My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

Kelden’s blood went cold at her words. In less than a heartbeat, he was in full work mode and was scanning the crowd for that monster. He listened, and he heard carnival music but it was coming from all around and he could pinpoint which tune was setting her off. He started to move but Hazel bolted and he let out of a soft curse as he went after her. She wasn’t far ahead, but it took all his effort to keep up through the crowd.

Out in the parking lot though, Kelden was able to go to her immediately. She was curled tight and sobbing behind a car. He came to her, trying to reassure her with his touch but it only made him panic more so he instantly let go. He stayed beside her though, not touching but doing his best to remind her that he was here with her, here to keep her safe. He felt like he’d failed at that. He sent a quick text to Drake, giving him the brief but important details.

“Hazel, we need to go. We have to go meeting Drake and June so we can leave. I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise,” he told her gently. She didn’t move. “I’m going to carry you, okay? We won’t go back in, we’ll stick to the parking lot and then we’ll go home. You’re safe with me.” Again, no response, but as he gently lifted her in his arms, she didn’t struggle against him. They arrived at the flagpole, faster than Drake and June since they were already in the parking lot and he set her down so she could sit. Her eyes had gone hollow, no longer any sign of the light that had been there earlier. His heart ached and when footsteps sounded he took up a defensive stance in front of her.

It was unnecessary though, just June and Drake. June was instantly at her friend’s side. Kelden had a murmured conversation with Drake, beginning to explain what had happened when other footsteps approached.

---

June slipped her hand into Hazel’s, murmuring reassurances to her friend. “We’re here, we’re safe, we got out.” She kept repeating that like a mantra to Hazel. And then “He can’t get us, he won’t get us. Not with Kelden and Drake here. I won’t let him get us again,” she said, determination making her voice strong.

“You’re Hazel Luna and June Bellamay, right?” A lilting, female voice said. June looked up, shocked to be hearing her full name from a stranger. This wasn’t right. “The two girls who got away from the Chinese Water Butcher? It is you, isn’t it?” She asked. Kelden stepped closer to her and Hazel, his voice calm. “Sorry, I think you’re mistaken,” he told her, trying to get her to drop it and go. The woman completely ignored him, her eyes only on June and Hazel. “What was it like??” She asked, her voice sounding almost hopeful. This didn’t sound like a reporter. Kelden stepped between them fully then. “Ma’am you have the wrong people,” he said, his voice stern.

Drake ushered June up and in turn June helped Hazel up. They quickly made their way to the car, Kelden keeping an eye on the woman as they walked. June glanced back once to see if she was following but she only stood where she had before and watched them go. They piled into the car and Kelden drove them away, going a little faster than he probably should have once they were out on the main road. June didn’t let go of Hazel’s hand until the house was back in sight and they had to get out of the car. She should have never suggested they go out to the fair. It had been amazing but it wasn’t worth seeing the pain Hazel was going through now.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel heard her name and she looked at the woman anger flashing in her eyes. She stood as she asked what it was like in such a chipper voice. She was shaking and looked like she might attach the girl if she said another word when Hazel pulled on her hand as Drake lead them away. She watched the woman until they turned to their car. She looked up as June got in the back and pulled on Hazel's hand. Hazel got in and laid her head on June's lap shivering like she was under the icy blast of the water that haunted her.

Hazel closed her eyes feeling like she was going to be sick on the silent ride home. She had let everyone down. She had hurt Kelden she knew because his touch couldn't calm her, his presence wasn't enough to relax her in her panic. And she was sure June was blaming herself like she did. she had ruined the night but that music played over and over in her head causing that far away look to come back to her eyes as she stared off. Her tears had finally stopped. They were almost back to the safe house now.

When they pulled into the drive and the car turned off she let June coax her out of the car and lead her up to her room. June helped her undress and pull on pjs before tucking her in. Hazel reached out and held June's arm looking up at her with pleading eyes. It wasn't common for Hazel to need June to stay with her but tonight if she wanted to get any sleep she would need her.

---

Drake could have snarled at the woman and he put his arm around June. "Let's go." he said softly and took her hand before leading her and Hazel back to the car knowing his partner would take up the rearer. They walked tot he car and he waited until June and Hazel were in before he got in. He looked back at Hazel as she lay there in the fetal position and he ran a hand through his hair. They headed back tot he safe house and he was wondering if maybe he should have insisted on driving but it was too late now.

They got to the safe house and June went to take care of Hazel. Drake went to the kitchen with Kelden. They went over it again and it just seemed to coincidental that the music had spooked Hazel and the girl had come over in the same night seeming to know them. "I don't know Kelden. Did she say she saw him or just that he was there? It could have been the music that triggered her. She doesn't seem like she is really seeing anything right now, like she's trapped in her memories." he said.

Drake knew either way they needed to report the incident so the FBI could monitor the area better. He ran a hand through his hair and sat back. "She's going to be okay. They both have PTSD and their triggers are different and though it seems random I'm sure it seems very specific to them." he said hoping it would comfort his friend who was understandably worried about Hazel. "You said she bolted?" he rubbed his neck. It was dangerous for her to be a runner but it made sense. She would run until she had to fight. It was smart but not an easy detail for them. He hadn't seen June's reactions to a trigger other than to not eat and that one time in the shower where she had frozen but even then Hazel had taken care of that. He didn't know what June would do in the same situation.

@ Jinx...

Kelden wanted to slam his hand on the wheel as he drove. He resisted the urge though, instead looking into the rearview mirror to check on the girls. They were both visibly upset, June looked shocked and dazed and Hazel looked... well, Hazel looked empty. His heart hurt to see her this way, knowing that he had been right there with her and hadn’t been able to stop it or calm her down. His feelings weren’t important right now though, the only thing that mattered was getting them back to the safehouse and evaluating the situation further with Drake.

