It All Started At Midnight

//Six//

;enchanted;

Tyler wasn't much of the patient type. He could of left the boy's work by the door and walk home. But he stayed, he was curious on how his neighbor was doing, and a bit concerned. But he wouldn't admit that to himself, not for now at least. He knocked the door a few times more and sat on the small step infront of the door, he looked around Josh's front yard and admired the pretty flowers he grows. He  hummed to himself, his eyes still looking at the pretty tulips.

Until, from the corner of his eye, he spotted a shadow. He glanced at its direction and it disappeared. He shrugged and thought nothing of it, it was probably his mind messing with him. He heard footsteps and the door unlocking. Tyler quickly stood on his feet and turned around with the papers in his hands. The door opened, revealing Josh in light grey sweatpants and a white sweater that was clearly a bit big on him.

His facial features however, displayed clear exhaustion. His pink hair was wet, and he still had some water dripping down his face and neck. He clearly didn't dry well enough, but the sight was still very attracting.

Josh spoke up, snapping Tyler out of his trance of the boy.
"Hey Tyler, what brings you here?" He wad quiet and his voice sounds like he hasn't spoken in a bit, like he just woke up.

"Oh! I- uh..your friend Issa told me to bring you the work you missed from some class." Tyler shrugged sheepishly, feeling his cheeks heat up from admiring the boy. Josh frowned a bit, he was secretly hoping his neighbor visited just to check up on him, but he shook that silly thought from his head. He took the papers and nodded a thank you to the boy.

"Wait!" Tyler called out before Josh could close the door. Josh paused and looked at him. Tyler didn't know why he said that, but he had to quickly make up his mind on what to say.

"I-uh, could help with the work since you weren't here today. If you want me to that is." He spoke the last part quietly.

Josh will admit, the sudden shyness surprised him but he couldn't help but smile. He thought about his offer, and since the boy occupied much of Josh's thoughts today,how could he say no? He nodded which made Tyler smile, he opened the door to let him in and he looked around the boy's house. It was nice, he thought, it suited Josh. He felt out of place, and didn't know what to do.

Sensing his guest's nervousness, Josh decided to break the silence and sat on the couch.
"No one else is here, my siblings have afterschool stuff and my mom's at work, it's just us." He pat the seat next to him and placed the papers on the table. Tyler sat in the offered seat and looked at the papers.

He silently cursed at himself when he realized it was review work, Josh really wouldn't need his help. He'll probably be asked to leave when he realizes. Before he begins his make up work, Tyler adds quietly, "I'm not the smartest so sorry if this ends up being a waste of time.." Josh just smiles and shrugs it off.

"I'm sure you're smart, plus, I don't mind the company." Ty smiles back, he finally relaxes, confused as to why his neighbor makes him feel such way. He decided not to think about it. Josh wondered why he felt so comfortable around Tyler, he didn't feel like hiding in a shell like he did with everyone else. They both intrigued each other yet both don't know why.

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After many questions and helping, the two resulted in playing video games which had much playful banter. Tyler wad focused on his own half of the screen and didn't see Josh sneak up on him hitting his car with a shell. Tyler huffed while Josh childishly stuck out his tongue while passing Tyler, beating him in another round of Mario Kart.

"Yes!" Josh cheered. He threw a piece of popcorn in his mouth from the bowl between the two.

"Another round won by yours truly." He smiled cheerfully, which Tyler couldn't help but smile back.

"I never pictured you as the gamer type, honestly."

"Well watering flowers only takes a bit of time from the day." Josh replied back followed by a gasp of realization.

"Something wrong?" Ty said worryingly.

"I forgot to water my flowers today!" So he dashed to the kitchen and opened the cupboard under the kitchen sink and took out the watering can.

Tyler giggled but an idea sprouted in his head.
"Can I help?" He asked. Josh looked at him surprisingly but gave him the spare watering can anyway. They filled up the cans with water and proceeded to go outside.

"I'll water the flowers in front of the house, you can take the ones on the flower bed on the side of the house." Tyler nodded and walked over to his spot. He looked at the lovely display of tulips and daises and smiled slightly to himself.

"Hey babies, you're looking very lovely today." He heard Josh say to the flowers like he always does.

Shit, did Tyler have to do the same thing? Not wanted to ask, he crouched down to the same level as the flower bed and cleared his throat.

"Hey uh- flowers. You look pretty nice I guess. I hope you're thirsty 'cause uh...I'm gonna make you soaked by the end of this-" He then heard a loud giggle coming from Josh who was looking at him. Tyler played what he said in his head and realized how wrong it sounded.

"I didn't mean it like that!" He quickly added, his cheeks blooming a rose pink.

"Tyler! They're flowers, not a one night stand!" He kept laughing and Tyler just had to laugh along. When they both ran out breath, Tyler did what he was supposed to and watered the flowers.

When they made their way inside, Josh noticed his mom's car parked already. They must have fooled around too much to take notice. They opened the door and Josh went to greet his mom.

"Hey momma. How was work?" He asked.

"Hey Joshie, it was pretty go-" She turned around to face him and jumped when she saw someone next to her son.

"Oh, hello there!" She chirped kindly.

"Hello Mrs. Dun, I'm Tyler, friend of Josh's." Tyler smiled, and took note to tease Josh about his mother's chosen nickname. Josh looked over at him and smiled when he introduced himself as a friend.

"Nice to meet you Tyler, and please, call me momma Dun. All of Josh's other friends do." She smiled in returned and went back to preparing dinner. The boys went their way back upstairs to play more video games but paused when Laura spoke up again.

"So Tyler dear, do you want to stay for dinner? I have plenty to have some for you as well." Tyler looked to Josh and he nodded in reply.

"Thank you momma Dun, I'd be delighted to stay." And so they went to Josh's room to continue their loud playful banter and winning cheers.

Now, Laura Dun was no genius, but it didn't take one to see the connection the two boys had. Anyone could tell they were enchanted with each other, anyone but them.

I honestly love how this chapter went, I thought it was really cute to see their friendship bloom. This was one of the more fluffy chapters before any shit goes down which Im still thinking about. And yes, Josh's outfit is the picture posted above.