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Scar really just couldn’t take it anymore. Ever since he got here, all he’s seen is Grian and Gem stuck to one another, and it’s pissing him off. He knows Grian is divorced now- but to rebound so quickly, with their friend no less, has him irritated. Or maybe it’s more so the years upon years of strangled down feelings for the man that has Scar so upset about this secret relationship. Oh, yeah, and Grian still hasn’t even told him about Gem! He doesn’t need the confirmation, though. It’s clear as day that they’re obsessed with each other, and that’s the last thing Scar wants to see.
So, when Gem puts her hand on Grian’s chest for the twentieth time in the hour, you can’t really blame him when he abruptly leaves the group without a word, wheeling off to the small office room reserved for breaks from the stream. Tears prick at Scar’s eyes, but he’s not sure what’s causing them. Frustration, maybe, or heartbreak. Or some brutal mix of the two. What kind of person doesn’t tell their supposed best friend about their relationships? Does he think Scar is stupid, that he can’t see what’s right in front of him? It’s bullshit. Bullshit bullshit bullshit-
Scar’s thoughts are interrupted by the door creaking open, just slightly. He drops his hand from where it was balled up in his hair, rubbing his eyes before turning himself around. He regrets it instantly when his eyes land on Grian.
“Hey, you alright? You took off real quick.” He asks in a stupid soft voice that only worsens Scar’s irritation.
“Mhm,” he hums, turning himself back around so he doesn’t have to look at Grian. “Just taking a break.”
Grian studies Scar for a moment- Scar can feel his eyes on him from the doorway. He hesitates before speaking again. “Want some company? We’re just doing some filler stuff before the next event, I don’t have anywhere to be-“
“No, Grian, I don’t,” Scar snaps, immediately feeling bad for it. His thoughts flip between he deserves it and this is your own problem. “Why don’t you just go back to hanging all over Gem.”
Oh, he shouldn’t have said that. He shouldn’t have brought it up. Now, the door is open for Grian to confirm their secret relationship, and to call out Scar for being jealous, and probably go laugh about how pathetic he is and-
“What? Scar, where is this coming from?” Grian sounds lost- playing dumb, surely.
Scar scowls, but still doesn’t look at Grian. “I’m not as stupid as people think I am, Grian. I can see how you act with her. Would’ve been nice if you at least mentioned it to me, you know, as your friend.”
Grian blinks, stepping closer and letting the door close itself behind him. “You- think Gem and I are together..?”
“Well- yeah,” Scar falters, suddenly unsure. “You’re always hanging out, and you’ve been attached at the hip all weekend.”
Grian moves to face Scar, sitting in an office chair across from him. “Dude, I’m not with Gem. We’ve gotten a lot closer lately, yeah, but that’s all. She’s just my friend.”
“Oh,” Scar trails off, embarrassment and guilt swirling in his chest. He runs a hand through his hair, sighing. “I- Shit… I’m sorry, G. I just really thought something was going on and- I don’t know.”
There are a lot of things Scar could say. He could tell Grian that he was pissed at the thought of two of his close friends getting together and neither of them telling him. He could tell him he was irritated by how constantly they were together, always choosing each other in groups or splitting off to be alone. Or, if he were braver, he could tell Grian that deep down, all of this was just jealousy. Envy over Gem getting what he’s wanted for so long. He can’t say that, though. Not to his recently divorced, straight best friend. He can’t.
“No, no it’s fine. You… seem really bothered by the thought of that, though.” Scar can hear the question in Grian’s words- the indirect why that Scar can’t fathom answering honestly. Unfortunately for him, words aren’t always his strong suit.
“It’s- I was just… bothered. I guess. I don’t know, man, it- it’s not a big deal.” Coward, Scar thinks to himself. Dodging the subject as if the bright burning in his face isn’t giving him away regardless of what he says.
Grian hums, studying Scar again. “Why? What was bothering you about it?”
“I don’t know- just… felt left out?” Yeah, that was a great response, Scar. Totally not telling in any way.
“So,” Grian tilts his head, leaning ever so slightly closer. “You were jealous?”
Scar sputters, positive that blush is trailing down his chest at this point. “What? Jealous? Pshh, no, of course not- nothing like that!”
“Mhm. Well…” Grian stands, leaning close enough for Scar’s hair to brush against his cheek. “You always have my attention, Scar. Even if you don’t know it.”
Scar feels lips press to his temple, and before he can even process the words or gesture, Grian has left the room. Sitting in silence, Scar’s watch alerts him of elevated heart rate, while his thoughts whir.