Checkmate (Joshler AU)

Chapter 23

Tyler's POV

I slept the rest of yesterday away. I didn't want to think about the conversation with my mom.

Tell Josh.

No.

Why not?

He'll leave me.

Wow, that's really stupid. He promised you his heart.

You're stupid to believe he'd actually stay.

Fine, whatever. Give up on the only relationship keeping you going. Chess won't save you this time, Tyler.

Shut up.

The conflict in my brain ended quickly and I began to fiddle with the ring on my finger, sliding it off.

A small glint came from the inside and I peered in.

Notre Amour Est Éternel, De Même Que Cette Promesse.

I quickly pulled my phone near me and copied the words into Google Translate. It's French apparently.

Our Love Is Eternal, Just As This Promise.

My heart fluttered and my eyes got misty and I called Josh.

"You're horrible," I mumbled into the phone as he answered.

"Why? What did I do?"

"You made me cry, ya big meanie."

"Oh, no. Baby, what's wrong?"

"I just saw the inside of the ring. It's so sweet," I said, tears beginning to escape.

"Hold on, I'll be over in ten minutes."

"O-okay," I sniffled.

~

Josh now sat cross-legged on my bed, me in his lap as he cradled and hushed me.

"Was it a good surprise?"

I just nodded, tears still leaking from the corners of my eyes.

"Why are you still crying, Ty? Is something wrong?"

"I-I need to tell you something, Josh..."

"Whatever it is, you can tell me. You can always tell me."

"My f-first chemo session is tomorrow."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"You'd d-do that f-for me?"

"I'd do anything for you, Tyler."

I smiled softly as Josh pulled me up to look into his eyes, "Anything."

He kissed me gently.

"J-just because I have cancer doesn't mean I'm a China doll. I'm not fragile," I giggled quietly as I wiped the remaining tears away.

"I just don't want to hurt you."

"Do you love me?"

"Yeah."

"Then you can never hurt me, Joshie."

We both smiled and meshed our lips together for a passionate kiss.

"Can we play chess," Josh asked.

"Yeah, the sets on the top shelf in my closet."

He got up and was about to open my closet.

"Wait! Um, I'll get it. Just sit down and turn the other way."

"Why," he asked, clearly confused as he put his hand on the door.

"B-because, um... it's a mess! Yeah, that's it, just a mess."

"It's fine, I've seen plenty of messes," he laughed, slowly pushing it open. I yelped and lunged at him.

We fell into the closet and Josh saw exactly what I hadn't want him to see. He just smirked as he stood.

"You wear these," he asked, gesturing to the pastel colored skirts, sweatshirts, and overalls hiding in my closet.

"N-not in public..."

"You should. Bet you'd look hecka cute."

I blushed. Josh had just seen what I had spent years hiding.

"Can I see some on you," he asked shyly.

I nodded in response and grabbed my favorite outfit, throwing it onto the bed.

"Turn around," I squeaked.

"I've seen you naked before, Tyler."

"Turn around, Joshie."

He groaned and turned around. I quickly slid out of my clothes and into a cuter outfit. It consisted of a baby blue crop top, a black skater skirt, and white thigh highs.

"You can turn back, Josh," I mumbled, a blush burning through my cheeks.

"Fuck, babe," he said with a smirk.

"T-that's a bad word, Jish," I stuttered out after a gasp.

"C'mon," he laughed.

"Where are we going?"

"School."

"Okay, lemme change real quick."

"Nope, I want you to wear this today. Please."

"I-I can't..."

"Yes you can. C'mon."

He took my hand and pulled me to the door. I quickly pulled on a pair of Vans.

"Wait," I shouted, running back to my room for a cute pair of sunglasses.

We left shortly after.