26 years old

Tyler drunkenly stumbled through the front door, arms reaching out in the darkness. He felt around for the light switch, proud of himself when he felt the cool plastic against his fingertips.

The glowing clock on the wall read 3:35, casting the room in a slight red glow. Tyler switched the light on and turned to head for the kitchen. However, he hit something hard and stumbled back. He couldn't remember a wall being there?

His bloodshot eyes trailed up to find Josh's, shame quickly spreading throughout him. Josh shook his head as he gave Tyler a disappointing stare. He felt like Josh was going to burn a hole in him.

Hot tears threatened to fall, but Tyler didn't break eye contact. He remained silent, afraid he would make matters worse.

"Tyler-"

Josh was interrupted when a sob erupted from the brunette. Josh sighed and stepped forward, holding his arms out to the boy. Tyler gratefully allowed Josh to hold him, his body racking with every choked out sob.

"I-I'm sorry, J-Josh!"

"Don't be sad, baby," Josh said calmly, rubbing slow circles on his back.

"I-I just-"

"You don't have to explain. I get it."

Tyler had recently learned that his father developed some sort of heart disease that he couldn't quite remember the name of. The doctors said it should be taken very seriously and may be fatal. Tyler's dad has a 75% chance of living, and even though that seems high, Tyler didn't think it was enough.

The boy had been drinking all night in a desperate attempt to take his mind off it. Now, as he stood there in Josh's arms, he knew he shouldn't have.

"Stop crying, T, it's okay. I'm not mad at you."

Tyler sniffled into his neck, tears slowly coming to a stop. He clutched onto Josh, not wanting him to let go.

"I'm sorry, Joshie," he mumbled against his skin.

"Don't be. I understand. I just wish you wouldn't have gone out."

"I know..."

"You could've stayed here with me. You know I can help you."

"I know," Tyler repeated with a sigh.

"You're gonna feel like shit when you wake up."

"Will you sleep with me?"

"Yeah, I've been waiting up all night for you."

Tyler's heart physically hurt. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to keep you up... I didn't mean to let you down."

"You didn't let me down," Josh shook his head, gently grasping Tyler's chin and turning the boy's head up towards his.

"I feel like I did..."

"Well, you didn't. I still love you."

"I love you too."

"Want to go to bed now?"

Tyler nodded, allowing himself to be swept up in Josh's strong arms. He nuzzled into his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. Josh carried him into their bedroom, tucking him under the covers. He went and retrieved a glass of water and aspirin, knowing Tyler was going to need it.

Josh crawled into his spot next to the boy he loved, rolling towards him and protectively wrapping his arms around the boy's small frame. He placed a gentle kiss to the back of his ear. His head fell against the pillow, face nuzzled into Tyler's hair, breathing in his intoxicating scent.

Tyler's lips curled up in a small smile.

"I love you so much," he whispered, desperately trying to keep his eyes open.

"I love you too, T. Get some sleep."

__A/N__

Sorry for the short, sucky chapter I honestly had no idea what to write 😬