Child • Jøshler

chapter twenty six

"C'mon, it's okay" Tyler whispered random words of comfort as he helped Brendon walk. Brendon could walk, he was fine; but the shock from these events truly left him shook. They walked together toward Patrick's house. People stared at them, seeing Brendon was holding a teared up robe around his hips to hide his private parts. Until now, it was standing in place, but it's pretty ruined now.

"Can you tell me what's happened?" Tyler asked carefully, doing his best not to sound pushy. He was actually very worried. Brendon just suddenly started killing everybody. Some people luckily got away. He heard an unfamiliar voice and he heard Brendon saying Ryan's name. Could it be possible Ryan is still alive? Or is a ghost of Ryan only haunting poor Brendon?

"It's- I'm okay" Brendon said, seeming to be trying to avoid conversation. It was still confusing to him. He wasn't angry with Patrick. He knew it wasn't Patrick's fault. But hearing the gorgeous voice that once was alive and seeing the face of its killer; it made him the angriest he ever was.

Still, he decided to tell Tyler everything he just went through "I ki- I ate the man and everything was okay for a moment. But then, I heard Ryan's voice. Ryan used to be my boyfren. I did something stupid and Pat- Patty- He-"

"I know, Brendon" Tyler gave a sad smile "Pete told me"

Brendon nodded, thankful for the fact he doesn't have to speak of the painful events of his past "After I ate the man, I could hear Ryan's voice. He was telling me that I don't love him, which isn't true! I never stopped loving him!"

"I understand, Brendon, it's okay"

Brendon nodded, fortunately calmed down "He accused Pa- Patrick of his d-d-death and then, every kid that stood there had Patrick's face. And I was just so- so angry, I wanted to kill all of them"

Tyler's eyes widened, but he relaxed himself with two blinks when Brendon looked up at him. He gave him a smile "Everything will be okay, Brendon. You were hungry, you were weak - you couldn't think straight"

Brendon snorted "I'm too gay too think straight anyways"

Tyler let out a chuckle, too caught up with his thoughts to actually laugh. If Brendon suddenly feels anger toward Patrick because of Ryan's death, this could be incredibly dangerous. What if Ryan's voice pays Brendon another mysterious visit right when all the guy are together? It will be a mess. Patrick and Brendon were strongest among the group (or so Tyler believed), they'd fight until everybody drops dead. Shivers went down Tyler's spine.

They finally reached the Stump residence and walked to the back of the house. It would be stupid to come to the front door. Patrick's bedroom was on the main floor, just like Pete's was in his house. It wasn't common, but a room is a room.

Tyler let go of Brendon and knocked on Patrick's window, not seeing much of the room through the red curtains. The curtain was soon moved aside by Pete and he grinned at the two. He was quick to open the window and the boys came into the room.

Andy was lying on the bed, Pete was standing in front of them, Patrick was sitting on the edge of the bed, Andy and Joe were standing near the door.

But where are Josh and Dallon?

"Oh my God! I was so worried! Are you alright?! Are you hurt?! Did you eat?! Oh, you look better already! Never do this to me again! You hear me?! Never! Don't dare hide your problems! I'll always help you! Oh my God, I was so so worried!" Dallon hugged Brendon tightly and everybody laughed; Tyler faked coughing. Dallon heard him, blushed and let go of Brendon.

"I'm alright" Brendon assured, going to sit down on the bed.

"Where's Josh?" were the first words Tyler said.

Pete waved him off "Had to go home"

Tyler nodded, thankful for the information. He looked over at his bandmates, who were almost unnoticeably shaking on their spot near the door. Patrick, on the other hand, stood up and went to hug Brendon.

Now, Tyler couldn't keep his eyes off that action. He had to be at highest caution now.

Fortunately, it was just a frenly hug. Phew.

Later on, everybody went back to their homes. Tyler walked Brendon to his home. Brendon asked of Tyler to tell no one of what happened. Tyler was confused, but decided to obey.

...

"Hello, is Josh awake?"

Mrs Spancy, Josh's foster mother, opened the door sleepily and yawned. She looked at the black-haired  boy in confusion; it must've been two in the morning. She wasn't sure why she was awake herself.

"I- I believe he is" Mrs Spancy answered, yawning again "Who are you?"

Pete laughed softly at the sleepy woman "I'm Pete Wentz, Josh's fren"

"Alright, I'll call him up"

"Actually" Pete stopped her "If I could, I'd like to go down to his room"

"Why?" Mrs Spancy cringed, holding the door.

"It's just some boy talk, kinda private" Pete tried explaining, just wanting to come inside. He needed to be back at Patrick's before Patrick notices he's gone. It was hard to put the dirty blonde to bed, having him awaken and worried would be like a nightmare coming to life. Patrick is very bad at controlling himself and worry will just cause him anger. Patrick's mother was sleeping in the same house, she was the most possible victim. Pete must be quick.

Mrs Spancy sighed, moving to let Pete in "I don't even wanna know, anyways"

Pete nodded and mumbled a 'thank you', running down the stairs and entering the basement that was Josh's bedroom. He found Josh shirtless and sweaty, kicking his boxing bag. Once he noticed Pete, he stopped and smiled at his fren, panting.

"Hey, man" Josh's brows furrowed "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help" Pete said, putting his left hand out, palm facing the ceiling.

Josh came one step closer and took the tiny object off Pete's hand. He brought it to his eyes, examining it "What is this? Where'd you get it?"

Pete crossed his arms on his chest "We got it from Tyler's neck after he went hunting. He collapsed after kissing his dead girlfren and felt pain in his neck. Brendon got it out of his neck. What it is? I was hoping you could tell me"

Josh walked over to his desk, placing the object on a small white paper and looked at it with a magnifying glass "It's a microchip, but I'll need more time to know more about it"

Pete nodded "Thank you"

"You seem very worried about this" Josh narrowed his eyes in thought "What are you thinking?"

Pete groaned, letting himself fall onto Josh's colorful bed "I think it's them! But Brendon is certain he's taken care of them"

Josh nodded, actually thinking the same thoughts.