Who had that woman been? There had been something so off about the way she spoke to the girls, her tone of voice and the intense focus she had on them. Even with Kelden standing directly in front of her, she hadn’t acknowledged his existence in the least.

Back at the house, he wanted to help Hazel but felt like he could only make things worse right now. He couldn’t even catch her eye as they went inside, she just stared blankly ahead as June walked with her protectively. So into the kitchen he went, running his hand through his hair as he sat. “She didn’t say she saw him, just said ‘he’s here’” Kelden explained, going over everything that had happened in those brief moments before she’d run. “You’re right about the music though. She asked if I heard something. I don’t know what it sounds like exactly, it was just like all the other carnival music to me. I’m sure to them it’s a completely different story though.”

“We need to make a report though. Have them extend the search this way. Even if it’s just a coincidence, though I doubt it is, it’ll be good to have eyes and ears in the area looking for anything that could lead us to him.”

Kelden listened to the creaks upstairs, hearing the girls settling into what sounded like Hazel’s room. He didn’t blame them for wanting to be together after everything that had happened tonight. He rubbed his face. “Go ahead and get some sleep, I’ll take first shift and make the call to HQ to report it,” he told his partner. He was too wired and angry to sleep right now anyway. Pulling out his cellphone, he felt another object in his pocket. He pulled out the little box that contained the fox necklace and stared at it for a moment. He wondered if she’d still want a present from him after tonight.

---

June felt the tug on her arm and nodded. She quickly went and changed into her own pajamas and returned to Hazel, flicking off the light and climbing into bed next to her. They lay like that for a while, June listening to Hazel’s breathing, reminding herself that they were here, alive, together. But June could tell that Hazel wasn’t sleeping, she knew that sleep would not come easily to either of them tonight.

“Do you want to talk about it?” June whispered quietly. She still didn’t know fully what had happened, only seeing the aftermath and then that awful encounter with the woman. She was still so confused by that, trying to wrap her mind around the way she’d spoken to them. Why she’d sounded almost... excited when mentioning what they’d gone through. June pushed that out of her mind for now. She listened to Hazel recounting what had happened in a low whisper and June felt queasy. It couldn’t be a coincidence that that same music had played and then moments later they were recognized. She hugged Hazel closer.

“I don’t know why or how it happened, but we are going to be okay,” she told Hazel, not sure who she was trying to convince more. They’d grown stronger, faster, more prepared, but this had still been able to take them by surprise.

She was even less tired than she’d been before now so she sat up and turned the lamp on next to the bed. “One second,” she told Hazel and went to get the book she’d gotten on the last supply run and hadn’t started yet. She climbed back into bed, letting her back rest against the headboard. She flipped the book open and began to read out loud, hoping it would help the both of them to sleep.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel woke in the morning her mouth dry and her head aching. Her eyes felt like they were sticking to her eyelids and she swallowed trying to get some moister in her mouth. She stood looking at the sleeping June and sighed knowing that she had really upset her and this woman was concerning to all of them. Hazel moved down to the kitchen filling up a glass and taking a deep drink.

Drake came into the kitchen looked at Hazel. "Hey." he said and Hazel nodded giving him a half smile. He looked like he got just about as much sleep as she had. She finished her water then ate a banana. Sh yawned and patted Drake's shoulder. "Thank you." she said knowing he was just there to make sure she knew she was safe and he would take care of it. Hazel moved to her room grabbing her cloths and then freshening up in the bathroom. When she was done she went looking for Kelden. She needed to apologize for last night. She knew it hurt him but he had to understand it wasn't a conscious reaction and the only reason June could help her was because she had been there in the darkest moments.

Hazel walked into the study seeing Kelden leaning over a stack of papers. It looked like he hadn't gotten any sleep. She bit her lip and walked in sinking into one of the chairs. "I'm not interrupting am I?" she asked and pulled her legs up into the chair holding them as she looked at him. There was a darkness and a pain in her eyes but she looked more like herself today.

---

Drake woke for his shift and walked the perimeter then the house checking everything. He was going to be on high alert for a while. This shouldn't have happened. His mind was racing over what could have happened and the risks that were now present. He was just finishing his second round of the house when Hazel came down the stairs. she looked far off like she wasn't entirely present in her own body but there was life back in her eyes at least. He walked into the kitchen after a moment. He though just maybe if he was there she would remember she wasn't alone. She had been alone for just about a week. Between Penny's death and June's abduction she had had to endure the torcher by herself. He couldn't imagine the torment of that. She had told them how she at one point was so scared he would kill her too because it had been so long since he had drugged her that she didn't eat or drink or sleep for days.

When Hazel touched him he smiled softly and watched her go off. Kelden would be glad to see her feeling a little better than last night though it was going to take some time for her to come back to the recovery after that. Drake started to make them all breakfast hoping that they would all be able to eat something.

Drake looked over as he saw June come into the room and smiled softly. "Good morning love." he said. "I'm making biscuits and gravy." he said as he stirred the gravy. "Don't judge my biscuits too harshly I just followed the box." he teased.

@ Jinx...

Kelden had barely slept. He’d made his report before doing several laps around the house to make sure everything was locked and secure. He had gone past Hazel’s room at one point and heard June quietly talking, sounding like she was reading something. He hoped they got at least a little sleep.

When Drake had taken over for night duty, Kell had gone into his room and climbed into bed and just... stared. He couldn’t stop playing everything in his mind, over and over again. It hurt that his touch had caused but how could he blame her for that? After everything she’d endured, he couldn’t and wouldn’t blame her if she never wanted anyone to touch her again. So when he’d been tossing and turning for an hour or so, he’d just gotten up to go work in the study. By lamplight, Kelden had taken every bit of information they had and combed over it, looking for anything that might give an indication of who that woman had been. He had only dozed off in the desk chair for a little bit early in the morning before waking back up and getting back to work.

