he hoisted him up bridal style and bent over to avoid the smoke.

Josh's head lolled backwards and Tyler winced putting Josh's legs down again so Josh was hanging on him, his whole body moving with each small movement. He pushed his head back towards his chest and picked his legs up again.

Literally running down the stairs and to the front entrance. On the way there he noticed out the window there was a crowd forming and surrounding the school. He let a tear fall down to Josh's face and coughed again before nearly making it to the door. Hoisting Josh up closer again as he had slipped slightly. He weakly pushed it open with is back and heard an up roar of shouts and claps from his peers. He made a small, difficult smile and continued walking out. Although the cheering was for support Tyler couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hate for himself. Feeling terrible for leaving it so late to save Josh.

Once out the way of the door he span round to reveal Josh in his arms, Josh's arms dangled either side of him and his head hung back again limply. The sight of a incredibly pale Josh and an exhausted Tyler earned a few gasps and sobs from the crowd. Tyler's legs wobbled slightly and he weakly fell to the floor. Brendon quickly grabbed Josh from Tyler's arms and gave him over to the paramedics. Tyler half attempted a smile he was far to tired to show any other emotion.

Josh was safe and that's all that mattered.