My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

Kelden put his arm around Hazel as she fell asleep. He adjusted so that she could lie against him more comfortably. He smiled as she snuggled into him in her sleep and he kissed the top of her head gently. "Sleep well," he whispered quietly. He focused back onto the movie. He kept himself awake and alert, though if he didn't need to be on duty he could have easily found himself napping alongside Hazel. She was so warm and he was so comfy with her beside him like this, it wouldn't have taken much for him to get to sleep himself. But he kept watch, keeping his senses alert while he watched the movie.

After a while, Hazel started to fidget in her sleep. It was nothing more than the occasional twitch or grunt, and she squeezed his hand a few times, but he figured it was just normal dreaming movements. He also knew after the emotionally charged day she'd had, she deserved some rest so he didn't want to wake her. But suddenly she was screaming and Kell jumped at the sound. He immediately tried to wake her up, but she began kicking and flailing, trying to fend off an attacker so he let go of her instead, blocking her blows. "Hazel, Hazel, it's ok, it's ok! It's me! It's Kelden!" He told her, trying to help her realize that she was safe. "It's okay, you're safe now. I'm here Hazel," he told her. Her screaming died down and she looked at him from across the couch, realization setting in. When she apologized, Kell shook his head.

"You don't have to apologize to me," he told her. He took her hand, gently so that if she wanted to pull away, she could. "Let me get you some water," he said, standing up and heading towards the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with a glass and handed it to her. He sat back down on the couch, giving her some time and space to fully reach reality again. He knew waking up suddenly from a nightmare could be disorienting. "Do you want to talk about it?" He offered.

---

June smiled up at Drake. "It was a good day," she agreed. "I always enjoy spending time with you." She squeezed his hand back and felt happy to be here with him. As he moved to read the menu, she picked up her own and began to browse the options. Suddenly she realized that this would be her first time eating something that hadn't been prepared at home since the drugged food. Instantly she felt a spike of panic. June had made great improvements in being able to eat more comfortably but this would still be a big, new step for her. She bit her lip as Drake asked what she was looking at getting. "I'm not sure," she said honestly, trying to decide if one thing could be less easily drugged than another. She tried to remind herself that this was a restaurant and that there wouldn't be drugged food and that Drake was there for her in case anything did happen.

She knew she couldn't spend all day on deciding though so she finally picked something. "I think I'll get the grilled chicken," she said. The waitress arrived shortly after and took their orders. June focused on Drake, feeling a little more at ease to see the loving look in his eyes as he told her that he was happy they'd been able to get out. "Me too. I hope we can go out together more often," she said. They made small talk while they waited for their food to arrive, and when it did, June took a small test bite of the chicken. The drug's that psycho had used had always kicked in fairly quickly so she wanted to see if she could feel the effects of the drugs before she ate any more. She fidgeted with things around her, drinking water and making sure her napkin was folded in her lap, waiting to feel something.

When she felt nothing, she took a few more bites. She was fairly certain that she would be able to recognize the effects of a drug if there were any. She began to eat more normally now, hoping Drake hadn't noticed her paranoia. Now that she was sure it was safe, the food was actually very good. Between bites, she looked up at Drake and smiled softly. "So," she began. "Did you play any sports growing up?" She asked. She wanted to know more about him and it was the first question that came to mind.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel sighed as Kelden walked out of the room. He came back a moment later and she took the water from him cupping it in her hands and looking into it. she frowned and bit her lip as he asked if she wanted to talk about it. She drank her water and set the glass down. Hazel turned to him and sighed. "Honestly I don't know what to say. I don't even remember the dream. I'm not sure there is anything worse than having no explanation for all your panic." she said and rubbed her face.

Hazel reached out taking his hand and pulling him back into the couch next to her. She curled up into his side. laying her head on his shoulder. She didn't know if anyone had told Kelden but he had such a calming presence. She was so grateful that she had met him. "It will pass eventually." she said and sighed. "I know in time I will be okay but it's all still really fresh and talking about it all was taxing... to say the least." she looked up at him and knew he understood that. Hazel bit her lip. "Maybe I just need a distraction. Why don't you tell me more about you Kell?" she supposed softly. "You have seemed to be the best distraction as of yet." she smirked winking at him.

Hazel loved that they had this playful relationship and yet when it needed to be it was all very serious and Kelden was her rock. Hazel didn't know how that happened but she was glad that it did. Hazel was still skeptical at times but she also was coming to believe her feelings were returned from Kelden and it all was as important to him as it was to her. She had no idea how that happened because she was a broken girl with nothing but issues and he was a hot FBI agent. Maybe she didn't have to understand it but just come to believe in it.

---

Drake noticed as she said she wasn't sure what she was going to eat. He was suddenly reminded how far she had come in so short a time and though he wanted to support her he also knew she was often embarrassed by her fears. So instead of encouraging her he distracted her talking about whatever. They ordered and he could see the calculating eyes she had looking around wondering if they were out to get her. He held her hand and just relaxed looking at her sweetly.

When their food arrived he dug in feeling the food giving him the energy he needed. He really tried not to notice to much what June was doing. He was proud of her when she ate more and he smiled knowing it was a huge step for her. Someday he hoped she would never have to worry about it, that it wouldn't be a thought in her mind but for know her just eating at a restaurant at all were she had no control over the food was amazing.

Drake smiled as she asked him about his youth again. Here soon he was going to run out of interesting stories and would have to call his sister so she could tell her all the embarrassing stories he forgot about or buried deep inside. "Yeah I started with the normal sports, soccer and baseball but then in high school I was all about lacrosse." he said and chuckled. "My dad pushed me to do sports. He said I was more stable when I was doing sports but I was never really into them like most jocks. The girls though I was all about the girls." he winked at her. "I was the typical ladies man, well other I was respectful. My mother had taught me to well." he chuckled. "But I did love their company and the adoration." Drake smiled and took another bite. "What were you into as a kid?" he asked curiously. "Sports, art, music?"

@ Jinx...

Kelden nodded understandingly. He let Hazel pull him onto the couch and she curled into him. He put a comforting arm around her and hugged her. She was continually surprising him with her strength. She was right, someday it would be okay. Reaching that point wouldn't be easy and it wouldn't be quick, but he had no doubts that she would get there. He wanted to be there for her til she reached that point and then after. He smirked down at her as she suggested he was a good distraction. She had yet to see the kind of distraction he could be, but right now was probably not the time to show her that.

He tried to think of anything to entertain and distract her. He didn't really think himself that interesting. "Well, let's see. I was in a band in college," he said, shaking his head at that brief period of his life. "It was like one semester, freshman year. Some buddies saw that I knew how to play guitar and they convinced me to join. The name was, I kid you not, Negative Time. I swear to you that I had no part in the naming process," he laughed. "I think we played one actual gig. It was about as good as you'd expect from a band called Negative Time." He hadn't been in the band much longer after that. Which was all well and good because he'd gotten busy with classes very quickly. "My sisters never let me forget it," he said, rolling his eyes. "I still play guitar though, I have one back at my apartment. I'll have to play for you someday."

He smiled down at her. "Okay, what else would you like to know? I'm an open book," he said. He had a feeling that she would get along well with his sisters. They'd probably all enjoy sharing embarrassing stories about him together and honestly, he wouldn't even mind. He kissed the top of her head, then rested his cheek against her head.

