My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

June shook her head as if that could reconfigure her frazzled brain. “Right, of course. I’m sorry, I guess I’m feeling a little scatterbrained right now,” she said, a twinge of guilt that she’d forgotten something like that. She hugged her knees to her chest a little tighter. “I’ve never been. I’d like to though, it sounds like a lot of fun.”

She rested her head against him and closed her eyes, letting the warmth wash over her. She was still listening on high alert but she was trying to relax. “There’s a lot of things I’d like to do someday,” she told him. “I never really put together an official bucket list but I did think a lot about thing I wished I’d done when I was... when I was in that cell,” she finished quietly. Her knuckles grew white as she clenched her fists tightly. She took in a shaky breath and let it go, letting her hands unclench and relax. “Traveling is a big one. I’ve never been outside the country so I’d like to travel around the world. Camping, obviously, I’m dying to try a s’more,” she said with a small laugh. “Learn a new language. Get a dog of my own,” she smiled, thinking about Mac. She hoped Mac and Betty were ok in the storm. She’d have to see if Hazel would let her take Drake to go check in on Betty tomorrow if the storm had passed by then. “And many more. Maybe I’ll start writing an actual bucket list sometime but I don’t really want to do these just to be able to check them off some list. I want to experience it to experience it, to live in the moment.

June sat up to look up at him, a little surprised. “Really? Is that.. are you sure?” She asked. She would love to meet his dad, even if only over the phone. She felt a little swell of happiness in her heart. He’d had reason to be there when she had called her family but she didn’t have to be there when he called his and that meant he thought highly enough of her to introduce her to his dad, even if just over the phone. She smiled at him. “I’d love to embarrass you with your family,” she teased gently. She stretched up and kissed him.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake grinned. He understood where her head was at right now and he wouldn't hold it against her that she forgot. She said she had never been camping making his observations fact and he shook his head. "Well we are just going to have to fix that." he said smiling. "I will take you camping!" he said grinning. He kissed her head as she laid her head on his shoulder. Drake smiled as they relaxed and he was glad the light was helping her to find some comfort. He yawned and tried to hide it. He was glad he had gotten some extra sleep recently but he was still pushing his body pretty hard.

As June started to talk about some of the things she wanted to do he smiled knowing she would love his idea to take her camping across seas. He grinned knowing her life was going to be full of new adventures and he hoped that he would be there for them. "Well it doesn't even have to be a bucket list, just a do first list. You can write the things you want to do the most down and when it is finished start a new one." he said grinning at her. She was so stunning and had so much life to live.

Drake had suggested she talk to his family but hadn't expected it to perk her up so much. He grinned happily though as he watched the thought starting to sink into her mind. "Yeah really." he said and cupped her cheek pecking her lips gently. He loved how happy this little thing made her. It was a big deal sure but to him it seemed natural because she was June, his June. He chuckled as she said she wanted to embarrass him. He rubbed her arm softly looking back at the fire. "I am sure you will have a ton of opportunities to do just that." he said. He was sure Kelden would need some relief later and he needed to get some sleep but he didn't want to. He wanted to stay up with June all night. One day he wouldn't need to be on guard and then he wouldn't need to worry about how much he was sleeping and could spend all his time with June.

@ Jinx...

June didn’t miss the yawn Drake tried to hide. She smiled, holding back a yawn of her own. She’d gotten to a more relaxed state, feeling safe and warm in her room with Drake and a fire going. She stood up and pulled Drake up with her. “Let’s try and get some rest,” she murmured. The rain seemed to be a little quieter than it had been and she hoped that meant the storm was passing and would be gone before morning. She still didn’t want to be alone, so she pulled Drake onto the bed with her.

June’s cheeks were tinted a little pink. She knew nothing was going to happen but having him in bed with her made her picture the things that could happen. The fire crackled quietly behind June as she wrapped an arm around Drake and rested her head on the pillow next to his. She hadn’t realized just how tired she was until she let her body relax into the bed and already she was starting to drift off. “Thanks for staying with me,” she murmured sleepily. She snuggled into him a little tighter. “G’night Drake,” she mumbled before drifting off.

@ Lost Oceans
Drake smiled as she pulled him up. He walked to bed with her noticing her blush. It was good to know she was impacted by this even if it was innocent. He set his phone on vibrate for his shift and kicked off his shoes moving into bed with her. He felt her wrap and arm around him and he snuggled into her. "Of course June. I will stay until my shift starts." he said and kissed her head. "Goodnight June." he whispered and watched her as sleep started to bring her body to rest. He smiled and closed his eyes. She was so beautiful. He fell asleep.

Drake rested until his phone woke him for his shift. He sighed and slowly got up careful not to wake June. He tucked her in and kissed her forehead. He stood stretching and heading out grabbing his shoes. He closed the door silently and went to his room. He changed then moved downstairs. "Everything go smoothly Kelden?" he asked. They made some small talk and then Kelden headed off. Drake headed outside to do his rounds.

---

Hazel had been in and out of sleep despite the sleeping pills. She was tossing and turning in her sleep the blankets wrapping around her body. Her mind wrestled with the images she had been fighting all day turning her worst fear into nightmare.



Hazel's screams and her calling for Kelden echoed through the house as she fought her own blankets trying to get free. The tears soaked her pillow as she fought her nightmare to get to the one person she had come to depend on.

@ Jinx...

“Yeah, it’s all good,” Kelden said with a yawn. It had been an uneventful night after Hazel had went to bed and he had spent the evening watching the lightning until it too had gone. “The storm seems to be over for the most part. I think we’re lucky it was a short burst,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t want to think how much worse it would have been for Hazel and June if they had to wake up to the storm continuing on. He’d have to keep a better eye on the weather to prepare for something like this again.

