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Tyler was never a jealous guy.
That’s what he told everyone. No, he had never felt jealousy. His friends joked about him being possessive over the things he loved, but that was just a joke. He wasn’t jealous… of course not.
It was just that some people crossed lines.
He knew Josh, his boyfriend and bandmate, was attractive. Everyone knew that. But scrolling through social media, looking at the photos and reading the comments about last night’s show, he could feel himself getting irritated.
Their relationship wasn’t extremely public. Fans suspected it, created theories, speculations. But they had never confirmed anything. Only friends, family, and a few crew members knew. Still, that didn’t give people the right to leave such explicit, filthy comments about Josh and his body. One worse than the other. Tyler clenched his jaw, hating himself for ever encouraging Josh to work out.
-What bit you?- Josh asked, walking into the room with a bottle of Gatorade in hand. Of course he had been training all morning.
Tyler lifted his eyes from his phone, looking at his man with a confused expression.
-You’re frowning... - Josh said, laughing as he got closer. - You look really annoyed with whatever’s on that screen.
-I’m not annoyed- Tyler huffed, moving over on the couch to make space. -I’m disgusted. Look at this. Have you seen the comments about you from last night’s show? ‘I’ve never been fed.’ What the hell does that even mean?
He showed Josh the comments under a photo of him shirtless. Josh burst out laughing.
-What? You don’t like my full breasts?- he joked, throwing himself onto his boyfriend. -So it’s not annoyance… it’s jealousy.
-I’m not jealous!- Tyler snapped, faster and louder than he meant to. Josh only laughed, humming softly as he leaned in to kiss him.
Tyler wasn’t jealous… right?
~~~~~
I don't like the way he's looking at you
~~~~~
Philip was the problem. That was it.
Not possessiveness.
Philip was a new crew member, one who didn’t know about the relationship between the two band members yet. And he was getting way too close to Josh.
Unfortunately, Josh had a habit of being too kind and friendly with people, always assuming good intentions. Philip didn’t have any.
Whatever the drummer needed, the newbie rushed to get it. Sometimes Josh didn’t even have to ask. And it was starting to piss Tyler off.
They had just finished an incredible show. Both were still buzzing with energy and adrenaline, smiling at each other. Walking backstage, they congratulated everyone, until Tyler’s smile dropped when he saw Philip approaching them… well, Josh.
-Great show, Josh! As always, you killed it! - Philip said, handing him a towel and a can. - Here,your favorite.
Tyler rolled his eyes.
-Ah, thanks, man- Josh said with a smile, taking the Red Bull and the towel. But his smile faltered when he realized Tyler hadn’t been offered anything. -But Tyler
-Oh, yeah, he was good too- Philip cut in. -Actually, I heard we’re all going out drinking to celebrate the end of this tour leg. You’re coming, right?
-Yeah, yeah, we are- Josh answered innocently, not noticing the invitation hadn’t included Tyler.
Tyler smiled again when he noticed the annoyed look on Philip’s face. Apparently, the feeling was mutual. He walked off victoriously toward his dressing room, Josh following close behind.
As soon as the door closed, Josh opened the can, took a sip, and offered it to Tyler.
-You’re coming, right?- the drummer asked, making puppy eyes. He knew Tyler wasn’t very social and didn’t like parties that much.
Tyler took the can and drank deeply.
-No, Joshie… sorry. I think I’ll go back to the hotel and rest- He sighed, seeing the disappointed look on his boyfriend’s face. -But you should go. Have fun. -He stepped closer, fingers threading into Josh’s hair, lowering his voice.- And behave. Like the good boy you are.
Tyler laughed when he felt Josh shiver and lose his composure. He loved having that effect on him.
-Now go shower- Tyler said, finishing the energy drink, only to be pulled back by his boyfriend.
-You’re coming with me.
Tyler laughed.
See? Not jealous at all.
~~~~~
I turn my cheek, music up
And I'm puffing my chest
I'm getting red in the face
~~~~~
Maybe he was.
