Jealousy isn't a good feeling to have, especially when it manages to sneak up on a person, slowly weaseling itself into the bloodstream. It tints Steve's vision with a kaleidoscope of greens, reds, and blues, leaving him dazed and confused. Hell, it almost destroyed his relationship with Nancy—though he's sure he did more than enough damage on his own already.

He's done so much harm already that he simply doesn't want to risk ruining another good thing, because what he has with you? That's good. No other alpha has treated him like you have, and, besides, you're just a good friend, no matter the second-gender.

So, why is he distinctly bothered by the slight notion of someone flirting with you? Of running the risk that some omega will fly into your life to whisk you away and bond with you while Steve's back is turned?

God, all of this is so complicated when it doesn't need to be! It shouldn't matter, he should be happy with what you do let him get away with.

It's not enough, though. Especially if that freak, Eddie Munson, is going to continue to pull those cute little smiles out you, those giggles that makes his chest hurt. He might go insane, this might push him over the edge.

"Why Eddie?" Steve blurts out without thinking, before he could metaphorically reach after the words to swallow them back down. He can tell that it startled you, hell, it startled him to ask it after ten minutes of comfortable silence.

Comfortable silence is that is no longer comfortable. It's almost as heavy as his heart suddenly feels as it beats within the bird cage that is his chest. Your room is pretty claustrophobic, he realizes.

He also realizes that he's an idiot.

"I mean, uh, why... hang out with him?" He sighs, a hand reaching to pinch the bridge of his nose, eyes closing. "Never mind, forget I asked."