(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 495

Chapter 495: You aren’t allowed to neglect yourself in my name

"As much as I am happy to see that you are up, as your friend and doctor, please hold off for a little bit longer. While Carlos is fairly certain you aren’t going to harm anyone, I have a feeling you two won’t stop at a ’little bit’ once you start." Taylor said dryly, stepping into the room and letting the tent flap fall behind her.

Kellen stared at his friend, watching her as she began to check the machines around him. She looked exhausted. Obviously she was. There was no way that she wasn’t. Kellen had given her a bunch of people in a perilous condition, and that included himself.

Her hair wasn’t up in a ponytail, but up in a messy bun. She also had a headband on, keeping any and all hair out of her face. She also had dry lips, his skin was pale, and she looked like she could fall over.

Kellen knew it wasn’t really his place, considering the condition he was in, but he couldn’t hold his tongue.

"When was the last time you got guiding?" He asked, every bit the Field Guide leader in his tone, while his eyes held the concern of a friend for another. Taylor raised her head, ready to snap at him, when Kellen gave her a hard look. "You aren’t allowed to rip into me about that aspect. I will take any and all criticism over my condition, except that. I still have my abs, don’t I?" Kellen warned, and Taylor flushed.

She had the decency to look embarrassed as she tore her gaze away from him, staring down at her clipboard. Her grip was tight, so tight that Kellen worried she might snap it.

"It’s been a while, and there isn’t anyone to guide me." Kellen glowered at her, and Rhys let out a shaky breath.

"Kellen, you need your strength. This moment of clarity could only be a short moment. You can’t-" Kellen turned his gaze to Rhys, and Rhys shut up as well.

"Don’t think that I can’t sense what condition you are in either, Captain." Kellen warned, and both Espers shifted uncomfortably. "Are all of the Guides in full use? Are they drained? If they are, you better fucking come to me for guiding, Taylor, because what you are doing is far more important than my body being in perfect condition. While I can’t argue with Rhys’ point, that doesn’t mean I fully agree." Kellen told her and Taylor looked...put in her place.

She let out a soft, shaky sigh, dropping her head and raising the clip board until it hit her forehead, hiding her face from the two who were looking at her. Kellen remained silent, taking in the messy state of her clothes, how she probably hadn’t showered for a while, and let out a soft sigh.

"I appreciate everything you are doing. I really, really do, but I also need you to take care of yourself. You would want me to do the same if our roles were reversed." Kellen’s voice was softer, more delicate. He didn’t want to hurt her with his words, just make her think about how she was treating herself. That made her flinch. The reminder that this went both ways, and it wasn’t just Kellen ganging up on her.

Taylor let out a bone weary sigh, and Kellen remained silent for a moment.

"You’re right. I’ll...do a check in. Guide the Captain first, please. After I’ve confirmed with me, my tests, and Carlos." Taylor said, raising her gaze to give the two of them a piercing look. Kellen nodded, taking her words seriously, but Rhys was the problem.

He didn’t want Kellen guiding him.

"I’m fine." Rhys began but no one bought that. Not even Rhys. His eyes were so bright Kellen didn’t even need a lamp in here. It was practically for decoration.

"Rhys Thatcher." Kellen warned. "I’m not saying I’m okay, what makes you think you can get away with saying that you are?" Kellen demanded. He wanted to shake the man, but his hands were still bound to the bed. He wasn’t above using others. "Taylor, smack Rhys for me, would you? I currently can’t do so." Kellen asked of his friend and Taylor’s eyes went wide, as did Rhys’. Rhys turned his gaze towards Kellen, furrowing his brows.

"Why are you asking her to hit me? She isn’t going to do it, Kellen. She’s my healer." Rhys sounded confused, but confident at the same time. Taylor cleared her throat.

"Well, while I am your healer, I am still his friend, and with good reason, I could hit you. My job is secure. You wouldn’t, no, couldn’t fire me." Taylor didn’t need to sound smug. She was right. Who else was going to put up with their shit?

"I’m asking her to hit you because you’re being a damn idiot. You’re not doing well. You look like a damn flashlight right now, Rhys!" Rhys looked appalled at Kellen’s words, while Taylor just couldn’t take it anymore. She burst out into laughter, bending at the waist, covering her face with the clipboard to avoid the way that Rhys shot a glare in her direction.

"A flashlight? Are you being serious right now?" Rhys asked, so clearly offended but Kellen just glared up at him from where he was lying down on the bed.

"Yes, I am. I feel like the light in here is for decoration. Don’t you dare lie to me about how close you are to surging right now Rhys. I can tell, and I’m not one of the Guides who can feel power fluctuations." Kellen’s voice held an edge to it. Rhys was staring at him, his jaw tight. Like he didn’t like Kellen bringing it up. Like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

Kellen could practically feel how tense the man was. They had been moments from kissing before, and now they were bickering. Kellen hadn’t wanted the moment he’d awoken to turn in this direction, but here they were.

There was a tense silence that filled the room after Taylor finished laughing. Taylor looked a little guilty that she laughed, while Rhys stared at Kellen in silence, before he turned his gaze to Taylor.

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