"Yeah, if I'm gonna own my breakdowns and all the crazy shit then I want the song to go HARD. I want people to bop to it and unknowingly hear my story. I want radio to spin it and play my message. I don't want it to be some soppy ballad on the album that most people would skip over because they aren't that invested. I want people to hear this shit." If people are going to be ignorant about Joshua and form opinions on him out of blind hatred or bias, he's damn well going to take his message to pop radio and MAKE these bitter stans and Karens listen. When Dae snuggles into him and calls him a "fucking genius", Joshua chuckles and kisses the top of Dae's head. "Oh...yeah..."Fuckin' Genius" was a song I had to cut from the album," Joshua says with a little laugh before snuggling into Dae, reaching his hand around to stroke his cheek. It's true though, that was the title of a song.

"Two scrapped incarnations of the album, several depressive periods and a lot of angry swear words later and I finally hit the nail on the head, huh?". It's safe to say that this second album has been a PROCESS for him. He's evolved personally alongside the record. "Ah, it was a dumb song anyway. Scrapped it because it was...well, basically about being high as a kite," Joshua says with a chuckle. He has been sober for two months now, totally kicking everything. It's been a way to help keep him present in the moment as he sorts a lot of personal shit out as well as finish the album. "Right back at ya, my love..." Joshua says in response to the "perfect" comment. Not too long ago, he would've scoffed at it but with Dae, he's slowly learning to get used to compliments. Joshua runs his hands through Dae's hair and stays silent for a moment, just enjoying their embrace. After a while he softly says, "you're gorgeous," before giving his boyfriend a gentle kiss on the lips again.

"Guess I might as well become friends with the plants since I'm no longer smoking them!" Joshua grins and lets out a little giggle as Dae pulls him closer. Aside from one or two slip ups, Joshua has pretty much given up weed. As much as it aids him when he's feeling emotionally flustered, Joshua caught on to the fact that he was growing too reliant on getting high as a coping mechanism and wasn't really present anymore. With the way 2020 was shaping up both personally and professionally, Joshua knew he had to be alert, focused and present as much as possible.

"And here was me thinking I was always the elephant in the room." Joshua smirks and embraces Dae. It really warms his heart that Dae loves him for who he is, the real Joshua. Granted, the outspoken, mad musical genius, Republican-fighting, meme-worthy aspect of him is still very much true. All of that, however, is heightened by the media and online trolls. They don't get to see the more human, chilled, vulnerable and even the more mundane side of Joshua in everyday life. The fact that Joshua can show Dae the entire spectrum of his life and personality and still feel safe and secure is a sign of how real their love is. Joshua doesn't let just anyone in. "You may have mentioned it once before," Joshua jokes after Dae confesses his love. "You know what? I really love you too now that I think about it." Joshua gives Dae a little kiss on the neck as his boyfriend snuggles in. He rubs Dae's back in the embrace before that mischievous hand of his slides down lower and somehow, through no fault of its own, finds itself squeezing Dae's right butt cheek.

"It's...an experience for sure," Joshua confesses with a little chuckle. "I've had one or two little slips but overall, I'm doing real well. Started to meditate as a way of centring myself. It works for the most part. Although there are some times where I just want to smoke a big fat one." Like Dae, getting high benefitted Joshua and he wasn't doing it just to seem cool or just for the sake of a buzz. With the way Joshua's brilliant yet chaotic mind works, smoking weed really helped to calm his nerves but with the death of his sister and his fractious mental health, Joshua realised it was a path he really couldn't afford to go down anymore.

"What are you talking about? You're always nice. High as a kite or not!" Joshua smiles and gently strokes Dae's cheek. "Whenever we meet people, you're always the first one people talk to. I make people nervous. I can't think why!" Joshua shakes his head and makes a sarcastic expression. He's lost track of the amount of times he's heard "you're nicer than I imagined" and "you're not as scary as I thought". Joshua may be very passionate and take no shit from trolls and bigots but he loves people and is really just a big teddy bear. He's not the difficult, standoffish bad guy that a lot of people perceive him to be. Thankfully Dae has always seen the human side. "Though if you did quit, I think the air would be a lot less polluted!". Joshua laughs and playfully gives Dae a little nudge.

"Aw, I'm glad too, my love," Joshua says as he sits in the hammock alongside his boyfriend. "I've missed you too. I feel like with this fucked up year, I haven't been able to appreciate and spend as much time with you as I wanted. We beat around the bush, didn't want to cross a line, FINALLY got together and then BAM - 2020 happened. Kinda cruel to get so close during such a divisive time." Joshua sighs and places a hand on the side of Dae's face, using his thumb to stroke along his cheek. "But at least we're here," Joshua says softly before moving in and planting a tender kiss on Dae's lips. Each time their lips make contact, the kiss grows that bit more passionate. In the span of a few seconds, Joshua finds himself fully making out with Dae like a horny and lovestruck teen.

