"Thank you...
for letting me just... be me."

"Always, Kenna. Always."

****

The apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of the fridge and the soft clink of dishes Bobby had left drying. He leaned against the counter, sleeves rolled up, absently running a hand through his hair as he tried to focus on sorting paperwork.

Kenna appeared in the doorway, barefoot, hair tousled from a long day, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You look way too serious, Mr. Nash," she teased, sauntering closer. "Working hard, or hardly working?"

Bobby smirked, glancing over his shoulder. "You're in trouble, Kenna."

"Oh? And what kind of trouble?" she purred, sliding behind him and draping her arms around his neck.

Bobby tensed slightly at the warmth, the scent of her shampoo filling his senses. "The kind that might... distract me."

Kenna grinned wickedly. "Good. Because that's the point."

Before he could react, she pressed her lips to his neck, trailing soft, deliberate kisses down to his shoulder. Bobby groaned, leaning back into her, fingers tightening slightly on the papers he was holding.

"You know," she whispered, nipping lightly at his earlobe, "you make it really hard to be professional... even when you're home alone."

Bobby dropped the papers with a soft thud, catching her by the waist and spinning her around so they faced each other. "Kenna..." he murmured, voice low, thick with desire. "I don't think you understand what you're doing to me."

"I think you do," she countered, lips curving into that teasing smile he couldn't resist. Her hands slid down, brushing along the waistband of his jeans, fingers leaving a trail that made his pulse spike.

Bobby groaned again, pressing a hand to her lower back and pulling her flush against him. "Stop teasing me," he warned, though the huskiness in his voice betrayed how impossible that request was.

"Oh, I don't plan to stop," Kenna whispered, biting her bottom lip seductively. "Not until you forget how to think straight."

Her hands traveled further, exploring, teasing, and Bobby's breath came quicker, shallow. Every teasing brush, every whispered word, was calculated to unnerve him deliciously.

"Kenna..." he rasped, voice cracking with need. "I—"

She silenced him with a finger to his lips, lips brushing his, then pulling back just far enough to watch him squirm. "Shhh... tonight, it's all about me... well, me and you, of course," she said with a wicked grin.

Bobby caught her hand and pressed it to his chest, feeling the heat and racing heartbeat beneath his fingers. "You're relentless."

Kenna leaned in, forehead resting against his, voice soft and teasing. "And you love it."

Bobby exhaled, closing his eyes, letting himself get lost in her. "God... yes."

The room seemed to shrink around them, the outside world fading as she continued her playful torment—relentless kisses, whispered teasing, and touches that left him weak in the knees. Every moment built the tension, until neither of them could resist any longer, collapsing into each other with the kind of intensity that left both breathless and completely consumed.

****

The heat between them was palpable. Kenna's teasing had done its job—Bobby was already burning with need, every nerve ending on high alert. She pressed her body against his, lips brushing his again and again, each kiss more insistent than the last.

Bobby's hands roamed, memorizing the curves he had never tired of, tugging her closer until there was no space left between them. She let out a soft, mischievous laugh, her breath hot against his jaw. "Careful, Nash... or I might make you forget how to think entirely."

He groaned into her mouth, pulling her hair gently, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. "Kenna... you're impossible," he rasped, voice thick with desire.

"Am I?" she whispered against his lips, fingers tracing the line of his chest. "Or am I exactly what you've been wanting?"

Every word, every touch, was a spark igniting something primal between them. Bobby's hands slid lower, cupping her hips, feeling her body respond as she pressed closer, her teasing smile never leaving her lips.

Kenna pressed her forehead to his, panting softly. "I've been thinking about this all day... about you... about us," she confessed, voice husky. "And now I think it's time you pay attention to me, completely."

Bobby growled low in his throat, lifting her slightly so she straddled him, knees on either side of his hips. Her hands cupped his face, pulling him down for a kiss that left them both gasping.

