My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

Kelden nodded, feeling a little frustrated that the day hadn't yielded any information other than the fact that the woman was not a reporter. He was glad, however, that more possibilities were being looked in to. Finding her would bring them one step closer to finding him and Kelden wanted to bring that bastard to justice. They found a quiet cafe to eat at and they slid into a booth far from the few other patrons in the cafe. He was just looking over the menu when Hazel asked what the ID had given them. He sighed, knowing that the news wasn't exactly good.

"Unfortunately, not much. The address was a fake. Some broken down lot. We still checked out all previous owners but all of them were cleared." The few previous owners included an older gentlemen that had passed, a woman who now lived across the country, and another older man who was in a wheelchair living in a nursing home. "The name is fake too. No Adam Wilson in the area or outside of it match his description that didn't have an alibi." The picture though, did seem to be real. It matched the description June and Hazel had given, but that didn't mean he hadn't since changed his appearance or that he hadn't changed his appearance in the first place to evade them. "He probably had it as a dummy ID in case he was discovered, to get away easily." Kelden wanted her to know that grabbing his wallet in her escape had still been helpful and very brave, even if it hadn't given all the answers they'd hoped for.

Kell froze and bit his lip, unsure. "I don't know Hazel... It's... gruesome... to say the least. I don't think it's a good idea," he told her. She didn't seem happy with that answer. Kelden rubbed his temple. "I won't tell you no, its your right to see them.. But I want you to really consider it first. They're detailed crime scene photos." He warned. He really, really hoped she would change her mind about it.

---

June's crying eventually subsided. She felt exhausted, exhausted from having to relive the whole ordeal and exhausted from the breakdown afterwards. But... Hazel had been right. Holding it all inside had let it fester, and this felt like a cleansing of her soul. She'd gotten it all out, told her story, and Drake still accepted her afterwards, still held her and she felt safe in his arms. She wasn't magically all better, but this felt like a step in the right direction towards healing and that was enough for now.

"Thank you," she mumbled. She let go of him and moved her hand to his. "Let's go on that walk." She wiped at her puffy eyes, trying to clear the last traces of tears. "Thank you," she told him again. "I feel... better. Freer." And she did. Hopefully now, with both hers and Hazel's testimony, they would have enough information to push the investigation along. She wasn't sure that anything she'd said helped in that matter, but she hoped.

It was quiet as they walked, the leaves in the trees rustled with the early afternoon breeze and the sunshine continued to lift her out of dark memories. Both of them seemed to be taking in the events of the morning. June's thoughts were drifting to Drake and how much he continued to amaze her. She felt so safe with him. He made her smile and laugh, and in the darkest moments when she couldn't do those things, he was there to hold her and let her work through the pain in safety and without judgement. It left her a little dumbfounded that in the worst time of her life, she'd found the best thing to ever happen to her.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel frowned as she listened to Kelden tell her about the lack of information from the ID. Did that mean he had expected her to escape? Was this just a long game to him? Hazel ran a hand through her hair and looked out the window. The waitress stopped by to get their drink order and Hazel asked for coffee before she looked back at Kelden as she left. "If he can make or get access to a fake ID he has the ability to hide which makes finding him harder. So basically June and I are the best chance at catching this guy because he will come back..." She didn't know what he would do in the mean time. Would he kill and take and rape people while he waited to get to them? He was smart but this wasn't a hobby for him it was a need. Something dark and twisted inside of him needed to do this. She shivered and closed her eyes a moment before looking back ay Kelden.

He warned her against the photos and she could see the concern on his face. She reached over putting her hand over his. "I know Kelden. I know that what he did to us alive was awful so what he must have done to their death would be worse." She said. She didn't want to do it but she knew she needed to. It wouldn't be easy and she knew that would hurt Kelden but it was the truth of things and if she could do something to help from the pictures of what happened to them then it would be worth it. "How about when we get back you can read the coroners report and if I can't take that I wont look but if I need more information you're going to have to let me." she said. She didn't like how this upset him but it was her reality. She would have been next. The things he did to them would have happened to her if she hadn't fought.

The waitress brought their drinks then and asked what they wanted to eat and Hazel just picked something light and sat back drinking her coffee. She leaned back and stretched her legs out on the booth next to Kelden. She pressed her legs against his watching him. She was in love with him so much. She didn't know if he knew that but she couldn't let herself start her life with him until this was over. "How many times have you looked them over trying to get a new perspective?" she asked him knowing he had spent many nights in the office and fallen asleep at the desk over pages and pages of crime details. "Kelden no one else had the..." she sighed looking down not knowing what to call it. "No one knows him like me. I spent the most time with him, he revealed more thing to me than I can count. I could go over all the conversations but he didn't give specifics on things that could reveal him." She lowered her voice so no one would over hear them.

"He told me about his pet dog on the farm when he was a boy that he skinned just because he was curious. Then asked if I wanted to try that one day." she said her stomach dropping. "Or how his favorite color was that dark red like the first drop of blood. He treated me like I was his..." she shook her head not knowing a relationship title that would work for that. "And like I was the only person he could tell everything too and be himself with. So yeah I think I would notice the smallest thing that might have significance to him that you can't see." she said her voice tight but she wanted him to understand why she was asking. "I want this to be over." she whispered and looked away as the waitress came back setting the food in front of them. Hazel quickly dashed her tears away and took another drink before sitting up and taking a bite of her food though it made her stomach turn.

---

Drake nodded. "I'm really glad that it helped." he said and kissed her head. They started their walk and though he had a million follow up questions, all his training and his heart told him to give her time. Today was for healing. Tomorrow they could review it and he would ask both Hazel and June if they would be willing to answer his and Kelden's follow up questions. He held June's hand and raised it to his lips after a while smiling at her. She was the strongest and most beautiful woman to him. He would do anything for her and never wanted to leave her side. He wanted to promise her the world and everything after all this but he knew until after all this that she wouldn't believe it. She was a show me girl and he was willing to show her anythings he needed to believe him.

The sun was warm on them as they walked. He looked over at June memorizing her face as the sun shone on it and the way her face started to relax in nature. He watched as she observed the trees and enjoyed the breeze. It was quickly becoming fall and the trees were starting to turn colors. He grinned knowing he was going to check on his request to take the girls away for the holidays. It was good to move witnesses around once in a while to make sure they stayed safe anyways. It was a win win but he wondered if June and Hazel would want to stay together or mind just going with either Kelden or himself. "Do you want to go to the shooting range later?" he asked her knowing it could be therapeutic to shoot a gun even if it was also a responsibility.

