After the Interview #1: "I'm Definitely the Ugly One"

Before reading this flash, it would be helpful to listen to the WarnerSquad interview with Tyler and Josh (conducted by Benji from the group Benji & Fede). The comment that inspired this flash is at the 6:25 mark.


Tyler pushed through the door and took off down the hall like he was being chased by his own demons. I had to break into a trot to keep up with him.

"You know you're not ugly, right? You were just joking with that guy." A soft, sarcastic snort drifted back in my direction. I reached out and grabbed his arm. "Stop."

He reluctantly ground to a halt, turned around, and frowned. "Josh. We don't have time for this. We have another interview across town in an hour. We gotta get going."

"We've got a few minutes," I insisted. "Let's talk about this."

"Right now? In the middle of a busy hallway?"

I looked around. Nobody. "It's not all that busy."

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Okay. I was joking."

"No you weren't," I said, knowing full well what his reaction was going to be. He immediately bristled.

"Yes. I was."

"No, you weren't. You've said that several times now in interviews, and I let it go, but I'm not going to let it go this time. I know you. You weren't joking."

Tyler sighed and shook his head. "In the interest of time. . .okay, fine. I wasn't joking." He shrugged. "It's true. I mean look!" He pointed at his nose. "Turn me upside down and you could plow a row in your garden with this thing."

"You think that's bad? Look at this!" I pointed at my own nose. "This is the big Idaho potato you plant in that garden."

He grinned crookedly. "I like potatoes."

"And I like plows," I said. "That's not the point."

"Okay, look at these," he said, baring his teeth. "They're crooked and not even the same size. Yours are all even and perfect and white. Everyone loves your smile, Josh, and don't even deny it."

I sighed in frustration. "It's not what's on the outside that counts. Cliché, I know, but the most beautiful person in the world can open their mouths and instantly become ugly. But, when you open your mouth, your soul, everything that comes out is beautiful and perfect. That's what makes you such a beautiful person."

He stared at me, blank faced, for a few moments. Then a mischievous smile appeared. "Are you hitting on me?"

I grinned. "Well, you do have a really nice plow, and I have this awesome potato. It's like we were meant to be together."

He ducked his head and laughed, which always made me smile.

"What would I do without you, Josh?"

I smiled confidently. "You're never going to be without me, Tyler."