"Kenna..." he murmured against her lips, hands gripping her waist. "You have no idea what you do to me."

"Oh, I think I do," she teased, grinding just slightly, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him. "And I like it."

The room was filled with soft moans, whispered names, and the rhythm of two bodies perfectly in sync. Each movement was deliberate, teasing, building until they were both trembling with need, unable to stop, unable to think about anything else but each other.

Bobby's lips traveled to her neck, leaving trails of fire with each kiss, while Kenna's hands tangled in his hair, urging him closer. Every inch of space between them was eliminated, every lingering touch driving them further into a haze of desire.

"I'm... not... stopping," Bobby whispered, his lips brushing hers, voice rough and desperate.

"Good," Kenna breathed, smiling against his mouth. "Because neither am I."

Time seemed to vanish as they gave in to the intensity, teasing turning into urgent, fiery passion. Every kiss, every touch, every whispered word was a declaration—they were theirs, and theirs alone.

When they finally paused, panting and flushed, Kenna rested her forehead against his, a victorious, mischievous smile curling her lips. "See, Nash... I told you it was worth the wait."

Bobby chuckled, voice hoarse but filled with awe. "You... you always make it worth it," he murmured, pulling her into a warm, lingering embrace.

Kenna nestled against him, sighing contentedly. "Just wait, tomorrow... I have more plans for you."

Bobby groaned softly, half-laughing, half-desperate. "I think I can handle that... maybe."

She smirked, kissing his chest once more, and in the quiet of their apartment, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew there was no going back—they were completely, irrevocably lost to each other.

The air between them was electric, thick with desire and need that had been building all day. Kenna straddled Bobby again, leaning down to capture his lips in a kiss that was no longer teasing—it was demanding, urgent, all-consuming.

Bobby's hands gripped her hips, tilting her closer, his breath ragged as he groaned low in her ear. "Kenna... I can't... I need you," he rasped, voice thick with want.

"You already have me," she whispered, lips brushing his jaw as her hands roamed over his chest, tracing every muscle, memorizing every line. "And you're going to feel all of me."

Their kisses deepened, hands tangling in hair, sliding along bare skin, exploring, teasing, igniting flames that neither of them wanted to extinguish. Kenna leaned down, nipping at his neck, drawing out a low, guttural groan from him, and Bobby could feel the heat radiating between them.

"God, Kenna... you're driving me insane," he moaned, tilting her hips slightly, urging her closer.

"I want to feel you," she breathed, pressing herself fully against him, grinding slowly, deliberately, her lips never leaving his. The friction, the connection, the weight of their bodies pressed together—it was intoxicating.

Bobby's hands slid under her shirt, pulling it over her head in one swift motion, eyes drinking her in. She smirked, seeing the hunger in his gaze, and reached down to tease him further, eliciting a shiver that ran straight through him.

"Kenna... God..." he groaned, tilting his head back as she leaned forward, lips brushing his again, hands sliding lower, exploring, teasing, bringing him closer to the edge.

She whispered against his lips, hot and urgent: "I want you, Bobby. Only you. Right here. Right now."

Bobby didn't need another invitation. With a growl, he rolled them gently onto the couch, keeping her straddling him, their bodies pressed together, every inch of skin connecting. Hands roamed, lips clashed, and the teasing gave way to full, unrestrained passion.

Kenna gasped as his hands found her hips, guiding her down, every movement deliberate, every touch sending sparks through both of them. Bobby's lips left a trail from her neck to her collarbone, teeth nipping softly, drawing soft moans that mixed with his own low groans of need.

The world outside the apartment ceased to exist. Every kiss, every touch, every whispered name was a declaration—they were lost to each other, consumed completely. Their rhythm built together, each movement pulling them higher, closer, the tension between them unbearable and perfect.

When they finally moved together, slow, deliberate, urgent and needy, the sounds of their shared pleasure filled the apartment—soft gasps, deep groans, and whispered names carried through every touch and motion. They moved together in sync, bodies melting into each other, every second electric, every touch claiming, marking, and consuming.

