Chapter 21: What is a pair?
The shakes gave Kellen enough energy to keep himself together to get out of the building, but it was clear that the last three strenuous days were catching up with his body. Add that to the relief of being confirmed an A Class, Kellen's body was quickly heading towards shut down mode. Everyone knew he couldn't get home on his own, so as the three Espers led him outside of the Center, they all offered him rides home. Kellen refused everyone's offer and instead called his Dad. His Father never expected his son to call him, so he was ecstatic to be of service. Within ten minutes he had pulled up outside of the Center in all of his glory. He'd grabbed his current favourite car, a bright blue sports car that had custom silver lightning bolts down the sides of the car. Everyone watched in awe as he rolled the windows down and he called out to the group waiting for him. "Hello Honey! How was your first day at work? Did it go well? Oh, hello Taylor! You look positively radiant. Hello Captain Thatcher, Ms. Hill." Ms. Hill snorted at the obvious snub from Kellen's Father, but didn't do anything more about it. She understood why he was treating them coldly, but she hoped that he would warm up to her eventually. She liked Kellen, and hated the idea of his parents disliking her forever. Captain Thatcher, however, plastered on a welcoming smile as he helped the waving Guide towards his Father's vehicle. Kellen's Dad's smile faltered as he saw the state his son was in, but held his tongue. Kellen got into the car, giving his Dad a soft smile that only made his father worry more. He watched the S Class Esper help his son buckle himself into the car before he closed the door and leaned against the open window.
"Work was a little hectic today since we had the new recruits come into the guild. Mr. Woods had a busy day touring the tower as well. Please make sure he eats enough since we had him retested today. Hopefully for the last time. You'll be happy to know he is solidly in the middle of A Class. Taylor and I think he's like this because of the guiding, but also the release of the stress." His father's face grew serious as he stared at his son, whose eyes were barely open as the Captain spoke. "The Center said they would break the news tonight, so you might want to tune in to see it. We decided to break both stories at the same time." His eyes were soft as he looked at the younger man, before he turned his gaze to the older Guide. His eyes shifted, becoming more guarded, calculating. "Oh, as per his contract he's to move into the guild tower tomorrow. If he needs anything he can message me or Ms. Hill. I hope you have a good night, Mr. Woods, and Mr. Woods." The Captain smiled before stepping away from the car. He waved at the stunned older man before turning towards the two women on the sidewalk. Taylor waved at them as he pulled away in a daze. Kellen's Father let his son rest for a few minutes before he tentatively started asking questions.
"You're...moving into the Guild tower?" He asked and Kellen's chuckle filled the air.
"The apartment next to his." He clarified and his Dad shook his head, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.
"That little snake." He hissed and Kellen's chuckle turned into full blown laughter as his gaze stared out the window. He had a slight smile playing on his lips as he spoke.
"Hmm, I don't think he's a snake. Maybe a fox or something like it? He's very sneaky, but also isn't." He told his Father, who glanced at his son in stunned silence as they pulled to a red light. When it changed colour he turned his gaze back to the road. He sighed.
"At least your Mother was honest when she was courting me." He muttered under his breath and Kellen ignored it. That dragged another sigh from his Father. "So, did you pass out today?" He asked and Kellen shot him a dirty look.
"No, I didn't. It was a normal day at work. I got shown around the guild building, met a couple of the other guides, and also ran into Gwen while she was on her tour. She was pissed that I joined the guild before her." His Dad shook his head at Kellen's gleeful tone.
"But she looked well? She told your Mother that she was going out with her friends tonight so we won't be celebrating with her." Figures.
"Yeah, she looked well. She's gained more muscle, which suits her. She had enough energy to attack me, so she's fine. She seemed to be better off then some of the other recruits." That seemed to please him the most.