My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

Kelden felt her step closer to him and his thumb stroked her cheek gently as he continued to look into her eyes. "Your eyes are like an ocean, there's so much depth to them. I see strength and beauty in every glance," he said. He leaned down and kissed her ever so softly. He pulled her into him gently and held her as they kissed, just wanting the feeling of her lips against his to last forever. When the kiss broke, he held her close a little longer before sighing and releasing her. "Alright, we'd better finish our run," he suggested. "Wanna race back?" He asked, a playful grin forming on his lips. He took a step towards the house, glancing back at her to make sure she was going to follow and then took off at a sprint.

Hazel kept up with him most of the way but pulled ahead right at the end, hitting the porch steps just before him and he laughed boisterously as they came to a stop. The uphill run had been pretty killer, especially accounting for the wet ground and he stood there a little winded from the burst of intense exertion. "You've gotten even faster," he commented, grabbing a water and drinking from it. He'd done a lot of running in his time training to be an agent and actually being one, but Hazel had the agility and grace to outrun him despite that. Maybe he'd invite her to do a marathon with him someday in the future. "That was fun," he grinned.

Kelden glanced at the time on his phone. "I think June and Drake will be getting back soon so we can go get supplies. I'm going to shower and change really quick then so I'm ready by the time they get here," he told Hazel. He pulled off his shirt as they headed inside and kissed the top of Hazel's head before he disappeared upstairs to go shower as he'd said. He made sure to toss his dirty clothes in the small laundry hamper in his bedroom to wash later before changing into something casual but nice for their time out in town.

---

June smiled. "Alright, Liam," she agreed. She felt Drake take her hand and she smiled up at him before glancing back at the phone as Liam spoke again. "I'm a pastry chef," she told him. "Decorating is my specialty but baking is a big part of it too." They began to chat about her baking, Liam asking about the work she'd done and suggesting that he'd have to find a way to try something of her's someday. She laughed and promised to make something especially for him someday. They joked about Drake and making sure June was feeding him well.

The conversation eventually turned back to Drake and his dad conversing and June was glad. She'd enjoyed getting to meet Liam, though only by phone, but she knew that the primary reason for the call was so Drake and his dad could catch up and check in on each other. She didn't want to interrupt that and she smiled as they chatted about when he would visit and his sister's upcoming wedding. She ran a hand through her hair, an apologetic smile on her lips as Drake's dad suggested she come to the wedding with Drake. She didn't know if that could even happen and she wouldn't want to intrude on any family affairs unless Drake specifically asked her anyway. The way they'd gotten to know each other was strange and though it felt somewhat natural to her, there were a lot of steps they were skipping in their relationship. They didn't really have the opportunity to 'date' like a normal couple, going out when they could and getting to know each other in that way, eventually meeting each other's friends and families. They had developed a relationship over the course of living with each other and spending time during their daily routines.

She tried to refocus on the conversation, pushing the thoughts out of her head. June smiled as Drake and his father continued to talk for a bit longer and then said their goodbyes for now. Liam and June said goodbye as well, June mentioning that it was lovely to get to talk to him. June smiled up at Drake as he hung up the phone. "That was nice," she told him.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel smiled as he told her what he saw in her eyes. She ran her hands up his chest as he pulled her in and they kissed. Hazel giggled as he suggested a race. "Oh you're on." she said stepping back and tossing her hair over her shoulder. Kelden took a step and she took off with him feeling hem match speeds and she relaxed into it. She could feel the ability there to pass him if she needed to but she knew matching would give her the stamina she would need to finish strong. As they neared the house she bolted off and raced ahead laughing as they made it to the porch.

Hazel sat on the step to drink long and hard from her water bottle. "That was fun." she said grinning. It was true she had gotten fast and she knew she would always use that. "You know you're not an easy one to beat." she said standing and going inside with Kelden. "You keep me on my toes." she admitted to him with a smile.

As Kelden took off his shirt she paused and looked up at him as he spoke about supplies and pressed a kiss to her head. She sighed as he left the room a ran a hand through her hair. That man drove her crazy and he didn't seem to have the slightest idea how much he impacted her. She finished her water then went to her room freshening up and getting dressed. Once Hazel was done she pulled her hair up and put a clip in it before sitting on the couch reading book she had been trying to read since she got here just about. Hazel kept thinking things over for herself and June. She was terrible at focusing on reading, her mind wondered too much perhaps.

---

Drake chucked as he got off the phone with his dad his ears still a little red. He looked over at June and grinned at her. "Really you think it was nice?" he asked sheepish and rubbed the back of his neck smiling at her. "I am glad you and my dad got a long. He's pretty easy and you being a chief, even in pastries makes him easily impressed. He's probably the stereotype about the way to a man's heart." he chuckled thinking he was probably the same or at least very similar.

Drake smiled wondering if she would want to go out to his families for the holidays even if they weren't still on guard. He knew it would be strategically a good idea to get the girls away from the safe house for a while and what better way than to go to a strangers house for the holidays? No one knew that they were on the detail so no one would be able to connect them.

"We should start heading back." he said and laced his fingers with her calling for Mac who turned and came running towards them. He smiled and patted the big dog's side as he leaned up against him walking. He smiled and hoped that he could get a puppy for June. He as thinking he should start looking. "What was your first pet?" he asked randomly. He wondered about her love for dogs and were that might have come from.

@ Jinx...

Kelden came down the stairs, feeling fresher after his shower. He saw Hazel on the couch reading, noting it was the same book she'd been reading for a while now. He plopped onto the couch next to her and sat for a bit. He glanced over at her, knowing he shouldn't interrupt her reading but having a hard time resisting. "Your hair looks beautiful like that," he complimented. Of course, he just really loved her gorgeous, long hair and thought it looked good no matter what she did to it, but he hadn't seen her clip it up in this particular style before and it caught his attention.

He sat up, grabbing a deck of cards on the end of the coffee table and he opened it up. He began to stack the cards, attempting to make a house of cards. Surprisingly he got pretty far before it collapsed. He sighed and fixed the cards before shuffling them and dealing out a game of solitaire. He played a few rounds, winning two and losing one, before June and Drake arrived home. He waved at them as they returned, putting the deck away. June seemed eager to get going and Kell grinned. He knew she liked to get out of the house, he suspected she was starting to get a bit of cabin fever. It wasn't unusual, though this was one of the longest protection details he'd been on, a lot of wards became restless. Some even as soon as a few days. He was surprised Hazel and June were doing as well as they had, though he suspected getting out for walks and supply runs helped.