They walked towards Betty's house and he stopped a the path. "Let's get Mac for a little walk." he said and smiled. "I can go get him if you're not up for a chat." he said and squeezed her hand. He knew that silly huge dog made her feel better in ways he could not help or understand. But all that mattered was that Mac helped her. He was defiantly going to get her a dog after all this. He would get her a puppy that would turn into the biggest dog. He would buy her that telescope and move anywhere to be near her. He would take a desk job or maybe he could open up his own business.

@ Jinx...

Kelden considered her compromise. He still didn’t want her to look at the photos at all, it would just serve to hurt her to see what had been done to those women she’d been held captive with before June. It was bad enough she had to experience everything firsthand and now she wanted to see what could have, would have, been her if she hadn’t gotten out? But it was her right to know. Her right to see what might’ve been and know exactly the fate she’d escaped. So her offer to test the waters first was a reasonable one. “Okay,” he agreed, still wary knowing that the coroner’s report was not subtle either.

He’d gone over every piece of paperwork they had about this case a dozen times over. He didn’t have photogenic memory or anything, but the words and photos had still been seared into his mind over the sheer horror of it all. He was going over what he remembered of the coroner’s report in his head when he felt her legs press comfortingly against his own, bringing him back to their lunch. He smiled at the waitress, giving her a polite nod of thanks for the coffee. When she was far enough away, they returned to their conversation. “More times than I can count,” he admitted.

He reached out a hand as she recalled the time spent with his and the things he’d told her. It sounded like he wanted to make Hazel into his lover and partner in crime. If that were the case, he would stop at nothing to find her again. And Kelden would stop at nothing to keep him from finding her. “I know,” he whispered, stroking her hand with his thumb in gentle circles. “Someday it will be, I promise,” he told her. He would go to the ends of the earth to stop that monster.

The waitress returned with their food but Kelden still held on to Hazel’s hand as she quickly wiped away the tears that were forming on the corners of her eyes. He began to eat, still worrying about Hazel. He wondered how Drake and June were holding up back at the house.

---

June felt herself beginning to relax. In the sunshine and amongst the drifting falling leaves, she felt safe and secure, like nothing bad could happen here. With Drake at her side, she truly believed that.

She was reminded of their plans even Drake brought up shooting practice. She nodded. “Yes. Please,” she said. Now, more than ever, she was determined to make sure she had the upper hand and never had to feel so powerless again. She never wanted to be caught off guard again. If she ever saw that man again, if he could even be called a man, she would be sure to give him a hell of a fight.

June paused with him when they got to the edge of Betty’s property. “I’ll come with,” she said, appreciating the offer but feeling better enough now to potentially chat with the elderly woman. When they got closer, June saw that Betty was on her porch and Mac was curled at her feet. She saw Mac’s head lift up at the sight of her and Drake and then he stood, his tail wagging furiously. Betty waved them over, wanting to chat for a bit about the weather and Mac and other various topics. June liked the idle, lighthearted chit chat with Betty. It was easy to listen to Betty talk about her annoyance at the rabbits that had gotten into her garden again, how Mac looked fierce but had apparently befriended the rabbits instead of keeping them out. But soon enough they were off again to continue their walk, a big fluffy dog leading the way.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel looked at the food and sighed swallowing the bile in her throat. She took another bite and held Kelden's hand because she knew he needed to see she was going to be able to get through this. Hazel knew this was going to be hard. There were going to be moments that would rock her to her core but she knew him and this was the only way she could share that without going over every single story and glance and touch over and over until they knew him like she did. She didn't want anyone to have to know him like she did.

They finished lunch and Hazel climbed into the car on the way back not knowing how to make small talk anymore so they sat in silence on the way back. She didn't even want to risk turning on the radio. The last thing she wanted was to feel unsettled before she took in what happened to those before her.

Once they pulled up to the house she sighed and looked up at the place that had been more of a home than she had ever known then over at Kelden. she knew the only reason it was home was because of the people in it. She reached over taking his hand and squeezing it. She leaned over and kissed him. Once she pulled back looking up at him with eyes that told him what her words could not. "Okay let's go." she said finally.

---

Drake nodded. He didn't want to tech her because she should never have to know but he would never deny her nor would he ever believe she was completely safe. So he would teach her to defend herself with her body and weapons, anything to make sure she was more safe than she was before she knew it.

They sat talking with Betty a while and he smiled as Betty made June feel normal. He laughed patting Mac's head as they talked bout his friendly bunny policy. Drake wrapped his arm gently and carefully around June's waist as they started their walk with Mac. "Betty is a hoot." he said chuckling as they walked down the path Mac instantly finding a stick and bring it over to Drake. Drake threw the stick far and Mac bounded after it. Once he had the stick he brought it back to June nudging her hand with his nose.

Drake knew that Hazel and Kelden had looked through many small towns and the properties available. He wondered if June would want to do that as well. They walked around the lake and Drake held onto June gently. "What all will you bake in your bakery?" he asked thinking later they should finally bake together like they had wanted to a while ago.

@ Jinx...

Kelden drove them home in silence, not even the radio to cut the tension in the air. He knew this would be hard for her. When they arrived at the house, they sat in the car for a moment and Kelden was trying to find words that could help. He still hadn't found them when Hazel took his hand and leaned over to kiss him. He returned it gently, letting that feeling between them do all the talking. They would get through this together, he would support and love her every step of the way, and someday they would be able to have a relationship in a more normal setting.

The house was quiet and Kelden figured June and Drake were out for the day and he couldn't blame them knowing what June had had to do this morning. He shot a quick text to Drake to let him know they were back and going over some of the reports if he or Hazel were needed. "Do you want some water or anything before we start?" He asked Hazel. He grabbed them each a bottle and then lead them into the study. He moved the camera out of the way, still set up from recording June's testimony. He popped the tape out and marked it, putting it where Hazel's was so they were easy to find.

Kelden sifted through the papers that were stacked in various piles on the desk. They appeared disorganized, but really Kelden had a very specific system of keeping everything together. So he knew the exact spots the coroner's reports were. He picked them up, one for Penny White and another for Miranda Sanders. "Miranda... Miranda was the girl before Penny." He informed her, knowing that she'd never gotten the woman's name. He settled back and glanced over the reports, trying to figure out how best to begin. "Let me know if we need to stop, okay?"

