Chapter 69: Am I not providing enough for you?

Taylor finally let Kellen leave after another hour of observation and he was carefully helped out of the Medical Bay by both Hill and Rhys. Kellen wanted to tell them that he was fine, he didn’t need an escort, but both Rhys and Hill were smiling but it didn’t reach their eyes.

Kellen knew when not to push.

Thankfully, they both brought him back to their office floor. Kellen had worried that they were going to baby him and bring him back up to the apartment, but that wasn’t the case.

“You’re…going to let me stay here?” Kellen said carefully, confused as they stepped off of the elevator. Rhys’ sigh carried a bit of his soul before he turned to look at Kellen. He had his arm around Kellen’s waist, escorting him from one side into the waiting area of the office space while Hill was on Kellen’s other side. He was as protected as he could be, with a Lieutenant on one side and a Captain on the other.

“You had plans. I’m worried about you, but I’ll be more worried if you’re out from under my line of sight.” Rhys told him, giving him a smile. It was a bit bitter though, and Kellen could feel how tense the other man was.

“I…won’t take too long. I have a pretty good idea of what needs to be scanned for Charlie.” Kellen said carefully, then glanced at Rhys shyly. Kellen could feel how the receptionists were watching them and knew that others were probably nearby, wanting to listen in on them. “You’re going to discuss what you’re going to do to get Gunther back, aren’t you?” Kellen asked. He watched as Rhys slid his gaze away from Kellen.

It wasn’t because he was angry or trying to hide from Kellen’s gaze, but he was thinking.

“I am.” He admitted, turning his gaze back to Kellen. He was watching him, trying to see what Kellen was thinking. “Are you upset about that? Because I don’t want you involved in your current state?” He asked and Kellen swallowed. He let out a soft, shaky sigh, feeling Hill on the other side of him, shifting as well.

“I won’t lie and say I’m not upset. I threw a tantrum earlier, remember?” Kellen reminded them with a wobbly smile. “However, I’m…calmer now. You’re right. I just want to know what the plan is once you make it.” Kellen told him, then slid his eye to Hill. She jerked at the sudden attention, nodding when she caught Kellen’s eye.

“Understood, my love. I can absolutely do that.” Rhys murmured, drawing Kellen’s attention back to him with his sweet words. Kellen wasn’t surprised when the man pressed his lips against Kellen’s forehead, getting used to the soft acts of affection. Did he want him to actually kiss him? Absolutely.

However, Kellen could feel Taylor looming behind him from several floors below them.

“Hill? Can you go grab the books from Pamela’s office for me?” Kellen asked, turning towards her again. Hill nodded, dashing off as Kellen stayed pressed against Rhys. He actually shuffled closer, tucking himself tighter against Rhys’ side.

“I’m excited for when this nightmare is over.” Kellen admitted softly, and then felt bad for even feeling that way. Rhys didn’t say anything against it, tightening his grip on Kellen’s waist.

“Me too. It will be nice to have everyone together, safe. Including Brent.” Kellen sighed, happy that the man had included him. He just hoped that Brent was okay. Kellen honestly didn’t think it’d take this long for him to heal, but as soon as he was…

The E.A.G. would not be able to stop him. Only Rhys would be able to do so. Kellen gave him that right.

Kellen’s thoughts slipped to the fact that he wasn’t able to leave the property. He knew it was for a good reason. He wasn’t able to protect himself fully, and he’d just seen two back to back serious situations involving the E.A.G. That they were protective of him was very reasonable.

Kellen wasn’t going to argue that. However, he wasn’t about to let Rhys stop him from being involved with the E.A.G. trying to harm his parents again. Everyone was out for blood at this point, and Kellen knew that his parents wouldn’t try to prevent him from what he needed to do.

However, Kellen was missing a few important pieces. He didn’t know how injured he’d still be by the time the funeral rolled around. It was getting close, maybe a week or so out, but Kellen was unsure how well his body would be by then. He was going to need some equipment to help him. Hopefully, some things that wouldn’t be tied to the Guild.

Kellen was hoping that what he picked up would never be tied to the Guild. Hopefully not even tied to Kellen himself. He wasn’t worried about his city, oh no. He was worried about how the international world would react to Kellen taking care of business.

What he needed was something untraceable, something that they hadn’t owned prior to this. Plus, it had been a while since Kellen had gotten any new ’fun’ toys. Oh, he’d looked through some catalogs when he was picking things out for his students, but he was sure things had changed in a few months. Now he just needed to…somehow get someone here to get him what he wanted.

He was going to have to turn up the charm on Rhys. He was in a pretty good mood. Maybe this would work. Kellen could only try, but even he knew he was terrible at this kind of seduction. Mm, not seduction, but…charm? Was that what this was?

“Since I’m not allowed to leave,” Kellen started suddenly, slowly. He was testing the waters and immediately Kellen could feel how Rhys’ body went rigid. Kellen heard how the receptionists stopped typing for a moment. It was like the whole office was holding their breath. “Would you be able to call someone here for me?” Kellen asked, tilting his head back to meet Rhys’ gaze. He kept his smile soft, inviting.

