Chapter Text
Josh was prickly.
He could feel the crawling sensation radiate throughout his body as his patience grew thinner.
The airport was bustling with hundreds of people and trying to weave through them with the ever growing anxiety was starting to become difficult.
His AirPods had died and he’d gone serval hours now without a cigarette, thanks to a rough 12 hour flight. He’d never been to this airport before, so the unfamiliarity was making the heat of stress radiate through his veins and he was close to snapping. As the raising panic began to suffocate him, he gripped tightly onto the straps of his backpack, the weight digging into his shoulders and he drummed a familiar rhythm against the fabric.
He just needed a cigarette.
So when he caught sight of the ‘smoking lounge’ sign in the distance, he sighed deeply in relief.
He practically threw his bag down and almost broke the zip trying to find the box of cigs. His hand shook as he attempted to light one of the last two he had left. Pressing the filter between his lips, he inhaled deeply and felt the rush of nicotine instantly calm him. The shaking ceased and the fog in his mind dissipated. Josh could think clearly again.
He really should quit. But now was not the time.
Josh had about an hour before his next flight, so with the new clarity, he started charging his electronics in order to survive the next 8 hour flight.
He scrolled mindlessly through social media, taking deep drags every so often. Josh didn’t mind flying, but the turbulence of his previous flight and the jet lag already setting in, he wasn’t exactly enthralled about getting on another plane. Actually scratch that - Josh did hate flying. He just wanted to be home and he missed his fucking drums.
He was deep in thought and wasn’t paying attention to the other travellers entering and exiting the smoking lounge. He shifted in his seat slightly and briefly looked up to notice he was alone.
Even better.
Josh groaned as he stretched out his aching muscles and took a final puff before stumping out his cig. He tapped his foot impatiently and checked his phone.
40 minutes left.
Maybe he should have another one.
“Do you think anyone would give a shit if I smoked a little pot?”
The voice beside him caught Josh off guard and he craned his neck slightly to make eye contact with another man he hadn’t even sensed enter. His jaw dropped slightly at the insane question he wasn’t expecting and stared directly at the stranger.
He was tall, tanned and surprisingly attractive. A white tank top draped over his slim yet muscular build and Josh took note of the tattoos that scattered across his arms and chest. His hair was short but fluffy and he was smirking slightly at Josh. But his smirk faulted as Josh continued to stare and not answer.
“Sorry, do you even speak English?” The stranger spoke again with slight embarrassment. Josh internally facepalmed.
‘Say something you idiot’
“Sorry yeah I do” Josh stuttered “I just wasn’t expecting that.”
The stranger chuckled and Josh noticed how his eyes scrunched into crescent moon shapes.
“Is it even legal here?” Josh spoke again.
“Nope” the stranger replied and laughed again, his smile shining brightly.
“Well damn, I mean, it’s just us here and I won’t snitch” Josh said, extending his arm out to offer the seat next to him. The stranger accepted and sat down beside him.
“It’s not like I’m going to start grinding some weed in the airport” he said, digging through his pockets and presented a small purple tube.
“It’s just a vape pen which also happens to have a little thc in.”
Josh laughed this time and relaxed his shoulders.
“Oh dude yeah I’m sure it’s fine. It’s not very obvious looking.”
The stranger hummed and placed the vape between his lips to inhale. Josh stared again as he took a deep breath in to inhale the smoke. He exhaled sharply and a sweet scent entered Josh’s nostrils.
“It’s gingerbread flavour too so…” the stranger paused and looked at Josh who was still staring.
“Do you want a hit?” He questioned, offering the vape to Josh. He immediately shook his head in panic.
“N-no I’m okay thanks” he stuttered out. The stranger smiled and took another puff.
“So where you heading to?” He spoke while exhaling the sickly sweet gingerbread scent.
“I’m going home finally” Josh replied with a sigh. The stranger raised his eyebrows to pull more information out of him.
