Chapter 147: Rumour has it

Kellen woke up to the sweetest, kindest version of Rhys he could ever imagine. He woke him up with gentle kisses and shakes, having turned off his alarm so that he could do so. He even cuddled him and brought him breakfast in bed.

He massaged his shoulders and his arms up until he got to the damaged part of Kellen’s arm, and then he left that part alone. He was a gentleman, and while Kellen appreciated this side of Rhys, he knew it was for…make up reasons.

The man was in the doghouse. That was what his Mom had referred to the place she would be when she was in trouble with his Dad. Kellen agreed that that was where Rhys had put himself.

He had, repeatedly, kept things from Kellen. Important things that were about him and would affect him. While he was a bit upset that the man had listened in on him like a creep for gods knows how long, that was the least problematic thing he had done.

That was mid-tier S Class behaviour. At least he had made sure there weren’t any cameras after talking to Rhys. It was a good thing he had. The man didn’t look as horrified by constant observation as Kellen wanted, and he made sure that neither one of them could put cameras up in their living space.

Rhys was a bit surprised when Kellen said neither of them, but Kellen wanted to lay the groundwork. If he got just as crazy as Rhys, or more, he wanted to make sure the sane Kellen had laid down the basic law.

So that he didn’t just have others telling his behaviour was wrong, but also himself.

Now Kellen was being helped dressed, showered in words of affection and sweetness to the point that Kellen just started laughing. Since Rhys figured out that Kellen was mad and angry but that he wanted him around, especially after his slip up last night, he had been like this.

He’d even cuddled Kellen all night, being as sweet as sugar, telling Kellen he was sorry and that he was just a stupid Esper without him. Kellen knew both things to be true. He didn’t really need to be reminded.

Kellen also knew that he had a rather long, difficult conversation he needed to have today, especially after what he’d heard from Gunther himself yesterday, and Taylor, and his own feelings on the situation.

He was going to have to talk to Casper today, and he had to make sure that the man didn’t run away. Partially because he needed to know he was benched right now, and for Casper’s own sanity. It could not be doing him any favours to be living in this state for so long.

He would give the man the morning. He needed to touch base with the small list of Guides that he had collected that he thought would be a good fit for the Director of the Guides for now. A temporary position with a lot of work, a lot of stress, and a pay bump.

Rhys had made sure Kellen mentioned that. Kellen didn’t think that was as big of a deal as he thought, but then Rhys pointed out that Kellen came from a good family with enough money to support Kellen and Gwen in anything they wanted to do. Kellen conceded to his point.

Plus, Kellen had to go to the Medical Bay for his transfusion. He had kind of wanted to keep it from Rhys, but that would have only made him as good as him, not better. So Kellen told him of his plans for the day and watched as Rhys froze.

“Today?” He repeated and Kellen nodded. Rhys looked like Kellen had just punched him in the gut and then shoved a cut lemon into his mouth. “You…didn’t say anything before.” He whispered and Kellen sighed.

“I was being a bit petty.” Kellen admitted and Rhys winced. “I’m sorry. I also wasn’t completely sure of the time but Taylor texted me and let me know what time in the afternoon to come down.” Kellen admitted. Rhys dropped his head.

They were in his closet. Rhys was helping him dress, helping him put on the finishing touches. Kellen expected some anger, even some resentment, but instead…Rhys slumped.

“Oh, I don’t like this.” Rhys muttered. Kellen wasn’t sure which part he didn’t like, but Rhys didn’t keep that knowledge to himself for long. “I’m sorry. The way my stomach is twisting just doesn’t feel good.” Rhys told him and Kellen gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

“It doesn’t feel good, right?” Kellen’s wasn’t even as bad as Rhys’. He’d barely lasted 12 hours keeping something from him, and when Rhys met Kellen’s gaze, he felt the weight of it. Rhys swallowed, clearly, truly getting the point now.

“Yeah. It doesn’t.” That was all they said.

Afterwards, Rhys got dressed, letting Kellen watch before they both headed down the stairs. Kellen had messaged his Dad last night about his plan while he was speaking to Taylor so he was quietly making sure each Guide had a few moments of free time in the morning so Kellen could speak to them.

Now, Kellen and Rhys were leaving the apartment together, hand in hand. Kellen wasn’t about to stop being affectionate with the man he had finally gotten his hands on and realised his own feelings about. If anything, he should have to put up with more of Kellen’s odd behaviours.

Kellen didn’t tell him that, but he was sure that Rhys got the memo. Especially when Kellen tugged him close in the elevator down, muttering, but still close.