He stood up and stretched and said goodnight to Drake before heading upstairs. He heard Drake head outside to start his rounds and Kelden was just passing Hazel’s room when her sudden scream of his name made his blood run cold. His hand went to the door handle but her door was locked as usual. He cursed, panic flooding through him and he quickly felt along the top of the doorframe for the hidden key that was up there for emergencies like this. He unlocked the door quickly, his fingers nimble and unshaking as training kicked in and he was able to think and react through the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He burst in the room, ready to draw his gun but only found Hazel thrashing and screaming in her blankets. She was still screaming his name. He immediately rushed over to her. “Hazel, Hazel, it’s ok!” He said loudly, trying to wake her up from the nightmare. She finally seemed to wake up, tears in her eyes and Kelden knelt on the floor beside her. “Hazel, I’m here, it’s Kelden, I’m right here,” he said, quieter now that she was awake.

Kelden heard a creak from the doorway and saw June hugging herself in the hallway, looking terrified. He gave her a smile, trying to look reassuring and she relaxed a little and left to go downstairs. He turned back to Hazel, stroking her hair gently and continuing to whisper reassurances to her.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel woke as she heard Kelden calling to her to wake up. She gasped her eyes opening in panic. She looked him over half un believing that he was here. She couldn't breath right still hyperventilating. "Take them off." she breathed in a rush pushing at the covers that surrounded her like a vice. Once Kelden helped her pull them off she tossed her arms around him. She pulled him into her and into the bed. She ran her hands over his arms and up his chest. Her fingers ran over his face cupping it like she couldn't believe he was there. Hazel leaned her forehead into his her breathing making her feel wobbly still. She looked into his eyes and pressed her kips to his kissing him.

The kiss helped her to get her breathing more regulated her pulse was still wild against him. Hazel finally whispered his name. "Kelden." she half sobbed on her next breath. "Stay with me." she begged. Once Kelden moved into the bed more she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him into her. She breathed him in and her mouth moved to his again. She hummed as they kissed, her body beginning to change into an entirely different kind of energy as the panic started to subside. Hazel ran her hands down his back and then around to his front. She ran her hands up his chest under his shirt her fingers feeling his warmth, drawing comfort from it. Her lips moved to his demanding more as her body arched to his needing the closeness.

Hazel's lips demanded as her body begged her hands greedy for every inch of skin she could touch. Her sobs had started to turn into hums of pleasure and quiet moans. Suddenly the lack of Kelden all week was catching up to her and she wanted more, her entire being demanded more of what she had been so deprived of. With how her nightmare had torchered her she was sill partially in disbelief that he was here. A part of her believed this was the beautiful illusion to spare her from the horrible death she was experiencing.

---

Drake came in after his rounds and stopped seeing June on the couch. Sh looked upset. It was to early for her to be up on her own so something happened. Drake moved over to her. "Are you okay?" he asked wanting to be she was alright at least physically before they moved int what happened. He sat down next to her gently pushing her hair back. It was only sprinkling outside now but he had droplets in his hair.

"What happened June? Why are you awake?" he asked softly. As she told him he nodded in understanding. So Hazel had finally broke from all the stress and holding it all inside. He was relieved that Kelden had been there at the right time. He sighed and kissed June's temple. "I am sorry you have to be witness to that. I am sure it brought up some tough memories for you." he said and knew Hazel would get through it. Kelden would make sure of it but also Hazel was strong. Drake understood why June wouldn't be able to sleep now though. "Well you are welcome to join me on my watch if you like. I'm all done outside now it's pretty much just a listening game with we can do while doing pretty much anything else as well." he said grinning at her.

Drake was glad that June had come to where she knew he would be. It was good that they had that relationship where he could be there for her. "I am sorry I had to leave for my shift but Kelden needed to rest." he said and smiled softly. "The couch is comfortable enough though if you were wanting to daze off at all later I would be right here, just like the first night." he grinned remembering how she had teased him about complaining about the couch that first night.

@ Jinx...

Kelden helped her pull the covers off, untangling her from them and paused a moment as she threw her arms around him and half pulled him into the bed. He sat there beside her, holding her, and worried about how panicked she seemed. Her touches had a desperate air to them, almost seeming as if she was making sure he was real and actually there. He assumed that her dream had been about the psycho, but he wondered what specifically had happened to make her so frantic. Kell just brought his own hand to her cheek and kissed her back gently when she brought her lips to his.

When she finally pulled away, he felt a spark of want to hear his name whispered on his lips. He nodded at her request. "Of course, I'm right here Hazel, I'll stay with you as long as you want," he murmured to her and climbed further into the bed. He tried to convince himself that this was completely innocent and he was laying in bed with her to comfort her, but that became harder to believe as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Kelden returned her fevered kisses, tangling his fingers in her hair, taking in the feeling of her touching him and feeling him. Her soft moans of pleasure drove him wild, he could feel himself growing hard and he let out his own quiet moan against her lips as her body arched against his.

He trailed his kisses down her jawline and down to her neck as he pulled her into him further. His head felt foggy with desire, he wanted nothing more than to continue down this road but something was nagging at him. He was supposed to be comforting Hazel, not taking advantage of her like this. His own hands were under her shirt as well, holding her back gently. "Hazel," he hummed as she kissed him again. "Hazel, we should stop," he told her despite his body wanting the exact opposite.

