#xjune

Richard plucked June Moone off the soiled ground the moment she awoke gasping mere steps from his side. A miracle. A goddamned miracle. Yet so horrible at the same time. Rick had faced so much in this life, had to let so much go, but what happened with June... Rick wasn't certain he could bear reliving that sort of tragedy. He wasn't strong enough. With the doctor filling the passenger side, Rick kept both hands tight on the trucks wheel; scared to let go. Afraid of stopping. For a tactician, this was the most impulsive decision Flag had made to date. He had no idea which direction they were headed, but so long as it was away from Gotham he really didn't care. Only when the truck was down to it's last drops of gas did Flag pay heed to his surroundings, the few signs that flashed passed, and it was by chance a public camping ground was revealed only a few miles off. Trailing the empty country road that went without spotlight left Rick feeling more calm. With his heavy coat draped over June he used what cash he had to pay off the main office and drove to the furthest point on the simple map they'd provided. Once the engine had been shut off, the humming stopped, Rick felt out of place. Slumping back against his seat he finally eased aching fingers off of the wheel and gear shift and let out a gentle breath. Doors still shut, he could hear loud chirping of a hundred crickets ringing from the grass, but the vast starlight before him and overhead went unnoticed as Flag's tired eyes shut closed. He drifted off, sat up straight, a position he often took when dozing off in the old office he would never see again.

June: June rested her temple against the glass window, dark circles under her eyes. She held onto his jacket that swallowed her small frame as she decided to keep her eyes watching the sights or lack of  fly past them. Since she had come back, she hadn't said much of anything. She was still feeling groggy like she was just coming out of the deepest sleep. It wasn't that peaceful though. When the enchantress took over, June can see what she sees and knowing how close the witch came to getting rid of her completely and killing everyone who tried to stop her truly left its mark. It was still raw. Once he parked up, however far away from Gotham, June sat in silence, trying to get some sleep. However, all she could think of was what had happened. The look on rick's face as the witch targeted not only him but his friends. She turned her head to look at him resting in the driver's seat before nudging him to try and get him to wake up

Rick: Time had been lost to the man for what seemed like weeks. Only after his chest had been given an unusual shove did the hands of Rick's internal clock seem to reset. It was still night, he had no knowledge of how long he'd rest his eyes, the nudge and a small gasp that escaped his lips cause him to wake. Conscious. As he'd been trained. Always ready to move, attack, choose. He was scared even while waking. That adrenaline still hadn't passed through Rick's veins, even as his half lid gaze came to focus on the woman, but he remained stiff where he sat. Continued to breathe. "-girl..." The soldier murmured, weak, before lifting a hand to her arm. Once to no avail and again where his hold stuck right behind June's elbow. He swallowed, "I'm up... 'm here, June." It felt more like a reminder to himself that Moone, since this still seemed more like a dream, the end of a waking nightmare that never ceased in Flag's life. How could June be here, alive, was he still kidding himself?

June: June watched him as he adjusted himself, gaining his bearings. She wasn't sure quite what to say now he was awake. There was much she wanted to. That she loved him still and that she was sorry. So many questions. What are we going to do? Where are we now? Nothing came out however until she spoke. "Maybe you should lay in the back. It would be more comfortable."

Rick: Had he been in his right state of mind, Rick wouldn't have dropped his gaze from June but that's just what his eyes did. Lowered to the exposed Glock 17 on his lap, coming into contact with the doctors practically nude form, and he heard her statement loud and clear. "'just... staying up here to keep an eye out." He whispered, though he'd been out cold and was really no good to anyone right now. "I'm sorry. You must be freezing." Roused, realizing how he might be of help to Moone, Rick tucked the gun away and reached back for a duffle. He'd been staying with Katana in motels since the gala. Traveling back and forth between ARGUS in secrecy. So he'd come prepared with the few belongings a soldier needed to survive. A set of fresh clothing being one of them. His spare tshirt and plaid flannel button up were pulled out along with a heavy pair of mens jeans. "Here." He whispered, "We'll get cleaned up later. It'll be coldest first thing."

June: June slowly took the top and dressed herself. Every movement seemed to drain her of what little energy she had left. She popped every button in the shirt before dragging the trousers up slowly as she felt like she could snap. "I can't sleep." She murmured, looking down at her dark covered hands. "You haven't said anything much to me." She finally said after a moment of silence that felt too long

Rick: Rick held his gaze in the darkness, part of him still dazed, numb, uncertain if June noticed that his eyes held on her body, uncertain if it made her uncomfortable. He was slightly out if body... and could only imagine how the woman felt right now. Her limbs appeared heavy, she was strained, but Flag only reached out to assist her when it felt necessary to do so. This changed after she'd settled back down in the seat and Rick set a warm palm against her back to rub mellow lines up and down in an attempt to warm her more, soothe her. "It's alright." Rick muttered before releasing another small sigh from his nose and adjusting where he sat slightly. The quiet enveloped the pair and Flag was accustomed to it. There was only that infinite midnight chirping still humming outside, this almost put the man at ease, but Moone's small observation pierced through it all. Struck Rick in his already throbbing chest where the fresh burn Piper seared her palm against ached. He hadn't said much. Just retreated back into himself where he was cold but safe. Detached. This was nothing like the mission against Joker. Rick had a week to regain his nerve, process his thoughts, come to terms with how much he cared for June, regardless of all the darkness attached to her, and that he'd do just about anything to make it work. This time, it had been mere hours since June had come back to him. Rick wasn't ready to face his emotions. They were too fresh. Open wide. The silence dragged onand Rick knew he couldnt let it. June would surely assume the worst. "I must've seen you die over a hundred times since you'd gone..." The soldier stared forward, out the window, at a faint horizon peaking out beyond a dark landscape. None of it registered really. "and twice... it wasn't an illusion... it was real." His throat tightened causing Flag to subtly, stiffly, inhale. "I don't know if I can trust this. Having you back. 'could just be a dream... another trick." The bubbling emotion was evident in his low voice and Richard turned his head further away, to stare out of his driver side window, so June wouldn't be able to read the confusing expression on his face. Relief, fear, joy, anguish, care... so much care.

June: June say back in the seat. She desperately wanted to clean herself up and pull herself together. The soot from the witch still blackened her hands that she couldn't even look at them. Her hair was slick and tangled as if rinsed through mud. Even the dark circles under her eyes were contoured by remaining dirt of the witch. She couldn't bare to even look at her filthy hands let alone her own reflection, avoiding the windows. "I'm here but are you?" She asked. He seemed distant with her to say the least and she didn't blame him either. "She waited until I was weak. She waited until I was weak and somehow forced the transformation. She made me say it and I was too weak to put up a fight." June recounted with a tremble in her voice. "It is only supposed to happen when I say the word but if she can make me say it..."