Kelden began to detail what had happened to Miranda. She'd been badly mutilated, it had taken a long time to even confirm her identity because of how sliced up she was. Cuts anywhere and everywhere, especially her mouth and genitals. They suspected she'd been raped, but she'd been so cut up that any evidence had been destroyed. The coroner had been able to determine that the worst of the mutilation had occurred after death and Kelden couldn't help but wonder if he'd become enraged upon realizing she was dead.

---

June smiled as they walked down the path. "Yeah, she is," she agreed. "If this ever ends, I think I'll still travel out here to visit her though," June said. She'd become attached to the elderly woman and intended to continue to check in on her whenever she could, no matter where she ended up after this. Mac bounded up to her with the stick Drake had thrown for him and so June took it and tossed it again. He went after it, his tail wagging the whole time. They continued like that for a while, Mac coming back with the stick and June throwing it ahead for him, and repeat.

She thought about his question. "The basics for sure, cakes, cupcakes, donuts, pies. I'd like to include bread too, I'd definitely need some staff to help keep up with it all." She told him. "I'd also really like to do a daily or weekly special, something new to try that's really limited. It'd be a good way to test out how well certain products sell and could be a potential to add them to the menu." She'd thought plenty of times at her old job about things she would do differently if she had been the owner instead of an employee. That wasn't to say that she hadn't liked her boss or that she didn't like the bakery she'd worked at, just that she'd already given it some thought in the past.

"Custom cakes are some of my favorites. A lot of work but there's something gratifying about being involved in people's special moments. Birthdays, weddings, and other various events. I even made a cake shaped like a shark once for a marine biologist's retirement party." She smiled fondly, remembering how amazed the co-worker in charge of ordering and picking it up had been.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel walked into the house smiling softly at him. Kelden was stalling. They both knew it. They had both just finished lunch but regardless she nodded and watched him disappear into the kitchen. She looked around the house at the back door noticing it was unlocked. Of course it was since Drake and June were out but she had a feeling. Hazel dismissed it because she was about to hear the death of the women whom she had known.

Hazel walked into the study and sighed watching Kelden move around her eyes fixed on the camera for a moment. She moved over and sat in one of the chairs. She pulled off her shoes and pulled her legs into the chair. She looked up at him as he sorted through the papers knowing what he was doing. He had a system and she loved his disorganized organization. No one could mess it up without him knowing and that made her comfortable.

Hazel frowned looking down as she ran the name over and over in her mind. Till the day she died she had not given up her name. She had held onto it like it was her last freedom. Hazel nodded and looked up at him watching his face tighten as he studied the papers. "Okay." she said and listened to Kelden go over the reports. He had cut her till she died and then got angry violating her one last time with his knife. It was the water that washed away the evidence. He always left them in water.

When Kelden took Penny's paper she closed her eyes remembering her lifeline when she had first been taken. She had been a wreck and Penny had been her support when she was loosing herself. As Kelden went over the report she could feel it burning the image into her mind. She was cut all over her body but shallow more controlled cuts at first then deeper cuts in more controlled areas. Her genitals were stabbed and mutilated but her lips were left alone except for the lipstick applied after death. There was signs of recent water inhalation. He had learned from last time and developed a more specific taste. "He's not incompetent. I've watched enough criminal investigation shows to know that is what profilers think when they see the stabbing... in that area. That wasn't his problem ever. And it wasn't to just obscure evidence. He left them in water didn't he?" Hazel opened her eyes looking cold and removed as she looked at Kelden.

"I need to see where he left them Kelden. I need to see how he displayed them for you to find because he didn't just dump them out did he?" she swallowed. "We were his... relationships. His girlfriends and friends and everything. If we upset him he took it personal. It was... more than just a need to posses us and to control our every moment including our death." she said and pulled her feet under her and leaned forward seeing him hesitate. She touched his arms. "I can't tell you the significance if I don't know." she said knowing the blank expression with calculating eyes was not helping to convince him but if she tried to feel she would break and it wasn't time for that right now.

---

Drake squeezed her gently. "When this ends June- when." he kissed her head softly. He was happily watching the dog as she answered his question and he grinned. "Donuts?" he grinned. Yes he was defiantly going to put on a pound or two with June around. He chuckled. "Well I might not be the best cook or baker but I can follow directions pretty well." he smirked.

Drake looked over her as she talked about custom cakes and the way her eyes light up made him smile. When this was over he wanted to be there to see that smile and that twinkle in her eyes everyday. He chuckled as she talked about a shark cake. "Kudos to you. I wouldn't even know where to start to make a cake look like a shark." he chuckled.

Drake looked at his phone as he got a text from Kelden. He put his phone up after sending a quick update. He took the stick from Mac and tossed it again but this time he didn't bring it back was was sniffing something around the stick before bouncing off barking after a bunny. He chuckled knowing he was just playing with the scampering little rabbit. "Sure chase it in the forest and star at it in the garden." he laughed and looked at June. "You about ready to head back?" he asked her.

@ Jinx...
Kelden glanced at Hazel as he finished the report on Miranda. She looked pale but seemed determined to know more still. So he began Penny’s report, knowing this would be even harder for her to hear. She’d known Penny better than Miranda. Penny’s body had been gruesome as well, but the cuts were noticeably more controlled. He’d made Penny’s torture and death last longer than Miranda’s. Though Kelden was a trained agent, he was still human and it felt like a rock in the pit of his stomach to know that Penny had suffered so much in her final hours.

Kelden met Hazel’s gaze as she processed her thoughts aloud. He paused when she asked if the bodies had been left in water, unsure if they should continue based on the cold look in her eyes. But he nodded nonetheless. She seemed to be on to something and though he didn’t like the detached look she was giving him, he knew she was just trying to cope with this new knowledge.

But when she asked for the pictures, he hesitated again. “I know,” he acknowledged. She was a fresh pair of eyes, seeing things he couldn’t know to look for, but he was concerned. “Maybe we should take a break first,” he tried, hoping to delay her having to see these photos just a little longer. But she was shaking her head and holding out a hand. He held the reports a moment longer before handing them to her to see. As much as he was worried, she could make her own decisions and he wouldn’t try to control that. He wanted to protect her but he wouldn’t keep information from her, especially when it directly affected her.

---

June chuckled, “Well I’d love to have your help,” she told him, smiling. Her mind drifted to thoughts of the two of them baking together and she thought wistfully about how much she looked forward to that in the future. Previously she’d pushed away thoughts of the future out of fear that Drake wouldn’t be in her life after the job was over. But she trusted him and trusted that he would still be there in the end, so as they walked, she allowed herself that hope and excitement of a normal future together.