---

June smiled, listening to him talk about sports. He was definitely built for lacrosse. She laughed as he called himself a ladies man. "Oh really now?" She teased. "Should I be worried about competition, Mister Ladies Man?" She joked, winking at him. Honestly she wasn't the least bit surprised, he was super attractive and a gentleman, how could she blame a girl for falling for him when she had too? She smiled at him and took a bite of food. "Softball was my game, I played through middle school and high school. It was great," she said. "As for art, you'd think as someone who specializes in pastry decoration that I'd be better at drawing but really I'm not that great with a pen or paintbrush. I'm a force to be reckoned with if you give me a piping bag though," she laughed. She actually really missed decorating. All her equipment was back at her apartment, but she could probably buy some icing tips and piping bags while she was out and maybe she'd make a cake in the next day or so to decorate. Maybe two, so she could take one to Betty.

June was able to finish her food despite her hesitation at the beginning of the meal. She was surprised, but proud of herself for taking this step. She didn't think she'd make a habit of eating out, but it was nice to know that she could handle it if she wanted to. "What is something that you've never done before but that you'd really like to?" She asked, sipping at her drink. They talked a bit more before the waitress came by, dropping off the check. They paid and left, thanking the waitress, and June held Drake's arm as they walked down the sidewalk. It was a beautiful little town and she dragged Drake into a few shops that they passed, wanting to see what was inside. She didn't buy anything, but she was having fun just spending time with him like this.

After a while, she could hear faint music coming from inside one of the places they passed and she looked in the window to see a band playing on a small stage inside. "Hey, want to check that out?" She asked, smiling up at him excitedly. They went inside and a woman smiled at them. "Hey guys! Here to see the band playing?" She asked. June nodded and the woman took them to some seats. "Can I get either of you a drink? Some food?" June shook her head, since they'd already eaten. She noticed that there was a bar and June realized she was asking them about alcohol. "No, thanks, just a water please." June said.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel listened as he told her a story of his time in college. She laughed and looked up at him. Him in a band? Yes she could see it and see how terrible it could have been but how much fun too. "You will have to play for me." she said grinning. "What did you study in college? Is that what motivated you to join the FBI?" she asked and smiled suddenly curious how he became an agent and what made him want to be an agent.

Hazel smiled as he placed the kiss to her head. She leaned her head into his chest as she snuggled into him listening to him talk. His voice was soothing and the rumble in his chest as he spoke was comforting. Hazel bit her lip knowing she shouldn't feel this strongly about Kelden. It had been a little over a month after they met after all but who could blame her? This man was kind, sensitive, interesting, fun, funny and strong but above it all he didn't judge her. She knew so many people that would see her and think nothing but baggage but he looked at her and saw strength, that simply blew her away.

As they talked Hazel realized that they didn't really know very much about each other in the big picture but they knew so much of their important qualities. Hazel knew Kelden's character and he knew hers. She didn't know his past and he knew so much about hers in detail though she had't shared anything really before she had been taken. Hazel looked up at Kelden and knew she would never be able to tell people how they met without a big production but it didn't matter to her. "Did you ever want to be something else?" she asked after he answered her questions.

---

Drake chuckled and blushed his neck tinting a little. "No June I think anyone would be blown out of the water next to you." he said and kissed her hand sweetly. Drake smiled as she said softball. He could see her playing with her hair tied back in a sexy ponytail. "Oh yes that would be a good sport for you." he smiled. "Weren't there any boys that were super into you?" he asked smiling foolishly. "Honestly I think creating art with frosting must be so much harder than doing so with pencil." he said chuckling. "Not that I really know anything about art." he smirked. He loved to see how passionate she was about her baking and decorating.

June asked him something he would like to do but never had and he chuckled thinking about it. He really never had before. "Well I have been planning to learn to ride a motorcycle but I haven't gotten around to it yet." he said and grinned. "Really I don't have much time to do things but when I am not on a case I often spend my spare time just doing things that call to me cause life is precious, and short." he said and smiled softly. He had seen a lot in his short time at the bureau. Once they headed out of the restaurant he walked with June grinning as they window shopped. He enjoyed spending his time with her as she walked around observing the world.

Drake smiled as she suggested a little place where they were having music and he nodded. "Yeah sure." he said and walked in with her smiling. They were seated and offered food or drinks and he shook his head. "A water." he said. Normally he might go for a glass of wine or something but he was carrying and on duty with would not mesh well with anything to drink. He would make sure to tip the nice lady though he knew having a none paying seat was not ideal. their drinks came and drake put his arm over the back of the seat leaning into June to talk with her over the music. "What do you think? You like the band?" he asked smiling at her.

@ Jinx...

“I studied engineering. You’d think I would have a degree in law or criminal justice, but nope. My high school career fair is the reason I’m where I am today. One of my teachers was married to an agent and he came to talk about it as a career. It just kind of clicked with me. I talked to him after the presentation, he gave me some advice. There’s several degrees that people tend to overlook when trying to become an agent but are actually really sought after by the FBI. Engineering is one of them,” Kell explained. “So in a way, yeah, it was my motivation for becoming an agent,” he said smiling.

He relaxed against her, reminiscing of his college days and joining the academy. It had definitely been a busy time in his life, but a good one nonetheless. And it had all led up to here and now, which was more than he could have ever imagined. He had Drake, who was the best friend and partner a man could ask for and he’d gotten to meet and fall in love with Hazel, who was the most amazing woman he’d ever met. With all these questions coming up, it reminded him that they really knew little about each other in terms of their pasts but he felt like they knew each other’s characters so well. Their personalities really just clicked together so well. He really liked her as she was and he looked forward to getting to know the things that made up that person.

“Not really. Before that career fair, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted. I was trying to figure it out but nothing really stood out to me. I had actually planned on taking some time off before going to college, to take a road trip and travel,” he told her. He hadn’t done that when he’d realized that he wanted to become an agent of course, but the thought had been nice before that. Now he traveled frequently for his job, so it all evened out in the end. “I’m not really sure what I would have done if I hadn’t met that agent. I don’t think anything else would have felt so... right. Even though it can be difficult, I don’t regret joining the FBI. I feel like it’s what I’m meant to do.”

---

June smiled, leaning into him. “Yeah, this is nice. It sounds like they mostly do covers but I don’t mind, they’re good,” she said. She noticed that it was starting to grow busier and that some people were getting brave enough to get up and dance. She sipped at her water, watching the people and enjoying the music for a bit before she finally couldn’t stand it any longer. She wanted to dance too. She got up and held a hand out to Drake, offering him to dance with her.

She pulled him to where a few other people were dancing and though she was slightly embarrassed, she soon found herself having a lot of fun. She wasn’t a good dancer by far but neither were some of the people around her and it was still fun spinning and jumping around, moving to the music with Drake. The dance floor grew a little busier as more and more people arrived for the band. Eventually she needed a break and she held Drake’s hand as they returned to their seats. “That was amazing,” she laughed. “I can’t remember the last time I danced like that, maybe high school prom?” She drank some of her water and leaned in so Drake could hear her over the music. “I’m going to run to the restroom, I’ll be right back,” she said. The restrooms were down on the other side of the bar but just in view of their table thankfully so he wouldn’t have to follow her.

