512 – Jealousy
Zach, the book-thieving Grunt, was quickly becoming one of Archer's biggest annoyances. Not only would the boy eat up all the time *Archer* could be spending with Felicity, but it was almost impossible to separate them.
Ever since she had found another person willing to learn the skills of healing, Felicity offered most of her time to him, explaining things from one of the many books he was reading or having discussions on topics Archer had no interest in.
Petrel had noticed the death glares that the other Executive sent the Grunt and had pointed out Archer's obvious jealousy, to which Archer had snapped a less-than-clever retort and stormed off.
But Petrel was right; it burned him from the inside out and he hated it. Hated the feeling of illness every time he saw the two walking together, when she leaned over to the Grunt to point out something in a book, hated her quiet laugher at some stupid remark the boy made, hated how he watched her when she wasn't with him, but most of all he hated how she smiled at the damned Grunt.
Felicity should be smiling at him, not some lowly Grunt. Archer punched a wall in his room angrily, the thoughts in his mind turning darker and darker. A knock on his door forced a growl from his throat.
"Archer, it's me. Let me in?" Felicity's voice said slightly muffled by the door.
"Then come in."
"You dummy, the door is locked hence why I knocked." Felicity laughed as Archer opened the door.
"What's wrong with you lately? You seem so... Angry." Felicity said after a few moments watching as Archer slumped on the bed, and sat down beside him.
"Nothing! Now what did you want?" Archer snapped.
"That's a load of crap and we both know it. Tell me please?" Felicity pleaded quietly.
"Why are you trying so hard?" Archer asked coldly.
"Because, despite everything you're doing, I care for you. So either answer my question or tell me to leave." Felicity said just as coldly. Silence reigned on the pair and Felicity stood anger etching her movements.
"Fine. I'll leave of my own accord." Felicity snapped turning towards the door. Archer grabbed her wrist just before she could reach it, and pulled her into him, crushing his lips to hers.
"Is that what this is about?" Felicity said breathlessly once they broke apart.
"What?" Archer asked raising a brow.
"You think Zach is trying to steal me away from you. And I thought your ego couldn't get and bigger." Felicity chuckled dryly.
"What do you mean?" Archer snapped.
"I'm not something to possess, I refuse to be; I'm a person who thinks for herself. So get that damned idea out of your head. Zach is a friend who shares the same interests I do. It's nice to talk to someone who understands what I say." Felicity hissed before leaving completely.
She stormed to her room and crashed on the bed letting Kitten's gentle purr lull her to sleep.
Zach was looking for Felicity for an explanation of the biology of water Pokémon and came across Archer and Felicity fighting in the Executive's room. The words were muffled and when the door slammed open Zach jumped back to avoid being seen by the girl.
"I don't believe I own you Felicity, it's more a matter of you owning me." Zach barely heard the whisper but was deeply concerned.
It was obvious the Executive cared for the woman, but what was the fight about? Did she not return his feelings? Zach walked away from the bedroom deep in thought and bumped into Executive Petrel.
"I'm sorry sir, I didn't see you there. Excuse me." Zach said absentmindedly.
"Hey. It's Zach right?" Petrel asked him.
"Yes sir."
"You spend quite a bit of time with Felicity don't you?"
"Y-yes sir?"
"If you plan on pursuing her, you might want to prepare for a fight."
"Pursue her, sir? I –I don't like Miss Felicity that way! S-she's my mentor." Zach stuttered.
"Miss Felicity? Then steer clear of her and Archer for a while. Take it or leave it."
"Thank-you sir." Zach said quickly before dashing off.
"Miss Felicity. She's gonna hate that." Petrel laughed quietly
Zach almost ran to Felicity's room and knocked softly to receive no answer. He slowly opened the door to find her stretched out on her bed fast asleep, her Persian lying beside her. With a deep breath he walked over to the bookcase and returned the book he had borrowed and scribbled out a quick note on her desk.
The Persian snorted making Zach stiffen in worry and slowly turn towards it.
"Good Kitty, nice Kitty. Please don't kill me; I don't need Archer knowing I was in here while Felicity was asleep." Zach whispered quickly and the Persian's attention turned to the door.
"Too late." Came the voice of the Executive. Zach cringed but turned to face his superior and motioned for him to be quiet before pointing to Felicity's sleeping form.
The Executive growled and grabbed his arm dragging him out of the room.
"What are you doing in her room?!" Archer snapped angrily.
"I was returning a book I borrowed; I apologize if that's a crime *Sir*." Zach sneered the title of the man in front of him.
"If I find you have done anything to her in any way." Archer threatened shoving Zach against the wall.
"I will kill you."
"Why are you so concerned about her?! It's not like you're dating or anything!" Zach snapped as Archer started walking away. Archer froze and sighed before glaring at the Grunt and walking away.
"We should."