Rick: His eyes shut for a short moment as he considered what to say, "I want to be here..." Rick muttered. "I want to trust this." Even if it hurt, and it always did. Worse and worse. Rick still hated the feeling of vulnerability and it was position he'd been stuck in since the gala. This wasn't over. The soldier bit his inner cheek habitually as June spoke of her fear that Rick now shared. "She saved you..." The man said, as much as he hated to admit that, "you wouldn't have... survived that bullet--shouldn't have." He shook his head. "She took advantage, sure, but... if it hadn't happened I..." He still stared outside into the night. What happened to June was his fault. "... If I'd protected you it--... you wouldn't have..." His left hand reasoned over his upper lip while Richard tried to get ahold of himself. He was on the brink of silent tears, but wouldn't give in so easy. It had been years since his last /episode/. They never did anyone any good.

June: "It didn't feel like saving. She didn't do it because she cared. She did it because it was her opportunity to do things her way. No holding back." June muttered, her tone quiet but full of spite. Though she was usually sullen about her situation, she was now angry and resentful about it, sick of this entity ruining everything she had. Everything she worked for. "At what cost did she save me? Everyone almost died. Those two women you were with and the guy with the cowl. I wake up to see everyone just..." She didn't go on. She couldn't. Seeing Rick and his friends all heavy breathing with various injuries from the brawl that they had with the warrior witch. "It's not your fault. Your human and life has its variables and...just don't blame yourself. Blame the person who did this. Blame the witch who took over. Blame the person that this all started with."

Rick: No one else could convince Richard of this, only Moone who'd stepped into Enchantress' mind, who knew her better than any other being on earth. It was because of June that Rick had the knowledge and courage to stand against the witch. To not buy into so many easy lies. With a curled fist, Flag successfully swallowed down his nerves. Worn face still flattened with a thin frown that matched his furrowed brow, he gained the fortitude to look at June again. The woman he loved. Beyond the tar and mud caked across her pale form June still appeared different. She wasn't one to seek revenge, harbor hatred, but her sharp gaze and words made every intention clear. Moone was angry... yet she still found space to reassure the soldier, when he had little reason to feel torn up when compared to June. Rick wasn't sure if he should find it inspiring or maddening. Without a word, the driver side door was opened and Flag slipped out to shut it behind him. There was no telling if the doctor would notice, might take it as a sign that he was through, but moments afterward the passengers door swung open. Rick stood before the lithe woman, admired what a downright mess she was, how silly she looked in the only clothing he had to offer her. A tall man, Rick didn't need to use the truck step to reach June, and he wrung his arms securely around his girl to hold her again. The way he'd longed to. The way he'd tried not to. "You don't realize it... but you saved others, even me. I knew how to face that monster, because of you." His right hand slipped up over the flannel to brace against June's shoulder blades. "She would have had it all... if it weren't for this." He pulled back enough to touch her face. "... I am here... I'm still here."

June: June watched the door swing open as Rick got out and to her, in that moment, everything was done. There was nothing else to be said or done. She could not take back what the Enchantress did. The witch caused a massacre. Took down an entire base single handedly. Turned friends against Rick. Almost beat his remaining friends to a pulp. It it wasn't for the other guy brutally stabbing the heart like no one had before, she would cease to excise as would the others. However, perhaps this was too much for him. As her door swung open, June looked up at him, not exactly feeling pretty in her current state but was pulled into his embrace all the same. Her eyes slowly closed as he spoke, her body mostly limp as tension flooded out of her body. Her features relaxing. "I can barely feel here anymore." June murmured, knowing that whatever Batman did to the heart, that it had weakened the enchantress greatly beyond Amanda's little pen stab. What happened this time was something critical. Something that made the enchantress so weak that she could take control again.

Rick: As he felt the tension leave Moone's shoulders Rick finally discovered a moment of relief. After months stuck back in this hell. This revolution. Many took part in the destruction of ARGUS, Waller's kingdom, the Joker, Enchantress, Rick and the squad itself. Perhaps it was all meant to be this way. This was Richard's chance to have a life, and, most importantly, to give a life back to June. A mere month ago he'd promised to build this woman a future, somehow, someway. This had been quite unorthodox, challenging, but considering where they stood at this moment... Rick didn't want to be anywhere else. A faint smile curled on his lips, the exhaustion covering his face reflective of the wear he felt when first having talks with the doctor, but that relief... that was new. "... I thought I'd lost you." He confessed, throat tight again as his left hand rubbed circled over her knee. "... I guess that's what it took..." He could only hope this would last though a rage lingered toward Batman for doing this. Risking June's life...

June: June leaned against him in silence as she closes her heavy eyelids for a moment, to weak to hold onto him for long before she spoke. "Who has the heart?" She knew the enchantress wasn't gone. She was weak and fragile but not gone. That meant the heart was still out there. She looked up at him with a sad look. Despite not liking her life before, he made it bearable but now things were so uncertain. What would happen to them now? "What are we going to do?" June asked, knowing she could not return to any life she had or one she imagined.

Rick: "Her name's Dinah Lance." Rick explained, "She's with the Bat and... completely against Waller. The government wont be getting ahold of the heart anytime soon." He wanted to add that June could trust them, but after what happened Rick's wounded pride and stubbornness stood in the way of that. When he saw June's face, Rick had second thoughts... What if this would upset the doctor more? Waller had restricted Moone, but part of that was protection, control. Now there was no iron fist shadowing over her. Freedom was almost a threatening ideal. The soldier tucked these thoughts away, certain that if it truly were a problem June would be the first to let him know. Hand still pressed to her stained cheek Rick ran his thumb across the jaw line, "... I know a guy who can help us, but..." He stared at her, despite how it wounded him to see June so upset and worn down. "we don't have to go back. ... We don't ever have to go back." The hold slipped to her neck and shoulder. "If you want to take this chance. Y'know... I know this whole wide world way better than I know Gotham. This place. I could take you anywhere."

June: June nodded. When she was first possessed, she liked to think that just maybe she could be something like them. Be a hero or something but her burden was not one of a hero but the root of everything evil. She could never be anything she wanted to be. "We have no life outside of Waller. No money. I'm not like you. I can't just...live anywhere like I can't do that."

Rick: A thin smirk that doubled as a strained grimace appeared on Rick's lips and he let out a small breath, "June, I've been a soldier since I was sixteen. I had a life before the Task Force. A better one." He explained with more confidence than he's started with. "You and I could go just about anywhere and be alright. We would have support from the people I've worked with."

