It All Started At Midnight

//Twenty Nine//

It was getting late and after dinner the boys decided to go back to playing video games. It helped distract Tyler at least. The brunette poked his tongue out as his piercing eyes stared at the screen while he gripped the controller. He was lost in thought as he tried to beat Josh at the game.

The smaller boy on the other hand couldn't help but worry about the events that took place during dinner. He was really going to have serious chat with his younger brother, he made their guest uncomfortable! He bit his lip, eyes flickering between the screen and the boy next to him. Josh didn't want the weekend to take an uncomfortable turn. Tyler focused on his screen, either huffing in frustration or whispering to himself in victory, while Josh just had his eyes on the map of the race course. his reactions to the game were delayed, and he kept getting passed or hit with an item. When Tyler glanced at Josh's half of the screen, he raised an eyebrow at how little the boy was reacting at the fact he was in last place. He shifted his eyes from the screen and glanced at Josh. He really wasn't watching his character but rather just looking off distantly at the middle of the screen.

That's when Tyler paused the game, causing his neighbor to snap back into real time. Josh met his gaze and tilted his head.

"Either you're letting me win on purpose or you're not
paying attention."

Josh put full attention on his half of he screen and grimaced at his spot in the race. He shifted his eyes away rather than look at the angel.
"Oh! Uh- I'm sorry, have a lot on my mind. I'll uh, pick it up.."

"You alright there dude?" Josh flinched slightly at the word "dude".

"Y-yeah! Just thinking about school stuff, don't worry. I'm back in the game!"

"Are you su-?" And the music from the game cut Tyler off. Josh threw a few green shells at the people in front of him and started catching up.

His focus didn't last however, dinner was still eating at his mind. He wasn't having fun, his head started to hurt and he felt Tyler was concentrated to avoid conversation. The game was paused again, this time by Josh. Tyler looked at him, eyes focusing on the state he was in.

"S-sorry Ty.." he started, eyes looking down at his hands.

"Sorry for what, flower boy..?" He spoke softly using the gentle manner he always uses with Josh.

"For what Jordan said...at dinner. I don't want you to be uncomfortable during your stay.." 

Tyler breathed in deeply, exhaling a small chuckle causing Josh to fully look at him.

"Hey, it's alright. I'm fine with dirty humor and all of that, I did find it funny." Tyler smiled warmly, resting his hand on Josh's out of instinct. The smaller boy blushed slightly, looking at their hands. Then the angel realized what he did and blushed as well, moving his hand while clearing his throat.

"You have nothing to worry about Josh, I'm having a great time." He said a bit more quickly, slightly flustered from resting his hand on Josh's. Josh didn't catch the change in speech and smiled to himself. He let out a small yawn and checked his alarm clock that was on his nightstand.

"Well Ty, I think I'm gonna hit the hay. It's past my usual bed time.." he yawned again, his eyes having a hooded stare.

"Alright, I'll keep going for a few more rounds then I'll head to sleep too."

Josh got up and rubbed his eyes. He walked to his dresser and pulled out an oversized pastel pink shirt and loose white silk shorts and made his way to the bathroom to change. Tyler peaked as he picked out his pjs, and couldn't help but blush at the innocent selection. He shook his head as an attempt to shoo any...weird thoughts and continued to play Mario Kart to keep his mind at ease.

As he was playing, he heard a gentle knock at the door. The door opened a bit to reveal Jordan, holding some clothing in his hand.

"Hey uh, Josh told me you didn't bring any clothes and well, his would probably be too small so he told me to lend you some pjs."

"Oh uh thanks dude!", the angel got up and retrieved the clothing.

"Also, sorry for the stuff I said at the table. I didn't mean to make you freak out," the younger Dun spoke sincerely.

"Don't sweat it dude, it was kinda funny."

The room fell silent for a moment, until soft humming came from the bathroom. Tyler turned his head to the sound, smiling slightly knowing who the source of it was. Jordan picked up on the reaction and smirked just a bit.

"You like him, don't you?" He teased. Tyler turned his head back to Jordan,  eyes wide from the sudden statement.

"Uh, a-as a friend, of course I do! He's uh...my bro..dude." He strained near the end, laughing nervously as he scratched the back of his head.

Even Jordan couldn't help but cringe at that.

"Look buddy, I can tell you at least care about him, whatever way that may be..", he drew a breath and lowered his voice as to make sure Josh can't hear.

"I know I'm the younger one but I'm constantly looking out for him. I'm not blind to what's going on, so you better treat him like the great guy he is."

Tyler gulped and nodded quickly, muttering another thank you for the clothes. Josh opened the bathroom door and jumped slightly at the sight of his younger brother. He could feel a tension in the room.

"Hey uh, everything alright guys?", he tilted his head and looked at them with furrowed eyebrows.

"Yeah Josh! Just bringing Tyler a set of pjs like you said!" Tyler just nodded in agreement.

"Oh..okay, thank you. Goodnight then."

"Goodnight!" And the door closed, leaving the two alone again.

"Well you can change in my bathroom if you want," Josh said, cutting the silence, "I'm out for the night, goodnight angel boy. My mom set up the air mattress while we were eating and put blankets out for you."

"Oh sweet. Goodnight dude," Tyler said, making his way to the bathroom, pausing when he reached the door, "oh and before I forget.." he started, causing Josh to turn again towards him. Tyler thought back to what Jordan said, and tried to muster any ounce of courage he had.

Tyler walked over to him and wrapped his arms around Josh's smaller frame, taking the boy by surprise. Josh froze for a moment and slowly hugged Tyler back.

"..thank you for letting me stay for a bit. It's been hard these last few weeks, and you've allowed me to be vulnerable. I'll forever be grateful for your kindness.." The angel spoke quietly, hiding his face in Josh's shoulder.

Josh smiled, engulfing himself in the embrace as his arms tightened. "Of course Tyler, you're welcome here whenever, I really like having you around in fact," he admitted, letting go of the hug to face the angel, giggling slightly at Tyler's sudden shy demeanor.

The two looked at each other for a bit, Tyler mirroring the smile Josh had. He could tell he was tired and couldn't help but think he looked adorable all sleepy.

"Well, I'll let you get to bed. Goodnight flower boy," he said softly, pulling his hands away until he felt Josh tug on his hands as he got on his tippy toes, and planted a soft kiss on the angels cheek. Josh gave him a tired happy smile, "goodnight Ty," he said quietly and laid down in his bed.

Tyler walked into the bathroom, closed it shut and leaned his back against the door. His face felt really warm, and he his whole body raised in temperature. His heart was about to break out of his rib cage and for a moment, all he could do was lay his fingertips on the spot that Josh had kissed.

"You like him, don't you?"...

"Maybe I do.." Tyler muttered quietly to himself.

I hope this was CONTENT content for you guys ;) real shit is going down after this, so strap yourselves in..