My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

Kelden examined June's wrist, bending it gently to test its flexibility. She'd been bugging him for the last week to give her some kickboxing lessons and he'd refused with her wrist being sprained. Part of him also suspected that she was trying to distract him from the distance between him and Hazel, though she did seen genuine in her interest so he wasn't sure. Maybe both? "Alright, it's looking good. If anything hurts though, let me know immediately," he said sternly, handing her the gloves. She smiled up at him and took them happily.

In truth, he probably could have started a few days ago, knowing that her sprain had been very minor. He really didn't want to risk her injuring it further though, so he'd made her wait a few extra days before starting this. He stood in front of the dummy, showing her the basics slowly. The stances and correct techniques were similar to the self defense training she'd had with Drake though, so she took to it quickly. He stood off to the side, watching her hit and kick the dummy in front of her and he had to admit he was a little surprised with the power she was putting behind the hits. Where did she keep that force stored up in her little body?

His gaze wandered out the window briefly. Drake was doing laps around the house and Kelden tried to see if Hazel was running with him. He didn't see her though and let out a quiet sigh. How was it that he longed to catch glimpses of someone living in the same house as him? He turned away from the window and June seemed focused on her workout now so he moved across the room, intent on lifting some weights.

---

June and Kell worked out together for a while before June took a break to drink some water and went over to Kelden. "Breakfast?" She asked and he nodded, pushing his weights a few more times and then settling the bar back on the stand. "Can I try?" She asked, before he could take the weights off. He raised an eyebrow and indicated for her to go ahead. She sat her water down and laid down on the machine. Kelden stood behind it, ready to spot her. She took a deep breath and then pushed as hard as she could. The bar barely even shifted and she grunted before giving up. Kelden was laughing at her. "How much is on there?" She asked, incredulous that it hadn't even budged. "About 300lbs." He told her, laughing. She sat up, glaring at him but a a smile was on her face. "You're insane," she told him, shaking her head as he continued to laugh.

She threw a towel at his face and wiped her own face with another. Kelden told her that he had to shower and that he'd join her shortly so she went downstairs and found Hazel and Drake in the kitchen getting food as well. "Good morning," she said to them, heading over by Drake to get some food out of the fridge. She put a hand on his arm as she passed and was surprised and happy when he pulled her into a sweet, quick kiss. She couldn't help the joyful giggle that escaped her lips as they pulled away from each other.

"So looks like some rain is coming, huh?" She said in a not-so-subtle attempt to draw attention away from her giggle. Although she was a little concerned about the looks of the storm heading their way. It may have been sunny outside currently but judging by how dark those clouds were in the distance, the sunshine wouldn't be lasting long.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake was so glad to steal a moment with June he hadn't been able to help it and Hazel turning away had felt like an invitation. He slowly let her go only wishing he could take that kiss deeper. Her giggles were so cute, he wanted more. He grinned as she talked about rain. "It will be nice to get some rain it has been so hot." he said knowing he needed a shower after running in the swamping heat out there already. The more he thought about it though the more he realized the emotional drama this could bring up for the girls and it started to concern him too.

Drake watched June move around the kitchen just liking to look at her. There was something he couldn't explain that drew him to her and she always kept him coming back for more. He looked up to see Hazel watching them and be rubbed the back of his neck where it was getting red. He didn't know why she torchered herself watching them, she had done it since the first day of the separation. It was little things Hazel did that showed him she wanted that back with Kelden. He looked over at June wondering if she noticed the same thing in Kelden.

"How was your work out June?" he asked her curiously. Drake wanted to spend more time with her and he was trying to think of anything that would be a good reason or a good time to get June alone for even 20 minutes.

---

Hazel turned as June asked about rain and she frowned. She hadn't been in rain since the psycho took her. Was she could to be able to stand the sound? Hazel let out her breath and tried to finish her shake. It was hard when her mind was wondering with no stop. She tried to focus on Drake and June and their relationship but it was only making the gnawing in her stomach worse. Hazel set her nearly empty drink down thinking maybe just a break would help. She was coming out o the kitchen in a hurry and bumped into Kelden. She inhaled sharply and grabbed onto him so she didn't fall over. There was no way she could knock Kelden over just by bumping into him. The only way was to take him down like she had been taught.

Hazel clung to him her body and hands trying to absorb the memory of him. She looked up and bit her lip. "Sorry." she said. Hazel remembered them talking to her hand June about helping with the case and they had agreed of course but Hazel hadn't felt ready to talk to Drake yet to help on the case and she knew why. She couldn't let him in like Kelden. She wondered if it would be so bad if she trained and worked on the case with Kelden for a little while. She looked at his hair that still had shower drops in it and shook her head. He just finished showering she would let him go eat. Hazel stepped back and smiled. "Excuse me." she said and went around him.

Hazel moved tot he bathroom looking at the shower and debating to try it again, to see if she could defeat the panic that came with it. She decided a soothing bath wold be better for her and leave hot water for everyone else. She drew the bath and slipped into the water looking out the window in the bathroom watching the light come through the patters in the glass that made it impossible to see in or out. Hazel tried not to spend to much time before getting out and moving to her room to get dressed.

@ Jinx...

June wasn’t sure how she felt about the rain. Part of her wanted to think that it’d be fine if it rained on her a little, she couldn’t possibly be upset by the rain could she? But another part, the part that remembered shivering under a downpour of icy water clinging to Hazel for warmth, told her to stay inside today. She didn’t really feel like testing what would happen if she got caught in the rain. Hazel left the kitchen after a few moments and June hoped she was okay. The rain wouldn’t be easy on her either.

“It was good,” she told Drake, taking a bite out of an apple. “Kelden finally gave my wrist the all-clear. And then he let me try benching three hundred pounds,” she said, a playful pout on her lips. She had to admit that it had been kind of funny that she thought she could bench the same as Kell, even if she hadn’t realized just how much weight he’d had on there. “Needless to say, I’m not as strong as him,” she said. She smiled at him and hopped up on the counter to sit. As she did, Kelden walked in looking like a kicked puppy and she gave him a look of sympathy, recognizing the look in his eyes. He usually got that look anytime he and Hazel interacted.

“Hey Kell,” she said. “I think we should stay inside today, it looks like it’s going to get pretty stormy later.” He looked out the window. “Yeah,” He agreed, his brow furrowing. June looked at him a moment, trying to gauge how best to distract him right now. “After you eat do you want to help me get some candles set aside in case the power goes out?” He usually did better when he had a task to focus on. He nodded and began to fix himself some breakfast, looking occupied with his thoughts. June shared a look with Drake, both of them knowing how much this was hurting Kelden and Hazel.