June: June was tired, sullen and angry. She knew he wanted to just go on and live something normal and she did too. However, she felt slightly consumed by the desire to get revenge. She was angry over what had happened. The fact she almost hurt everyone she cared about. Who Rick cared about. She needed to to end that. "We don't have jobs anymore. Savings. Our lives were Waller."

Rick: "Babe.." Rick sighed, almost interrupting the doctor. He didn't understand why she was so bent on making excuses. Remained tethered to Waller. "you don't see what's happened. She is nothing now. Nothing. None of the criminals, me or my team answer to her." He set both palms on her slender shoulders. "... This is what you and I have been dreaming of for months." A tenderness was revealed in his voice. "It was just a pipe dream. Wasn't meant to happen... but it did. She can't hold a damn thing over us. ... I have every resource you could need to start over." He paused, looked over June carefully, with concern. "... Is that not what you want anymore...?"

June: June gazed up at him with heavy eyes before she closed them and slowly shook her head. "I don't know what I want anymore, Rick. I can't be normal. I can't...I almost killed you. She made me switch. I am too dangerous, I can't do it anymore, I can't." June ran a hand through tangled hair before looking back at him. "I thought when we did that we had something to go to but this isn't stable. I'm not stable. We are in the middle of nowhere, sitting in our own filth and sleeping in a car. This isn't what I wanted. Not like this."

Rick: Rick's jaw set as June fessed up to what truly plagued her mind. His blood slowly began to run cold, then colder, as the ability to bring his girl some peace of mind slipped away entirely. This wasn't paradise, but... Flag thought he'd at least taken a step in the right direction. So much time had passed, he hadn't slept, incapable of thinking of anything else but abandoning Waller, stopping the witch, and saving Moone. In the end, he'd gotten it all, and yet... it meant nothing. Not if June wasn't ready to live again too. The burn at his chest turned into a sharp stab that prodded at his numb heart. Of all the places he thought to take her this wilderness seemed best. Remote. A setting she told him time and again she loved and wished to revisit.

Rick got nothing right.

He tried to quell the sudden sensitivity he felt toward June's words, masked it over with a sort of far off glance above her head, to the side, before he tucked in close again to set a firm kiss on the parting of her wild hair. Arm wrung around June's upper back. She still smelled of smoke, charcoal. "We'll talk more about this later..." He decided, hopeful she'd obey him. "'ya want me to take you to... get washed up?" Perhaps it would be best to use the available showers while it was still dark. Any morning witness would probably not take the sight of June very well.

June: June shook her head, turning away. She had finally made it but at what cost? To now know the only fraction of control she had left from the witch could now be taken from her? That they were now in the state they were in and in the middle of nowhere? And perhaps even more concerning, now she was free, why was she so afraid? Perhaps she was sabotaging herself into thinking it wouldn't last. She hadn't even processed what happened to her yet. It was all so fresh and sore. So in her own thoughts she barely noticed Rick speaking. "Yeah, I don't think I'll be sleeping for awhile." June murmured

Rick: Backing away, Flag inhaled and gave one if his characteristic nods. In an attempt to level himself. "Right.." After collecting a blanket from the pack, he carried June to the public wash rooms that were only two or three camp sites away from the car. They entered the womans half and Rick didn't flinch, lowering Moon to stand on the cool off white tiles once he passed the bathroom stalls. He didn't remove his arm from her side and wouldnt till they were both certain she would be balanced. "I'll be right here. Make sure no one comes in."

June: "I'm fine. I'm just...tired." She wasn't just tired because of being unable to sleep. She was tired of everything going wrong for her. She gets a good job? She gets possessed. She falls in love? The witch tries to kill him and his friends. She wants to be free from Waller? Ends up homeless and broke and not even having her job anymore for security. She had truly lost everything. As she placed rick's spare clothes to one side she pulled the curtain closed and let the shampoo rinse through her hair, black water forming a puddle under her feet before it drained away. It was then it hit her that this was her life now. Then, an even worse realisation hit her. What was she going to do now? She couldn't help but let out a small sob as it sunk in that once more, she was not the woman she used to be anymore.

Rick: As promised Richard returned to the entrance way, shut the door and set its lock to ensure privacy. After that, the soldier collected himself inside one of the stalls, took a seat. Bringing both hands together he leaned his elbows atop his thighs and pressed his mouth against the fingers. Even while wounded, exhausted, Flag continued to consider what to do next. For June. What was right? Lost in this impossible decision, Rick awoke after hearing a series of soft gasps ring off the walls just beside the stall. It was a sound of pain. Naturally, the Colonel rose up and approached the drape, pushed it aside. Pale June stood on the otherside, dirt still swirling at her feet down the drain, shaken from crying. After all that had transpired in their short, miserable, reunion, Rick still couldn't stop himself from stepping inside to be there for her. He didn't say a word, allowed the water to dampen his clothing, and tucked the weak doctor in an embrace to physically support her.

June: June wanted to be strong like he was. Like they all we're but she just wasn't. She was soft and no matter how hard she tried to fight it, it always seemed like she was the one left broken and in tears. Hearing the curtain part open, the tears eyed woman looked up at him, never having been this vulnerable and raw ever since they made the decision to be together. She thought that maybe seeing her change to the witch would be the thing to put him off. However, was always more worried about his reaction when she came back. As he held her, June could help but break down into loud sobs into his chest as if all her torment and despair from the moment things all began to pour out of her small frame.

Rick: When their eyes met for a short moment Rick was worried June would push him away. Be someone he knew she wasn't. A scared animal. A sliver of Moone came back to him, wrecked in his arms, and Rick held onto her. Witnessed the trembling, the suffering sounds, tears that wove together with water drops. One of Rick's wide hands cupped the back of her damp head, the other securely wrapped over nude shoulder blades, and he barely noticed that the shower had started to run cold. Maybe the doctor hadn't felt this either. It hurt to see and hear June's sobbing, like it had times before, but there was so much more being pushed out this time. More that she'd held on to. Things she probably had yet to share with Rick. Even admit to herself. His tired face warped into a deep set frown while he quelled his own emotions, still, pushed into a dark place with the woman he loved.

June: June shook in his arms and though she often told him she didn't need to be protected and that she was strong enough to stand on her own two feet, tonight was not going to be one of those nights. Tonight, she was going to need him perhaps more than ever before. She had just experienced her own worst fear and more and she wasn't able to stop none of it. Usually people felt they conquered their fear once they experience it but not her. If anything, it gave her a taste of why she was terrified and rightfully so. Now she was broken, scared and didn't even have the cold prison of Waller to keep her life intact or what was left. The one thing she valued that she had kept is that as June, she still had some sort of a life, but that was gone now. "What are we going to do?" She asked once she calmed down a little, clinging to his shirt. Though she asked it already, before it was the logical side of her talking but this time. This time she needed him to tell her that he had it all figured and that he had got this sorted, even if he really didn't.