She hadn’t taken two steps out the bathroom door when suddenly she found herself blocked by an unfamiliar man. She assumed, at first, that it was crowded and he was trying to get past her to the men’s room, but when she stepped aside, he did too and quickly he was forcing her to walk backwards until her back hit the wall and he put a hand up against the wall beside her, blocking her from getting away. To most people, it probably looked fairly normal but June felt like a cornered animal, especially with the predatory gaze he was giving her. “Hey baby, want to get out of here with me?” He asked. His words were slurred and June could smell an overwhelming amount of alcohol on his breath. “No,” she said, ducking under his arm and pushing past him. Suddenly, he was gripping her wrist tight enough to hurt and she gasped in shock as he pulled her back to face him. She felt a spike of fear that quickly turned to boiling anger. He was saying something about her being a stupid bitch but between the music and the own pounding in her ears, she didn’t catch everything. Instinct kicked in, everything Drake had taught her guided her movements without a second thought and she drove a knee to his groin and used his own grip on her arm against him, twisting so that it his own arm was bending painfully until he was forced to let her go.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel smiled as she listened to his teenage struggle of what to be when he grew up. She grinned thinking back to her own struggle. she had never really found that one thing and believed in it. She had decided on something practical, something she could achieve and show off. She bit her lip. Hazel had not really known herself. All the yoga in the world couldn't help you discover what you didn't want to know. She bit her lip. "You really have a nice story there." she said and smiled up at him. She would never want to take him away from something that made him feel so complete. She looked down thinking. "I really admire how decisive you were. I really never felt that click... I think thinking of opening my own yoga studio is the closest I have ever come to feeling sure of something." she frowned and shook her head. "I have all the drive and never a place to put it." she chuckled and sighed leaning her head back. "I still don't have everything figured out but I think at some point before all this I thought I did. I was going to be a CEO, I was determined to make it big in the business industry but I really don't care anymore, in fact I would be happier with the fewer people that know me but that's really not going to happen." she shrugged.

"So were are you from exactly?" Hazel asked. He knew where she was from. He knew so much about her, when she remembered how much of her personal information was out there for the FBI to comb through it was startling to her. Hazel didn't have a lot of big happy stories to share. Her life hadn't been terrible but it wasn't the happy story of a regular family and a normal childhood. Perhaps that was why she had the skills to live through what she did. Hazel didn't know what their relationship was or what it would be when this was over. She really hoped thought that this would work out in one way or another.

"What really influenced you as a kid? Was it something you and your family use to do or did you have mentors you really looked up to? What kind of a kid were you?" she asked him and looked up at him. "You seem like you would have been a trouble maker until someone focused you in on something." she said grinning. Hazel really liked his distractions. He was interesting and she liked getting to know his mysterious background.

---

Drake was tapping his foot when June stood and looked at him holding out her hand and he grinned. She wanted to dance. He wasn't the best but he couldn't deny her. He chuckled and stood taking her hand and walking with her out to the others. He spun her and pulled her into him. They danced tot he rhythm his hand gentle on her as they moved. He was careful of the people around them as they danced helping to keep June from being squished. He would place a hand on her hip occasionally and smile down at her as their eyes met. They were having a great time.

June lead them back to their seat and he plopped down taking up the water and smiling up at her. She had to use the restroom and he stood but she looked at him then the bathroom and back again and was leaving before he could say much. He bit his lip debating and sat back down sipping his water before setting it down his eyes not leaving June but a moment to look around for the face he had studied for hours.

Drake saw the man as soon as he stepped in June's path and he stood but it was crowded and he wasn't able to get to her fast enough. He knew he should have gone with her but the look she had given him had stopped him from going. He had thought it was close enough it would be fine but this man was proving what his instincts had told him. Drake stood and started to shove at people in his way as he watched helplessly as the man grabbed her. He was nearing them as June used her self defense on him and had him bending over in pain. As Drake neared them he watched the man coming up with rage turning to look for June and Drake dropped him with one punch to the ground and stood over him. "Leave my girl alone!" he yelled angrily and turned to June. "Let's get you to the bathroom then we're leaving." he said the panic in his gut and he didn't like it. He didn't like how out of control he felt just with a stupid big drunk man touching June and causing her panic at all. On the other hand he was so proud of June. She had brought him to his knees with would have given her the time she needed to run. She had used her skills perfectly and he was glad she had gone for the grin first shot, she didn't need to waste time on the others when the obvious was the best shot. He helped her to the bathrooms and stood outside the door looking angry and daunting. No one would mess with him. Once she came out he left a tip at the bar and took her outside.

The cold air hit him like a wave and helped to clear his head. He shouldn't have hit that man, he hadn't needed to in order to intimidate him but the way he had been feeling had clouded his judgment. Drake looked down at June and shrugged out of his blazer putting it around her shoulders. "You were amazing in there... are you alright?" he asked as they slowly walked towards the suv.

@ Jinx...

Kelden nodded. "I was lucky, for sure." He knew that not everyone was able to find something that fit them so easily. He listened to her tell him about her own struggles with finding what she wanted to do. He played with the ends of her hair as she talked about deciding on business and being a CEO and he chuckled softly at the thought of that. "You would have been such a badass in a big business company. No doubt about it," he said, imagining her tearing into some dimwit that thought he could undercut her in a deal. She was a force to be reckoned with, that was for sure. "It's okay that you don't have it quite figured out yet. Opening your own business is a great place to start. You've got the background to run the business side of things and your knowledge and ability to teach in yoga to maintain it.

"Washington, the state not D.C. I lived near Seattle most of my life. I had to go out to Virginia for the academy when I joined the FBI and now I have a mostly unused apartment in New York." He told her. "I guess my parents were my biggest influence growing up. They were loving and supportive, they encouraged us to be good people in a world that wasn't always as nice back. I guess maybe that's why part of me felt so strongly about becoming an agent, because I wanted to do good for people who had seen the worst." He hadn't really thought that deeply about it before, but it made sense. He pulled Hazel closer. "And, believe it or not, I was actually a pretty mild mannered kid. Besides getting back at my sisters for their pranks, I like to think I was well behaved," he laughed. "I mean there were a few times that I got into some trouble but, you know, what young boy doesn't? Really I just wanted to make my parents proud, so I did the best I could."

He rested his head back, thinking about them. "They passed away when I was in high school. I was 17 so my eldest sister became my legal guardian just until I turned 18." He told her. It wasn't often that he spoke of his parents' death. He didn't really like talking about it, he'd done his grieving and though he missed them and loved them, he didn't talk about it much outside of when he was with his sisters. "They would have loved you," he laughed. "I think you would have liked them too." He said smiling down at her. He knew that if they could see him now, they would have been so happy for him to have found someone like Hazel. Someone he loved so thoroughly.

---

June turned and looked at the drunk man doubled over, and she felt triumphant and proud of herself. The anger she'd felt moments before melted away to fear, however, when he looked up at her suddenly, enraged. She made to run and suddenly Drake was there, knocking the guy to the ground and shouting. He turned to her, ushering her towards the bathroom and she went inside quickly, hurrying to finish so they could leave. She finished in the bathroom in record time and stuck close to Drake as they left, him leaving some money at the bar as a tip for the waitress. She almost laughed, of course Drake would be sweet enough to remember to tip the waitress after that.

She clung to Drake's arm outside, not sure if she really trusted her legs to not give out beneath her. She was shaking now, more from the adrenaline than from the cold. "I... he, he let go. I made him let go," she stammered, still a little shocked. She looked at him as he put his jacket over her shoulders and she pulled it tight around her, letting it's warmth seep into her. "I'm okay," she said, though she now looked down at herself to check that she wasn't hurt. Her wrist was red and a little tender from where she'd been grabbed but otherwise she was fine. "Yeah, I'm okay," she confirmed, rubbing at her wrist as the pain was starting to come back to her. She felt a little dazed, everything had happened so fast. She stopped walking and looked at Drake suddenly, then wrapped her arms around him tightly and buried her face in his chest. "Thank you," she breathed. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." She couldn't even begin to express how grateful she was, first that he'd given her those tools to protect herself and second that he'd come to her rescue regardless. She took in a shaky breath, holding onto him for a bit longer as she needed a moment.