---

Kelden finished his shower and quickly got dressed. He was hungry. He headed downstairs and nearly to the kitchen, he bumped straight into Hazel. He reached out to her to steady her and she grabbed onto him to do the same and Kelden was reminded of everything he was missing so deeply once again. He wanted to pull her in closer, wrap her in a huge hug and inhale her smell. He resisted that urge though, looking down at her beautiful face. He missed her so damn much. “Careful there,” he murmured to her, softly, a gentle smile on his face.

She mumbled an apology and looked up at him and he looked into her eyes deeply. “It’s alright,” he said quietly. He moved to tuck a stray hair behind her ear but before he could, she let go of him and moved past him quickly. He stood a moment, feeling the emptiness of where she’d been in his soul. He sighed and wandered into the kitchen, feeling depressed. He was sure Drake and June could read the emotions on his face easily right now but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He just wanted to be with Hazel. He put some food together, half listening to June as she suggested it might rain later. He looked up at her sharply at the mention of a storm, wondering how rain might affect the girls. He wanted to go to Hazel but instead he moved to look out the window. Sure enough, there were some dark clouds looming in the distance.

June was pushing to distract him, Kelden could tell. He really just wanted to wallow in his misery but instead he nodded at her, agreeing that getting candles out was a good idea. He wanted to do anything to make Hazel, and June, comfortable should the power go out as June had suggested. “Sounds like a plan,” he told June and started to eat the sandwich he’d put together. He was concerned at how Hazel would handle the rain. He hoped it wasn’t too painful for her and wondered what she would do if it was. He hoped she would come to him but he didn’t think that was very likely. She’d probably try to get through it alone, maybe with June if June sought out Hazel’s comfort first.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake grinned as June talked about her wrist. He could see her thoughts were still on the storm but he knew she was going to be okay. He would make sure of it when the rain hit. He knew Hazel wouldn't want his help but June might need it. He laughed as she said she tried to bench as much as Kelden. "He's a sinker. And just cause you can't bench the same doesn't mean you aren't just as strong. I bet you could get some good hits on him if you wanted to. He took another bite and frowned as Kelden came in. He looked upset... again. He looked down at his plate. He didn't know what it would take. It had been a week and this couldn't go on much longer.

June was sweet as she tried to distract Kelden. It wasn't her job to cheer everyone up but she tried so hard to do so. Drake finished up his food and wondered where he would find Hazel today. He had been finding her in the weirdest places lately with that sketch pad. He still had yet to get a look at the sketches inside and he had a feeling she was trying to work on the case sometimes and would open her mouth to say something then wouldn't when he was around.

Drake knew Hazel didn't trust him like she did Kelden and it wasn't anything personal it was just Kelden had a way about him that was what Hazel needed. He stood after finishing his plate cleaning up and then heading out to find Hazel. Sometimes he thought she would find weird places just to avoid Drake, like she couldn't be around anyone and was punishing herself. He sighed as he opened the bathroom to see her sitting in an empty tub looking up at the window. "Hey Hazel everything okay?" he asked and she frowned nodding. She had bathed recently as well and he bit his lip. "Come on let's go for a walk." he said and she looked up at him then stood and followed him. Drake grabbed an umbrella as well just in case.

---

Hazel looked up at Drake as he opened the bathroom door. She looked back at the window she had just finished drawing. He asked if she was alright and she nodded. It wasn't true her gut was a mess. She could see the hope then the heartbreak in Kell this morning and it broke her up inside. She was hurting him and this was the last thing she wanted to do. She nodded as he suggested a walk standing and following him hugging the sketch book as they walked. Drake slowed to her pace as they walked through the path.

"You know I have been trying not to say anything Hazel." he said to her. She nodded again and he sighed. "You can talk to me too. Hazel Kelden isn't a man to push. He is following your lead. He wants you to always trust him so he won't do anything you tell him not to, including the one thing he does want, which is to prove to you he will be there for you." Drake said. Hazel stopped looking down at the ground the tears brimming up in her eyes. Drake sighed and turned to her. "He doesn't know how to prove it to you without actually being there." he said and put his hands on either side of her shoulders and gently pulled her in. Hazel felt the tears release into his shirt and she shook. She was silent as if she was refusing to let it all out and the tears were all that could escape through her control.

Hazel stood there for a while crying and Drake smoother her hair back over her head and down her back. "I know it's scary and you want what is best for Kelden too but let him decide what is best for him. As for your fears, just remember that the universe owes you one and if you take the chance just maybe that one will be the one you are hoping for." he said and squeezed gently before stepping back. Hazel nodded and rubbed her eyes. Hazel walked with him until she didn't look like she had been crying anymore and they headed back to the house.

@ Jinx...

When Drake left, June moved over to Kelden to sit next to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “It’ll be okay,” she assured him. She wasn’t sure if it really would be but she hoped it would for both Kelden and Hazel’s sakes. He gave her a half smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “What would you do?” He asked. “If Drake was pushing you away saying it was for your own good?” June was surprised and felt a tug at her heart. He had to be hurting worse than she thought if he was asking her for advice. She pulled him into a tight hug. “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “There’s so much tension between you two though, something will give. Both of you are wound so tight about this, it can’t hold forever.” June could see the way they gravitated towards each other, even when trying to avoid each other. She didn’t think they could maintain this for long.

He sighed, relaxing in her arms and hugged her back. “We’ll see,” he said and then pulled away. He rubbed the back of his neck and June smiled at him. “Thanks June,” he said. “I don’t know how you do it,” he added after a moment, smiling a little more than he had at the beginning of their conversation. She was about to whip out a witty retort but she thought for a moment and decided to be a little more open since he had been. “I don’t know either,” she admitted. “But I’m glad to help.” Kelden smiles at her again and went back to his sandwich. “Besides the candles, what else were you wanting to do?” He asked and she thought for a moment. “I think I might just read,” she said and he nodded.

June waited as he finished his sandwich and stood up. “Alright, lets see about those candles then.” Kelden said and she smiled and followed him out the kitchen.

---

Kelden was feeling a little better. His thoughts still drifted to Hazel near constantly but June had made him feel a little better with her reassurances. Nothing had really been solved but June’s sisterly presence reminded him of home and it was a comfort. He felt bad that she had to keep comforting and distracting him to keep his mood up and he made a silent resolution to find a way to make it up to her somehow.

