(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Societal condoned harassment

With the food drop sorted, since the cafeteria workers were quite professional and orderly, Kellen headed for the Guiding Division as he had promised. Kellen had assumed that the Captain would have to get back to his own work after this, considering the Guild was in the middle of negotiating the rights to an A Class gate, but no. The man was following after him like a puppy, the same way he had followed him when they left the Medical Bay. It was unnerving, having the man at his back. He felt like he was going to be swallowed up by a giant predator. But after the stunt he pulled in the cafeteria, Kellen was determined to ignore him. On the walk to the elevator, in the elevator, and even on the way to the Guiding Division proper. At least, that was his plan.

Until he felt a hot breath on the back of his neck and Kellen let out a high pitched scream in the lobby of the Guiding Division. Kellen spun, slapping his hand over the back of his neck to stare in surprise at the stunned expression of the Captain. Before a shit eating grin split his face.

"W-What was that for?" Kellen demanded, and the Captain moved closer to the now extra cautious Guide.

"Why did you scream? Is your neck sensitive?" He countered and Kellen could feel his mouth opening before he could think properly about what to say.

"Anyone would react that way if someone suddenly blew on their neck, Captain Thatcher!" The Captain didn't seem phased by Kellen calling him by his title. In fact, the man seemed...excited? That only made Kellen more angry.

"So you're sensitive around your neck. Noted." Kellen wanted to scream at the smug look on the Esper's face. He looked like he was having a great time, while Kellen wanted the ground to swallow him up. He was thankful that no one else had arrived on the floor while the two of them had this interaction.

Still covering his neck, Kellen spun on his heel and made his way towards the Guiding Division proper. Kellen had forgotten that there were windows into the hallway from the Division's main room, so as they approached people could see Kellen storming towards the main doors while the Captain grinned happily behind him. It was clear from Kellen's tense jaw and flushed cheeks that something had happened between them, and Kellen hated that more. He really needed to get a grip on his anger around this man, because he had a feeling the Captain enjoyed it. Kellen fumbled for a second while scanning his keycard to open the door, and he went to slam it behind him out of frustration but the Captain's hand stopped him. "That's not very nice Mr. Woods. Locking me out over something like that? I'm heartbroken." He turned to stare incredulously at this powerful man who had the audacity to behave like Kellen had actually hurt him. What really got to Kellen were the still hazel eyes. The Captain clearly hadn't used his powers yet, which meant Kellen had been staring at the gorgeous hazel eyes in that damn handsome face. The Captain who had yellow eyes was attractive in a way Kellen couldn't put his finger on, but the Captain with hazel eyes...Kellen wasn't sure, but if they became a common occurrence, he might find himself in a lot of trouble.

"You have access to anywhere in this building. How the hell am I keeping you out of anywhere?" The Guide put on a brave tone, aware that the room had gone silent behind him. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the Captain's response. The Esper smirked, before raising his hand and pointing a finger at the Guide's chest, hovering over his heart.

"You're keeping me out of here, aren't you?" Gasps sounded behind them and Kellen felt his mouth open in shock. He was speechless at what the Captain implied. In public, no less. He was sure he knew that Guides were the hubs of gossip, so Kellen knew that this would spread like a wildfire. Glancing around to see if there were any other Espers around, and noticing none, Kellen pulled him back out into the hallway for some privacy. Even if everyone could see them, they couldn't hear them. Kellen pressed the Captain into the wall, glaring up at the man angrily as they hid from the windows.

"It's my second day here, why are you making it so difficult for me?" He hissed and received a smile in return.

"You shouldn't have called me a coward, twice, Mr. Woods." Kellen wanted to kick his dumb self. Of course this was about that. The man was going to drag this out for his own enjoyment.

"So you want everyone to gossip about how I'm neglecting you on my second day here? And not just neglecting you, but," Kellen dropped his voice further, "sexually and emotionally neglecting you? Because that is what every Guide in that damn room is going to spread." He asked, genuinely concerned. That was an awful thing to spread about your pair, and he wasn't sure why the Captain thought it was okay. The Captain reached out, tugging at the collar of Kellen's shirt, his eyes slightly narrowed. Kellen swallowed.

"Well, it's not a lie, is it?" He said and Kellen felt his face heat.

"I should have denied the rumours that we were in a relationship." He told him, meaning each word. The Captain threw his head back and laughed. He stepped away from Kellen then as well, sensing that he was in danger if he remained close to the Guide for longer.

"I can tell you're very angry, so I'll leave you alone for now." He winked and Kellen felt his body shake. He glanced at the windows that were now full of Guides and Espers who must have come out of guiding sessions to see what was going on. The anger filled him up once more, and throwing professionalism to the side, Kellen gave the Captain a middle finger for everyone to witness. Said Captain blew the infuriated man a kiss. "Have a fun afternoon with Casper, Mr. Woods. I'll see you after work is over." He called loud enough that everyone could hear, waving and blowing Kellen kisses until he couldn't see the Guide anymore. Kellen closed his eyes, shaking, knowing full well he was never going to live this gossip down. He had to take several deep, calming breaths to calm himself.

He had never expected Captain Rhys Thatcher to behave in such a manner. The Captain he knew was serious, stoic, and maybe sometimes he threw out a joke to keep you on your toes. He wasn't...this. Like a barely contained beast who hadn't eaten in years being shown a steak for the first time. Kellen had never felt such a level of danger in his life, and he wasn't even on the front lines. He actually wasn't even sure if anything he did would be able to stop the Captain if he really pushed any issue. Kellen was only just now realising how dangerous being the pair of an S Class truly was.

"Kellen..." The voice of Casper shook him out of his moment and he opened up his eyes to meet the sympathetic gaze of the lieutenant. He stood in the doorway of the Guiding Division. "I think we've moved past the point of formality. You can call me Casper." Unsaid was why.

"Don't ever agree to their demands to get tested." He warned the man, clearly regretting his actions now. Casper, who had been there to facilitate the signing of said regretful actions shook his head, chuckling softly. There was no way he would have risked warning the man. He had valued his life too much.

"I wasn't planning to. I'm more useful as a universal Guide in my position as lieutenant than I can be as part of a pair." He closed the door behind him, but knew that wouldn't silence the gossip that had to be spreading around the Guild now. "Every once in a while some young upstart thinks that they can tame the unpaired Guide Lieutenant and they chase and harass me. Not that I'm not grateful for your help, since Ian was getting to be too much, but it usually passes once they find someone with a high enough match rate." He looked over the shaking Guide, with kiss swollen lips and what appeared to be a bruise forming on the back of his neck. He sighed. "It seems that sitting down for a lesson isn't going to be of much help to you right now. That's alright. I had planned to show you this place after the lesson, but I think you need it now. Let's go to the training hall. The Espers who have volunteered to be your test subjects are supposed to meet us there in an hour anyways."