(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156: Seven long years

Rhys and Kellen took a few moments to clean themselves up. Rhys was using his shirt to wipe up the mess, and Kellen protested at first. But Rhys had such a smug, pleased look on his face that he found himself closing his mouth after a moment. He was thorough too, making sure each of Kellen’s fingers were wiped clean, to the point that he felt more embarrassed over his current touch than his previous one.

"Rhys, you can-"

"Hush, Kellen." He interrupted, a smile playing on his lips as Kellen continued to sit in his lap. "Let me take care of you." Kellen felt himself swoon at his words, and his focused gaze. His hands were gently where they held him, and even when he wiped Kellen’s chest and dick, it wasn’t done in a way to stir him. He was genuinely taking care of him.

Kellen knew he was semi hard again, but he didn’t address it in the slightest. Kellen let him work, holding his tongue until he exhaled, a satisfied smile on his face when he met Kellen’s gaze. "All done. We really made a mess, huh?" He grinned, and Kellen couldn’t have stopped himself even if he wanted to. He leaned forward, pressing his lips against his. He didn’t try to deepen it, so when he pulled away, Rhys had a slightly confused look on his face.

"You were just so beautiful that I couldn’t help myself." He said, answering Rhys’ unspoken question while pulling far enough away that he could stare into his eyes. Rhys’ cheeks turned red. In fact, he seemed very embarrassed, and Kellen found that surprising. It was well known that Rhys was attractive, since dozens of articles and magazines had done features on him. Kellen would know. He had most of them.

"You don’t need to seduce me Kellen. I’m already yours." He muttered, embarrassed, and Kellen smiled at him warmly. A little bit of mischief entered his bones.

"You know, I think it would be really unfair if you were the only one putting effort into your relationship. Like you have been. I probably won’t be the best at it, but I’m a hard worker. I also learn fast. I am confident in the fact that soon I’ll have you swooning for me too." Kellen was pleased with himself, and grinned at the Captain. Said Captain closed his eyes, as if deeply concerned.

"I think I’m the one in danger. You really don’t have to. You can just do the bare minimum Kellen." That didn’t really feel fair to him. He’d been putting in a lot of effort, and Kellen didn’t want to spit on that. He shook his head, determined now.

"No. You planned for a long time to try and seduce me. It’s only fair that I put in just as much effort now that I’ve realised my own feelings." Kellen’s response only seemed to make Rhys panic. He was flustered, and his cheeks had turned slightly pink.

"I’m serious Kellen, you really don’t have to. Having you around, willing, is enough for me." He insisted, and Kellen chuckled.

"Captain Thatcher, are you telling me you are going to say no to me when I want to seduce you?" Kellen reached out with his now clean hand, and tilted his chin up towards his. He still hadn’t opened his eyes, and Kellen smirked. "Are you afraid, Captain Thatcher? Why would you be? I’m a beginner at this, and I’m bound to be very bad at it." Rhys scrunched his face up, still refusing to meet Kellen’s gaze.

"Everything you do I find cute, Kellen. I promise you, you don’t have to try. Just being around you is going to be enough." Kellen felt his lips twitch.

"Even if I said I would wear a tailored Captain’s uniform for you?" He suggested, teasing, and watched as Rhys swallowed thickly.

"I-I am honoured that you find me so pleasing, Kellen." He told him sincerely, and Kellen found himself staring into his eyes. The colour was somewhere between a bright, shimmering yellow, and a simmering vat of gold. A soft, mellow colour that drew Kellen in along with his words. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears, and he sighed softly.

"I am once again struck by the fact that we were so close to each other, yet so far away." Kellen found himself whispering. The words felt big, and as if they shouldn’t be spoken at a loud volume. Rhys’ face softened.

"I am happy I was able to be near you while I watched you grow. You’ve grown into an incredible man, Kellen, and I am proud to have you by my side." Kellen felt his lips tremble.

"You...You have always been an incredible Captain, and I am sorry I ran away so much." The words carried the weight of seven years of dancing around him. Knowing damn well he was supposed to be something to him, but being too stubborn and afraid to approach, and burst the bubble of safety and comfort he’d built. Rhys shifted, adjusting his position on the couch before pulling Kellen closer to rest his forehead against his own.

"Kellen, there is never a need to apologise. Both of us weren’t ready when we met each other. We took time to become who we are today, and I think it is all the more worth it that we both grew up around each other. If I had had you from the beginning, I don’t think I would appreciate you as much as I do now." Kellen gave a soft, slightly wet chuckle in response.

"And I think I was too much of a stubborn, headstrong fool seven years ago. I would have been terrible in a relationship, let alone a pairing."