It was as they were passing the A Class gym that one of Kellen’s work out buddies waved Kellen over. They grinned at Kellen, giving a respectful nod to Rhys before they whispered to the both of them.

“Hey, do you know anything about Lieutenant Hill?” He asked and Kellen, not one to spread rumours about his friends without proof, shook his head.

“No. Is something going on?” He asked and they grinned.

“Well, she was here earlier, before getting a notification on her phone. She suddenly freaked out, dropping the weights she was working with and bolted for the changerooms.” Kellen was shocked.

“Are the floors okay?” Kellen asked and the work out buddy laughed, and then glanced over to where there was a dent in the floor. He then glanced at Rhys.

“Well, I think it’ll be fine. Captain?” He asked and Rhys raised a hand, running it over his face.

“I’ll fix it.” He muttered, sounding pissed. Kellen knew that Hill was in for a conversation later. The work out buddy turned to Kellen, his eyes sparkling.

“Do you know why she moved like that? I’ve never seen her react like that before. Does she have someone new that she’s pursuing? Do you know something?” He leaned in conspiratorially. “I heard from a friend that they saw her picking up two drinks and some snacks after dropping the weights. She even came out in a fresh outfit. It was so unlike her, there has to be someone in the Guild she has her eyes set on.” Kellen knew the Espers here.

In fact, on a base level, he knew most of the attitude of the Guild here. They loved sticking their noses in other people’s business. While Hill normally liked to feed into that, not hiding her normal antics, she knew Taylor well enough that she was trying to keep this a secret.

Kellen wasn’t stupid, he could connect the dots. Taylor had spent the night in the Tower, there was a high chance, a very high chance that Hill got a notice of that. Was it an abuse of power? Hell yeah.

Was Kellen going to point that out to her?

Maybe, if she pushed his buttons in the wrong way.

So, instead of making it obvious he had a pretty good idea of what was going on, Kellen shrugged.

“I’m not sure. She could, or maybe she’s trying to get into someone’s good books. Or, she could be trying to bribe someone to get information on someone she’s interested in. Or she’s feeling like she wants a break from all the damn candy she eats and wants coffee and fresh treats. There are honestly too many options to choose from when it comes to Hill.” Kellen said and the man begrudgingly agreed.

“Yeah. You’re right. Damn it! I had money on who she was going to go after next, but she had been quiet for so long.” Kellen reached out and flicked the tip of his nose. The man winced, not expecting it. Even Rhys seemed surprised.

Kellen was frowning.

“Don’t bet on other people’s lives. It will come back to haunt you.” Kellen warned. The man grabbed his nose, flushing as he nodded in agreement.

“Understood, Guide Woods.” He agreed. He looked properly chastised and Rhys chuckled. He squeezed Kellen’s hand for a moment.

“Out of curiousity, who did you bet on?” Kellen shot the man a hard look but Rhys just smiled. Kellen wanted to throttle the man. The Esper who didn’t fully realise he was caught between the two chuckled.

“Ah, I was betting on a pretty lady who visits the café from time to time. I have seen her and Lieutenant Hill chatting a few times and thought they would make a pretty couple. Most people are betting on uh…” He trailed off suddenly, glancing at Kellen. Kellen frowned.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Kellen asked and Rhys laughed.

“They were thinking Hill would get together with Gwen, Kellen.” Kellen felt shocked. Gut punched. Gwen? Hill and Gwen?

Kellen felt like he needed to sit down. It was one thing if it was Brent. He was bad enough, but he’d had time to sit with that idea, mull it over before warning Brent about his sister. But Hill?

He’d only jokingly warned her before. He had meant it sincerely, but Kellen had never fully considered it. He had a feeling that the powerful energy of basically being S Class was making this revelation harder for him to accept.

“I think I need to sit down.” Kellen admitted. He was sitting down shortly after. Rhys hovered.

“Are you okay?” He asked. Kellen’s work out buddy was also concerned.

“I’m so sorry, Guide Woods. I didn’t mean to shock you. You’re unwell, I should have kept this to myself.” He muttered, looking rather upset. Kellen dismissed his words.

“This isn’t really related to what you said. I’m just…more sensitive right now I guess.” Kellen muttered. He glanced towards Rhys, then sighed. “This is so damn annoying.” Kellen muttered. Rhys gave him a warm, kind smile.

“You’re doing very, very well, Kellen.” Rhys praised. He pressed a kiss against his forehead. “Very well. I’m very proud of you for handling it as you did.” That only seemed to confuse onlookers, but Kellen was sure it would all be cleared up when they were told what was going on.

If they were told what was going on.

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