Bobby's voice was rough, desperate: "Kenna... God, you... you're everything..."

"I'm yours," she gasped, voice trembling with need, "all yours..."

The crescendo built, hearts pounding, breath ragged, until the moment exploded into a shared, shattering release. Trembling, spent, and completely sated, they collapsed together, limbs tangled, foreheads pressed, unable to look away from each other.

Kenna's fingers traced lazy patterns over Bobby's chest as he wrapped her close, holding her as if letting go would be catastrophic.

"You... change everything," he murmured, voice low and full of awe.

"And you," she replied, lips brushing his again, "make me feel... alive, Bobby."

They stayed there, caught in the aftermath, bodies pressed together, hearts still racing, minds entirely and irrevocably lost to each other, knowing that this—this closeness, this fire—was theirs alone.

****

The firehouse was buzzing with the usual chaos—phones ringing, hoses being coiled, and boots slapping against the polished floor. Bobby and Kenna walked in together, still flushed from their morning, though Kenna had done her best to hide the evidence of their... earlier activities.

Not very successfully.

Ellie, perched on a counter with a clipboard, raised a perfectly arched eyebrow as soon as she spotted Kenna. "Uh... Kenna?" she said, pointing vaguely at the side of her neck.

Kenna froze mid-step, glancing down at Bobby with a sly smirk. "What about it?" she asked innocently, but the corner of her mouth betrayed her mischief.

Buck, folding a hose nearby, spun around and froze mid-motion, eyes going wide. "Ohhh... Kenna... care to explain that?" His hand hovered near his mouth, clearly trying—and failing—not to laugh.

Kenna rolled her eyes and leaned casually against Bobby, letting him silently witness the chaos she was about to unleash. "Explain what?" she purred, tilting her head ever so slightly to show the full mark.

Ellie squinted. "Kenna... that's a hickey, isn't it?"

"Maybe," Kenna admitted sweetly, feigning innocence, "maybe it's... a really aggressive mosquito bite?"

Buck groaned, rubbing his face. "Bambi, come on... we all know what that is. I don't even want to know the details, honestly."

Bobby cleared his throat behind her, leaning in to whisper, "You're making this worse."

Kenna's grin widened. "Oh? Am I now?" she teased, pressing herself slightly closer to him. "Because I'm only just warming up, Buck."

Ellie gasped, half-scandalized, half-laughing. "Kenna! You can't just casually walk around the firehouse with a mark like that!"

Kenna leaned down and whispered mock-seriously into Bobby's ear, "Maybe I like the attention."

Bobby swallowed, lips twitching with suppressed laughter, eyes darkening with desire at her audacity. "You're impossible," he muttered, shaking his head.

Buck groaned again. "Oh my god... I can't even look at you two right now," he groaned, stepping back, clearly trying to maintain professionalism but failing miserably.

Ellie snickered and shook her head. "Honestly, Kenna... you're going to give everyone here heart attacks if you keep this up."

Kenna shrugged, casually brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, clearly delighted by the attention. "Well... someone's got to keep you all entertained," she said sweetly, her eyes glinting mischievously at Bobby.

Bobby pulled her hand into his, giving it a subtle squeeze, voice low and teasing: "You're definitely keeping me entertained... in more ways than one."

Kenna leaned up, pressing a quick, deliberate kiss to his cheek, just enough to leave him flustered in front of the crew. "See?" she whispered. "Mission accomplished."

Buck groaned dramatically, Ellie laughed, and Bobby could only shake his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're unbelievable," he muttered, but his eyes said something far more... appreciative.

Kenna smirked, victorious, already knowing that she'd be teasing him all day long—and loving every second of it.

****

The firehouse was buzzing with energy when the call came in—a disturbance at a local children's party. Kenna groaned even before they arrived. "Why do I even do this job?" she muttered under her breath, sliding into her gear.

