Under The Covers {joshler}

sophomore year - part five

It was a few weeks before Brendon and Sarah's relationship made it down the school grapevine. Ashley, hand-in-hand with Josh (with Hayley dragging behind) was walking to class when she froze. Josh immediately noticed her hand slip from his and followed her gaze to where Brendon was leaning over Sarah while she pulled books from her locker. She rolled her eyes playfully at whatever he said while she shut her locker and then he leant down to capture her lips in a sweet kiss before the pair sauntered off to class, Brendon's arm draped over her shoulders.

Ashley spun and was about to bolt out of the hallway in the opposite direction when Josh caught her by the waist pulling her back flush against his chest.

"Ashley." He hugged her as tight as he could, feeling her tremble, he placed a kiss to her hair to try and comfort her but she squeezed his arms hard.

"Let me go, Josh." She pleaded, her voice threatening to break. She squeezed him harder until her nails were biting his skin and he had to let go before she drew blood. Before he could even call out for her she was running down the corridor away from him.

Hayley put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She just needs time." Josh cocked an eyebrow at her.

"She told you?"

Hayley nodded and Josh visibly relaxed knowing Hayley knew he wasn't actually with Ashley. "Although it still makes no sense why you'd agree to do that for her." Josh tensed.

"You know me, just can't say no to that puppy dog eye thing she does." He replied sheepishly, attempting to laugh the whole situation off.

"Fair enough." Hayley responded with a heavy sigh as they headed off to class. "I'll talk to her tonight or something." Josh nodded but he couldn't help the blood boiling anger he had for Brendon, he'd warned him not to hurt Ashley and Brendon had broken his promise not to.

At lunch time Josh found Brendon sat at a table in the cafeteria with Sarah and a cheerleader he recognised as the infamous Jenna. Driven by pure rage he stormed straight over, plopping down on Brendon's free side, straddling the bench, glaring at him.

Just as Brendon opened his mouth to speak Josh hit him upside the head, not hard enough to really hurt beyond a sting.

"Ow. Bro what the fuc-"

"You're a coward Brendon. I swear to God if Ashley goes through another episode because of you i will castrate you." Sarah stared wide-eyed at Josh as the pieces finally clicked into place for Brendon.

"Shit, is she okay?" he sounded genuinely concerned and Josh sighed the anger ebbing away into concern for his friends.

"I don't know she ran off earlier and i haven't heard from her since."

"Dude, i fucked up okay i know. I-I'll speak to her okay I'll sort it?" Brendon pleaded as Sarah gave Jenna a confused look. Josh scoffed.

"Yeah whatever."

"Josh-" Brendon was cut off by three boys sliding into the table, two Josh had never spoken to but recognised as Tyler's teammates slid in next to Jenna, Josh stiffened when he realised the person sat beside him was Tyler.

"How are you today oh wonderful Jenna." The shorter more built of the two strangers asked pulling her into a side hug. She laughed biting into a carrot stick.

"I'm okay Michael how are you?"

"I'm better for seeing you." He teased and Jenna swatted at his shoulder as everyone laughed. Josh could practically feel the shame radiating off Brendon. Josh's own nerves getting a hold of him, just when he was about to leave he felt Tyler pushed against his back, he turned to see another guy squishing onto the end of the bench as some more jocks filled the other side of the table. They gave Josh a weary look.