They worked through the house, setting aside some candles in the main parts of the house such as the living room and kitchen and put a lighter and a candle or two in each bedroom and one in the bathroom. The clouds were moving in fast, already visibly closer than they’d been earlier and he worried about Hazel. He hoped Drake would get her home before the rain came. When they were done setting aside candles, June went and found a book and settled down on the couch to do some reading and Kell sat at the other end of the couch to relax. “Do you mind if I put a movie on while you read?” He asked and she looked up at him. “Not at all!” She assured and he popped in a movie to watch. They sat like that for a while, Kelden glancing out the window occasionally to see the storm moving in. He pulled out his phone and checked the weather, curious. Sure enough, the forecast was predicting rain, thunder, and lightning, with even some hail mixed in. Personally he kind of liked storms, it was fascinating to see the raw power of nature, but he would keep that to himself. He noticed June also glancing out the window occasionally, her own tension growing more visible the closer the clouds got. This was going to be a rough evening for the girls.

Hazel and Drake returned eventually and he let himself relax a little to know they’d beaten the rain. It wasn’t by much though, the clouds were nearly upon them and soon the rain began to sprinkle lightly outside as the very edges of the storm creeped overhead.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel was glad they had made it back to the house as the storm came in. The wind behind them was rushing her to get inside. She walked in seeing Kelden and June on the couch and bit her lip. She could see where they put up the candles and lighters were ever they might need them. "The storm isn't going to be that bad is it?" she asked. As the rain started she was spooked out of her chair and tried not to pace. She moved over to the window and looked out at the rain.

Hazel knew they were only in the beginning of the storm and it was going to get way worse than she was ready for. Hazel bit her bottom lip and ran her hand through her hair. She looked back at everyone seeing them looking at her and smiled even if it wasn't unconvincing.

"I'm going to make dinner." she said hoping that something too do would help her. She moved into he kitchen trying to think of anything to make that would take a lot of focus. She bit her lip and looked around fidgeting in front of the fridge. She sighed running her hand through her hair trying to think of something. She had never been a decadent cook but today she was feeling like it had to help her with some of these feelings.

---

Drake was glad they got back into the house before the rain hit. He had just sat down on the couch with June when the rain hit and he watched Hazel get up and look out the window. He could see the tension radiating off her. There was a fear there that was filling up the entire room. He looked over at June hoping that the storm wouldn't put her in a bad emotional place. He wanted to keep her safe and happy and didn't know how to do it with the rain coming.

Drake looked up as Hazel asked about the storm and shrugged looking at June. She seemed to know all the things about the storm. He wasn't sure Hazel really wanted to know though. He watched her move into the kitchen in a flurry and he looked over at Kelden. "I think you should go see if she needs help." Drake said. He knew that Hazel needed some extra comfort today and he knew Kelden wanted to go comfort her anyways. "Go to her Kelden." Drake said and gently placed a hand on June's thigh. He knew his desires were partly selfish. If Kelden and Hazel were together he had a better chance to be alone with June again.

Drake could tell this night was going to be a rough one for the girls and he just hoped that he could help them get through it and maybe even in the future that other storms won't cause them so much anxiety. He looked over at June wondering what she thought of Hazel and Kelden's situation.

@ Jinx...

"We're just being prepared," Kelden spoke up to Hazel when she noticed the candles. He watched her carefully as she tried to settle in the living room with everyone but as the rain started he could see her tension rising quickly. He wished there was something he could do to soothe her anxiety but he didn't know what if he was supposed to be keeping his distance. He couldn't focus on the tv, instead watching Hazel pace about. He wasn't the only one and when she noticed them all watching her nervously, she disappeared into the kitchen. Kell glanced towards the kitchen, debating whether or not he should follow. He was still debating when Drake told him to go to her and without hesitation, he stood up and went into the kitchen.

"Mind if I help with dinner?" He asked her. She was moving around the kitchen, her feet hardly stopping for a second. The rain was really stressing her and Kell worried. He helped with little things as she moved around like being still would be the end of the world. He supposed that for her, maybe it was. The rain had to be dredging up awful memories of a time when keeping still would have resulted in a serious burn that could cost her her life. He went to stand beside her as she cooked, still not standing still.

Kelden had a feeling that attempting to pull her in and wrap his arms around her would only serve to make things worse, so instead he tried to think of something to take her mind off the wind and rain outside. "What was your favorite class? In high school or college?" He asked her, taking a page from June's book and trying to distract her from what was worrying her. "Personally, I enjoyed taking language classes. I took French throughout high school and did some advanced courses in college and also American Sign Language in college," he told her.

---

June's own tension was rising, not as much as Hazel's, but she huddled a little tighter into her corner on the couch as she heard the rain begin to fall. She had lost focus in her book when Hazel and Drake had returned home and had been staring at the same paragraph for the last while, pretending to read as she listened to the rain beginning to fall harder. She watched Hazel as nervous energy began to fill the room and put down her book, giving up on getting any further. She played with the ends of her hair, twirling the strands on her fingers and before long, Hazel left to cook dinner. June thought about getting up and going with her but she felt like both of their anxieties would just feed into each other and worsen rather than ease. So she stayed on the couch, unconsciously trying to make herself smaller.

She felt a touch on her thigh and looked up, realizing she had been lost in her thoughts and hadn't been paying attention. Kelden stood up and followed Hazel into the kitchen and June smiled up at Drake, though she doubted it looked any more convincing that Hazel's smile had before she left. She put her hand over his and squeezed. "This is going to be a long night," she said quietly. Would she even be able to sleep tonight? The rain began to fall harder.

"I didn't expect it to be this hard," she admitted to Drake quietly. "I used to scoff at a little rain. I didn't even own an umbrella," she said. "Now all I can feel is this phantom chill like I'm soaked in icy water." A little shiver ran through her body just then, as if on cue. She leaned against him, hoping his warmth would chase away that chill. The wind howled outside, blowing rain against the window in gusts.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel looked up at Kelden walked in asking to help. she knew she shouldn't but she needed his presence. It always helped having him around. She nodded and they feel into a familiar routine. Hazel had decided on something with a lot of chopping and stirring. She set to the chopping and gave Kelden the stirring. She moved form the cutting to the fridge and sink and back again. She looked over at him as he asked about her favorite class and she smiled.

Kelden's story was interesting and she honestly wanted to hear more. She had always loved learning about him. "Est-ce que tu parles français?" she asked and smirked at him. She had though French had been so much easier to speak than Spanish. "I use to really enjoy Philosophy oddly. I don't really like history but my mom said my favorite question as a kid was always why." she chuckled.