That was where Hazel found him a little while later. Exhausted and frustrated that nothing was leading to the identity of the strange woman. It was possible that they just hadn’t discovered that information yet, especially since they’d had very little to go on to begin with. Hazel and June’s escape had been the biggest break in the case so far. Kelden looked up as Hazel walked in, giving her a small, tired smile. “Nope, I needed a break anyways,” he told her. Her eyes were still dark and distant this morning, but there was a little more life in them compared to last night. They’d need to go over what had happened in detail at some point but he couldn’t bring himself to make her relive it right now. “Were you able to get some sleep?” He asked gently.

---

June woke to an empty bed. On her lap was the book she’d been reading last night, fallen from whenever she’d finally tired herself out enough to drift off into a fitful and restless sleep. Her hand went to her neck where a small weight still rested. To where the guardian of the sky rested. Given to her by the guardian of her heart. She smiled despite her tiredness and climbed out of bed.

She went downstairs, still in her pajamas, and found Drake in the kitchen cooking breakfast. She gave him a soft smile, hoping to assure him that she was ok. And she was. Not perfect, not really great, but she was okay and she knew she would be as long as she had the three of them by her side. “It smells wonderful, I’m sure your biscuits will be great,” she offered, coming over to wrap her arms around his middle, careful not to interfere as he worked.

After everything last night, she was more than content to be back in the house again, even though she really had enjoyed the evening until... well, until she hadn’t. Until none of them had. June couldn’t put Hazel at risk again, especially not for something as trivial as going to the fair. That had been so selfish of her and she vowed that she would never let it happen again.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel felt better just being near him. She knew it was hard for him to understand how she could both want and not want him. She nodded a little. "A little." she said knowing her sleep had been terrible but based on how he looked she had it easy. She stood and moved over to him. She reached down and pushed his hair back. She leaned against the desk as she ran her hands through his hair. She leaned down pressing a kiss to his head before pressing her forehead to his. She closed her eyes. "I'm so sorry Kelden." she whispered her voice tight with unshed tears.

Hazel wished he would touch her again and hold her so she knew they where okay. "I wasn't in my right mind." she said. "I wasn't thinking. It wasn't your fault." she said and moved her hands through his hair again and then down his neck. She wanted to tell him how deeply she cared for him. Hazel just didn't know how to say it anymore. "Kelden..." her voice broke and she clung to him and crawled into his lap her arms wrapping around him.

If her words couldn't say it she would do what ever she could to show him how important he was to her. Hazel hid her face into his neck breathing his comforting smell in. She knew how much pain she had caused him and how she had ruined the night. If she could have helped it she would have but even last night June had understood the moment she said she had heard the music her body reacted. It was conditioned into her through the month and a half she had been captive.

---

Drake felt her arms around him and relaxed his hand pressing to hers around his waist. He was glad she wasn't worried about his cooking because honestly he was though he followed the directions. "June... everything is going to work out. This was just a fluke and one day you both will be able to go out without fear." he said quietly his voice cautious but serious. He finished the gravy and turned off the stove turning and wrapping her in his arms his lips pressing to her temple.

He knew she was upset about last night and he wouldn't blame her for it but he hoped she would talk to him and let him help her through it. He was sure there was emotions she had that she didn't need to hold onto like that. He rubbed her back softly and looked down at her. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked her. "Breakfast is done. We can take it to the porch and you can tell me everything going through that pretty little head of yours." he said.

Drake sighed softly. "Can I admit something to you?" he asked her and when she let him he chuckled. "I have never actually cooked biscuits and gravy myself. I really am only good at chili and corn bread though the pancakes didn't come out to bad either." he smiled softly.

@ Jinx...

Kelden watched her as she came to him and he looked up into her eyes, humming quietly at the feeling of her fingers through his hair. His chest ached when she apologized. “You have nothing to be sorry about, Hazel,” he told her. “Realistically I know that sometimes I’m not going to be able to help you through moments like that. It’s just hard to remember that when I’m watching you in so much pain.”

“I’ll try to be more careful from now on,” he whispered, holding her close as she nuzzled into his neck. He rested against her, the sleeplessness of the night hitting him hard now that his body was finally feeling relaxed. It was so soothing to have her body next to his. So they stayed like that a while, letting the quiet comfort speak louder than any words could. Eventually he pressed a soft kiss to her head and adjusted to help her stand. “Let’s go have breakfast before they eat it all, yeah?”

Kelden wanted to do something for Hazel. He wasn’t quite sure what yet, but he wanted to take her out on a proper date. Somewhere quiet, no one else around but the two of them so that he could give Hazel the full attention she deserved. He followed her out to the kitchen, hand in his pocket as he fingered the box containing her necklace. A plan began to form in his head.

---

June hummed her agreement, not sure she fully accepted that yet. She didn’t think she’d ever feel truly safe until she knew that psycho was locked up or dead. The old her wouldn’t have thought such dark thoughts, but that old self wasn’t really her anymore now was it? She didn’t really know who she was anymore, June was still trying to figure that out. But she didn’t think she was going to have it all figured out today, so she pushed the dark thoughts from her mind and brought her attention back to Drake.

“Okay,” she agreed, putting her plate together and making her way out to the porch. “I’m okay,” she said. “I just need to keep moving forward.” She sat on the porch swing, bringing her legs up to cross them to better balance her plate. She looked up at Drake, curious when he asked if he could admit something. She nodded for him to continue. June couldn’t help but smile at his admittance. “Well you did a great job for your first time,” she assured him. “Maybe, if you’re really lucky, I’ll teach you my secret biscuit recipe,” she said with a wink. It was hardly a secret recipe, she’d shared it with at least three ladies at the grocery store in the past, but even she had to admit that it produced the most heavenly biscuits.

They ate for a bit, June enjoyed the feeling of the sun warming up the chill morning air. Although the days were still warm, it would be getting cold soon. She wondered if they’d get snow here. She wondered if they’d be here long enough to find out.

