University had been an escape, well needed and well appreciated. An escape from an overbearing home life, with no secrets and no privacy, no time for himself. A life of pressure and expectations and constantly failing to meet those expectations. Eventually he'd simply stopped trying. Had seen the path his family wanted him to take, and spat on it with all the bile and resentment he could muster. They had been so happy when he got into this university, thinking they'd won this absurd battle of wills between them. The looks on their faces when they'd realized he'd been enrolled in a liberal arts program? Priceless.<br/><br/>Not that he had a particular fondness for the arts, save for how his parents so disliked the idea of him being involved in such. Jaiden Reid, their glorious golden boy, wasting his potential away in art. Wasting their money too, as his father so enjoyed reminding him. And yet the money still came rolling in every month. He supposed that meant they still loved him. Or still held out the hope that he'd change. That this was just a phase in his rebellion, and he'd fall into line once more.<br/><br/>He hadn't mentioned to them that he was dating his roommate. That he and Caine had been dating for months before he even applied for this school. That he was the entire reason he chose this particular university. They would have disowned him in a heartbeat. Or kidnapped him to take him back home. But Caine made the risk worth it. Doting, oh so sweet, and with a heart that never stopped giving. He had been everything Jaiden had wanted. Had being the operative word. There was nothing wrong with Caine, but being with him wasn't as fulfilling as it had been in the start. He still loved him dearly, of course, but something was missing.<br/><br/>Maybe that was why he'd agreed to Vaille's offer of couple's therapy. The night he'd met his new friend was a bit of a haze, full of drinks and dancing and drunken singing, but he remembered Vaille with stunning clarity. All practiced charm and a font of interesting conversation, Jaiden had sought him out often after. And had confided in him the troubles he and Caine were experiencing together. His lover had thought it was a brilliant idea. Perhaps he wasn't as subtle with his displeasure in their relationship as he'd thought.<br/><br/>The idea of being analyzed and scrutinized had put him on edge the first session or so, but Vaille was patient and friendly, slowly easing into topics and ensuring, consciously or not, that all parties were comfortable. It was growing so much easier to talk with him about everything. Caine had never seemed to have an issue opening his heart and bearing his soul. He couldn't help but feel jealous over how easy everything seemed to come to him.<br/><br/>Their current session with Vaille had started off much the same, with friendly chatter as everyone eased into sharing, before some of the questions started. The teasing causing Jaiden's cheeks to flush red. As red as the blushing couch. As red as the fiery mane that crowned his head. "Yes, because I'm so sure you want to hear all about our sex life." He brushed the teasing aside as best he could, a touch of a smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "If I had to pick something that was good in our relationship, I'd say its the emotional support. I know he's always going to be there if I need him, whatever I need him for."<br/><br/>Caine cooed teasingly at the praise, laughing when his hand was slapped away from prodding at Jaiden's side. Though the mirth left his eyes as Vanille offered him the chance to speak, a nervous rigidity to his posture. "Well, for the past while, it seems that we've become less and less intimate with each other. As though we've regressed back to being just friends."<br/><br/>"Friends tend not to share beds, Caine."<br/><br/>"I'm simply expressing how I feel." There was a hurt tone to Caine's voice, and Jaiden had the humility to at least look guilty for not taking his concern seriously.