Rhys narrowed his gaze.

“Who are you wanting to call to the Guild?” He asked, confused. “What are you lacking here?” It was clear that the man was a little offended, and Kellen placed his hand on his chest. It was a careful gesture, one meant to calm him. Placate him.

“You’ve provided me with everything that I could need.” Kellen told him, stroking Rhys’ ego. It was the only kind of stroking he was allowed to do. “But, I’m looking to add a few more guns to my arsenal. I got rid of quite a few of them when I left the front lines, and I’m curious to see what is new on the market.” Kellen told him. None of what he was saying was a lie, but he didn’t want Rhys to know the whole truth. Not that he thought the man would stop him. He just…wanted to wait until the guns arrived before he told them their purpose.

He knew that Rhys would be there supporting him when it came to dealing with the E.A.G. They had hurt Kellen, after all. The man wanted their blood too.

Rhys seemed very surprised by his words.

“You want me to call a gun dealer to the Guild? We have an arsenal downstairs, Kellen. You are free to take anything that you want from there.” Rhys sounded actually offended and Kellen patted the man’s chest with a soft smile.

“Rhys, it has nothing to do with that. I just…want something that is my own.” Kellen said. Rhys looked more upset. Whatever Kellen was saying was making the man it worse and Kellen could feel things slipping.

“Is what I give my people not good enough?” Rhys asked and Kellen winced. That was not the direction he wanted this conversation to go, and clearly, Rhys was getting worked up. He’d had a big day, so had Kellen. He needed to have some sympathy for the Esper.

Kellen would have barely kept his sanity too if he had walked in on Kellen collapsed.

“Rhys, you know that’s not the case.” Kellen told him, gentling his tone. Turning so that he had his back to the room and was solely looking up at the other man. Rhys’ gaze was sharp, hurt. His jaw was tight, and his grip on Kellen’s waist tightened, pulling Kellen against his chest.

“Then why do you want someone else coming to the Guild?” He asked and Kellen sighed. He hadn’t wanted to reveal his plan, but damn it, if it was going to make Rhys not upset, he needed to tell him.

“I want a gun that is untraceable to the Guild.” Kellen admitted, embarrassed. Rhys paused, his breath stopping for a second, before he let out a gust of air from his lungs. He bent, resting his head on Kellen’s shoulder before his own started shaking.

“Kellen, my love, what are you going to do with an unregistered firearm?” Rhys asked, amusement in his tone. Kellen chuckled, his eye hard. Determined.

“Whatever you’re thinking is probably pretty close to what I’m planning.” Kellen assured him. “While I am not helping you with Gunther, I need to be prepared for the funeral.” Kellen told him firmly and Rhys’ laughter continued to shake his shoulders.

“I shouldn’t encourage your bloodthirsty behaviour.” Rhys murmured. “I know I shouldn’t, but damnit, every time I hear about it, I just can’t help but think that you’re perfect for me.” Rhys told him and Kellen knew that the tension from the moment was gone.

“You’re not upset anymore?” Kellen asked carefully. “I’m sorry I was a little cagey, I just didn’t want to worry you.” Kellen told him and Rhys chuckled.

“Apology accepted. I can understand why you would want to be a little cagey if you’re planning to commit crimes. No one would want to admit that when speaking to a Captain. However, I’m your partner first, and you know I find it hot when you’re dangerous.” Rhys murmured, turning his head and pressing a soft kiss against Kellen’s throat.

Kellen flinched, and then let out a soft sigh.

“Sorry. I just know you have a lot on your plate. I also wasn’t quite sure how to ask about it.” Kellen admitted. Rhys chuckled.

“I’ll get you the best arms dealer I can. No one will be able to trace your guns.” Rhys promised. “It’ll be a get well soon gift. For my lovely Field Guide.” Rhys told him warmly and Kellen wanted to kiss the man.

“I want to kiss you.” Kellen told him, grumpy. Rhys let out an actual loud laugh.

“Don’t tempt me to end up in the Medical Bay, Kellen.” He warned, pulling back and giving Kellen such a charming, handsome smile that Kellen considered dealing with Taylor’s wrath.

“Go talk to people about Gunther before I forget Taylor’s warning.” Kellen told him, serious. Rhys’ eyes flickered to Kellen’s lips before his own curled up and his eyes creased at the corners.

“My sweet, adorable lover. I’ll go before I cause either of us trouble. Let me know if you have any issues with copying things for Charlie.” Rhys said with a wink, extracting himself from Kellen’s grip. Kellen watched Rhys leave, Hill coming towards him as he did.

“Everything okay?” She asked, curious as to why he was leaving early.

“I told him to leave before I got in trouble.” Kellen deadpanned, watching Rhys seriously. Hill nearly choked.

“Uh, well, I’m glad you’re being good, I guess?” Hill said, her arms full of books and her lips quivering. Kellen pulled himself together, focusing. He needed to get his shit done, and get better.

And think about what weapons he wanted.

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