(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 301

Chapter 301: When the other shoe falls

"Well well well, look who finally decided to come downstairs?" Brent called as soon as he heard the bedroom door open. Kellen already felt guilty for what he’d done, but at least he was changed.

In a fresh pair of sweatpants and a black t-shirt, he felt much better. Rhys, because he got his clothes dirty, had also changed into a pair of sweatpants and a fresh t-shirt. They pair truly looked like a pair, and while Kellen was embarrassed, Rhys was grinning.

"Oh you’re just jealous, Guide Jameson." He called and Kellen could hear Brent snort.

"Damn right I am! You’re hogging one of the fine chefs of this establishment! Now get ’em down here. We need both injured men to get to work!" Kellen rolled his eyes and Brent’s response, while Rhys, in a much better mood for some reason, happily headed down the stairs.

"Be careful with that mouth, Brent. It might get you in trouble someday." Rhys warned and Brent’s laughing frame came into view.

"Might? Captain, it already has." Brent told them as Kellen surveyed the people around them. Brent was still on the couch and next to him was an anxious Charlie and a rather still-looking Esper Blake. Casper, Hill, Gwen and his parents were hovering around the kitchen, while Pamela appeared to be in a deep conversation with Taylor off near the laundry closet.

Kellen hoped that they had started their conversation after he and Rhys had uh, blown off some steam. He would have hated those two in particular overhearing them. Especially since Taylor would never let him live it down.

"Well, no need to worry. I have one of our capable chefs changed and refreshed." Rhys said, getting to the bottom step and carefully placing Kellen back on his feet. Rhys made sure Kellen had his feet under him before he reached for the cane, waving his hand and it raced towards the two.

Kellen, mildly impressed, took the cane from Rhys’ hand with a smile. Rhys was staring down at Kellen, his eyes warm and not quite gold, but not quite yellow. Rhys reached out, cupping Kellen’s face in his hand and Kellen felt his cheeks heat, but didn’t move away or avoid the touch.

"Do you need my help or are you going to be stubborn about asking?" Rhys asked quietly and Kellen cleared his throat.

"Well, too many people in a kitchen this small might be an issue. Just...sit at the counter?" Kellen suggested and Rhys grinned. He bent, pressing his lips against Kellen’s forehead.

"You didn’t even need to ask." He murmured against his skin, and Kellen felt his body relax into his touch. Brent made retching noises from behind them, and Kellen rolled his eyes.

"Get over here you two! Kellen, you said you were making dessert? Show me what you have for dinner options?" Kellen’s Dad yelled from the kitchen and Kellen realised he was wearing Kellen’s black apron and his Mom was helping him check the fridge. His Dad was holding onto her arm like a vice, staring into the fridge with a determined expression.

Kellen, clasping onto his cane, made his way towards him while Rhys headed around the side of the counter, grabbing a stool and sitting down.

"Well, we have several meat options, along with fresh fruits, veggies and other things. I was thinking I’d make some cookies or something like that since a cake would take too long to decorate." Kellen muttered and his Dad stared at the expanse of food before he sighed.

"Ellie, pull out the rice cooker. Rhys, go grab the rice from the pantry. Kellen, you’re going to help me chop up some fruits and veggies. Oh, wait, Casper, get over here." Casper jerked, before hesitantly making his way into the kitchen, pushing up his glasses nervously.

Kellen’s Dad eyed him up, and Kellen felt it was similar to Kellen eyeing up if he thought someone could handle the position he was about to give them. It felt like something Rhys would give an Esper he was about to give a tough mission. Like his Dad was a general, checking to see if the new recruit was up to the task.

"You’ve held a kitchen knife before, haven’t you?" Casper’s expression went blank at the question, while Gwen snorted off to the side. Casper glanced at her, his face turning a shade of pink while Kellen began moving around, grabbing things he needed for his cookies since he was sure his Dad was going to recruit Casper.

"I-I have, yes. I cook at home for myself often." Kellen’s Dad nodded.

"Good, good. Alright. Kellen, you’re allowed to do your baking, I’ll use Casper for now. Be ready to jump in if needed." Kellen smiled, making sure his Dad couldn’t see his expression. He was in a bad mood, he wasn’t going to antagonize him even further. He was still his Dad, so he was being relatively nice about it, but Kellen knew better.

Kellen’s Dad swallowed thickly, before sliding his gaze towards Taylor. Taylor, who had been busy grabbing a bowl for Kellen to mix everything in, turned and stared at the two of them.

"While I wouldn’t recommend drinking in excess, you can have a little." She said. "Of course, I would prefer it if you didn’t drink, but that’s not always an option. Now, what’s next?" She asked Kellen. Kellen couldn’t get the smile off of his face as he asked Taylor to grab things while Kellen’s Dad oversaw Casper helping him cook in the kitchen.

Kellen’s Mom got the rice cooker on and started, while Hill worked on handing out drinks. Even Taylor got one, and when she was about to refuse, it was Rhys who stepped in and forced her to take a sip.

Either way, it was clear that the moment was a good one, and Kellen enjoyed being able to be with everyone and enjoy the moment.

It was only at that point that he truly realised that he might not have been able to do that if things had taken a different turn today. Kellen, who had never had enough people to care about him this way, felt his whole body freeze mid scoop of cookie dough.

Something hard, and sharp formed in his chest and Kellen suddenly found it very hard to breathe. The air around him felt harsh, and hard, and his lungs didn’t move to inhale. Everyone’s chatter filled his ears, fogging his head and he had a hard time focusing on distinguishing what they were saying.

It almost sounded like they were slowed, their tones shifting as Kellen tried to understand what they were saying. His hand trembled, and he was unable to curl it properly to scoop the cookie dough. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t.

He needed to scoop the dough. He needed to make cookies. He was supposed to make dessert for everyone. This was supposed to be a fun time. A cool time. He wasn’t supposed to be reacting like this.

Kellen needed to get a grip. This was normal. He’d gone through worse situations on the front lines before. He wasn’t a baby. This? Being shot twice in one day and opening his wound again? That was nothing. He could handle this. He was supposed to handle this.

He needed to get a grip.