Tyler paced back and forth in the hotel room, regretting not going. He opened Instagram and saw stories from the crew , everyone drinking, laughing, singing in a club closed just for them. In some of the videos, Philip was way too close to Josh. Hands on his arm, his shoulder.
And to Tyler’s relief ,and irritation , it was obvious Josh was uncomfortable, trying to subtly move away each time.
But then came the last video.
The music was loud, but he could clearly hear Josh complaining about the heat ,followed by an irritating voice saying, “You should take your shirt off.”
That was it.Something snapped.
Tyler didn’t remember how he got there. He just knew he arrived and walked in.
His blood boiled. He couldn’t tell if the pounding was from the music or his furious heart. His entrance was aggressive, clumsy, drawing attention. Someone said, “You came,” and Mark’s loud laugh echoed somewhere. Tyler didn’t care. He went straight to Josh. With red face and puffed-out chest.
-You said- Josh started, slightly drunk.
-I missed you- Tyler said loudly, firmly, gripping Josh by the waist. The drummer gasped in surprise. More laughter echoed around them.
-They deserve each other-Mark said somewhere behind them.
Tyler barely had time to process that before Josh wrapped his arms around his neck, pupils blown wide.
-I missed you too… so much-Josh murmured, pressing kisses along his neck.
It almost made Tyler soften. Almost made him worry about the crowd around them.
Then he saw Philip staring.
And Tyler remembered why he was there.
That man wanted his Josh...His man
Tyler grabbed Josh by the hair and crushed their mouths together in a possessive kiss. When he pulled back, he looked straight at Philip and growled:
-Stay away from him. If I see you touch him again… you’re fired.
Philip nodded, startled, and backed away. Josh laughed, humming softly.
-Someone’s jealous- he slurred.
-Yes. I am-Tyler finally admitted.
Josh’s smile only grew wider. Tyler steadied himself, noticing just how drunk his boyfriend really was.
-Let’s go back to the hotel- he said.-You’ve had more than enough.
-Uh… let me use the bathroom first- Josh mumbled, stumbling off.
Mark approached, laughing.
-Hell of a show you put on, jealous boy.
-It’s my right to be hellish...- Tyler said, opening the can Mark handed him and downing most of it. Then he remembered. -What did you mean by ‘they deserve each other’?
-Ask him tomorrow why he drank so much- Mark replied. -For now, maybe check if he passed out at the urinal.
They laughed, and Tyler went after his love , fully accepting that maybe… he was possessive.
~~~~~
Cause you're too fuckin' beautiful
And everybody wants a taste
That's why
I still get jealous
~~~~~
Josh woke up feeling like garbage His head felt like it was inside his drum, his stomach burning like acid. He groaned, barely moving.
-Good morning to you too- Tyler said, laughing softly, running his fingers through Josh’s hair.
-I feel like shit… everything hurts- Josh complained, slowly lifting his head.
-Fair- Tyler said. -I don’t know how you stayed standing last night. Do you remember anything?
He handed him a glass of water and an ibuprofen.
Josh sat up, taking both, chuckling weakly.
-Yeah… everything. Mister Jealous,- He laughed then instantly regretted it. - God, I need a shower. And strong black coffee.
-That’s good-Tyler said, leaning back on the bed.-Mark said I should ask why you drank so much.
Josh thought for a moment while grabbing clean clothes.
-I wanted to fire a guy… David? Dalton?
-Daniel?-Tyler asked, confused.
Josh groaned childishly.
-That idiot - he muttered -He said you were hot. Said he wanted you.
Tyler burst out laughing as Josh rolled his eyes and stormed toward the bathroom.
-Look who’s jealous now.
Josh stopped at the doorway, turning back with a mischievous smile.
-Yes. You’re mine. And I never said I wasn’t.
-Oh, you little brat....-Tyler said, chasing after him.
After all, they were both possessive of each other.
~~~~~
Cause you know I get excited
When you get jealous too