Chapter 31: Unwelcome Welcome Party
When Kellen opened the door to his new apartment he noticed immediately that something was different about it. He wasn't sure at first, until his eyes caught the fruit bowl he'd unpacked in the morning full of fruit on the counter in an obvious place. Curious, he began to inspect the kitchen and found that he was right, someone had been in his apartment, but it wasn't for any nefarious purpose. In fact, they left a list and a note explaining what was left and where. Kellen even found out that he had a small pantry tucked behind the stove, he just had to go around the island to access it from the other side.
Calmer, since it was something he had planned, Kellen went back to the front entrance and took off his shoes, slipping his feet into his slippers. He planned to leave the shoes near the door until he bumped against the wall and a panel slid out. The panel was a shoe rack, and stunned, Kellen put his shoes inside. Curious, he felt around the wall, pressing lightly, and found that he was right. The paneling on the wall next to him hid a closet for coats and a shoe rack. He took off his Guide uniform jacket, hung it up with a smile, before heading upstairs to change into more casual clothes.
Coming back downstairs after changing into a white t-shirt and black sweatpants, he began poking around the kitchen seriously. He investigated where the cafeteria crew had put everything and found that even though he hadn't put everything away this morning, they had finished it for him. They'd left the boxes folded up and in the pantry, and had chosen practical cupboards to put everything away in. He was quite impressed with them. It felt like he was in a professional kitchen. His fingers tingled, and glancing at the pillar connected to the island, he found his father's 21 birthday gift to him. A plain, black apron that he used to wear before he went to the front lines. He hadn't taken it with him since what use would it have been there? But now...smiling softly to himself, he pulled on the apron, tying it around his waist and began looking through the fridge to see what he wanted to make. He had a lot of toys he wanted to play with, but only one stomach. Hmm...
A knock interrupted Kellen as he was in the middle of pulling out a bunch of vegetables, and nervous, Kellen placed them on the counter before checking the peep hole. Surprised, he opened the door. Outside the door, Gunther, Hill, the green haired man from before and the Captain stood outside. All four of them were wearing civilian clothes, while Kellen noticed that Gunther had two bags in his hands brimming with cans. Hill whistled at the sight of me.
"Looking good Kellen. What are you doing?" She asked and Kellen blinked. He honestly hadn't been expecting anyone to show up today after the long day he'd had.
"Oh, I was just starting to work on dinner. They delivered lots of ingredients to my apartment after lunch and I wanted to try some of them out." He said and Gunther frowned. He glanced behind Kellen, frowning even more at the lack of boxes that he could see.
"You're already unpacked? We were coming to help, but now I feel guilty." He said and Kellen smiled. Kellen felt his eyes being drawn to the Captain and jerked his gaze back to the others. He was still angry for his behaviour earlier, and for making him look like a bad pair. But time had passed and he hadn't seen him since, so Kellen felt a little softer towards the man. It helped that he was clearly nervous, not having his usual self confidence that he normally had while interacting with Kellen. Kellen felt his eyes glance over at him again and scanned him. The dark blue t-shirt he wore strained against his chest, and Kellen could see the distinct outline of his nipples. Swallowing, feeling like he'd seen something he shouldn't, he turned back to answer Gunther.
"I didn't have a lot to unpack in the first place. You guys came to help?" He confirmed, and Hill and the Captain nodded. Gunther shrugged, holding up the two bags in his hands while the green haired man seemed nervous. It was obvious he'd been dragged into this, and if he was to guess, it was by Hill. Kellen offered him his hand. "We were never formally introduced. I'm Kellen Woods." He took Kellen's hand, meeting his gaze rather seriously with his dark one and Kellen was slammed with the depth of his powers. He never felt this way with the Captain, which was surprising, but every Esper was different. That might be why he was so nervous.
"I'm Miro Anderson. We've met before, but only in passing. You...complimented my work." His cheeks flushed and Kellen grinned.
"That sounds like me. I don't remember what I said, but I stand by it. What you've done with the lobby is amazing, and very refreshing." Kellen released his hand stepped back, allowing the others to enter the house. "Come on in then. I might not have anything two can lug around as big strong Espers, but I won't turn down the company." He teased and Hill patted his shoulder as she entered. Gunther kicked off his shoes near the door and Kellen had to resist lining them up as Hill followed suit. Miro lined his up and so did the Captain, and when he met his gaze the Captain winked at him, his smile tender. He reached out his hand slowly before ruffling Kellen's hair. Confused, Kellen turned away from him to see Hill and Gunther pulling the stools out from the island. Thankfully there were four stools there, so the four of them could sit with ease. Kellen moved back into the kitchen while Gunther handed out what was inside of the bag. Beer. He cracked them and handed them out to everyone. When tried to hand one to Kellen, he shook his head. "Oh, I don't drink beer." Hill's jaw dropped.
"But! But, I saw you drinking at your going away party!" She protested, confused and Kellen chuckled, leaning against the counter. The Captain had come to reside in the kitchen, leaning against the pillar connected to the island. Not quite touching Kellen, but not far away either.