When she finally let go, she still held on to his arm as they walked back to the car. Inside the suv, she was feeling a lot more calm and she was able to find the words she wanted to say. "I'm sorry we had to cut our time out short," she said, wondering if she could have handled things differently so that they could have stayed. She didn't think so. Something told her that that guy wouldn't have taken no for an answer, no matter how she'd worded it. "Even with that wild end, I had a lot of fun with you today. Thanks for taking me out and putting up with my shenanigans." She leaned over and kissed him, pulling away a few moments later to settle back in her seat and put her seat belt on so they could go.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel smiled as Kelden tried to cheer her up about her decisions in life and damn to her it worked. She didn't know how he could make her feel good about the past and hopeful about the future, no matter what she threw at him he just had the contagious optimism. She bit her bottom lip and tried to resist the urge to kiss him again.

Hazel listened as he talked about where he lived and grew up. She had loved Seattle. Hazel had visited during a conference and thought it would make a great place to call home. He talked about his childhood and she smiled. How was he so amazing? When he told her his parents died she frowned and slipped her hand into his. She didn't know that kind of grief. She hadn't been close to her parents like that. Hazel looked up at him and nodded softly. "I'm sorry Kell. You must miss them terribly at times." she said knowing anyone like him would. He said they would have loved her and she blushed instantly squeezing his hand gently. "I am sure I would have loved them too." she said gently and pressed her head gently against his. "I am glad you told me Kell." she said. She could feel how it was something sensitive to him and she realized he was letting her in. She looked up at him and cupped his cheek with her spare hand her thumb rubbing his cheek. She was seeing an entirely new complex side to Kelden and she loved him the more for it. It made her heart ache for caring so much about him and her fears that despite constant reassurance she was sure would be there for a while yet. Hazel didn't know if she had it in her not to be skeptical of anything that could make her happy.

Hazel gently leaned in and pecked his lips. "And you? Do you have any burning curiosities to know about my childhood and the trouble I was?" she teased and kissed his lips again. Hazel was tender and spicy all at once. She couldn't help it. She was a sweet prickly pear fresh off the cactus with it's prickles still on. Hazel wanted to care for Kelden but she also wanted to bring him out of that sensitive spot to protect him and in a way to protect herself.

---

Drake walked with her smiling as she realized she was strong enough to make him let go. That she was completely capable of defending herself. He frowned as she looked at her wrist and he was able to see it too. It was red and he became so angry again he was very tempted to go back to that bar and finish that drunk bastard and teach him a lesson in chivalry. He was just about to find a good place to stash June when she stopped them and wrapped her arms around him. She buried her face in his chest and he deflated instantly. He wrapped her up in his arms and breathed her in. He kissed her head and let his fear give way to relief. She was alright and he had learned his lesson. He needed to listen to his instincts with her safety. He was perfectly content just to hold June and honestly when she pulled back he felt it was too short. He smiled at her and let her take his arm grateful she didn't break contact completely. "It was all your hard work June and I will always be there for you any way I can. Maybe not always on time but there regardless." he said and kissed her head.

They arrived back at the car and he opened her door helping her in. He got in and smiled as she spoke again. "No please I had a good time too, no matter how long. It is time to head back anyways. Any longer and Kelden will start calling." he smirked. "I had a on of fun to and I love your shenanigans, I will put up with them anytime." he said and then stopped talking as her lips met his. He froze then melted into her kiss his hand cupping her cheek gently. He grinned like a goof as she sate back. She buckled up and he watched her a moment and decided, yep he was pretty damn luck to have June in his life and as long as she wanted him there he would be. He buckled up as she looked at him and he smiled starting he car and driving them back to the cabin. He did very much enjoy tonight and he hoped that they could have more fun out together.

"Want to play twenty questions?" Drake looked over at her smiling. He wanted to know the little things about her and he thought it would be playful and fun to play twenty questions to get to know her. "I'll start. Favorite food?" he smiled over at her as they headed down the road. Drake was thinking of any way he could drag this night out and was half tempted to find a look out to stop at and sneak a couple more kisses.

@ Jinx...

Kelden sighed. "I do miss them. Usually during the big moments, things I wish they could be there for. I don't dwell on it most days, it's been a long time, but every now and then I'm reminded of them," he told her. He held her hand tight, kissing the back of it as she turned to face him. He melted into her touch, loving the warm feeling of her hand on his cheek. He leaned into it, closing his eyes. It was strangely nice to be vulnerable with her, to allow her to see a side he didn't show many. He smiled softly as she leaned in, giving him a quick peck.

He wrapped his arms around her waist gently and pulled her closer to him. "I want to learn all about you," he murmured to her. "And I have no doubts that you were a troublemaker growing up. But I would love to hear the stories. Something tells me that you have a lot of them," he winked, teasing her. He smiled as she began to tell him about her childhood and the trouble she'd gotten into with her brother. He held her as she talked, listening to the sound of her voice and letting her soothe away some of the sadness from the memory of his parents. He played with her hair as she spoke, loving how soft and beautiful it was. He loved to twirl it in his fingers.

"Did you go to your senior prom?" He asked her, trying to picture the gorgeous woman in front of him in a ballgown. He couldn't really see that being her style, remembering the sexy dress she'd worn the other night on their ice cream run. That seemed more her style, and he wasn't complaining in the slightest. It had only added to her already stunning beauty. "I went to mine. I think the theme was "Under the Sea"? I mostly remember a lot of hanging paper fish and blue lights," he chuckled. "I bet at least one of my sisters has pictures still. It's like they've tried to save anything even remotely embarrassing in case I ever brought a girl to meet them," he rolled his eyes but smiled still. He knew his sisters loved him, he loved them back and he really didn't mind being the butt of the joke most of the time. It was tradition at this point that he got picked on the most. Joke was on them, he liked to give their kids sugar when he visited, making sure to do it just before he left so that they had to deal with a sugar rush after he'd gone.

---

June smiled at Drake, enjoying the goofy grin on face after she'd kissed him. She giggled quietly to herself at how cute he was. As he started to drive, he asked if she wanted to play twenty questions and she laughed out loud a little. "I haven't played that since I was a kid!" She said. It was perfect to get to know each other better and so she was eager to play. "Alright, let's play," she agreed, biting back the smile. June thought for a minute, trying to decide what her absolute favorite food was. "I'd have to say... chicken dumpling soup. My number one comfort food. Now I want some," she laughed. She turned to him and smiled. "Favorite color?" She asked.

As they drove, June realized she wasn't ready for the night to end. "This doesn't count towards one of my questions but can we drive around for a bit? I'm really enjoying this time with you and I don't think I'm ready to head back yet," she said nervously. She smiled in relief when he agreed, seeming like he had been having the same thoughts. They drove for a while, continuing to ask questions. "Hmmm.. when did you have your first kiss?" She asked teasingly, grinning at him. Eventually they found a spot to pull off the road that wasn't someone's property and were able to sit and talk for a bit. She unbuckled and turned in her seat to face him, tucking her knees up to her chest. She was having so much fun with Drake, the incident earlier a small blip in an otherwise wonderful day. "Okay your turn," she said after he'd answered her last question.

They took turns with more questions and spent a good while laughing at the stories the questions brought up. She sat across from him, listening to him tell a story now, and she smiled. She felt pure happiness right now and she couldn't believe she'd been lucky enough to meet Drake. Things were so different from a month ago, and she had to admit that Drake was a huge part of that. A month ago she couldn't have imagined a future where she ever experienced pure joy like this. She waited until he finished his story and then she sat up and leaned over, kissing him gently. "You're a wonderful person, you know that?" She asked him quietly. Then she kissed him again, deeper this time.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel grinned as he said he wanted to learn all about her. Of course he could think about that as she was kissing him. He wouldn't be the super hot focused FBI agent she knew otherwise. "Yeah I wasn't really the behaving type. I was the troublemaker until my mentor got a hold of me and he helped me figure out how to focus everything on one thing. " She shrugged. She was not really into talking about her past but she would for Kelden. She grinned as he played with her hair. "I was in high school and totally boy crazy. I would skip school for boys and just to get out of the boring constrictive school environment." she shrugged. "Mr. Lamen was my guidance counselor and he pulled me aside and talked with me. He then spoke with my parents and even started to take me out on weekends. He taught me how to use my drive to focus. He really got me to shape up so by senior year I was applying to colleges and had gotten in shape." she knew it was a boring story but it was a really important turning point in her life.

