(BL) Hunting The Field Guide - Chapter 298

Chapter 298: No one escapes family dinner Chapter 298: No one escapes family dinner “Uh, do we…need a crowd?” Kellen finally asked, glancing between his parents.

“Um, we were planning to invite you to dinner, as long as Taylor says that you can move.” Kellen said and Taylor stared at him in surprise.

So did Kellen’s Dad and Mom.  “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?” Taylor asked, tsking.

Rhys was the one who took over in the face of Taylor’s displeasure.  “Because you look like the walking dead, Green.

We’re both worried, but also know you aren’t going to take a break any time soon.

Kellen and I just didn’t want to worry you, and we didn’t think moving up to ou-Kellen’s apartment would be too far of a stretch.” Kellen gave Rhys a strange look.

He wasn’t normally one to mess up his words.  Kellen’s Mom’s lip twitched, while Taylor looked disgusted again.  “Huh.

Sure.

Well, let me have a closer look, and I’ll decide if that’s okay, alright?

He’s mostly in to monitor and make sure he doesn’t strain the new skin on his neck, so I don’t think moving that much should be a problem.

I just want to be sure.” Taylor said, and Kellen was grateful.

Somehow he’d managed to diffuse his parents’ anger, if only temporary, for the moment.  Charlie glanced around, a little nervous.  “I should…go get dinner then, shouldn’t I?” He asked and Kellen glanced at him.

Kellen’s Dad was staring at the boy fondly.  “You’re coming to dinner too, Charlie, and so is Taylor.” Taylor flinched.  “No, I couldn’t-” “Taylor Green.” Kellen’s Dad’s voice was firm and Taylor froze.

“If you do not come to dinner with us, I will not only inform your parents what you are doing to your body, but I will put you in a time out.

Rhys will not be able to stop me from doing so.” He warned.

Kellen had to hide his smile, glee filling him as he wasn’t the only one getting scolded.  Taylor looked lost.  “But I…I have so many things to do.” Taylor said and Kellen’s Dad’s expression chilled.  “Are they more important than eating a good meal with me?” He demanded and Taylor’s jaw dropped.  “W-Well, it’s work for the Guild…” She mumbled and he narrowed his gaze.  “Not good enough.

I will ask someone to restrain you if you fight anymore.

That also means you don’t need to go through the tedious process of checking me again.

Ellie, help me up out of the bed.” Kellen’s Dad stuck his hand out and his Mom raced over.  Taylor, flustered at his behaviour, rushed to unplug him from the several machines he was hooked up to while Kellen and Rhys shifted slightly to the side of the door.  “Is this…normal?” Rhys asked and Kellen shook his head.  “No.

Dad is usually the calmer of the two.

He doesn’t normally boss others around this obviously.

He must be getting tired of being cooped up.” Kellen whispered back and Rhys nodded, rubbing his fingers against Kellen’s hand that he held.  “Huh.

A good thing is that we offered dinner in compensation then, hmm?” Kellen nodded in agreement as they watched his Mom fuss over her husband, and Taylor try to weasel her way out of it.

It was kind of funny to watch, honestly.  Charlie sided up to them during that time, appearing nervous and hesitant.  “Is it really okay for me to come?

Isn’t it…time for you to be close as a family?” Charlie asked carefully.

Kellen stared at the younger man.

He wasn’t short by any means, but he did hunch himself over, curling in on himself over until he was smaller.

Kellen wondered if that was a self defense method, or a lack of confidence thing.  It could have been both, honestly.

Charlie was just…so small and young that Kellen hated that he already had these behaviours.  His amber eyes were a little brighter then he’d last seen them, and his cheeks were plumper.

The dye line in his hair was becoming more obvious, and Kellen was slightly curious about the colour coming in.

It looked…dirty, but Kellen felt that was just because so little of his true hair colour was showing that it just appeared that way.

“It’s fine, Charlie.

You were just going to go to the cafeteria, weren’t you?

One more mouth is going to hurt us, and Dad and I like to feed people.

Don’t feel like you’re burdening us.

I’m more worried about you.

Are you sure you want to come?

Ignore what my Dad said.

I’d rather you make some decisions for yourself.” Charlie’s eyes widened, and he wrapped his arms around his stomach.  “Oh!

Uh, I wouldn’t…I’ve never been to a family dinner so I just…I don’t want to bother you guys.” Kellen felt his eyes widen, about to open his mouth to ask the question on his tongue before he closed his mouth.  He shouldn’t ask if he was an orphan.

It didn’t…feel like it was the right time, and honestly?

Quite a few people had ended up as orphans over the last few years.

Rhys, Gunther, and several of the other members of their Guild were good examples.

Either they lost them early, or later in life.

Especially if their parents were Espers or Guides.  It was clear that Charlie was just starting to open up.

