Chapter 160: _How Long Have You Gentlemen Been Married?

Blue Diamond Academy

Ambrose brushed back his hair as he and his family stepped down from Devon’s car the next morning. His only other car. Hopefully this one doesn’t blow up like the last one.

"Bringing him here after yesterday feels so wrong." He whispered to Devon as they led Orion into the compound and then up the stairs.

The latter sighed. "It’s not a matter of which school we bring him to."

"I know. But still... it feels like walking right into a sinkhole."

Children and their parents also ascended the steps, many of them throwing curious looks at the family of three. The news of the explosion had gained traction nationwide and probably even more via social media.

And although Ambrose hadn’t done a deep dive with his phone yet, he could tell that a lot of people would have opinions no one asked for over their parenting skills.

Once they got to the end of the stairs, they were met with the principal who had a bright smile that was equal parts relieved and grateful.

"Good morning, Mr Ferguson and Mr Hale." She gave a curt nod. "Thank you for still considering our academy after yesterday’s incident—"

"Don’t push it," Ambrose lifted a finger, carefully handing Orion to her. "That security footage you said you’d send us. Any luck?"

Her eyes lit up like she recalled something. She shoved a hand into her pocket and brought out her phone, searching through it for something.

"Uhm." Devon waved a dismissive hand. "Just send any relevant footage to me. We’ll handle things from there."

Principal Sullivan arched a brow. "Oh. Okay. Are you in a hurry though? I was hoping you could have a little chat with our security team too. In case you wanted more reassurance."

Ambrose was tempted to say something sarcastic but lucky for the woman, Devon chimed first.

"Yes, we are in a hurry actually." He found the Guide’s hand in a gentle squeeze. "So we’re trusting you to watch our boy. If anything odd happens at all—reach out to me immediately."

Mrs Sullivan’s smile widened. "I will. He’s really lucky to have not one but two dads willing to risk the world for his safety."

Sigh.

She had no idea...

"Come on, Orion." She carefully grabbed the boy’s shoulder, guiding him toward the building. "Let’s take you to your class. Say goodbye to your parents."

Orion waved frantically with a warm smile. "Bye, daddy. Bye, papa." As they waved back at him, he was quick to add. "Papa, did you add the perfect to my lunch box?"

Ambrose’s cheeks reddened while Devon laughed.

"Parfait, buddy. And yes, I did. Tell me if you enjoy it when we come get you later, okay?"

"Okay. Bye!"

As their son and the principal moved past the crowd and disappeared into the building, Ambrose’s shoulders relaxed. There was this odd mix of emotions in his chest.

For one, it felt freeing to have the kid out of their hair for some hours. But at the same time—he was frightened.

What if something happened that triggers his anomaly nature? Or what if the person targeting them decides to come kidnap him? What if—

"Hey?" Devon’s tug at his fingers dragged him back to reality. "You ready for us to go? The agent is already waiting at the first house we have to see today."

Ambrose blinked slowly before nodding once. "Yeah. Let’s just get this over with before my paranoia starts writing conspiracy theories."

"That already started yesterday." Devon snorted, guiding him back down the academy stairs.

Halfway through, his phone buzzed inside his pocket. He pulled it out absentmindedly, only for his brows to furrow at the screen.

"What?" Ambrose caught the shift instantly.

"The principal sent the footage already," Devon muttered, staring at the notification. "That was fast."

Ambrose’s stomach tightened slightly. "Open it."

But Devon surprised him by locking his phone instead. "Later." He shrugged casually. "If we start looking through possible bombing footage now we’ll never leave this place."

Ambrose stared at him like he’d grown a second head. "You’re weirdly calm about this."

"And you’re weirdly stressed twenty-four seven." The Esper shot back. "Come on. Today is about house hunting, not spiralling."

Hmph.

Ambrose still wasn’t fully convinced but eventually followed Devon toward the parking lot. A few students nearby whispered excitedly when they spotted the S-Rank.

One even tried sneaking a picture before Ambrose cut her a cold stare sharp enough to make the teenager lower her phone instantly.

★★★★★

The drive took almost forty minutes.

As the bustling cityscape slowly gave way to quieter roads lined with trees, Ambrose found himself lowering the car window slightly. Fresh air rushed in, carrying the scent of damp grass and distant rain.

It was peaceful.

Way too peaceful compared to Phoenix Flight HQ.

Eventually Devon pulled into a quiet suburban neighbourhood. The houses here weren’t ridiculously flashy like most wealthy Hunter properties.

Instead they looked warm. Lived in.

And the one waiting ahead?

Ambrose’s spatial awareness swept over it instinctively.

Two floors. Dark grey exterior. Large windows. A fenced backyard.

Enough distance from neighbouring houses to avoid unnecessary snooping.

Nice.

A woman standing near the front gate brightened once she spotted them. She looked to be in her early thirties, dressed sharply in beige office wear while clutching a tablet against her chest.

"Mr Ferguson?" She hurried over with a practiced smile. "Hello! I’m Elena Brooks from Aurelia Living Realty."

Devon shook her hand politely while Ambrose lingered behind, silently observing the property again.

He was already starting to like this place.

"The house was renovated just two months ago," Elena began, leading them toward the entrance. "Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, heated flooring, private security system and—"

"Oh my God," Ambrose muttered under his breath upon stepping inside.

The living room was gorgeous.

Warm lighting. Open kitchen. Soft cream walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the backyard.

It didn’t feel cold and professional like the Guild.

It felt... human.

As Elena continued explaining features upstairs, Ambrose drifted briefly toward one of the hallway windows. From there he could see the isolated stretch behind the property.

His chest strangely tightened at how safe it looked.

"You two have lovely taste by the way," Elena chirped suddenly while they entered another room. Her grin turned teasing. "So... how long have you gentlemen been married?"

Silence.

Devon coughed violently while Ambrose almost choked on oxygen itself.

"We... we aren’t..." Devon was the first to attempt explaining. "We’re... figuring things out."

BUZZ!

Ambrose’s phone vibrated inside his pocket just then. Frowning, he pulled it out discreetly beneath the agent’s rambling.

It was a text.

From an unknown number:

> Nice house. Come outside.

We need to chat about something important.<