Page 30 of Guiding Reason

Hyran cleared his throat. “Almost nothing I’d rather do.”

“You’ll have to let me go so I can move. I think I’ll shower again now that the bandage is off.”

He pulled the tips of his hair, and Hyran was reminded of Col taking a shower that night, of how he’d looked under the water even when Hyran had tried not to look too much. It was something to fantasize over.

Col didn’t have many things that needed to be moved.He came here with nothing when we found them out on the river,Hyran thought as he ran an armful of clothes over to the much smaller room Col had picked.

It was calming, a bed nestled in a corner, warm light emanating from the ceiling. A room for a Conduit to rest after channeling. Col walked in after Hyran with a basket full of products Hyran recognized as Guardian Games supporters, a line of bright eyeshadows and shampoo and conditioner from Fizz’s Guardian Candy line.

“You are looking at that bed with the kind of desire most Guardians reserve for their Conduits. That means either you are more tired than you’re showing me, or you are indulging in fantasies.”

Hyran couldn’t exactly tell what Col wanted to hear, and so he cracked a smile, then decided he would give his Conduit the truth. “I get by on very little sleep. Like most kinetomancers.”

“Right. I should know that. Fantasies then.”

Col’s expression didn’t move much from neutral.Not encouraging. Not fucking encouraging.

“Actually, I was thinking that this room is perfect for a Conduit who channels a lot, cozy and calm and out of the way. Which doesn’t mean other fantasies didn’t cross my mind, but obviously, I’d prefer you initiating sex. At least until we know each other better.”

“Obviously. Hmm. Like sorry, it’s not a word most Guardians use as easily as you do. I mean, mine do. But they had to be taught. Some are still learning.”

Hyran watched as some of the mask slid off Col’s face and he smiled for real.

“You love them.”

“I told you I do. Or I think I told you.” Col shrugged. “Concussion.”

Hyran nodded. “For which you should take meds right about now.”

“Before th—” Hyran ran, speeding out of the room and to the living space of the suite where he’d left the medication, grabbed it, and sped back, the servi-floor perfect for the grip he needed. “—at. Oh fuck!”

Col took a step back before he giggled.

“What, first it’s scary, then it’s funny?”

“No, it’s that I keep forgetting, and then you’re a blur, and I really need to get used to it. Sorry, I swear this isn’t funny to me. Your speed is impressive, truly.”

“Uh-huh.” Hyran went to the bathroom and filled a glass with water before handing it and the three pills Col had to take to him. He was smiling though.

Col had taken the time to sit down on the bed, and truth be told, it was both tempting and confusing. Hyran glanced at the door and found it closed.More confusing.

“Thank you,” Col said and took the offered water and pills.

Hyran watched him swallow, and Col held the eye contact as he drank down the whole glass before placing it on the floor by the bed.

“Are you worried I might not be attracted to you?” Col asked.

Hyran rubbed his hands together before letting them drop to his sides. “It hadn’t even occurred to me to worry about that. Strange, huh? I’m more worried about your team.”

“You should be. Not for the reasons you think, of course.”

“Well, your panoplian made clear he wants to cut me. Or beg me to take him to the Whistle’s End.”

Col huffed. “Giving all your secrets away? You are too easy, Hyran. I might tell Taros the name of that place, and then what would you use to handle him?”

“I don’t care about handling Taros. I only want to handle you, Col. May I sit with you? Or do you not want me here? Did you still want to talk?”

“Sit. I do want to talk. Not about how my team will murder you if you give them a reason to.”