"I'm ready whenever," Kelden informed everyone. When his three companions gave their 'ready's', he stood and grabbed the keys to the car. June ran to the kitchen and snatched the list they'd made earlier and everyone filled into the car. As they drove, there was evidence of the previous night's storm all around. Branches and debris were strewn across the road but luckily nothing too large was blocking the road and they were able to make it into town easily.

---

June's smile grew. "Of course it was nice," she affirmed. "Your dad is wonderful, I can't wait to make him something. I'll need your help deciding on what he'd like most," she added with a wink. She loved that sheepish, boyish smile he had. June still couldn't believe that he wasn't already in relationship when they'd met, he was such a gentleman and so handsome, he had to have gotten a lot of girls fawning over him. She stood as he did, saying that they should head back and June agreed. She brushed off anything that might be on the back of her pants from sitting on the log and then took his hand and began to walk. Mac trotted beside them happily and June beamed seeing Drake patting the big dog.

"A cat, actually," she said. "We were walking home from school and a guy was trying to get rid of some kittens. He had three and he was just giving them away. I might have possibly, maybe convinced my sister to bring home all three with me. My mom was not happy," she laughed, remembering her mom giving them hell for bringing home three kittens. "She's got a soft spot for animals too though, she found two of them homes with a couple of her coworkers and she let us keep one." June smiled at the memory. "We ended up adopting several pets throughout my childhood, at one point we had two dogs and two cats. To say my family loves animals is a bit of an understatement," she chuckled. If June's apartment had allowed pets, she would have had a few of her own. In fact, she'd originally crossed the apartments off her list because of that fact but its prices and close proximity to work had been too good. She supposed she didn't have to worry about that now though.

"What about you? Any pets growing up?" She asked. They walked back and as they got near Betty's property, Mac bounded off towards his home. June watched him go until he reached the house and then she turned to continue her and Drake's own way home. When they got back, Kelden and Hazel were in the living room. "Who's ready for some supply shopping?" She asked, grinning. She really enjoyed going into town, even if it was only for supplies.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel smiled as Kelden sat down and commented on her hair. "Thanks handsome." she said and smiled at him leaning over and kissing his cheek. "You look refreshed." she said and then pulled her legs up and continued her book. She watched Kelden start a card tower and snickered a little. It was cute watching him concentrate so hard. She found herself watching him more than reading her book. No matter how hard she tried she just wasn't able to sit still and concentrate on something that had no meaning to her life. She needed to find something for herself to do in the house while they were out getting supplies.

Hazel had never really been a home body but maybe that had to do with the fact that no where had ever felt like home. Hazel was finding that this place, though strange and the fact that she was not there because of any good reason, she was finding that this place felt more like home than any other place. Hazel smiled as June and Drake returned. She stood as they all said they were ready to go.

As they drove down the road Hazel leaned into her seat looking back at Kelden. She bit her lip knowing that this feeling inside of her was not going to go away. She knew she would have to act on her feelings soon. She would have to tell Kelden at some point that it was serious for her. For now though she smiled slowly as Kelden caught her staring at him. She then leaned forward and turned on the music softly.

---

Drake grinned as he listened to June talk about her first animal. He chuckled. "Oh no so what you are saying is you bring home all the strays?" he grinned down at her his arm over her shoulder and he kissed her temple with a chuckle. Drake nodded as she talked about apartments. "Well I am sure you will be just fine now." he said and watched with her as Mac took off.

Drake lead her back to the house as they talked. She asked about his animals and he nodded. "Yeah we have had many animals but never more than one at a time. My mother believed in lots of kids and just one animal to teach responsibility but also she thought it was kind to give them her full attention so she only let us all have one." he smiled. "We also traveled around a lot so it wasn't something she wanted to worry to much about to get them a sitter." he said grinning.

They got back to the house and they quickly got ready and left. He sat in the back with June and played with her fingers. He kissed her fingertips and smiled at her as their eyes met. Drake couldn't help but want to be near her, want to love her. She was a kind soul and after everything she had been through too. He wondered why she had to go through it. May people believed their had to be a reason for everything and he wondered if there could be a reason in all of this. He didn't know if he believed in that really but he still was curious.

@ Jinx...

Kelden glanced over at Hazel as he drove. She seemed deep in thought and occasionally their eyes met, making him wonder if she was thinking about him. If she was, he hoped she wasn't regretting her decision to allow him to be her primary bodyguard again. Movement caught his eye and he glanced over again as she turned on the music and he smiled. It wasn't much longer before they arrived at the store. He found a parking spot and everyone filed out of the car. They grabbed two carts and June pulled out the list they'd made earlier. As usual, they split up to get shopping done quicker. June and Drake went off for groceries while Hazel and Kelden went to get household supplies.

Kelden looked down at their half of the list that June had torn off for them. They went off in search of the items listed and grabbing a few extra items that they figured would come in handy. Kelden went out of his way to grab some new board games so that they could switch up some games every once in a while and grabbed some new movies. "Can you think of anything else we might need or want?" He asked, pursing his lips in thought. He wasn't really used to having to try and keep himself occupied on a job. He and Hazel shopped around a bit more and then met June and Drake in the clothing section to get extra clothes. It was a fairly uneventful trip, though he could tell that even the brief time out had lifted spirits.

They paid for the supplies and loaded the car before heading out. Kelden began to drive them towards home when June spoke up in the backseat. "Hey, that sign says the town is holding a fair," she said. Kelden glanced around to where his eyes fell on large sign that indeed stated that the county fair was going on and had started today, earlier this morning to be specific. It pointed down a side road and far in the distance in a field, Kelden could see some flashing lights from carnival rides that he'd missed on their way in town.

---

June and Drake got the grocery shopping done quickly and then June and Hazel took a little extra time to shop for some new clothes. It was getting a little old rotating the same few outfits. She hadn't expected to be under protection this long and hadn't gotten too many outfits. It was fun getting to shop with Hazel, she helped June pick out some cute pieces and she found herself happy and relaxed to be clothes shopping with a friend. Before she knew it though, it was already time to be heading back. Though she'd enjoyed the time out, she found herself wishing for a little bit more to do outside of the safehouse. Especially after last night, she was feeling cooped up despite the walks and evenings at the dock with Drake.

