(BL) Hunting The Field Guide - Chapter 276

Chapter 276: You need to say it out loud Chapter 276: You need to say it out loud “Kellen, are you sure you want me to stay benched?” Kellen wasn’t surprised when Casper approached him as he and Rhys started to head towards the elevator.

Their day had just gotten longer, and Kellen officially was going to be pulling his first overtime shift.

He didn’t count when he brought his work home with him, since he was going to go up to the conference room and work with everyone else.

Kellen turned to Casper, his big eyes worried and watched as Casper adjusted his silver glasses.

Kellen sighed.  “You need to rest.” Kellen told him, and felt that Rhys was watching him.

Casper frowned.  “And you’re on the fast track to do exactly what I was doing to myself.” Taylor, who was only a few steps behind them chatting to Gwen, perked up.  “Well, Casper isn’t wrong.” She commented, and Kellen sighed.  “I’m not.” Kellen insisted.

“Rhys wouldn’t let me.” He reminded everyone, and Casper made a face of disgust.  “Are you bragging about your relationship?” Kellen, who realised who he was speaking to, winced.  “No, I’m not.

I’m just saying that Rhys wouldn’t let me do that.

You, Casper, didn’t allow anyone to prevent you from getting to your previous state, romantic relationship or not.

I believe you threatened Hill and Rhys that you would guide them if they checked on you.” Casper deflated slightly at the reminder and Kellen hated it.  Casper had been a strong person to him when he’d arrived at the Guild.

Seeing him like this made him angry, and there was no one to direct that anger to.

It wasn’t as if Gunther knew what he was doing was wrong, at least, not really.

Casper already knew he’d neglected his body, and he’d already gotten mad at him for it.  Getting angry at him again wouldn’t solve anything.  “Either way, I don’t think we need you to jump in quite yet.

Take the next two days until the press conference to really put your nose down and recover, and then we’ll discuss it again, alright?” Casper looked upset, but also determined at Kellen’s words.  “Are you sure…” Rhys started before glancing around the hallway.

He leaned in closer to Casper.

“Are you sure you can face him?” He whispered and both Kellen and Rhys watched as his face twisted.

It wasn’t an easy thing to watch, but also proved that Rhys should have brought it up.  It had only been a few days since Casper had arrived back at the Guild, Casper and Gunther had had a falling out on Casper’s side, and started a new relationship on Gunther’s side.

Everyone was still reeling from the reality that Gunther was going to need a lot of repair work, and they didn’t have the time to do it.  The trio halted, stopping in the hallway while they waited for Casper’s response.

The pair watched Casper as he swallowed, his eyes watering.

He played with his hands, and it wasn’t lost on anyone how tired, worn down, and just plain exhausted he looked.  “I don’t…I don’t think I can.” Casper admitted and Rhys’ gaze hardened.  “Okay.

If Kellen gives you the all clear, I’ll think of something.

I don’t want you to feel like you need to run away, Casper.” Rhys told him, reaching out and giving his shoulder a squeeze.

“You are important to this Guild too.

If you are still of the mind that…well, I’ll support you, even if it will feel like tearing a part of my heart out.” Casper’s eyes widened at Rhys’ serious words.  “Why would you feel that way?” He asked, clearly surprised and the Captain furrowed his brows.

Half angry, half confused.  “Why would I feel that way?

Why wouldn’t I feel that way?

Doesn’t everyone know that when an S Class makes a Guild they are essentially making a family?

I hand selected my top brass, Casper, and you were one of two people I wanted right away.

I played it off cool when I was first attempting to recruit you, but I thought by now you would understand how much I value you.” Rhys’ words held a slight bite to them, as if he truly couldn’t believe that Casper didn’t know his feelings.  Casper, from his blank expression, clearly didn’t.

Rhys closed his eyes with a groan.

He ran his hand over his face while Kellen, Taylor and Gwen watched on.

Gwen looked like she was witnessing a t.v.

drama, and Taylor had a little smirk on her lips.

“Are you fucking serious?

Lieutenant Casper Williams.” Casper flinched as his full name was said.

Kellen was surprised that Casper wasn’t his last name, and couldn’t remember if he’d ever heard his full name before.

“I made a Guiding Division for you, let you have complete control.

I made you a Lieutenant, I showered you with gifts when I recruited you, I made sure you had as much support as possible.