Bobby shot her a side glance, smirking. "Because you love saving people, right?"

Kenna snorted. "Some days I question that."

By the time they arrived, chaos had fully erupted. Buck and Ellie were already on site, securing the area, and the smell of burnt popcorn and helium was thick in the air. But what made Kenna freeze in place, her helmet halfway onto her head, was the sight in front of her.

A clown. Full, terrifying, screaming, over-the-top clown. Painted white face, bright red nose, giant shoes, juggling flaming torches.

Kenna's eyes went wide. She froze. "Wait... what... what... this is a thing?!" she whispered to herself, almost dropping her radio.

Bobby caught her by the shoulder. "Kenna? You okay?"

She shook her head frantically, gesturing wildly. "No, I... I hate this! I hate everything! Why did I choose to be a firefighter again?!"

Buck, trying to stifle a laugh, muttered, "Oh god... she looks like Bambi on ice."

Ellie snickered behind them. "Bambi, meet the clown."

The clown, noticing Kenna's horrified expression, waved enthusiastically, almost directly at her. Kenna's stomach flipped. "Oh no no no no no," she muttered, backing away. "I... I'm a firefighter... I should be brave... I should... I HATE THIS."

Bobby tried to calm her, putting a hand on her back. "Kenna, we got this. Just—just do your thing, okay?"

Kenna whimpered, nearly tearing off her gloves. "I don't want to! I don't want to touch the clown! I don't want to be here! Why is everything terrifying today?!"

Buck stepped forward, trying to help but failing miserably to hide his amusement. "Kenna... you can do this. Just... maybe don't make eye contact with the shoes."

Ellie stifled a laugh into her radio. "Honestly, this is the best thing I've seen all week."

Bobby rolled his eyes but fought a smile. "Kenna... breathe. We're going to get the clown safely onto the harness and down. Just follow my lead."

Kenna nodded shakily, muttering, "Follow your lead... follow your lead... I hate everything..."

As they carefully set up the equipment, the clown continued to perform, waving and juggling, completely oblivious to the chaos he was causing. Kenna flinched at every torch flip, squealed when a balloon popped, and muttered under her breath, "I am too old for this... too old..."

Bobby crouched beside her, whispering, "Hey... you're doing fine. Just one step at a time."

Kenna sniffled, holding onto him for a brief second, muttering, "Fine... barely..." before they finally got the clown secured and ready for the slow, careful descent.

As the clown was gently lowered, Kenna let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "Never... ever... again," she muttered, shivering.

Buck groaned from behind her, shaking his head. "Bambi survived... barely."

Ellie laughed, "I swear, you make every callout an adventure."

Kenna threw a mock glare at them both. "Adventure?! That was pure terror! I almost cried! I'm a firefighter, I shouldn't almost cry over a clown!"

Bobby shook his head, amused, but he couldn't hide the grin tugging at his lips. "Kenna... you're impossible... and I love you for it."

She muttered something about going home, a shower, and hiding from all clowns forever, while the rest of the crew laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos Kenna brought to every callout.

****

Bobby was leaning against the counter, sipping on a coffee and trying to enjoy a rare moment of calm, when the knock came at the door. He frowned. "Who the hell—?"

The door swung open before he could finish, and there she was. Athena, LAPD Sergeant Athena Grant, hands on her hips, looking every bit the storm that could ruin your day in the best way possible.

"Bobby Nash," she began, voice sharp and playful all at once. "We need to talk."

Bobby groaned, rubbing his temples. "Athena... really? Can't it wait?"

She raised an eyebrow, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "Oh, it can wait. But it shouldn't. I'm here about something important." She paused dramatically, scanning the apartment, then fixed him with a deadly serious glare. "Your balls. When are you finally going to grow into them and propose to Kenna?"

Bobby choked on his coffee. "Excuse me?"