Her wishes came true though when she happened to glance up and notice "County Fair" in big letters and today's date. She sat forward in her seat, pointing out the sign to the others. She looked over at Hazel, grinning. "Doesn't a fair sound like fun?" She asked Hazel excitedly. June wondered if her friend was feeling just as restless as she was at the house.

"Do you think we could go?" She asked, turning to attention to Drake and Kelden who was now glancing at her from the rearview mirror. Kelden's face didn't inspire much hope for June though. "I don't know... The store is one thing, but a festival is harder to ensure your safety at," Kelden said, his voice apologetic. June felt her heart sink a little at the words. She knew he wasn't wrong, and she also didn't want to make their jobs harder, but she did really wish that they could go.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel shopped with Keldon and smiled as he grabbed new games and movies. She bit her lip softly as they walked. She watched him trying to decide what to do with the thoughts and the plan in her head. She grinned as he turned and asked if she could think of anything else they would need or want. She thought about it and they picked up a few more things Hazel's hand occasionally brushing Keldon's hand. Hazel grinned as they met up with June and Drake. She spend a good amount of time with June helping her pick out some cloths and picking out some new ones for herself as well. She had loved every moment fining it relaxing and it helped relieve some of the tension to be with June for a bit.

They were in the car driving back. Hazel was looking out the window up at the clouds, light and puffy now, completely unthreatening. June brought up the county fair and Hazel looked over to see the lights and her mind went instantly to the music that haunted her every being. She was instantly afraid she would run into it at a fair and she bit her lip. Keldon must have looked at her through the mirror when he answered and she frowned. He was right but as Hazel looked at June she shook her head. "Well we don't have to go tonight. It's going on all weekend at least right June? One of you guys could stop by sometimes and check it out. It might be worth it, warn off some of the cabin fever and all." she said and met Drake's eyes in the mirror before she looked at Keldon.

Hazel looked over at June and took her hand squeezing it gently. Hazel would face anything, and do anything for June. Hazel knew June felt like she owned Hazel but the truth was Hazel felt like she owned everything to June. It was the hardest thing for her to admit even to herself but the truth was that they couldn't have gotten through it all if June hadn't been so brave and trusting and strong. "At least before saying no would you check it out first?" she pleaded on June's behalf.

---

Drake was so comfortable with June. He knew the same four walls were a little much but he still was content with her anywhere they where. Drake was more of an outside kind of guy. He would rather be in a cabin in the woods or out on a trail than most anywhere else, but with June it didn't seem to matter anymore, he could be in a crowd and feel complexly comfortable with her hand in his. He was relaxing closing his eyes as they rode in the car listening to the music when June spoke. He opened his eyes sitting up and looking around. He saw what she did and frowned looking over at Keldon. He knew what his partner said was right but the hope in June's voice broke his heart. Thankfully Hazel the voice of reason came up with a brilliant plan. "That could work. Keldon and I will at least take a look." he said and turned looking back at June grinning. "If nothing else we'll make sure we bring back a funnel cake." he said. He knew only one of them could go while the other stayed with the girls but it would be something he could request of his partner. They would talk about it tonight when they could talk strategies alone. They didn't keep anything from the girls but emotions where much easier to manage when they weren't in the room to cloud up the the training they had been through.

Drake smiled softly. They made it back to the house and started to pack everything inside. He was thinking he should take June out to a movie. It would get her out and they could go to the arcade inside of the theater. It would help with the cabin fever a little. Drake kept thinking of the fair. It would be fun and maybe they had a corn maze, he loved those.

Once everything was inside and the girls where taking their things up to their rooms he turned to Keldon. "What is on your mind?" he asked. Drake leaned back as they put away the last of the groceries. "As long as we stay together and maybe go on an off time, where the crowds are low, we could swing it." he said knowing his partner had a situation on his mind though. "I know we have to protect them above all but we also have to consider what they need and if we don't get out of the house now and again it will drive them insane. They are smart and careful but cabin fever makes a lot of bad choices." he said.

Kelden glanced in the rearview mirror again, watching a spark of hope in June's eyes as his partner promised they'd at least investigate the possibility of attending the festival. He didn't miss the way Hazel had jumped to support her friend either. "We'll at least check it out," Kell promised, agreeing with Drake that at the very least they could consider it. Already his mind was working out plans, though he'd need to see the layout of the festival to be able to fully commit. He thought as long as the girls promised to stick with him and/or Drake at all times, it would be manageable. And if he was being honest, it would be nice to do something different. Kelden was a trained professional but even he was starting to realize that this was going to be the longest security detail of his career and he too was already feeling the cabin fever setting in. In fact, thinking about it now, he realized he was actually itching to do something a little outside the daily routine.

They got home and unloaded their groceries and supplies and put everything away. He was still trying to plan in his head when Drake spoke and brought him out of his own thoughts. "Just trying to think of how to make this festival thing work," he grunted. He listened to what Drake had to say, nodding along. "You're right. And as much as I know we need to lay low, I think keeping them confined to the property here would be like locking them in another cage. They need to get out and do something to break up the monotony."

They could make this work and his mind was in full agent mode now, making a list of conditions in his head that the girls and he and Drake would need to follow. Most of it was standard safety procedures but it would still have to be said just to make sure everyone was on the same page. He began to plan with his partner. "They have to stick with us at all times, we cannot let them out of our sight. And cell phones on at all times. And a rendezvous point in case of any emergencies," he listed, counting off on his fingers at each new thing he added to the list.

---

June took her bags upstairs, beginning the process of putting away some of the new clothes she'd gotten at the store and setting aside a book she'd picked up. She'd gotten it in hopes that she could escape the house for a little bit, even if only in her head as she read but the festival put that idea to shame in comparison. She supposed that part of her desperation to get out of the house was similar to the reason that Hazel found it hard to be still. Movement had been essential to their survival and June still felt that, though maybe not quite in the same way. She found that sitting or standing still physically was easier for her because she was back in control of that. But June was beginning to feel like she had no control over the bigger movements in her life, like whether she could come or go from the house. Yes, Drake and her could go on walks and get out of the house but she no longer had the freedom she once had to simply decide for herself whether she could go out and do something.

