blossom ↣ joshler ✓

44. Jealous

Tyler and Joshua walked hand and hand out of the food court as they made their way around the mall.

After church Joshua had invited Tyler to hang out and surprisingly, his mom agreed instantly and gave him spending money. It was weird but he wasn't going to say anything about it.

"Joshua," Tyler spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"I need more books."

Joshua laughed and pulled Tyler I'm closer, wrapping his arm around his shoulders and kissing his forehead. "Alright, baby lets go buy you some books."

They walked into Barnes and Nobel and Tyler instantly went over to the fiction area and pulled a book of the shelf to start reading the back.

He heard Joshua chuckle from behind him. "Hey, Ty?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm gonna go get something from Starbucks. You want anything?"

"I'm alright. Thanks though."

Joshua hummed in reply before Tyler heard him walk off. A few minutes later he saw a girl with blonde hair walk up next to him and start browsing the books as well. He didn't pay much attention to her though as he continued reading the back.

Tyler decided he didn't like the one in his hand so he put it back and grabbed the next one that looked interesting. It was written by one of his favorite authors so he had high expectations.

"She's my favorite."

Tyler looked up to see the girl that had walked up smiling at him. "Pardon?"

"The author of that book you're holding?" She gestured to his hand. "She's my favorite. I have all of her books."

Tyler managed to smile back. Months ago he would have awkwardly nodded and ignored her. Now, he didn't feel weird continuing a conversation. "Is this one entertaining?" He asked. "I like the majority of what she writes."

She nodded. "I think it's one of her best ones. I've read it twice."

Tyler held it in his other hand to buy when he was done. "Thank you."

"Of course," she replied, the smile only growing. "I'm Jenna."

"Tyler."

"Any books you recommend?" She asked.

Tyler let out a hum and let his eyes scan the shelves. He stopped when he saw a book he had read from the library, barely being tall enough to grab it. He showed it to Jenna and grinned. "I read this awhile back and quite enjoyed it. I don't know if you'd like it, however. It's a fictional story about the holocaust but history fascinates me so I found pleasure reading it."

Jenna's cheeks were tinted pink as she grabbed the book from him, their hands brushing together. "I'm a bit of a history nerd myself," she laughed out.

"Really?" Tyler replied excitedly. "Most people I know loathe history. I go to West Bridge and I take advanced classes and I cherish the history class I take because it's just so interesting. I would sit and watch history documentaries all day if I could."

"Yeah I go to McKinley and the advanced history class there is really good. My teacher's super passionate about teaching it too and she makes it fun," Jenna smiled. "But the holocaust has always interested me so I think I'll like this. Thank you."

"It was no problem," Tyler assured. "I could recommend books all day."

"Maybe I could have your n—"

"Hey, baby."

Tyler turned to see Joshua standing next to him, a tight smile on his face as he held two cups. "Hey, Joshua."

"Sorry I took so long, the line was huge," he spoke as he stared warily at Jenna. "I know you said you didn't want anything but I got you something anyway. It's decaf in case you don't react well to caffeine," he explained, handing the cup to him.

"Thank you," he smiled. He seemed to remember Jenna was standing there and made a face of realization. "Oh, my apologies! Joshua this is Jenna, Jenna this is Joshua."

"I'm his boyfriend," Joshua said instantly.

Jenna's eyes widened and she nodded. "Oh. Okay. That's cute. You guys seem like a good couple," she spoke sincerely.

"We are," Joshua replied shortly. "C'mon, Ty. I found a book in the non-fiction section about famous composers."

"I love composers!" Tyler's eyes lit up.

"I know you do," Joshua smiled, grabbing the book from his hand and putting it in the crook of his arm while he grabbed his hand and began leading him away from Jenna.

"Oh!" Tyler turned to her and waved the best he could with the cup in his hand. "Bye, Jenna. It was wonderful meeting you."

"You too..." she trailed off as Joshua picked up his pace.

"Joshua," Tyler looked at him. "Slow down!" He stopped once they were over towards the non-fiction section and pulled his hand from his boyfriend's grasp. "What on earth has gotten into you? You're acting absurd."

Joshua had a look of annoyance on his face and let out a huff. "She was flirting with you."

"What?" Tyler had a confused look on his face. "No she wasn't."

"Yes she was. She was about to ask for your number before I stepped in. I listened to your conversation for like two minutes."

Tyler was about to disagree before he realized why Joshua was so upset. He fought a smile, raising an eyebrow. "Are you jealous?" Tyler teased in a knowing voice. 

"No," Joshua grumbled, taking a sip of his drink.

"Joshua..."

"Okay maybe a little," he whined.

Tyler laughed. "Why are you jealous?"

"Because it looked like you were flirting back and I know you weren't intentionally trying to do that but she thought you were and what if she would've gotten your number and you guys started talking and she said she liked you and you decided you liked her too and then you dumped me and left me in the dust because she's really pretty and nice and you were having a really good conversation with her and maybe you start dating her because—"

"Joshua," Tyler spoke. "First of all, I don't even like girls. Second of all, I would never leave you for another person. Why would you think that?"

"You're so awesome and beautiful and smart and funny and kind and you're a total catch and what if you just decided you didn't like me anymore and obviously someone else will like you because how can they not and then you decide you like them instead—"

Tyler pulled him behind a book shelf and kissed him softly. Once they pulled apart Tyler offered him a sad smile. "Are you really that insecure about our relationship?"

"Sometimes," Joshua admitted. "Not our relationship but about myself. I just think you could do so much better than me."

"I don't want better than you. I couldn't find anyone better than you. You make me feel so whole, Joshua. I wouldn't trade you for anything."

"Not even French fries?"

Tyler laughed. "Not even those."

Joshua smiled and kissed his forehead. "I love you. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me for picking you over French fries," Tyler giggled. "Now show me where you found that composer book."