(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 210

Chapter 210: The guilt of the uninjured

A soft knock sounded at the door and both of them looked towards the sound. Thankfully, it was just the Captain who had returned with what Kellen had asked for.

In his arms the Captain carried a small box of things from Kellen’s place. Quietly, without saying a word to either Kellen or his Mom, the Captain unpacked the box, putting down an incense burner, a few boxes of incense, a kettle, and a few cups and types of tea. Tucking the box under the table, the Captain turned to the two of them with a smile.

"I did my best to select some options that I thought you would like. I also have a lighter." He said, and Kellen felt his expression soften at the way he stood there proudly, pleased that he’d completed the task Kellen had asked of him. Kellen’s Mom’s shoulders began to shake, and Kellen turned his attention to her.

"Did you ask him to do this?" She whispered, and Kellen nodded.

"I told him to give us some time alone, and to grab some things from my apartment. Are you upset that I did?" She shook her head, her grip tight on him.

"No. No, I’m not upset. You are too good for me." She whispered, and Kellen’s heart broke. He was just doing his duty for his Mom. She was in pain. She was hurting. Kellen was doing the bare minimum.

"Kellen is a good man, but only because he had you two for his parents. Do not sell yourself so short. He is only doing his duty, and I am just helping him out with that. Now, what shall I do for you? Have you called your daughter yet?" Rhys asked softly, warmly, and Kellen’s Mom looked up at him. She stared at him for a long moment before she closed her eyes and sighed.

"Gwen was here earlier with Kellen’s friend, Brent? Brent made her go get something to eat. She was trembling like a leaf." Kellen’s Mom said, and Rhys nodded.

"Hmm. I think Green said the same thing. Do you want me to get you two something to eat? Or we can order in. Fried chicken?" He suggested and Kellen felt his shoulders shake.

"I like fried chicken, but not that much." Kellen told him and Rhys chuckled.

"Hmm. I’m not sure I believe you when you say that. You cared an awful lot about the fried chicken I got you last time." Kellen watched with wide eyes as Rhys pouted. "You wouldn’t even pay attention to me." Kellen narrowed his eyes.

"That was because I was working and eating at the same time. You offered to feed me." Kellen protested, and Rhys sighed heavily, placing his hand on his forehead dramatically.

"Oh, how you’ve wounded me. Yes, I offered, but you abused your power. I was slaving away. No rewards, no thank yous. It was devastating." Kellen’s expression was full of confusion and disbelief. Why was he behaving this way?

"Abused my power? I don’t have power. You knew I had work to do, and you offered to feed me! I wasn’t the one who asked you to!" Kellen could feel his blood beginning to boil and his Mom let him go as he turned to stumble his way over to the Captain to glare up at him. Rhys watched him move, his eyes full of concern even as his lips remained in that cocky smile.

"But did I receive a reward?" Kellen’s eyes went wide and his cheeks flushed. He absolutely had. This damn Esper.

"If you dare say that out loud again, you aren’t getting a ’reward’ ever again, Captain Thatcher." Kellen threatened and Rhys chuckled. He reached out, cupping Kellen’s cheek with his hand.

"Hmm. It’s been a while since I heard you call me Captain Thatcher. Are you angry I even brought it up? That’s very cute, Kellen. Now, should I get you two something to eat?" He asked again, and Kellen wondered if he’d gotten him worked up just so he could touch him.

He wouldn’t put it past this crazy Esper.

"That would be great, Rhys. But probably only something light for me. I can’t seem to stomach anything that isn’t my husband’s cooking very well." Kellen’s Mom said from behind them, and both of them turned to stare at her. She had a complicated expression on her face. "It’s good to see that you two have grown closer while I haven’t seen you." She said, swallowing thickly. Rhys smiled.

"Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. On the topic of growing closer, I was thinking of offering up my apartment for you to rest in. I know that you had plans to remain in this waiting room, but I also know your husband would not be pleased about that." She opened her mouth to protest, and Rhys wrapped his arm around Kellen’s shoulder. "I also was planning to let both of you rest there once he was well enough, or unwell enough. My room is set up to be able to support the equipment from the medical bay, so we could have it set up ahead of time. I know you are probably worrying about how safe your home is now, since that is something I would be worrying about as well. But I promise you, I’ll be nearby, along with my whole Guild. We have no desire for anything bad to happen to either one of you." Rhys told her, and Kellen watched as his Mother struggled to make a choice.

Kellen was also surprised by the Captain’s words. He had no idea that he was thinking of offering his own apartment up for them. But if he did that, where was he going to sleep? Curious, but not wanting to undermine him while his Mom was still thinking, Kellen saved asking Rhys about that for later.