As Tyler and Josh made their way out of the church hand in hand, Father Winston made eye contact with Josh from the main door he was holding open. Josh nodded a little, and Winston understood that meant he was okay to talk to them when they were closer.
"Great service Father, thank you," Tyler told him as they stood slightly to the side so they didn't inconvenience the steady queue of other church-goers leaving.
"I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, I saw you step out for a moment, I hope I didn't say anything to upset you."
"No no, I just needed a minute. Thank you again for letting me use your break room."
"Don't mention it my son, you are more than welcome to use it whenever you feel the requirement. Everybody here is of similar thinking; we're all overjoyed you're back and will do whatever you feel would be helpful to aid you in continuing on your journey."
"Thank you Father, for everything." Josh added.
"Now, boys, before you go on your way, did you have the opportunity to discuss my proposition?"
"We did, and although he was honoured, Tyler's decided that this year is too soon. For the time being, we think we'll focus on coming to Mass." Josh told him, and squeezed Tyler's hand for reassurance.
"I understand completely. And Tyler, when the day comes that you are well enough to sing for us again then please don't hesitate to ask me for a position in a service. You're talented, and ultimately it's up to you to decide if and when you use that talent. Well done for recognising the potential for this to overwhelm you, that's a success in itself."
"That's very kind of you Father," Tyler thanked him.
"I'm sure you have plans to attend to, so I hope to see you both next week. Happy first day of Advent." The old man said as he shook Josh's hand, but didn't offer it to Tyler out of habit, which Tyler was grateful for.
"Happy Advent, bye," Josh replied with a firm shake.
"Goodbye, thank you," Tyler said, and the pair walked down the path and out of the church.
Although they usually walked the short distance from their house to the church, that morning they had driven so they could continue the onward journey to visit Debby.
Josh opened the passenger seat door of the black 1967 Chevy Camaro, both as contamination avoidance and a courtesy, and Tyler slid in; Josh proceeded to walk around the front of the car and let himself in and within a few minutes they were fast on the way towards the town where Josh grew up.
"Listen, Ty," Josh began, focusing on the road in front of him. "We most likely won't, but on the off chance we see my family, don't do anything yeah?"
"What do you mean?" He asked,
"Well we're going to the church where they'll be attending Mass, and the Mass there lasts longer, so they might come out whilst we are still visiting. If you see them, don't do anything. Don't talk to them, don't look at them, don't react to them, just don't acknowledge them," Josh said, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.
"Josh I already got my ass kicked by them once, I'm not gonna do anything to provoke them again."
"Thank you,"
"Because you know, knocking on your door was totally a justifiable reason to put me in hospital for eleven days," Tyler muttered bitterly.
"I'm still so sorry about that,"
"Don't be, it's not your fault they're intolerable homophobic assholes." Tyler spat the final few words.
"Sorry, I know they're still your family." Tyler apologised.
"Not according to them." Josh said quietly,
"Like I said yesterday, you're better off without them. But this trip isn't about them, this is about Debby, so let's not let their negativity poison that." Tyler said, uncharacteristically taking control.
"Did you bring anything for her?"
"Uh yeah, I've got her copy of Looking for Alaska in the back," Josh answered, gesturing to his bag on the backseat with his thumb. "And if you don't mind and are comfortable with it, I want to swing by a florist and buy her a bunch of flowers."
"Yeah that's fine, I'm doing okay today and I brought a dose of PRN with me in the glovebox in case I take a turn, so you just do what you need to do. Try not to worry about me, I'm here for you for a change. And for Debby of course."
"Thanks sweetie," Josh said, relaxing a bit in his seat and smiling over at him.
YOU ARE READING
Fear Will Lose // twenty one pilots // Joshler
FanficThe doors opened and the cold winter evening air hit Josh as he made his way onto the platform and down the metal stair case, each step echoing in the dark. Josh glanced at his watch, it had been a gift from Tyler and on the back were engraved the w...
