Headspace // Joshler

ᴅᴜsᴛʏ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʀ

Thank you, utterflop, for writing this whole chapter. I appreciate you

Josh gets lost in his thoughts as he stands in front of the stove, hot steam rising up to the ceiling as his hand lightly moves the pan back and forth without any expression. His glazed chicken roasting there with potatoes because Josh couldn't find another pan in Tyler's kitchen. The boy didn't want to bother the man, his heart jumps with fear just thinking about talking to him. He manages to scavenge some chicken from the freezer, thank god the man has a cabinet full of spices. For a man who doesn't cook, Tyler has an impressive collection of various spices. Josh prays that the meal turns out good, he doesn't have a recipe right in front of his nose, he cooks the chicken as he remembers. He does everything carefully, making sure not to overload the spices. The curly-headed boy is sure that it turns out great. If not, he can add more spices later.

The plates clatter quietly as Josh takes them out of the cupboards. He washes them carefully, not wanting to break them since that would be highly unfortunate. The boy has a wrinkle carving his forehead as he carefully arranges the food in the small white platter. Josh doesn't want any oil dripping down the edge or a piece of potato falling out. Finally, when the chicken and the potatoes are done, he carefully plops a spoonful of his favourite salad.  The boy isn't sure if Tyler likes salad. Usually, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, Tyler could just not eat the veggies but Josh knows how the older man reacts to a minor inconvenience. It is like a game with only two outcomes. Tyler's gonna snap or not react at all. Josh doesn't want to risk it.

The kitchen fills with cooking fumes and smells from the various spices. Josh tries opening the kitchen window a bit but the handle wouldn't budge. He twists it and pulls it, finally, he gives up. The window is open just a bit, Josh stands close to it to breathe fresh air. He watches the clouds pass by in the dark sky, it's hypnotic. The boy senses a presence enter the kitchen and before he could react, two strong arms wrap around his waist. Josh's nostrils inhale the sweet smell, the older man smells of lavender and cigarette smoke. Not a very pleasant combination.

"I'm hungry," Tyler rumbles, his face pressing up against Josh's sensitive neck

"I was just about to call you," the boy answers quietly "It's ready."

"Good," the older man lets out a breathy sigh before letting go of the boy. Josh moves away thinking that it's over when Tyler spins him around and presses him against the wall. Josh's legs shake but he tries not to show that he's afraid of the man. Tyler's eyelids lower, the boy knows that the man is about to lean in for a kiss. Joshua doesn't resist when Tyler's lips press against his. There's a spark of protest in his body language but it's soon smothered to extinction as Tyler's lips continue moving against Josh's. There's nothing normal about it, there's nothing normal about them, kissing in the kitchen. And yet, Josh doesn't let out a squeak, his palms rest calmly against Tyler's chest. Josh's cheeks are rosy and warm, his eyelashes flutter open once the kiss is over and he feels something strange. He's not sure of it yet.

"Let's go eat," Tyler whispers pulling away

Joshua nods silently and grabs the two plates. He quickly sets them down on the small, circular dining table. Tyler helps him out with the cutlery and drinks. The older man sets a bottle of white chardonnay wine on the table and two glasses. Josh eyes the bottle down before sitting down.

"I don't drink," Josh says softly, not wanting to upset the man

"It's a special occasion," Tyler slides his chair closer