#here is josh and j tyler is next

[halfaasleep]

josh moodboard

[oldiesstationlover11607]

Secret Relationship - SAI!Josh x Fem!Joseph!Reader

Pairing: Josh Dun x Fem!Joseph!Reader - Tyler's younger sister

Warnings: Some swearing, Tyler threatening Josh

Word Count: 1445

Summary: Josh and Y/N have been hiding their relationship from Tyler for a year but when they go on tour everything goes wrong.

PART 2

The Takeover Tour. My brother Tyler had invited me to go on tour with him and Josh this cycle. It was the final year of my studies and I’d arranged to finish my work online while on tour, lucky me. Scaled and Icy was my favorite of all Twenty One Pilots’ albums to date, the bright colors and propaganda concept had made a nice change in their discography. The boys were soundchecking and I’d decided to sit in on it, listening to their music while working on my laptop. Josh was sitting on his drum throne scrolling on his phone and waiting for Tyler to talk to one of the sound guys. A notification popped up on my computer. 

Josh: Hi

I looked up and flashed him a smile. 

Y/N: Hi :)

Josh and I had been secretly dating for the last year, and Tyler had no idea, which meant we had to hide it while we were on tour. It was easy for us to sneak around back home because Tyler wasn’t always around but here on tour, it was almost impossible. 

Josh: What’cha working on?

Y/N: An essay about the French revolution. What’s up?

Josh: Oui Oui

Josh: Um, I was wondering if you wanted to go hang out in the tour bus after soundcheck. Have some alone time before the show.

Y/N: You know I’d jump at the opportunity for alone time with you J 

I smiled up at Josh to see him wink at me. 

Y/N: Don’t let Tyler catch you looking at me like that Mr Dun

Josh: Even if he did catch me Miss Joseph, he’d never assume that we’re together. 

The boys worked till about 4:30, Tyler went back to his dressing room and Josh ran out to the bus. I made sure to wait a few minutes before running out after him. The bunks Josh and I were staying in were right next to each other, both on the top at the back of the bus, meaning that if we were about to get caught, we’d know. It had been a while since we’d actually touched one another and it had practically been torture. Josh was wearing a black t-shirt that perfectly showed off the beaded necklace I’d gotten him when the album came out, a necklace that Tyler had no idea I’d gifted Josh. 

“Come here,” Josh held out his arms and I walked slowly into them. I breathed in his scent, a warm vanilla smell that reminded me of a candle I used to burn in my room. Josh had been growing out his hair for a while, meaning that all the color he’d dyed into it had been cut off and replaced by a curly brown mop I’d loved more than anything else he’d even done with it. 

“How much longer do we have to keep this up Josh? I hate lying to people about us, especially to Tyler,” I laid my head against his chest and he wrapped his arms around me. 

“Just a few more weeks. I swear, we’ll tell him once tour is over,” he sighed. We walked into the back lounge and closed the doors, cuddling under a blanket. I wanted to tell Tyler more than anything but I knew he’d kill us. Knowing his little sister and best friend had been together behind his back for a year would hurt him more than anything else could. I moved so that I was laying on Josh’s chest, eyes closed from the long day of work. 

“I’m so tired,” I yawned. 

“Then go to sleep babe, I’ll wake you up when I have to go get ready for the show,” I nodded, finally accepting that I deserved some much needed rest. Josh placed a kiss on my head, his arms cradling me in a perfect position. “I’ve got you.”

An hour later

My eyes were slow to open, but as I heard the sliding door move I sat up faster than Josh could say ‘I love you’. 

“Josh! Josh!” I frantically shake him awake. 

“What fuck are you two doing?” A voice. Tyler’s voice. Tyler never swore, which meant this was bad, really bad. 

“Oh man,” Josh ran a hand through his curls. We were in big trouble. Tyler looked shell shocked, his entire body stiff with anger. “Tyler I swear it isn’t what it looks like.”

“Really? Because what it looks like is my best friend and little sister are–” he paused, an expression of nausea crossed his face “it looks like you’re a lot more comfortable with each other than I thought you were, which means you’ve been hiding something from me.” It was exactly what it looked like. I stood up, feeling tears build up in my eyes. I reached a hand out for Tyler but he jerked back. “Don’t touch me Y/N.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do Tyler, I didn’t know how to tell you,” I muttered. 

“Oh so you thought you’d lie to me. How long has this been going on?” He looked desperate to know everything. 

“A year,” Josh sighed. 

“A year?! Y/N don’t you see he’s clearly trying to take advantage of you?” Tyler brought his hands up to cover his face. “I can’t believe you’d do this to her man.” He was blaming Josh. I couldn’t let that happen. The two most important people in my life were not going to fight because I decided to date my brother’s best friend. Josh looked destroyed inside. He was speechless. 

“He’s not doing anything, okay? I’m happy with him. He’s been the most supportive person I’ve ever been with,” I laid a hand on Tyler’s shoulder, this time he didn’t move away. 

“You ever hurt her and I’ll kill you Josh,” Tyler seethed, Josh’s head hung low. “But if you’re happy Y/N then I trust you. You’ve never shown me that I shouldn’t trust you.” He was letting us stay together? Tyler? My brother who never let me date anyone ever was letting me stay with Josh. I pulled him in tightly for a hug. 

“I love you Ty.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Josh you need to get ready for the set, we’re on in 30,” he looked over me to Josh. 

“I’m so sorry man, I should’ve told you sooner,” his voice was breaking.

“Don’t apologize. You care about her, you should’ve told me sooner, but I know now and that’s all that matters. Now, we’ve got a show to put on. I’ll see you out there,” he smiled, before leaving the bus. Finally Josh and I were alone again. 

“Are you okay?” I asked, cupping his face. 

“Not really. I feel like crap. I royally messed up and now I have to go play a show in front of thousands of fans when all I want to do is crawl up into a ball and cry,” he shook his head in an attempt to wave off the tears. I pressed a kiss to his lips which he lazily returned. 

“You still love me right? This hasn’t messed anything up?” I searched his eyes looking for an answer. 

“I still love you Y/N, I’m just gonna have to figure out how to protect you from the world now. People are going to know about us now and I don’t want you to get hurt. Not to mention that Tyler and I’s dynamic is probably going to change now”

“You’re forgetting my brother is the frontman of this band Josh. I’ve had to deal with the fame stuff since I was 17. And Tyler doesn’t hate you, he’s just going to have to get used to us,” I smiled, dropping my hands from his face. 

“I guess you’re right,” he nodded, leaning forward to kiss me. I gripped the back of his neck and pulled him in closer, deepening the kiss. He was perfect in every way and finally he was able to be mine. “I love you,” he sighed into a soft smile. 

“JOSH! I swear, I have no idea what you’re doing in there but if you don’t get out here and on that damn stage I will tell Tyler what you two have been doing for the last year!” A voice that could only be Mark’s shouted from outside the bus. Josh got up quickly and ran in the direction of the stage as I followed slowly behind him. 

“I’m not even going to ask how you know we’re together but FYI Mark, Tyler walked in on us half an hour ago, so you’re a little bit behind with the blackmail.”

//

Please submit any requests y'all have! I love to write so let me know if you've got any!

[op1umeyes]

Something about birthday’s + confessions is nice to me i think so here you go:

Celebrating Josh’s birthday! MWAHAHAHAHAHA THE ROT IS STEALING MY SOUL anyway i am thinking about celebrating Josh’s birthday. Maybe you guys are on tour when it happens, Tyler flailing around on stage, Josh drumming like he was leading an army to battle, and you screamed along with Tyler as you surfed the crowd atop a mattress.

And then maybe before Tyler starts the next song, he captures the audience as you are brought to the stage by the hands of your laughing fans. “So, as you know, we have a birthday today!” Tyler’s giddy voice made you laugh as you reached the stage and accepted his hand. He pulled you to your feet and handed you the mic, glancing over at Josh.

“And as tradition has it, we gotta sing the birthday chant to make that little guy over there keep growing! Sing it with me my friends,” you said, leading the crowd into the ‘Happy Birthday’ song.

And then i’m thinking maybe Josh bounded over to his favorite people ever and threw an arm around each of your shoulders as the crowd of people were delighted to sing a song to him. “Thank you,” he said into your ear over the crowd, earning himself a bright smile from you. Sweat dripped from you whole body but so was everyone so Josh didn’t mind when you rested your head against his body as the crowd cheered. 

“Okay you little lovebirds,” is what i think Tyler would say as the ovation was over. “Let’s get this show on the road!”

And then I think later after the show when you’re on the way to the suite booked by the manager, you’re looking for a bottle of water when Josh puts one in your line of sight. He puts one in Tyler’s lap- though he’s too busy texting Jenna to notice right away- and leans back in his seat by you. He rests his eyes for a minute while you absolutely house that water. “Thank you guys.”

You finish your water and pull at your still sweaty shirt. “For what, J?”

Tyler peers pver at Josh. “What’s up, man?”

“I just- Today was awesome. Playing with you will never get old. I’m so glad to spend the day with my favorite people doing, you know, what I love,” Josh would probably shrug a little, knowing exactly how cheesy he sounded. “And then having you both sing… thank you. For it all.”

You smile so fondly at Josh he feels his heart physically crack because what he really wants to say is “You’ve been with me since I joined and you have seen my highs and lows and loved me like Tyler has but I want secretly want you to love me in a different way and I want you to love me in the way that when you see me you feel like your heart will carve itself out of your chest to get to me because that’s exactly what happens to me when i see you” but you know, he can’t.

Tyler sighs. “Dude stop saying this cute emotional stuff when I’m all sweaty and disgusting. I’m going to force you into a group hug when we’re all clean! I just hope we get there soo- we’re here!”

You and Josh laugh as Tyler hauls ass to go shower. “Just for the record, I do have some stuff baked for you. Tyler help with the cookies- they were his idea, actually- and was super proud of them so make sure you gush over them for a while.”

Josh laughs. “I will,” he says as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders. “What did you make?”

“It’s a surprise! Jeez, Dun. Greedy much?” You chuckle, pressing the button to the floor that Tyler had sprinted to.

You yawned and closed your eyes. Leaning your head against Josh’s sturdy form, you felt like telling him would be a good idea. Telling him that you thought of him as more than a band mate was growing more appealing as he insisted on staying by your side. But just as you opened your mouth, the elevator dinged and you were on your floor!

Oh well. Maybe you’d tell him later. Or never. Josh urged you into the hall and towards your room. “Good job tonight, y/n. I’m proud of you,” he said, unlocking the door for you. “If you’re up for it, Tyler and I’ll be up for a while. Probably. If you’re too tired,” Josh said through a yawn as he leaned on the door frame, “then that would be a good night. Fare well, good lady.” He bowed dramatically, heart pounding dangerously as you giggled. You pulled him up by the collar and gently shoved him out the door.

“I’m bringing your food after I shower, Joshua Dun. Go clean up, you stink,” you say, smiling as you shut the door.

Tyler raises an eyebrow as Josh steps into the room. “So?”

Josh stops. Blinks. “So…?”

A heaving sigh. An eye roll. “Dude are you serious? You haven’t told her? I gave you the perfect time!”

“Oh that’s what that was?” Josh exhales and drops to the floor. “What do I do, man? She was like… leaning on me and stuff and- dude, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“It’s not like you should tell her or anything,” Tyler grumbles. “Okay. Josh. Trust me when I tell you if you just talked to her, you’ll… feel better.”

Josh groaned. “‘Feel better’? Really?”

“Aayeah!” Tyler answered enthusiastically. “Now please, go get clean, birthday boy! And get ready for those birthday spankin’s!”

Sighing, Josh rose from the floor with a groan. “Okay.” 

Only thirty-five minutes and three showers later, the trio reunited in Tyler and Josh’s hotel room. You knocked and Josh found himself racing to the door, hoping that it was you. You brandished a cake with beautiful frosted flowers and even a few decorative paper frogs taped to toothpicks. ‘Josh’s Day!’ was iced in a teal color in the middle with three smiling stick figures holding hands. Josh, naturally, was in the middle with a crown- Tyler on the right and you on the left.

“Do you like it?” You asked. Josh had been standing- observing- very carefully for eternity. Tyler even swaggered over, fawning over the detailing. When he looked at you with furrowed eyebrows, you whipped the bag of cookies from behind your back and handed it to a squealing Tyler. “J?”

The birthday boy in question looked up slowly and his eyes flitted from your eyes to your lips to the cake. “Y/n. I love it. Come on.” His hand rested on your back as he moved you forward to close the door and guide you to the kitchen of the suite.

Josh insisted on cutting the cake; saying how you’d gone to too much trouble to worry about cutting it. Josh also took three of the little cookies Tyler made, admiring each cookie respectively before destroying the little creature in one bite.

So that’s how you found yourself here, on the hotel couch, sitting between Josh and Tyler watching some movie Josh picked out while you and Ty were debating about the kind of tea you would be trying the next day. After yawning dramatically, Tyler patted your knee and ruffled Josh’s hair. “I bid you my goodbyes, friend and family member.”

“I-I’m the family member, right?” Josh asked. When Tyler didn’t answer, you chuckled. “Right? Tyler. Right?”

Tyler giggled mischievously. “Whatever you say, buddy!”

You laughed out loud as Tyler shot the both of you a winning smile and went to his bedroom. Josh’s lip jutted out. “Aww, Josh, it’s okay. Sometimes you just need to realize your competition,” you offered while rubbing his back consolingly.

He squinted at you before launching: fingers poking your sides, tickling your sides, and making you squirm. “Funny now?” He asked through his own laughs, catching your hands as you started swinging. His fingers danced over your stomach before he stopped to catch his breath. And that’s when he noticed… you. Under him with your chest heaving and your wrists restrained by Josh’s large hand above your head. Was it him or where you looking at his lips?

“Hey Josh?” You croaked after a few minutes of silence. Your tongue darted out to lick your lips- looking more delicate and delicious being lit bu the soft glow of the television.

His chest rumbled as Josh hummed. His hips were hovering just over yours and the silence made him very aware of that fact.

“I need you to kiss me or tell me go to my room.”

Josh’s lips fell to yours, hot and restless and explosive. He removed his hand from your wrists and came to the back of your neck to mould your mouth even closer to his- if that was even possible. Your own fingers slid up the nape of Josh’s neck to grip his curls. A whine escaped his throat and boy howdy did you eat that up.

Idk. Maybe maybe maybe. Maybe Josh pulled away first because he needed air, but as a professional singer you could’ve gone another solid thirty seconds without air. Maybe Josh rested his forhead against yours and closed his eyes because if he saw that look in your eyes he’s implode. Maybe Josh murmured ‘best birthday ever’ before kissing you again. Maybe. Idk. Im not there. 

[confused-alienated]

Stardust

Summary: The universe can't bear to separate Tyler and Josh.

Tw: Blood and violence at the beginning (mcd at the start, dw he gets better)

Notes: I need to post more often, sorry I've been neglecting u. I'm actually rlly proud of this so I hope you enjoy! I also made a Pinterest board for this.

Word count: 2,624

Link to the og fic here.

---

"Tyler!"

Josh jumps between Tyler and Nico. Nico smirks and sinks the blade into Josh's chest. Once, twice.

Tyler pushes Nico away from Josh with his antlers. He slashes at Nico until his face is mangled, hanging off, drooping. Black and white paint gone, replaced with deep red. Tyler knows that Nico is dead. His blood is cooling. Breathing stopped.

He spins around to Josh, the blade is still buried in his chest.

"No!" Tyler drops to his knees next to Josh. "Josh! Josh!"

Josh hums and coughs, blood erupts from his mouth and drips onto Tyler's trousers.

"No!" Tyler sobs.

"Tyler?" Josh chokes out.

Tyler pulls Josh into him. He presses a kiss to his lips, earning a mouthful of blood from Josh. Tyler can't help but swallow it.

Josh falls limp against him. He's heavy. Dead weight. Dead...

---

Tyler jumps awake with a sob.

He's alone in his and Josh's shared tent.

It's just his now. Tyler is alone.

'We'll win but not everyone will get out,' he recalls saying. Tyler meant himself. Tyler was meant to die that day. Not Josh.

His chest heaves and he shuffles around the tent, pulling on one of Josh's hoodies. It was his favourite, soft green, striped with yellow tape. It didn't smell like him anymore. No matter how often Tyler sat in front of the fire, no matter how long Tyler didn't wash it. Nothing could save Josh's scent.

Tyler sobs. He chokes and crumbles to the floor. Josh isn't there to pick him up. Keep him stable.

"I-it should have been me," he cries.

Tyler can't bring himself to move. He lies on the cold floor, alone. He's alone.

"Should have been me," he repeats, "should have been me."

Tyler cries himself to sleep. It's nothing new.

---

Tyler wakes up outside.

No. Not outside. There's no ground.

He's surrounded by darkness. Dark blue, almost black floods his vision.

"Hello?" Tyler whispers, testing his voice. "Hello!?" He shouts into the abyss.

"Hey," a too-familiar voice says. It surrounds him. Tyler whips around.

Specks of light fill his vision. "Hello!?" He repeats. They're stars. Twinkling, far away. Something draws Tyler towards them. He pulls himself off the floor and runs.

This feels right. He's moving away from the darkness. Stars highlight the blue. Oranges, yellows, and reds compliment it.

There's a figure. Maybe. Something much bigger than Tyler.

Tyler slows down. What if he scares it? Whatever this is. It seems important.

He walks towards it. Tears spring to his eyes as he finally recognises him.

It's Josh. Josh is... Big. He's huge, Tyler doesn't know just how big but Josh could easily be the size of a building. He's lying on his front, looking at Tyler through half-lidded eyes. He lazily kicks his feet in the air. Stardust falls from them. Josh's hair curls around his head like a halo, it's littered with highlights. What was once borderline black has become a chestnut brown, striped with whites, yellows, and oranges. The delicate rings in Josh's nose reflect the stars around him. His freckles form constellations over his nose and cheeks. All over his body really, he stares further down at Josh's chest. It's pressed to the 'floor' but Tyler can see the constellations barely peeking out. They softly glow, just like the rest of him. Plump lips are parted to expose white teeth, they're the same shade of red as Josh's cheeks.