@ Stars Eternal
After a week of recovery Hazel woke and bounced down the stairs. "Where's Kelden?" she asked Drake and he smiled over at her. She had been slowly getting better relaxing as they all stayed at the house unless one of the guys needed to run out for supplies. "He went to get supplies he'll be back later." he said having talked with him earlier and knew what was going on. She smiled softly though looked disappointed she wasn't with him. "Okay." she said and pulled out the milk and a bowl for some granola. Though the girls missed getting out it was just too high a risk right now. They stayed close to the property or went for rides in the back country but that was about it.

Hazel spent the morning doing yoga. Afterwards she felt like dressing up a little so put on a bright yellow dress She was sitting out on the porch drawing when a shadow fell over her and she looked up and grinned. "Kelden!" she chuckled and sat up. He looked so excited. "Where have you been all day?" she asked. It was pretty late in the day and the sun felt amazing. "I found this trail and I thought we could ride it together." Kelden suggested. Hazel grinned and nodded standing and leaving her drawings on the chair. "Sounds like fun." she said taking the hand he offered.

Kelden lead her to a couple bikes and she grinned in excitement. "It's been so long since I have been on a bike." Hazel admitted as she hopped on and got ready to ride looking over at Kelden with a grin. "Okay lead the way." she said.

---

Drake spent the morning with Hazel and then with June as they relaxed on the couch. He knew Kelden was taking Hazel out later and he was planning on spending that time with June. He was really looking forward to some private time with her. Once Kelden came back from getting where he had slunk off to he asked where Hazel was and Drake grinned. "Porch." he said. "Just checked in on her she's tanning." he smirked knowing she wasn't really but she might as well be.

Drake smiled and looked at June. "Well they will be gone the rest of the day so it's just you and me for dinner." he said planning on making it special. "And I'm making my award winning corn bread and my sweet chili." He hd already put on the chili earlier that morning because chili was always better when it cooked all day.

Once Drake knew that Hazel and Kelden was gone he ran his hand gently up June's arm and pulled her closer looking into her eyes. His eyes traveled down to her lips and he bit his. He looked back up into her eyes and smiled slowly his hands cupping her face before he leaned in slowly. He paused a hair from her mouth then pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her slowly like he had nothing better to do and nothing that he would rather be doing because that was the truth. All he wanted was this moment with her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden looked at his work as he put on the final touches and smiled, pleased with himself. It had taken him the majority of the morning and some of the afternoon, but examining the final piece now, even he couldn’t help but be a little impressed. Now all that was missing was Hazel herself, so Kelden decided it was time to return home and hopefully convince her to join him without spoiling the surprise.

When he got back to the safehouse, Drake informed him that she was on the porch. He took a moment to just admire how beautiful she was, how serene she looked sitting there in a beautiful little yellow dress, completely focused on her sketch. But he was excited to take her out on the date so after a few moments, he approached. His heart swelled at her happy greeting. “Sorry, it’s been a very busy day. I’m happy to see you,” he said, kissing her forehead. He lead her to the bikes he had set up near the entrance to the trail.

He hopped on the bike, riding ahead a little ahead of her to lead the way but luckily the trail was an easy, straightforward one. After riding for a while, he saw the familiar boulder off to the side that told him they were nearly there. Any minute now, the trees would break and open up to a large field. It was filled with wildflowers, just waves of color that flowed in the breeze. A large oak tree sat in the middle of it, and there is where he’d set up a large blanket, stringlights and lanterns, pillows and cushions, and a cooler filled with a huge variety of snacks for them to enjoy for dinner. Kell slowed on his bike as they approached the picnic, looking back to smile at Hazel. “Surprise!” He said.

---

June strained to watch them go, smiling because she knew Hazel would love it and that she and Kelden deserved some alone time together. When they disappeared from sight, June turned to Drake and smiled. She also was very happy to have some alone time with him. She lit up as he mentioned his famous chili. “I cannot wait to try it,” she told him, genuinely excited.

She let out a little shiver of pleasure as Drake trailed his fingers down her arm. She loved the way he looked at her, his gaze was like a caress in itself. He bent down to kiss her, taking his time and her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. God, he felt so amazing and she could spend the whole day like this. They continued their slow kiss, June’s hands coming up to caress him, trailing her fingers from his cheeks to his neck, down to his chest.

June felt her hands tangling in the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer to her. June was the first to pull away, albeit reluctantly, but she only did so to trail kisses from his mouth, along his jaw, and down his neck, giving careful attention to any sensitive spots. She gave one more final kiss to his lips again before pulling back. She knew they could continue like this all night if it didn’t slow here.

@ Stars Eternal
They took a slow ride through the trees. It was surprisingly smooth though it was better on a bike because of all the overgrowth. Hazel looked around enjoying the buzz of the forest, between the chirping birds and the soft breeze rustling the leaves in the treetops it was serene.

They slowed as the trees opened up and her eyes widened at all the wildflowers blooming. She felt her breath be taken away and they stopped. Hazel got off her bike coming over to Kelden and her eyes landed on a picnic setting. It wasn't just food and a blanket though. He had put so much thought into this and she looked up at him as he said surprise. She chuckled breathlessly feeling overwhelmed with her happiness. She hadn't felt this happy or touched in a while. He had gone to so much trouble for her and she felt treasured. "Kelden." she said his name breathlessly.

Hazel turned into Kelden her arms wrapping around him and pulled him to her kissing him with all the glee and appreciation she felt for him. This felt like a date for just the two of them. It was intimate and romantic. Hazel pulled back from the kiss and moved to the the blanket taking off the straps of her sandals and setting them aside. "This is amazing. You were doing this all day?" she asked him.

---

Drake was excited that she wanted to take part in whatever he would share with her. As they kissed he felt the desire rise inside of him and he held her closer. He could feel her heart pounding against his chest and he was sure his own pulse was rapid and obvious. June made him feel things he had never felt before.

