Chapter 211: A new kind of low
"Alright, since you two have decided I should go bring some food in, I shall do so. Did we want takeout, or are you two okay with something from the cafeteria?" Rhys asked once the two had finished laughing. Kellen shrugged his shoulders.
"I’m truly fine with anything. I just don’t want to cook right now." Kellen said, and Rhys nodded. He glanced at Kellen’s Mom, narrowed his eyes, and nodded again.
"I’ll think of something for you both, then. Do you want me to fill up and turn on the kettle before I leave? Or light some incense?" He asked, and Kellen smiled at him softly.
"We will somehow manage without the big Captain of the Saturn Guild at our every beck and call. We’ll see you shortly, Rhys." He hesitated, before coming over to Kellen and pressing a kiss against his forehead.
"I’ll be back soon. Don’t get into any trouble without me, alright? I’ve had enough heart attacks for the day." He joked, but Kellen could feel the kernel of truth in his words. He nodded in response.
"I have no plans to leave this room for the time being." Kellen told him truthfully, and Rhys smiled at him. His yellow eyes were bright, harsh, but he was okay. They were all...okay.
Rhys headed for the door after that, and ran into both Gwen and Brent as he opened the door. The three of them stared at each other, before Brent gasped and pushed Rhys aside.
"Kellen!" He cried, rushing towards Kellen who was still in his Mom’s arms. She released him as Brent wrapped his own arms around him, wearing his prosthetic for the day. "Oh my god! My heart nearly stopped when I heard about an assassination attempt! Fuck, are you alright?" He asked, patting Kellen down. Kellen winced when he patted his thigh a little too hard and Brent jumped back like he’d burned himself. "Oh god, your thigh? Why the hell are you still standing? Come, sit down. You can leave, Captain Thatcher. I’ll keep an eye on him." Brent’s energy filled the room, swallowing up the depressing energy that Kellen and his Mom had been projecting.
Rhys’ eyes creased as he smiled, looking over the two Field Guides. His gaze slid to the younger Esper before him who hadn’t moved into the room yet. Gwen looked uncomfortable, conflicted, and anxious. He reached out and ruffled her hair.
"I will leave them in your Guide hands, Brent. I should be back soon with food for them." Brent nodded, and if it was any other time, Kellen would have protested, rolled his eyes and thrown a fit.
But, Kellen had been shot, his Dad had been shot, and Kellen had given his Dad enough blood to save him, and also cause Kellen to pass out from blood loss.