Tyler gasps. Josh is beautiful.

"Josh!" He knows that this is a dream. He'll wake up soon, alone again.

"This isn't a dream, honey," Had he said that out loud? Josh smiles. Tyler's heart leaps to his throat. Fuck, he's pretty. Tyler's cheeks flush, bright red.

"You're just as beautiful as the day I lost you," he whispers, stunned by his boyfriend. Josh had always been pretty. There's something different here though, just the two of them. Maybe it's the stars in Josh's eyes, molten, glowing a soft orange. Maybe it's the way that his hair frames his face, curling around his cheeks. Gravity feels different here. Tyler doesn't know how to explain it. Everything is light.

Tyler thinks that Josh could pick him up like a Barbie doll. Grip his middle and shake him around.

"I never left you," Josh says softly. That's what he is now, soft. Tyler wishes he could stay here forever. Josh is free to be soft, it's just how he's always supposed to be. Tyler wishes that there wasn't ever a Dema. They took Josh, sharpened his soft edges. That killed him. Tyler's lover, his best friend.

Tyler nervously places a hand on Josh's face. Before it would envelop him, cover half his lovely face right up. Now it barely covers half his cheek. Josh sighs, just how he did back in Trench. It's so familiar, so intimate that tears begin to slip down Tyler's cheeks.

Josh shushes him, petting Tyler's hair with his finger.

"So pretty," Tyler sobs, his voice wobbling, "So, so pretty."

"I've been watching over you, Tyler," The way Josh says his name makes Tyler's heart burst with affection and chest shudder with sobs. "It's alright, baby."

Josh's whispers have the opposite affect as Tyler crumbles to the ground, still sobbing. Josh sniffles, "Please don't cry, you're making me cry."

Tyler can't help but stare up, eyes wide, as the stars melt down Josh's cheeks. His tears glow softly against the dark background of wherever they are.

"P-pretty," Tyler repeats. Tyler wants to kiss Josh. Pull him down just like he did back in their shared tent. Tyler is too small. Instead he opts to press a kiss to the corner of Josh's mouth. Josh giggles as Tyler reaches up and wipes his cheeks. Tyler's hand comes away glowing like everything around them. Tyler stares at his hand in awe, Josh always brought light to Tyler's life. He cradles his hand to his chest, the warm liquid seeping into the fabric of the hoodie that he's wearing. Josh's hoodie. Tyler thinks that it's crazy Josh ever fit into the thing.

"Let me try something," Josh whispers, "Close your eyes." Tyler immediately does it. How can he deny Josh anything? He screws his eyes shut and covers them with his hands. He hears soft breathing, then a gasp. He can see the light through his fingers, even with his eyes shut. He can feel it dance on his face.

A warm hand is placed onto Tyler's shoulder, "Open," Josh whispers in his ear. Tyler removes his hands from his face. He slowly peeks his eyes open. Josh stands in front of him. He's smaller. He's definitely taller than he was though. Josh looks around six and a half feet tall. It's Tyler's turn to gasp as he throws himself into Josh.

"I didn't know if that was going to work," Josh chuckles nervously, "This is all kind of new to me."

"Fuck, you're perfect," Tyler says then crashes his lips into Josh's. Josh hums happily as their teeth clash together. Tyler licks behind his teeth. He wants to taste the stars on his lips. In his mouth. They're everywhere.

Tyler peeks his eyes open. Josh's are still closed, thick lashes dancing on his cheeks. Everything about Josh seems to sparkle, the stardust is like glitter. It glints in the light around him. Josh is glowing brighter than Tyler's ever seen. Like the sun. Tyler's eyes fall shut again.

Tyler pulls away for air, Josh hums disappointed. He pouts and tries to reconnect their lips.

Tyler pants, "I-I still need to breathe, Josh."

Josh eyes Tyler's lips and laughs.

"What?"

"T-there's stardust on your lips," he giggles, "sorry, sorry." Despite the apology, Josh continues laughing, shoulders shaking, a hand brought up to cover his mouth. Josh's hair bounces along with his shoulders, so do the stars.

"Don't laugh at me," Tyler pouts. Internally he's melting. The sound of Josh's laughter softening him, heating him up.

Josh laughs so hard he snorts then he laughs some more. He giggles and falls into Tyler's arms, hugging him tight.

"I love you, I love you," Josh peppers kisses all over Tyler's cheeks. Each kiss makes Josh shine. Tyler is so flustered he can't do anything. He was just making out with Josh, how is this any different? Maybe it's his laugh. Tyler has never seen him laugh like this. In Dema, he was too scared. In Trench, he was too busy.

Tyler finds himself falling in love all over again. "I-I love you too," he mumbles.

Josh's laughter dies down and Tyler feels the empty space. Josh's arms tighten around him, "T-tight, Josh!"

Josh huffs and reluctantly let's go. "Cover your eyes," he whispers. Tyler complies. It's the same as last time, it's probably only been five minutes. It feels like time doesn't exist here though, maybe it's because he's with Josh.

Tyler feels Josh's light dance on his face. Can envision him, bright and beautiful. Josh gasps softly and Tyler peeks through his fingers.

Josh is panting quietly, flushed. The stardust he's made of steadily drips from him as he reforms himself. He's not quite whole, shifting and sparkling with the sky. Stardust peaks up behind him like wings. It circles his head like a halo.

"Y-You're an angel," slips out before Tyler could stop it. He moves his hands from his eyes to his mouth, muffling anything else that he could say.

"I didn't tell you to look, did I?" Josh laughs again, it's light like the stardust he's made of. "Sorry I can't stay small with you."

Tyler stares. He can't speak, Josh is perfect. He never needs to apologise for anything. Ever. Tyler didn't care about their obvious size difference. In fact he thought that it just made Josh even more beautiful. Or maybe Tyler was simply small enough to properly perceive Josh's every detail.

"You're cute," Josh says. His hand is held above Tyler's head, he sprinkles stardust in his hair. Tyler's head spins. His hands fall from his mouth, limp at his sides.

"P-perf-perfect," he swoons. Affection bursts from his chest, the stardust tickles his nose. Tyler sneezes and coughs, the fibres of light are everywhere now. He doesn't complain.

Josh moves his hand, "Too much?" he questions.

Tyler hums and shakes his head, "Never," he answers even though he has no idea how he's still standing.

"God, I love you," Josh breathes. He taps a finger on Tyler's head. Tyler hopes that more stardust will fall around him, but it never comes. "I shouldn't give you too much of that stuff, Ty, look at what it's doing to you."

Josh points his finger in front of Tyler's chest, expecting Tyler to take it. Instead Tyler leans forward and licks a fat stripe up the offered digit. Josh pulls his finger back and laughs in disbelief, "Christ, Tyler! You just licked me!"

Tyler is vaguely aware of how weird that was, even for him. He honestly can't bring himself to care. Josh's presence makes him feel high. He's drunk off of stardust.

To Tyler's dismay, Josh shuffles back. He whines in protest but can't move. The stardust has made his limbs heavy. He feels like his feet are glued to the ground.

"Shh, shh. No more, you're not thinking straight, honey."

The familiar pet name makes Tyler flush. He wants to kiss Josh again, or at least tell him how much he loves him. He can't. What was this stuff doing to him?

"Well," Josh starts, "First, I love you too. Second, I don't really know," Josh giggles. "Everything is so new to me. I'm glad that you're here though, Tyler. I've been so lonely."

Tyler's heart shatters. The thought of Josh feeling as lonely as he does drags the shards down to his stomach. At least he had the Banditos. Who did Josh have?

"I've got the stars, babe," Josh sighs. Wait. Tyler wasn't saying this out loud. What? Josh giggles again, "I just know you too well, Ty."

'No you don't, what are you doing to me?' Tyler thinks. He watches the words from his mind register in Josh's. Josh knits his eyebrows together and his hands find his hair. An anxious tic of his.

"S-sorry. I-I don't know what I'm doing. I shouldn't have called you here, I-" Josh says anxiously. The anxiety and fear crack him, his form crumbles and flickers. The stars dim. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"I-It's okay," Tyler tries. His voice is scratchy, he coughs up stardust. Tyler nervously watches his boyfriend try and calm himself down. His breaths are stuttering, just like the day Tyler lost him. Tyler almost can't bring himself to watch.

Josh covers his face, "Don't look at me!" he cries. Josh gasps as he drips stardust all around him. He moves further away from Tyler, "Sorry, darling, let me put myself back together for you," he whispers. "Cover your eyes," Josh breathes. Tyler doesn't hear.

Josh grows brighter and brighter. Tyler's vision whites out. He blinks hard a few times and Josh's form settles. The wings are back though. He drips stardust steadily. It falls like snow.

'I love you, I love you, I love you,' Tyler thinks. He's delighted to see a smile split Josh's face. 'Pretty boy,' Josh blushes, stars flashing red. It's beautiful. Everything about Josh is beautiful.

"So sorry for that, 'hard to control," Josh laughs nervously. Tyler wants to lick him again. "No, you can't," Josh huffs.

Tyler feels himself sobering up. His body isn't as heavy now anyway. He shuffles towards Josh. It's much easier to think than speak though. He could get used to this. Josh laughs again, Tyler would forever chase that sound.

'I don't wanna leave,' he pouts and looks up at Josh.

Josh frowns, "Tomorrow, baby. I'll get you back here."

'How do I know this isn't just a dream?'

Josh sighs. Tyler expects an answer but Josh simply fiddles with a star. Tyler thinks that if this is a dream, his brain has done one hell of a job. Josh is ethereal.

Tyler watches as Josh pulls on the edges of the star. He wraps it around his finger a few times. The star dust shimmers as Josh pulls it, again and again. He slips it off his finger and squeezes it. Tyler has no idea what he's doing but it's mesmerising. Josh blows on the ring. He offers his finger to Tyler with a sharp, "Do not lick me."

Tyler takes Josh's finger and Josh smiles. He slips the ring over Tyler's hand and squeezes it around his wrist. "It's a bangle," he says shyly.

Tyler admires it. It shimmers brightly, just like Josh. "So pretty," Tyler gasps, he doesn't know if he's talking about Josh or the bangle.

"Hey, you're talking," Josh smiles down at Tyler. "I'll miss you, see you tomorrow. Yeah?"

Tyler frowns, "Do I have to go now, really?"

"You need sleep, honey," Josh blows Tyler a kiss and a gust of stardust. It glows and softly drifts all around him. It's almost as pretty as Josh.

Tyler feels his eyelids droop, "I don't."

"Yes you do, I'll see you tomorrow."

"I don't wanna go," Tyler cries. He can feel himself drifting, falling asleep. He's getting further away from Josh and this perfect place.

"I know. Just go to sleep, honey," Josh runs his finger down Tyler's back. Tyler melts, already half asleep.

The last thing he hears before he slips away is Josh whispering, "I love you."

---

Tyler wakes up on the floor with what feels like the worst hangover he's ever had. He groans and brings a hand up to his face.

A bangle made of stardust knocks against his nose.

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #89

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from March 3 - March 9, 2024. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote or know of one we’re missing? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

@thefinestmuffin and @JessBakesCakes are hosting the 3rd Annual Josh/Donna Rom-Com Fest. The fest revealed on February 14, but prompts and claims are still open and fics can still be added to the collection. Details here.

This Week in Canon:

Welcome back to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 3, Episode 15: Dead Irish Writers aired on March 6, 2002.

Season 5, Episode 16: Eppur Si Muove aired on March 3, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 18: La Palabra aired on March 9, 2005.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from March 3 – March 9:

Allison Janney posted video promo for her new show Palm Royale, which premieres March 20 on Apple TV+. 

Dule Hill posted a video promoting Reuniting the Cast of Psych: A Fan Experience, happening June 8-9 in the Chicago area. 

Dule Hill posted the graphic for a Broadway Light Dimming Ceremony for HInton Battle happening in New York City on March 12. 

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself with his pickle ball friends. 

Josh Malina posted photos of himself donating blood/platelets. 

Marlee Matlin posted photos of herself with her sons for National Sons Day. 

Marlee Matlin posted photos of herself with her brother Marc for his birthday. 

Marlee Matlin posted a video and a photo of herself in her Oscars look. 

Marlee Matlin posted a slideshow of herself (and her son Tyler) getting ready for the Oscars. 

Peter James Smith posted photos of himself picketing in support of IATSE. 

Rob Lowe posted a photo of his dogs with a toy football. 

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself with Seth MacFarlane. 

Donna Moss Daily: March 3 | March 4 | March 5 | March 6 | March 7 | March 8 | March 9

Daily Josh Lyman: March 3 | March 4 | March 5 | March 6 | March 7 | March 8 | March 9

No Context BWhit: March 3 | March 4 | March 6 | March 7 | March 8 | March 9

@twwarchive: March 3 | March 4 | March 5 | March 6 | March 7 | March 8 | March 9

@twwgifs: March 5 | March 5 (2) | March 7 

@janneyupdates: March 8 (1) | March 8 (2)

Fics:

No Editors' Choice this week, but here's your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. 

Josh/Donna

Lover by MatthewsMary | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Rules of Engagement by Shonio | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

it’s always you by tipstaff | Not Rated | Sam Seaborn/Toby Ziegler | Complete

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

LoveGame by AdelaideTrinity | Rated E | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete

tellin’ myself, one day, i’ll forget about it by Luppiters | Rated G | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | Complete

We had a deal by Labda | Not Rated | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete

Distraction by olivverie | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Matt Santos | Complete

Multiple Pairings

Saving All My Love For You by AdelaideTrinity | Rated E | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | Complete

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: weeklypressbriefing@gmail.com

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

[thebowerypresents]

POSITIVE SPINS: NEW ARTISTS, NEW ALBUMS, AND NEW LIVE STREAMS THAT PUT OUR 2020 ON A BETTER TRACK

2020 proved to be one of the hardest years we have collectively gone through.  While we didn’t have live music to lean on when times got tough, these are the albums, artists and livestreams that got us through the rough patches and will carry us into a brighter 2021.

Listen to our playlist of Positive Spins!

BEST NEW ARTISTS OF 2020 (in no particular order)

THICK

“Brooklyn-based pop-punk three-piece, THICK, are not afraid to say (or sing) what’s on everyone’s mind - with a fierceness and confidence I can only aspire to assume. Sticking it to the establishment is the name of their game - take “Mainsplain,” for instance - and they manage to do so with catchy chord progressions and an uplifting vigor. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the trio, and who else they’ll put in check.” - S. D.

Ela Minus

“Brooklyn-based techno-pop artist Ela Minus broke onto the scene this year with her debut album “ acts of rebellion.” The Colombian-born musician has a background in emo bands, is a trained jazz drummer, and she wrote, produced, engineered, and recorded the album on her own. “acts of rebellion” is moody and sultry, while still making you want to grab your friends and dance.” - K. C.

Arlo Parks

“Without even having released her debut album yet, Arlo Parks has made a name for herself this year. Singles released throughout the year, paired with 2019’s EP ‘Sophie’ and her slot as support on Hayley Williams’ (cancelled) tour have boosted Arlo to a new level this year, that we can only assume will continue to rise in 2021 when her debut album drops.” - K. C.

Beabadoobee

“Beabadoobee’s interesting name is only matched by her sound - bedroom-pop fused with nineties indie-rock, tinged with a tender, DIY aesthetic. Her track “If You Want To” will have you singing along, while her single “She Plays Bass” will take you back to your hormonal, vulnerable, teenage years met with sublime nostalgia. She’s without a doubt a silver lining in 2020.” - S. D.

BENEE

“I first saw Auckland’s BENEE at Rough Trade in October of last year - her sincere, to-the-point lyrics and quirky hooks instantly hooked me. You may know her track, “Supalonely,” which found popularity on TikTok during the height of lockdown, but BENEE’s sound isn’t limited to the confines of one social media trend. In her debut album released this year, BENEE displays an uncanny ability to tackle alt-rock, hip-hop and electro-pop all at the same time, in an unbothered, endearing way - making her a “one to watch” in 2020 and beyond.” - S. D.

Christian Lee Hutson

There isn’t a lack of acoustic singer-songwriters out there, but Christian Lee Hutson is an important new voice. Hutson first full length album, “Beginners,” released this year, has a warm and honest quality to it. The production is subtle (thanks to producer Phoebe Bridgers), and so perfectly complements a simple, acoustic narrative. The result is a soulful, beautiful, and special work of music. - S. D.

Do Nothing

“2020 newcomers out of Nottingham, UK, Do Nothing have already made a big splash in the post-punk world. Releasing their first EP, Zero Dollar Bill, earlier this year, the band have been compared to Idles and are setting out on a similar path of success. Upon first hearing their earlier single Lebron James, countless fans are sure to be sucked into the world of Do Nothing.” - K. C.

Kate Bollinger

“I first listened to Kate Bollinger when she released I Don’t Wanna Lose in 2019. I played the track Candy on repeat all year long. It has been so lovely to watch her grow into the artist she is today. This year she released an EP called A word becomes a sound, which quickly became one of my favorite releases of 2020. Her voice is so comforting. Whenever I listen, I feel like I am being coddled in a fluffy blanket with a cup of herbal tea and nothing could go wrong at that moment. I can’t wait to see what Kate has planned for 2021 and beyond!” - L. S.

SAULT

“After a year of intense racial unrest in the United States, SAULT’s importance is more significant now than ever.  With themes focusing around the Black Lives matter movement, this mystery soul-funk group has become more than buzzy in the music scene, and has earned a spot on tons of year end lists.” - K. C.

Sorry

“London-based genre-defying band Sorry released their debut album ‘925’ this year, produced by James Dring (Gorillaz, Jamie T) which is already reason enough to pique the interest of most. The album certainly does not disappoint, with each song giving you a different taste of the many interesting sides of this up-and-coming group.” - K. C.

Honorable Mentions:

Gracie Abrams Remi Wolf Hailey Whitters KennyHoopla Jade Hairpins Jockstrap Model/Actriz Mild Orange Your Smith Neal Francis

BEST NEW ALBUMS OF 2020 (in no particular order)

Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters

“Fiona Apple is fearless in this album. The song structures and sounds take you on a listening experience I can only describe as emotional in the best way. Eight years of waiting was totally worth it.“ - S. D.

