(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 231

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.