Intimidation ♡ joshler

fifty seven

Tyler didn't come out for the rest of the day after his talk with Zack, ignoring the older man when he had announced that dinner was ready.  He had breakfast that morning, he'd reasoned with himself as he pressed the keys of his keyboard, so he should be okay enough skipping dinner—he had plenty of snacks already stashed in his desk drawer for times like this, anyways.

Tyler didn't come out the next day either.  He'd cross the hall to use the bathroom, but he'd lock himself in his room again immediately after finishing.  Of course Zack had tried to get him to come out again for both breakfast and dinner, but he got no response both times.

"You going on a hunger strike won't affect me, Tyler," Zack had said, but Tyler only pressed another group of keys.

And this, Tyler had mused, was acting like a little kid.

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And Monday morning came at them fast, and Tyler reluctantly steps downstairs so he can leave for school.

He barely makes it out the door before he's being pulled back by his bookbag, and he's not gonna lie, it scared the shit out of him, and when he realizes that it's Zack who has a hold on him, his rapid heartbeat doesn't cease, because fuck, the older man's about to flip shit at him for the stunt he pulled.

But Zack only forces him to sit at the table, a plate of pancakes and eggs in front of him.

"I'm not letting you up until you finish your plate," Zack speaks sternly as he sits across from him with his own food.

The tension engulfing them and the older man's staring eyes both make him uncomfortable as he begins to scarf down his food, because the sooner he finishes, the sooner he can get the fuck out of here.  Zack doesn't seem to pleased about it, but he doesn't stop him as he takes his time to actually enjoy his food.

And the younger boy is hastily heading out without a word as soon as he takes his last bite.

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As Tyler approaches the bus stop, he notices that Pete is back to standing by the crowd—and Josh isn't there at all.  Tyler's stomach drops as he stands at his spot alone, because he could really use a Dun Hug right now.  He hangs his head dejectedly, gazing down at his shoes.  At least they're clean now.

Not even a minute passes before another pair of feet enter his vision.

"Hey," Pete says, and Tyler looks up at him with a wave, and Pete continues, "You look upset."

Tyler only shrugs, though, and Pete actually looks a little sympathetic.

"You're not upset over Friday, are you?"

Tyler shakes his head, "Nah, just... home stuff, yeah?"

"Home stuff," Pete repeats with a nod, "Yeah, me too. Dad's an alcoholic and he gets angry when he's drunk, if you know what I mean."

Tyler nods sadly, and he can't help but note to himself that he, Pete, and Josh have the dysfunctional family factor in common.  But what can they do about it, hmm?

"Are you okay?" Tyler asks carefully, voice small enough for it to almost be inaudible.

Pete snorts, shrugs, "I'm not dead yet so don't worry about it."

Tyler flushes and sheepishly looks away from the older man, nodding a little.

A brief silence passes them before Pete speaks again, "Remember how Josh called me a slut?"

Tyler just nods.

"Josh doesn't fucking know me, okay? I'm not a slut, and I wasn't trying to hit on you or anything—just a man trying to hang out with his friend," Pete defends, and Tyler only nods again, because honestly, what is he supposed to say?  He doesn't know Pete, either.

The bus arrives a few seconds after, bringing an end to their conversation as Pete rushes ahead—assumably to get his favorite seat—and Tyler climbs on after everyone else, alone.

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thank you guys <3