[ Neku wouldn't say it out loud even held at gunpoint--but it had been nice having Josh around. No one else had the time or sanity for Neku's pity parties. Joshua, though, didn't seem to mind staying up late with him, playing his dumb mindless rhythm games, watching garbage anime, or just ... talking. The way they were right now.

They didn't talk about why Neku had been such a recluse the past few weeks, mind you. And Neku appreciated it. He needed a distraction, and Joshua was the definition of one. From his motor mouth to--how unfairly gorgeous he looked all the time.

Joshua looked especially perfect with the white light from the television screen illuminating his profile. They had long lost interest in finding a film or show to put on. They would rather chat and just look at each other while sitting on his couch.

Neku had felt a pit in his stomach all day. They were plenty close to each other, but he was itching to be closer. He found himself reaching out, and his fortitude crumbled as he brushed a curl out of Joshua's face. ]



"... I'm sorry. That you had to go through all of that."