Hazel sighed and realized he had already done it. Just a couple minutes and he distracted her enough to help her feel more calm and in control and this was why she was so scared. She wanted more than she should just knowing him for a little over a month. Hazel wanted more because she trusted him wish wasn't easy for her to do but it was even more than that.

---

Drake nodded and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "I will be with you, all night if that is what it takes but we will get through this." he said and kissed her head. Drake knew she needed him specifically in this and he was planning to make arrangements. Surely for one night Hazel would understand. He was sure they would be safe locked up tight inside. "It is not your fault the rain brings things up for you. That seems normal. I would be worried if you were calm and this wasn't affecting you at all." he said and smiled softly and cupped her cheek his finger running over her cheek.

This wasn't exactly how he was envisioning their alone time but even this Drake would not trade. June was everything to him. He rubbed her arm gently and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch wrapping June in it. "We can stay up or you can stay with me all night. I'll sleep on the couch with you, or on the floor right next to you. Just say the word." he said and kissed her hand.

Drake was determined. He would be there for June as long as she wanted him there. He looked at her and knew it wasn't going to be easy for her to go through but he hoped that his presence would give her some comfort. He just wanted her to know she wasn't alone and she wasn't in that place with that psycho anymore. He would always be there for her, maybe not on time but he would get there and take care of her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden smiled as she spoke French. "Oui! Et toi aussi!" He kept stirring the food, smiling happily. It was such a simple thing but it made him excited to know that they shared that in common. He listened to her, enjoying hearing more about her. "I could see that," he smiled to himself, imagining a little Hazel asking why to anything and everything. He watched her move as he stood stirring. She was still moving around a lot, but some of the tension seemed to have eased. Not all of it, but enough that he could visibly see that he was distracting her from the storm.

"I'm just happy I never have to take another math class again in my life. There is so much math involved in an engineering degree. I'm good at it but holy hell, physics is a nightmare," he groaned. Truly and really he hoped to never have to solve a physics problem ever again. He stopped his stirring as Hazel through some of the chopped veggies into the pan, then continued it again. It was amazing how quickly they'd fallen into their old routine. It was so natural to be with Hazel, to talk and banter and just be together.

"This smells amazing," Kelden told Hazel as she continued to throw more food in for him to stir. The smell was hitting him and making his stomach growl. He hoped she would eat at least some of her own dish, though he knew that she probably wasn't feeling very hungry with her anxiety about the storm.

---

June snuggled into the blanket and curled against Drake. His gentle assurances made her feel a bit better and she smiled up at him now, more genuine than before. "Thank you," she said, and leaned up to kiss him softly. There was a gentle passion behind it, heated with some desperation of needing him close to her. She pulled away after a few blissful moments, even though she really wanted to continue the kiss. She took his hand in hers and traced the lines on his palms, trying to keep herself from focusing on the sounds of the storm outside. His company was doing wonders at keeping her calm though.

June wasn't feeling hungry but the smell of food wafting in from the kitchen did smell good. Maybe she would try and eat some dinner when it was ready. For now, she hoped it would still be a while yet and that Hazel and Kelden would need to stay in the kitchen for a bit. She hadn't gotten alone time with Drake like this in over a week and she'd missed it more than she realized. The stolen kisses in moments they could sneak together were sweet, but cuddled up against him now and able to kiss him as much as she wanted just couldn't be beat.

"What is the worst joke you can think of to tell me right now?" She asked. She had to admit that his corny jokes and puns managed to always get a smile out of her and she loved that he had that ability. Even since day one he'd been able to make her smile through her tears with cheesy jokes. Drake truly was special to her and she cherished him deeply.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel chuckled. "That is all I remember." she said as he spoke french back to her but it did sound so good on his lips. She enjoyed him talking to her just randomly and how he didn't make her have to think to keep up the conversation. It was so hard for her to try and think of things to talk about in the sate she was in. She chuckled as he talked about math. She looked at him and realized how brilliant he really was. She had done accounting of course but really didn't get all that into the math with her degree she had been working on. She wondered if her classmates or teachers wondered where she had gone.

Hazel knew she shouldn't but she let herself be close to Kelden as they cooked leaning into him as she dropped in the vegetables and seasoning . She grinned as he complimented her cooking and she chuckled. "Thanks." she said loving hearing his stomach ruble with actual desire to eat her food. She looked at him watching him a moment before looking down at the last ingredient. She bit her lip before putting it in. Maybe this separation thing wasn't a good idea.

As they finished up adding everything in she got out a lid and put it on. "Now it simmers for 45 minutes and it will be done." she said and looked up at him then down. "I'm going to go check the windows and locks." she said needing something too do. Honestly the worst thing was having so much of nothing to do.

---

Drake grinned as she asked for one of his many bad jokes. He noticed that she was trying to relax and not let the storm get to her but he could feel her tension. He smiled as she held his hand and traced the lines. He loved her touch. She was so sweet and it hit him deep inside. "What do you call a bear without any teeth?" he asked and looked at her as her eyes shimmered as she tried to guess. "A gummy bear!" he smirked chuckling. He suddenly was craving gummy bears. He chuckled. "Should we raid the snack stash and see if there are any gummy bears?" he asked.

Drake knew he would have a hard time eating in this condition but he didn't think spoiling her dinner with a gummy bear or two would be much of a problem. He was hoping that it would be more of an adventure than anything. "What is that candy you just could never say no to?" he asked curiously. It was an important question. If you knew someone's favorite candy they would always feel special.

Drake smiled at her loving that they had this time together finally. He was hoping that Hazel would lean on Kelden during this time and see she needed him. After all they needed to get working on the case, they had some work to catch up on and Drake couldn't start working with June on her statement until Hazel gave into Kelden. He didn't blame Hazel for any of it of course she was doing her best with everything but he wanted things back to normal. Who wouldn't after all?

@ Jinx...

"45 minutes it is," he said and picked up the stovetop timer. He set it to 45 minutes and set it back on the counter so they would know when it was done. "Mind if I join? I'd like to make sure none of the windows are leaking since this is the first rain we've had since coming here," he explained. He followed her out of the kitchen, Drake and June passing them as they went. Kell followed Hazel around the house, her making sure the locks were in place and him feeling along the windows to make sure no water was getting in.

It was really coming down outside now and it was growing darker outside not only from the clouds but as the hidden sun began to set. There was a flash of lightning in the distance that lit up the world briefly before returning back to the growing darkness. He glanced at Hazel who was looking tense again and he put a gentle hand on her back. He didn't want to push her though, so he didn't do anything further than that even if he wanted to hold her. They stared out the window for a bit longer before he turned away.

