PLATONIC🌺⌠J.T⌡

xi

⚜🌺⚜

JOSH WASN'T EXPECTING it. He really wasn't. It was both of their first kisses (there was no way Josh was counting that monstrosity with Debby earlier as a kiss.), and Josh was definitely unprepared.

In fact, by the time his mind had caught up to the current situation, Tyler was pulling away, leaving his wet lips cold once more.

"Wait," Tyler mumbled breathlessly, his small hands now placed firmly on Josh's chest, keeping him from leaning in to try to capture the brunette's lips again, which, in all honesty, the older probably would've tried to do. "I-I can't."

With his brain still short-circuiting, Josh almost didn't catch what Tyler had said.

Almost.

Josh tried not to let his heart sink; he really did. He was already missing the feeling of Tyler's soft lips on his; even in the pouring rain the younger boy never failed to warm him up. His stomach felt queasy with anxiety, and he took a large step backward, swallowing the lump forming in his throat.

"I-I understand. Y'need time—a-and I can respect that, but please, I don't think I can handle another week without you. I p-promise I won't try nothin', s'long as we can stay friends I—" his speech was cut short by a small giggle, Tyler staring up at him with a bashful expression.

"Silly bear," he giggled, tugging Josh closer to him. "I just can't kiss ya' 'cause I'm sick."

Josh blinked slightly before breaking into a disbelieving grin. The vines around his heart slithered up his spine at the nickname he had missed so dearly, goosebumps breaking across his skin and a shiver racing through his body. Tyler noticed his shiver and quickly pulled Josh inside and out of the rain, the older still not sure exactly if his brain was working correctly.

"You're just sick," Josh repeated, Tyler giggling once again at his stunned expression. The younger hummed with a nod, fingers curling around the cuffs of his onesie as he rocked back on his heels.

Suddenly, Josh's face broke into a horrified expression.

"O-oh my God!" he panicked. "You're sick! I-I completely forgot!"

He went to pick Tyler up so he could get him in bed and take care of him like the prince he was before realizing that he was, literally, soaking wet, his clothes sticking tight to his body. Josh let out a small groan of frustration and hopped from foot to foot, dripping water everywhere in the process, wanting nothing but to smother his peach with love and affection until he was better. Tyler gasped, the younger's eyes widening in realization.

"Oh, goodness! I-I'll get you—"

"Oh no ya' don't; you're not doin' anythin'. You're gonna lie down on that couch and wait there until I'm all dry and can take care'a you," Josh huffed, pulling his shirt over his head and unbuttoning his jeans. He peeled off his shoes and socks then forced down his pants until they pooled around his ankles. After stepping out if them, Josh felt a little better with his soaked clothing off, but he was wet all the way down to his boxer briefs, and he groaned, running his fingers through his matted hair.

Tyler swallowed, his eyes wide and his stomach fluttering slightly at the sight of Josh very wet and very undressed. His cheeks flushed pink before he turned away, toeing at the wood floor with the tip of his bunny slipper.