teeth ↣ joshler ✓

11. Dance

Josh pulled into Tyler's driveway and sent him a text letting him know he was there.

As soon as it sent he got out and made his way towards the front door. He climbed the steps and rang the doorbell before shoving his hands in his pockets.

Josh was wearing the suit he wore to his grandfather's funeral last year because he didn't have the time (or money) to go get a new one. Plus he didn't really see the point. It did the job.

He just didn't really like that it reminded him of death. He didn't associate himself with dead people. That would be impossible unless he worked in a morgue or something.

Josh shook the thoughts from his head, not wanting to focus on something morbid.

A moment later the door opened and Josh's eyes widened.

Tyler was standing there in a black suit much like Josh's but Tyler's tie dark red which contrasted with Josh's light blue one.

His hair was styled perfectly on top of his head and looked fluffier then usual. He looked good. Really good.

Josh noticed Tyler was subtly checking him out as well and he blushed slightly. "Hey," he greeted, clearing his throat before smiling.

Tyler blinked and stared up at him. "Hey," he smiled back, moving aside so Josh could walk in.

He did as he was gestured to and glanced around the living room.

"You can sit on the couch," Tyler pointed with one hand and awkwardly scratched the back of his neck with the other. "The pizza will be here soon. I ordered it not long ago."

"Gotcha," Josh sat down and Tyler took a seat on the opposite couch.

He twiddled his thumbs and continued to glance around the room to try and ignore how awkward it was.

"So... uh... it's kinda weird not having Jenna around and hanging out without her... isn't it..." Tyler trailed off.

"A little, yeah," Josh admitted.

The two fell back into a silence, neither knowing what to say.

As if on cue to save the day, the doorbell went off and Tyler sprung up, obviously relieved at the sound just as much as Josh was.

Josh saw him open it and pull out money, handing it to the pizza delivery person and grabbing the food in return. He shut the door with his hip and looked at Josh before walking into the kitchen. Josh took that as a sign to follow him into the room.

"I ordered half pepperoni half cheese because I didn't know what kind you'd like."

"I don't have a preference," Josh shrugged.

Tyler opened the box. "Well I don't either so you can pick yours first."

"You ordered it, you go first," Josh insisted.

"Josh," Tyler deadpanned.

"Tyler," he copied.

"I'm gonna... get something to eat after the dance. Plus you're the guest. You go first."

"Tyler."

"Josh."

The two narrowed their eyes at each other before they reached for the same slice of pepperoni at the same time. Their hands brushed again and Josh took note of how cold Tyler's hand still was. Due to the surprising temperature, Josh's hand recoiled which left Tyler to grab the piece.

"Do you need a plate or can you eat like a barbarian so that I don't have to do dishes?" Tyler asked him, shoving the pizza into his mouth.

Josh grabbed the piece next to it, letting out a laugh. "I'm a big boy, I'm alright without a plate."

Tyler smiled at him and Josh smiled back.

"What time do you want to leave?" Tyler asked him. "I think Jenna's gonna meet us there at like 7:30 and the dance is starting at seven."

"7:15? That gives us like half an hour and we'll get there in time to meet Jenna."

"Perfect."

---

The two were walking into the school at exactly 7:30 and decided to skip pictures, wanting to wait for Jenna.

Things got gradually less awkward between Josh and Tyler while they were at the latter's house and Josh was glad for that. Tyler was a good kid. Despite their rocky start, Josh was happy to be friends with him.

He was worried that each other knowing they were gay was going to make things awkward and the ordeal at the game worried Josh too but he was just glad they were on good terms. No matter what happened between them.

He wasn't going to lie and say they didn't not have some sort of chemistry but he wasn't actively crushing on Tyler. It just seemed that knowing he liked dudes opened a door for Josh.

The two entered the gym and Josh immediately spotted Jenna (in a gold dress just like she planned) talking to another girl that he thinks is on the cheer team with her. He wasn't completely sure though.

Tyler seemed to know her though because when they walked up to her, he greeted the unknown person.

"Hey, Ashley," he greeted.

"Hey, Ty!" She replied cheerfully. Her eyes landed on Josh. "Josh, right? The new kid?"

He internally cringed at the nickname that was going to no doubt stick with him but smiled anyway. "Yeah. Nice to meet you."

"You too," Ashley replied. "I'm sorry we never got to formally meet. Jenna talks about you to the squad a lot."

Josh turned to her. "You do?"

"Oh for sure," she nodded. "You're like my new best friend. After Tyler of course."

Josh grinned. "I can accept that."

"Anyway," Ashley cut in. "My date's waiting on me. I'll see you guys!"

Tyler and Jenna chorused goodbyes while Josh just smiled at her. Then, he realized something and turned to Jenna.

"Speaking of dates," he began. "Where's Brendon?"

Jenna sighed. "He got sick right before he was about to come pick me up. He should be back at school Monday but he threw up."

"Damn," Tyler added insincerely. He really did not like Brendon and Josh could tell. "I see someone from the basketball team I'm gonna go say hi to them," he told his friends. "I'll be back."

Josh nodded and watched him walk off.

"Question," Jenna spoke.

"Answer," Josh responded.

"What do you think of Tyler?"

"Um... I like being friends with him. He's cool."

Jenna rolled her eyes with a smile. "No but like do you like him."

"As a person?"

Jenna shot him a look.

"Oh," he realized. "Like do I have a crush on him?"

"Well kinda. Are you attracted to him?"

Josh through that over. Maybe.

"Maybe," he spoke aloud. "He's cute."

"Would you date him?"

"Maybe," Josh repeated.

Jenna had a huge smile on her face. "Good to know. Thanks."

"Why are you—"

Suddenly Tyler came over with an alarmed look on his face. "I need you outside. Now," he told Jenna before walking towards the doors.

She shot Josh a sympathetic look. "I'll be back."

And Josh watched in confusion as he two new and only friends left him in the dust.