"Hey, what's your favorite color?" He asked, going back to work to distract her from the pouring rain outside. He helped her finish up the last of the locks, satisfied that nothing was leaking. At least that was one less thing to worry about, even if only a small one. "I'm personally a big fan of orange. Oddly enough, I hate oranges as a fruit. Can't stand the things."

---

June thought for a moment, trying to think of what the answer to the joke could be and when she shook her head in confusion, Drake told her. She smiled at the corniness and let out a small chuckle. "That may have been your cheesiest one yet," she told him, feeling her spirits lifting. She loved that silly smile he got whenever he told her a joke.

She perked up a bit to hear him suggest raiding the snacks for gummy bears. A small handful of gummy bears would be a sweet comfort. "Let's do it," she laughed. She held onto his hand as she stood, pulling him gently with her. She thought for a moment about her favorite candy. "Hmm.. Sour Patch Kids. The perfect balance between sour and sweet," she told him. "What's yours?" She asked.

She led them to the kitchen, the blanket still draped around her shoulders, and they passed by Kelden and Hazel who were leaving the kitchen. She was glad to see them together again, even if only briefly. She went to the cabinet and began to pull down the snacks. She rummaged through them a minute before holding up a small bag of gummy bears in victory, a smile on her face. She opened up the package and dumped a handful into his hand and a smaller handful into her own. She began to nibble on the gummy bears happily when a flash of light outside made her jump. Drake had done a good job of distracting her and she'd let her guard down a little.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel bit her lip. She was half convinced he just didn't want to leave her alone right now but then again he was the kind of man that was completely dedicated that even the smallest detail didn't escape him. She nodded that it was okay for him to tag along. She walked from room to room checking the windows and parter of her was checking outside too, she expected him to come during the rain. He wanted her to feel vulnerable. That psycho was coming for her she knew it. As the lighting struck it shocked her out of her thoughts and she jumped and a moment later felt that she had pressed herself into Kelden. Hazel had a knot in her stomach and she had to focus on her breathing with was much harder than a yogi should ever have to think about. She exhaled and slowly pulled away from Kelden feeling his hand on her back in gentle comfort.

Hazel knew that the storm was only going to get worse and the lightning shouldn't have scared her that badly but it had. She sighed and bit her lip before Kelden asked her a question. She looked up at him and bit her bottom lip. He started to talk about orange and grinned. "Really? You don't like oranges?" she shook her head. "What about orange juice?" she asked and thought about her favorite color because it wasn't the same anymore either like so much of herself she was reinvented. "I really use to be into yellow. I thought it was sunny and I looked forward to every morning where I had a new challenge to face but now I think I lean towards purple? I am still not really sure. What my favorite color is and what I like to wear are not the same. I look amazing in blue." she smiled softly though she glanced back at the window nervously.

Hazel walked into the living room and looked at the kitchen hearing Drake and June in there and smiled softly. "Do you think he will stay with her after all this?" she asked softly and realized she wasn't actually talking about them with in a lot of was made her feel vulnerable and scared. She hadn't meant to say it but there it was and she looked down. "June really cares for him and she needs someone that will be there for her. I know he loves his job but I think she will need someone that can be there for her more than his job can really allow him to be." she looked at Kelden and laughed. "I'm sorry I was just thinking aloud." she said and looked away needing something else to do now.

---

Drake chuckled as she called him silly. "Anytime you want a cheesy joke I am so game." he said and snuck a quick peck on her lips. Drake grinned as she took his hand and pulled him up. She headed into the kitchen and was proud of Kelden for sticking with Hazel as they left the kitchen. He knew it probably meant a lot to Hazel that he was there for her. He grinned as she told her favorite candy to him. He laughed. "I have yet to see this sour side." he said and spin her around in the kitchen before they started to look for the gummies. He hummed thinking through candy. "I have to say I think you can never go wrong with a Rolo." he said grinning. "Carmel and chocolate." he wiggled his eyebrows. "It's perfect. Score!" he said as she pulled out the gummy bears.

Drake grinned as she poured some in his hand and then in her own. He popped one in his mouth grinning at her. He picked up a red one and squeezed it making a funny squeaky voice. "Help me, help me Ms. June before he eats me." he chuckled and chomped off its head. Drake frowned as she jumped at the flash of light and he stepped forward putting a gently hand on her shoulder. He pulled her into him gently and leaned his forehead against hers. "I'm here June." he soothed.

Drake gently pulled her blanket tighter. "Come here and dance with me." he said just wanting to hold her. He pulled her gently into his arms until her arms wrapped around his neck. He swayed lightly in the kitchen with her their heads pressed together. He wanted her to feel safe and loved even though she was scared and going through a lot with everything she had been through.

@ Jinx...

Kelden made a face. "Some orange juice is okay, as long as there's no pulp," he said. He listened to her talk about favorite colors and smiled as she said that she looked good in blue. He wanted to see her in every color the world had to offer, he had a feeling she'd look amazing in all of them. He wanted to lean down and whisper that in her ear, to tell her than he thought she'd be gorgeous in anything she wore. But he wasn't going to push it, he was lucky enough right now that she was letting him be close for the moment and he didn't want to do or say anything to ruin that. "I could see that," he agreed, a gentle smile on his face as they headed back to the living room.

He glanced up towards the kitchen where he could hear Drake and June. He thought about Hazel's question. "I think so. The way he lights up when she walks in the room... Something tells me he'd go to the ends of the earth and back for her. She would too, I think. She's always looking for him, he's the first thing her eyes go to when he's in the room," he said, thinking to all the times he'd noticed the two of them gravitating towards each other in one way or another. He glanced down at Hazel. He'd noticed those same habits in himself whenever Hazel was around. "I don't know. I think that's something they'll have to figure out for themselves, but I have hope that they'd be able to find a way to make it work." He said, knowing that him and Hazel had a similar dilemma for the future.

"It's okay, feel free to think aloud anytime," he told her, smiling and resting a hand on her shoulder. "There probably isn't much time left on dinner, let's give them a little bit more time together before we have to interrupt," he said. His intentions weren't entirely selfless though, he mostly wanted a bit longer with Hazel before the timer went off. Sure enough, it was mere minutes before a ringing sounded from the kitchen and he smiled at Hazel. "Dinner's ready," he said.

