Welcome To Trench

Chapter Eleven | Longing Leads To Forgiveness

Neon Gravestones just came on :') 

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A couple days passed. Tyler and Josh hadn't spoken to each other since the fight, and everyone was starting to feel worried. Even you.

Josh spent most of his time hidden from the world. You helped out with his duties as much as you could since Debby assured you she could take care of her boyfriend just fine (she wasn't very fond with the idea of you comforting Josh, though he did enjoy your company). Ben continued to subtly flirt with you, and despite your constant rejections, he never got the hint. Sal and Arya would try to save you from the desperate boy whenever he strode up to you with a cocky grin, and most of the time it worked.

"You never know Benjamin, she could be a lesbian!" Sal exclaimed and glanced towards you with a playful wink.

"No way!" Arya, her girlfriend, joined in. "Haven't you seen how much she hangs around Tyler? I don't know about you, but i'm getting hetero vibes."

You smiled at the recent memory as you helped peel a small pile of potatoes. Movement from the corner of your eye caught your attention, and you looked up to see a face you haven't seen in awhile.

During the past few days, Tyler kept to himself. He often left the camp, and only God knows where he ventured off to. Perhaps a secret hide out? The idea was silly, but plausible. It was weird not hearing that raspy honey voice of his, but picturing him only made you angry. What made him think it was okay to say those awful things to Josh?

You lifted a white t-shirt from the drawer and handed it to the boy with tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes. "Here, put this on. You'll feel better in something that's not covered in dirt." You smiled kindly, and Josh retrieved the piece of clothing.

After he changed out of his green hoodie and slipped on the clean shirt, you sat down beside him. You felt ashamed. "I'm sorry." You said quietly, "I should have done something. I should have stopped you two before it got ugly."

"No." Josh shook his head and stared down at his feet. His voice sounded soft and broken, like an old vinyl record playing in a dimly lit room with cracked windows and shattered bathroom mirrors. "It's okay."

Your hand laid over his, "No Josh, it's not." Debby watched from a few feet away, eyes narrowed and brows knitted together slightly. Her bones cackled.

The beginning of a forest fire.

You bit your lip. A question burned in the back of your throat, but you were hesitant to breathe the flames. "Is.. Is this the first time you guys have fought?"

Josh's long eyelashes casted a shadow over his already darkened gaze. "Yeah."  He mumbled under his breath. "We've had silly little arguments in the past, but nothing this intense." You didn't notice until now that he had stopped crying. "Y/N?"

"Yes?"

"Am I a crybaby?" He faced you now, seriousness claiming his features.

You turned to him and squeezed his hand. "No, of course not! Josh, you are no where near a crybaby! I am almost positive Tyler didn't mean what he said. People say stupid things when they're upset."

Josh tightened his hand around yours, fingers intertwined like a perfectly weaved basket. "Thank you, Y/N."

You put down the small knife you used to peel the potatoes, and headed in Tyler's direction, vegetable in hand. He bent over to pick up a black beanie that was placed on a nearby chair, and you tapped his shoulder from behind.

He turned around briefly, but scoffed and quickly spun around once he realized it was you. You held up the freshly peeled potato in your hand and smiled up at him. "Hungry?"

He didn't respond, and instead stalked off towards the camp entrance. Must be off to one of his outings again, you thought. Not on my watch.

You hurried your feet and moved in front of him, blocking his way. "C'mon, Ty. Dinner's soon, and not everyone gets the pleasure of tasting it before it's ready." 

"I'm not really much of a potato kind of guy." He said in monotone and stepped to the side, pushing passed you. It was the first time you've heard his voice in several hours, and he sounded so bitter.

"Really? Weird, you seem like one to me." You followed after him, knowing very well that you were probably getting on his nerves.

A frustrated sigh left the man. "What do you want?" He stopped and turned to look down at you, his arms crossed.

You put your hands on your hips and stared confidently up at him. Determination sharpened your E/C eyes. "You need to apologize."

"Wasn't I the one bossing you around when we first met?" He said in attempt to change the subject, but you just raised a brow at him. "Fine,"  he sighed, "I'm sorry."

You raised a finger, "Not to me," You turned and pointed in the direction of where yours and Josh's tent stood. "To him."

*****

You looked to Tyler who's palms were sweaty from the nervousness that sat upon his shoulders. You gave him a small, supportive nod before pulling open the tent curtain, allowing the two of you to step inside. Josh looked up, his eyes becoming fearful at the sight of who stood before him.

Tyler nibbled on his bottom lip. "Erm, can.. can we talk?" 

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Wow i'm being productive?? It's a once in a lifetime occurrence, really. Soooo just outta curiosity, do any of you guys ship anyone yet??? Idk i just think it'd be interesting to hear your thoughts :)

oH also pleeeaaase check out my buddy @livinglikemyfandoms 's story "Welcome To Trench". They're a really good writer and I love the storyline they have going on, and I wanna help get them to 1000 reads <33