Chapter 41: A reunion for the ages
Kellen went to bed early that night, rising early to have a brisk workout in the morning to get his blood flowing. It had been a pleasant night before, getting to hang out with new and old friends. That and the Captain kept his hands mostly to himself, limiting his actions because they were outside. Or, at least, that was what Kellen was telling himself.
He still had a hard time dealing with the man, even more so when his eyes had remained hazel for most of the night. It had even surprised Gunther and Hill, who had then mercilessly teased the two. Hill especially had asked what Kellen had done to the Captain to get him that calm, and had only laughed when Kellen answered ’guiding’.
Pushing that to the back of his mind, Kellen finished his giant breakfast, getting the last sip of tea in before switching out his slippers for his polished work shoes. He left the apartment in high spirits, not even flinching when the Captain stepped out of his apartment at the same time. Instead, he offered him a smile, noticing that his eyes had gone back to their yellow hue.
"Good morning Captain." He greeted cheerfully, and the Captain smiled warmly at the Guide.
"Good morning Mr. Woods." He greeted with affection that seemed to roll off of Kellen’s back. It didn’t upset the Captain however, who just took it in stride as he joined Kellen on his way to the elevators. "Busy day?" He asked and Kellen shook his head.
"Not really. Casper has a few things he wants to go over with me about the Field Guide school as he’s calling it, and I have a few orders that I need to get in since our talk yesterday. What about you?" He asked and the Captain smiled.
"Ah, I have a couple more talks I need to do with the other Captains now. Mostly showboating if I’m honest. Behind doors Sergei and I have already agreed to each others terms, but we can’t let the others know that. S Classes collaborating? What is the world coming to?" He teased, and Kellen chuckled. If he hadn’t been involved with all of the Captains he might have thought the same. Most S Classes weren’t as amiable to others, often leading to fights breaking out when they interacted.
They exited the elevators and headed for the main set. The gym had filled up since Kellen had been in it earlier, and he waved at the ever energetic Gwen inside. They got into the second set quickly, the Captain ruffling Kellen’s hair as he exited on a higher floor. Kellen took it in stride, especially since the Captain had slowed down on his obvious war path of seduction since the kissing incident. He was counting his lucky stars, enjoying the small reprieve.
Kellen’s day felt like it was going smoothly, even as he headed for the Guiding Division a little earlier then planned. He was opening the door the Division when he saw a Guide rush to Casper’s door. Noticing how frantic the man was, Kellen approached with a frown as Casper opened the door with the same expression.
"What’s wrong Caleb? You’re never this frantic. Is something wrong?" Casper’s soothing voice calmed the man, but it made his eyes no less frantic. He glanced behind him at the approaching Guide, unsure if he could speak, but Casper nodded, urging him on. In hushed, but frantic tones, he spoke.
"T-There’s a man downstairs causing a disturbance. At first he was calling for Lieutenant Hill, but when he was told she was indisposed, he started demanding G-Guide Woods." He cast his gaze down, clearly unsure what to do. Casper also seemed confused, while Kellen could feel a wide, almost maniacal smile cross his face.