Dema Don't Control Us (Joshler)

A Safe Space

Tyler and Josh began to panic. What was Patrick going to ask them? "So," said Patrick, "Did you guys escape DEMA?"

"Ummm... what's a DEMA?" Tyler asked, trying to play stupid. "I dunno, we should get going," said Josh. He started heading for the door, and Tyler followed him. "Wait, guys, your pancakes!" Patrick called after them. "Come back!"

The boys turned around suspiciously, and walked back to the booth. "Guys," said Patrick. "Look." He lifted up his shirt, revealing two scars on his chest. Josh sighed in relief, but Tyler was confused. "Umm, why are you stripping for us?"

Josh laughed. "He's trans, Tyler. Like me. Those scars are from his surgery." Then it clicked in Tyler's head. "Ohhhh. Okay."

Patrick smiled. "I'm not going to hurt you guys. And I'm definitely not sending you back to DEMA. But you'll need a place to hide. They're probably already looking for you two. I'll hide y'all at my place. They're legally not allowed to come in without my consent."

"Alright, sounds good to me," said Josh. "I'll drive you there, just hide in my trunk so no one sees you," said Patrick. He grabbed a to-go box for the pancakes. The three of them walked to the door, and Patrick changed the "open" sign to closed.

Tyler and Josh climbed into the trunk of Patrick's car, and snuggled up to each other. The ride was bumpy, and they felt a little sick from not being able to look out the window, but they were cozy.

They got out at a small, cream-colored house. "Come on in," Patrick beamed. "Make yourselves at home."

They walked into the house. Sheet music was everywhere. There were a few instruments lying around. "Sorry for the clutter," Patrick blushed. "I guess you could say I'm a bit of a musician." Tyler's eyes lit up. "Me too! I sing and play the ukulele," he exclaimed. "I play the drums," Josh added. "That's cool guys," said Patrick. "But we don't want to make any loud noises. You're hiding in here, remember?"

"Yeah, you're right," Tyler sighed. "So, I know this is a little late, but I never got your name," Patrick said to Josh. "You called him Tyler. But what's your name?" Josh smiled. "I'm Josh." Patrick shook his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm sure you both already know, but my name's Patrick." Tyler pointed to Patrick's name tag. "Yeah. We figured." They all laughed.

~

The boys spent the day watching movies on Patrick's couch, cuddled under a blanket. Patrick brought snacks every so often. 

Around 8 pm, Josh fell asleep on Tyler's shoulder. Tyler smiled to himself. Eventually, he also fell asleep.