Rick: Chin ducked over June's head, Rick heard her ask the question again, and this time he knew what to say. The one option he'd suffer through that wasn't Waller. He would never cut a deal with the woman again. "... I'll take you back to Gotham." Rick finally said. This wasn't what he wanted, but it was probably the most logical choice, the safest as long as Enchantress held June's body. "'reach out to Bruce Wayne. He will help. ... He knows about us." Wayne was the one person Richard had shared their secret with. Besides the money backing him Rick knew Bruce cared. Far more than Waller had. "We'll get you help.." His hold on her hair loosened slightly, enough to stroke down once, another attempt to ease Moone's nerves. Tilting forward, he rest his lips on the roof of her head and held the position. "I promise, June."

June: Her hands placed themselves gently on his shoulders, looking at what he was looking at as she leaned over him. She grimaced a little as she leaned back up and took her own seat. "Of course." June muttered as if she already had a bad taste in her mouth. "I can't exactly say no either. They already know what I am. From the sound of it, if the members don't comply, then we are dead or good as." June said, explaining what she over heard as she reached for her own box, tossing the rice in their with her chopsticks provided.

Rick: A deep short hum left Rick's throat thoughtfully while he considered June's position. He blew on his rice before scooping it into his mouth. After processing both the bite and her words Flag finally said, "Well, unlike the others out there... you've literally been chained to the government from the start." Rick had given the thing a glance over when the text first showed up on base, but he knew he should take a more intimate look. When it came to Moone he cared about what other rights were going to be ripped away from her. Not that he had any sway or choice in the matter. Amanda knew how to get her way. "In your unique case, would it make any difference to sign...?"

June: "Exactly. Signing this scrap of paper isn't going to make a difference for me. Either way, I'm an asset whether I do it or not." June responded, being quite casual about the entire ordeal but she knew if she cried or got angry, it wouldn't be helping anyone or change what was happening. She had to remain calm and level headed if she was going to handle this correctly. She took a bite of her friend rice just before Rick asked his question. Swallowing, June finally spoke again. "Not really. Hear to serve our country, whether I agree with it or not."

Rick: June's position wasn't an easy one to swallow, live with, but it was her reality. Rick admired the girl for taking it with such stride. Sometimes, he had to wonder how she did it exactly, but maybe those therapy sessions did do some good after all. He was just too out of the inner circle to see that. Even with his high rank. The Colonel was in the dark nearly as much as the rest of the squad were. "Yeah..." He breathed a small disparaging snort before looking toward June in a tender way, smile still present, "you weren't running around the city in a leotard and skirt saving the helpless before this anyway." It was meant to be a tease but really Rick wasn't certain how she might take such a comment. Though June lacked the control needed to consciously save others that didn't mean she lacked the hope to one day do just that. "I'll have to add some fine print in there. Keep you locked up in this filing room forever and ever. Nerds belong safe with the paperwork, right?" His smirk stretched more, which ruined his bluff entirely.

June: June played with her food a little, thinking about what was going to happen to her. She tried to keep her fear buried but after the last time she changed, she couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen this time because without a doubt, she knew she would be expected to transform again for the government to do something or prove a point. "Thanks for reminding me." She muttered, unable to take the teasing comment to say the least as she took another mouthful. "God no. I'd rather be on some form of house arrest." She admitted with a small laugh.

Rick: Rick let out a small sigh and leaned over to steal a piece of chicken off of June's stack of rice. He really was a jerk, wasn't he? Flag had spent so many years judging the supernatural, meta-humans, the average mortal man clearly had a lot to learn. Many new sensitivities to adjust to. Especially if he wanted to keep June in his life--and he did--but it would take more than a good screw and puppy dog eyes to do that. He needed to grow more aware of her pain. Though he would never truly know what it's like exactly. "You know I have faith in you..." Rick confessed. "way more than any of these other assholes 'round here. --and I get it, you may never be able to control that thing, but... doesn't make it any less true; that I believe in you, June. You're strong.. and kind." It stopped sounding like a pep talk early on, because that was far from what this was. "How about bedroom arrest?" He added playfully.

June: She smacked Rick's hand away as he took some of her food though the clear smile she wore showed it was more of a playful thing than anything else.  She looked away as he spoke however. "It doesn't really matter either way. Whether or not the witch wants to listen to me or not, they are going to use me and her to make a point. I'm not a soldier but I know warfare. You want the opposition to take you seriously. So, you have one of two choices. You either hide your most powerful member and then use it was your ace to turn the tides or you use them anyway to prove the point that the enemy doesn't stand the chance. What is a bigger ace than a goddess-like witch who they try to control?" June explained her point of view on the situation. It didn't sound all that great but neither was the situation. She then blushed lightly at his last question. "That would mean you would have to be arrested with me. Besides, bedroom arrest with you doesn't sound as grim."

Rick: The soldier sounded an 'ow' out with the shape of his lips and furrowed his brow painfully after the fact, as if she'd mortally wounded him, before popping the bite in his mouth anyway. The childish antics came to a standstill while the doctor spoke her mind. As if she weren't just a human, but an atom bomb--and wasn't she. Rick wasn't certain what to say on the matter. It was a hopeless one. As much as Richard adored June Moone he despised every other aspect of her life. How powerless he was against these greater forces, dictating her freewill--all with some goddamned paperwork. Black letters. Ideas more than reality--yet it was law. Rick had lived by laws his entire life, and he was find with such unwavering structure, but once Amanda came into his life, controlled Flag's moral code his perception began to warp. Now, innocent people would be hurt, the witch could stop another world war from happening but at what cost? When June wanted to kill people as much as Rick did... "If I do my job, it wont have to come to that." But did he really know that for sure? He chuckled. "I'd sign off and retire today if that was the case."

June: Her eyes looked down at the food before she looked back at him. "Rick...if they use me, she is going to take full advantage of it. I know it." She murmured, as if anyone could be listening in on them. "I mean, they are putting her in the middle of a war with superpowers no less. It is the perfect ground for her to play things into her favor. Recruit people to her side, manipulate the most powerful people and government officials in the world. It is a game of Russian Roulette and she has already proven last time how deceptive she can be, especially when it seems like she is cooperating." June explained. Enchantress was a goddess like entity and as such, she wanted followers while she created the world into her own image, wanting to 'cleanse' it first so she could recreate. "I might ask you to sign off a little later if only temporary, Colonel."