Her hands tangled in his shirt and he ran his hands down her back. She puled away from his lips and he would protest but her lips found his skin and it sent electricity through him making him groan softly as her mouth moved form his jaw down his neck. He felt her tease his skin with her lips paying more attention to every sensitive spot. She kissed his lips and he frowned as she pulled away. It wasn't fair he hadn't gotten his own chance to return the gesture.

Drake dropped his head to her shoulder and let out a sigh. "My beautiful minx." he chuckled and looked back up at her. "The chili has another couple hours." he said. "What would you like to do next?" he asked her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden took her in his arms easily, returning her kiss. He would put in the work to set this up ten times over if it meant getting to see that look in her eyes. He hoped this would show her at least a fraction of the feelings he held for her. Love, tenderness, comfort, desire, passion. All things he now and forever would associate with her. “Do you like it?” He asked, though if her kiss was any indication, she did.

“Yeah, sorry it took so long, I wanted to make sure it was perfect before I brought you,” he said, feeling a little sheepish. He settled down beside her on the blankets, opening up the cooler to set out the charcuterie board. Various meats and cheeses, fruits, nuts, and bread were arranged neatly across the board, offering a wide selection. He also pulled out a couple of wine glasses, though he filled them with some chilled sparkling cider rather than alcohol. For dessert, he had put together chocolate dipped strawberries but he left those inside for now.

They chatted for a bit while they ate. The sun was creating perfectly on the horizon, giving them a full view of the sunset as they are. At one point, Kelden had held up a small apple slice for Hazel to take and she paid him back for the elephant ear he’d eaten straight from her fingers. He felt desire course through his stomach as her lips brushed his fingers and he had just enough self control to let her finish eating the apple slice before he pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. His fingers curled in her long strands of hair, gently, as he kissed her.

---

June laughed, a little breathless. “Do you want to watch a movie?” She asked. She settled in on the couch as he picked something that they hadn’t watched yet. They were starting to run low on movies to watch so hopefully one of the boys would pick up some more at some point. Drake joined her and she snuggled up against him, tucked against his chest with his arm around her. She could still feel his heart hammering in his chest, as rapid as hers felt. The way he played with her hair was so distracting and she kept losing focus of the movie, just losing herself in the feeling of his fingers on her.

Finally she couldn’t take it anymore and tipped her head up to capture his lips in another kiss. The movie was quickly forgotten. June lost herself in the kiss, feeling completely safe and at ease in Drake’s arms. They were eventually interrupted by the sound of a timer in the kitchen, indicating that the chili was ready. They were reluctant to pull away from each other but June knew he’d worked hard on this dinner and she wanted to taste it.

The smell in the kitchen was divine. Drake scooped them each a bowl of chili with a couple slices of cornbread and June took a bite. It was as good as it smelled, maybe even somehow better. “Drake, holy hell, this is amazing,” she told him sincerely. “I can honestly say that I have never tasted better chili or cornbread. It’s absolutely delicious.” She savored the flavors, enjoying every last bite. “Thank you so much for cooking this for me,” she said, kissing his cheek as she took their bowls to the sink to wash.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel beamed. "Yes of course I love it. This is amazing. Thank you Kelden." She leaned back onto the pillows watching him pull out a feast of foods and she grinned. "It's okay. This was defiantly worth the wait." she said and grinned as he handed her a glass. She took a sip and grinned. She loved the bubbles.

They started to eat and when Kelden held out an apple slice she smiled deciding to return the favor from the festival. She wrapped her slender fingers around his wrist her eyes staying on him the entire time. She took the bite and her lips trailed over his. She let his hand go and hummed as she chewed the sweet apple. She was surprised that when she finished Kelden's lips covered hers and she hummed against them as well. His kisses were sweeter than any fruit. She kissed him back deeply until they were both out of breath and she pulled back but not away from him instead resting into him as she looked back at the sky.

The evening quickly came and she sighed as the sun started to set displaying the most amazing sunset. She leaned her head against Kelden's shoulder. "This is perfect." she said. They watched as they first stars came out and when it came time for dessert she picked one up smiling and pressed a hand to his chest until he laid back. She smiled as she leaned over him and pressed the strawberry to his lips. She let him take the bites and she set the stem down sucking some chocolate off her thumb. She looked back at him and pressed a kiss to his lips to seal the deal.

---

Drake got up and put in a movie though he was completely not able to focus on the movie because of the beautiful women pressed up against his side. He was trying to behave himself but the desire and the need was proving difficult to ignore. He played with the ends of her hair at first then ran his hands in deeper and would play with more gently.

He looked at June as she looked up at him and groaned needily against her mouth. He captured her face in his free hand the other in her hair. He kissed her and held her to him soaking in every bit of her and when the alarm in the kitchen went off he almost told her to let it burn and not to stop but he was also on duty and need the break otherwise he would lose all his self control.

They sat down to eat and Drake grinned at June's compliments. "That means a lot coming from you." he said and smiled. Drake took another bite. He was so glad he got to share it with her. "Well there will be left overs for days so what ever you want." he said. When she thanked him he grinned. "Of course." he smiled watching her clean up the dishes. He stood and put the food away before helping her finish cleaning up.

Once they were done he took her hand and took her out to the porch. He didn't really want to leave the house unattended but he knew they enjoyed watching the stars come out so he cuddled up with her on the furniture out there and watched as they twinkle through the sunset popping up as the sun lowered. "I'm going to buy you a telescope for your own place." he said and smiled at her. He was so excited for her life after all this was really over.

@ Jinx...

Kelden held Hazel close as they watched the sun set slowly over the horizon. It was just as spectacular as he’d hoped. All too soon, it was dipped out of view leaving the sky a rich purple. Hazel had since eased him onto his back, and was pressing a chocolate strawberry to his lips. He opened his mouth and took a bite, watching her face the whole time. She was always beautiful, but the moment gave him time to truly admire her beauty. The way her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks under the twinkling lights and lanterns above them, the sparkle in her eyes, her gorgeous lips full as they took in her delicate fingers to taste the remnants of chocolate and strawberry.

