I let the jacket drop to the floor to free my arms.  I was trying vainly to anticipate any move Kaden would make, in an attempt to get him out the door or at least away from Brie.  Kaden frowned.

"I'm not going to hurt you."  He said, taking a step forward.  My hand started shaking as the adrenaline surge hit me.  Fight or flight, already tallying entrances and exits, furniture that could cause a problem, locating the corners so I could stay out of them.  How could I get him out of here before anyone got hurt or Brie returned?

"Hey!  I found the hoodie!"  Brie happily called as she entered the room.  I used the distraction to try to break past Kaden.

"Brie!  Look out!"  I shouted, reaching out to push her away from Kaden.  He easily caught me by the arm.

"Calm down now."  I heard Kaden murmur softly and my whole body just relaxed in his grip, my eyelids getting heavy.  As I fell to the floor, I saw the confusion and worry on Brie's face.

"Ssshhheeee'llll bbbeee fffffine.  See, she's coming around already."  The voice was strangely distorted at first, as I came to.  Kaden was speaking, and there was a strong hand on my wrist.  Everything felt slow and muddled; I was fighting to open my eyes.

"Whhhaaa..."  I couldn't think.  I shook my head to try to clear it, and noticed Kaden sitting beside me on the couch.  Slowly, my gaze settled on my wrist.  Kaden had his fingers on my pulse.  That wasn't a good thing, but I couldn't remember why.  What was going on again?

"Here, help me get the hoodie on her, she might be feeling cold."  Brie ordered Kaden as she bustled around me.  Now that she mentioned it, I was feeling a little cold.  "Lift your arm sweetie, there you go...duck your head a bit.  Kaden, you're going to have to let go of her arm so I can do this."  Brie was talking to me like a toddler.  The pressure on my wrist subsided for a moment as Brie pulled the jacket over my head.  My thoughts started to clear a little.  Kaden, it was something to do with Kaden...  Abruptly, it came to me and I grabbed Brie as soon as the hoodie cleared my face, shoving her back so I could stand between her and Kaden.

"Rue!  WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING."  Brie hissed.

"What did you do to me?"  I asked Kaden.  "What the HELL ARE YOU? And what's your connection to THEM."  I knew I didn't need to clarify who "them" meant at this point.  I was relatively certain Kaden heard every single thought I had.  My heart was racing again, clearing the rest of the brain fog.

"Rue!  Why are you being so rude?  What are you talking about?  This is ridiculous!"  Brie scolded, trying to push past me.

"Brie, I'm warning you, he's dangerous."  I growled.  She looked shocked.  "You know me Brie, you know that I notice things."  Brie looked doubtfully at Kaden.

"Yes, I'm quite curious about that actually."  Kaden said.  "I've met neuro-divergent people before, but there's a little something else going on here, isn't there, Rue?"  Kayden laid a finger on his chin.  "What is it?"  I had a distinct feeling Kaden had a few theories.

"Indeed!  And I think you have a few of your own!"  He chuckled.  Goosebumps ran up my arms.  "Many theories indeed.." He concluded with interest.

"Rue, what's going on?"  Brie asked, taking a step towards Kaden.  "You know what's wrong with Rue?"  She directed at him hopefully.  My heart-rate spiked as she neared him.

"There's nothing WRONG with Rue."  Kaden responded dryly  "Her brain just works a little differently.  Well, I take that back, if she doesn't calm down her heart might explode."  He stood up and I immediately pulled Brie back with me as I retreated.