“The States. New York. I’m flying to New York” Josh stuttered again and cringed internally. Why couldn’t he act normal for once dammit. The man’s face lit up.
“Dude no way me too! Well, I’m flying to New York, but home is Ohio. I’ve been traveling around Finland and Estonia, so this route home was a bit cheaper” the stranger rambled, but Josh couldn’t focus on his words. He could only focus on how passionately he talked about the most basic thing. However, one word did catch Josh’s attention.
“Ohio?” He questioned. The stranger nodded and lent back in his seat.
“Yeah I live in Columbus. I’m actually technically on sick leave right now. I got some minor surgery but my boss is the best. She was like ‘why stay cooped up in your room. Go do something’ so I took a flight to JFK and then thought fuck it, let’s fly further.”
Josh was very intrigued by how easily this man talked to him. Like they’d been childhood friends catching up. He felt a warm fuzziness run through his veins.
“So that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 17 days. It’s been amazing, seeing the mountains and wildlife. So different to Ohio.” The stranger reached into his bag again to pull out a box of regular cigarettes and Josh stared intently. He was breathtakingly handsome and his whole ‘carefree quirky’ aura stunned Josh. To say Josh was riddled 24/7 with some form of anxiety, he felt surprisingly comfortable in his presence.
“What about you then?” He questioned, looking back at Josh and lighting his cigarette.
“Me? Oh erm. I stayed in Japan for a couple weeks. Just a holiday, but then my original flight got diverted here cus of some bad weather, so I’ve never been here before.”
The stranger nodded intently, signalling Josh to continue.
“I’m staying in New York for a few days to see a friend, but I actually live in Columbus too” he chuckled.
The strangers face lit up again.
“Dude no way! What are the chances. Oh my god, what’s your seat number. Imagine if we’re sat near each other.” He spoke rapidly and started pulling out his boarding passes from his pocket.
“65L I think?” Josh recalled trying seem nonchalant, when in reality he knew every aspect of his itinerary, down the exact minute detail.
The stranger froze.
“Shut up!” He exclaimed excitedly. “I’m 65K!” He started laughing, throwing his head back with joy and Josh noticed how he stuck his tongue out slightly when laughing. How cute.
Josh forced out a chuckle to seem normal but his heart was pounding. He could barely manage this conversation, let alone another 8 hours with the handsome stranger.
“Well I’ll be dammed. It’s like fate” the stranger said extending his arm out towards Josh. “My names Tyler. Tyler Joseph.”
Josh held out his arm and shook hands with the strang- Tyler. He prayed his hands weren’t too sweaty.
“I’m Josh. Josh Dun.”
“Well Josh Dun. The next 8 hours certainly won’t be boring now” Tyler exclaimed gleefully.
They both continued the conversation for the next 30 minutes. Well, Tyler talked and Josh listened. He didn’t mind though. He was usually the listener in most interactions, only chiming in briefly to let the speaker know he was engaged.
“-and then this women came up to me, probably the only English speaking person in the village, to let me know that I had a very suspicious stain on the back of my shorts.” Tyler snorted and Josh nodded along enthusiastically.
“So it turns out I had accidentally sat on some lingonberries without realising and it looked like I’d shit myself.”
Josh laughed gleefully and clutched his belly.
“And how long were you walking around like that?” Josh teased.
“At least an hour. I was mortified!” Tyler chuckled. They both paused for breath and a comfortable silence followed. Josh looked over at Tyler and Tyler did the same. They gave each other soft smiles and Tyler opened his mouth to say something before he was cut off by the overhead speakers.
“This is flight AY15 to New York with Finnair calling for passengers Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. The boarding gate is closing now.”
Josh’s eyes widened.
“Shit” they both breathed out at the same time.
Tyler grabbed his bag with Josh doing the same, stuffing his charges into the front pocket. Tyler grabbed Josh’s hand and smirked playfully.
“Run…”
Tyler took off, holding Josh’s hand tightly as he stumbled to catch up. They ran out of the smoking lounge and weaved effortlessly through the crowds of people. Tyler started giggling and squeezed Josh’s hand to usher him on. Josh held on for dear life and let Tyler guide him through the airport.