Fleet Foxes – Shore

“This album had been bright spot in a difficult year. St. Ann’s Church was the perfect location for their Colbert performance of Can I Believe You and the live stream will be the perfect holiday present. Ready to feel all the feels!” - K. A.

Khruangbin - Mordechai

“Khruangbin is one of my go-to bands, and “Mordechai” has been heavy in my rotation in 2020. It’s really a great album – I play it cover-to-cover and pairs well with a cocktail and cooking at home, infusing some needed spice and energy in what could otherwise be ‘just another night’ during a long, monotonous several months.” - C.M.

Moses Sumney - Græ

“The highly anticipated second album from Moses Sumney, shows us more of the highly personal, raw and emotionally moving music we have some to expect from him. The cluster of emotions that Moses works through with his beautifully unique voice in this 20 song album give us a look into the complicated mind of one of the most interesting artists of the last 5 years.” - K. C.

Perfume Genius – Set My Heart On Fire Immediately

“*Bill Hader’s Stefan voice* this album has everything! From the heavy and distorted bass on “Describe” to the melodic harp stringing of “Leave,” to the dance ballad (is that a thing?) “On The Floor,” Perfume Genius’ album Set My Heart on Fire Immediately really does have it all. Each song feels vastly different from the next in tone, instrumentation, and influence – yet they all come together so perfectly to make this stunning album, all while showcasing his vocal depth and range. There’s a reason he’s called Perfume *Genius*, and that is because Mike Hadreas can take familiar feelings and turn them into unconventional pop ballads that feel both relatable, but new and exciting at the same time.” - R. E.

Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher  

“How does Phoebe do it? (a question I ask myself daily). I remember waking up on June 18 as if it was my birthday. Punisher is everything I hoped for and then some more. The last song on the album, “I know The End” concludes with a scream which is the perfect cherry on top to this masterpiece. This album is a rollercoaster of Phoebe’s emotions and I feel blessed to be along for the ride. It is relatable, heartfelt and honest. Thank you to Phoebe for this gift. The world will never be the same after this.” - L. S.

Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA

“SAWAYAMA is the early 2000s pop resurgence we didn’t know we needed, mixed with all the best parts of nu-metal. Rina Sawayama uses catchy pop hooks reminiscent of early Britney Spears, and pairs them with heavy guitar riffs to give us arguably the most fun album of 2020 that we cannot wait to experience live.” - K. C.

Tame Impala – The Slow Rush

Thundercat - It Is What It Is

“I love how this album embraces the darkness while managing to find the light in despair - it seems to acutely reflect the times we are in yet is simultaneously so personal to Bruner. The lyrics are set against a backdrop of funk, electronica, jazz, and soul, so there’s a little something for everybody.” - S. D.

Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud

“This album was released early in quarantine, and was the perfect musical escape during some of the toughest days. The imagery and reflection of the lyrics are why Saint Cloud tops my list of albums of 2020.” - J. F.

Honorable Mentions: The Beths – Jump Rope Gazers Fontaines DC - A Heros Dream Kevin Morby – Sundowner Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Reunions My Morning Jacket - The Waterfall II CHIKA - Industry Games Megan Thee Stallion - Suga Christian Lee Hutson- Beginners Idles- Ultra Mono Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin Grass Pup - This Place Sucks Ass Futurebirds- Teamwork Adrianne Lenker – Songs / Instrumentals Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes - What Kinda Music + the bonus tracks EP Some Kind Of Peace – Olafur Arnalds Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Pressure Josh Ritter - See Here, I Have Built You a Mansion Sahara Moon - Worthy Local H - Lifers Deep Purple - Whoosh! Indigo Girls Look Long Taylor Swift - folklore Against All Logic – 2017-2019

TOP TEN LIVESTREAMS 2020 (in no particular order)

Christine & The Queens (Live on KEXP at Home)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bavZe47um4

“Live on KEXP at Home” was home to some of my favorite quarantine livestreams, and this one did anything but disappoint. Not only does Chris, aka Christine & The Queens, perform, but interviews are woven throughout the livestream. The drama of her performances, juxtaposed with her witty and humorous banter with the interviewer was such a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of Chris, this is a must watch.“ - S. D.

Courtney Barnett and Lucius & Friends: Live From Our Lounge Rooms with Sheryl Crow, 3/25/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfRbw3o1jU

“This was a gift that kept on giving. The stream started off with Courtney Barnett and Lucius in matching pajamas. I truly thought it could not get any better but I was in for a treat! The stream included performances by Nathaniel Rateliff, Sheryl Crow, Sharon Van Etten, Waxahatchee, Kevin Morby and more. I can safely say this was my favorite live stream I watched in 2020.” - L. S.

Julien Baker, Themfest Instagram Livestream, 4/16/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tINSbY4wRjs

“Recorded for Themfest during the early days of quarantine, Julien Baker’s in-home livestream was a welcome respite from the Cuomo briefings and general despair of mid April. Just kidding, Julien Baker is the queen of Sad Shit and I certainly didn’t tune into this livestream expecting a mood boost. But if you subscribe to the “sad songs make me feel better” aesthetic purveyed by our sweet little siren, this moody, intimate shot-on-iphone set will scratch that itch. But let’s not fool ourselves, nothing will ever replace the feeling of holding your breath along with 1,799 others at Brooklyn Steel while JB rips your heart out, in a nice way.” - E. M.

Kurt Vile, Love From Philly Livestream, 5/3/20 (covers John Prine’s “Sam Stone” near the end)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjKG-7d5loY&feature=emb_logo - Jared

“Back in May, Kurt Vile took to his basement for a solo acoustic stream to benefit 30 Amp Circuit, a non-profit dedicated to support the health, wellness, and professional needs of Philadelphia-based musicians and artists. The intimate 3-song set rounded out with a special tribute to the late John Prine, as Kurt did his own rendition of “Sam Stone.”” - J. D.

Radiohead, In Rainbows - From The Basement, 6/4/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqDIZxO-nU

“This is the one die hard Radiohead fans have been waiting for. This session originally from 2008 existed in some pretty esoteric places and has been almost impossible to find – until now.” - G. A.

Sturgill Simpson, Live at The Ryman Auditorium, 6/5/20  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO73im4J2sU

“2020 was supposed to be a banner year for Sturgill, until he got COVID-19 in April. He’s ok now, but something about this performance in the sacred church of country music The Ryman, hits different.” - G. A.

Haim - Women in Music PT. III Live Show, 6/25/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_eJU6X3_jQ

“I love pretty much everything the Haim sisters do - so much so that I aspire to be a sister myself. When I was feeling those very familiar mid-pandemic blues, their “Women in Music PT III” livestream, which celebrated their new album of the same name, was the exact pick me up that I needed. For the first time since March, the 30 minute set made me feel as if I was at an intimate gathering - rather than behind a computer watching a YouTube video along with thousands of others. The stream will have you grooving, laughing, and you may even want to be a Haim sister yourself.” - S. D.

Nilufer Yanya, Boiler Room: Streaming From Isolation with Night Dreamer & Worldwide FM, 6/28/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAaAicIJE7s

“Hauntingly beautiful and yet also somehow grounded, Nilufer Yanya’s June livestream was a special one to watch. It makes the case for how intimate an artist’s performance can be, even virtually.” - G. A.

Brittany Howard, Live From Ryman Auditorium, 10/17/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLH59WLQbZo

“Watching Brittany Howard and her incredible band rip through a set on the Ryman stage like no one and everyone was watching all at once was cathartic. The combination of such a singular artist and historic venue hit a similar nerve to seeing an artist you’re excited about play a show in the flesh with people you love – not an easy feat!” - M. L.

Tkay Maidza - Live on KEXP at Home, 11/3/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJgrDvyRbw

“13 minutes and 11 seconds of pure energy. This livestream is the moment we’ve all been waiting for, and, in my opinion, showcases Maidza as the star that she is. A must-watch if you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful approach to hip-hop.“ - S. D.

[ohfrickfanfic]

Blow Jobs and Black Holes

Pairings: Jenshler/Joshler

Warnings/Tags: semi public, blow jobs, not edited.

Nothing but the sound of summer crickets can be heard as Tyler and Jenna lay in the damp grass basking in the moonlight on their perfect date night.

“Whoa!” Tyler exclaims breaking the silence as he watches a shooting star rocket through the night sky while lying on his back in awe. “How’d you find this place, Jenna? I’ve never seen so many stars in my life! I wish Josh was here to see this — He’d love it!”

“Josh is the one who told me about it actually. Apparently, you can see more stars than normal here because we’re far from the city, so there’s no light pollution.”

“Josh told you about this? He’s never mentioned this place to me before.” Tyler turns to look at Jenna laying next to him. He feels slightly offended that his best friend would share this place with his wife but not him.

“He told me it’s kind of his personal little sanctuary where he comes to clear his head,  but he thought it would be the perfect spot for tonight. I think he was right. I should've known you would  wish for your best friend to crash our date night.” Jenna says with a playful shove to Tyler’s shoulder.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tyler questions.

Jenna sits up pulling her knees to chest and crosses her arms over them “Tyler, do you think it’s possible to know someone better than they know themselves?

“I-I mean I guess. What does that have to do with anything?”

“I don’t know any other way to say this so I’m just gonna come out and say it — I think you’re in love with Josh.”

Tyler flies up from the grass, his position now matching Jenna’s. “Excuse me, What?” he twirls his hair nervously trying to process what his wife just said to him. “Jenna, Josh is my best friend. I’m not in love with him. Are you — are you being serious right now? You’re my wife, I love you.” he emphasizes, moving to cup her face in his hands. “Besides I’m not gay.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you but just hear me out okay?” she shakes her head. Tyler crosses his arms across his chest giving Jenna a look that says ‘I’m not happy but I’m listening.’ “First of all, yes I am being serious, and I know you love me. I’m not questioning or doubting your love for me — I think it’s possible to have room for more than one person in your heart. And there are other sexualities besides just gay and straight, ya know?”

“I know me and Josh have a really special friendship and we’re closer than most friends, yes. I do love him, and I care about him a great deal but I’m not IN love with him, Jenna.

“Tyler what are some of your favorite things about me?” 

“This conversation is all over the place. I’m so lost.” Tyler says bewildered running his hands through his hair.

“Just answer the question?”

 “I guess I’d have to say the way you support and encourage my crazy ideas, and how just one look from you can settle all my nerves.”

“Now what are some of your favorite things about Josh?”

Tyler takes a deep breath and rolls his eyes. “I dunno Jenna, uhh ...I guess how we’re always on the same page with things. Like when I was working on the Dema storyline, he had my back every step of the way and trusted me that it would all come together and pay off the way I wanted it too. And on nights when my anxiety gets the best of me on stage and I’m feeling really anxious I can just look over to Josh and remember that we’re a team and we’re in this together and I can just feed off his energy.

“You do realize you basically just gave the same answers for both me and Josh, right? Just worded differently.” Jenna gives Tyler a teasing look.

“Did not.”

“You did, but whatever… What color are my eyes?” Jenna asks another question.

“Blue.  Glacier blue but the outer ring of your iris is like dark denim  — the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.” he smiles leaning to the side to kiss his wife. “I love this little floral sundress on you,” he states pinching a piece of the floral printed fabric between his thumb and finger. “ The little blue flowers bring them out even more.”

“And what color are Josh’s eyes?”

“I feel like most people would say they’re brown, but sometimes when the light hits them just right you can see that they’re really Hazel with warm chocolate brown spec — and ohmygodIaminlovewithJosh” he blurts out, the realization hitting him like a ton of bricks.

“Jenna, what the fuck! What do I do?” Tyler shouts panic-stricken, springing up from the grass and beginning to pace wildly, tugging at his hair. 

Jenna stands “Tyler... TYLER!” she struggles to get her husband's attention. “Tyler, look at me.” She tries to ground him, placing her hands on his shoulders. Tyler looks up, getting lost in her eyes--he expects them to be rough tumultuous seas but is surprised when he’s met with the same still waters and glaciers that feel like home. “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay.” Jenna reassures him pulling his head to her chest.

“It’s not okay. You’re my wife.” Tyler sobs

“You still love me, right?” Jenna questions.

Tyler nods against her cleavage.

“Then that’s all that matters. I meant what I said earlier — I think it’s possible to have room for more than one person in your heart. I know Josh means a lot to you and I’m not about to stand in your way. I think you should explore your feelings more — talk to Josh about it”

“Are you crazy? He would probably never talk to me again!” Tyler exclaims, lifting his head and wiping fiercely at his eyes

“See that’s where I know you’re wrong — the feeling is mutual Tyler.”

“What? No, it isn’t. How would you even know that?” 

“Because I told her,” a third voice says.

“JOSH?, What are you doing here?”

“I-I planned this. Tonight. The three of us.” He speaks nervously in choppy phrases as he joins them on the grass. “I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore. I couldn’t keep my love for you a secret.” Josh looks to Jenna for reassurance and she nods encouragingly for him to continue. “Last night after you surprisingly crashed early for once-” he lets out a small laugh, “Jenna asked me if I was okay as I was leaving, said I seemed like I was hiding something. I broke down and told her everything I had been feeling about you.” he briefly flicks his eyes to Tyler, who’s listening intently, while anxiously plucking at the grass by his side. “I thought for sure she was gonna hate me; I expected her to be angry with me but for some reason, she looked relieved. She explained that for quite some time she felt that you were in love with me too. ” Josh paused placing a comforting hand on Tyler’s thigh. Tyler’s eyes flicked from Josh’s hand to his face then to Jenna and back again trying to process if this was really happening. “She said she wasn’t upset because she felt that you very much still loved her, you just simply loved me as well. Is that true?”

Tyler took a deep breath in, “Yes” he exhaled, looking Josh dead in the eye. 

His answer was simple but it was all they needed to move things along. “I’ve wanted to do this for so long — can um- can I kiss you? Josh asks scooting closer.

Tyler quickly looks to his wife for permission and Jenna nods encouragingly. Even as his plump lips near Josh’s he feels unsure if this is what he wants. Finally admitting to himself that he was in love with Josh was one thing, but sexual attraction was a whole nother level. He’d honestly never thought of Josh  — or any other man — in that way before, and he’s not sure he’s ready or even comfortable exploring that aspect of this, yet his lips are still drawn to Josh’s like a moth to a flame. The second Josh’s lips are oh his, he knows he wants them there — in fact he wants them all over him, the warmth of the kiss rushing into his jeans making them bulge.  

Josh takes notice. “Mmm can I?” he asks, cupping him lightly and beginning to trail kisses down Tyler’s neck, making him weak.

His hips cant up, keenly pressing himself into Josh’s palm in a wordless “Yes” and relaxing back on the grass before his eyes even get the chance to once again ask his wife’s permission. She doesn’t seem to mind though; Tyler catches the corners of her lips curl into a smile just before his eyes flutter close squeezing the surrounding starlight into thin streaks— Josh now welcoming him into a warmth he’s only ever felt from Jenna.

It’s good — different. For one Josh’s eye teeth are a lot prominent than Jenna’s, grazing teasingly up and down Tyler’s shaft with every bob of Josh’s head. His tongue traces expertly around the bell-shaped tip leaving Tyler wondering if he’s done this before — and with who. 

He quickly pushes his questions of Josh’s sexual experience to the back of his mind, allowing himself to focus on the pleasure he’s receiving. His fingers dig into the grassy earth at his sides, dirt making its way under his nails as he lifts his hips, desperately pushing himself farther into Josh’s mouth. Josh smiles at his neediness before taking him deeper. 

Tyler’s breathing grows more ragged with each bob of Josh’s head, and he can’t help the noises that hum in his throat and slip past his lips. Jenna lets a noise of her own slip-free as she watches her husband coming completely undone at the hands of his best friend. Tyler quickly jerks his head in her direction, reaching a hand out towards her as he whispers “Thank you.”  

Jenna nods with a warm smile, grabbing her husband’s hand and squeezing it tightly.  Her peircing blue eyes lock with Tyler’s, his wife’s face coming in and out of focus as he fights to keep them open. He does his best until  — 

“J-osh” Tyler says in a barely audible whisper. “I’m gonna cum!”

And with that he fills Josh’s mouth, his head spinning like a galaxy as he rides out his high. Josh swallows, then coaxes Tyler back to earth with soft slow licks until he twitches with overstimulation.

“You still with us?” Josh laughs, wiping at his mouth.  “I thought maybe I sucked you into a black hole there for a second” he jokes.

[leggomylino]

Rules: you can only repeat one artist and only one time, so we can all kind of spread new 🎶 to the people we tag. Try to listen to at least one of the songs people rec here.

Note by me (@poeticallyspaghetti): I may or may not be slightly breaking these rules :))) let’s call it bending because that sounds less harsh

tagged by @iiasha because she secretly was hoping I would pop off and well message received here we go 😂 ily sis 💓

1) one song you 💛 the first time you listened to and never got tired of?

This is an easy but hard one because I have a collective mass of them but the first one that came to mind was Last Call by Adib Sin feat. Redza & Eliorkid. Adib Sin from what I understand is a hidden gem of a YT music artist and if I could afford it I’d def be funding him, I love almost every song he’s created and have them purchased and downloaded on iTunes, and this one in particular I always have to sing to. It’s kind of sad but I think part of the reason I like it so much (besides the fact that it’s beautiful) is that I partially relate to it...a lot. (Update: Idk why but it’s not on YT anymore :(( but if you wanna hear a bit of it I think it’s still on iTunes?)

2) one song you 😭 every time you listen or makes you emotional?

I don’t listen to this song much for this exact reason: Awake, BTS (Jin). Now hear me out, I don’t listen to much BTS in general because while I’m a huge fan of them individually as people I only have a few of their songs that I really like. The other is Narrow by Mayday Parade. (I’m secretly hoping that SKZ’s Chan would one day sing this? I think he would sound really good and I’d be bawling my eyes out lmao).

3) one song that always makes you happy/😁?

Again I have TOO MANY, but we’re gonna go with Owl City’s Back Home. This song always brings a small smile to my face and reminds me of home, and the life I’d like to live peacefully with my family out in country. It takes me to my happy place if you will. ^^”

4) one song that you would dedicate to your best friend and/or your family?

