Dirty Laundry (joshler || book 1)) (COMPLETED)

Stepbro

"If you like Piña Coladas! And getting caught in the rain! And the feel of the ocean!"

Tyler looks up from his laptop as Josh appears in the bedroom doorway.

"And the taste of champagne," Josh continues to sing, smiling as he meets his boyfriend's eyes. Holding his arms up near his waist, he thrusts the air slowly, "If you like making love at midnight! In the dunes on the cape..."

The brunette laughs lightly, "I do like making love at midnight, actually."

"Hmm," the elder hums, sitting beside Tyler. "Then you're the lady I've looked for."

"You're an idiot," Tyler grins, leaning closer and pecking the man's lips. "But I love you."

"I love you."

"How was work?"

"It was good. I learned how to take orders."

"Oh they made you a server? I wasn't sure what they were going to have you do. I just wish they'd schedule me more with you."

"Honestly, I think I'm okay with you not being there."

"Rude."

"No," Josh chuckles. "I just mean, like, maybe it'll help build my independent confidence. I feel like I'm relying on you too much and I don't want to do that to you or myself."

Tyler nods with a small smile, "Well...that's mature of you."

The elder smirks, "I's a big boy."

"You're doing such a great job," Tylers smiles, playfully ruffling his boyfriend's hair, before perking up and gazing back at the computer screen, "So! I've been looking for apartments. Do you still want to move back? My mom won't let me in the house, I already know, so we gotta start apartment hunting if we're still going back."

"Uh, yeah," Josh nods slightly.

"You hesitated. Do you not want to anymore?"

"No, no, I do. I just, um, I have to talk to you and..." Josh fades off, his anxiety quickly rising. He wipes his sweaty palms on his jeans and clears his throat, "I'm not sure if you'll want me to move in with you."

Tyler looks at him in confusion, waiting for him to continue.

The man releases a slow exhale, refusing to make eye contact with the boy next to him, "You know I love you, right?"

"I love you too..."

Josh nods and licks his lips, "I've been lying to you."

Tyler slowly shuts the laptop and moves it to the floor. Shifting positions, he sits cross-legged in front of the older man. "Josh."

Reluctantly, he raises his head and looks at the brunette.

"What've you been lying about?"

Tyler sighs when Josh looks away again. He feels his heart beating hard in his chest. Thinking of anything Josh could be referring to is making him crazy. And a little bit mad. The one thing he hates most in a relationship is lying. The only thing he's sure of is that Josh isn't cheating. So what could it be about?

"You wanted to tell me, so tell me," Tyler states gently, trying hard not to make his boyfriend more anxious than he already is.

"I've..." Josh stops and leans back slightly, reaching into his pocket. Hesitating for a moment, he closes his fist around the small bag before pulling it out and holding it out to Tyler.

Tyler looks down and holds open his hand. Letting the drug fall into his boyfriend's palm, Josh drops his head again, his eyes focusing on his lap, patiently waiting for the screaming to begin.