Chapter 360: This is not goodbye
When Kellen and Brent headed downstairs, Gunther was finished being seen to by Taylor, and was now under his Father’s watchful gaze as Charlie held his hand. Casper stood nearby as well, Gunther, Casper, Rhys and Taylor all aware of what kind of Guide Charlie was.
Kellen paused, about to speak out and stop it when Casper looked up, meeting his gaze and shook his head. From the way his jaw was held, and the fact that his arms were crossed, it appeared that Casper had either agreed to this, or was keeping an eye on it. Or both.
Kellen shut his mouth and continued down the stairs, watching as Taylor patched Rhys up. Brent went over to the others, patting Kellen on the shoulder as he left, and Kellen headed towards the kitchen counter. Taylor was speaking quietly to Rhys, quiet enough that the others weren’t able to hear, but Rhys was.
Rhys was nodding along to her words, but stopped when he met Kellen’s gaze. He smiled, reaching out a hand that Kellen took. Rhys raised his hand, pressing his lips to Kellen’s hand.
"How did your chat with Brent go?" He asked and Kellen sighed.
"We’re going to have to revisit how soon the Field Guides go out to the front lines. Brent has...something he needs to do, and I suggested that we send the advanced group first. At least half of them at a time. That’ll give us small enough groups to manage inside of gates, plus a few Espers, and that way he can do what he needs to while working." Rhys stared at him, before he nodded.
"So it’s time to mobilize the part of the Guild that has been on hold until now? Hill will be delighted to hear that." He said and Taylor chuckled.
"Yes. She’s been getting pretty antsy. Especially because I’ve been harassing her about how much sugar she’s been eating." Taylor said and Kellen chuckled.
"As you should. She has been eating a lot." Taylor’s gaze sharpened and Kellen took a step back.
"Don’t you even start. I know you’ve been buying her more when she runs out." She warned and Kellen looked away from her, avoiding eye contact. She growled. "Kellen Woods." She started and Kellen gripped Rhys’ hand tightly, moving towards him. He’d protect him from Taylor, wouldn’t he?
Rhys chuckled, bending until his head was resting on Kellen’s shoulder.