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Joey perched on the top of the giant cod statue looking down at the Codlands below. A scrowl on his lips as he watched the couple on the dock.
Jimmy and Scott were holding hands, watching the waves of the ocean, Scott's head tucked into Jimmy's shoulder.
They were blissfully lost in one another and the sunset.
No doubt the lovely couple were talking in hushed voices and flirting.
It sent a wave of jealousy through Joey every single time.
Not for the typical reason, of wanting either Jimmy or Scott.
He wanted a relationship like that, to be wanted, and have everyone know how in love he was.
Joey huffed, as he watched Scott stand up, lean in for a kiss before flying away.
It was all so domestic.
How come Xornoth didn't do that with him? The self doubt began to creep in.
“Get a hold of yourself Joey, Xornoth is amazing and loves you.” He reminded himself and began running his hand through his hair.
With that he jumped off the statue and landed down near the dock. “Codfather! I need your icky slime for leads.”
Jimmy jumped slightly. He quickly pulled the Codfather hat over his head. “Oh Joey! How much?”
Eww. Joey cringed at the sight of the hideous headwear.
Who walked around with a dead fish for a hat?
Jimmy did, and Joey hated it.
Frankly, he had no idea what Scott even saw in the swamp king. Jimmy was odd, covered in slime and somehow thought a dead fish was a fashion statement.
“Enough to make a stack? What are you that dumb? No wonder the better brother likes me.” He replied haughty.
Jimmy's tail whipped the dock sending a loud thud through the calm shore. “Drop the attitude. I don't know what makes you think you can even talk to anyone like that.”
His wings fluttered angrily at Jimmy's sudden mood change. “Um, excuse me? Are you forgetting that I have a powerful demon boyfriend? Xornoth can wipe this stupid little empire off the map in seconds.” He threatened.
Shockingly Jimmy didn't flinch in fear as he typically did upon hearing Xornoth's name. “But he hasn't, and he's not going to.” Jimmy's tone was calm and precise, reminding Joey of Scott for a moment.
Was Scott really rubbing off, on the weird swamp king?
“He's my boyfriend. Of course he will. I promise your pathetic little swamp kingdom will be wiped off the map.” Joey hissed, wings rattling as an extra promise to his threat.
Jimmy hummed, his tail thumped again, dispelling any nerves that Joey swore he should have caused. “You've threatened this three times Joey, clearly it's not happening.” He pulled off the hat that always hid his face, revealing deep rich green eyes that looked like the swamp waters and a concerned expression on his face.
Huh, he's handsome. Joey quickly shooed the thought away.
“Joey, you do realize threatening to destroy other empires because you're with Xornoth is the reason a lot of empires don't like you right?” Jimmy asked softly.
“I um-” Joey stuttered, surprised by Jimmy's sudden response.
“Also just because you're a ruler it doesn't mean you get to talk to others as if they are beneath you. I'm the ruler of the Codlands, and Scott's the ruler of Rivendell. You shouldn't be talking to anyone like they aren't worth your time.”
“My boyfriend is a powerful demon-" He tried to rebuttal.
Jimmy's expression turned pitying. "But does he love you? Because you went through all the trouble to get the dragon killed so he'd be powerful. What have you gotten out of your relationship?"
Joey glared. "Oh so now you're gonna rub it in my face that you have such a wonderful boyfriend? I saw you two cuddling on the dock watching the sun set, and how every time we're in a meeting his eyes are watching you." He lashed out, words angry but his eyes were welling up with tears.
Jimmy's expression softened. "Oh Joey, that's how boyfriends are supposed to act."
Joey looked away, his wings folding against his back, almost drooping.
"Xornoth doesn't do those things right? He's always having you run some errands for him to get stronger." Jimmy asked in a gentle tone, he didn't want to overwhelm him, but he wanted Joey to realize he was being manipulated.
“He loves me.” Joey replied stubbornly. “You're just trying to break us up.”
Jimmy sighed. “Joey, what has he done to make you feel loved?” He asked quietly.
“He promised to make my kingdom the strongest empire.” Joey replied automatically.
“Is that all? Because earlier you mentioned seeing how Scott and I act, and said that I had the perfect boyfriend.” Jimmy's expression was understanding as he tried to get Joey to see what was happening to him.
His colorful wings drooped even more. “It's unfair, everyone can see how in love you two are.” There was silence for a few seconds. “I want that.”
“You don't have that though.” Jimmy whispered.
Joey shook his head frantically. “He loves me, I know he does. You're just planting seeds of doubt.” But the words were small, as if he was reassuring himself.
Jimmy sighed, realizing pushing this wasn't going to make anything better. “Let me get that slime for a stack of leads. Just wait out here.”
Joey watched as Jimmy disappeared into his cabin, he turned to the shimmering ocean and paused as a young fish hybrid walked up to him.
He smiled gently and handed him a handkerchief. “For your tears.” The man whispered softly before diving into the water below.
Joey watched the water ripple and he wiped his face with the handkerchief. “Maybe, codboy has a point.” He murmured to himself. He turned back to Jimmy as the other carried a box of slime effortlessly over his shoulder.
“Um, Jimmy.” Joey's voice was quiet as he took the box and stumbled slightly from the weight. “Thank you.”
A smile appeared on Jimmy's face. Just then Joey really did see what Scott saw in the Codfather.
“You're welcome Joey.” Jimmy replied softly.
Joey took a deep breath and took off into the sky, heading for his empire.
His mind settled on as he landed in front of his temple, he glanced around at all the corruption. For once his brain didn't start being in awe over all the damage the demon brought to his kingdom.
A wave of uncertainty completely overtook him as he surveyed the damage.
Building were covered in red vines, like giant eerie curtains. There were thousands of cracks in the streets. His people barely went outside their homes in the past few months.
“Shit, Jimmy did have a point.”