---

June giggled at Drake's silly voice he'd come up with for the gummy bear. "You're a goofball," she told him, but she was smiling brightly at the silliness. When the lightning made her jump, he was there in an instant to soothe her and she was grateful for it. She rested her forehead against his a moment, trying to calm the racing in her heart. For a moment, she'd thought she was going to start hearing that awful carnival music that always came after the lights came on in the dungeon but instead there was only a distant rumble of thunder and Drake's quiet breathing. He pulled the blanket tighter and ask her to come dance with him so she slid off the counter and did as he asked. Her arms went up around his neck and they swayed in the kitchen.

She tried to relax in his arms and was successful to some degree. There was still a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that wanted her to hide because he was coming for her but she pushed it away. She was safe here, inside with Drake holding her and Kelden and Hazel just in the other room. She leaned into Drake and tilted her head slightly so that their lips brushed softly before she pressed them more firmly to his. Their dancing continued somewhat through the kisses but both were interrupted by a shrill ringing over by the stove. June jumped once again, cursing herself silently for being so jumpy. She went over and turned the timer off and Hazel came in seconds later, Kelden trailing behind her.

June moved back over to Drake, calming her racing heart from the sudden noise but also from the sweet kisses they'd been sharing before they got interrupted. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself, her cheeks tinted pink. She was half tempted to just pull Drake upstairs and continue the kisses and slow dance but she knew he'd want her to get some food in her so she just laced her fingers with his instead. "Smells good," she complimented Hazel, smiling.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel winched as he said no pulp. "Oh no. No I refuse to let you drink orange juice and ruin it with no pulp!" she laughed and shook her head. They talked a while about June and Drake and she really hoped that it would work out for them. June deserved it after all.

Kelden put a hand on her shoulder gently and she looked up at him. He was so kind and he was trying to keep it all very professional and it was tearing her up inside. She bit her lip and nodded. She wanted to give June and Drake more time. They had been stealing looks and kisses this entire time and Hazel has been trying to help but also avoid Kelden. They were giving them some more time but she knew that dinner was almost over. She was looking out the window and bitting her lip. The terrible thing was that she was both afraid and fascinated with the storm. She had always loved storms, the wild ferocity but now with that she was afraid of the rain and the loud noises and the lights, but mostly she was afraid that with every flash she would see that psycho again.

The timer went off disturbing her thoughts and she grinned turning heading into the kitchen. She grinned apologetically seeing an embarrassed June and a bashful Drake but they looked happy. Hazel smiled and headed over to the stove. She took off the lid glad to see everything had cooked nicely. She checked the seasoning then nodded. "Grab a bowl." she said excited that June liked the smell. Hopefully she would eat. Hazel wanted to listen to some music but with the rain she really believed that the music would make it all seem too similar. She served out the plates then went and had a seat at the table with everyone.

---

Drake was glad to be a goofball for her. He wanted to give her something else to focus on and it worked for a while. He was worried about her. He wondered how many storms she would have to go through before she had some kind of calm back until she didn't jump at every little thing. Drake wanted to be there for all of those storms until she was ready and calm to do them on her own.

Drake was enjoying their dancing but even more so he enjoyed her kisses. They started soft and sweet before the desirer started to sink in and they both took that step in to let the passion require more. He was consumed in June when the tinnier went off and she jumped. He sighed and grumbled at the timer before smiling at her. He took her hand as she came back and laced his fingers with hers as Hazel and Kelden came in.

"It does smell good and I am excited to try it." he said and grabbed the bowls for the food. He handed them over. They got the dinner set up and sat down together. He really hoped that June would eat tonight and Hazel for that matter as well. Drake was starting to realize that in all truth that storms could last for days and they would need to be prepared for that if it was going to happen at some point but he was glad this was suppose to be a short storm. He didn't think the girls could last a long storm this time around and he was not really ready for that himself. He needed to find more ways to help June first. It was his mission to give her the best life and he was already thinking of what kind of a life they would have and what he needed to do to make it better for her with him in it.

@ Jinx...

Kelden eyed the embarrassed pair with a knowing smile as he and Hazel went to the kitchen. He felt his stomach grumble again as Hazel removed the lid from the pot and the delicious smell hit him. He nodded his agreement with June, and eagerly grabbed a bowl as Hazel instructed. She was kind enough to serve everyone and he ate the food happily. He watched, as he was sure Drake was doing as well, to see that the girls ate at least a bit. He was sure they didn't feel like eating much right now, but he hoped they would at least have something.

He was standing up to get seconds when the power kicked off, just as they'd unfortunately predicted. He heard a sharp intake of breath in the pitch black room. "One second, I'll light the candles," he said. He took out his phone to give himself enough light to get to the lighter and candles that had been scooted during dinner preparation. He flicked on the lighter, touching the flame to the wicks of the candles. While he let a few remain on the counter, he carried a few over to table. It wasn't much, but it at least illuminated the kitchen enough to see. The orange hue flickered and under different circumstances, he thought it might be somewhat romantic to eat by candlelight. But despite the dim lighting, Kelden could see the fear in Hazel's eyes as well as June's.

"Want to help me go light more candles?" Kelden asked Hazel. He had a feeling she wasn't going to be finishing her food. He picked up one of the candles again and used it to light his way to the living room to find the candles that had been set aside in there. He could feel Hazel close behind him and he handed her a candle of her own when more had been lit.

---

June ate slowly. The meal Hazel had prepared smelled and tasted delicious, but she really just wasn't feeling like eating much. The atmosphere was reminding her too much of their time in that dank musty dungeon and it was bringing up fears of eating drugged food. She had probably finished a little less than half of her food when darkness enveloped them all with the speed of a single heartbeat. She let out a little gasp and immediately reached to her right, her hand finding Drake's arm and gripping it. Kelden said he'd light the candles and she saw the small illumination of his phone bounce to where the candles were.

She tried to calm herself as the room grow lighter with each candle lit. A few moments later, Kelden and Hazel were leaving to go light more candles throughout the house and June looked down at her half-finished food. She couldn't eat anymore right now. She put her bowl in the sink and glanced around the room nervously. The candlelight flickered and shadows danced around, making her anxious that any one of them could be that psycho just waiting for the right moment.

