Page 87 of Guiding Reason

“You’re not even going to say please?” Taros twirled a strand of his hair around his finger.

“Off the table, I mean. I’m not Kashana, and I won’t kiss you to get you to move.”

“Huh?” Orrey looked back and forth between them.

Karmine pointed at Taros. “This one friended up to Hyran, and Hyran set Kashana on him. Honestly, it sounds more like revenge to have that designer give you a dress, but Taros was all for it. Now he won’t shut up about it.”

Orrey nodded. “Oh. I…see? I’m very happy for you, Taros. I’m glad you could meet the designer you admire.”

Taros pointed at Orrey. “Do you all see that? He is a nice Conduit. He says nice things, even about my ass. That’s why everyone likes him.”

Senlas growled. “Everyone likes him because he’s the most perfect person in any city.”

“Sen—”

“Ah, little brother, don’t fight an imprinted Guardian on the opinion he has of his Conduit,” Col said while fondly petting Hyran’s head.

Huh. They seem closer.

Karmine glowered at Taros. “Are you saying you don’t like Lapa? Because he’s been humoring you for an hour without complaint.”

Lapatea raised his hands. “Please, Karmine, I enjoy listening to Taros.”

Taros crossed his arms. “You’re nice too, Lapa.”

Vin took a step closer to Orrey as the others flew into busyness clearing the table and setting up the food while complaining in the way that expressed their fondness best. “Can you do me a favor?”

With Senlas crouching next to Col and Hyran, it left Vin and Orrey standing off to the side.

“Of course. What is it?”

Vin looked at the hallway to the bedrooms. “Yamara went to lie down. He’s exhausted. I took him to the Judiciary with me earlier. Can you wake him, check if he wants food?”

“The Judiciary? I can check on him of course. Shouldn’t we let him rest though? The last few days have been long.”

“Col needed me to talk to Pinota and Alesa, those small-brained fuckers, and Yamara wanted to join me. I agree with giving him rest, but he might feel excluded. Especially from a celebratory event. Please.”

“This isn’t—we’re not—” Orrey groaned. “I’ll check with him, but I really didn’t earn this. It’s not a celebration.”

“Little brother, I heard that. You earned your rank.” Col patted Senlas on the knee while Hyran watched closely. “Senny here is really good for knowing to not give in to your humility.”

Orrey blushed, cleared his throat. “Okay. I’ll go talk to Yamara.”

The noises from his team faded to a background chatter that made Orrey feel ridiculously happy. He wasn’t even sure why. He was pretty sure he could feel Vin’s eyes at his back, though why the Guardian was so concerned with Yamara, Orrey couldn’t say.Maybe he’s worried Yamara is still going to try and go outside the walls. That would mean we’d have to go after him like the rescue mission that went out to find us. Yamara seems to be over that idea though.

Orrey tried the console outside Yamara’s room, and the door opened after a short wait. Inside, the room was gloomy, thelights clearly just coming back up. Yamara was sitting on his bed, still fully dressed, and rubbing his eyes.

“Hello, Orrey.”

“I really woke you. I’m sorry. Vin asked me to come and see whether you want to join us back out in the living space? There’s food and…well, we’re celebrating that Taros got kissed by Kashana. Sen will tell you we’re celebrating I got a G&C operative rank, but that’s really not—”

“What rank did you get?”

“Hmm, third. Did you fall asleep with your shoes on?”

“Yes. I should go wash my face. Do I need to put on makeup? Will there be photos taken?”

“What? No, there won’t, and you don’t. Unless you want to.”