September 28. It's the day of homecoming. Everyone's dressed all nice in the school's colors of yellow, red, and black, most of which have big, jingly mums hanging from their neck like every year. The whole week, in fact, was Spirit Week, with a new dress-up theme each day. Tyler, as well as everyone else in the group (aside from Frank and Gerard) participated every day, but, yes, only three had any plans on going to homecoming.
"So did any of your friends actually dress up this week?" Ruby asked the rebellious pair at the courtyard.
"Our friend Ray did," Gerard replied casually, "and my little brother did too. I thought it was dumb since we're not going anyway."
"I know you have before, Gee."
"I dyed my hair bright fuckin' red. That was more than enough."
"I highly doubt that was for school."
"Alright it wasn't. But it was red, it's a school color, it's for spirit."
"Whatever."
Tyler and Josh watched the conversation, and it totally boggled their minds that Ruby, this sweet little girl who Tyler called an angel, who never swore, who never broke a rule in her life, friends with this reckless boy who does both often. It's normal since they know the two bonded over art, not their habits, but Ruby and Gerard were just a pretty odd pair.
"Tonight's gonna be the night." Brendon declared.
Frank just had to join in, "The night you lose your virginity?"
"No!"
"I'm just fuckin' around."
Ruby noticed the quiet boy's reaction. "Look at you, Ry! Your face is red like a tomato!"
Maybe it's just time to let her go. She's so used to this banter now, she engages in it.
Brendon had to speak up. "We've been together for two weeks, guys, slow down."
"Alright, sorry. But that doesn't mean you want to later."
"Get outta here, Ruby." She chuckles.
If she was close enough, he'd punch her (lightly) in the arm.
So the couple directed their attention to the one who ever brought her in the group. "Tyler, get over there and control your friend. She's starting a riot."
Tyler waves a hand at them. "Let her go. It's about time she grew up."
"Mayday! Mayday! This angel has fall-en!" Ruby called, mocking her rebel friend's slight accent.
"These two are having a 'night on the town,' I heard." Josh announced, pointing back and forth at Ruby and Nicole. Tyler widened his eyes. "Is that so?"
"Yeah!" Ruby confirmed enthusiastically. "We're going downtown to this indie restaurant and wandering The Square. It's gonna be a lotta fun!"
"A lot more fun than homecoming, I'm sure." Josh agreed, fake-apathetically. "What are you doing, Tyler?"
"I have to babysit my little siblings. I don't think I'd rather do anything else though.
"You wouldn't rather be with Josh? Or us?" Brendon fake-whined.
"Well, it's too late to buy tickets now, for one thing." Tyler added, knowing full well it would engage them both, "And I don't even wanna know what you two-" pointing at Frank and Gerard- "-have planned."
"Oh come on! We're just having our little...art club at my house. But without Ruby this time."
"Yeah, right."
"It's true!" Ruby added. "I go to his house and he helps me with art. But not tonight." She looks up at Nicole.
"One things for sure," Josh added one last time, "that this is gonna be one heck of a night."
***
It's been a long night for Tyler. His parents left at 6, leaving Tyler to watch over all the kids after dinner, then putting his littlest brother Jay to bed at 8, which took longer than it should have. When he finally drifted off, Tyler had to instruct Zack and Maddy to be quiet until 8:30.
Since around 8 when the game started, had been getting messages from Brendon, then Josh, about 20 minutes later. He wasn't able to check his phone because he had to watch the kids, but he finally got around to reading the messages at around 9.
Brendon: we got seats right in the middle. Not too close and not too far. (Delivered 8:12 p.m.)
Brendon: DUDE JOSH WAS PLAYING TRUMPET FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM (Delivered 8:16 p.m.)
Brendon: YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF HIM DUDR THATS TYOUR BEST FRIEND (Delivered 8:17 p.m.)
Brendon: this game is sick dude we're winning 6-4 (Delivered 8:45 p.m.)
Tyler smiled. Then he checked his messages from Josh.
Josh: I played the national anthem!!! I was so terrified but I did it!!!! (Delivered 8:37 p.m.)
Josh: I'm so tired already and I have to come back out here and play again when the game ends (Delivered 8:38 p.m.)
Tyler wanted to respond, but he knew Josh wouldn't see his messages until it's around 11 or later. He almost wanted to check on Ruby, but even considering her good habits, she probably won't see his messages until later. But who knows? It's worth a shot.
Tyler: how's your night out? (Delivered 9:04 p.m.)
No response. Figures. He decides to text Josh back, just for the heck of it.
Tyler: I wish you luck man (Delivered 9:07 p.m.)
He waits. No response. He texts Brendon instead.
Tyler: can't believe you care about football (Delivered 9:10 p.m.)
He waits. There's a response within two minutes.
Brendon: there you are! I really don't I just think I was obligated to update you lol (Delivered 9:12 p.m.)
Tyler: what's the score now (Delivered 9:13 p.m.)
Brendon: 8-4 (Delivered 9:13 p.m.)
Tyler: how long will the game go
Brendon: dude idk I don't pay attention to this stuff (Delivered 9:14 p.m.)
Tyler didn't want to go to bed. This was early for a Friday. He couldn't go anywhere either. So he just texted Brendon until the game ended, but he just wanted to talk to Josh.
Only Josh. He's been on Tyler's mind a lot lately. A lot more often than normal friends should. Right?
YOU ARE READING
True Colors (joshler, multi-fandom)
Fanfiction[Completed!!] Tyler and Josh have been best friends since elementary school. Entering their junior year of high school, they remain inseparable, but have made lots of friends since the start of high school. A little ways through the first semester...