---

June huddled down on the couch in the living room. She'd woken up to the sounds of Hazel screaming and Drake missing from the bed. Her first thought had been that that psycho had finally come for them, that he'd snuck in under the cover of the storm and had Hazel and she'd jumped out of bed to go try and stop him. She had to admit that when she first saw Kelden crouched beside Hazel's bedside, she'd thought it was him before her eyes adjusted and she recognized him. Though she knew that nightmares weren't exactly pleasant, the relief to realize that it was just that causing Hazel's screams had nearly brought June to her knees. She'd let Kelden take care of Hazel, she had a feeling they both needed it and June didn't know if she could be of any comfort at the moment anyway. She felt like crying, having believed the worst was happening for a few brief moments.

Drake came inside and saw her and she clung to him as he sat down next to hear, checking to see that she was okay. "I'm okay," she said shakily. "Hazel had a nightmare, she was screaming. Kelden is taking care of her now," she explained quietly. She realized she was trembling as she let go of him and let out a shaky laugh. "I'm sorry," she said. "I thought... I thought he'd come for us."

She ran a hand through her hair, trying to calm her nerves. "No, no its okay, I knew you'd have to leave eventually. Thank you for staying while you could," she said and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I don't know if I can get back to sleep right now but I'd like to just lay here with you," she said softly. She could feel exhaustion starting to creep back into her as the adrenaline faded. She took a folded blanket from beside the couch and draped it over herself as she laid her head in Drake's lap.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel whispered his name between a kiss after he had said her own. She kissed him again her skin burning where he touched her. Hazel half moaned and gasped in air as he said they should stop. He might be right but she couldn't think, didn't care but if that was what he wanted she would let him lead. She could feel how he wanted her so she knew it wasn't that. She leaned her head back letting out a little protested whine breathing her eyes opening and connecting with him. There was still pain there in her eyes along with the desire. She sighed and closed her eyes. She could see in his eyes what he was saying. He was still worried about her and as much as she wanted to ignore it he was right. "Just stay with me." she said. She pulled off his shirt dropping it off the side and cuddling into him. She laid her head on his warm chest and closed her eyes. Hazel pulled him so he was holding her. She needed his arms around her.

"He got to you. You were screaming for me and I couldn't reach you." Hazel said after a long silence. She wanted him to know what kind of a dream would cause her so much fear. Hazel buried her face into his chest breathing him in. She gently placed her hands on his bare skin still needing to believe he was here because her worst nightmare was just too close to what she believed would happen to her. Hazel didn't have as much hope as she use to that things would work out. She believed all her training and precautions were what was going to save them. "I still can't believe I am awake." she whispered.

Hazel knew she could sleep more if she really tried but she wanted Kelden, she wanted every moment of him. As she looked up at him she could see the fatigue though and knew he needed to sleep to. She would try to sleep just so he could as well. She closed her eyes and sighed feeling finally safe right here with Kelden.

---

Drake nodded. He rubbed her arms gently. "It's okay you don't have to apologize. I would be scared to if I woke to screaming and not knowing where you where." he said and cupped her cheek softly. "June... He's not here. I am and you are going to be okay." he said leaning in and kissing her head gently. He was glad she understood his having to leave. He had to do his job to protect her too.

"You can rest here, June I will be right here." he said softly and smiled as she laid down with he blanket and he gently stroked her hair. He wanted her to feel safe now. He hoped that she would be alright. It had been a rough night. He was thinking maybe they should all take an afternoon nap today. He looked down at June thinking he should tell her a story but wondering which one she would like.

"When I was 10 I started a dog walking company. It was just me and the 8 of the neighborhood dogs." he smiled remembering. "I was walking them down to the park when a cat walked out of one of the houses and jumped down in front of the dogs. It started with just one bark before the dogs where dragging me down the street chasing after this cat." he chuckled. "I am able to laugh about it now but I was a bloody mess when I returned all the dogs." he chuckled. "We still went to the park of course but I told the owners I couldn't walk them anymore. I don't know how many adults were really struggling with not laughing at me when I explained what happened. My mom was the worst. She broke out laughing. She had the best laugh." he grinned. "She took me into the bathroom and cleaned me up kissing all my booboos afterwards and gave me some angle food cake she had just made." he smiled thinking of his mom. He missed her like crazy. "That was before we knew about the cancer." he said knowing he hadn't told her yet that his mom was gone.

@ Jinx...

Kelden felt her groan of protest and he had half a mind to protest himself, even though he was the one trying to slow things down. “Trust me, I know,” he said with a quiet low chuckle. “You’re driving me wild right now but this isn’t how I want to make love to you,” he told her, nibbling her ear softly. “I want to earn that from you Hazel, I want to be the man who takes care of you in every way not because you need it, but because you want it,” he hummed, continuing to give her soft little pecks down her neck. She might call him old fashioned, he certainly agreed that it sounded a little old fashioned, but Hazel was so special to him and he wanted to prove that to her.

“I’ll stay with you as long as you want,” he assured her. He gave her one last kiss, a sweet, gentle one on her lips and then he let her toss his shirt aside and settled further into the bed with her. He held her against him, tight so that she was tucked safely against him but not constraining so that she could pull away if she wanted. She didn’t seem to so he kissed the top of her head. He listened to her detail her dream and he pulled her closer. “You’re not dreaming, this...” he said and touched her cheek and tilted her face up to look at him. He kissed her, soft but with all the passion and love he could muster behind it. “This is real,” he said when the kiss ended.

Kelden felt her settle back down on his chest and he stroked her hair. He was exhausted but Kelden didn’t let himself drift off until he felt Hazel’s breathing slow as well. Once he thought she was asleep, he finally allowed himself to drift off, warm with Hazel’s body against his.

---

June smiled hearing him talk about dog walking. She tried to imagine him getting dragged by so many dogs and she giggled quietly at the image her mind produced. “That must have been quite the sight,” she laughed. She thought it was hilarious how his mom had reacted and June thought that she’d like to meet this woman who had raised such a wonderful man. But her heart sank when Drake mentioned cancer. She sat up to look at him. “I’m so sorry Drake,” she said, lacing her fingers with his. She kissed his hand and looked back up at him.