But June was a little more hopeful at the prospect of getting out of the house with the boys' promises to consider and felt grateful that Hazel had had her back once again. Their bond had been forged in hellfire and that was precisely why it would last a lifetime.

She finished putting away her supplies and headed down the stairs, book in hand. Maybe she could read out on the porch. She'd take any bit of freedom she could right now. She heard Drake and Kelden in the kitchen and poked her head in to inform them that she'd just be out on the porch.

@ Stars Eternal
"Of course Kell." Drake said rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you like to go later and check it out? I can stay with the girls or I would be happy to scope it out as well." he offered. He was glad that his partner was on the same page that he was. The girls mental state was important and after the night they had it would be good for their mental state to be able to get out and feel like there was kind of normal. He knew that both her and Keldon couldn't pretend it was normal and as much as they had to blend in and make this fun for the girls that needed to also focus on the massive risks around them. Not only was it the exposure risk but the people they had no control over. Any one of them could be a weird sympathizer with psychopaths and cause issues. It was unlikely but it was a calculated risk none the less.

Drake looked up as June told them she would be on the porch and he nodded. "Okay sweets." he said and rubbed his neck looking out the window as she got settled down. He looked back at Keldon. His conditions were all things that were conditions for going on supply runs as well though they didn't talk about it every time. Though this would be different it essentially held the same risks though the open exposure would be a little more in a field than it was in a store.

His mind worked over every angle and every detail just like Keldon's. He pulled out some milk and poured himself a glass taking a drink. He looked up as Hazel came in and smiled at her but she was all eyes for Keldon which mad him smirking. It was about damn time.

---

Hazel took her bags up to her room putting the toiletries away before she sorted through her new cloths. She didn't need many cloths but she had wanted something new or two. She would really want her new wardrobe when this was all over anyways. This was a new her and she was going to embrace that. Besides so many of her old cloths wouldn't work for her body anymore after the weight loss and the old scars she would live with forever. Hazel put everything away then bounced down the stairs. She wondered what it would be like to go to a festival again. She hadn't been since she was a kid before all of this madness happened.

Everything that happened to her was like a separate life sometimes but it in may ways was also like aging into a stage of your life. She was forever changed and different just like the transition between teenager to adulthood and so on. Hazel slipped into the kitchen her body humming as she felt Kelton's gaze on her.

Hazel looked up at Kelton and smiled shyly her eyes burning with heat. She knew they kept dancing around both of their desires. There was something that they had between them and she was waiting for him to tell her he wasn't going to tell her no to it again or at least when she could take this yearning and act on it finally. All of this seeped out in her glances and there wasn't anything she could do to stop from feeling this way.

A few days later, Kelden found himself back at the wheel of the car, driving back towards a sign for the local fair. The same night him and Drake had agreed to this, he had gone on his own to check it out and get a feel for the layout. He and Drake has spent the next few days going over everything until they’d had several plans of action in case of several emergency scenarios. He had been a little on edge about the idea still, but when he’d seen a bit of excitement light up their eyes when the fair had been given the all-clear, he felt like it would be worth all the work.

The fair was as it had been a few days earlier, the smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and hotdogs filled the air, mixing with the sounds of people laughing and screaming in excitement. Somewhere within the fair he could hear the music of a live band playing and could distinctly picture the small stage that had been set up for live entertainment. He looked over at the other members of their little group and saw June taking in the scene with wary amazement. He was trying to gauge Hazel’s reaction but both of them seemed like this may be a little overwhelming after so much time in isolation. He hoped it wouldn’t be too much.

“Well ladies, what first?” He asked, giving them an encouraging smile. He wanted them to have a good time. He fell into step besides Hazel, keeping close. Every day felt like he was being pulled closer and closer to her, she just had a magnetism to her that drew him in. And in a position where it was quite literally his job to keep close and protect her, that sense was nearly overpowering now.

---

June had been resisting the urge to bounce her knee the entire car ride. She was eager to be getting out and experiencing something outside of the regular routine. And when they arrived it was so much all at once. There were so many smells and noises and bright lights that she thought she might get dizzy with it all. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone to a fair.

She was broken from her amazement by Kell’s question. She took Hazel’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s take a look around first and see what our options are,” she said, a little overwhelmed at the thought of choosing between so many different options.

She kept a hold of Hazel’s hand, feeling grounded by the warmth of her friend as they entered the fairgrounds. The first thing that caught her eye was a few rows of booths and stalls that looked like they were selling things. She thought that might be a safe start to the outting. A little bit of window shopping various trinkets was like dipping your toes into the pool. Not that she thought she would ever go in a pool again, but the metaphor still stuck.

“Let’s check these booths out,” she said, since they were already heading that direction.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel had been excited to go on this outing before they had arrived and when they pulled up she was a little apprehensive looking at all the cars. She knew a lot of cars meant a lot of people. Once they got into the fair she looked around her eyes wide and zipping from the loud sounds to the bright lights and laughing people. She swallowed hard and looked over at June as she took her hand. She stepped forward a bit unsteady as June started towards the booths. She nodded. "Yeah." she said thinking that she could do that. It was just shopping. Hazel looked over to Kelden making sure he was close and took a breath relaxing as she saw him in stride with her as June drug them along. She guessed at some point she needed to get use to people again if she was wanting to start a business after all. Hazel wanted to reach for Kelden but with her hand in June's she couldn't bring herself too.

They walked to the booths and Hazel walked with June moving from one booth to another stoping when things interested them. Hazel walked to a booth that had a bunch of necklaces and she reached out touching one with a smile on her face watching it sway at her touch. She tucked her hand back into her back pocket and looked back at June as she lead the way to another booth.

The more she was here the easier it was for her to relax into the crowd. No one noticed her or took any mind to her presence. It was almost reassuring that no one looked at her but she could feel Kelden's eyes on her. His eyes on her gave her a different feeling than she had ever known before him. She she looked up and saw him coming towards her she grinned up at him. She knew he had been working hard at this. So much so that the only time she got alone with him was during their morning training and Drake and June's nightly walks which defiantly didn't give them enough time to really talk or act on the unfinished business they had left the night of the storm.

---

As they moved to the booths Drake walked with the girls not really paying attention until something caught his eyes. He smirked and nodded to Kelden to let him know he was stepping aside a moment. When he came back he had a special little trinket in his pocket and an elephant ear he offered to the girls. "Carbs and sugar?" he offered with a smile. He was excited for later when they would split up. He knew they had tried to decide to stay together most of the time but from the way Hazel was looking at Kelden and the way that Drake was feeling with June he didn't think that would last past eating some carnival food and a ride or two.