Hazel laughed as he asked about prom. "Yeah and junior prom and sophomore, and freshman. I was a cute girl." she said and laughed. "But senior prom that one was a pretty good. I wore this sexy little red dress that defiantly broke several dress codes with the slit that went up to..." she walked her fingers up his thigh and stopped probably a couple inches past his boxers sat on his legs. "Here." she said and sat back. "Anyways, went with friends this time around and was asked to dance by every boy that had a little whisky bottle in his tux jacket. Hazel chuckled and grinned. "We had a blast and went out for pancakes afterwards until it was so late my parents called to be sure I wasn't at some party." She laughed and and then smiled as he told her about his prom. "I think mine was Arabian knights." She snickered. "And I would love to see that picture of little you in a tux." she smiled and took his hand playing with his fingers. "I would love to meet your sisters too." she said relaxing.

"What is your favorite song?" she asked him. Hazel bit her lip and laced her fingers with his. She looked up at him. She loved to listen to music still, the way it soothed and enlightened her. Hazel ran a her hand through her hair and pulled it to the side. "I really have been in love with Nail Horan's songs recently. I think I have anew favorite but for the life of me I can't remember what it is called." She chuckled and grinned at him. "I could listen to his sexy voice all day." she said teasing him but also kind of serious because his music was so great.

---

Drake grinned and listened to her listen. "Mmm that is delicious. But I will have to say I am more of a classic burger and fries guy always puts me at ease." he grinned at her. He chuckled as she asked his favorite color. "Green... easy." he said and smiled at her. She asked about driving around and he nodded. "Yes I think that would be fun." He said and kept driving randomly keeping a mental list in his mind. She asked about his first kiss just and he found a scenic pull off and he grinned. He turned off the engine unbuckling turning to her. "Oh okay so I was 14 so don't judge me. I wasn't the one to think of big romantic gestures back then like first kisses. So honestly it was terrible, or rather I was terrible." he smiled. "I learned a lot since then. So it was after we went to the movies on our third date. She was like my second girlfriend and I was walking her back to her door. I stopped at the door and I kissed her. A little peck on the lips. that was it but a lot of head bumping and I stepped on her toes." he laughed. "Now if you are talking like deep kiss, that is completely different." He teased.

"Let's see, favorite flowers?" he grinned. They keep talking and he enjoyed listening to er stories getting to know her favorite things. "Me? Wonderful?" he grinned and then kissed her back. He cupped her cheek and pulled her gently closer, slowly. He ran his hand to the back of her neck and let his kiss go deeper. He didn't want to stop. He could get use to this. The way his blood boiled with his desire for her that grew. He gently pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers. "I was so worried about you tonight. I lost my cool. I have never had someone get so under my skin like you." he said and kissed her lips gently again.

Drake only wanted her with a deep desire inside of her. He ran his hand into her hair and closed his eyes as he breathed her in. "June I don't know how I am going to get through this detail all I want is to spend time with you and to be completely unprofessional." he chuckled. "I honestly want to act like a crazy teen and just make out with you here up on this scenic stop until the sun comes up then take you home. I would be happy to have you in my arms and holding onto you as you dozed off in the early morning hours." he smiled. "With everything I learn about you and all the more time I get to have with you these feelings just get stronger and stranger." he admitted to her then suddenly realized what he had just said a loud.

@ Jinx...

Kelden smiled hearing her talk about her high school experience and getting onto the right track with the help of her mentor. It sounded like it hadn't been easy but he was happy for her that she'd worked to get on a good path for herself, even if now she realized it wasn't quite something she wanted to do anymore. Life was funny that way. "I'm glad you had someone like that in your life. Everyone needs some nudges to get them on track every now and again," he said.

He grinned at her as she admitted that she'd gone to prom all four years of high school. He could absolutely see that. He tensed slightly as she ran her fingers up his thigh slowly. He shifted slightly, trying to adjust himself so that she couldn't tell that her touch had affected him so much. Especially matched with the picture he was imagining of her in that dress. "Now that is a picture I'd like to see," he teased, his voice husky. He tried to focus on the other details she shared. "That sounds like fun," he laughed. "Maybe we'll go on a late night pancake run next time." He smiled, giving her a wink. "And if you want to see me in a tux, you should see my sisters' wedding pictures. Adult me in a fitted suit looks much more dashing than teenage me did in a rental," he snorted, smiling at her.

"Ah god, favorite song? That's a hard one, I have lots of favorites that are all pretty different. I will admit that Imagine Dragons happens to produce some of my favorite music though," he told her. He smiled as she said she liked Niall Horan's music and he nodded appreciatively. He liked his music as well. He grinned as she admitted that he had a sexy voice. "Does the song go like this?" He asked, singing a little bit from one of his newer songs. He usually didn't sing without his guitar but he'd make an exception for Hazel, plus he had to admit that he wanted to impress her. Hey, he had a sexy voice too. He pulled her in close, singing to her softly in the quiet of the living room.

---

June smiled. "Mine's purple," she said. She laughed as he told her not to judge him for his first kiss. "That is so sweet! I can't really judge anyway because I was also 14. I remember it like it was yesterday, probably because it was so, so awful. I actually had a huge crush on the boy so when we were hanging out and he went to kiss me, I was thrilled," she rolled her eyes at her naive younger self. "He tried to practically eat my face off and then he had the nerve to grope me. I may have possibly hit him for that. Needless to say, that pretty much destroyed any interest I had in him after that," she laughed, covering her face at the memory. "At least your mistakes were cute and you were a gentleman about it," she teased. "But do tell about this first deep kiss," she said, grinning at him. "Oh flowers are an easy one. Hydrangeas," she smiled.

She let him pull her closer and she settled against him. "Yes you, you are wonderful," she repeated. She kissed him deeply, resting a hand against his chest softly. She could feel his heart racing, similar to her own. She about sighed when he pulled away gently, she would have happily kept that kiss going. She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against his. "Personally I think you reacted appropriately. The look in his eyes after I made him let go..." she trailed off, a small shiver running through her as she remembered the murderous look in his eyes before Drake had knocked him back down. She trailed a finger in small circles on his chest distractedly. She smiled at his admission of wanting to act like silly teens but her finger froze and she looked up at him suddenly, processing his words.

Her gaze softened and she moved so that she was now straddling him in the driver's seat. "I feel the exact same," she whispered. "I've never felt such strong feelings for someone before, it's a little overwhelming at times... In a good way," she said, correcting herself at the end. "Every moment with you feels so right," she said, cupping his cheek and kissing him so soft and sweet. She wasn't sure words could even convey how strong her feelings were growing for him. "I'm so very lucky to have you in my life."

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel laughed. "I bet you would have but I think my date's face was a the better part of that picture." she giggled and smiled as he suggested pancakes. "You should know waffles are far superior." she smirked. "And I think I will need a side by side comparison of these tuxes." she smiled enjoying their playful banter.

Hazel snickered as he melted at her hard question. she loved that he was a music junky. It was the best thing to her. She chuckled and nodded. "Yes they are good." she said. When Kelden started to sing to her her eyes widened and bit her bottom lip. He had no idea how his voice just sank deep down into her gut. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her close and she leaned her forehead against his. He was staring something deep inside of her and she knew she was in danger because he was going deeper than anyone had ever gone rooting himself around her heart.