Mac disappeared after a rabbit and June laughed at Drake’s comment. That silly dog, of course he would chase the rabbits not eating his owners vegetables. As fast as he was though, he was no match for the quick little rabbit and soon he came trotting back. She gave him scratches behind the ear.

“Yeah, if we want to make it to the shooting range today we probably should head back.” So they turned and began back the way they came, pausing to give Mac some more pets and scratches before he went home. As they walked, June slid her hand into Drake’s, letting the contact soothe away any lingering darkness from earlier.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel could remember Penny's screams the day she was taken for the last time. Hazel looked down at the picture of her friend cut and lifeless left in a pond her hands tied over her head and her legs propped open to reveal the mess he had made of her. Hazel felt the tears gather in her eyes. She swallowed and then looked at Miranda. She had been left in a drainage ditch where water from the resent rains had pooled up in stagnate dirty water puddles. Hazel licked over her dry lips. Miranda was face down in the water her bottom propped up in the air and her hands over her head.

Her mind dragged her back to the nights he raped her her hands tied over her head and how he touched her. She closed her eyes and took a hard shallow breath. He had taken her in both of these positions but there was a third as well. She set the pictures down. "He painted Penny's lips before he left her there and he painted June's when he brought her in." she said not knowing what it meant but the distinction was important. Miranda lips were shredded so he couldn't put the lipstick on her and her face had been left in the water. He liked things to point to one another. The lipstick color was wrong for both girls so what was the reason for the lipstick?

On both bodies there was a love note in their hands. She looked at the letters reading through them and frowning. There was a nagging inside of her. This didn't fit. "Kelden the notes don't sound like they where written for them. It sounds like he is talking about someone else, someone still alive when these girls where not." Both notes talked about things all the girls went through but it didn't sound like he was talking about them but one girl both of them knew. She looked over the pictures again and something at the pond caught her eye. She set the pictures down again.

"Where is the other girl?" she asked wanting to see if it was in all of them or just these two. Hazel looked at Kelden her eyes widening. "He took three before me." she said a slight panic rising inside of her. "Penny talked about the girl before Miranda." she said. Hazel thought she had mentioned it before and she looked down her eyes searching her mind moving back and forth trying to remember if she had told anyone that there was another girl dead out there somewhere.

---

Drake grinned. He was glad they took this walk. Once they took Mac back to Betty's they waved to her on their way. They walked the path his hand holding June's. He loved holding her hand. Drake grinned as they came in view of the house. "Alright I'll go get the keys." he said and they walked into the house. He moved through the house hearing Hazel talking with Kelden and frowned. His mind was spinning.

Drake had the keys and walked back down the stairs his mind circling over and over the case. He looked up seeing June and smiled softly. He had so many questions and wanted so badly to ask them all but he would not make her uncomfortable more than she needed to be. She had done enough for today. He could broach the subject of follow up questions another day. "Alright let's get going." He said knowing it would be good to leave Hazel and Kelden to work on this together.

Drake drove them to the range his mind distracted but once they got to the range he pulled over and turned looking at June. "Okay there are three rules I want you to repeat to me before we even go in there." he waited until she looked at him ready. "Do not put your finger on the trigger unless you plan to pull it. Do not point the at someone unless you plan to shoot them. Do not shoot at someone unless you plan to kill them." he said and waited until she repeated it all back to him. Then he nodded and got out of the car moving around to her and then into the shop. The door dinged as they entered and he walked up to the counter talking with the man a moment about the appointment he set up. A little while later Drake had June come up and they were testing out a normal sized gun for her and he was testing out gun sizes and shapes trying to find one just like his service weapon. The shop owner was asking June about how the weapon felt in her hands to determine if it was the right one for her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden listened to her, his mind reeling to find connections with the information she was giving. The FBI knew that the lipstick and way the bodies had been left in water was important, it was part of his ritual for a reason, but they hadn't been able to get anymore information as to why. The love notes too, sickening as they were, held significance that he couldn't figure out. But Hazel, who had been forced to spend time with him and listen to his words, could. He felt close to something big.

He shook his head as she mentioned the third girl. "We don't have any information about a third girl. No body was found even remotely matching his signature and there's too many missing persons that could potentially be victims to even guess at who she might have been." He told her. "They're still looking for victims, I promise, but because she was an earlier case he may not have had his ritual down yet and that makes it harder to determine connections." He explained. Miranda's body showed that he was still 'perfecting' his ritual then, so a girl before her could have been killed and dumped in a way that made her seem unconnected. There could be dozens of girls that they didn't know about.

The FBI was still looking though. There was a lot of crime in a city that big though, so it took time to go through each case to determine if it was connected. "Are you okay to keep going?" He asked. He didn't want to push her if she needed a break but he wanted to talk more about this third girl. He waited for her approval before asking "Did Penny mention any specifics about this third girl? A name or any physical descriptions?"

---

June sat next to Drake in the car as they pulled up to the range. She looked at him seriously as he listed the three rules and she nodded, repeating each one exactly. She'd never even held a gun before, but she also knew that it was not a toy and fully intended to use this only as a last resort should she ever need it. They went inside and the man at the counter was friendly, chatting with Drake about, well probably about her. She didn't understand a lot of what they were saying so she instead focused on some of the gun safety posters on the wall until Drake called her over.

The man, Rob, as he'd introduced himself, took out a gun at a time for her to hold and test the weight. She was surprised to find out that the guns were heavier than she'd expected. They eventually decided on one, Drake and Rob helping her to figure it out, and her and Drake were then led to a room that reminded her of shooting ranges in the movies. In the movies, though, the person stepped up to the counter and began shooting at the paper target. She still didn't even have the basics of holding a gun yet.

Safety gear on, and the gun still unloaded, Drake instructed her on her posture. He showed her first and she did her best to copy his stance but he still had to adjust her in areas. Her leg needed to be back a little further, her elbow bent up a little higher. The position felt stiff and unnatural and she was instructed to relax, that being too tense was just as bad as being too lax. "Like this?" She asked, after many adjustments had been made.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel frowned as he asked for a description. "She said we all looked the same dirty blond hair and blue eyes. My hair had been dyed at the time and it had started to fade when June came." Now Hazel's hair was beautiful deep brown all of the color having been cut out on her last hair trim. Hazel shook her head. "She didn't mention a name. Miranda was the one that really knew her but she wasn't speaking. Penny didn't know the other girl that well. She hadn't been with her long. She did have a tattoo on her back of a clover..." she shook her head and swallowed looking away.

