Jealousy

Kaiden waited impatiently outside of the tent, kicking his boots into the dirt below him. He didn’t want to think that Stanley would anything unthinkable but his distrust of Nia soured his mind, taking over his thoughts. Of course, she would want to talk to him privately in his tent, he scoffed. In the distance, he could see Cher at the outskirts of the forest picking berries for Molly. He was supposed to be there with her but the tension between them was too thick it was unbearable, he wished they would stop fighting already so they could go back to how it used to be. When did things go so wrong?

On the other side of the camp, he saw Katja’s tent. She was probably still unconscious, who knows when she would wake up. Kaiden thought about checking in on her and waiting there for Stanley but his body wouldn’t move. He didn’t trust Nia alone with Stanley. If she could fool him on the train, who knows what kind of lies she’s spewing to him now? His ears twitched, curious about their conversation but he stopped himself before he could press it against the cloth wall. He didn’t want to invade Stanley’s privacy, their relationship was still new, he’d have to trust that Stanley cared about him just as much as he did about the other. But Nia’s presence irked him to no end. He hated her.

Shuffling could be heard inside the tent and Kaiden jumped in surprise, quickly stepping back to not look suspicious. When the opening revealed itself, he saw Nia take a step outside, meeting his eyes. For a moment they looked at each other in shock before Kaiden scowled, scoffing as she walked past him, Stanley soon exiting after her.

“Stanley,” Kaiden said, relieved.

“Kaiden? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be picking berries?”

“Yeah well… it’s still awkward between Cher and me.”

Stanley nodded. “I see, did you want to tell me something?”

“No, is it a crime to simply wait outside one’s lover’s home?” Kaiden asked teasingly, leaning in closer to the other.

Stanley rolled his eyes, pushing him away gently. “Don’t be so obvious out here,” he scolded.

Kaiden took his hand, placing it on his chest. “Why not?”

“Nia’s right there.”

Instantly, Kaiden’s eyes darkened as he noticed the red hair in his peripheral. He turned away from Stanley harshly. “Didn’t know you cared so much about her opinion.”

“What do you mean? We both agreed we’d keep it lowkey until… well… you.”

He knew what Stanley was referring to, the fact that Cher and Molly weren’t aware that Kaiden was into men. In hindsight, his outburst was embarrassing, but Kaiden would never admit that.

“Hey,” a hand was placed on Kaiden’s shoulder. “Is something wrong?”

Kaiden didn’t answer, suddenly ashamed of his jealousy.

Stanley’s hand trailed down to his arm, tugging at it slightly. “Come to my tent.”

Taking another glance at Nia, who seemed to not have paid any attention to them, Kaiden begrudgingly followed Stanley.

Once they were in his tent, Stanley assured that the opening was closed before turning to Kaiden. “Now, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t ‘nothing’ me, something’s bothering you and I’m surprised nobody else has pointed it out yet.”

“I just… don’t like Nia, okay?”

Stanley’s features seemed to soften at the confession. Stepping closer to him, he placed a hand on his cheek. “I take it that it’s because she lied to you on the train, isn’t it?”

“I was a fool.”

“You were generous, that sword saved her life.”

Kaiden didn’t respond, not knowing what to say.

Stanley leaned forward and kissed him softly on the corner of his lips. “Is that all that’s bothering you?” He asked quietly.

Kaiden shook his head, hesitating to make eye contact. “I don’t like how… comfortable she is around you.”

Stanley raised an eyebrow. “We’re friends from Erita, of course, she’d be comfortable around me. Just like you are with Cher and Molly.”

Kaiden winced slightly at the mention of Cher’s name. He missed her. Noticing this, Stanley kissed him again, muttering a small apology before looking at him, still expecting a reply.

“It’s just… I can’t find the words, she’s so… ugh,” Kaiden groaned at himself. How could Stanley expect him to be able to describe the knot in his stomach, the uncomfortable threads of jealousy festering in his brain, eating at him at every second?

“Are you jealous?

“What? No, yes, maybe-- I don’t know, I just don’t like her.”

“You fool,” Stanley smiled, wrapping his arms around Kaiden’s neck. “I’d never leave you for her,” he reassured him.

“You wouldn’t?”

Kaiden felt his heart flutter at Stanley’s words, not used to anyone seeing him in that way before, besides maybe Cher and Molly. But the love he felt from them was different from Stanely’s. Whereas Cher and Molly were warm and cozy, Stanley made him feel like everything was out of his control, but in a good way. In a way where he felt held and seen. The feelings he felt for Stanley made him feel weak and vulnerable, putty in his hands. He’d do anything for him.

“God, I love you,” Kaiden whispered, leaning into his touch as Stanley caressed his face.

“You’ve never said that before,” Stanley murmured, pausing his movement.

“You make me say crazy things.”

“Good,” Stanley then leaned down to kiss him, feeling the smile on Kaiden’s mouth.

“No, of course not. You’re special to me, and I’m not gonna lose you so easily.”