Drake took a bite of the elephant ear knowing it would help June to see that he was fine after eating it. She did better and relaxed more when there wasn't a doubt the food could be laced. When Hazel did the same she took the treat from him with a thanks and offered a piece to Kelden as well. Drake chuckled falling back into step with June. They finished with the booths and Drake looked at June. "You feeling ready for a ride or should us men show off our mad skills at some carnival games?" he asked with a smirk looking over at Kelden.

Drake was just glad that they were out and so far things were going smoothly the girls seeing to be adjusting to all the noise and people which he was glad for. He wanted them to have fun tonight after all. Drake looked at Hazel seeing she was leaning towards working up towards more and was thinking the games might be better as she looked nervously at the rides then back at June.

Kelden watched as the girls browsed. He had just been thinking about getting a gift for Hazel, the thought crossing his mind that he could come back the next day when he could give his full attention to picking something for her, when she stopped to touch something. It was brief, but he could see the small smile on her lips and the careful way she handled it. As she walked away, Kell nodded to Drake and quietly purchased the delicate fox necklace. The older lady running the booth gave a knowing smile and Kelden held a finger to his lips and returned the smile. The exchange took less than a minute and he was back to Hazel before she had time to realize what he’d done.

And as they walked through the little market, Kell returned the favor to Drake. His full attention was on the girls already but he became extra alert while Drake was away. But Drake hadn’t gone long either and soon he was back with an elephant ear that was so big he couldn’t help but laugh. When Hazel tore off a piece and held it out to him, he swallowed hard and decided to be a bit bold.

Kelden gently held Hazel’s wrist on the hand that was stretched out to him, holding it steady as he leaned down and took the piece of pastry in his mouth. His lips barely brushed against her fingers but he liked the look of surprise on her face as he pulled away. “Thanks,” he said, giving her a wink and a smile.

---

June browsed through the booths admiring the various goods available. From jewelry to soaps and lotions, clothing to wood carvings, everything was so charming and June could feel the love and hard work that had gone into making these things. So June made sure to admire and compliment those selling handmade goods. She couldn’t help but feel herself relaxing a little. It was kind of nice to feel like just another anonymous face in the crowd.

Drake had disappeared while she was focused on sniffing candles with Hazel and reappeared beside her with a plate holding a giant elephant ear. The smell was amazing and she could see the cinnamon and sugar glistening on it. Drake tore off a piece and ate it first, and she knew he’d done it for her benefit. She gratefully tore off a big piece of her own and took a bite. She closed her eyes and resisted the urge to groan at how deliciously sweet it was. Whoever was making the elephant ears here was a saint.

She wasn’t quite sure she was ready for any rides yet, though she knew she wanted to give at least one a try before the night was over. She grinned at Drake. “You guys? Pffft, Hazel and I could take you,” June teased, bumping him playfully with her hip. She knew the games were usually rigged to be unfavorable to the player but as far as she was concerned, that was simply a little extra challenge.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel looked up at Kelden as he took her wrist gently in his. She inhaled and held her breath as his mouth moved towards her hand his eyes on hers the entire time. She panted softly feeling his lips brush her fingers. Her wide eyes darkened with a desire she had never known before. He said his thanks and she blushed looking down a small smile playing at her lips as she refocused on the group her heart rate had speed up. The spot his fingers had wrapped around her wrist tingled and her finger lips pulsed at where his lips had been.

She smiled as June suggested that she and Hazel could beat the boys. Hazel laughed and bit her bottom lip looking back at Kelden but the look on his face as he looked at her made her knees weak and her belly flip. It was an entirely different reaction and she enjoyed the new sensations. His words echoed in her head from a few weeks ago, I want to earn that from you Hazel, I want to be the man who takes care of you in every way not because you need it, but because you want it. Oh she wanted him. After he had earned her trust he never needed to earn anything else from her again but it was something he had in his head.

Hazel walked to the games with the group and they were looking around trying to find something fair enough for them all to participate in. The boys wanted to go with a shooting game of course but June hadn't had any lessons yet though they where getting that cleared with the captain. "What about ring toss?" she asked them.

---

Drake smirked as Hazel challenged them to a girls against the guys. "Oh you're on sweet cheeks." he teased and walked with them. He looked over at Kelden. "What about the water shoots?" he grinned and the girls shot him down. "No free advantages." Hazel had said and Drake chuckled. "Fair enough." he said and they kept looking. "The ring tosses are the hardest." he said and Hazel smirked. "Scared you're going to loose? Well if you're to chicken we could do the ball tosses instead." she said and Drake chuckled. "Not with June's softball arm." he smirked and winked over at her.

Hazel looked at June. "You played softball?" Drake grinned. "I played lacrosse." he pipped up and made Hazel laughed. "I could see that." she said. Drake grinned. He was pretty sure that his smile was not going to go away tonight. Yes his eyes swept over the crowd fully alert. "We could do the rope cross." Hazel said and they all looked at her laughing because she would be the only one that would win that and they all knew it.

"Alright June sounds like you are the tie breaker what do you think?" he asked her smiling down at her beautiful face. She was so sweet he just wanted to pull her to him and kiss that gorgeous mouth but they were here as a group for now.

Kelden laughed, joining in in suggesting games that got shot down instantly because of an unfair advantage. He watched Hazel joining in playfully and met her eyes when she glanced at him. Instantly he felt a warmth spread through his body. He wanted to kiss her and taste more of that sugar and cinnamon on her lips. But he wouldn’t right now when they were all together and still trying to adjust to the crowd.

He followed them all over to the ring toss, chosen by June. He and Drake both handed some cash to the attendant to informed them that they needed to get 5 out of 5 rings for a big prize and 3 out of 5 rings for a smaller prize. Kelden went first and his first ring bounced off the rim of the bottle. “Well that’s embarrassing,” he said, grinning sheepishly at his partner in work and now his teammate in this guys vs girls competition. Indeed the girls beat them by two rings, Kell and Drake getting 7 between the two of them and Hazel and June getting 8.

“I still think June’s softball experience gave her an unfair advantage in that,” Kell joked. He eyed the booth with the shooting game. “Let’s do this one next, Drake and I need an ego boost after that devastating defeat,” he exclaimed dramatically, earning a smile and a laugh from his companions.