The difference in Joshua and Dae's demeanours creates a perfect balance and is a strong reason why they are attracted to one another. Dae presents himself in a very nice, approachable and breezy way while Joshua is naturally very passionate, intense and a tad chaotic. When it all boils down though, they are both very loving, sensitive and intelligent people who feel things deeply. They just have very different shields, as Dae says. Having similar core values but operating differently really makes them work. Everyone says that Dae and Joshua just fit perfectly and feels right. Even before they confessed their love for one another, their fans would harass them to just shut up and fuck. "And I admire you greatly," Joshua states while looking back into Dae's eyes. "Sometimes I wish I smiled more and I definitely wish I gave less away. I'm a bit too balls-to-the wall with my emotions."

Joshua chuckles and looks down for a moment before meeting Dae's gaze once again. "You make me feel comfortable and safe. I...I never thought I'd have that again..." Joshua says with a quick shake of his head. His relationship with Johnny hurt him deeply. You just have to listen to the album. Johnny was the first person Joshua truly trusted outside of his immediate family and his heart was absolutely crushed when he discovered all of the lies and the infidelity that was going on behind his back. "But like you said, we've got a lifetime to fill up. No point dwelling on the past or time lost." Joshua smiles and strokes Dae's cheek once again. 2021 does feel like it's going to be a brand new chapter. GOLDENHEART was the album he HAD to make. It addressed and faced a lot of questions and topics that had been eating Joshua up for the last two or three years. How that it's out there in the world, he survived 2020 and he's right here with Dae after so much time apart, it feels like the puzzle is finally complete. All of the chaos is over and they're ready to go full swing.

At Dae's naughty proposition, Joshua smirks and raises an eyebrow. "Well, that sounds excitingly filthy. Starting the new year off with a bang." Joshua chuckles and smooches Dae for a few more seconds before loosening his robe should his boyfriend wish to follow through on that explosion plan. "I think 2021 is gonna be a whole lot of fun." Joshua winks and moves his robe a little to reveal that he's wearing nothing but a pair of black Calvins underneath.

Joshua laughs softly and shakes his head in disbelief. Dae makes a good point. How exactly did Joshua manage to find the time to steal Dae's heart? He ponders for a moment and quickly realises how they managed to fall for one another. It was a two-way thing. "You stole my heart too. When I was at my lowest, you were there. When I had to go into a facility, was off my meds, spiralling and not a very nice or easy person to be around, you still showed up. You still cared. When you called or when you came to visit, looking hot as fuck I may add, I knew that we had something real special. Something beyond just a friendship. We always secretly felt that little...vibe, right?". For Joshua, there was always an attraction to Dae and a little knot in his stomach whenever he was in his presence. It was never anything he acted on either due to being in a relationship at the time or out of fear or ruining the friendship. However, it couldn't be denied. There was always something magical between them.

"Damn right I'll always be there for you. No matter the time of day or whatever the weather. Fuck, no matter what continent I'm on. I'll book a flight right back out of that bitch for you." Joshua smiles warmly and strokes the back of Dae's hand with his fingertips. Joshua is the type of person who'll give you his last penny if he loves you. He'll put his own needs last just to make sure someone else is feeling happy. It's one of the biggest reasons why he took his breakup with Johnny so bad. Being treated that way after literally giving his all and then some...it was a total kick in the teeth.

Joshua shuffles around a little, getting fully out of his robe and kicking off his slippers so that he's just in his boxers. "Mmmm...I'm loving this year already..." Joshua says softly as he feels the tingles all over his chest from the warmth of Dae's soft lips. He places a hand on the back of Dae's neck and just gently strokes, playing with his hair. Joshua tries to refrain from pulling Dae up and passionately kissing him. It's clear that Dae wants to take control and give Joshua a treat right now. As they're both verse kings and Joshua can be extremely dominant, it's always a bit of a power struggle when it comes to sexy time. Though, Joshua would be lying if he said that struggle didn't give him a little buzz. While Joshua is the more powerful one and loves to give it to Dae, the pair probably get more kicks out of Joshua being the submissive one. It must be thrilling for Dae to take control over someone as strong and forceful as his boyfriend. For Joshua, although difficult at first, actually laying back and handing power and control over to someone else is a major turn on.

"God that feels good..." Joshua says in a breathy voice before biting on his lip. He's getting very aroused but is trying to stop himself from dictating Dae. It's very obvious his man has a plan for him tonight so he'll just have to let him take the wheel. Joshua continues to grow in his boxers as Dae continues to kiss on his chest. Now, Joshua is 6'3 and everything is in proportion. He's a big boy. That confidence clearly comes from between his legs. Even in a relaxed state, Joshua nicely fills out his Calvins, so when he's aroused, his undies always look like they're going to burst at the seams. He's nearly at full mast already. Dae's kisses are magical.