This one wasn’t hard: Yellow, Coldplay. This is mine and my dad’s song (whether he’s aware of it or not), we always sing it together in the car.

5) one song with a production (the sounds, the beat, the mood) you 😍?

I almost went with Queen Lindsey and her badass violin for this one, but my heart brought me over to Stray Kids’ Insomnia and Awkward Silence. And a lot of their other songs. 3Racha and the boys are just talented af.

6) one song with perfect, amazing, outstanding lyrics?

I have a few yet again. I’m always paying attention to lyrics if I can help it, because the meaning of songs is really important to me. I wanted to list a bunch of Twenty One Pilots songs here but I’m saving them for the next number, so instead here I’ll list Blue Roses, Flyleaf; When It Rains, Paramore; Woodwork, Knuckle Puck. I always have to sing along with these songs.

7) one song that you would recommend to anyone?

TOP’s Holding Onto You and Tear In My Heart. And just about any other song they’ve done. Tyler and Josh are two God blessed amazing guys. Also: Elevated, State Champs. I discovered this band when I was in a low point of stress and depression and they really helped to lift my mood and be more positive. Finally, Honey and the Bee by Owl City. THIS IS THE CUTEST LOVE SONG EVERY IDC WHAT ANYONE SAYS I WANNA SING THIS WITH MY BF ONE DAYYYY IT’S JUST 😩 SO 😩😩 CUUUUUUTE 😩😩😩 okay thanks-

8) one song you don’t understand why you like so much but you do anyway?

Ummm this one I had to think about. I ended up choosing Phantom by The Story So Far because it’s not something I would normally listen to? But?? I sometimes just really like it and there’s something about it I just like and can’t explain...

9) one song that you think people, in general, wouldn’t like but you do?

I used to be really into Vocaloid just like Zero said in her post BUT I’m going with Known by Tauren Wells and Psalm 42 by Tori Kelly. I don’t think very many people in my generation listen to Christian music? Maybe it’s just the area I live in. I couldn’t go without it, I love these spiritually uplifting songs and I have many more like them.

10) one song people normally like and you don’t like or hate?

OOF I’m not sure if this is true or not but: Chicken Noodle Soup, J-Hope and Becky G?? I just. I’m sorry I’m not a fan. It’s too memey for me. (I’m not going to tag it either-) (EDIT: okay I just went back and read an article about how much this song means to him and now I feel kinda bad so I just wanna clarify I think that’s amazing and I in no way think this is a bad song it’s just not my style 😅🙈)

11) one song you would call a masterpiece?

Dandelions, Ruth B. Hands down. This song I just love so so much. It’s beautiful and I love getting lost in it.

12) one song you recently (last 30 days max) discovered and really liked it?

What Can I Do? and Man in a Movie, Day6 // Autumn Dream, N. Flying. I don’t think I have to explain these. Just listen.

13) one song you listen to to get pumped like you wanna tear down the fucking government or something?

Plum Island, Waterparks // Theater, Icon for Hire. There are more but I’m not supposed to repeat artists rip 😒💔 (EDIT: Also Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors, Neek Deep c; It’s been a hot minute since I listened to these guys, tho-- “SMOOTH SEAS DON’T MAKE GOOD SAILORS!1!1 JUMP SHIP AND HEAD FOR FAILURE1!1!!1! Find yourself a tragedy, slowly lose your sa-ni-tyyyyyyyy~” 🤗)

tagging!! @districtkai @jisungsjheekies @backhugsforhyunjin @lovesickmark @minniewoos @joully @ whoever else wants to do this <3

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

POST #24- J’s Year in Review 2019

Jesus Christ it’s 36 degrees and dark at 5:30. The most depressing time of year for me. I owe my friends a few reviews and keep putting them off. I’ll do them tomorrow. Hell, maybe when I have time over the weekend I’ll get that one out I promised a few weeks ago. Here I am, sitting on the couch trying to figure out which record I want to highlight next. It’s a daunting task. A lesson I’ve learned over the past year. I need to get those reviews out but my mind (and ears) get the best of me. What do I do instead? I listen to a couple of records and skip right to the end. What I mean by end is that cliche year in review article that all music journalists put out with their favorite artists, songs, records, and shows of the year. This is all new to me. Shortly after the new year I decided it was time for me to get in the game. I don’t have much to offer but I wanted to put my perspective on paper. My first article was a piece about Tyler Childers raising awareness and getting a large donation of bottled water for the citizens of Martin County, Kentucky. I knew about Martin County. I didn’t know how deep it went. It wasn’t the meet and greet and small solo set that made me want to write about my experience. It was Tyler’s words. It was the raw emotion and the choked up words that inspired me to be a writer. I wanted as many people to know about this event as I could possibly get the word to. Be it 5, 10, 20 or even 30 people that read the article and learned about the plight of the citizens of Martin County have been in for years. That maybe 5, 10, 20 or even 30 people that may learn how to contact their representative and ask questions. I hope it inspires people to learn about their community and lend a helping hand to those in need. That event was last year, but it inspired my path this year.

Let me begin by saying that I have met some of the most amazing people over the past 12 months. I will touch on as many of those people as much as I can. I am going to highlight the music that has moved me over the same amount of time. I’m gonna forget people. I’m sorry in advance. I could put a list of my top 10 albums out but that just wouldn’t be fair. To be honest, there is one album that stands head and shoulders above all others. It’s not even a competition. How do you compete with amazing art? I look at it like its a steady stream of good shit coming out and keeping my playlist full.

Album of the Year (Any Genre)

Sound and Fury - Sturgill Simpson

Why?

It’s f*cking amazing. Earth shattering. Ground breaking. LOUD!

Sturgill Simpson took everything you thought you knew about him and his music, threw it out the window of his muscle car, and backed over it about a hundred times. This man does not give a shit. I screwed up on my first listen. There are two ways this album should be heard. 1) On a turntable with the volume turned as loud as it can possibly go. 2) Watching the accompanying anime movie with the volume turned as loud as it can possibly go. Unfortunately I did neither. Most of my first listen was a track at a time on my phone or in my truck. Dead. Wrong. If I had it to do over again I would most definitely start with the anime.

I get it. Anime is not for everyone. If I could give someone a starting point with anime, it would most definitely be Sound and Fury. This album is The Wall of our generation. After my first listen I posted, “Album of the Year Any Genre”. I fully stand by that assessment.

Favorite Albums of the Year

This is where I will most definitely make someone mad or make myself mad for leaving off someone who deserves to be included.

Home - Billy Strings

Favorite Tracks: Away From The Mire and Watch It Fall

Country Squire - Tyler Childers

Favorite Tracks - Creeker and Peace of Mind

Stranger In The Alps - Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle

Favorite Tracks: Buffalo’s Canon and Stewball

Between The Country - Ian Noe

Favorite Tracks: Barbara’s Song and Methhead

Seneca - Charles Wesley Godwin

Favorite Tracks: Hardwood Floors and Seneca Creek

Chris Knight - Almost Daylight

Favorite Tracks: I’m William Callahan and Go On

The Wind - Eric Bolander

Favorite Tracks: Closer to that Flame and Ghost

Josh Nolan - Kind Heart to Follow

Favorite Tracks: Makin’ Eyes and The Honeysuckle

Nicholas Jamerson - Floyd County All Star

Favorite Tracks: Patience and Floyd County All Star

High Expectations - Sean Whiting

Favorite Tracks: Melody and Misery

Songs Only A Mother Could Love - Wayne Graham

Favorite Tracks: By and By and Every Evil Thing

On The Hilltop - Nic Allen and the Troubled Minds

Favorite Tracks: Cheap Pills and Wine and For Heaven’s Sake

Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold - Mike and the Moonpies

Favorite Tracks: Cheap Silver and Danger

The Gospel - The Local Honeys

Favorite Tracks: Amazing Grace and Let the Church Roll On

Full Moon/Heavy Light - Ona

Favorite Tracks: Young Forever and True Emotion

Trial and Error - Vintage Pistol

Favorite Tracks: Lay It Down and Leave Me Behind

The Pilot Light - Derek Spencer

Favorite Tracks: The Witches of Appalachia and Lit By Moonlight

We Fall, We Break - Walter DeBarr

Favorite Tracks - Wicked Eyes and We Fall, We Break

Alive at Hillbilly Central - Arthur Hancock

Favorite Tracks - Take Me Back To The Country and Kenton’s Outdoor Seating Area

Cuz I Love You - Lizzo

Favorite Tracks: Truth Hurts and Juice

I have to give a shoutout to some amazing visual artists for their work on some of these records. Jimbo Valentine and Colonel Tony Moore did an absolutely amazing job on the Country Squire album art. With Valentine’s futuristic hillbilly aura and Moore’s gritty comic book background, their collaboration is my favorite album artwork in some time. Honorable mention goes to Nashville Tattoo Artist, Squishy Eyes. His work for Billy Strings’ home is colorful and visually stimulating. I definitely want some skin art done by this guy!

Next. Let’s talk festivals. Jon Grace burst onto the scene this year putting on not one but two music festivals. Jon and I go way back. We’ve been to country shows, rock shows, heavy metal shows, nu metal shows, Ozzfest. You name it and we were probably in the vicinity. Laurel Cove Music Festival was Bell County’s first foray into the music festival scene and it started with a flash of lightning, then another, then a shit load of rain. An outdoor music festival being held at a beautiful natural amphitheater turned in to an indoor show in the conference room at Pine Mountain State Park. It was a tough decision to make, but in the end, it was worth every minute. The lineup came together in short order and provided us with two days of blistering sets. Jon then put together the FREE Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival in downtown Middlesboro, KY. Featuring local and regional talent for another two days of fun and music. 2019 set the bar high for live music in Bell County.

Festival of the Red is located in the heart of the Red River Gorge area and put on three days of camping and music. The only downside was that I was only there on Saturday. My buddies Blake and Dave packed in the truck with Dave’s little boy Waylon to make the two hour trip to Slade to catch up with old friends and new.

Master Musician Festival is a yearly mainstay in Somerset, KY. Tiffany Finley and company put together a stellar lineup year after year. My wife and I went for the day on Saturday and returned home with memories that we still laugh about months later. I first want to give a shoutout to the staff of MMF for enduring a brutal storm and having the integrity to cancel the headlining act in the face of severe storms. We were devastated that we missed out on a Jason Isbell set, but we are also blessed that we were not injured in a stupid storm. The party rolled on to Jarfly and into the wee hours of the morning.

This brings me to the granddaddy of them all.

Kickin’ It On The Creek.

The Roberts do it up right on Ross’ Creek. The 5th Annual Kickin’ It On The Creek held on Byron Roberts’ farm is something every music fan should experience once in their life. I went to Irvine in June to attempt to buy tickets in person. I left the house Saturday morning around 4:30. My anxiety hit when I got into town and parked and saw the line stretched nearly a half mile down the road. What do you do though? You hop in line! My friends Jon and Daniel arrived about an hour and a half ahead of me and were about 15 people in front of me. Throughout the morning we made conversation with both veterans and newbies alike. The vibe was jubilant. It was almost like a family reunion atmosphere, and this was just the presale. Long story short, about 3 hours later we get to the front of the line when Byron exits the store to announce the tickets were sold out. My friends who were 15 people in front of me were the last group in. It made me ill to realize I was that close. Never fret, the next step was an online sale that supposedly sells out in seconds. Over the next few weeks, karma would smile on us as we were able to purchase enough tickets so everyone in our group of friends were able to procure tickets. Now the wait.

I’m not a festival virgin by no means. I was fortunate enough to go to three Bonnaroo festivals in the early 00’s. Needless to say, I had an idea of the festival life. However, I can’t begin to explain the giddiness that my wife and I felt driving to the festival that Thursday evening in late September. We made it just in time to set up camp and catch Bedford Band and one of the acts I most looked forward to, Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle. The family atmosphere was in full effect. We were home. On Friday we were treated to sets by a variety of artists handpicked by the Roberts family. Favorites included Luna and the Mountain Jets, Crownover, Laid Back Country Picker, Green Genes, Jericho Woods, Vintage Pistol, Magnolia Boulevard, John R Miller and the Engine Lights, Town Mountain, and the ‘Lectric Wooks. Saturday favorites included Abe Partridge, Padre Paul Handleman, Wayne Graham, William Matheny, Senora May, Ona, The Wooks, Arlo McKinley, and festival headliner Tyler Childers. I’m already thinking about KIOTC 2020.

This year was magical. I heard amazing music, saw amazing music, introduced my children to amazing music, and most importantly shared with with my wife. I met lifelong friends and have several shows to look forward to in 2020.

Upcoming shows I’ll be attending are The Wooks, Arlo McKinley, Eric Bolander, Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow, and Dave Shoemaker at the Bell Theater on December 21st. 2020 brings Morgan Wade/Kelsey Waldon, Town Mountain/Buffalo Wabs/Geno Seale, Billy Strings, and Sturgill Simpson/Tyler Childers. The festival circuit is also ramping up with dates set for Laurel Cove 2020.

-Josh Trosper

*This is an independent review. The Hillbilly Hippie Music Review was not compensated for this review.

*The opinions expressed are solely that of the author(s).

[nho-jungle]

Alphabet Challenge

I found a song on my playlist for every letter of the alphabet, and over the next couple of weeks I will be writing fics based off each of those songs. Here is the playlist, and here is the list of the songs and pairings that’’ll be used (along with notes on some so I don’t forget)

A: Absinthe- Brendon Urie/Dallon Weekes, witch au.

B: Bleed Magic- Brendon Urie/Dallon Weekes, witch au pt 2

C: Coming Clean- No ship, Pierce the Veil centred, Vic’s coming out (with a cameo from Billie Joe)

D: Dial Tones- Patty Walters/Maxx Danziger/Awsten Knight

E: Empire to Ashes- Kellin Quinn/Oli Sykes

F: Falling Asleep on a Stranger- Vic Fuentes/Kellin Quinn, cute stranger falls asleep on Vic’s shoulder and he does not want to wake them but it’s nearly his stop.

G: Gloom Boys- Awsten Knight/Geoff Wigington

H: Horrible Kids- Maxx Danziger/Awsten Knight/Patty Walters

I: I Feel Like Dancin’- Alex Gaskarth/Jack Barakat

J: Johnny Boy- Josh Dun/Tyler Joseph

K: King for a Day- Vic Fuentes/Kellin Quinn, based off the video

L: Lucky People- Polyparx, sequel to my other polyparx fic

M: Chemical Kids and Mechanical Brides- Vic Fuentes/Kellin Quinn, Steampunk, android x artificial human.

N: N.M.E- Maxx Danziger/Cody Carson

O: Okay- Ben Biss/Patty Walters

P: Plum Island- Awsten Knight/Jawn Rocha

Q: The Question, The Answer- Patty Walters/Maxx Danziger/Awsten Knight.

R: Royal- Awsten Knight/Geoff Wigington

S: Speak Soft- Patty Walters/Awsten Knight

T: Time-bomb- Alex Gaskarth/Jack Barakat

U: Uncontainable- Maxx Danziger/Cody Carson, based off the video

V: Vegas- Alex Gaskarth/Jack Barakat

W: The Wounded World- Patty Walters/Ben Biss

X: Run Dry (X Heart, X Fingers)- Patrick Stump/Pete Wentz

Y: Young and Menace- Patrick Stump/Pete Wentz

Z: Zombie Song- Misc

If yall wanna do this too, I’d love to see what songs you use, so shoot me a message.

[930club]

GET FAMILIAR: Weeks of August 5 and August 12, 2019

COMING SOON: half●alive

Release Title: Now, Not Yet (LP)

Release Date: Friday, August 9, 2019

What To Expect: Using their uplifting, quirky electronic music and a must-watch viral video for their song “still feel.”, Los Angeles-based trio half●alive have suddenly found themselves on the brink of superstardom in only a year’s time. Josh Taylor, the former frontman of Long Beach band The Moderates, left his old outfit to form half●alive along with drummer Brett Kramer in 2017, later adding bassist J Tyler Johnson to round out the group. Since the release of “still feel.” in August 2018, the band has experienced a whirlwind of success, racking up millions upon millions of views on Youtube and nearly selling out a 12-date US tour in early 2019. The band has already put out a few EPs and singles, but they are preparing to release their first full-length studio project this Friday with Now, Not Yet. 

The album’s tracklist features a few songs that fans will already be familiar with in “arrow” and “RUNAWAY” as well as their aforementioned viral hit, but the band has previously shown the ability to incorporate funk, pop, and rock elements into all of their records so there’s no telling what the rest of Now, Not Yet will sound like. The latest offering from the band before the album’s drop is “ok ok?” which sees the group slowing things down a bit while adding in a couple of psychedelic harmonies and some good ol’ fashioned electric guitar riffs for good measure. The group has been excitingly innovative when it comes to how they present themselves and their music, and with Taylor at the helm, it seems like almost anything is possible for these three dreamers.

Don’t miss half●alive at 9:30 Club on September 27th - bring your dance shoes and grab your tickets here!

WEBSITE ● TWITTER ● FACEBOOK ● MUSIC

LOCAL LEGENDS: IDK

Release Title: ISHEREAL (LP)

Release Date: TBD (August)

What To Expect: PG County’s own IDK has masterminded quite the album release campaign for his upcoming project ISHEREAL, scheduled to drop sometime this month. Starting at the end of 2018, the rapper began posting percentages to his Instagram stories, Twitter feed, and in Facebook posts and claiming that they were in relation to the status of ISHEREAL. Each time the number seemed to inch closer and closer to 100%, but there was no discernable pattern for months and months. Finally on May 19, he tweeted, “HELLO FOLKS. FIRST SONG FROM ISHEREAL DROPS ON MY BIRTHDAY. TELL A FRIEND,” and, just like that, the real fun began. 

