Chapter 48: Don’t push your luck (suggestive)
They arrived at the Guiding Division without having run into anyone. It was a small blessing, considering the mood the Captain was in. Scanning his way inside, Kellen headed straight for Casper’s office, having a feeling that was where they were. Kellen knew he was right when a young Esper came storming out of the office, his face red. The door hit the wall, and Kellen was able to peer into the room. Casper had his face in his hands, and Brent, well, he was grinning like a fool. Brent caught sight of Kellen first, getting to his feet with a wide grin.
"Where the hell have you been? You disappeared like smoke and I like Casper, but fuck man, I wanted to spend time with you." He punched Kellen’s shoulder with his hand, grinning, before looking up at the shadow following Kellen. "Holy hell. Is this your pair Kellen? I have to admit, he’s exactly your type." Kellen grew confused. Had Brent never met the Captain before? Then he processed what Brent had said, and he felt his cheeks heat.
"I’ve been, well, uh..." Brent was grinned like an idiot while a hand was offered over Kellen’s shoulder.
"Captain Rhys Thatcher, Mr. Woods’ other half. Nice to meet you." His voice was calm, which surprised Kellen given his current protective mood. Brent took his offered hand with a grin.
"Brent Jameson. I can see why Kellen hid you from me." He turned his attention to Kellen. "He calls you Mr. Woods? That’s cute as hell Kellen. So? Did you take a long time because you two were enjoying your guiding session?" He teased, wiggling his eyebrows, but when neither of them responded, he frowned, narrowing his eyes. "I’ll take that as a no since Kellen isn’t turning bright red. What happened while you were gone?" All business now, Brent stared at them.
"There was a terrorist attack when we were supposed to be having our guiding session. I went to respond to it immediately since my meeting dragged on a little longer. Mr. Woods and Hill showed up as soon as they heard about the attack to offer assistance." Brent’s eyes went wide at the Captain’s simple explanation.
"That was several hours ago, Kellen. How the fuck are you still standing? You should be monitored in a medical bay right now!" He was upset, but Kellen knew he was upset for the C Class Kellen used to be. Kellen raised his hands, placating him.
"I’m not a C Class anymore, and I had a full cooler of shakes that I used as energy replacement. I was more worried about the Captain, but he’s doing great." Brent, who knew the man best outside of Taylor, glowered at him. If he’d had both of his arms right now, he would have crossed them. Instead, he clenched his hand into a fist.
"C Class or not, I know you Kellen. Were you guiding the whole time? That would be almost," he pulled out his phone, checking the time, "two hours Kellen! If you had been guiding the whole time..." He trailed off with a sigh, shaking his head. "You’re going to have side effects soon. What the hell are you doing here right now? Captain Thatcher, you need to take this idiot somewhere safe right now. Any minute they could hit." Casper nodded, also concerned. He’d come out of the office as soon as Brent had greeted them, but had remained hidden behind the other Guide until now.