No matter how Lane thought about it, it didn't make much sense.
Yes, 'Evan Greene' was a part of Damien's team, and Damien always cared for his subordinates. After seeing one of them die so tragically right in his arms, it was understandable that he wouldn't be happy about that. Not to mention, he even got a little bit intimate with 'Evan' during guiding sessions. It was only physical, and they didn't get far - just some embracing and kissing, nothing much - but there was still a connection between them, albeit superficial. So yes, if he were to be sad about it for a while, it wouldn't be that unexpected. Even Lane thought it was a bit of a shame.
But wasn't that reaction a little too excessive?
For Damien Lennox to lose control over his emotions to the point that his ability started seeping out, that was completely unheard of. The Damien Lennox that Lane knew was a man who always kept himself composed, and never once used his powerful ice ability when there was no need for him to. It was actually kind of odd how much he held himself back, so unlike an Esper at all. Espers, especially high-ranking ones, tended to be obsessed with their abilities, and wanted to use them whenever they could. Damien, on the other hand, was the complete opposite, and would frequently fight just with a sword, rather than use the ice.
And now the same Damien Lennox was freezing everything around?
Lane shook his head. Regardless of what was the reason, he could think about it later. Right now, he should try to solve the situation somehow.
"Team Leader," he called out, lightly tapping Damien's shoulder. It was so cold it hurt, to the point Lane thought he might end up getting a frostbite. But, he endured it, and spoke calmly, "It seems that you are losing control of your abilities."
Damien flinched, pulled out of his thoughts. He turned his eyes to Lane, but his gaze was unfocused, as if his mind was still somewhere else. "Ah, right. I apologize."
The chill withdrew a bit, but it didn't completely go away.
Lane let out a sigh. "Team Leader, when did you last have a guiding session?"
"…I'm still alright." Damien averted his eyes, clearly avoiding the question.
"Is that so?" Lane lifted his brows. He had heard that Damien was getting some guiding from a relative. But now it seemed that perhaps he hadn't been getting enough? Lane hadn't seen him use his ability even once since rejoining his team, so he could have never expected that something was wrong…
Either way, Damien was clearly not in the right state, and Lane couldn't just ignore that. "Unconsciously using your abilities and freezing your surroundings, that is an interesting definition of 'alright'," he remarked.
Damien didn't answer. He just stood in silence, staring somewhere to the side. From the changes is the air temperature around them, it was clear that he was trying to control himself, but he couldn't quite get it right.
"Team Leader. Let me guide you."
"…There's no need for that."
Lane sighed again, shaking his head, as his hand on Damien's arm tightened. "Team Leader. May I remind you that you are an S-rank Esper. If you were to truly lose control and go on a rampage, it wouldn't end well for any of the people around."
An S-rank Esper going on a rampage was more terrifying than any monster. There weren't many cases of it happening, as S-rankers were fairly rare, however, each time the scale of destruction was unmatched. They were currently in the Restricted Zone, so there weren't many civilians around, and all the Espers were on guard, but without another S-ranker or a team of A-rankers and a high-ranking Guide with a good matching rate, their chances of stopping Damien if he were to go on a rampage were slim to none.
Although Lane didn't really care whether any of those people died… He just got his current body, and although it was too weak for his liking, he still wanted to stick with it for a while longer. He already went through all the trouble of getting a Guide license and a new apartment, after all. So, he would much rather prefer for 'Noah Murray' not to die just yet.
This argument finally got through to Damien. Although he still appeared unwilling, he nevertheless extended his hand with a heavy sigh. "You're right. Please… guide me."
"Mn. Alright." Lane grabbed Damien's hand, and activated his guiding ability, slowly invading the man's body with his wavelengths.
Damien's state was even worse than Lane expected. It really made him wonder, what was he doing for the past two months? Did he get just enough guiding to barely get by? But why? Because Zoe left the Association and he lost his main Guide?
It was way too much for Lane to deal with in one session, considering how low their compatibility was. Still, he could at least calm down Damien's chaotic waves enough to stabilize his state, so that he no longer posed any danger to his surroundings.
Focused on the task, he paid no attention to Damien's expression…
As soon as Lane's guiding started, Damien's eyes, which were staring blankly at the ground, instantly focused, turning to the man. He looked at Lane intently, a kaleidoscope of complex emotions passing through his face, that was impossible to describe. It was as if the whole world disappeared, leaving only the man in front of him, guiding him…
Ten or so minutes later, Damien's wavelengths stabilized. Satisfied with the result, Lane let go of Damien's hand. "There, it should be alright for now," he said, as he turned to check back on the woman handling their stones. "But it would be best if you-"
Lane didn't get to finish, because all of a sudden, his wrist was grabbed, and he was pressed against the wall, Damien's tall and muscular body blocking his whole view.
"Team Leader?"
"…It's you."
"Huh?"
"It's you," Damien repeated, his voice hoarse from barely held back emotions. His clear emerald eyes stared at Lane intently, as if they could see right through him. "It has to be you. There's no one else whose guiding feels so harsh and chaotic, yet pleasing at the same time."
Lane blinked a few times, feeling confused. An idea started slowly growing in his mind… Guiding. Chaotic and harsh. No one else… When it was said like that, it was hard for Lane not to make a connection.
But it was so absurd. Perhaps Lane just misunderstood. It was just that guiding felt the same, after all. Surely Damien wouldn't think…
Damien's next words, however, only confirmed Lane's suspicions.
"Greene… It's good to have you back."