Chapter 6: I Want To Know You

Josh's POV

Something was up with Tyler. He wasn't telling me, but I could tell when something was on his mind. I decided not to pry too much. Unless necessary of course. I knew that Tyler had his struggles. I did too. We would be there for each other when the other needed it. I just wanted to make sure he didn't begin to lose himself again.

I'm sure it's nothing, he's just probably freaked out over tomorrow nights show. He did say he forgot. Shrugging it off I went to shower. Tyler had left about 30 minutes ago so I was bored. I almost didn't let him go because of how troubled he looked. He told me he was fine, but Ty has always been a good lier. I told him to text me later, we wanted to have a little practice session before the show.

I slipped a shirt over my still partly wet body. I never bothered drying off all the way. Tyler was always annoyed by it, but I saw no harm in it. I grabbed two hangers from my closet and mindlessly began drumming on my dresser. I wasn't really sure of what song I was attempting to play, I was too busy anticipating Tyler's text. I knew I was being silly, but I wanted to make sure he got home alright.

I try my best to make him smile. I think he's too serious sometimes. He tells me he hates his smile, but honestly, a smile is probably the best feature on anyone. I think it's great. Well one 'X-Files' episode and microwaveable dinner later, and still no text. Frowning, I looked at my phone across the way. I never heard from Tyler the rest of the night.

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The next day seemed to fly in a blur, finally Tyler called me and told me that he'd meet me at the venue so we could get in a practice session. He didn't explain his absence last night, and I didn't press him. I made my way to the venue, and began to help setup. I noticed Tyler come out and decided to spark up conversation.

"Hey! Tonight's gonna be great, don't you think?" I asked him. He gave me a small smile.

"Definitely." He answered. I decided to get to the point of my conversation starter.

"What happened last night? You fall asleep on me?" I joked. Tyler's smile faltered, only the slightest.

"Oh, sorry man. I just got busy. Nothing to worry about." He said clearly dismissing the subject. I tried to shrug off his change of tone.

"That's fine." Was all I said.

The venue began to fill gradually as the night drawled on. I peeked around the corner of the stage at the people filing in. It was always an exciting feeling to play live. I thought about how many people we would maybe make happy.

"You're on in 5." One of the stage managers told me as he passed. I went in search of Tyler and found him pacing around in the back room. He noticed me come in, and straightened up.

"Ready?" He asked me.

"Ready." I gave him a thumbs up.

We rolled right into it. The crowd was great, the beats were sick, and Tyler was out there doing his thing. About 4 songs in I noticed something was off. After a song would end, Tyler would have a look as if he didn't like the way he preformed it, and he missed a couple of words in Holding On to You.

Tyler was never one to show stage fright so easily. So I tried to help him the best I could by keeping the beat and steering him back on track. If the audience noticed, they were kind enough not to show it. The show ended, and after our bow Tyler escaped from the stage as fast as he could without seeming rude. I followed him off.

"Good show Josh." He told me patting my back. "I'm going to go wash up real quick." And he was off before I could say anything. I hoped he was okay. He was acting a little strange. I went to my own dressing room set up farther down the hall. On the way I heard voices coming from Tyler's dressing room.

"I don't think I can do it." It was Tyler. I stopped. I knew it was bad to pry, but who was he talking to?

"I should've known. I'm sorry. I- I do need you." Tyler continued. "I can't do it alone. It's too quiet. I was terrible out there! What did they think of me?" He must have been talking about the show.

"It's not about that. I mean I guess it kind of is. No, nothing is distracting me. What do you mean?" A moment of silence. "Leave him out of this!" Tyler's voice raised. "What are you saying? I- I don't know. You think? But-" His voice lowered, I could barely hear the words.

"You need me. Don't worry, I can help you. I'm a friend."

"Soon okay? I will eventually." Tyler's voice wavered. "I know. I know! Hey- LET GO OF ME!" Tyler suddenly yelled. His voice was followed by a crashing sound. Alarmed, I busted through the door.

"Tyler!?"

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