Chapter 32: You’re not allowed to Guide (m)
Kellen finished cooking, and with the help of the other four they carried everything to the coffee table so everyone could sit down, drink, and enjoy each other's company. He knew that Hill and Gunther were going to be a riot as the night went on since he'd drunk with them before, but the more reserved Miro had everyone laughing heartily throughout the night. Hill and Gunther seemed to want to reminisce about their times on the front lines with Kellen, while Miro would pipe up and surprise everyone with his wit. Hill and Gunther sat on one side of the couch, while Kellen and the Captain sat on the other. Miro sat in between everyone, like a buffer. Kellen knew that the Captain wasn't going to keep his distance, and as the night went on, he began to care about it less and less. Why was Kellen so concerned that the Captain was getting closer to him? Who knows! Why was the Captain treating Kellen like a weary animal? Who cares! What was so wrong with the Captain kissing and touching Kellen? Nothing! He liked it, so why was he protesting so much? It was just guiding.
At some point, the beers were finished, the snacks gone, and it was getting late. Kellen didn't know how late because he knew he'd drank more than he should have. He was having a hard time keeping his eyes open, and Gunther was the first to point it out.
"Well, we should probably get going now. We still have work in the morning." He shoved Hill with his shoulder and gestured to where Kellen's head was dipping. Miro wasn't faring any better. Kellen yawned, covering his mouth before snuggling back into the warm embrace of the Captain.
"Oh, it's okay. You guys can stay longer." Kellen told them and Captain chuckled. He'd somehow managed to get Kellen pliant enough that the man was resting his head against the Captain's shoulder, the Captain's arm around his waist.
"You can tell them to leave Mr. Woods. They've finished all the beer anyway, so it's only right." He said and Kellen sighed, his eyes barely open.
"I still have ciders left." He offered sleepily and Gunther laughed. Both of the Espers were delighted at seeing a side of Kellen they hadn't seen before, even on the front lines.
"We can save those for next time. You look tired. We'll take care of cleaning up and getting Miro home safely, Captain. You can help Kellen to bed." Gunther offered, a smirk on his face.
"No, I'll clean up since I'm just next door. You guys take Miro home and make sure he gets there safely. I'll see you tomorrow." The Captain helped Kellen to his feet, a soft look on his face. He scooped up the man, who he knew would normally protest. Instead, he rested his head against the Captain's shoulder, waving sleepily at the others. They met his smile with a smile of their own, waving in return.
"Night!" Kellen called, and got varying responses back while he tucked his head into the Captain's neck. With a huge sigh, he closed his eyes while the Captain carried him up the stairs. Listening to his heartbeat, Kellen felt calm and relaxed.
"Mr. Woods, are you awake?" The soft voice of the Captain made him groan.
"Mmhmm." He murmured and the Captain laughed. He gave Kellen a squeeze and he protested.