Time seemed to slow down for Josh and all he could focus on was how beautiful Tyler looked as he ran playfully like a child. The sun shone through the windows of the departure lounge and hit Tyler perfectly, outlining his chiselled jawline and gorgeous features. His skin glowed, probably with sweat, but he looked dewy and angel like. Josh had never seen a more perfect person and it made his heart swell.
They stumbled to their gate in the nick of time and Josh struggled to catch his breath, heaving slightly as Tyler handed the flight attendant his boarding pass and passport. Josh took a deep breath in and swallowed hard, trying to slow his laboured breathing. Josh wasn’t unfit, but meeting a handsome stranger and almost missing his flight because he was too wrapped up in conversation was a first. So many emotions were churning round his mind and there was no time to stop and process.
Josh followed Tyler down the tunnel, onto the plane and smiled meekly at the annoyed looking passengers, before settling into his window seat. Tyler plopped down beside him and started laughing like a madman.
“That was probably the best part of my whole trip” he said turning to Josh and wiggling his eyebrows. Josh beamed and nodded in agreement.
“Yeah that was something. I can’t believe you almost made us miss our flight.” Josh teased and Tyler gasped with fake hurt.
“Me?” He said dramatically clutching his chest. “How dare you Josh Dun. Even the notion.”
When the plane engine roared to life and it began taxiing out to the runway, Josh gripped his armrest in anticipation. No matter how smooth the take off was, Josh had to mentally prepare for fear of freaking out. He took several slow, deep breaths in and out and kept his eyes squeezed tightly shut. His fingers drummed a familiar rhythm against the armrest and Tyler watched him. His eyes scanning up and down Josh’s body, trying to gauge if he needed space or reassurance for the moment the plane would finally leave the ground.
The sudden force of the plane speeding up caused Josh to wince, so Tyler placed his hand gently on top of Josh’s wrist and gave a couple of squeezes. Josh’s hand flicked up to hold onto Tyler’s fingers and he stroked his thumb against Josh’s wrist, never taking his eyes off him.
The low ding of the seatbelt bell indicated to Josh that the plane was safely off the ground and he finally opened his eyes. He was still holding onto Tyler’s fingers as he turned his head to meet Tyler’s gaze. He let go quickly and coughed out an awkward ‘sorry’.
Tyler chuckled quietly and turned to stare at the blank screen in front of him.
“So er- what do you do for work?” Tyler queried, trying to move on from whatever the hell just happened. “You mentioned being on holiday for two weeks”
“Oh yeah, I work at guitar centre, it’s not the most exciting thing in the world sometimes but the pay is decent and my boss is pretty nice, so what else can I ask for.” Josh smiled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.
“What is the most exciting thing in the world then?” Tyler asked without missing a beat.
Josh froze and slowly looked back up to Tyler. Genuine curiosity swam around in his eyes and he offered a shy smile.
“Wow er, good question” Josh stuttered out and he felt a rush of warmth course through his whole body.
“Drums” he breathed out…
“Yeah?” Tyler inquired gently.
“Yeah” Josh nodded furiously and leaned closer to Tyler. “Like don’t get me wrong, I love being surrounded by instruments and talking about music all the time, but nothing and I mean nothing compares to how I feel when I drum.” Josh paused and backed away slightly, fearing he’d gotten too passionate. “If that makes sense…” he mumbled.
Tyler playfully slapped his shoulder.
“Dude of course! I love music. I play a couple instruments myself, sometimes write a few songs.”
Josh’s eyes widened and his heart began to race. This boy seemed to get more attractive by the second.
“I play the piano and the ukulele and I’ve been messing around with a bass guitar recently.” Tyler beamed with a toothy grin.
“Wow” Josh laughed. “Just wow. You could basically start a band. That’s incredible!”
Tyler’s hand made its way once more to Josh’s wrist.
