A/N: OMG! I am so sorry that it took so long to update! And this chapter isn't very long either *looks scared* ... please don't kill me because then you wouldn't know what happens

Chapter 4: Delbert's Ponderings

Delbert Doppler knew that Amelia and Natalie needed some time alone. He didn't understand what was wrong with Amelia, but he hoped that this would make everything better. On his way home, a great deal passed through his mind.

There was (or had been) more to Amelia and Natalie's relationship than just friendship. Of this he was certain. He didn't know for sure, but Natalie seemed to be highly possessive of Amelia … especially when he was displaying signs of affection. He had noticed a few dirty looks thrown his way whenever he held Amelia's hand or even watched or looked at her. The one time he had actually kissed Amelia in front Natalie, he could almost feel the animosity burning his flesh.

He just couldn't comprehend why Natalie would feel such contempt towards him. He had barely met the woman and she already seemed to hate him.

Delbert could only think of one instance where he had seen this before, but the two situations were entirely different … weren't they?

When Delbert and Amelia had still been dating, they were in town, shopping for who knows what when a male Felid came up from behind Amelia and tapped her on the shoulder. A startled Amelia turned around, but a smile instantly lit up her face and she questioned, "Jason?".

The smiling man nodded and Amelia threw her arms around him. It threw Delbert off because Delbert had never seen Amelia act so freely in public. He was lucky if he could get her to hold his hand when other people were around.

When Amelia pulled away, Delbert had a chance to get a better look at the man. This Jason was a tall man. He was a head taller than Amelia, and she was wearing her boots! His hair was short and spiked and his eyes were as green as Amelia's. His ears were a light brown, and his left ear supported a hanging, silver earring in the shape of a dragon. He wore a navy blue muscle shirt that revealed that he was … fit … to say the least. His black pants weren't tight, but they still didn't hide the muscles in his legs and his black boots fit perfectly with his ensemble.

Amelia turned to Delbert and giggled as she said, "Delbert, this is Captain Jason Conway. We knew each other in the Interstellar Academy. Jason, this is Dr. Delbert Doppler."

"Pleased to meet you, Delbert," Jason said in his creamy, tenor-level voice as he shook Delbert's hand. "Although," Jason turned to Amelia, "we more than just knew each other. Didn't we, Melia?" Amelia blushed a bit and Delbert was even more thrown off. Amelia never blushed!

"That is true," Amelia half-laughed, still addressing Jason. "We did date for some time, but that was before you graduated."

As Jason began complimenting Amelia for graduating early as compared to his graduating top of his class, Delbert felt extremely possessive of Amelia. This man was strong, handsome, dashing, daring, intelligent, and a sailor … just like his beloved. There was no way that he could compare.

"Well," Jason began, bringing Delbert back to reality, "it was nice seeing you again, Melia, but it seems like my girlfriend is looking for me." Delbert looked up to see Jason giving Amelia another hug before turning to him. "Nice meeting you, Doctor."

"Bye Jason," Amelia called out before turning back to her own significant other. The entire way home, all Amelia talked about was Jason and how they had once dated in the Academy, but she hadn't seen him since he had graduated, seeing as how the two of them were the best captains to be found. They never had the chance to see each other anymore due to the fact that they were always sailing in the Etherium. It was at this moment when Delbert truly felt the emotion of jealousy.

After remembering that encounter and how it had made him feel, it hit him.

No!shot into Delbert's mind. There was no way that …Then again, it was Amelia that he was thinking of and she never ceased to surprise him. The image of Natalie and Amelia embracing came intruded his thoughts and he knew for sure then. Mere friends didn't hold one another in that fashion!

That's it! Delbert thought. That's why Natalie despised him so. She and Amelia had been lovers! That's why Amelia had said that Natalie wouldn't understand; why she had seemed so lost when Natalie had shown up. She knows that she's going to have to choose between us.

Now that Delbert knew what was going on, he rushed home.

A/N: So, that was it. I hope you like it. the next chapter will have Amelia in it ... maybe some Natalie and maybe even some Delbert. Let's hope I get the next chapter up quicker *crosses fingers*

Thanks to FinalKingdom87, Ryan Chetty, Elvenwolf, and Samelia-Wishes-To-Try-Again for your reviews! Much appreciated!