(BL) Hunting The Field Guide - Chapter 231

Chapter 231: An obvious injury Chapter 231: An obvious injury Esper Blake took a few more moments to gather herself, and when she did, she was clearly embarrassed.

Kellen was surprised by how many people he’d seen crying in the last few days, including himself.  Well, he wasn’t heartless.

He knew why, but it felt strange.

He wasn’t normally at the center of so many people crying.

It felt…uncomfortable having to face people who…cared enough about him to cry.  Being on the front lines hadn’t been like this.

For seven years, people had stoically said goodbye to each other with laughter and smiles, never knowing if this was going to be their last gate or not.

Plenty of times it was, and so you had a pleasant memory to carry with you as you continued your life.  Kellen…Kellen had had very few people that he used to joke with like that.

He’d been a loner by choice in the beginning, and after that?

Well, people tended to avoid him.

A C Class who gained notice from the other Guilds?

Spelled money, but also spelled trouble.  Jealous people had torn up his tents, his clothes, his packs.

He’d had to delay several missions or go in practically naked because of the antics some Guides and Espers had gotten up to.

Either because of jealousy, or greed.

Kellen was used to it.  Honestly, he wasn’t sure why he was so surprised his friends here had betrayed him.

It wasn’t like it was out of character for the people who he got involved with.

Honestly, Blake being so upset that she’d ‘failed’ was an oddity for him.

And crying?

It was something he’d never gotten used to.  He was thankful for the Captain being by his side, because if he had been alone?

He would probably be panicking by now.  “Blake, I know that this isn’t the best time, but we were looking for you for a reason.” The Captain spoke up first, and Kellen was grateful for it.

If he said it, there was a chance it could have undone all the work he had put into putting her back together.  “O-Oh?” She asked, sniffing.

She finally looked up, meeting their gazes.  “Yes.

Mom needs some help.

She can’t leave Dad’s side, but she needs some clothes and things.

You wouldn’t be in charge of grabbing her things, Gwen would, but because of what happened…Well, she doesn’t feel comfortable sending Gwen alone.

Because of how well you did, I wanted to ask you if you could accompany her.

Maybe with two other Espers, just to be safe?

I know all of you are strong, but it never hurts to be careful.” Blake nodded slowly, processing his words.  Kellen watched as she glanced behind his shoulder, towards Gwen.  “I…are you sure you want me?” She asked, and when Gwen realised she was looking at her, she flashed a grin.  “Why would we want anyone else, Esper Blake?

I know you’ll have my back.” She winked, giving the other woman a thumbs up, and Kellen was so glad that she was back to her old self.

Blake’s expression softened, and she closed her eyes.

She gave a slow, careful exhale.  When she opened her eyes again, an air of determination came from her.

She nodded.  “If you have decided I should do it, who am I to ignore orders?” The Captain shook his head.  “This isn’t an order, Blake.

This is a request from your Captain and his pair to help us.” Her determination wavered for only a second before she nodded.  “A-Alright.

I can work with that.

Who else have you gathered?” Kellen shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.  “We trust who you would grab.

We’d like for you to set out as soon as possible.

Mainly because my Mom shouldn’t be in dried blood soaked clothes for a second longer, and we don’t know when my Dad will wake up.

Taylor said maybe today, but we don’t know.

I don’t want him to see her like that.” Blake swallowed thickly, and nodded.  “You trust my selections?” She asked, directing it towards the Captain.

Rhys nodded, his eyes bright.  “I do, Esper Blake.

Do you need anything from us?

You already have clearance to use your powers or grab weapons, whatever you see fit.” The Captain told her, and she swallowed, nodding.  “I…alright.

E-Esper Woods, follow me please.” Esper Blake shook off the hold of her superiors, but it was a gentle shake.

Kellen had a feeling she would have liked to stay and be comforted for a little bit longer, but knew she shouldn’t.

Kellen would have to invite her over for dinner once this was all cleared up.

She needed a little extra, he believed.  Gwen stood up straight when Blake approached, and the two of them stared at each other before Blake nodded, and Gwen stepped into line behind her.

Gwen gave him a wide smile and a wave as she was leaving.  “Don’t forget Mom’s laptop!” He called as they left, and Gwen gave a nod as the door closed behind them, and the Captain and Kellen were left alone.  Kellen sighed, forgetting how much this kind of stuff took out of him.

He felt out of practise, but he was glad that the Captain was here with him.

Running his hand over his face, his other hand gripping onto the cane to keep his balance, he glanced up at the Captain to find him watching him intently.  “Only notice when it’s obvious, huh?” Kellen felt a shiver of warning slide down his back, and he stared at him.

His eyes didn’t shift colour and remained a steady, worrying yellow.  “Uh, Rhys?” Kellen asked, confused as it felt like the man began to tower over him.

Kellen wasn’t sure why.

They were about the same height.  “Kellen Woods, what kind of man do you take me for?” Rhys demanded, his voice stable.

