The show that night went absolutely terribly. Tyler's singing was off, Josh kept messing up, and everything was just wrong.

Once off stage, they were stopped by Mark. "We have a twelve hour drive tonight and you guys are going to be on the same bus - just the two of you. I don't want to hear any complaints, just go and work this out."

Tyler grit his teeth. "You don't even know what happened. You can't force me to be on a bus with him!"

Mark sighed, and luckily Jenna appeared at his side to help. "Ty, just do it. Try to work it out tonight, and if you can't," she paused, "then we'll believe something really bad happened between you two."

"Why won't you believe it's bad now?" Tyler complained.

Josh frowned at this. He knew it was really bad. If Jenna and Mark found out, however, he's pretty sure they'd kill him.

"Because you guys didn't give it enough time earlier," Mark said, "give it tonight and that's how we'll know."

"Whatever," Tyler mumbled and pushed passed them, heading to wash up before going to the bus.

Once Josh was on the bus, Tyler was already settled in his bunk with the curtain closed. The yellow haired man kept quiet as he brushed his teeth and crawled into his own bunk.

Although it was quiet, Josh knew Tyler well enough to know that he wasn't asleep. So after 15 more minutes of silence, he decided to speak up.

"Can you at least tell me if this is our last tour together?" Josh asked, voice shaky.

The silence returned for a few seconds until Tyler's reply came from the bunk below, "What are you talking about?"

"I mean... Since we're not together anymore, wouldn't that make this more difficult? Unless you want me to leave now, which I can. I just thought, you know, it would be easier for you if I finished the tour." Josh rambled.

"We're not together anymore?" Tyler asked quietly.

Josh furrowed his eyebrows. "I dunno, I kinda figured? I'm a total asshole and you said you never wanted to see or talk to me again, which you shouldn't by the way."

Tyler hesitated before replying. "I still love you. Just don't really trust you right now. Maybe we're just on a break?"

Josh nodded, then remembered Tyler can't see him right now. "That sounds good. I love you too, by the way. I really do."

It was silent again, the only sounds heard were the cars outside as they drove.

Ten minutes passed and Tyler spoke again, "I don't even think I'd ever be able to get rid of you as a drummer. You're just too talented and amazing. I want you to stay. You know, as long as you want to."

A small smile crept onto Josh's face. "I'd like to stay forever then."

"Good."

And once again, the silence returned, but both boys could tell there were lingering words to be said. The conversation was definitely far from over.

"I wish I could make it up to you, Ty." Josh whispered.

A small sigh escaped the brunette's lips. "I do too."

"If there's anything you want, just name it and it's yours. Literally anything."

"I kinda wish you'd... nothing." Tyler mumbled.

"What? Come on, tell me." Josh pressed, "I will do anything."

Tyler bit his lip. "I wish you knew how it felt."

Josh thought about it for a second. How he felt? "Do you want me to gain weight?"

"I don't know. I guess I wouldn't feel as alone if you did and you'd know I feel more."

"I'll do it." Josh agreed immediately.

"Josh," Tyler spoke, "you should only do things you really want to do. Consent is important." He said the last words under his breath, but Josh still heard. It broke his heart.

"I want to. Like I said, I really do like it. It's different when it's on me, but it still feels... nice." After realizing that they haven't really communicated the last few weeks, his face grew red when he uttered his next sentence, "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm kinda chubby now."

Tyler chuckled. "Oh, I've noticed."

"Oh," Josh said. What was he supposed to say?

"I think you look great," Tyler continued.

"Thanks," Josh muttered shyly, "so how do we start?"

"I dunno, we can order something tomorrow if that works. Just let me know what you want."

"Okay," Josh yawned. "Night, Ty."

"Goodnight, Josh."

________________________

anything you guys want to see during josh's gain? 👀

there's still a couple things left to happen, but will still get to see him gain a bit!