Six Feet Under [Joshler]

Eleven 🧜🏻‍♂️

Tyler and Josh arrived at a nearby strip mall by the sea, a bit far from the condo. After taking his keys out of the ignition, Tyler turned and took a look at Josh.

"How I wish you could speak."

Josh frowned and turned away, getting himself out of the car.

He left behind a drop of blood on the step, but Tyler didn't notice. He took his hand and they both walked to the strip mall, meeting up with Tyler's friends Mark and Chris.

"What up, Tyler!"

"Long time no see!"

Tyler shook hands with them.

"It's been a while."

"We heard you almost drowned." Mark said.

"Ah, don't worry about it. It was just an accident."

"An accident that took a few days to recover."

"Like I said, I'm fine."

Chris turns to Josh, who is standing nervously next to Tyler.

"Who is this?"

"He's just a friend."

"A friend, huh?"

"Yeah."

Josh gave a small wave.

"Can he speak?" Mark asked.

"No, he can't."

"How did he end up with you?" Chris asked.

"I found him, washed up on the beach."

"What in the world happened to you?"

Josh wanted to speak, but he couldn't. He thought of what words he'd say to the boys, but when he opened his mouth, they'd disappear.

Mark and Chris took notice and laughed.

"What is he, a pussy?"

"Why isn't he talking?"

"Guys, quit it. He got into an accident that took his voice."

"Can't you see how his mouth looks?" Mark said. "He has no tongue!"

Josh felt like a sword stabbed him straight in the heart. Tears started falling from his eyes. He ran off weeping, and Tyler was enraged.

"You stupid pieces of shit! Why would you say that to him!"

"You're awkward merman friend is a mute freak!" Chris said.

"Yeah!" Mark added. "Why did you bring him?!"

"I thought he'd enjoy meeting-"

Tyler was too angry to finish his sentence.

"We'll meet at a different time, just let me handle this."

Tyler ran after Josh, and later found him at the beach, sitting on the sand, curled up in a ball. He came to his side, and could hear the silent weeping.

"My dear, I'm so sorry they said those things to you. I never should've brought you here."

"It was hurtful." Josh thought. "I feel torn in two."

"I promise, I won't let that happen again."

Tyler kissed his cheek, which caused Josh to raise his head and look at his love.

"Please remember me. I saved your life!"

Tyler helped Josh back to his feet, and they locked arms.

"Come, let's admire the ocean together."

They walked along the beach, watching the waves flow across the sand. Tyler saw how shiny the foam was, like when he first walked on the waves after many years.

"When my sister died, I promised myself I wouldn't end up like her, but somehow, I feel connected to the ocean."

He looked to Josh.

"Like I am to you."

The merman got excited.

"Please, please..."

"Still, I want to know who saved my life, and I don't know if I'll ever find them."

Once again, Josh was torn.

"Why won't he understand? I saved his life! It was me!"

"Either way, I'm happy no matter what, even if it's with someone I don't even know."

The two made their way back to the car. Josh was deeply hurt, but he was still determined.

"I don't care how much more pain I'll have to endure, because Tyler will find out it was me, and he will love me forever!"