Rick: His hazel gaze lifted toward Moone again. She spoke like this was the first time she brought up the situation to anyone but herself. The idea shouldn't surprise the soldier. He was rather worthless to her, but remained the only person she could fully trust, right? Rick shook his head, "You think Amanda isn't aware of that?" He may be ignorant, but Waller took in every detail--obsessively so. To hear Enchantress might play nice to string them along brought chills to Rick's spine. It seemed entirely plausible. "She doesn't get more than forty seconds off her leash before the Wall starts stabbing... It's barbaric, but..." There wasn't more he could say. Rick hated the idea of using Enchantress to begin with. He was in no position to defend Amanda. "she wouldn't put herself in a position where she could be overthrown."

June: June put down her chopsticks, as she fell into thought. Maybe he did have a point. Amanda thought of every outcome and variable but that didn't stop her before. "You say that but when she did what she did to your team, Amanda took her sweet time." She pointed out, wondering why Amanda didn't stab the heart straight away soon as the Enchantress switched on Rick and the others. "I'm just saying that though she seems like some crazy witch that she is sly, manipulative and dare I say smart. Sure, the whole heart thing works for us but she knew what was going to happen. She knew that Amanda would do that yet she didn't care. Sometimes I think she just wants to settle old scores. Especially with Amanda." It didn't take a genius to work out that the Enchantress took everyone in the squad personal compared to the rest fo the world. She saw them as cattle who made her obey them and Amanda? That was extremely personal. She reached for her drink before she spoke again. "How much more do you have to go through that thing?" She asked, looking at the stack of paper.

Rick: Another sardonic huff left Flag, "Waller wasn't in on our little plan, and... honestly? /She would/ take her time if it meant teaching me a lesson." Even at the cost of his crews lives. That was why Rick would never trust that women. She had no interest in doing all it took to insure his people, her assets, would come out the other end safely. They were all canon fodder. "That operation was completely against protocol... my area of influence under her "laws", and pulling Enchantress' cord was the worst of it all." Not only because of the death but because Enchantress was Waller's. Only hers to set off. He stepped onto a landmine when treading that territory. "... 'wonder what would happen if Enchantress had her way... with Waller." It was the first time Rick dared to mention such thoughts aloud. This was against his morals, his values, code of ethics. Amanda was still the leader, and yet... "Would it be so terrible?" If Rick could lead this team, completely, he'd do so in a heart beat. For their sake more than his own. "... I just gotta know." Rick muttered while turning another page and rubbing over the stubble on his chin afterward in a thoughtful gesture.

June: She looked away as she took another mouthful of rice and chicken, letting Rick talk before she looked back over to him with her shimmering cobalt eyes. She didn't like what he said but he had a point that she mentioned earlier. Waller would use the Enchantress to make a point to anyone. As a power play move to show people 'yeah, I have a goddess that obeys me' and that she had this all powerful witch under her thumb to do with as she pleased. When he brought up the idea of what would actually happen if the Enchantress got her hands on Waller, she gave a small shrug. "I'm not sure but wouldn't be anything good. If the witch is happy enough to murder in cold blood people she doesn't even know, imagine crossing her? I'd feel sorry for Waller if the Enchantress ever found a way to get her and believe me, I think she will. Despite being all powerful, she is smart and manipulative, I'll give her that." She was worried a little as she knew the witch had no moral compass. That she would do anything to achieve what she wanted. "All I'll say is what happened with your men that night wouldn't compare to anything she would pull on Amanda, the Squad. Even you." Her voice went quiet towards the end.

Rick: Rick turned his sharp gaze up once more and a flicker of hesitation, guilt, appeared within. He'd said it before, and he would think it again; June was something else. She couldn't even delight in the idea of taking out the woman who held her own shackles. A woman who would willingly throw Enchantress into a warzone as a bomb without flinching. The fact that June could show mercy, sense, humanity, brought Flag back to center within an instant. "I guess I'm a little surprised to hear you say that, doc." He used the old nickname to break this tension slightly. "When you have every reason to hold a vendetta against that woman." With a sigh he set the paperwork aside and returned to finishing his box of noodles. It might seem strange to find the man capable of stomaching the takeout along with such a dark topic, but this wasn't new for Rick, a soldier who grew to cope with most anything.

June: She used her chopsticks to push her food around in the carton before looking at him. "I don't hate her. I wish things were different but...to be honest, I'm sort of glad. I don't like it but I'd rather be kept in check. There wasn't even gonna be a time where someone who has something like I do be allowed to run around free unless your Superman and look what happened when he was left to his own devices." She pointed out. She took another mouthful before she spoke. "Anyway, how about you ditch the paperwork and do a movie instead? I like my work but this whole registration thing...I doubt there is anything we can do about it other than follow the orders we are given."

Rick: Rick could only offer a small nod toward the doctors point. Amanda had saved her, saved all the criminals; gave them /purpose/. A chance. Though they remained prisoners none the less. Rick only hoped, one day, June could be free. Enough to live a normal life. Not with a ball and chain around her ankle. That would happen, eventually, wouldn't it? Not even Waller could be so cruel... There would be an end to this, and Rick would outlive it. He'd do whatever it took to be sure June was there with him. Whether they remained close as they were now or not. She deserved her life back, ten fold. The idea took Flag's mind off the issue, but he couldn't help but feel they were just sliding the matter under a rug again--what else could they do? He made a point to talk about the subject again--or at least listen to June. Certain to be an outlet for her, because lord knew she needed one, she needed the useless man... "Sure," Rick glanced around as if a television that hadn't been there before would turn up now. "let's head to your room. 'be more comfortable. 'could find something online, I guess..." Once more, it wasn't so easy to disregard their previous discussion; but Rick tried for June.

June: June stopped and looked at him. Her hand reached for his before she spoke to him, seeing the expression he wore. "Rick...I understand why you feel the way you do." It wasn't hard to work out by his attitude. "But, and as bleak as it sounds, talking about it isn't going to fix me. Trying to runaway or resist Waller isn't going to fix me. I can't do anything yet and I'm just trying to enjoy what I can while I can because..." However, she didn't finish that sentence, as he knew there was the possibility the Enchantress may never want to change back and have to be put down which meant putting herself down. "I just want to do what I can, while I can. If I keep dwelling on it, your just going to see me miserable and in that constant state of trauma like when I first got brought here." June explained softly, understanding his own frustration.