Every time she talked about Penny she remembered her down in that cell. She had been so alive and many times had been so sure they would get out of there and live normal lives again. She would say things like, When we get out of here I'm going to eat the biggest juicy burger with fries and a strawberry malt. A tear leaked down Hazel's cheek. "Kelden did Penny's family claim her body? Did she have a funeral?" Hazel pushed at the tear angrily as another fell from the other. "When this is over I want to go have a strawberry Malt at her grave. She had really wanted one and she would be happy that I got to do that again." she said and wished she could do this more but shook her head. "Kelden can we go sit somewhere else for a while?" she asked. Hazel wanted to be in his arms. she needed a break. she thought she could continue but the memory of Penny was hitting her harder than she realized.

Once they left the office she felt the weight of it all on her chest and she turned into Kelden and her shoulders shook with the tears. Her face pressed into his chest holding onto his shirt as she sniffled with her silent sobs. Hazel couldn't believe that they hadn't found the other girl and that Penny was dead. That Penny would never get to live the life she had dreamed of, that they had whispered to each other late at night about when it all seemed lost. The grief for her friend was finally hitting her and she felt like her knees where weak. She was shaking as she cried. "I'm sorry." she said. Hazel didn't want to be weak and cry but it was all built up inside of her and Kelden was her safe place where she could be weak.

---

Drake walked into the shooting range with June grinning. He was relaxed here. This was something he was use to. They set up and he showed June with a few rounds before he watched her try to imitate him. He grinned and moved to her adjusting her. Once she was more relaxed he placed his hands on her hips. "Yes, now flip off the safety and aim. Both eyes open." he said and waited a moment. "Okay take a breath on the exhale gently squeeze the trigger then release." He said and waited as she breathed looking at the target. As the gun went off he grinned. "Okay safety on." he said and waited until she had done so. "How do you feel?" he asked sure that the kickback had been surprising.

"When you shoot again remember keep your arms tight, you did well at keeping your hands tight around the handle." he said and grinned at her. He looked at the target. She had hit the edge. It was a good first shot. "Look at your target and adjust your aim. Go ahead and shoot again." he said. Drake enjoyed doing this with her even though he hated the reason why she had to learn.

It wasn't long before she was starting to get better shots and he was sharing tips on how to get her shots between each squeeze closer together. "I'm proud of you." he said as he was teaching her to reload. "How are you feeling comfortable with this gun?" he asked her. "Are you wanting to try the bigger gun?" he asked her wanting her to be comfortable with a gun like his own so if she ever had to use his gun she wouldn't be thrown by it.

@ Jinx...
Kelden made a mental note to send word that the third girl had a tattoo to keep an eye out for. That one detail could help immensely in finding her. He watched a big tear roll down Hazel’s cheek and instantly he was out of work mode. He reached out and out a hand on her knee. “Yes,” he murmured. “It was a beautiful ceremony, she was very loved,” he told her. He had made sure to attend it, to promise at her grave that he’d make sure she was brought justice. A day later, June and Hazel had escaped the same fate.

His eyes softened at her idea to visit Penny’s grave. He could only imagine at the significance that the strawberry shake held for them. “I promise to take you as soon as we can,” he said, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. When she asked to leave, he nodded and stood. “Of course, lets get out of here.” He opened the door for her and followed her out of the study. She’d done more than enough for today.

But they’d only taken a few steps out into the hall before she turned to him and her shoulders began to shake. He wrapped an arm around her and gently stroked her hair with the other. They stood there for a while, Kelden perfectly content to hold her and let her release everything she’d learned this afternoon. “No need to apologize,” he murmured against her hair. “I’m here for you.” He began stroking her back in gentle circles.

---

June let out a soft exhale as she took aim at the target and pulled the trigger, just as Drake instructed. The gun jerked in her hands, a boom sounding even through the safety earphones she wore. She was surprised by how hard the gun had kicked in her hands, the tv shows made it look so steady. She clicked the safety on as she was told and made sure to keep the gun pointed away from Drake or her as she looked up at him, a tentative smile on her face.

“It was a lot stronger than I thought it’d be,” she admitted. She glanced at the target, and saw that she’d managed to hit the edge of it. Probably just beginners luck, but she was still pleasantly surprised that she managed to hit it at all. Drake and her worked for a while as she took shot after shot, making little adjustments each time and getting more comfortable with the feel of the gun.

Eventually, as she made better and better shots, Drake asked if she wanted to try a different gun. She nodded, knowing that Drake’s gun was larger and maybe even more powerful than the one she had just been using. Though she hoped she’d never see the day when she’d need to use it, she wanted to be prepared. The man at the counter switched the guns for them and they were back in the room with a fresh target now. She took aim, taking the stance that was beginning to feel a bit more comfortable now and making sure her arms held tight. June aimed at the target, exhaled, and pulled the trigger. The kickback was a little stronger than the first gun, but not too much. She flicked the safety on and looked at the target. She let out a soft breath of surprise. She’d finally, just barely, hit the middle of the target. It wasn’t a perfect bullseye by far, but she was still proud that she’d managed to hit it at all.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel couldn't stop the tears no matter how much she tried and she could feel her body giving way to the grief. Her legs finally gave out and she ended up topping her and Kelden into the wall as he caught her. They sank to the floor a tangled mess. She felt his arms holding her and she felt like he was holding her together. She felt herself in his lap. She believed Kelden and knew that he was there for her in whatever way she needed.

Hazel hadn't been able to be upset before. She had been too focused on the next task whatever it was that had kept her going. It wasn't that she ran out of things to do it was that everything finally caught up with her. She felt safe enough with Kelden and knew this could end. He was the only one strong enough to take the weight of her grief and the only one who cared enough for her to feel able to share it.

Hazel cried for a long time until even her tears stopped but her body still shook. She felt numb when she was finally calm. She closed her eyes exhausted. She felt Kelden's hands on her trying to sooth her still and she took a deep breath looking up at him through swollen eyes. She didn't know what to say. She had just shared the most guarded piece of herself and now she was extremely vulnerable. She felt terrible placing this pressure on him but just maybe she had him right and he did want her enough that he wanted even the worst parts of her.

---

Drake grinned as she handled the gun well. He was proud of her. She was a natural and with a little guidance was doing better quickly. He smiled and watched the target as she shot the new gun. He smiled knowing that even if that wasn't a fatal shot it would defiantly injure the person so they wouldn't be getting back up and would likely die from blood loss or complications. He smiled and looked down at her seeing the pride glowing in her eyes. He ran his hands over her sides.

