Seducing the Guideverse With My System — Raising an Anomaly [BL]

Chapter 126: _How Badly Do You Want To See Me?

After a few minutes of back and forth—with Ambrose trying to give an excuse on why he couldn’t make it to the lobby—the Guide finally gave in.

It would be rude of him to just leave Viktor hanging. Besides... he brought lunch. Less cooking for him.

The moment the elevator doors leading into the lobby slid open, Ambrose’s eyes scoured the place. As expected the hall was crowded with people talking over each other.

All still shaken from the earlier explosion.

Ambrose exhaled once as he dialled Viktor’s number. It barely rang when the ice Prince picked. "Hey. I’m at the lobby. It’s pretty packed... where are you?"

"Hehe. I can see you already."

That made the former arch a brow, his gaze looking past the sea of heads. "Uhm... I still can’t see you though."

"Keep walking forward."

Ambrose was so close to saying something snarky. But he kept his tongue in check, keeping the phone pressed against his ear as he brushed past the crowd.

It would be easy for him to get overstimulated here—the noise was just too much for his spatial awareness. Keeping that ability muted was still a hassle.

"Viktor," he sighed, coming to a halt at the center of the lobby. "Can you just tell me where you are? If this is one of your games I need to remind you that I’m—"

A hand covering his eyes made his words catch in his throat. His body straightened like an arrow, chills running up his spine.

Then came that familiar voice. "Told you I can see you," His breath kissed the back of Ambrose’s neck in a way that made him shudder despite himself. "How badly do you want to see me?"

Slowly, Ambrose lowered the phone, his cheeks heating up when he remembered something. "... We’re literally in the middle of a Guild’s lobby, Viktor."

"And? Who cares if they watch?"

"I do. You’re acting like people haven’t spun scandals out of less interactions between me, you and Devon."

Fortunately, it seemed those last words got to the S-Rank. His hand slipped away, giving Ambrose enough space to glance back. Viktor stood tall—donned in a fluffy snow white long sleeve shirt.

His right arm appeared fine already with zero traces of any major injuries.

’Valentine really has to hook me up with his potion friend one of these days,’ Ambrose thought to himself as he took in the covered steaming foil pan Viktor held in one hand.

He picked up the scent of cheese, mushrooms and something meaty, making his mouth water subconsciously. "What’s... that?"

"Lunch." Viktor grinned, lifting his other hand where he held a wine bottle. "Well? Are we going to your suite?"

The question took Ambrose off guard. "I—"

"Or is Daddy Devon going to get mad?" Viktor pouted his lips teasingly. "You can tell him not to worry about me. Much."

"I mean, you two have known each other long before me. You can tell him yourself."

Viktor chuckled. "Just take me upstairs, little bird," he gave him a shoulder nudge. "We’re two adults here. I’m sure your boyfriend won’t mind."

"He’s not—"

"More reasons why we should go." Viktor had already spun on his feet, heading for the elevator at the far end of the lobby. "You need someone to take care of you."

Ambrose would’ve argued that Devon was already doing that—but Viktor had already sauntered too deep into the noise and sea of bodies to hear him. Or acknowledge his words.

With a light sigh, the Guide trailed behind him, crossing his fingers for no drama.

★★★★★

"Home sweet home," Ambrose huffed the moment he opened the door, cutting Viktor an awkward look.

The Esper took his time scrutinising the place, his head swivelling past every corner. When his eyes finally met the Guide’s they warmed up.

"It feels... peaceful." He had a genuine smile. "So. Where’s—"

"Uncle Viktor!" A loud shriek made them both pause, their gazes turning to one of the sofas. Orion ran to Viktor, wrapping his arms around him much to Ambrose’s horror.

Viktor took a couple of steps back, raising his hands like he was going to catch the flu by touching the boy. "Oh." He laughed awkwardly. "He’s... never done this before..."

"Orion, get off the man." Ambrose rushed to his son, prying him off his so-called uncle.

What could the family dynamics in that alternate future possibly be?

Once Orion had taken a few strides away from the Esper, his cheeks were red with embarrassment. He lowered his head, apologising softly. "Sorry, daddy."

Amusement broke through the initial hesitation Viktor felt. He handed the wine to Ambrose, gently ruffling Orion’s hair with his free hand.

"It’s fine, little one. I..." he paused, eyes flicking to Ambrose for a beat. "... I give you full permission to call me uncle. Would that make you happy?"

Ambrose was going to put a stop to it but Orion was already cheering.

"It will, Uncle Viktor." The boy’s big eyes gleamed. "Is that food? Daddy was going to cook something—but I don’t know, I feel like I’d like to wait for Papa. He’s a much better cook."

"Wow." Rose clicked his tongue. "You hurt your daddy’s feelings with that one, little rascal."

A hearty laugh broke past Viktor’s mouth. He had his eyes pinned on a sofa already, heading there without being invited. Ambrose shut the door behind them, following the scent of whatever delicacy the Esper had.

After setting the foil pan on the small centre table, Viktor smacked his mouth with expectation. "Come on. Sit. I hope you like beef and cheese."

"Duh!" Orion darted, crashing onto the sofa beside him. "Can I guess what it is? Is it uh... a mega sandwich? A casserole?"

"Ehm..." Viktor squinted. "Nice try. But no." He proceeded to unwrap the foil, all while Ambrose watched—gradually inching forward.

Viktor opened the foil with a proud grin. "Beef stroganoff." He announced as Ambrose sat calmly beside him. "You want to taste it first?"

The first thing that crossed Ambrose’s mind was poison. Which... might probably be a red flag in hindsight.

He stayed reluctant for a breath. He just couldn’t resist the sight of the food before him. And neither could his grumbling stomach.

So... he grabbed a spoon.

He hadn’t realised how hungry he was until the first bite hit—rich, creamy, and grounding in a way that made the noise in his head dull for just a second.

Ambrose’s eyes fluttered shut, his head angling away from Viktor so he wouldn’t catch his enjoyment. "It’s... nice."

"At least be a little more honest." Viktor snorted, shoving him on the shoulder. "Admit it. It’s beyond nice."

"Too much spice."

"Yet you’re about to take another bite already."

Orion giggled at Ambrose’s expense.

Just when the latter lifted the spoon to his mouth again, his grip faltered. He ended up smudging the corners of his lips with cheese.

Before he could wipe it off with the back of his hand, Viktor stretched a hand.

"Let me." His thumb brushed over his face—tender. Delicate in a way that made Ambrose’s heart skip.

The air suddenly felt charged with something unnamed, the permanent link pulsing between them like a live wire. Even time appeared to slow drastically.

Ambrose’s throat tightened, his gaze falling to the Esper’s lips.

’... Bloody hell...’