Kellen didn’t want to shove his foot in his mouth by asking something when the kid was just opening up to them.

“I just said that you wouldn’t be doing that, Charlie.

Rhys?

Is Charlie going to bother us?” Kellen asked, turning to look up at him.  Rhys’ expression was contemplative, and he shook his head.

He reached out a free hand, gently touching the top of Charlie’s hunched head and Charlie flinched.

Rhys patted the top of his head and Kellen was sure anyone else would have found that action degrading.

Charlie, however, flushed.  “I have no problem with Charlie joining us.

It’s your house, Kellen, so I’m fine with whatever choice you make.

Charlie’s a sweetheart, so I have no issue with him coming.

Plus, one more mouth means your parents will be less likely to interrogate me.” He said with a smile and Charlie glanced up.  Kellen felt that feeling stirring in his gut, but quickly pushed it down.

The thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone though.

Why was Charlie looking at Rhys like that?

Why was Rhys touching Charlie like that?

Why did this feel…strange to him?

It wasn’t quite like how he felt when the other Guide had shown up today, but it wasn’t not like that either.  “Don’t get your hopes up, you two.

Two more people aren’t going to save you from our wrath.” Kellen’s Mom warned and the trio by the door turned to face the others.

Kellen’s Dad was walking with his Mom’s assistance.

Kellen was sure she wanted to carry him, but he’d shot it down.

Taylor looked defeated.  “Yeah.

Don’t get your hopes up.” Taylor echoed and Kellen chuckled.  “Cheer up, Taylor.

While Dad works on dinner, I’ll work on dessert, alright?” Kellen said and Taylor’s eyes lit up slightly.

Kellen’s Dad gave him a scathing look.  “While I work on dinner?” He repeated and Kellen gulped.  “Uh, well, I doubted you would have sat back and let me cook for you entirely, now would you?

Better to assume that you’re going to help then not.” Kellen said and waited for his response.

Kellen’s Dad’s chuckle made his whole body relax.  “Smart boy.

Alright.

Taylor said she needed to stop by her office, and I’m not letting her out of my sight.

Do you two have any more Espers or Guides who look like her?” He demanded and Kellen and Rhys shared a look.  “I don’t…think they’ll accept a summons from us.” Kellen muttered.

He was actually hoping that they were taking a break, getting guidance, but he knew better.

Rhys sighed behind him.  “I’ll send out a text, but I doubt that they’ll come.

They are all working hard, especially Pamela.

She also is acting like an angry cat right now.” He muttered quietly and Kellen’s Dad made a deep noise of discontentment.  “Ah.

If only I wasn’t imprinted.

I would be able to help you two in a time such as this.” Kellen’s Mom looked heartbroken at his words and he shook his head, smiling at his wife before leaning in and kissing her cheek.

“Not a regret, darling, just a wistful thought.

It would be nice to help out in times like this.

I just feel so useless right now.” He told her and she relaxed immediately.  “That just means I’m not pulling my weight.

As soon as Taylor clears you for us to move into the tower, I’ll make sure I’m putting in enough work that you don’t feel that way.

I’m also sure Kellen will find some way to put you to work if you need it.

That, and Casper can find something for you to do.

Hell, you can go work in the cafeteria as long as it’s safe and something you want.” She told him and he laughed, shaking his head.  Kellen was happy to see that they were almost back to normal.  “Mom’s right.

As soon as you’re cleared, and the glass has been replaced in our apartments, you are allowed to do whatever you want.

I’m sure we’re making sure that there aren’t any more traitors in our Guild, so this will be a safe place for you Dad.” Kellen said, his expression warm.

He didn’t want his Dad to feel lost, or useless.  He was not a useless person, and was in fact, very important to Kellen.

He wanted him safe, and happy.

The way his Mom looked at him spoke volumes, and Rhys squeezed Kellen’s hand again.  “I agree, and we are making sure to clear everyone and everything that comes into the tower.

You’re our top priority after Kellen, and since I have a pair who likes to paint a giant target on his back, you can believe that everything should be safe.” Rhys tapped the spot near his eyes.

“And I also have these.

Not as reliable when it comes to Kellen, but they do the trick in a pinch.” He said calmly, and Kellen’s Dad sighed.  “Well, I am glad you two have plans put into place.

Shall we get going?

I’m anxious to walk now that I’ve been given permission.” He said, a light in his eyes and Kellen smiled.  “Of course Dad.

Lead the way, Taylor.” Kellen smirked at her as her face fell, her expression dark.

If he wasn’t safe, no one was safe.

Especially when she looked like death, and he knew from touch, felt like death inside as well.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS CalyB Kellen getting jealous of basically a child is not as funny as I’m sure Rhys is going to find it when he tells him.