They kept up like that until she felt more comfortable with the new gun. They would work on aiming later. Once all their ammo was gone he pulled the target in. They went over how to take out the clip then he taught her how to take the top off the gun. "When we gat back I can teach you to clean a gun if you like. It's not something you have to learn right now but it gives you respect for the weapon and also a better understanding of the inner workings. So if you ever wanted on of your own you would know how to take care of it." he said.

The returned the guns and took their targets to the SUV. "I was also thinking that we should go over a few moves for if someone tried to take the gun from you and in reverse if you are trying to disarm someone else." he said hoping she would never have to be in that position but he wouldn't feel like his gun training was completed unless he also taught her this part.

@ Jinx...

Kelden held her as they sank to the ground together. He leaned against the wall, her crying in his lap, and he stroked her back as she did. There was nothing to say that could make all of this better or easier to bear, he knew that all he could do in this moment was stick by her and let her know that he would continue to stay by her side through all of it. Hazel sobbed against him and he let her for as long as she needed. After a while, the sobs subsided into a soft shaking and even then that faded slowly as her body exhausted itself. Kelden just continued to stroke her gently until, eventually, she looked up at him with puffy eyes.

He kissed her forehead, stroking her cheek his with knuckles. "You are so brave and so strong," he whispered to her. He'd never think her weak, not with her bearing the weight of everything that had happened on her shoulders. He tilted her chin up gently, and gave her a soft, sweet kiss to reassure her that he was still with here and still loved her deeply. He gave her one more quick peck and wrapped his arms around her, letting her lean against him again.

"Let's get you some water, and maybe a bit of food?" He suggested, knowing that her body needed to replenish the water it had just lost. He hoped she would eat as well, they could probably reheat some of Drake's chili. They stood up and Kelden led her to the kitchen and grabbed them each a water bottle and began to heat up some of the chili.

---

A while later, they'd run out of ammo and June was feeling a little more confident with the gun. She still hadn't made but a few good lucky shots but she at least felt like her shots were more inside the target than the far outsides now. Drake helped her to disarm the gun and they began to gather everything to leave. She liked the idea of getting a better understanding of the weapon and nodded at the suggestion. "That would be great," she agreed, giving him an appreciative smile. She didn't want to take this lightly, she knew that using a gun was a huge responsibility and she would feel much better about it if she knew more about how it worked.

Drake's other idea was another good one and she was even more eager for this one. If she did ever have to use the gun, she would want to make sure that it wasn't taken from her and used against her. She hoped to never find herself in a position of having to disarm someone else, but she'd also never imagined being kidnapped and tortured. She didn't want to be caught off guard by anything like that ever again. "That sounds good too," she told him.

With the targets in the car, they loaded up and headed home. "Thank you for this. I know there's not much of a chance of me needing to know all this but it really makes me feel better to have it at my disposal. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me, regardless." June bit her lip and gave Drake a half smile.

@ Stars Eternal
Kelden said all the right things. Every touch felt like warmth and tingled against her skin. When he kissed her she kissed him back and felt a piece of her fit into place. She felt her mind quiet with his soft touches and sweet kisses. She leaned into him again feeling peaceful now as she hugged him and he held her.

He suggested for her to drink and eat and she nodded. She would start with some water and see if she could get some food down but she wasn't going to promise anything. She got up out of his lap still feeling a little wobbly. Kelden steadied her and they moved down stairs. She sat at the table and whispered a thanks as he set water in front of her. She drank it slowly at first then she realized how thirsty she was.

Hazel felt her stomach growl as she smelt the chili warming up. "That smells amazing." she spoke for the first time since she broke down. "This is Drake's famous chili?" she asked. She was starting to get really excited to try this. She had heard Drake say that he wasn't very good at cooking but he made amazing chili. She grinned and sipped her water watching Kelden as he moved around the kitchen. She was tired now in ways she hadn't been in a long time but she didn't want to sleep alone.

---

Drake nodded. "I will always teach you anything you want to know. It is important to me that you feel safe and like you can protect yourself until I can be there." he smiled at that last part. He wanted her to know more and more that he would be there as long as she wanted him around. He also thought it important for her to learn all kinds of defense techniques. He also wanted to teach her how to defend herself against other weapons and deflect needles but he wasn't sure she was ready for the needles part yet.

They got in the car and he drove back to the house. "What surprised you the most shooting a gun?" he asked curiously. He hadn't shot a gun himself until training with the FBI and he had been really surprised by how much power was in that hunk of metal. It could not only destroy whatever was in front of it but also hurt the on sing it.

"Did you find it stress relieving to shoot the gun once you got a hang of it? Some people find it relaxing." he explained then glanced over at her before back at the road. He really had enjoyed the day with her even if this was for her learning. He liked spending time with her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden gave her a smile, glad that she seemed to be interested in eating. “Somehow it tastes even better than it already smells,” he told her as he putted around the kitchen. He’d had Drake’s chili before, usually at a family event he’d joined his partner, and friend, for. They didn’t get to go home to family too often but they sometimes attended together if they were able. His own sisters loved to joke and tease Drake as though he were their other brother. He practically was.

He set a bowl in front of Hazel and joined her at the table. Thinking of his family reminded him that holidays were not far off and with the way this case was going, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to visit this year. But things could change quickly in his line of work and he wanted to catch this predator so that Hazel and June could go back to their normal lives safely, so maybe something would change and he’d be able to visit afterall. Watching Hazel as she ate, he wondered if she would be interested in going with him and meeting his family.

Before he had time to bring it up, June and Drake were walking through the door. June seemed to be much brighter than when he’d last seen her this morning. “Hey, welcome back,” he said, offering them a smile.

---

June thought for a moment. “The kickback was surprising for sure,” she said. “I knew it was powerful but I wasn’t expecting how hard I had to grip it to keep it steady.” She was glad to have that knowledge now though. “The other surprising thing was aiming it. This is going to sound really dumb and ignorant but Hollywood makes hitting a target perfectly look really easy.” She admitted, a little embarrassed. “Realistically I knew it wouldn’t be that easy, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping to make at least one bullseye today.” She ran her fingers through her hair, feeling a little self-conscious. It was so easy to talk to Drake and admit even the silliest of her thoughts to him.

“Kind of, I was a little nervous at first and more focused on getting everything right. But towards the end there, once I was more sure of myself, it was.” June had a feeling that once she was more confident with the gun, it could end up being a very stress relieving activity for her.

