Baby, You're a Haunted House: A Multiship Fic

Chapter Eleven

A/N: I'm so so so so sorry that it's been a million years since I've updated! I was sick and uninspired but I'm back now!  Have a lovely day/night and be kind to yourselves <3

"He's right there".

"Nope".

"Just go up to him".

"Nope".

"You were cuddling with him in a closet a few days ago".

"Yeah...".

"You let him steal your hoodie".

"Yeah, maybe...".

Tyler was literally ten feet away from Josh, and he was hiding behind Patrick, his knees bending painfully as he tried to fold himself completely behind Patrick's significantly shorter frame.

"C'mon, Ty," Patrick said, gently pushing Tyler out of his shadow and closer to Josh, who was looking through his locker, completely oblivious. "It's not that bad".

Yes, it is that bad.

"B-But what if? ".

What if he never wants to talk to me again?

What if he never wants to see me again?

What if he was just being nice to me on Friday because he felt bad that I was 'that weird kid hiding in a bathroom at a party'.

Tyler felt his chest tightening slightly as he messed with the toggles of his hoodie and dropped his gaze to his and Patrick's shoes.

"Hey now," Patrick said softly. "Take a deep breath and just go up to him. It's either that or I do it for you and I'll forget his name on purpose".

"Alright, you spoon. You win".

Sighing nervously, Tyler walked over to the boy. "Uh hi".

Josh took one of his earbuds out and grinned broadly. "Tyler! Hey! I was just thinking about you!".

"Really?" Tyler replied, blushing. "Why?".

"Because I'm wearing your hoodie," Josh said. Tyler looked down, actually realizing that the shorter boy was still wearing the skeleton hoodie he'd 'borrowed' on Halloween. It was oversized, black and adorned with glow-in-the-dark bones, and Josh looked absolutely adorable in it. "And I was thinking that I should probably return it before I completely steal it".

Before Tyler could protest, Josh was already taking it off. The bottom of his T-shirt jerked up, exposing a sliver of slightly tanned skin. Tyler was completely speechless as he felt Josh drop the hoodie in his hands. "Oh, oh yeah. This. I forgot about it. Um, th-thanks".

"Probably for the best anyway," Josh shrugged. "If I kept wearing it, it would be like I was taking over your bones and body and stuff. You know, to control your mind for the space wars".

Tyler laughed. "Josh, are you implying that you're an alien?".

Josh made a strange noise and crossed his eyes playfully. "You'll never know, until it's too late".

Tyler nudged him in the side. "I knew it. Take me with you".

"That can be arranged".

Feeling actually comfortably and secure near Josh, Tyler let his posture relax. "Hey, Josh. I wanted to ask you-".

"Josh! I've been looking for you!".

Nevermind.

Tyler looked over to see Gerard,closely followed by a completely smitten-looking Frank, running up to Josh. "Hey, um, have you seen Mikey?".

Josh shook his head. "He always hangs around you. You always complain about not being able to get rid of him".

Gerard ran his hands through his messy black hair, biting his lip absentmindedly.

He's...nervous?

Scared?

Why would he be scared about his brother?

"I've barely seen him all week. It's like he's avoiding me at all costs". Gerard just shrugged. "It's alright. Sorry for bothering you guys". He and Frank kept making their way down the hall.

"Anyway, what were you going to ask?" Josh asked, turning back to Tyler.

Tyler shook his head, his momentary spurt of confidence disintegrated. "Nothing".

"Oh okay. If you're sure," Josh replied, still looking a bit skeptical. "I'll see you around, Ty".

"See you then, alien boy".

Josh smiled again as he walked away, his nose scrunching up and his bright eyes crinkling.

Tyler held onto his hoodie, and then sank his face into the dark fabric.

It smelled faintly of hair dye chemicals and spilled Coke.

It smelled like Josh.