Chapter 203 - 3 millimeters away
Buckling himself in, and making sure that Esper Blake had done the same thing, Kellen was driving down the road when he noticed a familiar car with a lightning bolt down the side pulling in front of the center. Shocked, and checking his watch to see if he had time, he pulled around the corner, reversed, and pulled in behind them.
Esper Blake, who was confused, watched as Kellen barely turned off the car before he got out of it, rushing to the driver’s side of the other car.
"Dad!" He called, and the older man laughed when he heard Kellen’s voice. His Father hadn’t even opened the door to the car yet, and instead rolled down the window so he could speak to his son. Kellen reached in and hugged the man, much to his Dad’s amusement.
Kellen’s Father looked good. He didn’t seem tired, and was in good health. His frame was full, his eyes weren’t sunken, and honestly, he was glowing compared to all of the other Guides Kellen had seen. It was nice to know that he was in good health. It was one less worry.
"It has been a while since we have last seen each other. How is my favourite son doing?" He asked warmly, and Kellen chuckled. He gave him a squeeze in his arms.
"I am your only son, Dad." He responded tartly, and his Father gently rubbed circles into his son’s back, a smile on his face and warmth in his tone.
"Well, I have a son-in-law now. If you make me too mad, I’ll raise him up in ranks." His Dad teased, and Kellen’s body tensed for a moment, before he relaxed his shoulders.
"I think Rhys would like that if you did." Kellen said, and his Dad froze.
"Rhys? Did you just call him by his first name? Let go of me, I need to get a good look at you." Kellen laughed as his Father pushed him away so that he could look at him properly. He even shoed Kellen far enough away that he could open the door to his car.
Kellen stood still for his Dad’s inspection, smiling as Esper Blake came to stand at the end of his Dad’s car, a smile on her lips. Kellen even did a spin for him. His Dad was shaking his head, affection on his face.
"What on earth happened for this sudden change? You two are still a pair, yeah?" His Dad demanded, and Kellen nodded. He knew his face went red as he considered what to say. Scratching at his cheek, he felt a slightly goofy smile cross his face.