She kissed him then and he tangled his fingers in her hair. He would give anything to stay in this moment forever. He wanted to whisk her away to somewhere only the two of them knew about, where she’d be safe and he’d be free of the obligations of his job.

Eventually the kiss had to break, the need for air just barely outweighing the pleasure, and when it did Kelden sat up. He positioned himself in front of Hazel so that he could face her directly. “I have something for you,” he told her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace he’d been waiting to give her. Kell placed the delicate fox charm in her hand and sat back to let her examine it. “I saw you looking at it,” he explained. “I thought it suited you”

---

They snuggled up together on the porch and watched the sun go down and the stars come out. She leaned her head against him, feeling for Orion at her neck again. June looked up at Drake at his words. Her own place. She wondered where that would be. She knew that she wouldn’t be going back to her same apartment as before, that much was for sure. She’d given some thought to her future after all of this was over, but there were still so many uncertainties that she tried not to think about it too much. She’d promised herself she’d let herself really worry about it when more things got figured out. Drake’s comment reminded her that someday there would be an after, one way or another. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to face it yet.

She wanted to ask questions, to ask what he had planned for after all this, if she would really be a part of his life still. But June had to admit that she was a little afraid to ask, in case the answer wasn’t what she hoped. So instead, she smiled and shook her head. “Telescopes are expensive! You can’t spend that kind of money on me,” she argued, though she appreciated the sentiment.

She decided to steer the topic in a different direction. “Have you heard back on shooting practice?” She asked him. She was more determined than ever to have a way to protect herself and Hazel after the scare at the fair.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel loved the way that Kelden looked at her. When she kissed him he kissed her back holding her to him and she moaned softly her hands holding onto his shirt. She couldn't get enough of him. Everything about him just brought her in closer to him.

When the kiss ended she sat back and pulled her hair away. She looked at Kelden and grinned. "You didn't have to get me anything this is amazing already." she said and watched him dig into his pocket. She waited and watched a the charm hit the lights above and as he placed it in her hand. "Kell." she spoke sweetly her eyes soft. She looked up at him from the necklace. He was so sweet to notice the little thing that she had found fascinating and stunning.

Hazel wrapped her arms around him holding him tightly her chest aching with the desire to tell him just what he meant to her but it got caught in all the uncertainties of their situation. "I love it. Thank you." she sat back and pecked his lips. "Help me put it on?" she placed it in his hands watching it and turned pulling her hair away. She felt him move behind her and she hummed at his touch. She wished he would just place a kiss there against her neck, that she could feel his arms holding her.

"This was a perfect day Kell. I can't tell you how much it means to me." she said turning tears in her eyes. She chuckled and wiped at them smiling. She didn't know she could cry happy tears but this had been what she needed.

---

Drake smiled and shook his head. "Nonsense. You're worth it." he kissed her temple. He heard her change the subject and he hated that she wasn't free to decide what was next yet, she was still stuck in this limbo. "Umm let me check my email." he said and shifted. He pulled out his phone the bright light nearly blinding in the dusk. He groaned and chuckled.

Drake pulled open his work email typing in the information needed to access it then pulled up the latest email from his boss. He read through it. "Request for firearm training for ward... accepted. Great." he said skipping all the conditions and such knowing him and Kelden would make it work for the girls. He didn't even know if Hazel wanted to learn to shoot. She didn't seem to be interested in it. He understood her thought process. If that psycho got to her that meant he had already gotten past Kelden and Drake with their guns and that left her to defend herself and she didn't want to have to depend on anything else to defend herself.

Drake put his phone away and looked down at her. "Tomorrow we can call around to a local shooting range and set up a time. I think we'll teach you with a gun like mine but also something smaller." he said not saying the reasons aloud. They both knew he would teach her to shoot with his gun so that she would be ready in case that psycho came for her and something happened to him that she would be able to pick it up and take care of it herself. "You have gotten really good with your physical training too, you know." he told her and kissed her head.

@ Jinx...

Kell let his fingers brush the back of her neck as he helped her put the necklace on. With the little clasp secure, he placed a kiss on her neck and wrapped his arms around her. He took in the scent of her, the feel of her warmth against him, and it relaxed him completely. When she turned to face him, there were tears in her eyes but she was smiling and he felt overjoyed to hear her words. He'd planned this entire evening in hopes of making her happy and it was so pleasing to know he had helped. Kelden wiped at a stray tear and leaned his forehead against hers. "I can't tell you how much you mean to me." He eased her into his lap and kissed her again. This time was sweeter, less fevered than the others, a slow, soft kiss that he took his time with. He brought a hand to her cheek in a gentle caress and stroked her back with his other hand. They stayed like that for a while, exchanging slow kisses and passionate ones, holding each other and enjoying each other's presence.

As the evening grew later, Kelden felt his phone buzz, an alarm he'd set for when they should be getting back to the house. He sighed, not quite ready for the night to end but knowing that they needed to return. "We should get back, it's getting late," he told her, his face a pout. "But we can come back out here anytime you want, just say the word," he said, giving her a quick kiss. Already he was planning more date ideas out here. He led her back to the bikes, glad he'd had the foresight to get some with lights on them so they could ride back without worries of crashing into a tree.

When they returned, June and Drake were on the couch and enjoying a movie. There was a smell in the house and Kelden remembered that Drake had been preparing chili to cook this morning when he'd left. He hoped there was leftovers because he was definitely having some for lunch tomorrow. He would also need to do some cleanup in the field tomorrow but he wondered if he could figure out a way to store some stuff out there to have available the next time they went out.