"Don't play dumb, Nash," she said, arms crossing. "I've seen you with her. I've seen the way you look at her. You're not just dating, you're... wrapped around her finger and loving every second of it. So what's the hold-up?"

Bobby leaned against the counter, trying to hide his grin. "Athena, I... I'm not dragging my feet. It's just... I want it to be perfect."

Athena stepped closer, her tone dropping into that fierce, commanding mode that made him squirm. "Perfect? Nash... Kenna doesn't care about perfect. She cares about you. And you're wasting time. Time that I, as her honorary backup in this relationship, refuse to let slip by. You've been sitting on this long enough."

Bobby ran a hand over his face, trying to stay calm but failing miserably under her gaze. "Athena... you realize you're like... threatening me now?"

"Threatening?" she scoffed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I'm motivating. Big difference. Consider this me—public service motivation for your love life."

Bobby shook his head, laughing despite himself. "You are impossible."

"I know," she said, straightening, hands on hips again. "And that's why you're going to do it. Today? Tomorrow? This week? I don't care. But I'm not leaving until I have a date, Nash. You're officially out of excuses."

He groaned dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck. "Athena... you really don't give anyone peace, do you?"

"Nope," she replied, grinning wickedly. "But don't thank me yet. You'll thank me when you finally pop the question and make that girl happy. Now get moving—Kenna deserves it, and frankly, you do too."

Bobby shook his head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face. "Fine, fine... I hear you."

Athena smirked, giving him a pointed look before heading toward the door. "Good. And Bobby? Don't make me come back here again. I'll be relentless if I have to."

He watched her leave, exhaling slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Relentless," he muttered. "Yeah... she's right."

And just like that, Athena had successfully shoved Bobby a little closer to finally doing what he'd been holding back, leaving him with a mixture of dread, excitement, and the tiniest bit of panic about how and when he was actually going to propose to Kenna.

****

Kenna had just returned from a brutal shift, still carrying the weight of the day in her boots and her shoulders, when the knock at the door came. She opened it to see her mother, Clarissa, standing there, face tight with a mix of fear and guilt.

"Kenna..." her mother began hesitantly. "I... I have some news. Your father—he passed away."

Kenna's eyes narrowed, jaw tight. She stepped aside, letting her mother in but keeping her distance. "Is that so?" she said coldly. "And you're here to... what? Offer condolences?"

Clarissa's lips pressed together, her hands wringing nervously. "Kenna, I—"

Kenna cut her off with a sharp laugh, bitter and cutting. "You don't get to talk, Mom. Not now. Not ever. That man? He ruined my life. Every choice he made, every lie, every second I spent wondering if I'd survive him... that was on him. But you? You didn't stop him. You made it worse."

Clarissa's eyes widened. "Kenna... I—"

"No! Don't. Don't you dare try to excuse yourself," Kenna snapped, stepping forward, her voice a razor. "You hurt me too. Every time you turned a blind eye. Every time you let him walk all over me and blamed me for his failings. You're just as guilty as he was."

Her mother flinched, opening her mouth to speak, but Kenna pressed on, venom in every word. "Do you think I'm going to cry for him? Do you think I owe you or him my grief?" She shook her head violently. "No. I'll feel nothing. No remorse. No tears. That life he took from me, the control he thought he had... it's gone. And don't you dare think for one second that your presence here changes that."

Clarissa's face fell, a mix of shame and helplessness. "Kenna... I—"

Kenna stepped closer, voice dropping low and fierce. "Save it. I'm done listening to excuses, I'm done listening to you, and I'm done pretending any of this matters to me. You're too little, too late, and I've already survived everything you and him threw at me. You hear me? I survived. And I will continue to survive. No tears. No regrets. Not for either of you."

Her mother flinched under the intensity of her words, silent now, eyes brimming with the understanding of a daughter who had finally taken her power back.

Kenna's chest heaved, but her expression remained steel. "Now, get out. I have a life to live. One you didn't make better, one you didn't earn a place in. I won't waste another second on either of you."