“She must have been a wonderful person. Can I ask, what was she like?” She asked. She didn’t want to make him talk about his mother if he didn’t want to but also knew that it could be helpful to talk about lost loved ones in a positive light. She stroked his fingers lightly, trying to offer comfort. She didn’t know the pain of losing a parent like that. Though her father wasn’t in her life, she’d never known him to be able to miss his absence.

She listened to him tell her about his mother and she could see that he missed her deeply. She seemed like such a wonderful woman and mother, June wished she could have had the opportunity to meet her. She continued to hold Drake’s hand, offering what comfort she could. “I think she’d be proud of you,” she told him softly, offering a small smile. “When all this is over, would you mind if I went with you to take some flowers to her grave? I’d like to thank her for bringing such an amazing man into this world.”

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel bit her lip as he kissed her neck and teased her as he told her why he was saying no. She sighed and loved what he said. She cuddled into him and a part of her was very glad that he stopped her. He was right it was important that he gave her that freedom. "Thank you." she whispered to him. The way his lips teased her skin made her shiver and not want to follow through with his desire to stop but she knew it was right for them to stop now.

Kelden told her that this was real and she sighed kissing him back. She cuddled up to him and nodded. "This is real." Hazel kissed him letting the warmth sink into her. She was so glad to feel the passion he kissed her with. "I don't want to be separate from you again. Will you come back to being my guard?" she asked him her forehead pressing to his. She wanted to have him back, to have that comfort. It was pretty obvious to her that denying herself his presence was bad for her. Still a part of her worried about what happened after the detail was over and she had to learn to deal with her issues all on her own.

Once they had slowly started to relax and the night really started to make her feel the full exhaustion of the day she finally started to relax back into Kelden for sleep. Hazel breathed in Kelden's presence and yawned as her eyes slowly closed. She fell asleep in Kelden's arms happily.

---

"It was a site with my knobby knees." Drake chuckled and bit his lip as she gave her sympathy for his mother. "Thanks. It's been a long time but sometimes I still miss her." he said. He nodded as he spoke about his mom. "She was a wonderful person. She was interesting always had a story to tell but as much time as she spent with everyone else she spent more time with me and my siblings." he said. "We knew she was going to die when it came time for it. We had time to say goodbye but it was still hard." He sighed. "She was the kind of women people looked up too but she was completely herself and people inspired to be like her." Drake grinned. "She would have liked you." He smiled at her.

Drake grinned but it didn't reach his eyes all the way. He missed her right now and wished she was still around. He didn't realize how much moments like this he would miss her when he was younger but now that June was in his life he wished he could talk to her.

Drake grinned as June said she would be proud and he nodded. "I believe she would be too." he said and smiled. "I would like you to visit her." he said. He was really bad about visiting her grave. It made him really sad no matter how beautiful his family had made it for her. Drake smiled softly and cupped her cheek. "You know she would laugh at that. Be thankful to hear it but laugh. She had a this thing that she was chosen to be my mom. She said I was always a strong personality even in the womb." He smirked. "She taught me a lot about kindness." he chuckled. "Ohh the stories my family will tell you." he said and kissed June's hand.

@ Jinx...

Kelden kissed her softly. "Of course, you don't even have to ask," he told her, pulling her closer against him. Eventually they both settled down and fell asleep. Despite the fact that he was getting even less sleep than usual, Kelden slept more comfortably than he had in a long time.

When Kelden next opened his eyes, there was sunlight peeking in through the blinds on the windows. Not much, but enough to illuminate the room softly and show that the storm had passed. He blinked a few times, starting to wake up. Hazel was still snuggled up against him and he smiled and kissed her head, careful not to wake her. He knew he should probably get up and start his day but it was so blissful laying here with Hazel like this that he just wanted it to last as long as it could. He rested his head back against the pillow and stared at the ceiling, gently stroking Hazel's hair. She was so beautiful and this was one of those rare moments where she was completely relaxed. He felt her stir and he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she opened her eyes and looked up at him sleepily. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured to her quietly, a soft smile on his face.

"Did you get enough sleep?" He asked her, knowing the night had been long for both of them. He might try and snag a nap later in the afternoon but for the most part, he was feeling surprisingly rested. He did, however, feel a slight rumble in his stomach and he groaned as Hazel sat up, pulling away from him. He'd much rather continue as they were.

---

June smiled sadly as Drake told her about his mother. It was clear how much he loved and missed her and June wished there was something she could do. She leaned her head against his cupped hand on her cheek and closed her eyes. There weren't many words she could offer, so June instead wrapped her arms around him and held Drake close. "I can't wait to hear all about them," she told him. She really wanted to meet his family, though she was a little nervous and hoped that they would like her. It meant a lot to know that Drake thought his mom would have liked her though.

After a while more of talking, June could feel herself nodding off. Her eyes felt so heavy and kept drooping, wanting to close so bad. She tried to force herself to stay awake but Drake's warmth and his soft touches lulled her into sleep eventually. Her body relaxed against his and her breathing slowed as she slipped into slumber.