“Technically, but I’d need a drummer.”
Josh’s heart stopped and Tyler’s smile got wider.
“Are you..?” Josh tried, but a lump began to form in his throat at yet another insane proposition. Tyler shrugged his shoulder.
“Well why not. It’s not the craziest thing I’ve suggested. I mean I offered you weed in the airport.” They both laughed and Josh placed his other hand over Tyler’s. He grinned warmly at Tyler and relaxed back into his chair.
After a rough 8 hours of turbulence, crappy plane food and sleeping on and off for half the flight, Josh found himself back on American soil waiting at baggage claim, still with Tyler.
He tapped his foot impatiently and tried furiously rubbing the sleep away from his eyes in an attempt to feel normal again. The familiar prickling sensation was returning and Josh couldn’t wait to b-line to the smoking area again. Tyler leaned in close and linked arms with him.
“I need one too, don’t stress.” He whispered lowly in Josh’s ear, sending shivers down his spine. Josh opened his mouth to question how Tyler knew but he winked playfully and unlinked their arms.
“That one’s mine” Tyler called out gleefully and practically skipped over to collect his luggage. How he could still be cheery after a flight, Josh would never understand. Josh’s bag followed quickly after and they quietly made their way through the airport.
They walked orderly with the hundreds of other sleepy passengers and Josh caught sight of the smoking lounge. Quiet relief flowed through his veins and he was about pull Tyler along to make his way over when Tyler stopped dead in his tracks. He stopped too and looked over at Tyler, who was staring intently at his phone. Tyler chuckled and typed something briefly before shoving it back in his pocket.
“My rides here.” Tyler sighed. “So unfortunately I’m gunna have to skip the cigarette date.”
Josh felt his cheeks redden and a smile formed on Tyler’s lips.
“It was good to meet you.” Tyler whispered pulling Josh into a hug. Josh was taken back but hugged him tightly, soaking up the subtle hints of gingerbread mixed with musky cologne that made up Tyler’s scent and he hummed with content. He didn’t want to let go and disappointment flooded his chest when Tyler eventually pulled away. They stared at each other shyly before a lightbulb went off in Tyler’s head. He rummaged around his pockets and pulled out a small crumpled up piece of paper. He leant forward and grabbed Josh’s hand, putting the paper in his palm and then closed his hand tightly around it. Josh looked puzzled.
“My number” Tyler smirked and Josh blushed.
“For if you wanna be my drummer.”
Josh chuckled quietly and he looked down at his shoes shyly.
“Or my boyfriend.”
Josh froze and the heat from his cheeks spread all over his body.
Tyler smiled softly, grabbed his suitcase and began to make his way out of the airport.
“See you around Dun” he called out.
Josh remained frozen, as hundreds of people passed by him like he didn’t even exist. He stayed stiller than a statue for a solid 3 minutes, (or maybe longer - time moves differently in airports) before he had the strength to compose himself. Any and all thoughts about nicotine had completely emptied from his mind and had been replaced by one thing.
Tyler Joseph
He quickly grabbed his phone from his jacket pocket and opened the piece of paper that he’d been holding so tightly. With shaking hands he typed in Tyler’s number and crafted a reply. He stared at his message for a while and wondered if he should wait a bit in an attempt to properly process the past 9 hours.
‘Fuck it’ he thought and then took a deep breath in before pressing send.
‘How about both?’
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed it!!
I’m currently working on a second chapter for my other fic ‘you can be so cold (I’ll try again)’ so make sure to read chapter 1 if you haven't already!!Come say hi on twitter : v_vantae
Chapter 2
Notes:
When I wrote chapter one I had no intention of it being anything but a one shot. But I got a couple comments asking for more so here we go.
I want to thank the user omgwheresmysoul for inspiring some of the plot lines!!
And I want to thank my best friend Jen for helping me beta the chapter as well as coming up with some of the flirty lines. I absolutely suck at flirting so she really had me kicking my feet at what she wrote.