---

June laughed and high-fived Hazel as they beat the boys at ring toss. They chose their smaller prizes since no one had gotten all 5 out of 5 rings. She thought maybe she’d come back to it later and try and win that big stuffed dog that resembled Mac. Or maybe she’d find another booth with it available as a prize.

She relented to playing the shooting game and to no one’s surprise, Drake and Kelden dominated. The memory that she’d hopefully soon be getting shooting lessons served to remind her that things weren’t normal by any means, but the huge smile on Drake’s face was enough to bring her back to the fun and let her focus on the fun she was having here and now.

They continued through the games, each of them having a chance to show off their skills and June laughed through it all, especially when Hazel did, in fact, show them all up in the rope cross. Loaded up with an armful of stuffed animals, June smiled and began offering them up to kids they passed. She only held onto one, a small, dark teddy bear that had stars all over it. It reminded her of her and Drake’s nighttime star watching and she already treasured it dearly.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel beamed as they played the ring toss giggling as she managed to get a few rings and hearing the boys groan with each one. She laughed as Kelden spoke about shooting. She shook her head and leaned against him holding onto his arm as they moved through the games. She won a few but let June pick the prizes because she wasn't really interested in anything.

When she won the bridge cross she had bounced back to Kelden snuggling up to him and leaned up whispering to him. "The only prize I want is a kiss from you." she said and set herself back down looking up at him bitting her bottom lip her eyes clouded with desire as she looked him over.

They had played all the good games and she was sure June couldn't hold any more prizes as she was giving them out to kids as they went smiling and making everyone happy and comforting parents with her presence. Hazel looked up at a ride. It was suppose to make your stomach drop as you fell and she remember she had liked it when she was younger. "Kelden let's ride that one." she said softly and smiled as Drake suggested they meet back at the randevu at the close of the night unless otherwise stated through text. Hazel nearly bounced in excitement. She hugged June and smiled at her. "Enjoy your date." she teased softly before pulling Kelden's hand off to the line for the ride grinning widely.

---

Drake enjoyed their activities together and loved watching June with the kids. She would be that kind of a baker that every kid that came in the store would get a cookie or something sweet he was sure of it. She could have been a teacher or something with how well she interacted with the children and calmed their parents about her strangeness handing out toys. He would hang back watching her and tuck her under his arm as they moved.

Drake smiled at Hazel as she looked up at the ride. He looked at June not sure she was ready quite yet but was sure she would want to start with tea cups more than that. "How about we split up for now and meet back at the randevu point at the close unless we receive a text." he said knowing they had an appointment to send a check up text on the hour just to check in and make sure that nothing happened between now and the end of the night.

Drake watched Hazel and Kelden take off and he turned to June pulling her gently against his side and looked at the star bear knowing what he had in his pocket was going to please her. "Hey you want to try the tea cups or the Farris wheel?" he smiled down at her his thumb gently brushing her arm.

@ Jinx...

Kelden hugged Hazel close as she snuggled against him and whispered in his ear, feeling his body react to her words. He looked down at her, watching her bite her lip and wishing he could be the one doing that instead. “Your wish is my command,” he whispered back to her, giving her a quick peck while Drake and June were focused on giving out stuffed animals. He wanted more, to take his time and give her every bit of attention she deserved, but he couldn’t exactly do that in the middle of a crowded festival.

He looked up at the ride she suggested and grinned. “Let’s do it,” he agreed. They quickly split off from Drake and June with promises to meet at the rendezvous and entered the line. Despite the crowd, it was actually fairly short and before he knew it, they were next to each other with a safety bar pinning them into their seats. The ride began to rise up slowly into the sky. “This is...” he began, as he watched the people below shrink. “This is actually way higher up than I thought it was.”

And then they dropped. Kell let out a strangled noise, a surprised yelp and grabbed for Hazel’s hand. He was laughing by the bottom, winded by the feeling of dropping so far, so fast.

---

June laughed softly as Hazel wished her luck on her date. “You too,” she whispered back to her friend as they split off, heading to a tall ride that looked like it dropped you very quickly. Maybe Drake would go on that one with her later too.

June snuggled against Drake as he pulled her close. She looked up at him, taking his hand and dancing in front of him a few steps. “Let’s check out the teacups first, maybe a roller coaster or two,” she grinned. She was having so much fun already and she was super excited to get some time just her and Drake.

They got in line for the teacups and were admitted quickly. She settled next to him in one of the giant teacups and put her small seatbelt on. It felt like a good idea to ease into the rides before getting onto any faster ones.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel sighed into his lips. When he pulled away she let her eyes stay closed a few moments more before she looked up at him blushing. That was not nearly enough of him but she would take what she could get.

As they waited in line she played with his fingers. She got into the ride giggling as she bounce excitedly. She looked over at Kelden beaming. They started to rise and she giggled hearing Kelden's hesitant statement. She felt them come to a stop at the top. It was long enough for her to look around and admire the view before the sudden drop and she swallowed her breath her hand taking Kelden's as he reached for her.

Hazel laughed at the bottom and waited for them to unstrap her. She got out of the seat and moved back under Kelden's arm relaxing there with him. She sighed. "Wow that was a rush." she shook her head then looked up at him. "I think that is the closest I have ever heard you almost scream." she poked his side her cheeks flushed as they walked. Honestly she could go for another ride but what she really wanted was some time with Kelden.

---

Drake chuckled loving the sparkle of her eyes as she looked back at him light on her feet. "You got it." he said and spun her in his arms before he let her take him to the lines. He stood in line and grinned as it was their turn. He slipped into the tiny teacup beside June. He was deceivingly large, no one really noticed until they tried to fit him in something small. Drake clipped the seatbelt trying to figure out what to do with his legs and he chuckled looking up at June.

"So how fast do you like to spin?" he asked her. He was going to be cautious with anything that might make her head feel fuzzy but the teacups the could control how much they spun so it was a good test run for that.

Drake remembered the first time he had gone on the teacups had been with his mother. He had slid into her as she spun them around and around laughing. He had been so amazed at her beauty even then. As most little boys did he thought he would marry his mom because that's just what you did when you loved someone but he grew up but he never stopped admiring her zest for life. Drake smiled as the ride started and he looked over at June as they started to circle.