Just a few days later, IDK unleashed “Digital,” a biting, abrasive track, unto the world. “Digital” sees the young spitter reflectively delivering bars about his past and how it led him to this point in his career. IDK has always had a penchant for storytelling, and the song doesn’t shy away from getting into the gritty details of his upbringing and the environments he grew up in. Fans, who were already excited by the single, were even more pleasantly surprised when he took to social media again on June 18 to hint at even more big news. The next day, Forbes published the exclusive premier of his new venture, an independent label associated with Warner Music that he would be heading up called CLUE. It was a massive announcement for an artist who has lived in relative obscurity outside the DMV to this point, but IDK wasn’t done making waves just yet. 

On July 8, he filled his fans in on a digital scavenger hunt that would reveal a secret message about the project. Within hours, there were hordes  of fans attempting to crack the code, which ended up reading “ALBUM NEXT MONTH, SINGLE THIS MONTH.” The final step in the rollout was the release of the single “24,” which premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats1Radio station. “24” follows the short and sweet model of “Digital,” and sees IDK using a boom bap flow and ominous production to create a captivating and slightly disturbing listening experience. ISHEREAL is due this month with many speculating that it will drop sometime over the next two weeks. All I know is that if IDK put this much thought into the rollout, I absolutely cannot wait to see what he has in store for us with this album. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for what could easily be the project of the year.

WEBSITE ● TWITTER ● FACEBOOK ● MUSIC

WILD CARD: AUGUST 08

Release Title: Happy Endings EP (EP)

Release Date: Thursday, August 8, 2019

What To Expect: 88RISING is the mass media company at the forefront of bridging Asian culture with hip-hop and modern music. It’s the brainchild of industry vet Sean Miyashiro, who described it as a “hybrid management, record label, video production and marketing company” to Highsnobiety just last week. Featuring a roster full of heavy-hitters such as Rich Brian, Joji and the Higher Brothers, 88RISING has established itself as a group that will turn heads for years to come with their combination of talented artists and business minds. They’ve even curated their own music festival called “Head In The Clouds,” which will have its second run this fall, and while it’s easy to point to Miyashiro’s steady leadership as the driving force behind their commercial success, it’s a little harder to pinpoint why their music resonates with so many fans across the globe. Enter AUGUST 08, the group’s most elusive and seemingly out-of-place member; that is until you hear him sing.

“AUGUST 08 is the pillar of the creative family that is 88RISING. As a songwriter, he’s 88RISING’s secret weapon when it comes to creating hits for Joji, Rich Brian, NIKI, and many more,” said Ones To Watch in mid-2018, going on to say that, “[h]e is the glue to this family that represents music’s ascendant globalism.” The LA-native started out his career under his birth name August Grant according to his Apple Music profile, landing a feature on DJ Khaled’s summer smash “I’m The One” before landing on Rich Brian’s 2018 track “Amen” and subsequently releasing his debut single “Funeral” as AUGUST 08 through 88RISING. Joining the 88RISING team helped kickstart his career, and he’s been steadily racking up co-signs from some of the industry’s biggest names ever since. 

Earlier this year he released the club-rap banger “Simple Pleasures,” which recently scored a remix from DC’s GoldLink in July. It’s a funky, afro-futuristic track that shows an exciting new direction for the young R&B singer. He announced that he would be releasing a project titled Happy Endings EP that is appropriately set to drop this Thursday, August 8. If the EP follows the precedent of “Simple Pleasures,” then we’re in for a high-energy, electro-influenced project that is sure to be the perfect backdrop for a night on the town. That said, things are never how they appear on the surface with the 88RISING crew, so it seems like we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out exactly what AUGUST 08 has up his sleeve. Check him out, and make sure to follow the rest of the 88RISING crew as they continue to work their way to the top of the music charts.

WEBSITE ● TWITTER ● FACEBOOK ● MUSIC

- Matt Singer

[amateur-theater-critic-blog]

Be More Chill

Be More Chill is a disappointing and repetitive play that leans too much on its ability to provide good music to develop any sort of character or original plot. Based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Ned Vizzini, it tells the tale of an average boy going through the troubles of high school when he encounters the Japanese supercomputer nanotechnology called the S.Q.U.I.P. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really do anything with that idea. Instead it uses old overused high school cliches that any casual reader of anything can recognize. Everything you think that will happen, happens. And not even in an original fashion, either. It felt more like going through the motions. We need a strong independent love interest, but she has to fall in love with him in the end, so, in the very last scene, with no prior interest in the main character, she will tell him she loves him and kiss him.

There are also a lot of plot points that are mentioned once - as if to set up conflict or problem, and then is never addressed again. In one scene, the rich kid’s house gets set on fire, and even though it triggers a song and one of the characters walks in crutches, nobody else seems to actually be affected by it. The whole deal is dropped after the song - even the crutches in the next few scenes. There’s also a moment when the SQUIP tells Jeremy that he isn’t going to be cool, he’s going to be chill, while never providing a distinction, even in the story. Other scenes are similarly disjointed, even though they happen within a few days of Jeremy’s life.

None of the characters have any dimension to them, simply given a single characteristic from the beginning that stays with them through the end - a wikipedia one word description, one could say. In addition, the plot itself is flawed, wherein the villain ultimately made everything better and not being yourself is the answer - completely contradicting their attempt at a moral. It is also unclear is Christine, the love interest, was ever interested in Jeremy, making the last scene, where she suddenly proclaims her love to him, a little suspicious. However, I feel like that problem stems from the director not allowing the actors to flesh out their own role, as the first act has a very good base for interesting characters, if not good ones.

If that were the only bad part, I would think it was a pretty okay musical. It fails terribly as a storytelling medium, but at least it would have had good music and songs. And while individually, each song and dance number is reasonably good, when you listen to all of it one after the other, it gets boring. The sound of the people singing feels especially artificial next to the techno style instrumentals, and it is just loud enough that eventually it stops being a song and just becomes word vomit with a catchy beat. When I listened to the playlist of songs on Spotify, I was shocked at the difference in quality. Maybe the problem here is that it was only previews and the issue will be fixed in the real performance, maybe not. Who knows.

The best part of the play, hands down, was the set design and the lighting. With screens lining the front of the stage, and the whole techno vibe, it was absolutely beautiful. The only time it got in the way was when there were lights flashing in the audience, and the balcony was just at the right level to have spotlights flashed right into unsuspecting eyes. Luckily, it was only done once.

In reading reviews of the 2015 off-broadway version, most critics agree with my thoughts, that the story on its own is pretty shallow, so if you don’t particularly like the music, it doesn’t provide much else in the way of entertainment. So, my suggestion is to listen to the Spotify Be More Chill Original cast recording, and if you really like that, like really love it, then sure, go ahead, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it.

Rating: 2/5

Now In Previews: Opening Night is March 10th

http://bemorechillmusical.com/

Cast and Creative:

Jeremy Heere -- Will Roland

Mr. Heere/Mr. Reyes/Scary Stockboy -- Jason Sweettooth Williams

Jake Dillinger -- Britton Smith

Chloe Valentine -- Katlyn Carlson

Brooke Lohst -- Lauren Marcus

Rich Goranski -- Gerard Canonico

Christine Canigula -- Stephanie Hsu

Jenna Rolan -- Tiffany Mann

Michael Mell -- George Salazar

The Squip -- Jason Tam

Music and Lyrics -- Joe Iconis

Book -- Joe Tracz

Director -- Stephen Brackett

Choreography -- Chase Brock

Music Supervisor and Orchestrator -- Charlie Rosen

Music Director and Vocal Arranger -- Emily Marshall

Scenic Designer -- Beowulf Boritt

Costume Designer -- Bobby Frederick Tilley II

Lighting Designer -- Tyler Micoleau

Sound Designer -- Ryan Rumery

Projection Designer -- Alex Basco Koch

Wig and Makeup Designer -- Dave Bova

Fight Designer -- J. David Brimmer

Music Coordinator -- Michael Aarons

Dance Arrangements -- Rob Berman

Production Stage Manager -- Amanda Michaels

Production Supervisor -- Senovva

Associate Music Director -- Geoffrey Ko

Associate Choreographer -- Alicia Lundgren

Musicians:

Conductor/Keyboard 1 -- Emily Marshall

Theremin/Trumpet/Flugabone/Recorder -- Danny Jonokuchi

Woodwinds/Keyboard 2/Vocoder -- Josh Plotner

Guitar 1 -- Mike Rosengarten

Guitar 2/Ukelele -- Charlie Rosen

Drums/Percussion -- Marques Walls

Bass -- Dennis Michael Keefe

[hmorris0712]

tyler joseph x jenna black~ new student (part ONE)

tyler’s p.o.v.

“good morning class. before we begin, there’s someone i’d like to introduce.” our teacher says sweetly. she’s always been the nice teacher. and nice is good, but like, she’s too nice. you know those kinds of teachers? yeah, well she’s one of them.

she opens the door and in walks a girl with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. she looks timid, yet strong at the same time. i’m fascinated by her, and i don’t know why. i can’t seem to take my eyes off of her. she’s so....beautiful. i don’t even realize until now, but my mouth is slightly open, so i close it quickly to make sure nobody saw. but my hopes of no one seeing quickly die when i hear josh snicker from across the room. i throw a glare at him as he continues attempting to keep his mouth shut.

“this is jenna black, and she will be joining us for the rest of the year.” jenna black. maybe one day she’ll be jenna jo-

“jenna, why don’t you take that empty seat next to tyler?” oh no. red alert. RED ALERT. i turn to josh with a subtle panicked look on my face. he shrugs in return and then looks up at something next to me. i turn to see what he’s looking at and oh crap she’s already here.

she sits down in the chair and puts her bag down, getting her things out of it. she turns to me with a smile. “so...tyler?” she asks. “..yeah...jenna?” i reply, slightly confused. “i’m just making sure that’s your name.” i almost laugh. “i mean, she told you to take this empty seat next to tyler, correct?” i reply, partially sarcastic. she gives me this look of annoyance, although i can tell she’s faking it because of that little smile she failed to hide.

i’m surprised i didn’t stutter through that whole conversation. so far so good as far as first impressions go.

~~~~~~~~~

*after class ends*

“this is josh, he’s my best friend and bandmate.” i introduce as we walk with jenna to her locker. josh holds out a hand and smiles. “salutations.” jenna laughs at his greeting. i could get used to hearing that sound. “salutations.” she says as she shakes his hand. “so you two are in a band? that’s pretty cool. what’s it called?” she asks. “twenty one pilots.” josh and i say in unison, unintentionally. we look at each other with smiles. “dude!” josh says as he high fives me.

“that was awesome.” she says with an amused expression. “yeah it was!” josh says, laughing a little.

“so, what class do you have next jenna?” i ask after a few seconds of silence. she looks down at her schedule in her hands. “um...art.” she replies. my eyes light up. “oh cool, me too. maybe we could walk there together! josh has physics next, one of the worst classes out there.” i say, placing a hand on josh’s shoulder in sympathy. he fake pouts. “pray for me.” he says jokingly. “done and done.” i reply as he starts going his separate way. “seeya at lunch josh.” i call. “later dude.”

i turn to jenna, a smile on my face. “alright, art’s this way, follow me.” i tell her. “obviously. i don’t have anyone else to follow, do i?” she scoffs. “i guess not.” i shrug.

“what’s your last name?” she asks me as we walk down the crowded hall. “joseph.” i glance at her. she nods. “well tell me about yourself, tyler joseph.” she nudges me in the arm. “well, let’s see. my name is tyler robert joseph, i’m eighteen, i play piano, ukulele, i can sing, i have a sister and two brothers, and i’m in a band with my best friend. you already knew some of that stuff, but yeah basically my life isn’t that exciting.” i explain.

her eyes light up with excitement. “wait, you sing? oh my gosh you have to show me.” “oh, would you look at that? we’re already here! guess it’ll have to wait.” i say with a smirk as we enter the classroom. “oh come on! okay, we go to your house after school and you will sing for me.” she argues. well...if she’s coming to my house....

“i’ll think about it.” i say as i set my bag down at a seat. she glares at me playfully.

we don’t have any assigned seats in this class, i usually just take whatever’s open. jenna sits down next to me and the teacher closes the door, starting the class.

~~~~~~~~~

lunch time, finally.

“so, have you wooed the princess yet?” josh asks me with a smirk as he approaches my locker. i roll my eyes. “no, no i haven’t josh. and i don’t think i will anytime soon.” i take some books out and put them in my bag.

“sure you will.” he reassures me. i deadpan him. “she just met me josh.” he raises his eyebrows at me. “you just met her, and look what happened.” he smirks. i sigh and rest my forehead against my locker. “i don’t know josh, i just don’t think she likes me like that.”

“who doesn’t like you like what?”

i jump, startled by jenna’s voice. “oh my god.” i mumble quietly to myself, covering my face. “oh tyler just has this crush on this girl, but he barely knows her.” josh states with a smirk, side-eyeing me.

jenna claps her hands. “oooooh who is it?” i shake my head. “that is classified information.” “but josh knows! why can’t i?” she pouts. “well, i didn’t even tell him, he just knows me too well and, as a result, figures out everything about me without me even having to say a word.” i subtly glare at josh.

jenna nods. “well what letter does her name start with?” “j.” josh says before i can say anything. if looks could kill...

“oh my gosh is it jessica from art class? you two would be so cute tog-“ “no, jenna it’s not jessica.” i say, shaking my head. “also please don’t try to guess who it is, because i’m gonna say no to every name you say.” i point at her.

she crosses her arms over her chest. “i’ll get it out of you eventually. now c’mon, let’s eat! i’m starving!!” she says as she turns and starts walking off to the cafeteria.

josh is smirking at me while i continue to glare at him. “c’mon, let’s eat! i’m starving!” josh copies what jenna said and pulls me along with him to follow her.

~~~~~~~~~

josh, jenna and i have calculus together. josh’s seat is next to mine, and jenna sits in the front of the room.

i don’t know what’s with me today, but i literally cannot keep my eyes off of her. i try, believe me i try, but then i catch sight of her piercing blue eyes, her perfect blonde hair, her beautiful as heck smile and-you’re doing it again tyler.

“dude you’re so whipped.” josh whispers in my ear while my eyes are still studying her. “i know, it’s horrible. can you please make it stop?” i look at him with pleading eyes. he shakes his head. “sorry pal, you’re on your own.” i sigh and place my head in my hands.

“mr. joseph, are you still with us?” the teacher’s voice calls me out of my sulking. “uh, yeah i’m just...tired.” i say as my face heats up a bit. i sigh for the third time this class.

why am i like this?

~~~~~~~~~

“later josh.” “seeya tyler.”

josh walks out of the school doors to head home. jenna looks up at me with a smile on her face and in her eyes. “so...your house? i can call my mom and tell her i’m going home with a friend so she won’t be worried sick about me.” she offers. i smile back. “sure why not.”

we walk out of the school into the cold windy weather of columbus. “you got enough layers? it’s pretty cold out here.” i check with jenna. she only has one jacket, and it doesn’t look too warm. well, at least she’s got some gloves and a scarf.

“yep. i’m good.” she holds up two thumbs and flashes a cheesy smile that makes my own smile grow. “alright then, off to my house.” i say as i start walking.

“what’s your life like jenna? i mean, you asked me earlier so i think it’s my turn now to ask you.” i say. she smiles. “well, my name’s jenna elizabeth black, i moved to columbus about a week ago with my parents, sister, and brother, and...no that’s about really it. oh no wait, i love cooking. like, really love it. and i’m pretty good at it if i do say so myself.” she says with a smirk.

“you’re gonna have to make me something eventually so i can be the judge of whether you’re good or not.” i say. her mouth opens in mock offense. “you think i’m bad at cooking??” “no, i don’t think anything currently. all i’m saying is i’ll have to see for myself one day how good you are at it.” i explain.

“okay good. i was about to turn around and go to my house. or actually, my house is this way so far, so i’d probably just speedwalk.” she reveals. i scoff. “oh please, i’d catch up to you easily. i don’t know if you know this, but i’m super fast.” i point out. she frowns. “dangit.” she mutters quietly, though i can still hear her. i chuckle a little.

we walk in a comfortable silence for a couple minutes before i notice that she’s starting to shiver a bit. i don’t have any jackets for her, but i do have...

“here, want my beanie? it’s really soft, i promise.” i offer with a small smile. she smiles warmly. “thank you.” she pulls it over her head with ease. it fits her like a glove. she looks even more pretty now than she did before. i didn’t even know that was possible. the navy blue color of the hat compliments her crystal blue eyes perfectly.

“what’re you looking at? do i have something on my face?” crap. “uhh yeah. snow.” thank the lord for perfect timing. she gasps and looks up, and sure enough, snowflakes have started falling. her expression turns from slight excitement to pure joy. this is the happiest i’ve seen her all day, and she’s been happy all day.

she sticks out her tongue, and a snowflake lands perfectly on it. she puts out her arms and spins around a couple times. oh my god she really doesn’t know how adorable she’s being right now. i quickly pull out my phone and snap a quick picture before she notices.

“hey, this is my neighborhood.” i tap her arm as we approach the entrance. she stops for a second. “you’re kidding.” she says with her eyebrows raised. i furrow mine in confusion. “...no? this is where i live?” the corners of her mouth twitch upwards and form a smile. “tyler, i live here too!” she says excitedly.

what? how could i not have seen her at all?

“dude no way, that’s sick!!” i exclaim and give her a high five. as we walk down the streets to get to mine i find out that her house is only one street away from mine. how convenient.

i take out my house key and unlock the door to my house. “mom, dad, i’m home! and i brought a friend as well.” i shout as i let jenna in before closing the door after her.

“oh fun! what’s his name?” my mom yells back from the kitchen. jenna and i hold back our laughter. “her name’s jenna, mom.”

no response.

no more than three seconds later, my mom comes rushing over to see this ‘girl’ i’ve brought home.

“hi! i’m mrs. joseph, but you can call me kelly.” she says, offering her hand to jenna. jenna smiles and shakes it without hesitation. “i’m jenna. nice to meet you!” my mom laughs. “tyler never brings home girls, so i just had to introduce myself.”