Hazel closed her eyes and she knew she had to make a description. Either she let him sweep her away or she had to distance herself. She bit her lip and sighed knowing for tonight she was going to let him tare his way into her heart and burrow there. She smiled as he finished the song. "That is no far, I don't have any impressive talents." she said and looked up at him her eyes glimmering. She giggled and cupped his cheek. She placed a tender kiss to his lips her legs already curled up in his lap as they snuggled. She could feel the heat there in that sweet kiss and knew it wouldn't take much to push them over the edge to a no return boundary.

---

Drake laughed. "Oh well the first deep kiss I was lucky the girl was older than me, experienced and taught me a lot." he winked. "It was the start of a hell of a summer when I was 15." he said. "Really it was only a couple months later but it felt like such a change. I had turned 15 like a few weeks ago and learning to french." he laughed. He though her favorite flower was an amazing flower and not the norm which was cool.

Drake could feel her hand on his chest and he had to keep breathing because it was the little things she did that took his breath away. She was so beautiful and amazing. It was the moment she straddled his lap that his mind was barking at him. He hadn't even paid attention to their surroundings and he looked around a moment then back at her his hands on her hips as she talked. Drake knew he was completely distracted by her and the struggle to remain calm. Maybe he needed to ask Hazel for some techniques. Drake felt her words sink into his heart making him feel ten feet high. He felt her lips on his and he cupped her cheek kissing her back.

Drake ran his other hand up her side. "I am the lucky one to have found you." he said in a break of the kiss. He kissed her face and pulled her closer feeling her body pressed to his. She had put it right, nothing had ever felt so right to him. He had thought he had been in love before in high school. High school sweethearts and all but it had no comparison to this. He pushed her hair back and looked up at her. "June I adore you. I need to get you home. My mind is clouded and I need to keep you safe." he said and cupped her cheeks. Her safety needed to come first still and he was finding himself less and less capable of protecting her out here with her distractions, no matter how welcome they were. He looked up at her hoping she understood. He could not give her his full attention like he wanted to and guard her out here at the same time. They needed to slow down.

@ Jinx...

Kelden grinned. “What about waffles and pancakes? Surely both are better than just one?” He teased. He laughed at her banter about the tuxes. He would make sure to show her sometime, when all this was over and he could see about bringing her with him to visit his sisters.

Kelden finished the song, pulling her close and she rested her forehead against his. “Now that’s not true,” he murmured to her. “You’re pretty good at yoga,” he teased with a wink, knowing full well she was more than ‘pretty good’. He grew serious though, looking deep into her eyes. “The real special talent is how quickly you’ve managed to get into my heart,” he told her, tucking her hair behind her ear. “How did you do it?” He asked, not really looking for an answer. Truthfully he knew the answer, and it was simply just because of who she was. He admired her strength and courage, he loved the soft side of her that cupped his cheek and kissed in gently and even her more prickly side that tried to protect her from any more pain.

He kissed her back softly, feeling that things could go further. He wanted to, so badly. He let his fingers tangle into her hair, pulling her tight against him. The kiss deepened, he moved to trail kisses down her jawline and then down her neck. He nibbled slightly, teasing her but wanting to remain gentle. He knew they should stop but she was so intoxicating and he just wanted things to last a few moments longer. He moved to her lips again and kissed her hard one final time before finally forcing himself to pull away. He looked at her, desire burning in his eyes. “You are so, so distracting,” he told her with a sly smile, his voice low and smooth. “Believe me, I want nothing more than to give you my full attention, but it isn’t fair to you if I let my focus slip,” he pecked her lips quickly, hoping she understood why he couldn’t just give in to temptation right now. He heard a noise outside, a familiar one, and he sighed. “Plus our friends just got home so that would have put a damper on things too.”

---

June felt her heart thumping as they kissed. Things were heating up and she knew she was probably crossing boundaries. She wanted to not care but soon Drake was pulling away and she knew things were getting to be too much. “I understand,” she said, giving him a final kiss on the cheek and moved off of his lap. She settled back into her seat and fixed her skirt, a little embarrassed that she’d been so forward now that her head was clearing a bit. Drake somehow managed to bring out a wildly inappropriate side of her. She let out a quiet sigh, looking out the window as they started to drive. She couldn’t blame him for the slight rejection, he was doing it for her own safety after all.

She looked over and gave him a small smile as they got on the road again, wanting him to know she wasn’t upset. “Favorite ice cream flavor?” She asked, not wanting to sit in silence for the ride home. Plus they hadn’t technically finished their game of twenty questions. “Mine is strawberry sorbet, not every ice cream place has a sorbet though so good old fashioned chocolate is a close second.” She rested her head against the window, watching the dark forms of tress pass by in a blur. The occasional light from a house passed too, but it was infrequent.

They pulled into the driveway and June paused before getting out of the car. “Thank you, again. I really enjoyed the day with you,” she said softly and then got out of the car. She stepped up the porch, suddenly feeling a little oppressed by the safe house. After such a normal thing like the date out she’d had with Drake, it only served as a reminder that things weren’t normal and that they may not be for a while yet. She held back the little sigh and went inside, the days events really starting to hit her now. She was tired. Inside Kelden and Hazel were on the couch, looking slightly flushed. She gave them a smile. “Hey, sorry we were gone so long, time got away from us,” she said. After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, she excused herself to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. She leaned against the counter, letting the warm liquid soothe her and smiling to herself as she played back the more pleasant parts of the day in her head.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel laughed. "No waffles are superior even then. I mean if you are full and you have one more bite in you do you want a soggy dense bite of a pancake or a crunchy and fluffy bite of a waffle full or syrup caught in that perfect square?" she challenged hoping he could agree she was right. Hazel loved how he teased her about only being pretty good at yoga. she chuckled and was about to say something when he said the next thing that made her stomach flip. She had his heart? That was kind of a big deal. Kelden tucked her hair behind her ear as he asked how and she shivered closing her eyes as she leaned into him. She couldn't answer that question if he had been asking for real answer.

Hazel felt him pull her tighter and she pulled him back to her so he was leaning over her and her legs were pulling him in closer to her. His kisses moved down her jaw to her neck and at the same time Hazel's hand was moving up under his shirt as she let her head fall back with a gasp of desire. She let out a whimper of pleasure a hum in her throat as she bit her bottom lip. She felt him nibble and she let out a surprise quiet moan and ran her hand over his sides her hands running down his back. Hazel kissed him back as his lips met hers again. He pulled back and her lips followed his stopping as he sat back up on the couch and she let out a small groan of protest. She let herself fall back on the couch breathing deep a moment before sitting up and letting them press their foreheads together.

Kelden told her she was distracting that sexy strain in his voice that made her feel like he was more the distracting one than she was. "I know I' sorry." she said knowing she wasn't making his job easier. She heard the car door close and sighed nodding. She sat back on the couch giving them space and running her hands through her hair to help her look like they hadn't almost just lost control on the couch. Hazel smiled as her friends came walking in. She had never though she would have friends like theses or problems with having sex with an amazing man that she shouldn't really be having sex with. Hazel stood as Drake came into the room. "I am going to go to bed." she said and touched Kelden's shoulder. Hazel headed to the kitchen and went to get some water looking over at June. She had something to dish but Hazel had so much on her mind. "I'll talk to you in the morning June." she said and hugged her gently kissing her cheek. "I am glad you had a good night." she said seeing it all over her face. Hazel took her water to her room locking up and goin through her nightly routine.