June woke up to sunlight beaming on her face from the living room windows and she squinted her eyes and turned her head to bury her face in Drake's chest, trying to block out the light. She was exhausted and didn't really want to get up. She just wanted to stay cuddled up with Drake for the rest of the day, only getting up to maybe go back to a bed instead of the couch. She tried to sleep a bit longer but the brightness of the daylight was too distracting and she gave up when she heard the creak of two people coming down the stairs, indicating that Hazel and Kelden were up. June sighed softly, giving Drake a pouting look as she accepted her fate to get up and get her day started.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel woke feeling someone stroking her hair and she thought of Kelden first which was a pleasant change for her. She smiled and snuggled into him as she opened her eyes seeing him there with her. She looked up at him grinning as he called her beautiful. She was probably still red and puffy from the night before but he didn't seem to care. She leaned up looking down on his face as he asked her about her sleep. She chuckled and pecked his lips. "I got enough, I have had less." she said. "And you?" she felt his stomach rumble and she laughed. She got up and headed to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, washed off her face and then brush her hair.

Hazel came back into her room looking refreshed. She looked over his naked chest and picked up his shirt handing it to him. She kissed him again a little deeper and then pulled away. "Now get out so I can change." she winked at him grinning. As he left she closed the door with a sigh. She still couldn't believe last night happened. She had nearly jumped his bones but then again so had he. She stripped then put on some workout cloths. Hazel came out meeting up with Kelden as he came out of his own room. "Feel like training? We haven't gotten in practice in a while. I didn't try with Drake after I broke his nose." she grinned kind of proud of that still.

Hazel came down seeing June and Drake getting up off the couch. "Morning sleepies." She grinned and moved tot he kitchen to get some water and to work on breakfast. Kelden's stomach had been the entire reason that they had to get up this morning anyways she she felt the need to make sure he ate something.

---

Drake loved how she tried to comfort him and how she ended up in his lap. He loved holding her and it did give him strength and comfort to have her there. He listened to her as she slept. Over the night they got comfortable and even though Drake couldn't sleep he enjoyed just staying and resting with June as she got the sleep she needed. He didn't know what it was about June that was so cute but he watched her a lot while she slept and he knew that this was the real deal.

Drake let June slip in and out of sleep all morning smiling as he watched her beautiful face crinkle at the necessity of waking. He chuckled as she woke. He smoothed her hair back and kissed her head. "Morning June." he said grinning at that sexy cute pout she gave him with her big bottom lip that made him want to lean in and nibble at it. Drake rubbed her back and they got up off the couch. He took her hand and looked towards the stairs. Hazel seemed chipper and he was hoping that meant they had worked pas this entire separation thing.

Drake hung back to talk with Kelden a moment. "So... do we have new arrangements again?" he asked hopeful and smiled at the answer. It was about time they were all back to normal. He hoped the girls were hungry and would make up for some off that food they had missed out on the night before. They walked into he kitchen and Drake walked over tot he fridge. "So is there anything that went bad?" he asked snooping around tossing out the milk and a few other things. He smiled at June from across the room. "Hazel are you and Kelden up for a run to the store after your workout?" he asked knowing her morning routine. "I think I want to take June over to see Mac again. She gets separation anxiety after so long." he winked at June joking of course but he knew it would be nice for June to get out and see Mac and Betty.

@ Jinx...

"Same here," he said. "Though I have to admit that I was much comfier than usual," he teased, grinning. He stood and stretched as she left for the bathroom and tried to wake up his body. She returned and threw his shirt to him and he leaned into her kiss, sighing when she pulled away. He could definitely get used to waking up like this every morning and he was excited to think about when they'd be able to sleep together like that all night long. He chuckled and pulled his shirt on. "Alright, alright," he said and shuffled out of the room so she could change. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his messy hair, making a quick stop into his own room to change into fresh clothes.

When he finished, Hazel was also coming out of her room and he smiled at her. "Training would be great. That was awesome, by the way," he laughed, thinking about his partner's bruised face. He had recovered easily, just as Kelden had expected, and Kell was still proud of her for putting that much power behind her kick.

He followed her down the stairs and as Hazel and June continued into the kitchen, Drake hung around for a bit and Keldon stopped to see what was on his mind. He gave his partner a smile when he asked about the guard arrangements and he nodded. "I think we made a big step forward last night. We still have a lot to figure out, but she's asked me to be her main guard again," he told Drake, not able to keep the smile from his face. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his chest.

---

June's pout turned to a smile and she greeted Drake good morning as well. She groaned as he rubbed her back, the feeling was divine and made her want to continue to just stay cuddled up to him on the couch. She stood up though as Hazel and Kelden came down and Hazel smiled at them, seeming happy after the night they'd all had. "Morning," she greeted and followed her to the kitchen to help make breakfast. Kelden and Drake hung back a moment but joined in the kitchen shortly. As Hazel and June worked to get breakfast ready, Drake went through and tossed out things that had spoiled in the power outage. Kelden took the trash outside as they all worked, a little harmony to their group.

June grinned at Drake as he teased her about having separation anxiety from Mac and she laughed. "I can't help it, he's my good boy," she said playfully as they cooked. A walk would be nice though, getting to see Mac and Betty and being out in the sunshine would feel a lot better after such a hard night.

Before they knew it, breakfast was being served and they all sat down to eat, chatting about the trip to town and supplies they'd need. June grabbed a pen and paper and made sure to write down a grocery list as she ate, marking down everyone's suggestions so they wouldn't forget anything. Once they were all done, June began to wash dishes before heading upstairs to change out of the pajamas she was still in. She met Drake at the front door, who also looked like he'd freshened up, and they waved goodbye to Hazel and Kelden who were beginning their training in the yard.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel was completely amazed with Kelden. He was proud of her for beating up his partner and she couldn't help but snicker at it her eyes shinning with joy and mischief. As they all worked in the kitchen cleaning up the mess and making food she turned on some music careful about what she picked because her nerves were still a little shot from last night.

Hazel was really glad the rain had stopped and she knew that she needed to be more prepared for next time but also if that psycho came in the rain. Hazel needed to find a way to prepare for that. She would ask Kelden his ideas on it. He would be honest with her and go through it even if he didn't think that the psycho would show up he would help her prepare anyways.