“aLright mom, you can go back into the kitchen now.” i say as i turn her around. “alright, you two have fun! but not too much, if you know what i mean.” she calls with a wink. “MOM” i say, covering my face. “i’m just messing with you.” she says as she finally returns back to the kitchen.

i drag my hand down off of my face. jenna’s looking off in the direction my mom went. “i like her. is she a good cook?” she asks me as she follows me up the stairs. “yeah, she’s pretty good.” “maybe i could come over sometime and cook with her. that would be fun.” she says. i open my door. “but what would i do?” “you can watch. you might learn a thing or two.” she shrugs as i enter my room after her, closing the door.

she puts her bag down by the wall. she looks around and spots both my keyboard and my ukulele. “oh my gosh tyler, you can play and sing for me now!” she gestures to my instruments.

i laugh and shake my head. “i guess i can. which one do you wanna hear first, uke or piano?” “ukulele.” she says almost immediately. i nod and go grab it off of my dresser.

i sit down on my bed. “come here.” i motion for her to sit next to me. she walks over and hops onto the open spot next to me.

i quickly make sure the ukulele is in tune before asking, “what do you want me to play you?” “well, what songs do you know?” she questions. i think for a few seconds. before thinking of a song.

should i play that one? because this is only the first day of knowing her...

screw it, i’m playing it.

“there’s this one song. it’s by elvis.” i say as i start strumming the first chords to the song.

“wise men say, ‘only fools rush in’, but i can’t help falling in love with you.” i begin. was it a good idea to play her this song on the first day of meeting her? probably not. but what did i decide to do? play it.

does she think anything of it? probably not.

i don’t think...

“shall i stay? would it be a sin if i can’t help falling in love with you?” now that i think about it i should have picked a different song. but it’s too late to stop now.

“like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes. some things were meant to be...” i finally get over my nerves and look up to see what jenna thinks of this so far. i think she...doesn’t dislike my voice? i mean, she’s smiling, so that’s a good sign, right?

and i think my eyes might just be playing tricks on me but i think, i think, she’s blushing. just a little bit.

i strum the last part more slow than the rest of the song. “take my hand, take my whole life too, cause i can’t help falling in love with you.” i finish with one last strum. i look up at her with a smile.

“tyler that was amazing! you have such a good voice! you’re gonna have to teach me to sing because i have no vocal talent whatsoever.” she exclaims. i raise an eyebrow. “really? i’m willing to bet you at least have some. there no way you were born with no vocal talent.”

she laughs. “you haven’t heard me sing before, you’d be surprised.” “well how about you sing for me then?” i challenge. her eyes widen. “nonononono, you do NOT wanna hear that. i’m pretty sure you wouldn’t like having your ears bleed.” i try to hold in a laugh but fail.

“alright, how about this: i teach you to sing, and you teach me to cook?” i offer. she narrows her eyes and thinks for a moment. “alright...but not today.” she says followed by a giggle. god she’s so cute.

jenna walks over to my keyboard and runs her fingers over a few of the keys. “how about this? you said you can play piano.” i shrug and walk over to it and turn it on, sitting down on the chair in front of it.

“i mean i can, yeah. question is do you want me to?” i say as i play a few random notes in whatever pattern comes to mind.

“well duh. ooh you should improvise!” she says with excitement at her own idea. i nod a few times. “yeah i guess i could do that.”

i place my fingers down on some random keys, but keys that still sound good together, and i just...go. i just play. let my fingers guide me. i forget how stress-relieving the piano is sometimes. just watching your fingers dance across the keys, listening to the beautiful sounds coming from them, i could sit here all day and do this. this is my happy place. this is where i go to find peace when there is none.

i oftentimes find myself getting lost in the sound of the piano. lost in the rhythm. lost in the atmosphere of playing. like i am right now. i don’t even really have to think about what i’m playing, it just sort of comes naturally.

after what i assume is about a couple minutes, i bring my short little improv to an end. i look up at jenna. “well? what did you thi-” “THAT WAS AMAZING!! you can LITERALLY do anything! ugh, you make me feel so...” she pauses as she flops down on her back on my bed. “talentless!” she sighs before abruptly sitting back up. “how do you do that?” i stand up and walk over to her. “practice.” i say simply. “just like you do with cooking.” “but cooking’s different than music.” she brings up with sad puppy dog eyes. i smile. “it’s not all that different. it’s a task that takes willpower and motivation. same as music.” i shrug as i try to explain to her. “i guess...” she says quietly.

i shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. “if you really believe in yourself, you can make it happen. it’s alllll in your mind.” i poke the side of her head a couple times. the corners of her lips twitch upwards.

“you just gotta break that barrier of ‘i can’t do it’. if you do that, you can do practically anything. you just gotta convince yourself that you can.” geez, when did i turn into an inspirational pep talk guy? i sound like my dad coaching his basketball team.

she looks up at me with a genuine smile. her eyes are the most striking blue color, i could get lost in them easily. kind of like i am right now. crap, how long have i been staring at her?

i snap myself out of my gaze as a small blush creeps up my face. i look down at my feet quickly so she won’t see. but i think she might have because she lets out a giggle. “you’re cute tyler.” hold up.

my eyes widen and i snap my head back up at her words. “wait really?” oh gosh. somebody please pour a bucket of ice on me right now.

she laughs this time. “yes, really.” is my face on fire? because it really feels like that right now. “i- uh, thanks? um...you’re really cute too.” i say, avoiding eye contact because i know i wouldn’t survive if i was looking at her while saying that.

i look out the window and see that it’s still snowing and the ground is covered in a good amount of snow. “woah look at the snow!” i point out. jenna gasps and runs up to the window, placing her hands on it.

she turns around with a huge smile. her eyes glance to something off to the side and then quickly back to mine as a smirk starts spreading across her face. she sprints and grabs my phone off of the small table by the door, running out of the room.

“wha-jenna, you can’t just grab my phone and run off like that!” i say as i chase her out of the room and down the stairs. she turns the corner and runs towards the front door. she opens it and makes a break for the snow. i close the door and chase her down. she looks back to see me catching up to her and screams, running across the yard in the snow. when i’m close enough, i wrap my arms around her from behind and feel my hand grab my phone finally.

but before i can take it, she trips and we both come crashing down onto the snow covered ground, laughing. i don’t care where my phone went at this point, she’s all i care about right now. her and her beautiful face framed by her shining blonde hair in the sunlight, partially covered by my beanie that she’s still wearing. i’m still holding on to her arms, but whatever. she’s currently laughing into my shoulder so i figured it’s fine.

she lifts her head up suddenly, to my disappointment. “wait where’d your phone go?” i look around. “that’s a good question.” we get up and search around the yard. after a few seconds jenna shouts, “hey i found it! must’ve went flying when we fell.” she says as she hands it to me. i turn it on and test out the volume to see if it got damaged, and hear that it’s a little echoey-sounding. i think she heard it too because she immediately apologizes. “oh my gosh i’m so sorry! is there a way to fix it?” she asks with some concern.

“oh yeah, i can just put it in a bowl of rice, it’ll be fine jenna don’t worry, it’s not even that bad.” i assure her. she sighs. “oh good, i didn’t want to have broken your phone on the first day i met you, that wouldn’t leave a very good impression of me to you.” she says with a laugh.

i smile and look down. “you already left quite the impression on me.” i mumble. “what?” she asks. crap i didn’t think she could hear me. “uh-it’s...nothing. um, how about we uh, go back inside and work on the-uh homework??” i suggest, stumbling over almost that whole sentence. i’m currently mentally facepalming myself, i’m such a mess.

she raises an eyebrows and smiles. “alright, if that’s what you wanna do.” she holds her arm out for me to take. “c’mon, let’s go.” she says as i loop my arm through hers with a giddy smile.

to be continued...

[watermelonjuulpods]

Pullout Couch Pt. 2

Ryden One-Shot

Word Count: 5,307

Rating: Explicit (sexual content)

Summary: After nearly ten years of no contact, Ryan hits Brendon up asking him if he can stay at his house for a bit. Brendon tries to keep his distance, but he can’t help falling back into their old ways.

***

The bar was unusually packed for a Thursday night, but it was a popular bar. Ryan and Brendon stepped inside as Brendon scanned the bar, looking for his party.

"So who are we looking for?" Ryan asked over the loud sound of talking.

"Well, basically all of Fall Out Boy, Twenty One Pilots, Spencer, and Dallon.

Ryan froze. "W-Why are all of them here?"

Brendon continued looking. "Um, we're celebrating Fall Out Boy's release of Mania. Oh, there they are."

Brendon ushered Ryan to come with him to his friend's table. Everyone was talking and having a good time until they saw Ryan, who was trying to hide himself behind Brendon. Everyone just started, not really showing much emotion. They knew all too well what Ryan and Brendon's relationship was like.

"What's Ross doing here?" Spencer spoke up first.

Ryan had a feeling this would happen. He was pretty sure everyone hated him.

Brendon motion for Spencer to shut up. "Guys, you all remember Ryan...I ran into him on the way here and decided to invite him." Brendon lied.

Patrick smiled warmly. He was always nice to pretty much everyone. "Hi Ryan, good to see you again."

Ryan smiled nervously and uncomfortably took a seat next to Brendon. "H-Hi guys...n-nice to see you all again..."

Spencer and Dallon exchanged a glance before going back to their original conversations.

Brendon excused himself for a cigarette after their drinks were brought to them. Spencer waited until he was out of the restaurant to lie that he was going to the bathroom. He walked around the other way without anyone noticing him and found Brendon smoking a cigarette against the side of the bar.

"Dude, what the fuck is Ryan doing here?" Spencer asked.

Brendon glared at him. "I told you, I ran into him on my way here."

Spencer crossed his arms. "The others may be buying it, but I'm not. Why is he actually here? Oh God, please tell me you guys didn't get back together."

Brendon shot upright. "No, no, we're not together, and I have no intention of getting back together...fuck, Spence, he texted me earlier asking if he could stay at my place. His life is fucking awful. He doesn't have anyone in his life who cares about him, he got kicked from his apartment, he has nothing. I couldn't just fucking leave him in the streets, you know I'm not like that. He's still human, after all."

Spencer looked down. "Jesus...j-just don't let him hurt you again...tell me if he does, and I swear to God I'll-"

Brendon cut Spencer off before he could finish. "Spencer, chill. I'm not letting him get to me, 'kay? Please just try to be nice to him, his life is already shitty enough. He knows you hate him and he actually feels bad. Just...Just go easy on him."

Spencer sighed. "Fine. I'll try."

Spencer turned back and walked back inside, leaving Brendon alone again.

Brendon took a long drag of his cigarette before putting it out on the wall. He waited a few minutes before walking back in. By now, the group's food was out and everyone was eating. Brendon sat back down next to Ryan who was fidgeting with his hands under the table nervously.

He discreetly nudged him and looked him in the eye, trying to ask if he was ok

Ryan returned his gaze with anxious eyes.

Brendon switched his expression to one of sympathy, trying to let Ryan know that he was fine.

"Would you pass me the chips?" Brendon said after Ryan stopped fidgeting.

Tyler passed Brendon the chips, which he ate ravenously.

Brendon noticed that Ryan barely ate anything the entire night. He didn't drink either. Brendon just distracted himself with numerous shots, and not even an hour later, was wobbling about, giggling drunkenly.

"Well, Tyler and I are gonna take off, we'll see you all soon." Josh said, helping Tyler out of the booth. Tyler walked sleepily with Josh to the exit, and both were gone.

"We may as well go home too," Pete said to Patrick, "Joe, Andy, you coming?"

Joe and Andy nodded and followed Pete and Patrick out, waving goodbye to those remaining. Only Spencer, Ryan, Dallon, and Brendon were left. The four stayed for a little longer until Brendon tugged on Ryan's shirt.

"I w-wanna g-go...go home.." He slurred.

"O-Oh...um, ok." Ryan said. "Guys, Brendon and I are heading home, it was good to see you."

Spencer and Dallon nodded as Ryan helped Brendon out of the restaurant.

Brendon swayed around as Ryan tried to help him walk home. It took them a while, but they made it. Almost as soon as the door closed behind them, Brendon shoved Ryan against the wall and kissed him passionately.

Ryan was shocked, but pushed Brendon off of him once he regained control of his senses. "Brendon, what are you doing?"

"Doing what we both want, aren't I right." Brendon said, taking a step forward.

"You're not wrong, I won't lie...but you're shit faced. You'll just drunkenly fuck me and wake up in the morning regretting everything." Ryan said. "I'm not doing anything with you..."

Brendon rolled his eyes. "Whatever, your loss." He scoffed before stumbling off to his bedroom.

Ryan put his hand to his chest and sighed before retiring to his room.

"Thank god that didn't go any further.." he murmured as he flopped down onto the pullout couch.

***

[ohfrickfanfic]

Blasphemy

Just a heads up this might be a little mish mash of Christianity and Catholosimn since I was raised Catholic and know more of that terminology/practices, but their fairly similar and this is fiction so just roll with it.

Word count: 6.7K

Pairings: Fuck boy! Josh x Churchboy!Tyler

Warnings/tags: Enemies to Lover’s, bullying, underage drinking, peer pressure to drink, blasphemy, sacrilege, sex in a church, unholy uses of anointing oil, degradation, hair-pulling, coming out, loss of virginity, anal fingering, rimming, lots of song lyrics. 

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Churchboy,” Tyler hears coming from behind him, just moments after exiting his dorm room.

He doesn’t even have to look to know who it’s coming from; Joshua Dun, the last person Tyler was hoping to see on his first day of college. ‘This is what I get for wanting to stay local’, he thinks to himself, continuing down the hall and trying to ignore Josh as he always has, but it’s not that easy.

Maybe to some, college means wild, drunken parties and getting laid, but not to Tyler. He takes his education very seriously, and other than the few sips of wine he has at church every Sunday where he serves as senior acolyte, he doesn’t drink either. And as for getting laid, Tyler is a virgin. His religious beliefs play a big role in that but being in the closet plays an even bigger role, which, is a whole other story in itself.

Having recently come to terms with his sexuality, Tyler struggles with his faith. He’s a firm believer and wants to live a righteous life, but he can’t deny who he is, and it often eats away at him.

To Tyler, college is supposed to be about new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s supposed to be about learning, growing as a person, and living life to the fullest, but how is Tyler going to do any of that now that his past has seemingly followed him to college?

Josh Dun was Tyler’s high school bully, and ironically, his first same-sex crush. No matter how many times Josh broke Tyler’s spirit with the way he treated him, Tyler’s heart would pound with lust whenever he was around, and Tyler hated him for it. He hated him for how low he made him feel with his words, and he hated him for how high he made him feel late at night when he was alone in his room. And now, in college, Tyler’s going to have to deal with the highs and lows that come with Joshua Dun once again.

“I’m talking to you, Churchboy!” Josh calls, raising his voice as he catches up to Tyler. He yanks him by the arm, cornering him between the wall and the double doors that lead further down the hall. “We met again,” he says, staring at Tyler intensely. Just then, the double doors fly open, almost hitting the two as one of Josh’s skater friends emerges through the doors.

“Dun! What up, cocksucker?” his friend Brendon shouts, playfully punching Josh in the arm while passing by. “Wanna grind the rails on the ramp at the library after classes? You know how that always pisses the librarians off,” he turns around to ask, walking backward down the hall.

“Sure thing! Catch you later, man,” Josh answers, returning his attention to Tyler.

“You’re g-gay?” Tyler questions bravely.

“Where the fuck did you get that from?” Josh asks.

Nervously, Tyler lifts his arm, pointing down the hallway toward Brendon, “B-but he called you—”

“He was just fucking around. That’s what friends do. Maybe you’d know if you had some,” Josh quips. “Why? You wanna suck my cock or something?” Josh asks, taking a step closer to Tyler and teasingly eyeing him up and down.

Tyler’s silence speaks volumes.

“You do, don’t you? Admit it, if I were church, you’d get on your knees.” Josh taunts, placing both hands on the wall behind Tyler, boxing him in. “Say it!”

“Josh—”

“Say. It.” Josh hisses in his ear.

“Frick! Fine. If you were church, I’d get on my knees,” Tyler rushes out quickly, ending with a knee to Josh’s balls, shoving him away, and making his way through the double doors humiliated, angry, and slightly turned on.

“Fuck! Josh groans loudly, grabbing himself and doubling over in pain. “You’re gonna get it! Your ass is mine, Joseph!” he shouts after him.

************************************************

Finally, back in his dorm room after a long day of being half hard in his classes, Tyler lays on his bed, quickly shoving his jeans down his thighs, along with his boxers, and begins a slow tug on his length. Images of Josh play through his mind as he wills himself to get fully hard, but the anger, embarrassment, and upset of the day’s earlier events won’t allow it.

Frustrated, Tyler spits in his palm and tries again. He pictures Josh cornering him against the wall with passion, not hatred, and pretends his aggression is neediness. He pictures his words are meant for pleasure, not punishment, as he visualizes getting on his knees for Josh.

Suddenly, his dorm room door flings open.

“Oh shit, sorry!” Tyler’s best friend, Jenna, squeaks out, quickly turning around and closing the door before anyone else sees. “Did you forget you invited me over to study? I can come back,” she says with one hand over on her eyes and the other clutching onto the biology book under her arm.

“It’s fine, I’m not getting anywhere anyways,” Tyler huffs, pulling his pants back up. “And don’t you ever knock, by the way?” Tyler teases, pumping hand sanitizer onto his palm. “This isn’t the first time this has happened.”

“I wouldn’t have to knock if you weren’t always masturbating in the middle of the day,” Jenna teases, turning back around. “I still remember last time, back in high school, when I caught you getting off to that asshole J— “

Jenna’s words are interrupted by a loud pounding on the door and a familiar voice. “I know you’re in there, Joseph. I’m not done with you,” Josh shouts, passing Tyler’s room.

“Tyler, noooo!” Jenna reprimands, taking a seat by Tyler on his bed, placing her textbook to her right. “Not again!”

“Ughh, I know, I know,” Tyler says ashamed, covering his face. He slides his hands up into his hair, twirling one piece anxiously and begins to try an explain himself.

“I didn’t know he was even gonna be attending here, I swear. I was heading to class this morning and I heard someone shout ‘Churchboy’. I knew it was him instantly; he’s the only one who ever calls me that. I tried to ignore him and just keep walking, but then he cornered me…”

Tyler goes on to tell Jenna of the morning’s events in great detail, down to the way Josh’s warm breath felt on his neck as he hissed lewd demands in his ear, and how his colorful sleeve tattoo contorted as his arm muscles flexed, boxing Tyler in.

