Chapter 302: Just listen
"-ellen?" Someone was calling his name, and he didn’t realise who it was until they touched his shoulder. Kellen jerked, flinching at the touch. Rhys, who had come around to check on him, stared down at him in concern. "Hey, are you okay? You look really pale." Taylor, who had been beside him, trying to help Kellen, also had a concerned look on her face.
Kellen didn’t know what to say. He didn’t even think he could actually talk. His throat had closed up, and he didn’t feel like himself. He’d been using the counter to lean against for balance, but he felt that if he moved away slightly he would fall.
Kellen opened his mouth, trying to say something, anything, but nothing would come out. Rhys’ hand on his shoulder tightened, and he frowned down at the other man. He glanced over at Taylor, before sliding his gaze towards Kellen’s Dad.
"Taylor, you can handle forming the cookies now, can’t you?" Rhys asked and Taylor nodded, concern clouding her expression. Kellen wanted to tell everyone that he was fine, but the words wouldn’t come out. He could barely breathe in all honesty, and sucking air into his lungs was a very difficult task.
Rhys practically picked up Kellen, moving him towards the sink and with practised, measured movements, began to wash Kellen’s hands for him. Kellen wanted to protest, but again, he couldn’t speak, nor move. Rhys’ expression was dark, but still thoughtful as he went through the motions, before drying his hands with a towel handed to him by Casper.
"Bring him over." Gwen called from the couch, patting a spot in between her and Brent. Esper Blake had moved off of the couch, sitting on a stool just behind the couch. Charlie was squeezing himself tightly against the edge of the couch, trying not to be in the way, while Hill remained near the counter with Kellen’s Mom. It was clear that that was only because Kellen’s Dad still needed assistance. Otherwise, the Esper wouldn’t have left her Guide son alone.
Rhys carried Kellen over to the couch before gently turning him around and settling him in between the two. Rhys didn’t move, pushing back the coffee table so that he could get on his knees before Kellen. Kellen could feel his body tense, his muscles contracting painfully as he went into high alert.
They knew something was wrong. It was clear that some of them had anticipated this behaviour, while Kellen felt like he was drowning. This felt like...too much. Too much feeling, too much reaction. He could barely control his own body, and he couldn’t talk. His tongue felt too big for his mouth, his lips felt swollen, and his throat was closed up. What the fuck was wrong with him?
"Kellen, sweetheart, you’re going to be okay, alright?" Rhys told him, squeezing his knees that he held onto. Kellen had no idea why he was saying that. Kellen knew he was okay. Taylor was looking after him. Of course he was going to be okay.