routines ( joshler )

Chapter 7: Practice?

Josh smiled, walking towards the drums, knowing that Tyler wouldn't notice him for quite a bit or until he was finished. He figured he might as well join in if Tyler was so entranced by the music. Josh picked up his sticks and found an entrance point before joining Tyler. As soon as he heard Josh's drums, he snapped his head over, sending a smile towards him, continuing his song.

Tyler knew right then, that he would be using this for Josh. This would be the song he would write for him. All that was left was writing lyrics.  The only thing on Tyler's mind was Josh. Which was conflicting, because Josh was seated right next to him, sharing his favorite thing in the world with him. Finishing up the song, they both stopped before glancing at each other and laughing.

"Sorry I was so distracted"
"Sorry for the rude entrance"

The two spoke over each other before laughing again. They couldn't help but just enjoy the others company. Even if no words were spoken, they basked in the others presence.

"Hey, uh, I know this is probably weird to ask, but would you wanna sit in on my practice? Maybe get something to eat afterwards? We've never hung out much outside of school" Tyler asked, scratching the back of his neck out of nervousness.

Josh let a slight blush creep up onto his face before he nodded at Tyler. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous to hang out with Tyler. They would just be hanging out as friends, as bros, he told himself. There was no underlying romantic tension. That's what he attempted to convince himself anyways. They both grabbed their bags, ready to walk to the gym where Tyler practiced.

Josh's anxiety was starting to get the better of him. Was it normal for people to just sit in on practices? Would the team call him names and talk shit about him being there? He didn't have much of a chance to dwell on it once they were walking through the doors. There were a few people sitting in the bleachers, on their phones or doing homework, and he let out a sigh of relief that he wouldn't be the only person here. He noticed that most people here were girls that were dating guys on the team though, which made his anxiety spike again.

One guy on the team walked over towards the two of them, slinging an arm around Josh's shoulder and hitting his arm.

"Dun! Here to watch practice huh?" he teased, leaning in towards the shy boy. Josh recognized him as one of Tyler's best friends, Nick. Tyler pushed Nick playfully, telling him to get back to practice before casting Josh and apologetic look.

Josh shrugged it off, letting out a chuckle before heading to the bleachers and taking a seat in the corner. He was grateful that everyone was distracted and there was no one to bother him. His anxiety was through the roof just being here, and another person may cause him to have a heart attack. Josh couldn't help but stare at Tyler as he practiced. Especially when his shirt would ride up as he was shooting.

He tried to look away, but his eyes had a mind of their own, and followed down to the now exposed skin Tyler had peeking out. It didn't last long as Tyler's arms fell to his side. Josh tried his best to not let out a sigh of disappointment, but was caught off guard as Tyler used the end of his shirt to wipe the sweat off of his forehead, causing his entire torso to be exposed. Josh felt his entire face heat up, and he knew he was completely red when Tyler glanced at Josh and smirked.

He quickly raised his phone up to his face, pretending to scroll through his social medias as Tyler continued to practice.

"Nice view huh? I feel the same way watching my boyfriend"

Josh spun around to the voice that suddenly filled his ears. The girls behind him on the bleachers was leaned over, her elbows on her knees to get closer to Josh's ears. He froze up, not sure what to say. The girl giggled, leaning back. Josh hadn't even realized there was someone sitting behind him due to how distracted he was.

"He is your boyfriend right? Usually only the teams significant others sit in on practice"

Josh blushed and shook his head, still not daring to say a word to the girl who had started up the conversation.

"He must like you a lot then. He is a real catch, you should totally take advantage of that. I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Ashley. You're Josh right?"

He tried to keep the shocked look off of his face but couldn't help it. Someone actually knew who he was?

"You know me?"

"A lot of people do, man. You're one of the only punk kids in school. Even if you're shy, you do tend to stand out" she gave him a friendly smile, showing that she meant no offense.

He tried to give a small smile back, not sure what else to do in the situation. It was clear he was uncomfortable, but he knew she was just trying to be nice. Josh couldn't help but repeat the words in his head though. He must like you a lot...he must like you a lot. Did he? Or was she only saying that to be nice?

The two continued their conversation for a little while longer, although it was slightly one sided due to Josh's timid nature. A whistle finally blew, signaling the end of practice, and Josh's eyes shot towards Tyler who was making his way towards him. Josh smiled, taking in the sight of a tired, sweaty Tyler, trying not to blush again.

Ashley nudged his shoulder in a teasing way, pushing him forwards.

"Go get your man" she said, giggling, before walking up to her boyfriend. Josh smiled at her and stuck his tongue out, walking to meet Tyler in the middle.

"Ready to go?"

"Always"