STRANGERS » JOSHLER

n i n e

+ + +

The star-dotted night sky is beautiful above them as the duo walk along side each other, talking and laughing. Even though Tyler's jokes are lame as heck, Josh still manages to let out a giggle because the older man's laugh is just so damn contagious.

"Ugh, my job sucks so much." Tyler says, groaning. Josh raises a brow.

"Why is that?" He asks.

"I have this," Tyler spreads his arms as if to show how much and Josh chuckles at the child-like gesture which was adorable to say the least, "much work."

"But don't you have to like, just sign things? I mean, you have so many people working under you." Josh says, kicking a pebble as they walk on the side walk.

Josh's place is still about fifteen minutes away because they're walking; Tyler said they could take the car but Josh wanted to walk. He said it was because the night sky looked amazing, but he knew it was because it was more "romantic".

Besides, he can get to know Tyler better.

"They don't do all the work. I have to see stuff and," Tyler says some stuff Josh doesn't understand; but he nods anyway. Tyler notices this and laughs, rolling his eyes. "Basically, I have to make deals with old men."

Tyler mutters something alone the lines of "that i don't like" too, but Josh isn't sure about that. He notices the bitter undertone to Tyler's voice, so he stays quiet, not knowing how to respond.

Tyler doesn't say anything too. By now, the street they're on isn't as crowded as the ones before it; actually, they're the only ones on the road. The night sky has finally set in fully so the streets are illuminated by street lamps, some of which flickered on and off briefly. Only the faint sound of footsteps fill the air, that until Josh blurts out.

"But I thought you had daddy kink or something?"

Tyler's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and honestly, Josh can't blame him. Even he himself is surprised with what "accidentally" comes out of his mouth these days.

Tyler's lips curl into an amused grin and Josh clears his throat, the embarrassment seeping in. "Uh, no, actually, I mean." He sighs when Tyler laughs. He's gotten used to Tyler laughing at him by now.

"I'm beyond happy to know that you hold so much interest in knowing what my kinks are, Joshua." Tyler manages to let out between laughs.

"Um, my place is about ten-twelve minutes away now." He states, in a lame attempt to change the subject but Tyler only smirks wider.

"Damn, you're eager." Tyler says, nodding his head as if stating a fact. Josh shakes his head.

"Nevermind, I'll go alone." He says and Tyler flashes a confused look as the red-haired guy takes long strides.

"What do you mean?" The older one takes matching steps to keep up with him.

"I mean, you can go home. Unless you still want to make fun of me." Josh adds and Tyler frowns.

"I was only kidding. Josh? Josh, stop." Josh doesn't, though. Just a right, just a right. Josh thinks, nearing the corner. He ignores Tyler telling Josh to stop.

Just when he's about to turn to the right, he feels a hand wrap around his wrist. A small yelp escapes his lips as he's yanked back. His back comes in contact with the cold, hard wall, making him groan in pain.

"I said, stop, didn't I, sweetheart?" Tyler's voice is barely above a whisper, mouth right beside Josh's. He isn't entirely sure if it is that, or the fact that he was pressed up against a cold wall that sent a shiver down his spine.

Josh closes his eyes when he feel Tyler's warm breath on his neck. It makes the hair present there stand up and his knees start to give away under him.

And then, in a blink, it's gone.

He opens his eyes to see Tyler standing a few feet away, fixing his tie. He pushes himself off the wall, and breathes out. That was hot.

"I, uh," Tyler clears his throat, "I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I wasn't intending on making fun of you."

Josh curtly nods, not at the apology, but at the sudden formality and Tyler sighs, thinkibg it to be the first.

"Look, it's been a while since I've been on an actual date, alright? I've always been surrounded by people who were there just for money. I'm just .. I'm not used to being nice to people, unless it's a very big deal, as bratty and spoiled it makes me sound."

"I'm really sorry, Josh." Tyler says, "So um, have a good night."

Josh's mind is still processing his words as Tyler takes a step back and turns around. Tyler stands there for a moment, holding his breath as if he were waiting for Josh to tell him to stop. When he doesn't, Tyler sighs and takes a step forward in the opposite direction, and it is only then it registers in Josh's brain.

"No, wait!" Tyler turns around just when Josh throws himself at him and catches him in his arms. Josh's face is pressed up against Tyler's chest and although it is not originally his plan, he feels comfortable so he stays like that. One of his hands go up to fist Tyler's shirt and he mumbles, "Don't leave."

"You sure about that?" He hears Tyler mumble against his hair and his arms wrap loosely around his waist, "Because you look really pissed moments ago."

"I was being an over sensitive jerk, okay? I'm sorry." He huffs, burying his head further into the older man's chest. Josh sighs dreamily into his chest, god, he smells so heavenly.

"Aw." He cooes, and Josh feels his fingers stroke his dyed hair. "But  really, as much as I love you sniffing me while I hug you, we should probably go. It's getting late." Tyler says.

"Oh. Yeah, sure." Josh mumbles, sorta unwillingly as he lets go. He suddenly feels a lot colder and rubs his bare arms where goosebumps had.

"You cold?" Tyler asks and Josh sheepishly nods.

"But it doesn't matter. We're just five minutes away. I'll be alright till then." Josh says, and smiles.

"You sure?" Tyler asks again, frowning as Josh keeps rubbing his hands up and down his arms.

"Yeah." Josh simply says, looking forward. A small squeak escapes his lips when he feels an arm wrap around his shoulder. He feels his body pressed flush against Tyler's frame and he doesn't feel that cold anymore.
"Better?" Tyler asks, and Josh can almost hear the smile in his voice. He chuckles.

"Warn me, you jerk." He says, playfully shoving him. Tyler just grins, pulling him, if possible, closer. They're both laughing, stumbling forward with matching smiles on their faces.

Until they hear someone clearing their throat behind them.

+ + +

that ending someone fucking shoot me pls

i know i said i wouldn't be updating but since school starts on thursday i was thinking a spam of updates until then and then a small hiatus???? until things work out ???

also we hit 200!! be sure to vote and comment bc they brighten up my day:))))

- a