(BL) Hunting The Field Guide - Chapter 223

Chapter 223: An unbreakable cane for an unbreakable guy Chapter 223: An unbreakable cane for an unbreakable guy After guiding Taylor, Kellen then was given a cane to assist him with walking throughout the day.

Taylor confirmed that he was capable of doing so, but he had to rely on the cane.

She even made him walk up and down the hallway, watching his muscles and bones move as he did so, and yelled at him when he wasn’t relying on the cane enough.  This soothed the on edge Captain to watch Taylor test him.

It was only after he’d asked as many questions about Kellen’s health that she would allow, that he finally calmed down.

Kellen could tell that he was getting on her nerves, but couldn’t help but find it endearing that he was so worried.  His parents did worry for him, but not like this.

Not like the world wouldn’t be right if something was wrong with him.

So Kellen couldn’t be too harsh on him, even if Taylor was a few steps away from losing her mind.  Finally, given the green light to continue with his day, and keep up with his classes and other duties, Kellen thanked Taylor.

Then he headed off to make sure his Mom had lived up to what he’d ordered.  ~ His Mom wasn’t in a different position then he’d found her yesterday.

Practically pressed against the glass, she watched her husband breathe in the secluded hospital room, the sound of the machines a constant hum.

Kellen was worried for her, and as he pushed open the door, and Rhys held it open for him, he made his way into the waiting room.

His cane hit the floor in a constant beat, and it took her a second to pick up on it.  Turning, she smiled, and then it faltered when she saw him with his cane.

It was a classic one.

Simple, made of steel made of materials from the gates.

It wasn’t going to break unless the Captain, or someone of similar strength decided that they wanted to break it.  “Kellen?

You have a cane?” She asked and Kellen shrugged.  “It’s what Taylor suggested right now since my wound is still sealed, and she needs to have reserves just in case.

The lack of Guides is really affecting us right now, and with the attack?

I can only imagine what others are thinking.” Kellen sighed, shaking his head.

“I’m worried about Pamela and how she’s handling all of this.

Is she doing okay?” Kellen turned as he asked, and the Captain smiled.

It didn’t comfort him.  “She’s…doing the best that she can, given the circumstances.

Most people are angry that there was even an attempt, but there are some…who think it was deserved given what you did to those Guides before.” He said slowly, and Kellen could feel the tension rise in the room.

The two Espers were the reason.  “Ah.

Well, we can’t stop others from talking, now can we?

I’ll try to see if there is any way I can help her out, but I’m sure I’m going to be busy for a while.

Now, did you eat, Mom?” Kellen asked, smiling, and she sighed.

She gestured to the bags that had been put on the end of the bed next to her, and the empty wrappers.

“Oh good.

I’m glad to see it.

You didn’t just throw it out?” He asked, and she glared at him.  “Who do you think I am, Kellen Woods?” She asked angrily, and Kellen smiled at her.  “You’re my Mom, therefore I am going to be just as overbearing as you are.” He responded cheekily, and she blinked, before she burst into laughter.  “Come here.” She ordered, opening her arms and Kellen made his way over.

She wrapped her arms around him, giving him a squeeze.

“Taylor said there is a chance he might wake up today.” She whispered, and Kellen’s heart squeezed.  “Do you want me to be here when it happens?” He asked, and waited for her response.

She was hesitating, and it was alright.

Kellen wasn’t upset.

Yes, he wanted to know that his Dad was okay, but she was literally killing herself right now to be awake and near him.  “Maybe…Can I call you?” She asked softly, and Kellen squeezed her.  “Yes, of course.

I don’t mind.” Kellen said, and she gave a shaky exhale.  “Fuck.

I hate how…calm you are about this.” She muttered quietly, and Kellen gave her another squeeze before pulling back, leaning against his cane as his thigh ached.  “Well?

What was I supposed to do?

Throw a fit?

Like a child?

When was the last time I did that?” He asked, before turning and pointing a finger at Rhys.

“You, don’t answer.” He ordered, and a smile split Rhys’ face as he laughed.  “When did you throw a fit?

Are you talking about the photo shoot?” He asked and Kellen felt his cheeks heat.

