Chapter 37: What are Guides?
Kellen ran into not a single soul on his way back up to his apartment. He was beginning to worry no one else lived upstairs besides him and the Captain. Once in his apartment, he made quick work of cleaning himself. He did take a second to appreciate the water pressure of the shower, but only a second. He was never going to admit it was better than what he'd had at home. Deciding he couldn't wear sweatpants all the time outside of his uniform, he pulled on one of two pairs of jeans he owned, and pulled on a dark blue t-shirt that he owned.
Heading back downstairs, he ran into the two lieutenants just outside the front door of the gym like they had promised, only they had a joiner. Casper was chatting with the two other lieutenants, clearly catching up. From the two Esper's appearance it was clear they had also taken a shower, and were in casual civilian clothing as well. Hill was the first to notice him as he approached, and she waved wildly, her smile infectious.
"Kellen! Casper here wanted to join us. I'm sure you're fine with that?" She confirmed and Kellen smiled with ease.
"The more the merrier I say." Casper had seemed nervous at first, but relaxed at his easy agreeance.
"I clearly missed out on something yesterday, but I was worried I was inviting myself to your group." He said, and Hill wrapped her arm around his shoulders.
"Casper, Casper, Casper, you are just a cute little Guide! Who would ever think that of you?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Say, Captain Thatcher's all paired up, and it would probably look good if two lieutenants paired up, so what say you about me and you getting together? I don't think our compatibility is bad, and I'll treat you well. You can do whatever you want." She winked at him, while Casper had a horrified look on his face. Kellen had to hide his laughter, knowing that Hill wasn't serious. Gunther swooped in for the save. He snorted.
"He's too good for you, Hill. From what I saw, your compatibility isn't even 55%. Why would a man who has seen what 90% and 70% looks like settle for less than that?" Casper seemed stunned that Gunther said that, while Hill had dropped her jaw. Kellen came in with the finisher, for both Espers.
"Of course he's too good for you. He's too good for everyone in this Guild. Have you seen Casper? He's the ideal Guide, and he's well spoken. Honestly, I could see him being poached away if we don't treat him well." Even Gunther had a stunned look on his face while Casper's ears were turning pink. Kellen smirked. "Besides all of Casper, I can't really see you settling down with anyone, Hill." Her face flushed at his teasing, and Gunther cleared his throat.
"Well, we can't have Cas leaving us. He's the glue that's held us together before Kellen arrived." Kellen watched as Gunther licked his lips nervously. "Is there...anyone you're interested in, Cas?" Casper almost choked, Hill gave Gunther a wide eyed look, and this time Kellen was the one to step in.
"Casper told me that he never wanted to get tested again, so I'm going to take it that as long as you make sure that doesn't happen, Casper belongs to the Guild. Right, Casper?" Kellen shot the man a smile, while Gunther seemed shocked, and Casper's whole face was bright red.
"Haha, yup. Kellen's right about that." Casper's voice seemed higher than normal, but Kellen just took it to mean he wasn't teased as often as the others were. Gunther chuckled nervously, while Kellen gave a nod.