There will be a chapter 3 and expect more flirting thanks to Jen.
Come say hi on twitter : v_vantae
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Josh gripped the steering wheel of his truck tightly and gently rocked back and forth. The rain outside was hammering down on the windows and the thick grey clouds that covered the sky encapsulated how he was feeling inside. Bleak and uneasy.
He took some breaths in and out before his phone made the grating alarm noise, signalling it was time to take his meds.
He’d taken the initiative to visit the doctor after returning to Columbus, disoriented and overwhelmed. The three day trip in New York to visit a long time friend had been pleasant, but it hadn’t allowed Josh any time to really recuperate and process the frankly insane two weeks he had experienced.
When he’d finally stumbled into his empty apartment, intoxicated by sleep deprivation, he’d collapsed on the sofa, bag still in hand, and slept for 28 hours straight.
Waking up at 5am after that much sleep left him dazed and confused. He’d stayed sitting, just staring at a blank TV for another two hours as memories flashed through his mind like a glitchy slideshow.
The late nights in Tokyo getting far too drunk, the hungover visits to museums, eating so much he thought he’d throw up.
How hard he’d gripped onto his seat when the turbulence hit and how he could still feel the phantom cramp in his fingers.
How he’d started crafting a will in his head as the plane jostled through the air, slamming the passengers from side to side.
The sweet relief he felt standing on real solid ground after getting diverted and then -
Tyler Joseph
That wonderful stranger he never would’ve met if it wasn’t for that freak storm. Maybe it was Gods way of making up for the trauma the flight had caused him.
But the anxiety continued to riddle his mind every waking moment and after one too many late night panic attacks that left him paralysed and gasping for air - he needed some help.
So after a full physical examination, getting poked and prodded, and a frankly triggering psychological assessment, he was dosed up with anti anxiety meds.
They hadn’t fully kicked in yet, it had only been two weeks. The constant buzz of panic was still present and he felt nauseated almost 24/7 now, however he hadn’t had a full blown panic attack in 15 days.
And that was relief enough.
So he stopped his alarm, popped out the pills from the packaging and flushed them into his system with a large gulp of water. And he would continue to do so every day probably for the rest of his life.
He took another reassuring breath in and out and checked the time.
4.02pm
He cursed under his breath. He’d arrived far too early, but it was probably for the best since the rain looked like it was coming down so hard it could hurt and he was in the warm safety of his truck.
Josh unlocked his phone and opened his most recent messages scrolling all the way to the beginning. He smiled softly at the texts displayed.
Tyler Joseph
8/27
How about both? 17.47
Hello there Dun ;) I was hoping to get a quick response 18.29
Well I try not to disappoint 18.34
When are you back in Columbus? Maybe I can take you out for drink 18.59
Back in 5 days but my work schedule is pretty insane since I took off so much time 19.07
Don’t stress Dun. We’ll find some time. For you I can wait ;) 19.24
I bet you say that to all the boys :P 19.30
Only to the pretty ones with awesome tattoo sleeves ;) 19.41
Josh laughed out loud as he re-read the messages he’d first exchanged with Tyler. He had a way with words that made Josh blush furiously, or maybe Josh was just a sap. They’d messaged every day since then, between work hours and each other’s social schedules. But finally, after almost 4 weeks since meeting in that smoking lounge halfway across the world, they finally had a day off at the same time.
He scrolled down to the most recent conversation to double (quadruple) check he definitely had the right day and time, because he was not about to make himself look like a fool.
Tyler Joseph
9/21
Dude I just drove by an awesome restaurant. I’m definitely taking you there tomorrow. How does 4.15 sound? 12.39
Sounds amazing! Wouldn’t miss it for the world :D 13.01
Great! I’ll text you the address. See you there Dun ;) 13.03
He sighed in relief. It was definitely today. And definitely in 7 minutes.