@ Jinx...

Kelden laughed breathlessly, loving the feeling of her under his arm as they exited the ride. "I wasn't expecting it to drop so suddenly!" He exclaimed, trying in vain to defend that noise that had escaped him on the way down. He didn't really care though, he wanted Hazel to see all of him, even the vulnerable parts that made him scream on park rides. He wanted to be completely open with her and her with him. He knew it wouldn't just happen overnight, but he would put in any amount of work to earn her love. She was worth it. He smiled down at her, gently stroking the flush on her cheeks and ducked his head to kiss her again. He felt her body respond, and the urge to deepen the kiss was overwhelming. He pulled her with him, ducking them behind a booth into the dark for some privacy.

Kelden held her tight against him, but gently enough that she could easily pull away if she wanted. He hoped she didn't though. He let his hands trail oh so gently down her back and sides, wanting to touch and feel but not wanting to push her. He bit her lip, soft but firm, like he'd wanted to so badly earlier. The taste of her was driving him wild and he could feel himself aching for more. But behind a booth at a fair was not where he wanted that to happen. If it were to happen at all, if he should be that lucky, it would be somewhere with just the two of them could be comfortable and safe. With that thought, he slowed the kiss until they broke away from each other, out of breath and clothes and hair mussed.

"Maybe we... maybe we should ride some more rides before we get caught back here," He suggested breathlessly, his laugh a low rumble in his chest. His voice was still husky with desire. He gave her one more soft kiss before wandering back around the booth, her hand in his.

---

June grinned mischievously. "Let's see just how fast we can make it go," she said. Together they worked to spin the wheel, the momentum pressing them tight together. She was laughing the whole time, watching the world around them spin past until it was nothing but a mix of colors and lights and blurry faces. When the ride stopped, she was still laughing, holding tight onto Drake's hand to steady herself since the ground felt like it was still moving beneath her feet. "That was amazing!" She giggled as they wandered away from the teacups in search of another ride.

The found themselves on a few coasters, the teacups again a couple more times, and even gave the ride that dropped suddenly a try. That one she had definitely screamed on and she wasn't even embarrassed to admit it. Plummeting to the earth so fast like that was a terrifying rush! There was hardly a moment that passed that June wasn't either holding his hand or tucked safely against him. She loved the close contact and felt, for the first time in a long time, somewhat normal. She was just a girl on a date with an outrageously handsome man at the local fair.

"I think the ferris wheel is the only ride left," she said, looking toward the giant wheel towering over the fair. Technically the ferris wheel and the carousel were the only two but June had wandered close enough to the carousel once and realized the music was too hauntingly familiar and before it could fully hit her, she steered them far away. She suspected Drake knew why, he had been kind enough not to mention it and had made sure to keep them far from it as they went around to other rides.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel giggled as he defended himself. She walked with him just enjoying the closeness. She looked up at him and melted into his touch her head leaning into his hand. His lips met hers and she hummed her body turning more to his. He pulled away looked around then took her hand leading her into the shadows of a booth. She looked up at him and sighed as he pulled her to him.

Hazel leaned against Kelden and felt her body burn with his touch each one sending delicious shocks straight to between her legs. As they kissed she moaned a gasp as he took her lip in his teeth and it made her knees weak. She clung to his shirt not wanting him to stop. His mouth moved deeper over hers and she ran her hands up his chest and into his hair pressing into him more. He slowed and she schooled her mind to calm down. Hazel felt his lips pull from hers and she wrapped her arms around his waist dropping her head to his chest breathing hard a moment until she had calmed her breath. She ran her hands from his back over his shirt straightening it out and looked back up at him with a smile.

She chuckled as he suggested they not get caught like they were a couple of school kids that could be caught pecking in the dark. She loved that laugh. She didn't hear him laugh enough and it filled her heart. The way his voice came out was something else she defiantly wanted to hear again as well. She grinned as he pecked her lips once more like he just couldn't get enough. She walked out with him her hand in his. She ran a hand through her hair to adjust it. She came up to him and ran a hand through his hair to smooth it as well and kissed his cheek.

They went on a few different rides after that but she was very careful which ones she picked and was really grateful Kelden let her pick. "I really want some of those potatoes on a stick." she said and grinned as they were walking through the food carts. "Preferably with cheese sauce." They looked around and once they had their treats made their way to a picnic table in front of the stadium. "Did you know they were going to have music here?" she asked.

---

Drake chuckled as they got out and he held June steady, he kissed her hand sweetly. They went from ride to ride laughing and he had to admit he even shouted on one of them. He loved that she wanted to be close to him. He couldn't let her go and more than anything he wanted her to feel safe and normal. They had passed close enough to the the carousel and he felt her stiffening under him and how she turned away and he frowned knowing that they would not be going on there. Which was fine it was kinda creepy anyways.

"Sounds good let's go." he said and took her hand leading her to the Farris wheel. As they waited in line he held her gently so her back was against him and he leaned his head against her. They talked about the different rides and he was very careful knowing him being behind her was a huge trust thing. He made sure to stay calm and keep her calm as well. He was proud and honored that she let him hold her like that.

Once they got to the Ferris wheel he let her in first then got in as well and smiled as the bar was clicked into place. They went slowly up and they would stop every so often and he seemed almost fidgety. When they got to the top he reached in his pocket. "June." he said her name and took her hand placing a necklace into her hand. He watched her look at the little locket. "Do you know which stars those are?" he asked knowing she did. It was the first thing the looked for every night. "Now you will always have the guardian of the sky with you." he said and reached up caressing her cheek.

@ Jinx...

Kelden joined Hazel on several more rides, pretty sure that his heart still pounding in his chest was more from their time behind the booth than any of the rides they went on. As they walked through the food carts, Kelden let the scents hit him, his stomach making a small grumble at the thought of all that terrible, wonderful food. So when Hazel suggested the potatoes on sticks, he eagerly agreed and was handed two big skewers of potatoes with cheese smothered all over them. He grinned at Hazel, like a kid on Christmas morning.

They sat and he glanced up at the stage where it looked like they were setting up to be playing some more music very soon. “Yeah, I saw it when I came to check it out. I don’t know any of the bands or musicians playing though. I think they also had a magician on at one point,” he told her.