---

Drake looked over at the most sexy woman he had ever known and wondered how he had the strength not to ravish her. "Thank you for understanding June. Besides I don't have any protection." he kissed her head and then started the truck up grinning. He wanted to tell her it was the rest thing he had done in so long to deny her but he hoped that she would be able to tell for herself. Drake grinned as she went to continue their game. "Hmm I am torn between the classic childhood favorite of cookie dough or mint chocolate chip. I think it depends on the mood." he said and grinned at her. They talked the entire ride, nice easy chats which was a comfort and he hoped that she wouldn't feel embarrassed long.

When they got back he opened her door for her. "I had a really nice time tonight too. I always do with your hough so I am not surprised." he said smiling and lead her in. He stepped in locking up behind them. Drake looked at the situation in the living room and realized that there was something about being in a house all the time alone together that was like a greenhouse and expediting the feeling brewing in the house on all sides. He smiled staying quiet other than greetings and the normal until June went to the kitchen and Hazel followed soon after with a goodnight. He sat down with Kelden. "This assignment is not easy in a lot of ways and the best assignment in others." he said and looked over at his friend.

"Do you think it will be enough for the chief?" he asked knowing all of it didn't matter if they couldn't stay assigned to this case. Drake knew it was a lot more than Hazel displayed otherwise she wouldn't be so complicated and protective. There was a level there that she went through that no one but Kelden at this point knew about and that psycho had driven her to that level.

@ Jinx...

Kelden nodded at Hazel, putting his hand over hers on his shoulder before she pulled away and headed off to the kitchen after June. As soon as the girls had disappeared into the kitchen, Drake turned to him and expressed very similar feelings to his own. "Tell me about it," Kell groaned quietly. He didn't regret being on this case for a second, he would have never met Hazel otherwise, but god did he wish that he wasn't on a job so he could just be with her. He wanted nothing more than to let her distract him, every fiber of his being wanted to focus solely on her. He honestly didn't know where he'd found the strength to pull away earlier, her little moans and hums of pleasure had just about made him lose his mind.

A reminder of the things Hazel had gone through was like a splash of cold water though. He sobered quickly from his thoughts and nodded solemnly at Drake. "The things she's endured... He's going down Drake. With her testimony, there's no way the chief will pull us from duty though. He'll keep us on the case when he realizes just how sick this bastard is," he said, clenching his fists. A few moments later the girls came out of the kitchen, saying their goodnights and responded in kind. When they'd gone upstairs he turned back to Drake.

He rubbed his face when they'd gone upstairs. He was tired but he was feeling pretty hungry so he clapped Drake on the shoulder. "Get some sleep brother, I'll take first shift," he said, getting up and checking locks. When he was satisfied that everything was locked, he went into the kitchen to make himself something to eat. He kept himself occupied until late in the night when Drake took the next shift and Kelden was finally able to collapse into his bed and let sleep claim him.

---

June kissed her friend's cheek and smiled. "Love you Hazel, talk to you tomorrow," she said, letting her out of the embrace. She had hoped that Kelden would make Hazel's day better but it was looking like maybe that wasn't the case. Hopefully she could find out what happened in the morning. She took finished a final sip of her tea and rinsed the dishes, grabbing a water bottle and heading to bed herself. She passed Drake and Kelden and said goodnight, giving Drake a soft smile and then turning to head up the stairs.

In her room she changed out of her clothes and noticed that her arm was still sore. She looked down to see that some of the redness had faded but now bruising was starting to form and she frowned. She'd have to wear long sleeves for a little while until the bruises went away. She pulled on some pajamas and climbed into bed. She was tired but now that she was finally under the covers and able to rest, sleep evaded her. She lay there for a long time before she was finally able to fall into a fitful sleep.

Sometime in the morning June woke up somehow feeling more tired than when she'd gone to bed. She lay there for a while, just staring at the wall groggily as she tried to find the will to get up. She could tell by the faint light in her room that the sun wasn't quite up yet but had at least begun its ascent. She tried to get more sleep but her body wasn't cooperating so she just decided to stay in bed for a little while until a quiet knock came at her door.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel knocked on June's door early in the morning. When June let her in she could see Hazel had been crying. She bit her lip and sat down on the bed as June asked what was wrong. "I can't do this June. I am going crazy." Hazel felt the choking feeling rising in her throat again as the panic was surfacing again. "I'm in love with Kelden and I am completely convinced he feels the same way." she said the fear of that statement seeping through her chest and making her eyes water again. Hazel didn't know what to do with love, it was so vulnerable and there was no good way to explore it right now so that left one thing to do. She bit her lip telling her everything that happened the day before.

"It's to intense I can't stop myself June I can't do anything part way and he is trying to keep his head on so he can protect us. I can't do this to him, to you. I have to take a break June. Please... I know it's not fair but please let me convince Drake to watch me for a change. I need to not be with Kelden all the time or I am going to put us all at risk. I could hardly sleep." she said and rubbed her eyes. "I can't stop thinking of what happens if I just let myself believe it will be okay to give in." she said because she honestly didn't want to be the reason June got hurt because Kelden was distracted by her.

Hazel didn't know what other option she had, she sure couldn't think of one and that was why she was doing this. She needed to take the space from Kelden. He wasn't going to like it and she was pretty sure she was going to make this hard for Drake and June too but this was her only choice besides denying custody any longer and she wasn't ready for that. Not to mention it wouldn't help to remove the distraction from Kelden. At least this way she wouldn't be alone with Kelden.

---

Drake took his early morning shift and sat in the office working on his presentation for the chief and uploading Hazel's testimony. He sent it all off in an email to his captain and then did his rounds as the sun was starting to come up. He was out walking the grounds as he waited for June and Hazel to wake. He yawned softly thinking he might need to take a nap a little later in the day. The late nights and early mornings were starting to get to him. He used his phone and watched some videos from the bureau about long hall witness protection details and how to fight of fatigue. He sighed knowing he had done it all before and would just need to communicate with June his needs. She would understand after all she cared fo him.

Drake was thinking of that all he was going to plan for him and June to do today. He was sure there had to be some art supplies around here somewhere. He knew it wasn't a cake but they could give it a try or maybe she would decide she really was more interested in baking with was fine by him because he was just about dying to try her baking.

He was heading back inside when he saw Hazel come out of June's room. "Can we talk?" she asked him and he nodded. "Sure. We can make breakfast and talk." he said grinning thinking it had something to do with Kelden but he really had no idea at all what was about to happen or that Hazel had asked June to make sure to give her some time alone with Drake, Kelden free too.

@ Jinx...

June got up tiredly and opened her door. She was surprised and concerned to see Hazel standing there, her eyes red from crying. Immediately she pulled her friend into the room, closing the door so she could have some privacy. "Hazel, what's wrong?" She asked, sitting on the bed with her. She put a comforting arm around her. She listened to Hazel detail the intensity that had grown between her and Kelden and her concerns about it and June pulled her in for a hug. She was a little sad at the thought of not getting to spend as much time with Drake but she was living in the same house as him, it wasn't like she wouldn't ever get to see him. Hazel's comfort and happiness was worth the sacrifice. "Of course Hazel, whatever you need. I'm sure Drake will understand as well," she assured her.

June hugged Hazel again, hoping that she was feeling more relieved to know that June was willing to switch guards. After a little more talking and June trying her best to comfort Hazel, Hazel left to go talk to Drake. A short time later, June went to the bathroom to take a bath. Though June had liked showers before she'd been kidnapped, baths were much more manageable for her now. She'd tried to take a shower a few more times since her first panic attack, but it had continued to bring flashbacks and she couldn't do it still. So she sat in the tub that Kelden had managed to set up and let the warm water soothe some of the throbbing in her wrist. the bruises had grown larger and darker overnight and it seemed to be swollen. She'd have to keep an eye on it and hope it just went away.

