Chapter 48: We love a little debrief

Kellen made sure that when he woke up after the long, tension-filled nap, he went directly to finding out the information that Charlie needed for his studies.

After, of course, making sure that Rhys headed off to work and actually did his job while Kellen wasn’t watching. The man clearly didn’t want to leave him alone, but also knew that now that he was out of the Medical Bay, he wasn’t going to be as sweet about him hovering around him.

Rhys demanded several cuddles and looked like he wanted to demand several kisses but held himself back. Kellen at the very least, saw him off to the door and Rhys looked quite anxious but Kellen told him he would text him before he left the apartment. He would need to go gather his books from his office for Charlie.

Rhys nodded, still looking uncomfortable, and Kellen just smiled at him and smacked his ass with his good hand as he turned to leave. Rhys gave him a warning look, but Kellen just smiled and waved as the door closed behind Rhys.

Kellen had been warned, but Kellen hadn’t done the research yet. Ignorance was bliss, for now.

Kellen ate first, getting his lap top up and running while he did so. It was hard to do with only one functional hand, but that was okay. He was getting pretty adept at this, honestly. It would probably feel weird when he was able to use both of his hands again.

He was using his laptop to see if he had any of the resources that he wanted to give Charlie on his computer. Sadly, unlike most others, Kellen kept most of his resources in physical copies because when he was on the front lines, the internet was spotty. Some things just made more sense for him as a Field Guide.

That would mean he was going to have to brave the Research department and all of their ’injured Guide’ rage. He swallowed.

Maeve had been a little on the terrifying side when she had chased him out last. Kellen just hoped he could plead his case this time before he got chased out. He was a grown ass man, but that meant nothing in the face of Espers who thought he was attempting to hurt himself or overwork.

~

Kellen attempted to see if he could find any of the things he wanted to give to Charlie online, but didn’t see the point in paying for it twice when he could just go grab his books and photocopy them for Charlie.

Annoyed, he sighed and begrudgingly started the climb up to the bedroom to go get changed. He made sure he had his phone on him, in his pocket, so that if Rhys or someone else suddenly messaged him that he could answer.

He had a feeling that if he didn’t answer his phone immediately, or told Rhys what was going on, he’d drop everything he was doing and sweep in, making sure he was okay.

That was why, when Kellen got to the top of the stairs and glanced at the bathroom, he pulled his phone out and told Rhys he was getting in the shower and that was why he wouldn’t be responding right away if he messaged him.

Rhys gave him a thumbs up, and told him that he wished he was there to have a shower with him.

Kellen, chuckling, sent an emoji that he thought was pretty similar to a dick and then a winky face. All Kellen got in response was his name. It was a warning, but Kellen didn’t care. He sent back kisses and hearts before he put down his phone.

This was fun. Being the one who flirted was terrific. He’d have to tell Brent about it when they got him back.

~

Shower accomplished, clothes changed, Kellen sent an update text that he was going to attempt to get his books from his office to photocopy. Rhys immediately responded and told him to bring the books up to his floor to do so. Better yet, he was going to send Hill with him to help carry everything.

Kellen had a feeling that Hill had far more important things to do, but given that Rhys wasn’t coming himself, Kellen had to make small concessions for the man. Plus, it would give him a chance to check in with her, see how she was doing after everything. He was also certain that he would not be able to convince Rhys not to send her, so he just agreed, said he’d meet her down at the Research department, and he’d be down shortly.

Kellen was in a good mood as he went downstairs, saw everyone in the gym and got a few waves. He recognised more people that he passed thanks to the previous day where it felt like the whole Guild came to see him. They even waved back, smiling at him. It was a strange feeling.

Kellen hadn’t had interactions like this with the people who he called his friends that often, and it was strange for him to realise that…that didn’t bother him as much as he thought it would. The Guild was easily making up for that. Kellen felt a little better in his own skin, a little more confident as he headed for the Research department.

He was sure he was going to need it.

~

Hill was waiting for him, lollipop in her mouth as the elevator doors opened. She grinned at Kellen, her eyes tired but she looked a little more rejuvenated compared to the day prior.

“Hey Kellen. How is our little Guide doing today?” She asked, smiling as she leaned in for a hug. Kellen gave it to her, never one to turn down someone who was asking for a simple gesture of affection. He would just have to limit how much he kissed others on the cheeks, apparently.

“I’ve been worse. How are you doing, Hill?” Kellen asked and she pulled back, giving a small shrug.