"We waited. We abstained. How Christian. How...conservative!" Joshua says in a mocking tone before planting another kiss on his man's lips. As rebellious and unconventional as the two of them are, respect for a relationship is a line they never have and never will cross. They are certainly devoted friends and lovers. "Well, if there's anyone else out there who you want to sleep with, I hope you're still as good as controlling your urges in 2021. Failing that, I hope you at least invite me to watch...or participate...whatever floats your boat." While Joshua makes that statement with a giggle, he gives Dae a little glance filled with mischief. They've never spoken about it but considering how openminded and comfortable they are, the subject of a threesome is probably one Joshua would not strongly oppose to.

"Damn right we're unstop-ohhhh..." Joshua gasps mid sentence as he feels Dae's hand wrap around the length of him. Even though it's through his boxers, the grip of his boyfriend is still highly arousing. It sends a surge of pleasure up his shaft and Dae can probably tell at this point that Joshua is now rock hard in his grip. He gasps and closes his eyes for a moment, centring himself and wanting to keep some sense of control. When he opens his eyes again, Joshua is met by Dae's look and gorgeous grin. He can't help but smile back and give his boyfriend another little smooch.

When Dae asks how Joshua wants it, he just looks down at his crotch for a second. Without saying anything, he takes hold of Dae's hand, moves it from his dick and down and under to where his hole is. "I need it. Bad." Joshua states firmly, looking Dae right in the eye. Point taken. He wants fucked. Hard. A sly smirk then appears on Joshua's face and he briefly bites on his bottom lip. "Hope I can brave all those tingles though." With Dae, Joshua has explored his body and experienced things like never before. The only male partner he was with before was strictly a bottom and the women he had been with had been inexperienced and not that adventurous. It was all very nice but nothing that rocked his world. That was until Dae, of course. The very first time they had sex, Dae put a finger in Joshua and discovered his g-spot. After almost breaking the sound barrier and having an orgasm that resonated from deep within Joshua's very soul, the rest became history. They know each other's bodies and Joshua finds nothing sexier than exploring and playing.

Ever since his overdose and overall hellish 2021, Joshua has remained rather reclusive for the best part of 18 months. He has kept his friendship circle very small and tightknit for his own sanity and safety. No outside noise or seemingly "friendly" strangers worming their way in to fuck him up all over again. As for Deneil, he lost a lot of friends after the breakup with Mandy. For someone as chatty and easy-going as Deneil, the cold shoulders and frosty receptions have been hard for him. These "double date" setups have been mutually beneficial. It's a safe space from the nasty outside world and having fellow creatives to bond with is great for the minds of all parties. They can talk shop, relate to one another and also have a social life without the paparazzi waiting to pounce.

"I don't know either. I just know there's a lot of chaos and the soundtrack is great." Joshua chuckles as he finishes off his slice of pizza. He's been sticking to the savoury food, straying away from any desserts in case they've been in contact with peanuts. He has a deadly allergy and he's lived too much of a life just to be taken out by a peanut.

"Mate, all I know is that Winona Ryder is still fit!" Deneil pipes up from the far end of the sofa, his head resting on Drew's shoulder. "Don't worry, you're still fit too. I'd totally jump into the Upside Down to save you from that ugly bastard." Deneil rubs Drew's arm and laughs softly.

"I think the police guy who's like Eleven's adoptive dad is a bit of a DILF too." Deneil helps himself to a spoonful of Drew's Cheesecake Blizzard because sharing is caring. "Might just be because I've got major daddy issues though." Deneil laughs heartily, totally comfortable with sharing the information and acknowledging that he'll never have a "regular" relationship with his father. His dad was involved in violent gang culture and a lot of illegal activity back in the day. The Khans were local celebrities years before breaking into the music scene but for totally different, unsavoury reasons.

Joshua tilts his head to the side and analyses the screen for a moment. "Yeahhhh, I think he has a nice face and energy about him but I'm probably not thinking about him in the way that you are." Joshua chuckles and looks over at Deneil.

"Nah, fam. You don't want to know what I'm thinking." Deneil winks and brings his feet up onto the couch as he slurps the remnants of his Dr. Pepper from his cup. He has gone for a cosy look this evening, snuggled up at the end of the couch in a matching white hoodie and sweats combo, complete with white socks. His ensemble looks almost cult-like...but in a cute way.

Unlike Deneil, Joshua has can for an all-black look with his sweats, socks and a thin, fitting short-sleeved tee that compliments his physique extremely well. "Warmth and hospitality is what we're all about!" Joshua smiles over at Drew while placing his hand on Dae's lower back, giving it a gentle rub as a way of praising his hosting skills. "Just don't rearrange the fridge magnets and we shall be fine."