Rick: The man took a deep breath and once again offered a nod. This time, one of his thoughtful ones, quirky. He was compromised. Felt it in his chest as it seemed to constrict air from his lungs. Rick came to stand and stood before the doctor. He didn't disregard the hand on his arm but instead settled two of his own on her shoulders. Returned the supportive hold. They were living out their final days together, it seemed... so be it. He spoke up, because he knew he had to. "We can do that... we can do whatever you want, June. I just..." He blinked and took another breath. This was the most difficult thing to admit. "I just wish I could be more... than what I am... for you." With a shake of his head, Rick tried to explain, "I fix things, and this is... the first time I've been incapable of that. It's the most infuriating part of this." He just wanted to help, but to say that would expose how weak he was--the soldier wasn't used to being at such a disadvantage. This /was/ the greatest he'd ever faced and the /most/ difficult to give in to.

June: June smiled softly up at him as he spoke. "You are more than enough to me." Her voice was gentle and sweet in nature, running her hands over his upper arms and shoulders as he held hers. "You are a leader. My protector. My friend. Lover. You showed me that there is a life outside of my fear. You are my little slice of normal. That alone means the world to me. You mean the world to me." June said with conviction in her tone. "You may not be able to fix me, Rick Flag, but you sure know how to love me and to me, that is more important than that." June assured him, wanting him to be secure in knowing that she was happy with him and what he was to her.

Rick: Between the gentle caress that wandered all over, shook more chills out of Richard, the words were enough to put him at ease. He knew he wasn't much for talk himself, more a man of action, so he hoped that... something he'd done, even for a moment, had set June right. Relieved her a little. Everything the doctor said reflected Rick's own emotions. The things he was too closed off to say. Too short sighted to sound out. Beyond his careful mind. A hand brushed over her cheek and Rick couldn't resist the need to kiss June. "Baby..." His thumb slid down toward June's jawline. "you just gotta know... I'll do anything to see you through this." He nudged his forehead against her temple. "I love you. I'm gonna build a tomorrow for you, somehow, no matter how long that takes. You wont be alone."

June: A smile formed upon her small features as she looked up at him before their lips met and every time was like the first time. Intoxicating and making her weak at the knees. She let out a soft sigh as Rick understood what she was saying. "And I remember when you were too nervous." She teased him a little as she held onto him.

Rick: He smiled and glanced downward in an almost shy way as he backed from her a bit. To properly see Moone and not suffocate her. "'still am, honestly..." The man mumbled. "but I know it's the kind of attention you need." As if to prove a point Rick leant to the side and set a painfully small kiss on June's slender throat. After, Flag took hold of one of the hands on his shoulder and didn't let go once their fingers had adjusted between. He cleaned up their space with ease but didn't forget to snatch up the untouched fortune cookies to crack open later. Rick honestly hated the things, they were silly, but when he was around June the soldier felt a bit more keen to accept cheap whimsy. "Come on." He gave another smile along with a sideways nod with his head while tugging her hand carefully.

June: June smiled up at him before tilting her head a little. "You don't have to be." She assured him, already feeling a little more comfortable around me. "I mean, we've saw each other naked now, I mean, can't get anymore exposed than that." She pointed out, the best way she could really put it into words. Her fingers entwined with his as she kept her eyes looking into his with such infatuation. "You asked me but you didn't tell me what you thought." June pointed out as she walked next him after he grabbed the cookie. "What do you think about it all? The whole Registration Act? I mean, it is pretty obvious they are going to use the squad to do something, don't you think?" June asked, wondering what he actually though about it.

Rick: "I know... it's nothing like that, just being around you makes me feel..." Rick cut himself short and shook his head once more. "I kind of like feeling this way." It was a sensation only the doctor drew out of him. As the walked Flag let out a small sigh, trying to determine the best answer. How to sum up all his frustration on the issue. "Waller is going to use us either way, babe... but yeah, this registration mess is only going to make the Task Force busy. We might have to hunt down the most dangerous runaways. The vigilantes that refuse to sign."

June: "Who'd have thought that under that all macho persona that you would be such a big softy." She was only teasing him and though she respected and admired him for everything that he was and had to admit it was her guilty pleasure when he went into leader mode, she really did love soft Rick who was so chivalrous and down to earth. Grounded. She wondered if Waller would use the entire squad including herself. She knew she would be used but to what end? What if Waller forced her to take lives? That was something she really didn't want to do. "Yeah but how do you feel about it?" She insisted, wanting to know how he felt.

Rick: "I'm not a softy." Rick frowned, playfully, knowing full well that wasn't the case. He'd been exposed by the doctor--the very idea of appearing weak used to aggravate him--but Rick had quickly learned to enjoy emphasizing his tender nature around June. It had always been there, really, Rick cared for everyone one the Task Force. Even the criminals. The question caught Rick off guard. Another moment where June proved how much she cared about him. Personally. It wasn't often someone asked the man how he /felt/. Feelings didn't matter so much in the military. You simply did your job, without question, no fluff between. June wasn't going to let Rick dodge this--not that he'd meant to. It was a subconscious reaction. "It bugs me..." That was a simple way to put it. "I don't want the Task Force to be pushed into more missions than we already have, but... people will be hurt because of these wayward vigilantes. I can't let them get away with it. --But the more we're sent out... there will be a greater risk that Waller will ask you to use her."

June: "You are. Balance of rough and soft." She teased a little more suggestively, squeezing his hand as they walked together. She was glad they were being a little more open with their relationship. None of the sneaking around or secret kisses when no one was around. Making excuses to other people to spend time together. Though it was exciting, it got worn out very fast. "Do you really believe in it?" She had to know. She supported it but she did have her doubts on the methods that could be used to get people to actually do it. She did believe it should be a case-by-case scenario but maybe she was just be overly hopeful about the good nature of other people. "After what happened last time, do you think she would?"

Rick: "I can live with that..." He smiled, gentle, hazel gaze turned warm as honey once again like it had been earlier in the filing room. "... I do." Rick said with a nod, tone a bit grave. "That's why I have to do my job... the best I can. If I can handle whatever comes at us then there wont be a need to bring you into the picture. It'll just be me and the others." They approached the door to Moone's quarters and Rick stepped inside without releasing the light hold to her hand.

June: Her smile lit up a little more as he spoke as they walked together. He had a point. Despite her last episode, Waller knew she had the witch in her pocket, whether she decided to go haywire or not. Psycho? She could replace. Hitmen? Probably not too hard to come by. A witch goddess who she could pull the strings on? Very rare and it made sense to use such awesome power against the enemy. Moone just wasn't sure that if there side was the right side or at least their methods of doing it. "But what if she does." She asked him quietly, worry creasing above her brow.