“Rhys sent me away for a fun errand, so I’m doing better. He’s in a much better mood. It’s nice to work in the office again, and now that we can be in our own offices again instead of the conference room?” Hill looked incredibly relieved. Kellen grinned.

“You don’t have to use the conference room anymore?” Kellen asked and she nodded.

“Yeah. Ever since your Mom bounced back from…the gate incident, she’s taken over pretty much all international communication. She’s kept Pamela in the loop, but with her at the helm of all communication it’s made things easier. We should have asked for her help earlier, but, we didn’t know.” Hill said with a shrug. Kellen smiled.

“I’m sure she feels bad for not ’pulling her weight’ prior to this. Make sure she doesn’t overwork herself, would you? What am I saying? All of you are overworking yourselves.” Kellen said with a slow shake of his head. Hill chuckled. They began moving and Hill reached for his head, ruffling his hair. It was an affectionate gesture and Kellen glanced at her.

“Glad you realise that, though, when we are asked to look out for others, we can.” Hill said, thoughtful. “We just still forget about ourselves.” Hill made a thoughtful humming sound before she smiled at Kellen. “Are you happy that things are on an upward turn?” She asked and Kellen nodded.

“I am. I’m anxious to get this next phase moving forward, and anxious to deal with those mother fuckers at the E.A.G. We need to find Gunther, we need to deal with that fucking shooter who aims at my parents, and I told Rhys not to exclude me from this.” Kellen said and Hill’s grin was a little dangerous.

“I’m sure you want to be involved like last time, don’t you?” She asked and Kellen gave her a look. Of course he did. That was non-negotiable. He’d helped a lot, and he was a good shot, even with his compromised vision. Mm, maybe he should go to the gun range to just prove that to them, and to himself.

“I’ll go to the gun range and make sure I’m still impeccable.” Kellen told her casually and Hill threw her head back and laughed.

“I’m almost excited to see Rhys’ face when you text him and tell him you’re going to go shoot a gun. He’ll be like a damn chicken with its head cut off. He won’t know what to do with himself, so anxious even though you are, as you said, one of the best shots in the Guild. You were one of the best shots on the front lines. I bet you still would be, outside of your students.” She said, her grin warm. Kellen felt a sense of pride fill him at her comment.

“They’re that good out in the field?” Kellen asked and Hill patted his shoulder, her hand feeling firm and strong but Kellen’s body didn’t move like it had done in the past when she’d patted him. Her smile was infectious as they grew closer to his office and the danger zone.

“Kellen, our sweet little Field Guide, of course they are. They had you as their teacher, and it’s actually so amusing to watch little Kellen’s and Brent’s move around on the front lines. They all stand like you two, move like you two. It’s almost eerie. However, I find it endearing, and so does Sergei. While they are all away from the front lines, the ones who are dedicated to being Field Guides have gone to Casper and asked when they can go back.” Kellen was surprised to hear that.

They hadn’t spoken to him about that, and they had been visiting him. However, he wasn’t the head of their department. He was just a Guide, and while it stung that they didn’t say anything to him about it, maybe out of respect for the fact that he was injured, he was glad that they went to Casper to ask about it. It meant they still respected him in his position.

“He told them not right now, right?” Kellen asked and Hill nodded.

“Yeah. At least two weeks after the funerals, which are coming up soon. Rhys is currently in a meeting with Lieutenant Fisher about the funerals and what you saw. Obviously, everyone feels like they can’t catch a break. I could hear Lieutenant Fisher let out the loudest sigh I’ve ever heard from the man as I was leaving.” Hill told him and Kellen chuckled.

“He is probably taking extra strength stress relief or stomach medication or something. It’s been a hellhole ever since Uncle Tom fled.” Kellen remarked and Hill made a noise in agreement.

“Wherever that little rat emerges, he’s going to be fucking in for it. Your Mom called dibs.” Hill let out a little shudder and Kellen’s smile faded from his face.

That was pretty serious, honestly. His Mom didn’t joke around when it came to threats like that.

“All I can wish for is that he comes back with some of his limbs intact.” Kellen said easily and Hill’s eyes curled up at the corners as she looked at Kellen.

“Some?” She asked and Kellen nodded, coming to a stop to scan his card at the department door.

“Of course. She’s going to take his leg for what Gwen lost, and probably an arm for how I got injured. I know my Mom.” Kellen said and Hill chuckled.

“God, I love talking to you sometimes.” Hill said as Kellen pushed open the door and held his breath. Were they going to usher him out right away?

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