Josh Dun x Reader

Screen

Warnings: Death of a family member & related conversations, angst

Word Count: 2178

Request: Hiiiiiii, would you mind writing a Josh x reader inspired by screen, where the reader just got really bad news, like a family member dying or something, and tries to hide the pain, but Josh sees through their facade? Mostly fluff? Thanks!💕💕

Author's Note: Another request to hopefully take your mind off of prove me wrong for a little. I hope you enjoy it :)

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"There's something I have to tell you, Y/N."

You didn't like your mom's tone of voice when she said it. She was speaking quieter than normal, a clear indication that what she was about to say was inevitably going to upset you in some way or another. Already bracing yourself for the worst, you set down the spoon you had been mixing with and turned to lean your back against the counter.

"What's going on?" you asked. Your mind was already racing with possibilities.

"Your cousin Sam was involved in a car accident yesterday. He was rushed into emergency surgery, but his injuries were too bad and he didn't make it."

Your hand flew back to grip the counter, keeping your shaky legs steady. The information hadn't fully processed in your mind yet, but your stomach was already twisting so bad that you thought you might puke straight into the sink. You didn't have the chance to see your cousins often because of busy schedules, but when you did get together you were always laughing and enjoying one another's company. You and Sam had always been particularly close because of your similarity in age. Now that he was gone, something felt off in the world.

"He died?"

"Yes. Your aunt called me earlier today to let me know."

"Thanks for letting me know, Mom."

"Of course. Do you need anything from me, sweetheart?"

"I think I'll be ok. Josh should be getting home from his meetings soon and he'll be able to take care of me. Should I start looking at plane tickets home?"

"Not yet. It won't be long until a funeral is planned and you can schedule around that. Just focus on taking care of yourself right now. I know this is hard."

"I will," you said, already beginning to feel the lump that was forming in your throat. "You should do that, too."

"I am. Your dad and I are going over to see your aunt and uncle later today."

"Can you let them know I'll be keeping them in my thoughts?"

"Of course. Call me if you need anything, ok?"

"Ok, Mom."

"I love you."

"Love you too."

You slowly pulled the phone away from your ear and set it on the counter, never letting your eyes leave the spot on the floor that they were glued to. Your entire chest felt hollow, void of any emotion other than shock. Tears prickled at the corners of your eyes, but you simply wiped them away and turned back to the food you had been making for dinner. There would be time for crying later, when Josh was there to hold you close and calm your shaking body.

The music you had turned on to help distract yourself was still playing when Josh walked through the door, carrying a number of folders in his arms. His mouth was drawn in a tight line, the polar opposite of what it usually was when he returned home after a long day. You waited in the kitchen, not wanting to overwhelm him by demanding his attention the moment he walked in the door.