Clarissa turned slowly and left, the door clicking shut behind her. Kenna stood there, hands clenched, eyes blazing—not with sorrow, not with guilt—but with raw, unshakable strength. She was done being hurt. She was done holding space for the people who had tried to break her.

And in that moment, the only person Kenna answered to... was herself.

****

Bobby sat at the small table in the firehouse kitchen, the faint hum of the building around him, a half-open jewelry box in front of him. His fingers lingered on a particularly elegant ring, tracing the intricate details, lost in thought about Kenna and how she'd react.

Just then, Buck burst in from the dormitory hallway, coffee in hand, still half-asleep but clearly not quiet enough. His eyes immediately landed on the open jewelry box.

"Oh. My. God," Buck blurted, way too loud, startling the other firefighters nearby. "Bobby... are you... is that—rings?!"

Bobby jumped, slapping a hand over the box. "Buck! Keep it down!"

But Buck was already grinning, excitement written all over his face. "Rings for Kenna? Dude, you're seriously thinking about proposing?!"

From the corner of the kitchen, Eddie and Hen looked up, eyebrows raised, catching the tail end of Buck's outburst.

"Wait... what did Buck just say?" Hen asked, leaning on the counter, a mix of curiosity and disbelief in her tone.

Bobby groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You guys—seriously—this was supposed to be private!"

Eddie's grin grew, leaning forward. "Bobby, this is huge, man! Finally stepping up, huh?"

Buck practically bounced in place. "I can't believe you're finally doing it! Kenna's going to freak out when she sees which one you picked!"

Bobby groaned again, half in embarrassment, half in anticipation. "You literally just announced it to everyone. Everyone. I was going to surprise her!"

Hen laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, Nash. You've been dragging your feet long enough—we were all wondering when this was going to happen!"

Bobby pinched the bridge of his nose again, muttering, but a small smile crept onto his face despite the chaos. "Fine... proud of me. But seriously, Buck, keep your mouth shut next time. Or the plan is ruined."

Buck leaned closer to the table, eyes sparkling. "So... which one is it, Bobby? You're not going to make me wait forever, right?"

Bobby snapped the box shut, holding it protectively. "Patience, Buck. That's part of the plan. You'll find out when the time's right."

Eddie smirked knowingly, crossing his arms. "Oh, this is going to be fun. Can't wait to see her face."

Bobby shook his head, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling through him. Despite the chaos, the teasing, and Buck's loud enthusiasm, the thought of Kenna seeing the ring—and smiling at him—made every moment worth it.

Buck grinned at him again, muttering, "You're going to make it unforgettable, right?"

Bobby gave him a pointed look, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. "You better believe it."

****

The apartment was quiet, the hum of the city outside barely reaching them. Kenna leaned against the doorway, watching Bobby move around the kitchen, a soft light catching the contours of his shoulders and the line of his jaw. He didn't notice her at first, too absorbed in the little tasks he always did to unwind after a long day.

She let her fingers brush lightly along his back, just enough to make him stiffen. "Bobby," she murmured, her voice low, teasing.

He turned, eyes darkening immediately, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "Kenna..." he breathed, the single word thick with heat.

Without another word, she closed the distance, pressing herself against him, arms wrapping around his neck as his hands found her waist. Their lips collided in a kiss that was demanding and urgent, a slow burn igniting into fire. Bobby's hands roamed, memorizing the feel of her body against his, each touch deliberate, leaving sparks in its wake.

Kenna moaned softly into the kiss, sliding her body closer, pressing against him with a hunger that matched his. He lifted her effortlessly onto the counter, the cold surface doing nothing to cool the heat between them. Her legs curled around his hips, and Bobby's lips traced down her neck, biting gently, leaving marks that made her gasp and arch into him.

Every movement was slow, deliberate, a dance of mutual desire. Fingers tangled in hair, mouths exploring, the space between them shrinking until it felt like nothing else existed outside this apartment, outside this moment.