The rain continued to pour down and assault his truck and didn’t show any signs of letting up. His fingers drummed against his thigh and he debated just making a beeline now for the restaurant. It looked warm and inviting. Fairy lights wrapped around the doorframe and brightly coloured flowers in plant pots littered the windowsill inside. It wasn’t busy but there were a few tables of people who looked happy, deep in conversation.
Josh had already searched the menu and the reviews so he knew what to expect and he’d already picked out an outfit days ago. He wanted to show Tyler his best self. Even though they’d met when he probably looked the most dishevelled.
His train of thought was interrupted by a car pulling up opposite him and his breath got caught in his throat. It was Tyler.
He could just about make out his features through the torrential rain on his windshield. Tyler stepped out the car and ran straight inside the restaurant, getting only mildly wet.
This was it.
Josh could do this.
He’d get his umbrella and casually walk in like he hadn’t been sat there for 20 minutes already. He groaned loudly in an attempt to psych himself up and get rid of some of the jittery anxiety.
At least the anxiety he was feeling wasn’t irrational. Everyone gets nervous on dates and he took comfort in that.
Josh checked his phone a final time before putting on a brave face and stepping out into the rain. The wind blew icy drops of water on his arms that made him shiver, as he trudged through puddles trying to avoid the deep ones that would soak his shoes. Warm air enveloped him like a hug as he pushed open the door and shook off his umbrella. His eyes darted around the room and he made eye contact with a waiter who smiled gently. He was just about to speak, when he heard a familiar voice from across the restaurant.
“Josh!” Tyler shouted softly with a chuckle and he broke out into a toothy grin. He looked breathtakingly gorgeous. His hair had grown out slightly and soft curls framed his face making him look even more adorable, if that was even possible. He wore a simple white button up shirt which showed off the tattoos on his arms against his tan skin.
Tyler stood up quickly and brought Josh into a hug. The same gingerbread scent lingered on Tyler’s skin and it took everything in Josh not to breathe it in deeply.
“Hey” Josh whispered shyly, not hiding his wide grin as he let go of Tyler.
“You look amazing” Tyler beamed with a longing look in his eyes. Josh chuckled nervously and took his seat opposite Tyler.
“You-You’ve looked better” Josh stumbled over his words and panic flashed across his face.
“Wait no! I mean you look better- not you have looked- better than me- not that you look bad- or ever looked bad- you look amaz- look so good. Oh god I’m so sorry” Josh put his head in hands in pure embarrassment and groaned. Tyler laughed loudly.
“Tripping over your words already? Or was that a Freudian slip” he teased, reaching his hand over the table to poke Josh’s arm.
“God I’m sorry, that came out so so wrong” he mumbled in humiliation.
“Josh don’t worry. That was funny- cute even. You’re the same red as the flowers” he smirked and Josh blushed harder.
This was going to be an interesting night.
After pretending to look over the menu, curiously pointing out different dishes, he ordered the exact dish he’d decided on last night. They both caught up on what they’d been up to over the last 4 weeks and Josh felt himself ease up enough to even order a glass of wine. Tyler rambled on about work and his stupid colleagues while Josh listened intently, staring at him lovingly like a puppy. When the food arrived, there was a natural lull in the conversation, so Josh worked up the courage to say something first.
“So er- how did you get into playing music. The ukulele is interesting instrument” he rushed before cramming some salad into his mouth. Tyler hummed out while finishing his mouthful and nodded his head passionately.
“Yeah so I originally played basketball in high school and I was damn good, had a college scholarship ready and everything! But then one day I found a piano stuffed in the attic, started playing a shitty tune and realised that basketball wasn’t for me.”
Josh’s eyes widened in surprise and suddenly he wanted to see Tyler, sweaty and in basketball shorts. Josh’s eyes started to glaze over but he blinked a couple times to get out of his head.
“So I got better at the piano, declined the scholarship and started writing songs after picking up a ukulele in a music store. I’m really only in my current job to survive until something happens with the music you know?” He grinned and took a slow sip of his drink.
“Wow that’s crazy. Way cooler than my music journey” Josh chuckled. Tyler raised his eyebrows in inquisition and Josh continued.