When she got out, she quickly got dressed and in the hallway she bumped into Kelden. She didn't know if Hazel had gotten a chance to talk to Drake yet but she knew she should probably keep Kelden away for a bit just in case. "Hey, Kell?" She asked as he went to head downstairs. "Could I ask you to go running with me? I know Drake and I usually take a long walk but I'm feeling something a little more fast paced today," she said, trying to come up with a decent excuse.

---

Kelden woke up a little later than usual. He must have been more tired than he'd thought, though this was quickly turning into one of their longest cases so he wasn't surprised that the month of half nights of sleep was really starting to catch up with him. He felt pretty refreshed with a little extra sleep though so he got up and did some morning exercises, push-ups and crunches, some stretching. Sometimes he did yoga by himself in the mornings, using what he'd learned from Hazel, but usually on slower mornings when he was trying to wake up. He decided to skip it today though, since he'd slept in. When he was done, he changed clothes and left to go downstairs. In the hallway though, he ran into June.

She asked him to join her on a run and though he was surprised and confused, he agreed. "Sure thing June. Are you wanting to go now?" He asked and she nodded so he smiled and followed her downstairs. "Let me grab some water," he said, when they neared the door. June looked towards the kitchen and Kelden could hear the sounds of breakfast being made. "I'll grab it, I'll meet you outside," she told him and disappeared into the kitchen before he had a chance to say anything. He raised an eyebrow and then shrugged. What a strange morning it was turning out to be.

June came outside a few moments later and he offered her a friendly smile. "Ready?" He asked, taking a quick sip of water before setting it back down on the porch. She did the same and then they took off down the path. June was able to keep up with Kelden better than he'd expected at first and so he began to push the pace a little harder. They went back and forth several times before June indicated she needed a water break.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel walked with Drake to the kitchen and sat down. Drake got out the eggs starting to break them into a bowl. He was quiet a moment and looked at her. "Okay so what is on your mind?" he asked and she frowned before she spoke. "I spoke with June this morning and she agreed to let me switch guards..." Drake looked at her raising an eyebrow. "Meaning I would like you to watch me Drake. I need some space and June is kind enough to give me some of that by letting me work more with you." she said and Drake nodded. "Is that alright?" she asked and Drake looked at her and sighed. "Yes if it what you two decided on and it is what you need then I will do that. I am here to help you both feel safer." he said and Hazel nodded. "Thank you Drake." she said her eyes sad and Drake frowned. "I don't want to pry so if there is anything you don't want to tell me just say so I won't press but I can't help wondering why all the sudden?" he asked and Hazel frowned. "I have been thinking about it for a while. I think it might help some boundaries." she frowned. "Not on Kelden's part he is nothing but the perfect gentleman." she afford Drake not wanting anyone to think that Kelden wasn't amazing.

Drake sighed and nodded. There it was. Drake had been expecting something like this from Hazel. He hated that he was right but she was so broken by everything and it was easier to push someone away than it was to be vulnerable and to have to feel that. "Are you going to tell Kelden?" he asked and she looked down nodding. "I will no shy away from it." she said and Drake nodded. "It takes someone strong to do something for the good that will hurt." he said thinking it took someone stronger to push through the hard times and hang onto what matters. He wondered if she would get there or if she would stop here.

Hazel stood and left Kelden to finish breakfast. She went and cleaned up before changing into some workout cloths knowing June had gotten Kelden away and there was one good way to do that, exercise. When Hazel saw them she bit her lip and smiled as June waved. She waved back and waited until they came to her. she handed them their waters. "Mind if I tag in?" she asked June thinking she could go for a round with Kelden they could talk run back and he could continue his workout with June if she wanted to.

Drake looked out the window seeing June and Kelden and Hazel. He knew his partner was not going to take this well and there might need to be some transition time but he hoped that this could help Hazel. He ran his hand through his hair and then went and flipped the bacon. He moved flipping the pancakes hoping a big comfort meal would help everyone to feel better. He sighed as this would work out, it had to, things usually did. It was going to be hard for a while but they would get there.

@ Jinx...

June took the water from Hazel gratefully. "Yeah, I'm ready for a break anyway," she said. She had a feeling Hazel was going to tell Kelden about the changes and she wanted to give them space to talk about it. She headed inside, wanting to spend a few moments alone with Drake before things changed up. She wiped away some sweat with a towel and then headed inside as Hazel and Kelden took off down the path. She found Drake still in the kitchen, cooking up a beautiful looking breakfast. She smiled, seeing the big pancake he was flipping. "That smells amazing," she noted from the doorway. She went inside and kissed him on the cheek, trying to stay out of his way as he cooked.

"I hope you don't mind too much that I agreed to switch with Hazel. I just want her to feel more comfortable," she told him. It was probably good for them too, they needed to slow down as well and refocus on the reason they were all here to begin with. She leaned against the counter, watching him cook. Her stomach growled a bit and she grinned up at him. "Sneak a girl a piece of bacon?" She asked innocently. She giggled softly when he handed her one of the pieces that was already cooked and she blew on it to cool it down before popping it into her mouth with a satisfying crunch. "Mmmm," she hummed happily, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the deliciousness.

---

Kelden smiled as Hazel met them at the porch, their waters in hand. "Thanks," he grinned and took a long drink of water as June decided she needed a break. "I was surprised that June asked to run with me," he told her. "Not that I mind, of course, it was just unexpected." He looked down at her with a smile but the look on her face made him feel like something was up. "Everything okay?" He asked. He set his water down as Hazel led them down the path for a run. He couldn't help but feel like something was wrong.

When they reached the docks, Hazel slowed instead of turning to make the run back and he slowed with her. He felt like he'd woken up in the Twilight Zone this morning, like everything was off and everyone knew why but him. He came to a stop next to her, looking out over the lake. The sunlight sparkled off the water and he put a hand on Hazel's shoulder, looking at her with concern. "What's going on?" He asked.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake smiled as June came in. "Thanks. I was thinking this might help out with everything." he shrugged. As June expressed her thoughts he shook his head turning to her. "It's alright June I understand that. and I think it will help everyone eventually but I don't think it's going to start off so easy." he said wondering how Kelden was taking the news.

Drake chuckled as she asked for bacon and he slipped her one and smiled as she ate it. "I will give you extra bacon anytime." he winked and turned to her. He cupped her cheek. "I know you're probably thinking we should cool it too but I still want to kiss you." he said and leaned his head in close to her and pressed his lips gently to her lips. He smiled as he pulled back. "Morning beautiful." he said knowing he probably wouldn't get the chance to do that again anytime soon. He filled a plate with a pancake bacon and eggs and handed it to her. "Eat up they are not going to be back while it is hot." he said grinning at her as he made his own plate.

---

Hazel stood as June went in and she smiled at his surprise. She didn't tell him that it was probably per her request to keep him busy. They headed down the path and she didn't say much. They quickly ended up at the end of the path and she headed out on the lake. It was sparkling and beautiful and she had no idea what she was going to say to Kelden about all this. He put his hand on her shoulder and she turned to him her eyes sad. "Kelden I'm sorry to keep you waiting to understand what is going on. Last night I decided something. "You are right we have to be more vigilant than we have been and I am too much of a distraction. I have asked Drake to be my guard... I don't know how long but I am incapable of putting the distance between us that we need to focus on my own so June and Drake were kind enough to help me."

Hazel bit her bottom lip. "I am sorry. I know I should have talked to you about all this but then you would have tried to talk me out of it. This is the only thing I can think of to give you the space you need so that you don't need to fight yourself to either protect me or to care for me." she turned to him. Hazel cupped his cheek. "I don't know what to say so you understand I just hope that you will forgive me." she said and bit her lip. She hoped that he could see that she was doing this for him.