“You got it bad, Ty— real bad,” Jenna says with a slight laugh, shaking her head once Tyler’s done rambling on about Josh.

“I knowwww,” Tyler drawls with an annoyed whine. “I just can’t stop thinking about him.”

“I just don’t get it, Tyler. What do you see in him? I mean besides his hard-to-miss, bright yellow hair and good looks. C’mon, Ty, he treats you like shit. You don’t have a chance in hell with him, and even if you did, he doesn’t deserve you,” she says, taking his hand and sandwiching it between hers.

“Honestly, Jenna, I have no idea. I’ve asked myself the same question many times,” Tyler admits.

“Just promise me you’re not gonna let him get to you and affect your grades and what not,” Jenna says, releasing Tyler’s hand and shifting to pick up her biology book by her side.

“I’ll try not to, but I’m pretty sure I’m getting my ass kicked the next time he sees me,” he states with nervous laughter.

“Page fifty-three,” Jenna says, shaking her head as opens her book.

*********************************************

It’s Sunday now. The rest of the week had gone on without incident. In fact, Tyler hasn’t even seen Josh once. He doesn’t know whether he should be relieved, disappointed, or worried. ‘Maybe it was just a freak thing running into him that day. The campus is huge, certainly days could go by without running into each other,’ he tells himself, mostly to calm his worrying mind as he gets ready for church.

**********************************************

“Good morning, Tyler,” the pastor greets him as Tyler enters the sacristy, where the robes and other items used in worship are kept.

“Good morning, Pastor,” Tyler returns his hospitality and makes his way over to the wardrobe.

“How was your week?” the pastor asks while Tyler slips a white robe on over his clothes.

“Eventful, to say the least,” Tyler answers. “Well, actually, that was just one day, but still, it feels good to be here.”

“Well, I’m sorry you had a rough day, but I think I have just the thing to cheer you up,” the pastor states. “Today, and for the next few Sundays, you’ll be serving alongside a new altar server. He’s young, about your age, but here’s the thing, he’s a real troublemaker. It seems he’s doing this as some sort of community service. I didn’t have to let him serve it here, but I know how much you enjoy helping others and I thought maybe you could befriend him while you teach him the ropes. You know, help get him on the right path.”

“Thank you, Pastor. I’ll do my best.”

“Oh, actually I think he’s here now. I’ll be right back. I’m just going to show him in.”

Tyler gathers the things needed for service while he waits. He arranges them meticulously on a gold tray and carries them out to the altar, followed by the bells. Once done, he returns to the sacristy.

“Tyler, this is the young man I was telling you about. I’d like you to meet—"

“J-Josh!?” Tyler blurts out, taken aback. He hadn’t seen Josh in nearly a week, and church was the last place he expected to see him, and with brunette hair nonetheless.

“Oh, wonderful! You two already know each other. Tyler, I think you’re just the thing this young man needs. I’m looking forward to seeing you work together,” the pastor says, making his way over to the wardrobe. “Joshua, today you’ll mostly just be observing Tyler. Stand when he stands, kneel when he kneels, etcetera. But also watch carefully as he performs his duties so that you may help next Sunday. And try to arrive a little earlier next week,” the pastor speaks, handing Josh a white robe. Josh nods as he takes the garment, giving the pastor a fake smile of understanding in response. “Service is about to start, is everything all set Tyler?”

“Yes, Pastor. All set.”

“Great. Let’s begin,” the pastor says, stepping out into the hall just as the choir begins singing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Quickly, Josh slips the robe on over his clothes with a roll of his eyes and Tyler motions for him to follow the pastor. Grabbing the large candle lighter by the door, Tyler swiftly lights it and joins the procession, walking side by side with Josh down the aisle between the pews to the altar. The pastor and Tyler both bow, Josh following seconds later. The pastor turns left to the pulpit and Josh follows Tyler to the right towards the altar, watching as he lights the candles. Tyler extinguishes the candle lighter’s flame, standing the lighter up against the wall before taking his seat in one of the two large, elaborately carved gold chairs behind the pastor’s pulpit.

“You dyed your hair,” Tyler whispers as Josh sits in the chair beside him, scooting back on the oversized red velvet cushion.

“Shut up,” Josh mutters quietly under his breath.

“Josh, you can’t talk like that in here,” Tyler warns lowly.

“Watch me.”

********************************************

“Do you think you two will be okay here by yourselves to finish putting everything away? I have some errands to run,” the pastor asks back in the sacristy after service as everyone hangs their robes back in the wardrobe.

“I-I don’t think—” Tyler starts.

“I don’t think that would be a problem, Pastor,” Josh cuts Tyler off, giving him a mischievous look.

“Great! I’ll see you two next Sunday,” the pastor says before leaving.

“Ummm, can you bring me the ciborium and the chalice so I can put them back in the tabernacle?” Tyler asks Josh hesitantly.

“The what and the what?” Josh asks with a baffled look.

“The container used to hold communion and the cup for the wine,” Tyler clarifies.

“Ya coulda just said that, Churchboy,” Josh huffs under his breath, walking to the altar. Tyler takes them from Josh when he returns and begins wiping the chalice with a clean white cloth.

“Ooooh, wine! Josh exclaims, reaching into the tabernacle, grabbing the bottle he noticed, and popping open the cork.

“Josh, nooo!” Tyler scolds, trying to grab the bottle back from Josh but it’s too late. Josh has already brought the bottle to his lips and begun taking a large sip.

“Have some,” Josh says, holding out the bottle to Tyler.

“I -I don’t drink.”

“Bullshit. We both just drank the damn wine from that fancy cup thing a few minutes ago during — whatever the fuck that was we just did,” Josh quips.

“That was communion. The ‘fancy cup’ is called a chalice, and that was the blood of Christ,” Tyler corrects him.

“Riiiiiiight,” Josh says with a sarcastic nod and crinkled brow. “Tell ya what, have some wine and show me you know how to chill out and live a little, and maybe I won’t fuck with you so much.”

“Fine,” Tyler says reluctantly, quickly returning the other items to the tabernacle before snatching the bottle from Josh’s grasp.

With his back against the wardrobe door, Tyler sinks down onto the lurid, seafoam green carpet of the sacristy and takes a large sip, passing the bottle back to Josh, who has joined him on the carpet.

“I know you told me to shut up about your hair earlier, but I ummmm… I-I like it brown,” Tyler says nervously, trying to break the ice as Josh takes another sip.

“Yeah, I don’t, but they said I had to dye it a ‘natural’ color in order to serve my community service here,” Josh says, making air quotes at the word ‘natural’. “And since none of my other usual places I’ve served community service wanted me back, I got stuck with this,” Josh says, handing the bottle back to Tyler.

“How’d you end up with community service anyways? If you don’t mind me asking,” Tyler asks, then drinks again.

“Me and Bren got arrested for grinding on the rails at the library the other day after classes,” Josh admits. “Apparently, it’s destruction of property,” Josh adds in a mocking, authoritative voice.

They pass the bottle back and forth until it’s empty, making small talk between sips and even sharing an occasional laugh once Tyler starts to relax.

“Ya know, maybe you’re not so bad after all,” Josh teases, nudging Tyler with his elbow. “So, tell me, was that the first naughty thing you’ve ever done, Joseph? Hmmmm? Drinking a few months shy of your twenty-first birthday, you big sinner, you,” Josh jokes, sounding more playful and less brash than usual, punching Tyler in the arm.

And there it goes again, that familiar feeling brewing in his pelvis every time Josh starts teasing him like this. Josh’s words sound a bit more suggestive as Tyler replays them through his mind before answering.

“No, I’ve— I’ve committed p-plenty of sins,” Tyler admits with a shaky voice, his hand flying up to twirl a small section of his wavy brown hair.

“Really?” Josh scoffs. “Like what?”

“Well, for starters, I’m gay,” Tyler blurts out.

“You’re what?” Josh asks again in disbelief.

“Frick! Why? Why the heck did I just tell you that? Like you need more things to use against me,” Tyler says, burying his face in his hands.

“Nah man, don’t worry about it. Me too,” Josh responds honestly with a shift in his demeanor.

“I-I’ve only ever told Jenna, and for some stupid reason now I go and tell you! What the heck is wrong with me?” Tyler rambles nervously. “Wait, wh-what did you just say?” Tyler asks, his pulse beginning to quicken.

“I said, ‘me too’,” Josh repeats. “As in… I’m gay too. And yeah, pretty much same, only Brendon knows.”

“Oh, wow… ummm,” Tyler rubs at his brow in shock as he tries to find words. “So, like, are you and Brendon, ummm…"

“What? Dating? No, just friends,” Josh smiles. “With occasional benefits,” he adds with a laugh after a long pause.

Tyler shakes his head, trying to rid it of his attraction to Josh that’s currently clouding his judgment. “No, you’re full of it! I don’t believe you. I refuse to be a victim of your sick head gam—,”

Tyler’s words are cut short by Josh’s soft lips pressed firmly to his. His body goes limp and motionless; paralyzed by shock his lips are unable to kiss back.

“Sorry,” Josh says, breaking the kiss.

With his eyes locked on Josh in a trance-like gaze, Tyler brings his fingertips to his own lips, touching them in disbelief.

“I’m sorry,” Josh repeats. “I didn’t have the right to do that. It’s not fair to you. I’ve always been so cruel to— “

This time it’s Tyler’s lips that interrupt Josh, kissing him back. His thumbs brush over Josh’s blushed cheeks, cupping his face, and eagerly pulling him in. With one swipe of his tongue, Josh parts Tyler’s lips, gaining access to his warm, wet, mouth, and deepening the kiss.

Smacking sounds echo throughout the small church room as their tongues dart wildly in and out of each other’s mouths. “You have no idea how long I’ve dreamt about doing that,” Tyler says after the kiss has ended.

“What? Kissing me?” Josh asks, bewildered. “You can’t be serious. Why?”

“Ha, I wish I knew,” Tyler says, letting out a small chuckle. “You’re always so vile to me. I pretend like I don’t care, even though I really do, but I’m twisted up inside my mind and part of me kind of enjoys it. Almost in a -a, like, sexual wa— why am I telling you this?”

“Sounds like you have a degradation kink,” Josh smirks, standing to face Tyler. “I can work with that.” Quickly, Josh undoes his belt, shoving his pants and boxers down his thighs in one swift motion, revealing his already half-hard cock and begins stroking it. Tyler eagerly shifts onto his knees in front of Josh, gazing up at him with lust filled eyes.

Towering over Tyler, Josh grabs a handful of Tyler’s hair, craning his neck back; watching his Adam’s apple bob in his throat. “I distinctly remember saying something to you last week about church and being on your knees— who woulda guessed?” Josh laughs, talking down to him. “Now suck!”

With a shaky, inexperienced hand that’s only ever pleasured himself, Tyler reaches up, grasping Josh’s now fully erect length and brings it to his lips. He may be a virgin, but he’s not clueless. He’s watched enough porn to know the basics, and he knows the areas of himself that are more sensitive to touch than others, so he decides to focus on those areas on Josh first.

With his eyes locked on Josh’s, Tyler opens his mouth, giving an experimental lick to the underside of Josh’s tip. Josh shudders in pleasure, his eyes fluttering closed as he grips Tyler’s hair tighter. Taking it as a sign he’s doing well, Tyler repeats the action several times before changing it up a bit and circling the circumference of the head with his tongue before encompassing it completely with his mouth. Slowly, Tyler begins to bob over Josh’s length, embarrassed he may gag if he takes him any deeper.

“Mmm, Tyler, you ever done this before?” Josh questions, enjoying himself but noticing Tyler’s hesitation.

“Unh uh,” Tyler hums with his mouth full.

“Oh f-uck!” Josh hisses, the vibrations driving him wild. “Keep that up and there’s gonna be a lot more on that tongue than Hallelujah.”

Until then Josh was content letting Tyler control the depth, but now he can’t help but push Tyler’s head down until his tip brushes the back of his virgin throat. Tyler gags and his eyes brim with tears, but he finds himself surprised that he actually enjoys the feeling, much like when Josh taunts him.

“I want you to remember what I taste like every time you get on your knees to pray,” Josh teases, thrusting his hips forward and gagging Tyler again, causing his throat to tighten around Josh’s length. “Mmm fuck. You love me using your throat like this, don’t you? Such a good little slut for me.”

Tyler moans and quickly begins palming himself through his exceedingly tightening pants; Josh has to be right about his degradation kink because every harsh word is traveling straight to his dick.

“Stand up!” Josh orders, pulling Tyler up by his hair, saliva stringing from the corners of his mouth. Switching his grip from his hair to his shirt, Josh grabs Tyler, pulling him in for a sloppy kiss. His fingers descend the placket of Tyler’s button-down shirt painfully slow, pausing every few buttons to rest his forehead against Tyler’s, allowing them to catch their breath.

“Josh, please,” Tyler begs, thrusting his hips forward and shouldering off his shirt as Josh undoes the last button at the bottom, his hand hovering centimeters away from where Tyler wants it most. Josh rapidly undoes Tyler’s belt and unfastens his pants, letting them pool by his ankles.

“Is this what you want?” Josh asks, shoving his hand into Tyler’s boxers, gripping him firmly as he begins pumping him.

Instantly Tyler’s eyes roll back, his jaw-dropping, his mouth hanging open to take in a deep, shaky breath. “F-uuuck,” he exhales, blown away by how heavenly a simple hand can feel and how different — better — it feels that his own.

“You can’t talk like that in here,” Josh mocks.

“Can’t. Help. It. Feels. So. Good.” Each one of Tyler’s words is punctuated by a breathy moan as he leans forward, burying his face into Josh’s shoulder. With his free hand, Josh cradles the back of Tyler’s neck, and continues to stroke him with the other, Tyler’s whimpers dampening the fabric of Josh’s shirt. Tipping his head down, Josh begins mouthing at Tyler’s neck, discreetly wetting his middle finger in the process before trailing his hand down Tyler’s back and slipping it into the back of his boxers.

“What are you doing?” Tyler questions lifting his head, surprised by the feeling of Josh’s wet finger pressing between his cheeks.

“Prepping you. You want me to fuck this tight little hole, don’t you?” Josh asks, sliding his finger in up to the second knuckle.

“Huuuuhh,” Tyler gasps loudly, collapsing forward once again and nodding ‘yes’ against Josh’s clavicle.

With Tyler’s knees buckling from the pleasure of both Josh’s hands working him simultaneously, Josh decides it would be best to bend him over. Keeping his finger moving inside of him, he roughly spins him around. Moving his hand from his cock to his shoulder blades, he bends him over an ornate chair, identical to the ones they sat in during service and kneels behind him, sliding his boxers down his legs.

“Knees up,” Josh instructs, lightly giving Tyler’s ass two quick consecutive smacks.

Facing the backrest of the oversized chair, Tyler does as he’s told, bringing his knees up one at a time and kneeling on the velvety red cushion while Josh removes the tangle of fabric from around his ankles. With the new angle, Josh is able to penetrate Tyler deeper, his finger brushing past his prostate.

“J-esus Christ! W-what was that?” Tyler blurts out, pushing back on Josh’s finger, desperate to feel the sensation again.

“You like that, huh?” Josh can’t help but chuckle at the religious boy’s ecstasy-laden outburst.

“Uhhh fuck! Do it again!”

“You’re getting quite the mouth on you, Churchboy. I like it!” Josh smirks. “If you like that, then you’re gonna love this…”

Josh sucks the middle finger of his free hand into his mouth, coating it with saliva. His knuckles grind together as he eases it in alongside the other, stretching Tyler out.

“Mmmm— Josh! More!” Tyler pants, gripping the intricately carved frame of the chair, clearly enjoying the addition of the second finger.

“Don’t worry baby, I’m just getting started,” Josh teases, continuing to work him open. Moving both fingers in and out of him in unison, he creates a small gape between his digits. Leaning forward, he begins to lap at the opening, fucking Tyler with his tongue, causing him to writhe needily, and bounce back against Josh’s face.

Enjoying the response he elicited from Tyler, Josh groans and slips his fingers out. Tyler whines at the loss of the feeling, but is quickly satisfied when Josh abruptly grabs his cheeks, spreading them open, and delves his tongue back in between them but this time, sloppier, wetter, rougher. The licking continues until Josh feels Tyler is sufficiently slicked, his saliva trickling down Tyler’s crack and dripping off his balls.

“You ready?” Josh asks as he stands, tugging on his painfully hard dick.

“Mmm, ready.” Tyler nods.

Slowly Josh starts to push in.

“Uhh, ahh— shit!” Tyler grunts, tensing up, his fingers that were once gripping the decorative chair frame in pleasure now making carvings of their own as he digs in his fingernails. Josh quickly pulls out and heads to the supply cabinet.

“Josh, what the hell are you doing? Come on,” Tyler begs.

“No, I was hurting you. I’m looking for something. I have an idea, just gimme a minute,” Josh says, scouring the contents of the cabinet. “Don’t you guys have some kind of, like, oil for fucking sick people or some shit?”

“Anointing oil?” Tyler questions. “Yeah, bottom shelf, next to the Holy Water.”

“Found it!” Josh quickly opens the bottle, pouring some into his palm and slathering it over his length.

“Somehow, I don’t think this is what they meant in Ecclesiastes when they said, ‘Let your garments always be white and let your head lack no oil,” Tyler snickers at his own pun.

“I swear, only you would make bible jokes when you’re about to get fucked in the ass,” Josh teases, rolling his eyes. “You ready? Let’s try this again.”

Tyler nods and Josh lines himself up once again, cautiously entering him.

“Better?”

“Uh, mmm, better, but— “

“Yeah, it’s probably still gonna hurt a little. The head’s the worst part. I promise it will start feeling better after that. Let me know if it’s too much or you want me to stop, okay?”

“K.”

Reaching an oiled-up hand around Tyler’s hip to his cock, Josh begins pumping him in an effort to distract him from pain as he attempts to push in deeper. He has the head almost all the way in when he senses Tyler’s muscles tensing and notices his face twisting into a grimace.