She hugged the blanket tighter around herself and leaned against Drake as she watched for signs of suspicious shadows. All the progress she'd thought she'd made seemed like it was just going out the door. Why did she have to be so terrified of a little darkness and rain? It wasn't fair that that psycho had forced this fear into her. She jumped again, flinching as another flash of lightning lit up the room. "I hope this storm passes quickly," she muttered.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel was about half way through choking down food when the lights went out and she gasped. She just hardly held in a scream. She looked at the light that Kelden used to light the flames. She watched each candle come on and closed her eyes before opening them again her eyes landing on Kelden's. She knew he saw right through her. She looked away. Hazel took a breath then stood and put her dish in the sink not even having the strength to clean it out. She bit her lip turning as Kelden asked if she wanted to light more candles. "Kelden..." she frowned as he started to go. She followed behind him and hurried to move to him as the light started to dissipate. She grabbed his arm as if to stop him but ended up clinging to him. She whimpered at the pitch darkness. "Kelden I don't think..." she watched him light the candles and hand one to her. She held onto it letting his arm drop and standing there until he turned to see where she went. She bit her lip looking up at him over the flame. "I don't think we should light all the candles..." she was shaking and the warmth in her hands was starting to make her realize she had ben shaking this entire time. "What if the storm doesn't end?" she asked him her voice hardly more than a whisper with her fear.

Hazel looked up at him her eyes starting to brim with tears. She was more vulnerable than she wanted to admit. She rubbed her eyes and set the candle down. She walked over to the windows looking out. She shivered trying to control the panic flooding her. She looked out and frowned. "I feel so vulnerable." she admitted suddenly. "I am suck in this house right now. Honestly..." she voice broke and she wrapped her arms around herself rubbing her arms. "I... If I had to leave the house right now I don't think I could and if I did," she took in a breath shaking her head. "I don't think I would be able to stand. I think I would crumble and panic and all my training could not override that. Even now, just the sound of water." She shook her head. Hazel finally lifted her eyes looking at Kelden. "It's dark, and I can hear the rain. I'm not even wet and the music isn't even playing but he is here." she said and the lightning stoke and she gasped turning into Kelden the tears silently streaming down her face. She felt her knees starting to give out and she pulled away sitting down and holding her head in her hands.

This was exactly the kind of thing she shouldn't be doing because all she was doing was giving Kelden the opportunity to root himself more into her healing into the person she was becoming but she felt so weak to stop him. She couldn't stop herself from wanting him close and knowing he was the only thing that was going to get her through this without true panic but she had to stop it. She had to suck it up. Whatever he said here she had to smile and nod. Hazel needed to dry her eyes and laugh it off. She knew she needed to separate herself from all this and hope there was some kind of a drug in this house that could get her to sleep because the only way through this without Kelden was to sleep through it.

---

Drake saw the lights go off as he winked and heard the girls automatic reaction. He hoped this storm was going to be short at least. He turned to June feeling her hand grip him and he gently took her hand and brought it to his face. He leaned in and pressed his temple to hers. "I am here for you June I won't let anything happen to you." he whispered only for her. He kissed her temple there and held her other hand. The candles flickered on and Kelden brought some over. Drake nodded gently to his partner. He walked out with Hazel and he watched June move and put her food in the sink. He didn't blame her and he stood moving over to her and gently teased his hands on her arms giving her the option to shrug him away before he moved to pull her closer.

"June." he spoke her name softly and trying to sooth the panic he saw there. "Talk to me, what is happening right now in your beautiful mind?" he asked softly. He had an idea but perhaps her talking about it would help them to work through it together. She leaned into him and her wrapped her up like the blanket and tucked her under his chin holding her securely in his arms so she knew that she would always be safe in his arms.

She talked about the storm ending and he nodded. "I hope so as well but even if it doesn't June you will not be alone in this. I will be with you every step." he said and gently tucking her hair behind her ear. "I never looked to see if we have a fire place. Have you noticed? Should we go looking for one?" he asked. He had been so caught up in everything he didn't know if they had one they could use. He assumed not but he hadn't been in several of the other rooms including their bedrooms.

@ Jinx...

Kelden felt her clinging to his arm as they moved through the dark room. He wanted to stick close to her, to help her through this. Damn the space they were supposed to have, she needed his comfort and he wanted to give it to her. Kelden paused, setting down the candle he'd just lit in the living room. "Okay, we don't have to light all of them," he assured her. "Just a few to light the way through the house so no one gets hurt in the dark." He set down the candle, turning to her as she stood behind him holding her own candle. He could tell she was shaking and he could hear the fear in her voice as she asked about the storm. He held both her arms, steadying her but not gripping her. "It will end, I promise you," he assured her.

He could see tears starting to spill over in her eyes and his heart ached. His hands rested on her arms still as she admitted her vulnerabilities to him and he listened intently. He couldn't make the storm stop, as much as he wished he could, but he wanted to help her through this fear in any way that he could. "He's not here Hazel. He can't get to you, I won't let him. I am here for you, to keep you safe, and I will stand guard outside your bedroom door all night if that would make you feel even the tiniest bit more secure. Lightning struck and with a gasp, she was in his arms and he held her, sinking to the floor with her in his arms.

He sat there, leaning against the back of the couch as she trembled and he could feel her trying to keep from completely breaking down. He stroked her hair gently, letting her cry. "I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered to her quietly. "I'm here, I'll protect you no matter what." He continued to whisper quiet reassurances to her, holding her close.

---

June wrapped her arms around Drake and buried her face in his chest. She closed her eyes but she couldn't shut out the sound of the wind and rain blowing outside. "I... I feel like he's waiting behind every corner," she admitted, tears springing to her eyes. "I feel like he's going to come out of the shadows and stick that needle in my neck and I'm going to wake up in a cell all over again," she choked back a sob as the tears started to fall.

Drake reassured her that he would be there for her and she looked up at him, fear and tears swimming in her eyes. She trusted him and knew he would protect her but the fear still persisted. She wiped her eyes, trying to chase away the tears. He asked her about a fireplace and she nodded. "My room has one," she said. She hadn't even thought much of it, there hadn't been any reason for her to get a fire going since they'd been there. "I think there's a log or two already in there, I haven't really looked at it." June picked up a candle and held it close.

"Let's go check it out," she said, shivering and using her free hand to hold Drake's arm. She felt like someone or something was watching her from the darkness outside and the thought was bringing more tears to her eyes. Some hysterical part of her wanted to laugh, she had used to like horror movies and the adrenaline of watching the fake killer stalking his victim in a dark house like this. Now it was all too real and she didn't think she'd ever be able to watch a slasher flick like that ever again. She followed Drake up the stairs to her bedroom where she immediately checked the lock on her window and then closed the blinds to try and push away that paranoia of being watched. She knew she was overreacting but her nerves were so on end right now, she didn't care.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel really wanted too pout just a little longer and to let her tears flow some more but she force a chuckle as he said he would stand guard. She knew he would if she asked him to. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. She leaned into him closing her eyes letting it all soak in just a little longer. She nodded and hugged him gently her arms wrapping around him and the moment she did she knew it was a mistake. She loved how it felt with his arms around her and her stomach tied up in knots. She breathed him in knowing she had to pull away. "I think I am just tired. I am going to get some sleep." she said as she untangled herself from him.