---

June watched as he scrolled through his phone and when she heard the word "approved" she let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "Great," she echoed. This brought on a whole new round of nerves. She'd never even held a gun in her life, but she wanted every advantage she could get if it came down to it. She had faith in Drake and Kelden but if something happened, June would use every tool she had available to her. She gave Drake a half smile. "Thanks, I know I've got a ways to go still though," she said. She knew that of the two of them, Hazel was much better off hand to hand than she was. She had to give herself credit though, she had gotten stronger and the knowledge of how to fend off an attacker was invaluable.

"Thank you," she said, as she leaned against him. "You've done so much, I feel like I don't get to show you how much it's appreciated. You've really been a huge part of my growth, I don't think I would have gotten this far without you. If not for you..." She shook her head, picturing herself in even worse condition than she'd been when they arrived here. "Well, I just want you to know that it means the world to me."

Eventually it began to grow a little chilly, even with Drake's warm body against hers. She knew it was also getting late, so she stood and stretched her stiff muscles. "Do you want to give that movie another shot?" She asked, a playful grin on her face. "That is, if you can manage to keep your hands to yourself this time." She teased with a wink, knowing full well that she was the one who had instigated their subsequent distraction from the movie.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel had loved more than anything being in his arms and in his lap kissing him like the rest of the world didn't exist. She would spend moments just looking at him between kisses ad touching his face reminding herself that he was real. She was half convinced she had dreamed Kelden up to protect her mind in the worst of times but he was here right in front of her, she could feel him.

As Kelden said it was time to go she sighed softly. She smiled as he told her they could come back anytime though. They stood and cleaned up a bit. Hazel had hung the blankets up off the ground a little so some animal wouldn't make it their bed for the night. She rode back with him. Night riding was exhilarating.

They walked in and she saw a tint on June's cheeks and smiled. She touched the necklace Kelden had given her as she followed him in. She yawned softly feeling entirely relaxed like she might actually be able to get some sleep tonight. "I think I'm going to get some sleep." she told Kelden. She stopped at the stairs and hugged him her head buried in his chest. "Thank you for today." she said again and then after a moment pulled away and moved upstairs. She cleaned up in the bathroom after changing then headed to her room. She locked it up and moved into her bed curling up under the covers.

---

Drake grinned and shook his head. "You have changed my life as well June." he said and caressed her cheek. He kissed her lightly before looking back at the stars with her. When she started to get goosebumps he was just about to suggest they go in when she suggested the movie. He chuckled. Yes Ma'am I will be the perfect gentleman." he watched her move. She was so beautiful and all he wanted was her close to him. He was more and more motivated to catch the bastard that hurt them so that things could move forward.

They moved inside and where just staring the movie again when Hazel and Kelden came back. He smirked at them seeing Hazel looked flushed and she touched the necklace that was new with so much tenderness it made him glad that they had had their day to themselves. It was something special for the both of them for sure.

He looked back at the movie screen though his mind wasn't concentrating at all on it. His mind was on anything else but the movie in front of them. He thought over how he would teach June to shoot and how to keep her safe while doing that. He thought of the case and was trying to think of the next move of that twisted psycho. He was starting to wonder if the drivers license had been a fake. Yes it had the same face but maybe the name was wrong. Just maybe he was smarter than they gave him credit for.

He didn't realize he was nodding off on the couch until Kelden told him he would take the first shift and to put the tired June to sleep as well. Drake thanked him then picked June up in his arms and carried her up to her room setting her down gently in her bed. "Goodnight beautiful." he said softly and kissed her head.

@ Jinx...

Kelden hugged Hazel and gave her a quick kiss. “Goodnight love,” he whispered in her ear. He watched her walk up the stairs, already missing her in his arms. Drake and June were still watching their movie so Kell took the opportunity to go take a cold shower, an attempt to cool the heat that was burning in his core and bring his focus back to work. It did little to erase the image of Hazel in that little yellow dress and the memory of her lips on his, both their hands roaming each other’s bodies. He resisted the urge to groan.

He was too energetic to sleep right now anyway, so when he came back downstairs to find June sound asleep and Drake starting to nod off, he told his partner to get some rest. June looked completely at ease snuggled in the other man’s arms and it made him smile to see how well the two fit together. He did his usual check of the locks throughout the house as the rest of the house slept.

Several hours later, Drake took over the shift, looking much more rested. Kelden was only just starting to feel tired, despite it being in the middle of the night. He probably could have finished out the night but he knew that he should get at least a little rest. He went to his room and crawled into bed. He was still awake when a soft knock sounded at his door.

---

June smiled at her friend and Kelden as they returned from their day together. Hazel looked as happy as June felt and June couldn’t help but notice a necklace on her neck that hadn’t been there before. She beamed and felt for her own necklace. These men were so sweet to them.

She felt herself losing focus on the movie once again. Her mind drifted to Drake and the stars and she felt safe. She didn’t even know she’d fallen asleep until she felt strong arms carrying her. She woke up just enough to note that Drake was carrying her up the stairs.

She was awake enough to register the soft kiss he gave her and his whispered words. But as he turned to go, she reached out for his hand. “Stay,” she mumbled. She felt sleep trying to pull her under again. “Stay with me?” She pleaded. She scooted to the far edge of the bed to make room for him. She’d felt so safe and comfortable in his arms on the couch, she just wanted to sleep next to him.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel knocked softly at Kelden's door not really wanting to wake him if he was sleeping but also not wanting to alarm him if he was awake. She slipped into his room in little shorts and a simple tank top. She moved through the dark and crawled into his bed under the sheets. She snuggled into him and hummed. She looked up at him in the darkness and ran her hands up his chest feeling his bare skin beneath her hands. "Are you tired?" she asked him not wanting to keep him up if he was tired.

She moved closer to him as he shook his head and smiled. Hazel leaned up pressing a kiss to his lips. "Kell." she said softly as she took his hand and ran it up her side underneath of her shirt. She bit her lip and closed her eyes feeling his touch on her. They had been working their way up to this for weeks and she didn't want to wait anymore. Her kiss turned passionate as she pulled him closer. This time there were no excuses.

