Josh's head swung to the side, a mixture of spit and blood flying from his mouth as the man punched him. He didn't even hesitated before sending his other fist flying towards Josh's face, making his head snap the other way.

"I'm getting bored of you," the man mumbled.

Josh clenched his teeth. "Then let me go."

The man harshly grabbed Josh's face. "Not until your father gives me what he wants."

Before Josh could speak again, he was being kneed in the stomach. The chair he was being tied to toppled, making Josh swing around as he gasped for air. When the chair fell, the back snapped and Josh felt the rope around his wrist loosen.

He quickly pushed himself up with his now-free hands and punched the man square in the face. He untied his ankles and wobbled to his feet, still winded and struggling for air.

The punched the man again and watched as his head flung to the side, smashing against the wall with a sickening crack. Josh's eyes widened and he paused, a limp forming in his throat when he realised what he had done.

He took a step forward, breathing erratically for a different reason than being winded. He saw blood, so much blood, and he gagged as he fell to his knees. Tears brimmed his eyes and he sobbed, wishing that the man he hated would miraculously be alive.

Josh hated him. He hated him so much, but he couldn't have killed him. Josh wasn't like that. He wasn't like his father.

The man's eyes were glassy, his eyelids hooded. He wasn't breathing. There was a puddle of blood growing beneath him, pooling around Josh's already-dirty sneakers.

Josh knew he had to move, but he couldn't. He was frozen, staring at the life he had just taken in complete horror.

Suddenly, the man shot up, making Josh's stomach twist. He wrapped a wet, bloodied hand around Josh's throat and backed him against he wall.

Josh closed his eyes. When he opened them, Brendon was in the man's place, blood dripping down the side of his face. Josh cried out, begging for an escape, or at least death.

Brendon leant in, his expression cold. "Murderer," he sneered

Josh shook his head as much as he could through the grip of his best friend's hand. "No."

Josh squeezer his eyes shut. Brendon kept repeating the same word, over and over again, burning it into Josh's mind.

The voice changed. Now it was Tyler spitting the word Josh hated so much. Josh refused to open his eyes; refused to see Tyler like he had seen Brendon. He could feel the malice in Tyler's voice, though, and he could hear blood dripping to the floor.

"Just let me die," Josh sobbed, but Tyler didn't even pause as his voice grew louder and louder.

"Murderer!" He yelled.

"Josh? Josh, you gotta clam down. It's just a dream, buddy. Calm down."

Josh inhaled sharply, his eyes barely adjusting to the sight of his room. He sighed in relief as he felt Tyler's arm tighten around his shaking body. He was pulled into a sitting position, curled up against Tyler.

"What're you doing in here?" Josh asked, too tired to put on his American accent.

Tyler gently weaved his hand through Josh's hair. "I heard you scream. I came in to check in you."

Josh let his head drop against Tyler's chest. "Do you think I'm a murderer?"

Tyler's have left Josh's hair, making the older boy's heart stop. It steadied when he instead cupped Josh's face and looked directly into his eyes.

"You are not a murderer," Tyler said sternly. He pulled Josh's head in so it was back against his chest, his hand back to playing with his hair. "You're not a bad person, either."

"Really?" Josh whispered, tears gathering in his eyes.

Tyler hummed. "Definitely. Personally, you're the best person I know."

Josh sighed, too exhausted to argue. "Can you stay with me?"

"Of course," Tyler replied easily.

He gently laid down, his hand never leaving Josh's hair. Josh smiled, quickly dozing off under the protection and comfort that Tyler offered.

Tyler stayed awake, staring at the ceiling. He looked at Josh, who looked a lot more relaxed but still had tear streaks running down his face.

The vulnerable side of Josh rarely came out. It hurt to see him like that; so broken and small. Tyler hated to imagine half of the horrors that Josh had been through. He also hated to imagine how many nights Josh had been plagued with nightmares, with no one to comfort him when he was shocked away.

He twirled a piece of hair between Josh's fingers and placed a kiss against his nose before closing his eyes, finally letting himself succumb to a deep sleep.