That alone worried Kellen.  “Uh, a good one?” Kellen offered, and Rhys snorted.  “Apparently not.

You basically said Espers don’t notice or care about their Guides, Kellen.

That I don’t care about you.” Kellen’s eyes widened as he realised what he’d done.  “Oh.

I wasn’t talking about you, Rhys.

Or anyone in this Guild.

I just…” Kellen felt his face heat at the even yellow stare from Rhys.

“I wasn’t talking about our Espers, Rhys.

I was talking about the average Esper.

I know no one from the Saturn Guild, at least not the Espers, would behave that way.

But they’re the anomaly.

Outside…most Espers don’t give a damn.” Kellen said, and Rhys’ expression didn’t soften.  “Kellen, whether that is true or not, I do not like you implying that kind of thing.

I am devastated that you are injured, and I am actively doing my best not to beat the crap out of myself over it.

I would appreciate it if you gave me some credit for caring about you, instead of making me feel even worse for neglecting you for so long.” A sharp, stabbing pain filled Kellen’s chest at his words.

At the way his face didn’t move, and how tight he was gripping Kellen’s shoulder.  “Oh Rhys.

I didn’t mean to hurt you with my words.

I just, I’ve been alone for so long that I-” “So have I, but I don’t say these kinds of things around my partner, Kellen.” Kellen’s expression fell.

That might be the case, but it wasn’t as if Rhys had never hurt Kellen.

But now didn’t seem like the right time to bring that up.  Sighing, Kellen glanced up at the man who was beginning to mean far too much to him.

He couldn’t even imagine if their roles had been reversed.

He was unsure if he would have handled it well, and didn’t want to imagine it.  Reaching up, he touched the other man’s face gently, softly with his hand and Rhys leaned into the touch.

His eyes closed and Kellen let out a soft breath.  “Rhys, I have been very upfront about the fact that I had a huge chip on my shoulder when I first went to the front lines, and that I still have some things to work through.” Rhys nodded.  “You have, and I am appreciative that you share those things with me.” Kellen shook his head.

Those things meant nothing to him.

They were easy.

Things that he had been working with for years.

They didn’t even feel like secrets anymore because he’d had them as companions for so long.  “Rhys, I feel like I’ve said this before, but I need to make it clear.

I never thought I was going to have a pair.

Ever.

It was a pipe dream to me.

I thought I…I thought I was going to date a civilian, maybe get married to one, and live my life like that.

I never expected…you.” Rhys didn’t open his eyes, but Kellen felt his jaw clench against his hand.  “You should have.” He grumbled, and Kellen chuckled softly.

“I’m not the one who has the power to see the future, am I?” Kellen joked, and Rhys grumbled some more.

“So, with me telling you that, you need to have some patience with me, alright?

I thought I was going to be alone and I…I will admit, I probably have some hang ups about…how I look, too.” Kellen muttered quietly, and Rhys’ eyes shot open.  “What?

Why?” He demanded and Kellen laughed.  “Not many people like…Guides like me, Rhys.” Kellen’s smile was bitter as Rhys scanned his face in pure disbelief.

“I’m fit, and loud, and I don’t remain meek and mild like the others.

I’m sure it was said, but no one expected me to be a Guide.

They all thought I was going to be an Esper.

That level of expectation lives with someone for a long time.” Kellen admitted.

“I don’t…I don’t think I hate myself.

I’m content with who I am, and I’ve never had any issues.

If I did, I would have stopped working out, but I guess sometimes it bleeds into my actions and words.

I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Kellen told him, and Rhys groaned.  “Now I feel like an asshole.” He muttered, and Kellen laughed, patting his cheek lightly.  “You aren’t, I promise.

If we don’t talk about these things, it could get worse.” Kellen told him warmly, and Rhys narrowed his eyes at him.  “What could get worse?” He asked and Kellen stared at him.  “Our relationship.

If we don’t talk about these things, they could become bigger problems.” Rhys closed his eyes, a smile on his lips.  “Good.

I just wanted to make sure that we were talking about the same thing.

Our relationship, that is.” Kellen stared at the Esper, before he sighed, and shook his head.  “You damn-” The Captain bent slightly, pressing his lips against Kellen’s, silencing his words.  “Now now, no need to be upset.

I was just teasing.

Of course I agree with you that we should talk things out, but I want you to know that had I known it stemmed from such a deep insecurity, I wouldn’t have phrased it the way that I did.

Now, come here, I need to get my dose of Kellen before you run off and save the Guild.” Kellen began to protest even before the Captain buried his face into Kellen’s neck and picked him up off his feet.  “Captain Thatcher!” He yelled, and found he couldn’t remain too angry as the man laughed, his expression bright.

Damn handsome Esper.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS CalyB Kellen has no problem speaking about his issues, but dealing with them?

Totally different.

Ps.

I’m onto my third word document at this point.