Rick: Rick stood with June in the dark entry way for a moment. It seemed that the more Moone asked these questions the harder it was to reply--quickly. He was either growing more attached to the woman, or the very weight of this decision was starting to look much more real in his mind--perhaps both. The soldier reached for the light switch and he could finally look at June again, see her face while he gave his honest answer, "I'm going to protect the others... and I'll keep my promise--if... if it comes to that, again." He'd pulled the trigger on Enchantress twice now. Flag knew he had it in him to make good on his word. June would die in vain if the Colonel didn't stop Enchantress from murdering thousands.

June: June nodded, knowing what needed to be done. Perhaps she would of been content with that but she still had so much to live for, perhaps even more so now than ever. She didn't know what to say to that. She often found they ended up on this topic so she decided to try and push away from it. It would be a loop that would have the same answer each and every time. "Weird thing, last time you said that to me, it got you naked. Maybe being on this task force has made us hot under the collar for wanting to die or something." She joked a little nervously, knowing it was quite the morbid joke.

Rick: Rick's expression shifted from one of certainty to a soft, very subtle, sadness. His eyes lingered on June, swept over her thin shoulders, the dip between her collarbones, the shape of her lips and sharpness in her eyes--he drank in every part of her. As if he would lose June right now. But seconds past by... and she was still here. "... Knowing you has definitely made me think about my mortality a whole lot more than I used to." He mumbled with that deep voice. "I used to be bullet proof... 'now I've got something to lose," Rick leaned forward to mellowly loop his hands behind June and pick her up off the ground. He held her against him, one arm bracing the small of her back, while the other held underneath. "'more importantly.." He breathed, still staring into her eyes. "something worth living for."

June: She removed the cardigan and hung it up. "Thanks?" She replied at first, confused a little when he said she made him think about his own mortality. Perhaps she was driving him mad with her constant upset over her predicament. Her eyes held his gaze, her lips parting unsure what to say. However, she couldn't help but laugh when he picked her up, her arms around his neck. "You know, for a guy who claims to not be all that much with girls, you sure are the romantic." She smirked a little.

Rick: His grin returned and it felt genuine, he stood in the entryway, with a secure hold on June. With a shift of his weight between feet Rick swayed her just a bit where he stood. "... Speaking of which," He said with a less critical stare on the girl. "I still owe you that date." Rick bit his lower lip, the least bit shy, and started carrying Moone further into the room.

June: "You do." June agreed with a smile as a he flash her a pearly white grin. "Though, we kind of have done things the wrong way around. We've already done the main event and all that. Though, a Chinese take out over paperwork isn't that much of a date." She teased at the end of he sentence before giving him a peck on his lips. "Not that I didn't appreciate it or enjoy myself."

Rick: "I fucked up, huh..?" Rick harmlessly asked, tone calm and the least bit suspicious as he waited for an answer. "No, no... I'll get something really nice planned for you." The soldier accepted the kiss and let out a soft hum afterward, as if her lips were delicious--and they were, in a sense. "... Would you like to buy a dress...? Get fancy with me...?"

June: June rolled her eyes playfully. "No. If you did, I would avoid you unless it was absolutely unavoidable." June pointed out her method of if he ever did messed up. Mainly because she would be too nervous to say anything and not because of him but because of perhaps her lack of confidence. "You don't have to you know?" June suggested, knowing Rick was a busy man. "I don't know...I haven't actually..." Her cheeks flushed as she felt slightly embarrassment wash over her features. "Well, I have, I have just never...gone through with it."

Rick: "The cold shoulder. I see." Rick nodded along, brows raised, as if he found such childish aggression reasonable. He finally took a seat on June's bed, left her at liberty to crawl off him or stay put at her leisure as his hands cupped the side of her waist casually. When in these rooms, Flag could never be sure if they were truly alone; surely Amanda had a camera or two installed. A mic. The idea put Rick off since the pair had made love in these very quarters. Waller was obsessed with June so there was a very real chance she'd seen everything. It was more than a fancy tagline she threw in spite of others. The Colonel set these concerns aside for now. It was too late to take back what had happened and considering where Rick was at the time, how strong his emotions were, he knew finding himself wrapped up with June was unavoidable. He'd yet to regret loving her. "Cold shoulder, now cold feet." He chuckled. "Who's the nervous one now?" He hoped the tease wouldn't upset her. "It's not about having to... it's about wanting to, and I wanna take you out... show you off, buy you things," Rick drew in his lower lip before finishing with, "get you off."

June: "Yes and no. More like I'd feel bad for telling you that you messed up. Unless it was something so stupidly arrogant that I would have to just tell you." She pointed out to him as he sat down though she did not move, straddling him. "No. I want to it is just..." She paused for a moment before she spoke again. "I've never actually been on a date before..." She admitted bashfully. At his last statement, her cheeks flushed once more a shade of pink as she let out a laugh.

Rick: A real laugh left Rick. He appreciated June's honesty. This was important to know, a sort of heads up, but, "I'm stupid and arrogant like... all the time. How do you put up with a guy like me?" He asked, the smile reaching his eyes. "You gotta be kidding me, girl..." Rick said in a lighter octave. It was hard to believe, but with June being so engrossed in her studies, work, maybe this shouldn't come as such a shock. "I'll have to take you on a hundred in that case..." Her cheeks blossomed rosy pink right before Flag's eyes and as she let out that squeak of a laugh he leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss. Drank in that giggle, the red, this moment.

June: "It is a little difficult sometimes but I am sure I can handle you, meathead." June teased him before shaking her head. "Look, I got asked a couple of times but I just...I mean, it just wasn't for me. You know, I was kind of like the invisible girl and when people did pay attention, I was so oblivious or working that I would just shoot it down without giving it a chance. No one was going to take me seriously if they found out I was dating within my profession. I didn't want to be one of those couples who have to work together on the same things and share the success of doing the exact same thing together all the time." She explained. Her lips met his again in a more passionate display of affection.

Rick: "You sure you're sure?" He asked, smirk still apparent and gaze just as content. Rick smoothed his hands in tandem down the doctors clothed thighs while listening to her explanation. The office suit look used to put the soldier off, so clean, rigid, perhaps he wasn't the only man to judge her on appearance first hand. Now that Rick knew June, the idea of her symmetrical and monotone method of dress didn't steer him away; it was almost a symbol of her need to keep control and he understood what that was like. Keeping control, not leaving room for error--anything less than perfection, was a life-trait the pair shared. "... So why didn't you turn me down?" Rick just had to ask. Was it simply because he didn't spend his days brushing off shattered pots and hunting for dinosaur remains? He felt her return the kiss and his jaw fell slightly to welcome his girl in deeper for the moment. It was easy to get caught up in ravishing Moone. It was easy to want to. Even still, Rick held himself, and his anxious tongue, back. This sort of restraint was punishing yet addictive all at the same time.