They pulled into the driveway and headed inside. Despite the rough start in the morning, today had been a pretty good day. “Hello,” she said brightly to Hazel and Kelden in the kitchen. She’d smelled the chili from the front door and immediately went to make herself a bowl. She had been so focused on everything else she didn’t realize just how hungry she was.

@ Stars Eternal
It was over the next few days that Hazel started to really get on edge more. Yes she was helping Kelden with the profile and that disturbed her but there was something more. It was about lunch time and Hazel was taking a break with Kelden cleaned up the office putting things away so June didn't walk in to see it. Also in a way that would make sense to both Hazel and Kelden when they returned to it. Hazel was in the kitchen and thought she might like some music while she made lunch for her and Kel. It had been a while since the girl at the fairgrounds and Hazel was determined not to let it linger any longer. Leaning over from where she was cutting tomatoes she pushed on the power button.

It was like waves of ice water rolling down her back and like her lungs forgot how to breath. Hazel was in the corner her hands over her ears a scream ripping through her body. She was ghost white and her shoes scraped the ground with a squeaking though she couldn't possibly move away from the radio anymore.

It was a long moment before she realized she was holding the knife she was using to cut the tomatoes with in her hand so hard her knuckles where white. As she blinked seeing Kelden in front of her and her senses returned slowly to her that she realized that the music was turned off. Hazel shook her head tears threatening in her eyes. The knife clanged to the floor and she buried her face in her legs. This couldn't be happening again. How was it possible that that music was playing on their stereo. She knew she hadn't left it on a station that would put that on there and neither wold June. She doubted either of the boys would be so careless but how else was she suppose to explain it. Hazel looked up at Kelden clinging to his shirt as she looked into his eyes with panic. She felt paranoid, she felt crazy. "It's not an accident. Kelden tell me you believe me that someone did this, they did it on purpose."

---

Drake pulled the target in watching as it came closer. Every day for the past few days they had come to the shooting range for at least an hour and usually more. "Well you did it." he smirked as the paper swayed in front of them. "You got that first bullseye." He turned to her beaming. "I'm so proud of you. You did it." he grinned and waited until she set the gun down to pull her into his arms. He smiled at her and kissed her swiftly. "So look at it what do you think?" he asked her wondering if she was feeling as accomplished as he felt she was.

Drake had been more and more impressed with her aim the longer the practiced. It didn't take her long. He knew the first was often a lucky shot but that didn't mean it wasn't something to celebrate. "And this is only the beginning, you will keep getting better and better. He knew this was the smaller gun but she had to start somewhere and he was so excited that she was picking this up quickly.

As their little celebration ended he turned to her again and slipped her earmuffs off looking down at her and placed a smoldering kiss to her lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist his hand moving over her hips carefully as he pressed her into him. He kissed her until their hearts hammered against each other's then leaned his head against hers. "June... can I ask you something?" he asked. He wanted just a glimmer of hope that this, between them, was something important, real and lasting. He wanted her to meek his father and visit his mother's grave with him. He wanted this to be serious and even as he went to speak he didn't know what he was going to say to even ask this of her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden was arranging the papers sprawled across the desk back into his usual method of organization. He knew that it wasn't conventionally organized, but it was to him, allowing him to quickly access the papers he needed or wanted based on different connections. He'd shown Hazel a bit how he organized, though a lot was based on his own train of thought, but she had a quick mind and saw the connections as well. Usually he and Drake wouldn't have their charges see any of this, but since Hazel was helping him in the investigation and she was their best insight into how this monster thought and worked, it was necessary. June, on the other hand, had admitted that she didn't feel that she was much use. She hadn't had the same alone time with him that Hazel had and so it became an unspoken agreement that they would try to keep the more gruesome details of the investigation out of her sight.

He finished up in the office, closing the door behind him, and heading towards the kitchen. The sound of music started up in the kitchen and he thought it sounded oddly familiar, he just couldn't place it. But when he stepped through the doorway and saw Hazel, shaking and pale on the ground, he realized exactly where he'd heard the tune before. He'd last heard it at the fair, before Hazel had panicked and taken off. Instantly he shut the music off, yanking the cord of the stereo out of the wall. Hazel had a knife gripped hard in her hands, her eyes had a distant far-off look to them that he'd seen many times in her now. He crouched in front of her, trying to bring her mind back to reality. "Hazel, it's okay, you're safe, I'm here," he murmured to her. He kept talking to her gently until her eyes focused on him and he saw recognition.

He touched her hand then, encouraging her to loosen her grip on the knife and she quickly dropped it. He picked it up off the floor and set it above them on the counter. Kell pulled her to him then, stroking her hair as she shook. Now that he could, he tried to imagine how that music had been played. He knew that none of them would have switched the radio to a station that could play that music. They all knew better. It was too coincidental, just as it had been at the fair. This wasn't an accident. "I believe you, Hazel," he assured her. "I'm going to check the house, I need you to stay right behind me, I'm going to take you to your room, and then I need you to lock it and stay in there while I clear the house." He told her, helping her up.

---

June bit her lip, anticipation making her fidgety. With practice each day, she'd gotten more consistent with her aim. Instead of being all over the target, she drew increasingly closer to the bullseyes that indicated a fatal shot. But today, today she thought she might have hit it squarely in the small black area marking the head of the target. She watched the target pull in and there it was, a hole directly in the center of the head. She quickly flicked the safety on the gun as Drake confirmed what she still couldn't believe. With the gun safely set on the small counter, she let out an excited squeak and jumped up to hug Drake. He caught and held her easily and she returned the excited kiss he pressed to her lips.

She smiled up at him and then turned to examine the target more closely. Her gaze followed the bullet holes dotted the paper, mostly consistent in the second inner ring. Several came close to the small inner circle of the bullseye, and then her eyes drifted back to that little hole in the center of the bullseye. It could have just been luck, but with the distinct improvement in her aim, she was willing to take the win. "Thank you, without your expertise and patience, I don't think I'd be doing as well," she told him, giving him an appreciative smile.

Suddenly, Drake was meeting her eyes and there was an intense look there. She gazed up at him, lashes fluttering as her heart began to race. He kissed her then, a deep and heated kiss that made her melt. She relaxed her body against his, feeling his lips move with hers, so warm and soft. When they broke the kiss off, she remained in his arms, gazing at him with wonder and love at the sudden intensity and intimacy. "Anything," she breathed, deeply curious what he wanted to ask.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel didn't want to leave him but he had a job to do and that wasn't to make her feel better. She nodded as she stood and ground her teeth, strengthening her resolve so that she wouldn't be a worry for him. She whipped at her tears. If he was here he would not get a chance to hurt her again. She followed behind Kelden as they moved through the house. They got up to her room and Kelden checked her room. "Kel." she said before he could leave. She stepped closer to him. "Please be careful." she said wishing she could kiss him once more but she knew that this was his job and he needed to focus.

