What Fresh Hell Is This? 𓅓 (Joshler One-Shots)

[34] i'll go with You

🌧️ agoraphobic - CORPSE 🌧️

Summary

Josh follows Tyler around throughout the day.

/TW for self harm and a deeply uncomfortable sex scene. Read at your own discretion/

*****

Tyler awoke in a cold sweat, uncomfortably tossing in bed as his t-shirt clung to his torso. His head was pounding from a bad dream. He winced in pain, trying to recollect his memories as he wondered what he had been dreaming about. He didn't know, but he knew Josh was there. That much was certain.

He sat up in bed and wiped the damp hair from his forehead, kicking the blankets off his body. His eyes were eventually met with the sight of Josh standing at the foot of his bed. Josh's body was stationary, quietly observing Tyler as he rose out of bed.

The stench of a rotting corpse filled Tyler's nostrils against his will, assaulting his senses and making his face contort in disgust. Normally Josh's rotting body doesn't smell this bad. Today felt like it was going to be a particularly bad day.

***

"Morning Ty," said Mrs Joseph pleasantly, sitting opposite her son at their dining table as he scooped up a mouthful of Cheerios from the bowl. "you're up really early," she continued. "You have any plans for today?" She queried.

"Mhm," Tyler muttered in response. "I'm going out with a friend, maybe watch a movie. I'll see." Tyler lowered his gaze, tilting his face off to the side to peer at Josh, who stood motionless at his side. The festering smell of decay skittered up Tyler's nostrils, causing him to flinch involuntarily. It was the smell of a dead animal left to rot in the woods.

"that's good," Mrs Joseph forced a smile to break through the awkward tension. "Maybe I could meet this friend?" Her tone was soft and hesitant, as if she were approaching a baby deer and hoping not to startle it. Tyler's posture stiffened.

"Yeah, maybe," Tyler murmured slowly. His voice was hoarse, as if his throat were on fire.

"It's okay, Ty. Whenever you're ready, there's no rush." She said. She stood and crossed, occupying the vacant seat beside him and cautiously placed her hand on the table close to his. She didn't touch his arm - that would send the deer running
Instead, she left it close enough for her presence to be made evident. "I know you haven't really had an easy time lately but I want you to know that we're here if you need. Dad and I both, alright?"

Tyler didn't meet her gaze.  He knew she was staring at his forearm and the work he'd put into it. He didn't want to know what kind of story her face was telling. Shock? Disappointment? He knew she didn't like him battering his skin that way, but it was the only thing that numbed that specific pain that made his chest feel empty every night.

"Yeah," he responded sharply before standing at the table. "I'm gonna go get ready." said Tyler as he turned to leave, abandoning the majority of his breakfast at the table. Josh slowly turned to follow, steadily keeping pace with Tyler.

"Ty?" called out Mrs Joseph. She was anxious now that the deer was retreating. Tyler answered swiftly, humming in response.

"I love you, Ty." She offered a smile like a heated blanket on a Winter's night. Her heart broke for him.

Tyler nodded and left the kitchen, with Josh following right behind him.

***