Kenna pulled back just slightly, eyes locking with his. "I've wanted this... all day," she whispered, voice trembling, raw with need.

Bobby smiled, teeth grazing her earlobe, "Then don't wait any longer," he murmured, and claimed her mouth again, hands and lips moving with precision and passion, every touch and kiss a promise, a confession, a claim.

The world outside ceased to exist as they moved together, slow, fiery, intimate. Every sigh, every shiver, every gasp became a rhythm, a conversation spoken in heat and touch rather than words. Their connection was electric, tactile, overwhelming. Bobby's hands cupped, explored, and drew her impossibly close, while Kenna's fingers pressed into his back, grounding him as much as herself.

They moved together, hearts pounding in sync, the apartment filled with the sounds of desire and need, bodies communicating in the only language that mattered. Every kiss, every touch, every gasp was a reminder of how much they belonged to each other, how deep the fire ran between them.

And when they finally collapsed against each other, bodies slick with sweat, hearts still racing, fingers entwined, breath mingling, Bobby brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, lips hovering close. "You... you're mine," he whispered.

Kenna smiled against his chest, soft, satisfied, and panting. "Always," she breathed.

In the quiet aftermath, with only their ragged breaths filling the apartment, they clung to each other, tangled in heat, intimacy, and the deep, unspoken knowledge that nothing outside this room mattered. Not now. Not ever.

****

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the blinds, painting the bedroom in golden stripes. Kenna was curled against Bobby, her head resting on his chest, fingers lazily tracing circles over his skin. The quiet hum of the apartment made the space feel like their own private world.

Bobby's arm wrapped around her, holding her close, and he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "Sleep okay?" he murmured, voice still husky from just waking.

Kenna sighed, pressing herself a little closer. "Yeah... better with you here," she admitted softly, nuzzling into his chest. Her fingers tightened slightly, almost unconsciously.

After a pause, she hesitated, then whispered, her voice trembling just a little, "Bobby... my mom... she told me... my dad's dead."

Bobby stiffened slightly, but he held her tighter, tilting his head down to press a soft kiss to the top of her hair. "Hey... hey, it's okay," he murmured, fingers brushing soothingly over her back. "You're safe. You're here. You're okay."

Kenna exhaled slowly, her lips brushing against his chest. "I... I didn't feel anything. Not sad. Not really. He... he ruined everything for me. And Mom... she hurt me too. I guess... I just... I don't have anything left for either of them." Her voice cracked slightly, but she stayed in his arms, letting herself be vulnerable.

Bobby's thumb traced small, calming circles over her shoulder. "It makes sense," he said gently. "You don't owe them anything, Kenna. Not tears, not forgiveness. You owe yourself peace. And you... you've got me. You've got us."

She lifted her head slightly, looking into his eyes, the faintest flicker of a tear catching the light. "I just... hate that they had any part in shaping me like this."

Bobby cupped her face in his hands, pulling her closer, lips brushing hers softly before he whispered, "Then let's focus on what we have. Forget everything else, just for a while. You and me. Safe. Here. Now."

Kenna let herself melt into him, sighing as his hands roamed her back and shoulders. "I like that," she murmured, lips brushing against his chest again. "I like you."

"And I like you," Bobby replied, voice low and tender, "all of you. Every piece. Every scar. Everything that makes you... you."

She smiled softly, letting herself relax fully, allowing the warmth of the bed and his arms to wash over her. Outside the room, the world could wait. In this moment, there was just them—intimate, safe, and untouchable.

Kenna nuzzled against him once more, murmuring, "Thank you... for letting me just... be me."

Bobby pressed his lips to her hair, whispering, "Always, Kenna. Always."

And there, tangled in sheets and each other, they found a quiet solace—an intimacy deeper than anything physical, wrapped in trust, love, and the promise that neither would ever let the other face the world alone.