As he instructed she closed the door locking it. She knew it was the safest room in the house because she had insisted. She very much knew she could not help June if she was dead. June had her option to make her room the same but had not felt the need which was fine of course. Hazel back up and sat on the bed gripping the edge. Her eyes scanned over her room. Everything was in order but she still felt off. It could just be from the music. She sighed and shook her head. She looked at the door wondering how long it would take for Kelden to clear the house and if she should text Drake that he should get here. She wouldn't put June in danger though just to protect Kelden it wasn't fair to ask that of any of them.

Hazel felt like she couldn't take deep breaths without Kelden. She hung her head her hair falling around her like curtains. She looked at the floor counting the passing moments. She gripped the bed harder knowing how much she wanted to pace but afraid any movement could distract Kelden at the wrong moment. She just had to wait.

---

Drake looked down at her and caressed her cheek. He searched her eyes. She was so beautiful and sweet. Everything about her seemed tender but the reserve of her spirit was strong. She was strong willed and her mind was so strong. Yet she was beyond kind even after everything, maybe in spite or because of everything that happened to her. She had beautiful dreams and he was nothing but excited for her to be able to move on from this.

"We rarely speak of after but I really want you to meet my father and visit my mother with me." he looked down rambling on. "I really want to go on a proper date and meet your family." he looked up at her. "I want after to be with you. I know it's entirely inappropriate so if you don't feel the same you don't have to feel bad about telling me no. And either way I wont fail in my job to you." he said and rubbed the back of his neck. "And after it's over if your feelings change I get it. It's called transference or rescue romance..."

He felt himself still rambling because his morals told him this was wrong and could be bad for both of them but his heart was stronger and told him not to let her go. He swallowed hard and wondered if it was even clear he was wanting to be in a serious relationship after all this.

@ Jinx...

Kelden gave her a tight smile, trying to make it reassuring. "I will," he promised her. He pressed a quick kiss her to forehead and then turned to go. "Lock it behind me and don't open it until I come back." He was back in work mode in a moment. He wanted to comfort her, but more than that, he wanted to protect her. And protect her he would. It was more than just a job now, she was his world and he would do everything in his power to make sure she was safe.

He moved through the house on silent feet, listening for the slightest sound that would give away an intruder. With each room cleared, he grew more frustrated, more anxious. He knew that it wasn't just an accident that that music had played for Hazel. Someone had done that purposely, and somehow they had made it past him and Drake to do so. When he'd checked every inch of the house, he returned to Hazel's room and knocked on the door. "It's me," he said. "The house is clear."

He heard soft footsteps from inside the room and a moment later, the door was opened. He took in Hazel's tense form, poised to run at the hint of anything amiss. He held his arms open to her. "I'm sorry I had to leave you. There's no one here but us. I'm going to call Drake, get him and June home, and then we'll figure out how this happened." He kissed the top of her head again, holding her close to him.

---

June's lips formed a small 'o' as she watched Drake ramble. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. Her heart swelled to know that he felt the same, that he wanted her in his life after just as she wanted him in hers. And the thought of meeting his father, visiting his mother's grave... She felt honored that he trusted her with that, even if it couldn't happen for a while. Before she could answer, he continued though.

She was shaking her head as he spiraled anxiously. She pressed a finger to his lips, soft but assertive. "What I feel... I don't think it could be called transference. I do feel safe with you, but this is so much more than me wanting some sort of protector." She stared into his eyes, her gaze unwavering. She wanted him to have no doubts, to know that her feelings weren't just because he was her guardian.

"I want to experience the world with you. I want to go on some real, normal dates, to meet your family and for you to meet mine, to be able to sleep in a bed together for a full night. I want whatever comes after to be with you too. Not because you kept me safe, but because I think we're incredible together." She smiled, her cheeks tinged pink to admit all these feelings out loud.

@ Stars Eternal
Hazel heard the knock and looked up at the door praying it was Kelden and she let out a breath as he spoke. She stood and moved to the door opening it as he gave the all clear. She looked up at Kelden panicked still. She slipped into his arms at his invitation. Hazel buried her face in his chest feeling the rumble as he talked. She nodded holding him tighter her fingers wrapped in the back of his shirt. "Okay but in a moment." she said softly. "Just hold me for awhile please." she spoke quietly shaking a little in his arms.

Hazel didn't know how much it worried her that he would get hurt in all of this. She knew it was his job to protect but she didn't know what she would do without him anymore. She had never been more afraid of loosing someone. She had never had someone she had felt this strongly for before. Hazel looked up at him. "I know it's your job and I will never stop you from doing it but I was scared... I was scared of loosing you." she admitted. She knew that if that psycho got his hands on Kelden that she would do anything he asked just to keep Kelden safe and that scared her.

Hazel pulled back and took his hands pulling her into the bedroom and closed the door. She looked up at him and pressed him back into the door her hands moving up his chest and then caressed his cheek pulling him down into a kiss. Her lips where soft and sweet but urgent. She pressed her body into his and after a moment she broke the kiss to drop her head on his shoulder. "Okay call Drake then come lay down with me." she said wanting to just lay in his arms for a while.

---

Drake blushed as she stopped his rambling with her finger on his lips. He smiled softly against her finger. He listened to her speak and slowly the anxiety about it started to drain away. He still wasn't a hundred percent sure this wasn't transference but he had to let that worry go and trust what she said. He looked down at her beautiful face and listened as she continued.

He smiled as she told him what she wanted. He wanted all of those things with her too. He beamed, they where pretty incredible together. Drake looked at her pink cheeks and amazing smile and gently grasped her wrist pulling her finger away from his mouth so he could use that for something better. Drake stepped forward his hand moving around her hip to her lower back.

"We will have it all." he swore to her and leaned in slowly pressing a tender kiss to her lips. He wrapped her in his arms as he kissed her. He felt this moment was just what they needed. He stepped back after a moment feeling his phone going off. He smiled at June then reached into his back pocket to pull out his phone frowning seeing Kelden was calling. He was wondering if he was needing something from the store but another part always worried something happened. "Drake." he answered his phone like he usually did on instinct and his face changed as he listened to his partner speak.