blossom ↣ joshler ✓

15. Good Mood

When Tyler saw Joshua pull up after school the next day, he smiled. He was actually happy to see the older.

He hurried over to the car and got in, making sure to put his seatbelt on. "Hi," he greeted, the smile still on his face.

Joshua proceeded to lean over and kiss his cheek, causing his heart to beat so fast he thought it was going to burst out of his chest. Josh smiled back and drove away from the school. "Hi," he replied. "It's nice to see you in a good mood for once."

Tyler thought about that. "It feels nice."

"Good," Joshua nodded.

The two were silent for a second before Tyler felt something grab his hand. He looked down and saw Joshua was holding it, their fingers laced together.

Joshua looked ahead, as if nothing had happened but Tyler's face had to be as red as a tomato.

"Is this okay?" Joshua asked, glancing at him for a moment before looking back at the road.

"Yeah," Tyler breathed out.

He never got touched. The most his mom did was bring him into her side when they were in public. Other than that he didn't receive affection. He liked it when Joshua hugged him and held his hand. He loved it, actually.

"Hey," Joshua began. "Do you want a milkshake or something? I'm kinda craving a strawberry one and I can get you one too if you're okay with me stopping."

"I don't think I should consume one," he admitted. "That is a large amount of dairy when I haven't had it before in my life."

"Well," Joshua thought for a moment. "Sonic has this fruit slush thing. It has sugar in it but it's like frozen juice. Would you want that? I just don't want to not get you anything."

Tyler smiled. "Sure. I'm alright with that. Thank you."

"Of course."

They fell into a comfortable silence again and a few minutes later Joshua pulled into a spot at the fast food place Tyler had only seen but had never went to.

The older rolled down his window and pressed the button, pausing for someone to answer. Once they did, he ordered their drinks and sat back as they waited for them.

"Why?" Tyler asked without meaning to, their hands still clasped together.

"Why what?"

"Why are you doing this for me?" He continued sadly. "I've been nothing but ignoble towards you up until yesterday."

"I think the way you are isn't your fault," Joshua shrugged. "I think you have room to grow and improve. Also, I'd feel bad if I just sat there and let you struggle with something like your sexuality. That's not fair. I have mine figured out so I might as well try to help you with yours."

"Thank you for that," Tyler replied quietly. "I appreciate it."

Joshua just gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "If anything is ever too much or you get overstimulated or you don't want me to do it anymore let me know, okay? Your comfort is my number one priority. Well, number two. According to your mom my number one priority is making sure you don't die."

Tyler couldn't help it when a giggle left his mouth. He covered it with his other hand as he face turned red again.

"Oh my God, did you just giggle?" Joshua cooed. "That was the cutest thing ever."

"Don't use the Lord's name in vain, Joshua," Tyler mumbled, his blush still evident.

"Sorry," the mentioned smiled sheepishly. "But that giggle was so adorable."

Tyler just smiled and hoped his face turned back to normal.

Moments later, an employee walked out with their drinks in hand. Joshua had to let go of Tyler's hand to receive them and pay and the younger wouldn't admit it, but his face fell and heart ached.

Joshua noticed this as soon as the employee walked inside and frowned. "Hey, you're okay," he assured, grabbing his hand again.

"I know," Tyler looked down at the ground. "I just never receive affection and I quite enjoy it I think."

Joshua's frown turned into a smile. "I'll make sure you get affection then," he paused to grab Tyler his drink. "Try it."

Tyler let go of Joshua's hand so he could grab the cup with both of his own. He brought the straw to his mouth and took a sip. Once he swallowed he nodded slightly. "I savor this. It's delectable."

Joshua chuckled and held up his milkshake. "Do you want to try mine before I drink it?"

Tyler shook his head. "No, it's alright. Perhaps next time."

Joshua nodded and backed out of the space before he grabbed Tyler's left hand as his right hand held the cup. "We learned a new lesson in math today so I'm really gonna need your help with it. It makes absolutely no sense."

"What is it over?"

"Factoring. I don't understand it at all."

"Factoring is one of the easiest lessons you learn in algebra, Joshua."

"You're also taking a class that only ten out of 600 seniors at my school are smart enough to be taking."

Tyler's eyes widened. "You have 600 seniors accompanying your school?"

"Yeah," Joshua nodded. "There're like a little under 600 juniors."

"My school has 300 kids alone..." Tyler blinked.

"Huh," Joshua shrugged. "I guess we're more different than we thought. That's okay though. Different is nice."

"Agreed."

"You know what else is nice?" Joshua asked as he parked in Tyler's driveway. "Happy Tyler. I like it when you're happy and giggly and blushy. I think it's so adorable," he gushed.

Only further proving Joshua's point, Tyler's face turned bright red once more. "Joshua," he whined, covering his face.

"I hope Happy Tyler sticks around. I like getting along with you."

Tyler uncovered his face and smiled. "I hope he sticks around as well."

The two looked each other in the eye and Tyler's heart began to beat quickly just like earlier. He hoped Joshua kissed him again.

However, he only offered Tyler a lopsided smile. "C'mon, lets go inside," he spoke before getting out of the car.

Tyler didn't want to admit how much that disappointed him.