His Mom, who hadn’t heard any of the juicy details, narrowed her eyes.  “Ah, so, you’ve been keeping several secrets from me.” She accused, and Kellen rolled his eyes.  “I was in the middle of telling Dad, so now it’s going to have to wait till both of you are awake, and after you’ve had some rest.” He warned, and she shook her head, smiling.  “We really need to work out your bedside manners.

Awful.

Terrible.

I have no idea who you got them from.

Your Father is an angel.” Kellen believed it, but he also believed that he just had an unfiltered version of his Dad inside of him, guiding him.  “Hey, as long as Rhys doesn’t mind, I don’t care what the others think.” They both looked back at the man in question, and he gave two thumbs up with a grin.  “I love Kellen the way that he is.

I wouldn’t change a single thing.” He told them, and his Mom scoffed.  “You say that now, but you two are still new.

Give it some time, and soon you’ll be coming to me to ask how to manage one thing or the other.” She sounded bitter, but it was the fact that her eyes were bright as she spoke that told Kellen that she was joking.

She might also be looking forward to something she could bond with Rhys over.  Rhys’ hand landed on Kellen’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze as he smiled at Kellen’s Mom.

Kellen glanced back at him, and found that Rhys had realised what Kellen had as well.  “Well, maybe not manage, but more…hmm, I feel negotiate is the best word for it.

I assume there will be some times where Kellen is going to be quite stubborn.” Rhys said, and Kellen’s Mom smiled.  “Well, he gets it from both of us, so yes.” She teased, before she glanced between them.

“Both of you are busy.

You shouldn’t be wasting your time on an old timer like me.

You have the new world to run, and an assassin organisation to find.

Go, run along.

Taylor, I’m sure, will let you know if something happens.” She said, and Kellen frowned.  “You aren’t a problem, Mom.

I mean it.

If you…need a break, you can always come find me.” He told her, meaning it, and she smiled, nodding.

He didn’t believe for a second that she was going to take him up on it.  “Thank you boys.

I appreciate how…welcoming you’ve both been.

And thank you for giving up your apartment, Rhys.

I’m sure we’ll take you up on it.” She hesitated for a second.

“If you do send Gwen to go get some of our things, could you have her pick up my laptops?

I feel like I’m wasting away here, doing nothing.” She admitted, and Kellen reached out, giving her shoulder a squeeze.  “I’ll make sure to hunt her down now, before I have to get to my office and work.

She can’t hide from me forever.” She frowned.  “What happened between you two, anyway?” She asked, and Kellen sighed heavily.  “A…difference in opinions, I guess?

I don’t know why she’s avoiding me though.

We normally work out our problems pretty quickly.” He muttered, before shrugging.

“Oh well.

I’ll just use my Guide tricks.

It works about 99% of the time.” Kellen said with a grin, before giving his Mom’s shoulder another squeeze.  He looked her over again, his heart hurting at the state she was in.

Yes, he needed to get to Gwen first.

Neither of them should be letting her live like this while their Dad was unconscious.  “She’s supposed to have training with Gunther and/or Hill in the training rooms today.

Shall we head there first before I need to dip down to the conference room?” Rhys offered, and Kellen looked back at him in surprise.  “You’re coming with me?” He asked, surprised, and Rhys’ jaw tightened as he smiled.  “Why?

Is that a problem?” He asked, and Kellen stared at him.  “Of course not.

I just know that you’re also super busy today.

I appreciate you taking me there, but you’re going to have to disappear so it doesn’t look like I came with someone else.

It’ll ruin my plan.” He admitted and Rhys stared at him, before smiling and shaking his head.

He reached out, ruffling the hair on Kellen’s head.  “Alright.

As long as you aren’t ashamed of me.” He said, and Kellen stared at him like he had two heads.  “Who on earth would be ashamed to have you as a pair?

Who said that?

I’m going to beat them up.” Kellen declared, and both Espers burst into laughter.

Rhys, unable to help himself, pulled Kellen against him in a hug, pressing a well earned kiss against his temple.  “You are too precious.

You don’t need to fight anyone.

I was teasing.” Kellen grumbled angrily, while his Mom continued to chuckle.  “Get going, before Gwen catches wind of your plans and hides.” She teased them, as Kellen continued to complain about the Captain’s joke.

Both Espers watched him with soft, warm eyes.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS CalyB Next chapter is Kellen using ‘that’.