As long as you're breathing...

Empty Gold

Josh took Tyler's hand gently as they watched setting sun from the small window in the shed. Once it had finally set, they would go get the necessities they would need to spend the night. Tyler knew about Josh's parents, he knew that he wouldn't want to see them.
They started to head out, going down the familiar path to the squeaky gate they passed daily. Josh's house wasn't too far, and neither was Tyler's.
"Josh..?" Tyler looked up to him shyly.
"Yes, Ty?" He looked down with a soft smile that he just couldn't suppress upon seeing  Tyler.
"What if we just.. ran away? Like, not away away, but lived in the tree house. I mean, I know my parents wouldn't even notice and-" he cut himself off from the rambling when
Josh stopped him.
"Tyler.. you have a life, friends, good grades.... I don't want you throwing all of that away."
Tyler looked down to his shoes. He knew he was extremely lucky to have what he did.
"Josh.. I.. I l-love you"
Josh's heart stopped. The world around him all seemed to stop with it. He couldn't believe the words that just came out of Tyler's mouth. Of course Josh loved him too, but how could he say that? He was so entirely speechless. He wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with him.
No words came to mind. There was only one thing that his body was going to will him to do.
Josh moved his hands down to the smaller boy's rosy cheeks, and closes his eyes, slowly leaning in until finally their lips connected and their breathing slowed. The kiss was returned, thankfully, and their bodies moved in sync with each other. No lust, or hate, just pure love and affection.
"We should probably get going..." Tyler mumbled against his lips as he moved away. His face and cheeks were flushed, and confusion was spread across his face, but Josh loved it. He loved everything about him, no matter what.
Josh nodded a bit and takes his hand, starting to walk through the gate and down the dirt road back to his house, since his was closer. They walked in silence, hand in hand as the stars started to fill the sky, and the sun made the hills its grave.
They paused at Josh's house... it looked just like every other one in the neighborhood, but what went on inside was so much different. His dad was a drunk, who's only concern in this world, seemingly, was to abuse Josh because of the things he believed in and his sexuality. His mom felt ashamed that her son was gay and didn't fit in with the community at the church they went to, and therefore his siblings learned to never talk to him unless absolutely necessary.
Josh took a deep breath, and in response Tyler gave him a gentle reassuring squeeze to let him know that he was right there with him.
Josh smiled faintly and released his hand, making his way to the front door. He opened it and peeked in to make sure no one was awake, thankfully, they weren't. He walked in, and extremely carefully shut the door behind him as he made his way down to the basement.
He packed a change of clothes, deodorant, some blankets, and pillows before grabbing the bag, and quickly and quietly going back upstairs and out door, running to Tyler.
"Ready?" He asked, out of breath.
"Yep!" Tyler smiled and took his hand, starting to walk further down the road to Tyler's house.
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Once they made it, and Tyler got his stuff, they started to walk back. They talked about how the street lights beautifully lit up the torn up concrete that was never really cared for in the neighborhood, until they finally had made it back and down to the shed.
They set up camp. Ty had grabbed a crap ton of snacks, that was the only way Josh would eat, if Tyler wanted him to. He just wanted Ty to be happy, and if that meant eating a few simple things, then it was worth it.
They ate, Josh didn't eat as much as Tyler, but still managed. They cuddled up and fell asleep, the stars and trees watching over them, protecting them from the world.