“Er basically my parents banned me from listening to music, so I’d sneak out the house and play drums in a friend’s basement as a way to rebel?”
There was a few seconds of silence before Tyler burst into laughter. He threw his head back and clutched his belly.
“Dude oh my god. That’s brilliant” he laughed through tears. Josh laughed too and took a gulp of his wine, relaxing even more.
By the time the food had been eaten and the bill payed for (by Tyler, although Josh insisted at least going halves), the rain had stopped.
They stood outside together and lit up a cigarette each. Josh wasn’t drunk, but there was a nice buzz throughout his body from the alcohol. He felt calm and couldn’t help but smile. The dim streetlights lit up Josh gently and the warm glow behind made him look like an angel. Tyler was infatuated.
Josh sighed with content as he finished the last of his cig and flicked it into a puddle.
“Man I can’t wait to play my drums tonight” he giggled. Tyler flashed him a look of curiosity.
“Can I come home with you?”
Josh snapped his head up to meet Tyler’s gaze.
“I wanna watch you play” Tyler said smoothly, shrugging his shoulders. “What can I say… I find your passion adorable.”
Josh’s cheeks flushed red for the millionth time that night. He took a second to try think rationally, but the alcohol, the nicotine and the intense crush clouded any sensibility. He nodded slowly and Tyler reached out to interlock his fingers with Josh’s. His pulse quickened as Tyler gave a few reassuring squeezes. He’d held Tyler’s hand before, but that was different. It was rushed and childish and in the middle of a fucking airport.
This was slow, calculated and emotion-driven.
Josh suddenly felt drunk.
Tyler grabbed the car keys from his pocket and lead Josh over to his car.
“I’ll drive…”
Josh’s hands were shaking as he attempted to put his key in the lock. He thanked God that he wasn’t an untidy person because he had made no attempt to clean up his flat prior. Finally, the key turned and the door slammed open. He cursed slightly but Tyler just laughed as he followed Josh inside.
It wasn’t a fancy flat- a simple one bed, cheap enough to afford on his minimum wage job. But, it was the garage that was attached that drew him to rent it in the first place. It was big enough to fit his truck and his drums.
And really that’s all Josh needed in life.
Josh kicked off his shoes and turned all the lights on to display his humble home. Tyler looked around taking in the details.
He had vinyls proudly dotted around the walls of the living room and a shelving unit full of trinkets and the occasional fake plant. Josh wasn’t exactly an interior designer, but he took pride in his aesthetic.
“This is cute. I like it” Tyler commented and Josh beamed with gratification.
“Dude yes. I knew you’d have great music taste” Tyler grinned pointing to the ‘Plans’ by Death Cab for Cutie vinyl.
“Yes! It was the first vinyl I bought once I started making real money” Josh chucked and leaned back on the kitchen counter top. “I’ve drummed to that album an unhealthy amount of times.”
Tyler snaked round the coffee table to stand next to him. Josh relished the closeness and rested his head on Tyler’s shoulder. They stayed like that for moment, quiet, and listened to each other’s breathing. It felt strangely intimate and Josh could feel the butterflies in his stomach, fluttering with so much intensity, he could explode.
Tyler suddenly clapped loudly, shattering the silence and gave Josh a cheeky smirk. He rubbed his hands together with excitement.
“Right, go then Dun. Show me what you’re made of.”
He brought Tyler to the garage and fiddled with his computer and speakers. Tyler took a seat and waited for Josh to decide on a song to play. He scrolled through the long list of song choices before finally choosing a rather fitting Death Cab song - ‘The Sound of Settling’.
Josh carefully sat down on his drum stool like he’d done hundreds of times over the years. He felt a strange sense of pressure as he gingerly picked up his drum sticks.
He’d performed in-front of people before, small crowds at clubs or at family gatherings and it hadn’t phased him. But with Tyler sat casually in the corner, waiting in anticipation, he suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to prove himself.