Hazel gently pushed Kelden onto his back and moved over him straddling his waist. she looked down at him with wild eyes her hands tracing over his skin moving down towards his pants. Her hips made slow rocking motions. She bit her lip. "Kelden I need you." she whimpered. There was no longer a want about it. All that had turned into need. She needed to show him her affection, she needed to be a part of him like this. Hazel took off her shirt blushing softly as she looked down at him bitting her bottom lip. Her cuts had all healed over but the scars where still there and some where still tender. Hazel moved and slipped her bottoms off before looking back at him. She wasn't letting him talk her out of this anymore. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his. She needed to know he wanted her still seeing all her scars and knowing all her baggage.

---

Drake was just turning to leave when June took his hand. He turned back looking at her and smiled as she mumbled out to stay. He watched as she made room for him on the bed. He pulled off his shirt and sat on the edge of the bed. He kissed her hand before letting go. He worked the laces on his shoes and pulled them off. He considered taking off his pants and sleeping like he liked to in his boxers but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable at all.

Drake slipped into her bed and kissed her head. He pulled her close to him. "Always." he promised her. He would always stay as long as she wanted him too. He held her to him and smiled as she was tucked under his arm. He could get use to this. She was perfect against him. He closed his eyes breathing her in.

Drake wanted to stay awake until he knew June was able to go back to sleep again but as soon as she was out so was he. He didn't think it got any better than to feel completely satisfied just holding the one you cared for more than anything else. Drake knew he had fallen for June he just didn't know the right time to tell her. Should he wait till all this was over so she knew he truly cared for her or should he do it sooner so that she didn't wonder if he cared and would stick around? He wished he knew the perfect answer to that. Drake slept peacefully with June. It was the best sleep he got when he was beside her.

Kelden could make out Hazel's form as she slipped into the room. "Is everything ok?" He asked, but she just climbed into bed with him. He was only in boxers so he shifted, trying to give her space but she snuggled into him so he held her. He shook his head at her question and gently returned her kiss, doing his best to ignore the hardness he felt growing in his boxers. It was significantly more difficult to do so when she took his hand and led it underneath her shirt. He traced his fingers along her skin, being as gentle as possible in case she decided this was all too much.

"Hazel," he said, his voice deep with desire and but laced with caution. He was trying not to groan as she rocked her hips against his, his cock fully hard beneath her now. "Are you sure?" He asked, remembering her fevered kisses after her nightmare last time. This felt different. The whimper in her voice cut through his hesitation though. He began to move his hips along in rhythm with hers, letting his hardness rub against her. And then her shirt was off and he was looking up at her beautiful body. He trailed his fingers down the outline of her, letting them linger softly on her breasts before continuing their gentle exploration. He could sense a nervousness to her as he took in her body. There were scars breaking up the smoothness of her skin in places and he knew that they were the scars of her torture. He took her in though. These were the scars of a fighter, of a woman who had seen hell, been in hell, and was still here offering vulnerability, passion, and a fierce, fiery love. "You're so fucking beautiful," he told her, his voice strong and gravelly.

He kissed her then, pulling her close to him and kissing her with deep longing. He let his hands roam in ways he hadn't before, testing and teasing. He was careful to pay attention to the responses her body gave, making sure that she liked and wanted the things he was doing. His kisses began to trail down to her neck and his cock throbbed at the little moan of pleasure she let out as he found a sensitive spot.

@ Jinx...

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel felt Kelden's hands roaming over her body as she felt his hard rubbing against her as she moved with him. Scars marked her stomach but also on her sides an on her hips leading down. She hummed her breathing hard as his hands caressed her breasts. As they moved down over her scars his fingers tracing them she closed her eyes a sad frown pulling at her lips. The longest scar along her side had been his last. It was the scar that she associated with her freedom. As his hands settled on her hips she looked down at him bitting her lip gently. She melted at his words and smiled softly. The way his voice groaned with the strain of his desire and feelings made her wet and made her feel every bit as beautiful as he called her.

Hazel moaned as his lips took hers and she pressed down her breasts pressing to his chest as she kissed him her hips still rocking slowly in time with his. Kelden's hands ran from her sides to her back and down to her bottom. She breathed harder and sighed with desire as his mouth moved along her skin. She leaned her head to the side her hair falling over his shoulder. As his mouth ran tenderly over her neck there was a spot that made her insides melt as he kissed it. She moaned quietly not wanting to wake the others or alert the patrolling Drake down stairs.

Hazel ran her hands up his chest her body driving them more and the desire burned inside of her. She knew she could spend days exploring his skin with her lips and feeling him do the same but the ache inside of her wouldn't let her wait anymore. Hazel ran her hands down and over his hips pulling back to look at him as she did. Once his boxers were free she looked him over from the hard that had sprung free to the dark desire filled eyes. She leaned in then kissing him passionately. She moved her lips down his neck her body moving to his and she ran her wetness over his hard cock. Hazel moaned and wrapped her arms around him. She came back up kissing him once more then looked into his eyes. "Slowly okay?" she said and lifted her hips feeling his hands supporting her as she moved up her hands on his shoulders. She let her head fall back closing her eyes as she slipped his tip into her.

Hazel slowly lowered herself onto him her body starting to shake. She wanted Kelden and she wasn't going to let the memory of that bastard stop her from this. Hazel stayed still as he was all the way inside of her. She dropped her head onto his shoulder breathing him in her nose pressed to his neck. "Hold me." she said softly and felt his arms snake gently around her being as always supportive and yet not making her feel trapped. Hazel's breath came out ragged as she worked through the pain of her memories. She had been hurt so much it was effort to not let it flood her now but she wouldn't let it. This moment was for her and Kelden. Hazel sat up slowly feeling him shift inside of her and she leaned her forehead against his. "Promise me." she whimpered though she didn't know what she was asking him to promise exactly. "Promise you will guard my heart." she finally was able to explain.