Hazel looked over at June and knew she understand but she still felt bad for waking her last night with her screams. She served breakfast and they all sat down and eating. Hazel grinned looking over at Kelden. It was so easy to slip back into their routine. Once they cleaned up they headed outside. The ground was still wet and Hazel was glad for the experience to fight on wet ground. She turned to Kelden and grinned. "Ready? I'm not holding back." she said taking her stance. Hazel wanted to see if she could best Kelden as well.

---

Drake grinned. He would have teased her about him bing her good boy but it was way over a line he was still trying to pretend was there. He could see though that she was was excited to get out and see Mac and Betty. He relaxed as they had breakfast. It was so nice to be together like this.

When June was ready they headed out to go see Betty and Mac. They walked like always together. He passed by Hazel and Kelden training together and he smiled. "They are good together." he said to June. "I don't think I have ever seen someone that can keep up with Kelden the way Hazel does. She might even be better than him at some things." he smirked and looked at June. "But don't tell him I said that." he chuckled.

As they walked out of site he took June's hand in his own and kissed it. "How are you feeling this morning beautiful?" he asked her wanting to check in on her because he knew how she kept things quiet. He was pretty perceptive but even still he had to ask. "Oh I didn't tell you yet, Kelden said Hazel asked him to be her primary guard again." he smiled. "There is no getting ride of me now." he said and winked at June.

@ Jinx...

Kelden smiled as they went outside, getting ready to spar. It was amazing how easily they'd fallen back to their routine and he loved it. The ground around them showed clear signs of the storm from the night previous, the ground still wet and branches and leaves were strewn about the yard from the intense wind. Now though, nothing more than a slight breeze blew through the trees, feeling good in contrast to the warm sun that was beaming down and only getting warmer. June and Drake left as they got set up and Kelden threw them a quick wave as he drug a large branch off to the side to give them space without tripping over anything. The wet ground would be difficult enough without half a tree to trip over.

"I wouldn't expect anything less," he told her, grinning. He got into stance, waiting for her to as well, and then attacked. Kelden had trained with Hazel much more than Drake had and was prepared for her high kicks, flexibility, and balance. In fact, since he'd started doing yoga with her, he'd found himself getting more flexible. He was still a beginner by far, but it was still a noticeable difference.

Though Kelden enjoyed these training sessions, he had to remember that the core reason behind them was to give Hazel a better chance at defending herself should the psycho come for her and June. So he didn't hold back either. But despite that, he was finding it more difficult than usual to keep up with Hazel. He just barely dodged a kick from her and he was proud to know that she was still getting better and better.

---

June smiled, glancing up at Kelden and Hazel sparring and nodded in agreement. "They are. I'm glad she's training with him, and not just because it means more time together for us," she said, smiling up at Drake. She laughed as he said that Hazel was better than Kelden at some things. "Your secret is safe with me," she winked and made a zipping motion on her lips. She laced her fingers with his and took in a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air. She was so glad to see the sun after the night prior.

"I'm feeling good," she answered him, honestly. She was happy to be spending time with him and being out in the sunshine. It was a reminder that the storm would always pass, even if it didn't feel like it. She did perk up when Drake told her about Kelden being back on Hazel's guard and she smiled happily. "I wouldn't dream of trying to get rid of you," she said, shaking her head. She turned to him suddenly and stood up on tip toes so she could kiss him passionately. She'd missed being able to kiss him like this. When they did eventually pull away, June smiled and gave him a few extra quick pecks. "We've got to make up for lost time," she told him with a wink.

They continued to walk and arrived at Betty's after a bit. June chatted with Betty, about the storm and the cake she'd brought her previous. June would have to make the old woman another treat very soon. They waved goodbye and Mac trailed after them, going around and smelling everything. Apparently the storm had washed away all the old smells and brought new ones because Mac's nose hardly left the ground.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel saw him barely dodge her kick and quickly swiped his legs out from under him but he managed to take her down with him too. They hadn't worked on to many ground positions but she moved so that she was straddling his lap as she tried to pin the rest of him. She suddenly found herself very close to him a breath away from his lips and she looked down at him grinning and stopping her struggle. "I don't think you have taught me any ground positions." she said and her cheeks heated as she let her nose press to his. She grinned and slowly pulled back feeling his hands move over her arms as she slowly pulled away. Hazel pressed her hands into his chest and smiled down at him. "come on let's get some water and then head out for a run." she said wanting to try her hand at the wet ground and see if she still had as stable footing as she had before.

Hazel stood and reached out holding her hand out to him. She pulled him up smiling. Hazel walked into the house and grabbed a water bottle leaning about the counter sipping it watching Kelden as he leaned into the fridge to get a water. She smiled and looked away as he looked back at her grinning like a fool though. She kept thinking about last night. She knew she still had the desire for him and she still had a lot to think about but she was starting to think more and more that she didn't need to think about it all but should just enjoy what was in front of her right now.

Hazel bit her lip then ran her finger over the indent her teeth had made. She looked over at Kelden their eyes meeting and she set her water down walking over to him. She looked him from down to up to his lips. She grinned and leaned up and into him her hands going into his hair pulling his lips down to him giving him a smoldering and bruising kiss. She moaned softly and pulled away as suddenly as she had began. She inhaled slowly and slowly opened her eyes before she stepped back grabbed her water and grinned. "Come on, let's run." she was kind of hoping the exercise would help with some of that sexual tension. Hazel headed out and down tot he trail looking behind her at Kelden grinning her eyes full of that mischief twinkling.

