heathens

i tried to warn you

josh is back.

his hand is holding mine as he explains this big plan of his. he looks focused, determined.

my eyes shift to the tattoo on his shoulder, the one i vaguely recognize.

why does it make me feel so safe?

"josh?" i ask, interrupting him. he stops talking and looks at me.

"yes?"

"are you an angel?"

he takes a moment to process the question and another moment to think.

"what do you think?" he questions back.

i shrug. "i don't know," i answer honestly.

"what do you want me to be?"

i bite my lip and look into his eyes. his soft, welcoming eyes. they could hold entire galaxies behind them.

"i want you to be my friend. real or not."

he smiles, the Stars behind his eyes glistening. the yellow aura is back.

"real or not."