“You don’t have to be embarrassed if it hurts, Tyler. You can tell me. I know the first time isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and I want you to be as comfortable as possible.” Josh pauses, allowing Tyler to acclimate to the stretch.

Peppering kisses along Tyler’s shoulder blades, Josh runs his left hand up and down the expanse of Tyler’s torso, his other hand simultaneously working to keep Tyler hard through the pain. He keeps this up, waiting for a signal that Tyler’s ready for more, and then he gets it; Tyler lets out a small moan and Josh feels his weight shift back towards him.

“Mmm, better now,” Tyler says with his voice still slightly strained, but his body much more relaxed.

“Ok, I’ll go slow. If I’m hurting you, you need to tell me Tyler.”

Josh studies Tyler’s expression and body language, looking for any signs of discomfort as he pushes in deeper. Not sensing any, he begins to set a slow and gentle rhythm, moving his hands to Tyler’s hips and stroking both sides encouragingly as he rocks his pelvis against the flesh of Tyler’s backside.

“Josh!” Tyler gasps breathily.

“Am I hurting you?” Josh pauses momentarily, awaiting Tyler’s answer.

“No, feels so good. Don’t stop.”

“Mmmm, you want me to fuck you harder?” Josh asks, tangling his fingers in Tyler’s hair.

“Please. Yes!”

“Yes, what?” Josh says harshly, pulling his tousled brown waves.

“Uhh umm?” Tyler mutters, confused by the question.

“It’s Sir. Yes, Sir,” Josh grits through his teeth, tugging Tyler’s head back.

“Oh fuck!” Tyler moans. “Yes, Sir”

Gripping tightly onto Tyler’s hips, Josh slowly draws back his own hips, then hastily trusts them forward, his skin clapping against Tyler’s, giving him a taste of what’s to come. Loud, pleasure-filled cries escape Tyler’s lips and his arms begin to weaken, the majority of Tyler’s upper body now being mostly supported by Josh’s grip on his hair.

“You like that, huh?”

“Yes!” Tyler cries out, “Y-yes sir,” he corrects.

Josh maintains the new pace, roughly fucking in and out of Tyler’s tight hole.The once shy, quiet, religious boy under him a blissed-out mess of whimpers, whines, and words he seldom uses as orgasm nears.

“I’m gonna—” Tyler doesn’t even finish his sentence before spurts of warm cum fountain from his tip, landing in copious amounts on the chair’s soft red fabric below him.

Josh releases Tyler’s hair, letting his pleasure-wracked body fall forward. With Tyler’s head pressed awkwardly against the backrest of the chair Josh palms the side of his face, holding his head against the plush fabric as his own climax hits, his hips faltering as he finishes inside Tyler.

His dick pulses one last time, emptying the last bit of cum before he pulls out. Sweaty and exhausted, Josh sinks down to the floor, tugging Tyler down with him before softly whispering, “Come here.”

“You alright?” Josh chuckles out of breath, rubbing soothing circles on the inner thigh of Tyler’s visibly shaking leg.

Tyler pants rapidly, trying to catch his breath before answering, “Yeah, I think so,” he laughs, “I’ve just never came that hard before.”

“I wasn’t planning on being that rough with you since it was your first time, but you seemed to be enjoying yourself once we got going. You took that like a champ,” Josh smirks.

Tyler starts to blush, feeling slightly embarrassed that Josh had discovered something about himself that even he didn’t know about or understand until today, but it all made so much sense now.

“Hey, you don’t be ashamed of what you’re into,” Josh states, nudging Tyler’s leg with his knee, noticing the rosy hue developing on his cheeks. “Everyone has their kinks.”

“I know, it’s just that before today the only thing I knew about myself ,sexually, was that I was into boys.”

“You’ll learn even more as you gain more experience,” Josh says, “So you really haven’t done any of that before? Not even with a girl?”

“Nope. I - Uh -I kissed Jenna and she let me touch her boobs once, in like, high school when I was still trying to figure myself out,” Tyler admits, “but that’s about it.”

“Well, I’d be more than willing to help you figure out what else you’re into some time,” Josh smiles. “Would you like that?”

“God, yes!” Tyler answers.

“You’re just full of sins today, aren’t you?” Josh laughs, “What happened to the innocent little Churchboy who told me I couldn’t say ‘shut up’ in church?” Josh teases.

“I guess blasphemy is just for me,” Tyler chuckles.

“You’re killing me, Joseph,” Josh joins in Tyler’s laughter. “Come on, those legs working yet? We got a lot of work to do. Why don’t you start with that chair?” Josh laughs again, pulling Tyler up onto his feet.

*********************************************

Tyler phones Jenna the second he’s back inside his dorm to tell his best friend the news.

“Hey Ty,” Jenna answers.

“Jenna, are you sitting down?”

“Yessss? Are you?” she asks, confused.

“I’m not sure I even can,” Tyler laughs on the other end.

“Tyler, what the heck are you talking about?”

“I lost my virginity, Jenna!” he practically squeals into the phone.

“Tyler Robert Joseph! Weren’t you just at church? Oh my gosh, I’m hanging up, I’ll be right over. You gotta tell me in person. I wanna know everything!”

“No, no, no. Don’t hang up. I’ll just tell you over the phone.”

“Whyyyy?” Jenna asks suspiciously.

“Because you can’t hit me over the phone?” Tyler mumbles softly, his words sounding more like a question than a statement.

“Tyler Joseph, what did you do?” Jenna asks, her suspicion growing further.

“Well, I lost it at church, actually,” Tyler admits

“WHAT?!” Jenna exclaims, “TYLER! How? With who? What the frick?”

“Umm, we had a new altar server that was there serving community service. I had to train him and then after, the pastor left us alone to run some errands and we might have drank a bottle of communion wine. I was feeling kinda good — not drunk — but good, and I accidentally outed myself. Turns out he’s gay too, and one thing led to another.” Tyler ends the story there, hesitant to admit to Jenna who it was, knowing she would never approve.

“Drinking, Tyler? That’s not like you. I’ve never seen you drink anything more potent than a Redbull. You’re not even old enough!” Jenna scolds. “And with a felon nonetheless!”

“He’s not a felon, Jenna!” Tyler raises his voice, starting to get defensive. “It was just a misdemeanor for skateboarding, geez.”

“Why do I feel like there’s something else you’re not telling me?” Jenna pushes.

“Because there is! Because I know you won’t approve!” Tyler pauses, taking a deep breath, “It was Josh! I lost my virginity to Joshua Dun! There! You happy?

“Tylerrrr,” Jenna sighs softly, disapproval evident in her tone.

“And Yeah, I drank the wine to shut him up at first okay?” he admits, “but I’m glad I did. I’ve spent most of my life living according to how some six-thousand-year-old book tells me too. I can’t even begin to tell you how good it felt just to let loose and rebel a little and not worry about if I was being judged by some higher power. You know how much I’ve struggled with this, the two big parts of who I am: a Christian boy and a homosexual boy. They don’t exactly work together.

“Tyler, I know, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to come off like I’m judging you. I just want what’s best for you and I think we can both admit that that’s not Joshua Dun. I mean, in a way I’m glad that maybe you got this whole Josh obsession out of your system now, but let’s be honest.”

“Jenna, you weren’t there, ok? He was different. He taught me things about myself I didn’t even know. He was gentle and caring when I needed him to be, and then - uhhh-um- not so gentle when I wanted him to be too,” Tyler smirks to himself remembering the way Josh manhandled him. “And as far as having Josh out of my system; you couldn’t be more wrong. I want him more than ever now. He said he’s willing to help me figure out what else I’m into sexually, and I fully plan to take him up on that offer.”

“So, what, you think you guys are, like, dating now because you let him take your virginity?” Jenna scoffs, “That’s not how boys like Josh work, Tyler. You’re a piece of meat to him. Fresh meat, virgin meat, the best kind of meat. Of course he’s willing. What if tomorrow, in the halls, he treats you like the same way he always has? What if he outs you, Tyler? Did you even once stop and think of that possibility? I don’t wanna see you get hurt. If I’m wrong, I’ll eat my words and trust me, I hope that I’m wrong.” Jenna pauses, hoping to get some kind of response from Tyler, but he stays silent. Jenna can tell he’s angry with her.

“So I guess this means we can call off our pact of losing our virginities to each other if we didn’t lose them by graduation,” Jenna laughs dryly, trying to end the conversation lightheartedly.

Tyler didn’t hear a single thing Jenna said after ‘What if he outs you?” because no, he hadn’t thought of that possibility at all, and now it’s all he can think about.

****************************************************

“Hey Churchboy!” Tyler hears as he exits his dorm room Monday morning. It feels a lot like deja vu as Josh corners him and boxes him in again. ‘What if tomorrow, in the halls he treats you the same way he always has.’ Tyler’s stomach turns remembering Jenna’s words from last night, and he’s sure the feeling is showing on his face.

“Hey, relax, I’m just playing around this time. No more dickhead Josh, promise,” he says, lifting his hands briefly in the air like he’s surrendering. A wave of relief washes over Tyler. “Besides, I thought you liked your little nickname now,” Josh smirks, flirtatiously fingering the buttons of Tyler’s plaid shirt. Tyler tucks his bottom lip between his teeth, and wiggles his hips slightly, trying to keep Josh’s words from reaching his dick.

“Mmmm, thought so,” Josh notices. “Anyways— “Josh changes the tone before they get too carried away, “— Why don’t I walk with you to class. Where you headed?”

“Economics,” Tyler smiles.

Jenna’s wrong.

“Cool, I have statistics a few rooms down. Come on, I’ll walk you,” Josh says, stepping back from Tyler. “Ya know I had fun with you yesterday, even when we were just talking.”

“Me too,” Tyler purses his lips together after he speaks in an effort to hide the ridiculously enormous grin threatening to spread across his face as they walk.

Jenna’s so wrong.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go to the skatepark with me after classes today, and then maybe grab some food, as like, a date?” Josh questions. “Bren will be there too, he met some Sarah chick. So it will be like a double date.”

“You— y-you told Brendon!?” Tyler’s stomach drops, replaying Jenna’s words in his head ‘What if you outs you.’

“I’m sorry. Don’t be mad. He’s not gonna tell anyone. It’s just that he’s my best —”

“I’d love to go with you. I overreacted, I’m sorry,” Tyler apologies immediately, remembering that he also told his best friend. “It’s ok. It’s fine. I get it, the whole best friend thing — I told Jenna too.”

“Well, that explains it,” Josh laughs.

“What?” Tyler questions.

“The evil look she gave me when I ran into her in the cafeteria earlier,” he snickers. “I take it she doesn’t approve of me.

“Bingo.”

“Can’t say I blame her, but I’ll do everything in my power to prove her wrong,” Josh says, looking to Tyler while they walk. Tyler can’t suppress his smile any longer. It floods his face, reaching his eyes and lighting them up, and crinkling them in the corners.

“Can I ask you something?” Tyler says.

“Sure. What is it?”

“Are you nervous? Because that Sarah girl will be there too, and she’ll know it’s a date?”

“Yes and no,” Josh answers truthfully, “Part of me is really nervous, but part of me also feels really liberated that someone new is gonna know.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I know this is probably gonna sound crazy, but ever since yesterday I’ve just wanted to come out so badly.”

“Same.” Josh smiles, slipping his hand into Tyler’s.

“W-wh-what if someone says something?” Tyler asks.

“Fuck ‘em. I’m done hiding,” Josh says, gripping Tyler’s hand tightly.

“Me too,” Tyler says, his ridiculously bright smile illuminating his face again.

Moments later they pass Jenna in the halls. Her eyes go wide in shock at first, but then she winks, giving the boys a friendly smile.

“So does that mean she’s doesn’t wanna kick my ass for being a jerk to her best friend, and then taking his virginity, anymore?” Josh jokes.

“If I know Jenna the way I think I know Jenna, then it’s gonna take a lot more than that to convince her. But you’re off to a good start,” Tyler smiles.

“Actually, speaking of ass kickings, I never did get you back for kneeing me in the balls. What do you say we trade it for a spanking instead? Something tells me you might like that,” Josh teases.

“Yes, sir.”

Part 2

[who-tf-stole-my-car-radio]

Lallapalooza part 3 (Joshx reader)

You had made plans with Tyler, Jenna, and Josh to go to dinner a few days ago. The plan was for them to pick you up tonight at 7 pm to go to applebees. You were excited but also nervous. You hadn't spent much time with Jenna or Tyler , but earlier this morning you got a text from Jenna, she asked if you would like to go to the mall with her to get an outfit for tonight. Of course you said yes and now she was on her way to pick you up.

Two honks rang from outside and you grabbed your phone off of your bed and headed out the door. Jenna sat in her car with a bright smile on her face, you smiled back and got in the passenger seat.

"How have you been?" she asked as she pulled back into traffic.

"Great! I've been looking forward to hanging out with you guys" you responded clicking your seat belt on.

"Me too! Josh says great things about you" she chimed. Your heart fluttered.

Josh.

"Josh talks about me?" you asked

Jenna laughed. "Yeah only all the time"

"What's going on with you two anyways? I seen that facebook post" she smiled slyly referring to Josh's post from the APMA's. You blushed and honestly didn't know how to answer her. You and Josh had become good friends and you thought about having feelings for him but you weren't sure.

"I honestly don't even know at this point, I'm just gunna see how tonight goes and let everything unfold how it wants to" you replied with a slight laugh. Jenna nodded

"Good idea, ride it out, no need to rush anything" she responded. After about a twenty minute drive you guys found yourselves in the mall parking lot. You both got out of the car and walked in.

"Which store should we go to?" you asked looking around. Jenna thought for a moment.

"Let's go to ragstock" she suggested.

"Good idea I love that store. Cute clothes. Cheap price" you said.

"This is cute" Jenna chimed holding up a pink floral dress. You laughed.

"Yeah that would look great on you, I on the other hand would look ridiculous" you answered as you continued to sift through the clothing rack.

"Oh stop it. You look great in everything, try it on" she urged. You looked at her for a moment, she made puppy dog eyes and frowned. "For me?" she begged. You rolled your eyes and smiled. "God fine, but if I don't like it, it's coming off immediately" you said as the both of you headed to a dressing room. You closed the door and took off your clothes before slipping the dress on. Jenna was right, it was really pretty. The blush colored pink and the maroon colored flower pattern was beautiful against your skin. It was form fitting which you weren't a huge fan of because you weren't a huge fan of your form. You took one more look at yourself.

"How does it look?" Jenna questioned from outside the door. You stepped out of the dressing room and Jennas face lit up.

"I knew you'd look great!!" she exclaimed. "It is a really pretty dress, why don't you try it on?" you suggested.

"I think you should wear it, it was made for you" she replied reassuringly.

"Well what are you going to wear?" you asked stepping back into the dressing room.

"I'm not sure, I have some ideas though" she answered. You put your normal clothes back on and held the dress in your arms as you and Jenna continued looking around.

"This would look great on you" you said holding up a pair of black jean shorts with an olive green strapless top.

"Let's try it!" Jenna said grabbing the outfit. You made your way back to the dressing rooms. A few moments passed and Jenna stepped out, and of course she looked wonderful and amazing as always.

"You look amazing! Tyler will love it!" you smiled.

"Well good, then the hard part of tonight is over, now all we have to do is eat for free " Jenna laughed. You both paid for your new clothes and left the store.

"What time is it anyways?" you asked looking at your phone. You seen you had a text from Josh.

"Oh Josh texted me" you said. You and Jenna stopped walking as you read the message.

J: Hey (Y/N), I'm so so sorry but I wont be able to make it to dinner tonight....something came up, I'm sorry. can we reschedule?

"Oh..." you said, the smile faded from your face.

"What?" Jenna asked leaning in to see your phone screen. You tilted it so she could read it easier.

"Oh no...I wonder what came up, I'll have to ask Tyler and see if he knows anything. We could still go to dinner if you want" she offered, a hint of sympathy in her voice.

"No that's okay, you and Ty should go I wouldn't want to impose" you replied.

"Well you wanna just come over to my place and hangout? We could binge watch netflix and order pizza?" she offered again. You looked at Josh's message again and then at jenna. You smiled, "sure, that actually sounds really fun" you said. Jenna smiled back.

"Awesome! I'll head home and tell tyler dinner is off and then you can just come over around 6" she said. You agreed and she drove you home.

You walked inside after saying bye to Jenna and opened your phone deciding to respond to Josh.

Y: That's okay, I understand, we'll just have to do it another time, no worries Josh, I hope everything's okay

J: thank you, you're the best

You closed your phone and sat on your couch. You really did hope everything was okay, but you were also really sad. You had been looking forward to going to dinner with everyone.

"I guess this dress will have to get used to the closet" you spoke to yourself as you hung it up in your room.

--------------------------------

"Where should we get pizza from?" Jenna asked looking at her phone. You thought for a moment. "How about marcos?" you suggested. "Oh my god yes, they are SO good" she said as she went to the Marcos website beginning to make an order. You and her were sitting on her couch, she was wearing a pair of Tyler's basketball shorts and a black sweatshirt , with her hair in a bun. You wore black leggings with an oversized band Tee.

"Should we get cheesy bread?" Jenna asked. You chucked "obviously" you responded. Jenna laughed "alright I'll get some annnnnnd I'll get some lava cake" she spoke completing the order.

You guys watched Lord Of The Rings as you waited for your pizza. You and her shared a blanket watching the movie and talking to Tyler every so often when he came into the living room. The doorbell rang and Jenna paused the movie and hopped up. "Pizza's here!" she said as she trotted to the door. You heard her talking to the delivery person as you scrolled through facebook.

You seen a post that made your heart crumble. It was a picture, posted by some girl named Debby. The picture was of the girl and.....Josh outside a movie theater posted an hour ago with the caption:

"awesome night out with this guy 💜"

You frowned as the sound of Josh's voice filled your ears

I can't make it to dinner..Something came up.

"Here we go" Jenna said setting the pizza down on the coffee table infront of you. Her smile quickly fell when she saw the look on your face.

"What's wrong?" she asked sitting next to you. You showed her the picture and spoke softly

"Who's Debby Ryan?...."