Chapter 186: You like like me
"I-I wasn’t doubting that you could take care of me, Captain, I was just worried you thought-"
"Never would I ever think that. You’re taking on a role you originally wouldn’t, so of course your body is going to need more fuel. Even if that wasn’t the case, why would I judge you? I already told you I’m going to be disappointed that you’re going to lose your juicy ass, but I also know that’s only temporary. You like being fit, and I like when you let me touch you with or without your clothes. Whatever you eat to achieve that I don’t give a fuck about, as long as you’re healthy. I know Taylor makes sure of that, so why would I care?" His words were sincere, and held a small thread of anger in them as well.
Kellen wasn’t sure why he had worried that the Captain was going to judge him for it. Maybe it had to do with the fact that he’d only recently come to terms with his feelings for the Captain. He might be worried that the Captain was going to find something about him that he didn’t like so that he could reject him, or that it would turn him off. Kellen pressed his forehead against the Captain’s shoulder, and the man gave him a squeeze.
"Why are you thinking like this? Already having doubts?" His voice was soft, light. He was teasing Kellen, and that only made Kellen sigh.
"No, that’s not it. I’m just nervous. I haven’t felt this way about anyone else, so I guess I worried about things I normally wouldn’t. I wouldn’t care normally if someone else found the amount of food I ate in a day gross, but I guess because it’s you, it does matter." The Captain’s arms tightened around Kellen, and he gave him a squeeze before pressing a kiss against his hair.
"I would never care about that. I promise. I like how dedicated you are to your job, and it’s also very cute when you stuff your cheeks full of food and chew, unaware that you look like a little chipmunk." Kellen’s eyes went wide and his jaw dropped. Kellen squirmed in his grip, trying to escape and Rhys laughed. "Oops. You had no idea, did you? That makes it even cuter." Kellen wiggled more, but the S Class holding him didn’t budge.
"Captain, that’s not something you should say." Kellen protested, flushed. Comparing him to a chipmunk? Really? Rhys stared down at him, his eyes bright and warm.
"Hmm? I think it is something I should say. Most Espers think it, we just don’t voice it. It might just be a Guide thing. I notice that other Guides have a slightly cute, stuffed cheeks look when they eat. Of course, you’re my favourite, but Brent and Casper also do it. I’m beginning to think from your expression that it’s unconscious." Well, now Kellen was going to be worried every time he eats. Kellen glared at him, but the Captain pressed another kiss against his cheek, unrepentant.
"I’m going to warn them now since that’s a strange thing to notice about Guides. But, Brent probably already knew about it and was using it to lure in Espers." Kellen muttered, a little bitter. He could not believe that the Captain thought he looked like a small rodent as he ate.