---

Drake stopped in his tracks as June leaned into him kissing him. He felt his breath catch in his throat as his hand rested on her lower back. He leaned his head down towards her as their kiss ended and he smiled as they pecked softly. He chuckled at her making up and he kissed her head. "We won't waste a second then." he said and gave her a gentle squeeze before letting her back down to her toes and started to walk with her again.

As they headed to Betty's he smiled as they headed up the stairs and knocked. He could hear Mac before he saw him. He smiled as they treated Betty. They all sat out on the porch and talked. Betty let them take Mac again and they headed out on the path. Mac was a good boy following the scents and looking up at them now and again so see that they were following him.

"June... now that we will be going back to our normal details, we will start working on the case again. That means we will need to get your statement." he said and looked over at her. "Have you thought about how you want to do this?" he asked her not letting her hand go as he helped her over a fallen log. He didn't want to bring her down but he knew she wanted to spend her life actually living it not caught up here waiting for the psycho to arrive.

@ Jinx...

Kelden went down hard, unprepared for takedown. He felt her legs around him and how close she was and he began to ease his struggle, all too aware of the position they were currently in. She gave up her own attempts to keep him pinned when she realized he wasn't struggling and he was a little breathless as she gazed down at him. Their noses touched and her long hair draped down, tickling his cheek. Instinctively his hands went to her arms, caressing her before she pulled away grinning. He cleared his throat and got up with her. "We'll have to work on ground positions another time," he said, trying to keep a semblance of being in control of himself right now.

He followed her to the house to get water. He couldn't help but daydream about the feeling of her legs straddling him and he shook his head, trying to focus on anything else. He grabbed water out of the fridge and took a long drink, trying to gather his thoughts when Hazel came over to him. Again, all his thoughts and control went out the window as she pulled him into a deep kiss. He pulled her up against him, wanting to feel her body against his and then just as suddenly as she'd come, she as pulling away. He resisted the urge to groan. He could kiss her like that all day if she'd let him.

"Right, running," he said, trying to adjust himself stealthily. He took another drink of water and off they went on a run. It wasn't completely enough to take his mind off of Hazel, but Kelden slowly found himself growing more focused on his heart and the feeling of his feet pounding on the ground as they went. But then he'd glance over at Hazel and suddenly find himself wanting to stop her mid run and just kiss her. He wanted to go back inside and back to her bed and do everything that hadn't happened last night. Better yet, he wanted to pin her against a tree right here and now and show her just how wild she drove him. But he wouldn't, not until he was sure that this thing between them was coming from the heart.

---

June glanced up from Mac to look at Drake as he spoke. She frowned, reminded that she still needed to give a statement. She knew she needed to, she'd even been eager and determined before, but after last night and the fear she'd felt, she was a little more hesitant now to relive those memories. She held his hand as he helped her over a log and sighed. "Not really," she admitted. She'd been mostly trying to avoid thinking about it. "Should I just do it how Hazel did?" She asked him. She didn't want to imagine the people that would listen to or read her statement and know just what had happened to her. She just wanted to forget about it all.

But she knew if they were going to catch him and put him away so that she could just forget about him, they'd need everything they could get to help find him. And that included her testimony. She sighed again, tucking some stray hairs behind her ear as the breeze blew them in front of her face. "If it helps catch him, I'll do whatever you need," she said. Though her tone was strong, June didn't feel as confident on the inside. She was most afraid of how Drake would see her after he knew the intimate details of all that had happened. Would he look at her differently?

She grew lost in thought, worries swirling around her head. She could feel his worried gaze on her and she forced a smile to her face. "Didn't you want to call your family?" She asked, eager to change the subject. If she could just pretend like everything was okay, maybe it would be.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel could feel him looking at her when she wasn't looking and the energy between them was completely noticeable. She didn't know how he had so much restraint but she knew that he was holding back for something. She really wanted to know what it was. She knew he didn't want this to just be a one time thing. Last night he had hinted that he wanted them to have clear heads when making the decision to proceed with their romance but Hazel already knew she wanted him, in more ways than she probably should. She knew it completely because she trusted him, in every aspect. If he touched her she knew she would be safe and no matter what she asked he would respect her. He knew everything she had been through and he would never let her feel that way if they where together. She just knew that, she didn't have to second guess it.

Hazel was trying to focus on the way her feet moved on the wet path. She understood now why it was the kind of path it was. The rain moved hard throughout this area. She bit her lip knowing if she was ever going to be truly prepared she was going to have to use the rainstorms to give her that training she would need. The water needed to not completely destroy her if she wanted to be prepared. Hazel swallowed and stopped panting as they stopped by the lake. She leaned over her mind racing. What if she could catch him first before he even got close to her and June. "Where are you at in the investigation... I mean the FBI..." She bit her lip and looked away. "I was just thinking that if I could help.... if he was caught then I wouldn't have to..." she looked up at Kelden hoping he understood what she was saying.

Hazel's eyes looked at Kelden with some desperation. She didn't want to have to be so strong. She bit her lip and suddenly she wondered what she would be when this was over and after a quick moment of panic she realized she would be what she always had been, driven. She would be driven to start her business, to start her life and do well in it but also to enjoy life. Traveling was something she had never thought of before but now Hazel wanted to see the world in a way she never had before. Hazel wanted all life had to give her because she had tough so hard for it.

---

Drake stopped and turned to her gently holding her and looking down at her "We don't have to do it today, we have some time." he soothed. She said that she would do whatever it takes and he cupped her cheek seeing past the strength and he knew that she was afraid. "I will be with you every step of the way and we will get this guy." he said and kissed her head. "We can do it anyways you want. I can even have a lawyer fly in and help you through it if you want." He wanted to help her though this in any way he could.