June: "I've handled quarterbacks, soccer boys and a girl from the volleyball team back. Believe it or not, I may of been a wallflower but that didn't mean I didn't have options. I was just...focused." June said to him, trying to think of a way to explain it before she raised an eyebrow. "Because, I guess that we are in one of the most bleakest situations a person can be and in a place so isolated, you were the first person to actually speak to me without treating me as a ticking time bomb. You made me feel like I was back at University but that i could actually...do it." She explained the best she could. "Besides, not like I don't have my questions? I'm not exactly anything...well, I'm no Harley, lets put it that way." June said, as Harley was known to be the opposite of her. Loud, fun, bleach blonde, sexy and outgoing.

Rick: He supposed that was a good enough reason. It all just came back to the pair bringing some normalcy back into each others lives. While Rick secretly enjoyed being scene as something impressive, set apart, somehow remaining plain old Rick Flag was alright with June. It took a lot of pressure off. He didn't have to pretend. "... I understand." Rick muttered, "I let myself be lonely for a very long time. This work is easier that way, but... I'm happy to have you." That was probably obvious, but he said so anyway. He let out a snort as she mentioned not being anywhere near Quinn, "Thank god for that." While June saw something worth desiring in that criminal Rick never could look passed the bat-shit-crazy part. He found the remote on June's bedside table and plucked it up, "What are you in the mood to watch, baby girl?" The pet names were new--but came natural to Flag, he did wonder if June was a fan.

June: She went quiet for a moment as she listened to him speak, her eyes drifting down between them. Looking back to him when he finished, she gave him half a smile. "So, if we are going to be screwed, might as well be screwed together, right?" She said with a slight laugh. "Yeah but Harley is...eye catching and confident. A lot of things I'm really not." She explained why she made such a comparison. "Anything as long as it isn't talking animals. They are pretty cringy."

Rick: Rick gently laughed at the comment. It almost felt like he was back in grade school with how they teased and joked, but Flag liked it. Especially since such slang was coming from this brilliant and nerdy woman. In any other situation it would almost seem out of character for Moone. "Right." Rick finally agreed, warmth still evident in his eyes. "I don't know about that... you definitely hold my attention. Beauty isn't everything, but... you are beautiful... and you'll grow more sure of yourself as time goes on." Flag reassured. "I can agree with that." He adjusted, swung his legs out from under June, and sat up against the wall behind her bed. Lower back supported by pillows. Rick offered a welcoming glance and kept an arm open for her to fill in if she chose to. The other hand explored the options through the Apple TV installed.

June: June could not help but turn away from his gaze. She felt bashful to say the least, unsure how to respond to such comments, even more so now she was the host to the ancient witch. Even more so that during her last change, she murdered most of his team. "I guess I just don't feel it sometimes." She murmured. She had never saw what she looked like as the Enchantress but she saw the pictures and it terrified her in all honestly. As Rick moved, she stood up briefly to stretch her hands to the ceiling before climbing back onto the bed, moving into his side.

Rick: Rick waited for the doctor to find a place at his side before folding the arm around her shoulders and kissing the roof of her head, "That's alright..." Just because he said it didn't mean June had to believe him, but Flag would be honest and supportive none-the-less. Especially in regard to how Moone made him feel. Like picking out his first song trying to decide on a film among the thousands available was slightly intimidating--but at least there was less need to be completely polite in the doctors presence. Given that their relationship was beyond a professional level now. "I'm uh..." He breathed a weak chuckle, toward himself and his self-doubt, "I've only been back in the states for nine months. 'don't really know the new stuff or whats good now." A number of titles stood out to him, but a couple were action, others dark, "Maybe a comedy?" He had the feeling they both could use some laughs and if anything it would make for pleasant white noise should they choose to talk instead.

June: Her free arm came over his chest before shrugging a little bit. "Rick...it is a movie." She reminded him. She got why sometimes he was a little nervous as she was too but  to her, it was only a movie and wasn't going to change her opinion of him.  He liked stuff already that she didn't really have an interest in and that was okay. "You aren't going to ruin my life if it is a bad movie." She humored a little. "Yeah, comedy sounds good."

Rick: He felt some heat rise at the back of his throat after June promised she wouldn't make a big deal over a silly movie choice. At least for Rick, he'd watch just about anything, being here was more about spending time with Moone than watching a film. Though there was a part of Rick who wanted to take time to play catch up, familiarize himself with American pop-culture, but the soldier simply didn't have that kind of time available anymore. Regardless, he'd rather keep working than veg out anyway. "Alright.." He picked a late 80's title, Ferris Bueller, settling on a choice that wouldn't be too offensive or boring. Rick let out a sigh that he'd been holding and his body sunk into the pillows a bit more. It wasn't every day he dropped his guard and stopped moving, thinking, and this down time seemed to be doing him a world of good. Rick didn't have the opportunity or resolve to act this way before June. "I used to watch this with my mom." He cut himself short as the name fell from his lips. Rick wasn't sure why he said that. Just making conversation, he supposed...

June: June's body sank into the mattress, her hand stroking his chest idly, something that had become more of a habit as the more time they spent in each other's company and becoming more intimate with one another. Things went quiet until Rick spoke again and June looked up at him, a small frown on her face. She realised that he never actually did speak about his mother. In fact, in that moment, besides the file and Task Force X, June realised she knew nothing about him or his past. She read that thick binder on his father that he showed her but that was that and his mother was practically unheard of. "You've never spoken about her." She said to him quietly.

Rick: He managed to show a small grin and returned June's soft caressing at his chest with his own across the doctors shoulder and upper arm. "'haven't thought about her." Rick meant to leave the subject there. "This just reminded me of some.. stuff. It's uh... nothing bad." Quite the contrary, but wasn't that just how one viewed the past? Their younger years? Through rose colored glasses. Cutting out the bad or lonely memories. "We didn't watch too many movies, but there were a few she liked." Rick had to admit, he was curious about June's family. Unlike his own that were six feet under... hers were still around, weren't they? What would they think of all this? Were they even aware? Did June miss them...? Richard knew better than to ask outright, because often enough, like Flag, most weren't so comfortable speaking about their families. The series of events that made them who they were. Normal people didn't carry such regrets, but in this line of work, the circles Rick had been part of since he was sixteen years old, people simply didn't... talk. Remember. Those emotions were pushed to the backseat just as Rick's heart had been till one month ago...

June: "I see." June murmured. She didn't want to pry anymore. June yawned a little but not because of him but because she was just relaxed. She rolled her shoulders a little before she looked back at him. "Sorry, just a little relaxed. Makes a change." She said.