We’ve had lunch together several times, and every time you used to have to guide me, I made sure that you were well compensated.” Kellen jerked at the reminder that Casper used to guide Rhys.

“Did I need to say it in words?” Rhys asked and Casper blinked slowly.  “Uh, yes?” Casper replied meekly, and Taylor burst into laughter while Rhys stared at him in shock.

“Those just seem like…things a good Captain would do.” It appeared that Rhys was reeling again.

It was clear that Rhys had thought he was a very good Captain and friend, while others thought he was one or the other.  Rhys put his head in his hands, his whole expression devoid of any happiness.  “Oh my god.

Have I really been that bad all this time?” He muttered and Kellen couldn’t help but chuckle.

He placed his free hand on Rhys’ shoulder, patting it slowly.  “Look on the bright side, you’re a really great Captain.” Kellen told him and Taylor died from laughter.

Even Gwen had to turn her back to muffle her snort.  “Thanks Kellen.” Rhys deadpanned and Kellen smiled.  “You’re welcome.” He replied and Casper laughed quietly.  “I shouldn’t hold you two back anymore.

You have much more important things that you need to worry about besides my worries.

I’m sure Pamela must be freaking out, and Hill is probably not doing any better.” Casper said and Kellen smiled.  “Your worries are important, but yes, we do need to get moving.

Do your best, Casper.

Let my Dad use you as a buffer against my Mom, and I’m sure when he’s better he’ll be more than happy to help you out wherever he can.” Kellen told him with a smile, his hand still on Rhys’ shoulder.

Casper glanced between the two of them, his expression flat before he smiled slightly.

“Alright.

I’ll keep that in mind.

You want me to keep an eye on Charlie still?” Kellen nodded.

“Of course.

I’ll probably see you tomorrow when I come to check on Dad and Mom, so have a good night Casper.” Kellen told him and Casper nodded, turned, nodded to the women behind him, before heading back towards Kellen’s Dad’s room.

The new Guide had remained behind and hadn’t followed them.

Kellen hoped that Casper was going towards him and was going to take care of him.  He shouldn’t worry about it.

It was practically in Guide dna to be unable to help someone who was weaker than them.  It was around that moment that Hill called Rhys, frantic on the other end as phones could be heard ringing behind her.

Rhys sighed, told her that they’d be there in a minute, before turning to the others around him.  “Alright.

Taylor, Gwen, have a good night.

Kellen and I shall head off.” Rhys told them, and Gwen yanked Kellen back into a hug before she let him go.

She made sure he was stable on his feet after knocking him off of his balance for the hug, and Rhys went a step further and just picked up the Guide.  “Rhys.” Kellen protested, and Rhys smiled down at him cheekily.  “What?

We need to get there fast, and you’re going to slow us down.

This is the fastest method.” He was right, but that didn’t mean Kellen agreed with his methods.

Kellen glanced over Rhys’ shoulder to see Taylor and Gwen grinning from ear to ear and Kellen flushed.  “You still could have asked.” Kellen muttered bitterly, and Rhys chuckled.  “Sorry.

I’ll make sure to do so next time.” Rhys promised, a grin on his face as he did take off rather quickly down the hallway.

They made it to the elevators, and when they didn’t open right away, Rhys turned to the stairwell.

“This might make you nauseous.

You are warned.” Rhys told him and Kellen only had time to blink for suddenly his stomach lurched.

It felt like he was going down a steep hill rather quickly, and then the next moment they were standing still.  Kellen groaned.  “W-What?” He asked, covering his mouth.

The sudden stop was what made him feel the worst.

“Keep moving.” Kellen ordered and Rhys listened to him immediately.  “It’s just a little parlor trick.” Rhys told him cheerfully.

“And it saves us time.

I usually just take the elevator because it doesn’t have any side effects, but Hill sounded desperate.” He told him as he pushed open the door to the conference room level.

It was bustling here, and Kellen had to cover his mouth, taking a few deep, calming breaths before the nausea faded.  “I’m good.

Let’s get to Hill.” Kellen muttered, knowing that Rhys had remained back for his sake.

Rhys pressed a kiss against Kellen’s slightly damp forehead before he began moving in earnest.

He’d only been walking in slow circles out of sight while Kellen gathered himself.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS CalyB Thanks for reading!