He took a sharp inhale and pressed play on his computer.
I’ve got a hunger, twisting my stomach into knots
That my tongue is tied off
The lyrics roared through the speakers and he snapped into action as muscle memory took over. Anxiety turned into adrenaline that pumped through his veins as he poured all his passion and talent into this performance. Like it was his last performance.
My brain's repeating
"If you've got an impulse, let it out"
But they never make it past my mouth
The music flowed through him like a river rushing down into a waterfall and he kept his eyes closed, relishing the addictive energy that bounced around the room.
Our youth is fleeting
Old age is just around the bend
And I can't wait to go gray
Tyler sat there, mouth slightly open in shock. He’d seen good drummers before at various concerts and music gigs he’d gone to. But, Josh Dun was more than just a good drummer.
He played like his life depended on it, and Tyler could feel all of Josh’s fears, doubts, dreams and aspirations. All of it, all at once. But, he wanted more. It was overwhelming. It was addictive.
It was Josh Dun.
And I'll sit and wonder
Of every love that could have been
If I'd only thought of something charming to say
Josh could feel the desperation seep out of his body as he played. Every tormented night he spent alone. Every failed relationship that split his heart in two. The withering hope that he’d find somebody to spend his days with. His mind was screaming out ‘please someone see me.’
This is the sound of settling
Josh hit the final cymbal with conviction and let it ring out as the last line played, before the music cut from the speakers. He slumped over slightly, dropping one of his sticks on the ground and buried his head in his hands. Silence filled the garage, thick and heavy. He was breathless and sweaty and emotional.
He forgot Tyler was in the room for a moment, until he felt a gentle hand on his back. He looked up slowly to meet Tyler’s gaze and he gave Josh a gentle smile before pulling him into a hug.
“Josh you’re incredible” Tyler whispered breathlessly and it sent shivers down his spine. Josh held Tyler tightly, like he’d slip away from reality if he didn’t. Small, silent tears escaped from Josh’s eyes and fell onto Tyler’s clothed shoulder.
Tyler noticed the uneasy breathing and reached his hand up to stroke Josh’s hair.
“Seriously, I’ve never seen anything like that. Thank you for showing me.”
Josh pulled back slightly, wiped his eyes haphazardly and sighed deeply to compose himself.
“You really mean that?” Josh questioned quietly and Tyler laughed.
“Yes! My god you’re so amazing I could kiss you!” Tyler exclaimed before wincing, his confident aura faltering slightly because Josh looked terrified.
“You could kiss me?” Josh repeated with slight panic. Tyler placed a hand on Josh’s shoulder and smiled gently.
“Only if you want to… but I would love to kiss you right now”
Josh felt overwhelmed again as Tyler’s gaze flipped between his lips and his eyes. He placed his hand on Josh’s cheek and cupped his face, slowly leaning in, giving Josh the chance to back away if necessary. But Josh stayed still, allowing Tyler to get closer until he felt soft lips pressed on his. Tyler kissed him slow and gently, and he felt a hand snake round his back to pull him closer. Josh wrapped his arms around Tyler’s waist and deepened the kiss. The panic in his mind dissipated and was replaced by thoughts of Tyler.
Only Tyler.
He tasted of gingerbread and wine and tobacco and Josh loved it. He felt a hunger build up as they held each other close, bodies swaying and lips moving in sync. Nothing else in the world mattered anymore.
Not the nail biting uncertainty he felt towards his future or the fact he’d have to pop a pill everyday to feel ‘normal’. Josh couldn’t get enough and he wanted this moment to last forever. But he had to pull away, gasping for breath.
Tyler held Josh’s shoulders again, grounding him.
“Was that okay?”
Josh nodded furiously.
“More than okay.”
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this!!! I did some research on death cab for this chapter but I did no research on Ohio or America so idk how healthcare works.
Lmk what you think and if you have any ideas you want to see for chapter 3. I believe it will be the final chapter.
Come say hi on twitter : v_vantae