He could tell she was spinning and really wished she would share what was on her mind with him. He was beginning to think when she didn't share it meant it was because it was about him in some way too. He was having a hard time believing it because it felt so selfish to think but it was nagging at him.

June mentioned calling his family and he grinned nodding. She would feel better for this. He found a log and pulled out his phone sitting and offering the log next to him. He smiled and waited til she was next to him before calling his dad. He put it on speakerphone and listened to it ring. His dad picked up the phone. "Stevenson residence." Drake chuckled. "Hey dad." he said noticing for the first time how his father answered the phone and how it was odd. "Drake! My boy! You're cutting it close. I was starting to worry." he said and Drake chuckled. "No I am well dad. You know some cases pull me in deeper than others." he said and his father nodded his scruff scratching the phone so Drake knew. "Right, right. Well how are you son?" he asked and Drake smiled over at June. "I am well. I actually wanted to introduce you to June." he said and looked over at her his eyes shimmering with his love for his family and his joy in introducing her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden stretched his arms behind his head as they stopped near the lake. He couldn't see Drake and June anywhere and figured they must be out walking somewhere over by the old woman's house. He looked over at Hazel and let out a sigh. "We're... not much closer I'm afraid. He's left no trail so the FBI is doing everything they can to figure out where he is. I know you've given a statement already, we'll have to go over some things but I won't make you tell it again," he told her. He didn't want to keep making her live through that and they had a recording and video if he or Drake needed to listen to her story again, but he had a few things he wanted to discuss with her about the kidnapping.

"We don't have to do it right now, but soon we should sit down and discuss a few more details," he said softly. He rested a gentle hand on her shoulder, knowing that this psycho still being out there somewhere was keeping Hazel from fully moving on and healing. She'd made great progress, of course, and he didn't expect her to suddenly be okay overnight, but he knew that she would have an easier time finding peace when that psycho was behind bars. "We're going to catch him," he promised her. He knew promises such as these were dangerous, but Kelden would find a way to make sure that that psycho was caught, no matter what it took.

Kelden tucked a hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek. "Your eyes are more blue in the sunlight," he told her, staring into her anxious eyes. He wanted to chase that anxiety away and bring back that spark of amusement and mischief whenever they bantered or kissed so deep that it made them both breathless.

---

June embraced Drake, trying not to worry. She knew he was looking out for her and she was so grateful, he was such a caring man. "We'll figure it out," she mumbled. She didn't feel comfortable with the idea of a lawyer coming out to help her tell her statement. She just wanted to take a little bit of time to prepare herself for it and then get it over with. There was no prolonging it, especially if it could help catch the guy, so it was best to just rip the band-aid off as quick as possible. Hopefully Drake didn't see her differently when it was all over. Part of her felt that he wouldn't just ditch her, but a deeper, sadder part of her said that he wouldn't want her knowing she was tainted with that psycho's touch.

She was relieved when he smiled at the reminder of calling his family and she let out a soft sigh, not realizing she'd been holding her breath. She needed to let these thoughts go for now and try and focus on Drake and his family for right now. She was nervous to meet them, even if it was just over the phone. She sat next to him on the log, fidgeting a bit anxiously. She listened as Drake's father answered the phone and smiled at their back and forth. She could see it in Drake's eyes that he loved his family deeply and she smiled, letting that spark of happiness spread to her.

He looked down at her and her breath caught as he said her name to his father. "Hello, sir," she said politely. "It's nice to meet you." She looked up at Drake and smiled shyly. It was probably unorthodox for Drake to introduce his wards to his family, she wondered what they would think.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel listened to him her eyes wondering away and over the lake nodding softly. No one knew him like and and June did, they wouldn't know where to start except what she had given them. She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She was hit again with that same frustration she had when she was first in the hospital after it all. The police and even the FBI couldn't do this job, it was all on her a to figure it out and she was just hoping she could do it before he showed up on their back door.

Hazel looked over at Kelden as he placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled softly at him nodding. "Yeah anything I can do to help." she said. She could see the worry he had for her and smiled softly as he made her a promise she knew he had no control over and she took his hand. "I know you will do everything to keep me safe and to be here for me." she squeezed his hand gently.

As Kelden leaned in looking at her eyes she smiled softly. She leaned her head into his hand. "What else do you see?" she asked curiously as she stepped closer to him her hands resting on his chest. Hazel loved that he was looking at her with so much adoration.

---

Drake's dad grinned which you could hear in his voice as he spoke. "Oh it is a pleasure June but please call me Liam." Drake smiled at June and took her hand gently. Drake had told his father about June a little nothing too personal. He knew they couldn't get around the media coverage of the case. He was sure his father knew exactly who June was but he didn't let on as he engaged June in a conversation. "So June, tell me, what is it you like to do?" he asked. Drake was received and knew exactly what June would talk about. He smiled at her and sat back thinking about the next baking request he had to make because she was just so good at it.

Drake was glad his dad was talking with June. He knew that fall was quickly approaching and before anyone knew it the holidays would be coming up and he was not planning on skipping this year or having June skip it. The holidays where big at his house. Not with presents and all of that but with the family and the traditions. The eggnog and the caroling, those sort of things. He smiled as he watched her talk to his dad knowing he wanted to bring her home to meet him and he could hear it in his fathers voice as he asked questions that he would like June.

Drake's dad turned the questioning back to Drake as June and his conversation started to whined down. "So Drake when are you looking at coming out next? You know your sister is planning to be getting married in the next year." he said and Drake chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. "I know dad and really I am planning to come out before then but there are just some things to take care of." he said and his dad chuckled. "Bring her and the partner with you! I want to see my son!" he teased and Drake laughed. "Thanks Dad but I will keep you up to date with all the plans as they come." he said and winked at June.