They ate their food and relaxed a little on the bench, the band just about fully set up on stage. He put an arm around Hazel’s shoulders and kissed her head softly. This had been a wonderful night. He was just about to reach into his pocket for the necklace when music started up from the stage, so he decided to wait. The band began to play mostly covers and Kelden leaned down to Hazel’s ear to sing along with them, for her.

“Alright! Let’s have some audience members come up here and join us! You, sir, come on up!” Kelden was surprised to discover the band leader was pointing directly at him. He looked around to make sure he wasn’t mistaken. “Oh, oh no I’m good,” he said. “Come on, don’t think I haven’t seen you singing along to your gorgeous lady friend there, why not?” He started to shake his head again when the group of people around them began to chant “Sing, sing, sing, sing!” Finally, Kelden stood, but held a hand out to Hazel. He couldn’t go up and leave her down here alone, even if she was in full view, the distance that would separate them would be too much of a risk.

People cheered as they made their way up the stage. Hazel looked a little uncomfortable and he couldn’t blame her. He was nervous himself, but he wanted to make this night unforgettable for her. He held a quick, low conversation with the band, where one of them handed him his guitar and the others got ready. “Give it up for Kelden, everyone!” The leader announced and stepped over to a side mic to give back up vocals.

“Caught my heart about one, two times
Don't need to question the reason I'm yours, I'm yours.” Kell began, tapping his feet to the beat of the song. Although he made sure to sing in the mic, all his attention was on the beautiful woman he’d fallen in love with.

”I'm not tryna be your part-time lover
Sign me up for that full-time
I'm yours, I'm yours.”

He smiled encouragingly at Hazel, seeing that she was starting to get into the music now. He took the break in vocals to let the band take charge, taking her hand and giving her a spin.

”What a man gotta do?
What a man gotta prove?
To be totally locked up by you.”

The song ended and the small crowd had grown into a large one, everyone clapping and cheering. Kelden grinned, took Hazel’s hand and gave a bow before shaking hands with the band members and making a quick exit. He was laughing and smiling at Hazel now. “Thank you for coming up with me,” he told her and kissed the back of her hand. “We should probably head for the rendezvous point now.”

---

June leaned against him, feeling comfortable knowing it was Drake’s familiar body against her back. She doubted she could have anyone else stand that close behind her still, but she didn’t want anyone else to be anyway. She gave him a smile as he helped her into the seat of the Ferris wheel, always such a gentleman.

As they rode up, she noticed he was being a little fidgety. She wondered if he wasn’t a fan of heights, though they’d been on several other rides that took them high up and he’d seemed okay then. She was just about to ask if he was alright when he said her name and took her hand, placing something inside. She opened her hand to inspect the item and her chest tightened to see a delicate gold chain holding a small pendent. Inside the pendent was the constellation Orion. She couldn’t speak but nodded that she knew exactly which stars these were.

So as they sat at the very top of the Ferris wheel, the view around them magnificent and the starry sky above them full and open, she pressed a sweet and deeply loving kiss to his lips. “Thank you,” she murmured. “This is the sweetest, most thoughtful gift I’ve ever been given,” she told him, and meant it. She went to put it on, Drake helping her with the little clasp. She pulled her hair aside, feeling his fingers brush against her neck and let her hair fall back down when it was secured. Then she gave him another soft kiss and snuggled up against him as they went around and around the Ferris wheel.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel loved how he looked so much like a young boy. She sat with him eating and listening to him. she chuckled remembering the terrible magicians she has seen as a kid. She relaxed into as the band started to play. She looked up at with doey eyes as he sang the songs to her. She loved to hear his voice. He was so good at singing and what was better was he was singing them to her.

When the band called him out her eyes grew wide. She looked around blushing and sinking into Kelden as the crowd chanted. He stood and looked down at her holding out his hand. She reached up knowing he couldn't leave her here otherwise there was no way in hell she would be getting up on stage with him. She took his hand and walked with him holding a her arm blushing like crazy and looking as insecure as she ever had but not in a scared way just embarrassed.

As Kelden started to sing into the mic looking at her she smiled and shook her head lightly laughing softly. She couldn't help the flutter in her chest. She closed her eyes letting herself sway to the music. She looked up at Kelden and took his hand letting him spin her and she chuckled as she moved with him. She grinned as he finished up the song and she moved to his side as he handed the guitar back and she kissed his cheek.

They were heading off the stage and Kelden was thanking her but she heard it. It was low but she frowned and started to shake looking around her eyes frantic and wild. They weren't near the carousal but it wasn't carousal music anyways. It was the carnival music. She dug her nails into her palm and gripped Kelden's tightly. "He's here." she whispered. she didn't see him but who else would know what song to play. "Kelden do you hear it?" she asked him her knees going weak. "I can't." she backed up and pulled her hand from Kelden looking around the bolted away from the crowd.

Hazel didn't stop running until the sound was gone and even then she pushed until she was out past the parking lot. She sat behind a car curled up her head in her knees sobbing and shaking so hard. Hazel was a mess and not paying attention to anything around her lost in the memories. She felt hands and screamed pulling away kicking and hitting until they stopped and she curled back up burying her face in her legs. She felt arms scoop her up and carry her. She was at least able to stop the cries thought he tears continued as she sat under the flagpole they were suppose to meet the others at. She hugged her middle as the tears rolled silently down her cheeks and a hollow look in her eyes as she stared out into the darkness.

---

Drake grinned as June looked at the locket and he tucked her hair behind her ear. He kissed her back so tenderly because his feelings were tender and yet fierce in its consistency. Drake grinned glad that he could give her something to hold onto. She went to put it on and he took it from her and helped her grinning as she turned back to him. "It's perfect." he said and cupped her cheek. He smiled as he kissed her back to sweetly. He held her and snuggled her as they went around in the wheel. When they were let off he looked at the time. "It's time for us to head back." he said and frowned looking at his phone getting a text. "Damn." he said. He looked around. He didn't see anyone suspicious.

Drake looked at June. "Hazel had a fright we need to hurry." he said and took her hand leading her back to the spot. When they got there he watched as June moved to Hazel to try and help her. He could see the recognition there on her face and her eyes started to clear up. He looked to an upset looking Kelden. "What happened?" he asked.

They were just trying to get information when a tall skinny brunette woman with dark eyes came up to them. She looked at the girls as if recognizing them. The look she gave them sent shivers down Drake's spine. Something was wrong here and as she opened her mouth he understood why.