Hazel could see the worried look when she stood and even more when her leg weren't quite stable yet. She smiled and patted his shoulder. "I'll be okay I just need more sleep. I am going to see if we have any sleep aids to help me sleep through the storm." she said and smiled. Hazel was half tempted to kiss his cheek but knew better. She squeezed his arm took a candle and headed out of the room. she slipped into the bathroom and started to look through the medication cabinet and and linen closet finding some medication tucked in the back that would knock her out. she knew the drowsy part was going to make her panic too but not more than the storm was.

Hazel moved to her bedroom checking everything two or three, or maybe sixteen times honestly before she changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed. She took the medication specifically with he prescribed dose. It was only suppose to help her fall asleep not keep her asleep which she was glad to see and set it on her night stand. She laid back the sound of the rain louder in the empty room. she looked at the candle and knew she should blow it out. She spent a little longer staring at it before leaning in and blowing it out. She sighed watching the ceiling light up as lightning struck outside lighting up the world.

---

Drake hoped his reassurances really were making a difference. He truly would be there for her as long as she needed him for in any way she wanted him. She said she had a fire place in her room and he smiled. "Great let's go." he said. they quietly passed Kelden and Hazel and headed upstairs. He walked in with her lighting the other candle that was in there then moving over to the fireplace to take a look as June checked the window. He understood her need and it was safe to do that, even if it seemed paranoid. It would keep her alive to check her safety measures first.

Drake looked at the logs. It would work for a short fire. It would give them light for maybe an hour.He wanted to hope for two but knew it would be unreasonable, but the embers would burn longer. He sat back on his knees and looked at June. "Well the good news is that this would light and we could start a fire which would light up your room pretty effectively but the bad news it that it would most likely last an hour and then there would be nothing but embers left to burn for maybe another hour." he said.

Drake smiled up at her. "So the question them becomes when do you want to start this fire?" he asked her. See Drake was thinking if they did it now then she could come to a place of comfort so by the time the fire went out the storm would almost be over or at least she would be calm enough to trust him him to help her through the rest of her fears for the night.

@ Jinx...

Kelden held Hazel, letting her take as long as she needed. He wanted to hold her all night, anything to give her even the smallest bit of comfort. She let him hold her, which he hoped was a good sign that maybe they could get back to how they had been. He knew it was mostly selfish, he wanted to be her primary guard again and sneak kisses and be there for her, but it was also for the sake of the case. For now though, he would just focus on helping her get through this storm.

At least, that was what he intended to focus on until Hazel was pulling herself away and brushing off her fear for tiredness. Kelden looked at her, worried. She wasn’t being honest and he knew it, but she was already out of his arms before he could object. And if she didn’t want his comfort, how could he object? He let her go, watching with worry as she stood back up on wobbly legs. Why wouldn’t she let him be there for her? “If you need anything, I’ll be here. I am here for you Hazel,” he said as she squeezed his arm and he put his hand over hers. He watched her carry off the candle, leaving darkness behind her.

He’d seen June and Drake disappear upstairs earlier and he sighed, taking a candle and setting it on the coffee table as he sat on the couch. He began his watch, his mind racing with thoughts of this strange and painful wedge between him and Hazel.

---

June sat on the edge of her bed, watching as Drake inspected the fireplace. “We can light it now,” she said. She wanted the light and warmth now, to chase away the worries and fears. She’d figure out what to do after it went out when that time came. She hoped that maybe she could get to sleep before that happened but she doubted it. She shrugged the blanket off as Drake began to light the fireplace and she went to her closet to pull out some pajamas. She didn’t want to go back out into the dark to change in the bathroom and she didn’t really want Drake to leave either, even if just for a few minutes. “I’m just going to change really quick, don’t look,” she said. Once she made sure he was turned, she quickly stripped and redressed in the pajamas. She knew Drake was a gentleman and wouldn’t peek at her. If it wasn’t such a stressful night, she probably wouldn’t mind trying to tease him a little, but as it was she wasn’t really feeling up to anything of that nature. She just wanted to sit with him in front of the fire and get warm.

“Thanks, you can look now,” she told him, grabbing the blanket off the bed and setting it on the floor in front of the fireplace for them to sit on. She hugged her knees to her chest, watching the fire as it grew and lit the room up more. She let out a soft sigh, feeling a little more relaxed as the shadows went away and the crackling distracted her from the sound of the rain.

She leaned against Drake, fidgeting with the fabric of her shirt as they sat. “Have you ever been camping?” She asked. She’d never been, having spent all her life in a city. She’d dreamt of roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a fire and sleeping under the stars, it seemed like something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. She’d at least gotten to experience the clear night sky, unpolluted from the city lights. That was something Drake had given her that she would always be grateful for.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake nodded as she told him to start the fire. He set to work on it. When she told him not to turn around all his senses went on high alert. When he heard her cloths rushing he tried to relax. He knew it wasn't the night for any kind of funny business but no one told his body that and he was working really had to get his body to do as he needed it to as he focused on the fire watching it roar to life as she said she was done. He grinned and he saw her come over with a blanket. He sat with her and gently rubbed her back. He grinned at her question and nodded.

"Yeah I have been camping, ever summer with my mom. You know this story, it's how I learned about the stars." he said seeing the fog lifting enough for her to remember. "Don't worry I know it's a stressful night." he said and looked back at the fire. "Have you ever been camping?" he asked because she had been so shocked with the starlight he would guess she had never been. If that was truly the case that was one of the first tings he wanted to do when all this was over for her. He knew winter would be coming soon but he knew the other side of the world was warm and a road trip through Australia sounded like the kind of thing someone would want to do after a bi change in their life. They called it a walk about, after all for a reason.

"What other things haven't you tried that you are looking forward to?" he asked. Drake could only think about his family and how they all would love June. They would want to see her and then ask why he hasn't put a ring on it yet. He knew he needed to make a phone call to his father in the next few days to check in. Perhaps June would like to join him on that. "Did you to call my dad with me here in a few days? Your sister got to embarrass you after all we should return the favor." Drake grinned thinking she would like his family making and embarrassment out of him.