35: Nothing Without You

❝ You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off you, pardon the way I stare, there's nothing else to compare ❞

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(Ray's POV)

"And we're all done!" Ashton supplied, ruffling up Sam's hair as he climbed down the examination chair and clung to mom's legs. Sam warmed up pretty quick to him, faster than his last doctor, and it was an emotional sight to see him giggling while being checked. He'd always dreaded these visits, and I was so thankful to Ashton for doing this for us. "Do you want to check out this cool gun I have down in my garage?" Sam nodded excitedly, his eyes widening at the sight of June entering the room.

"Coffee!" She placed the three cups of coffee in front of us before kneeling down and kissing Sam on his cheek. The little demon blushed and plopped a kiss on June's cheek, making her giggle in the process. No matter how much I joked about him having a teensy tiny crush on June, my heart warmed at the sight of them both playing and bonding.

"Daughter dearest. Do me a favor and take Sam to our garage. I'm sure we have some toys kept at the back. In the meanwhile, I'll talk to them about his condition." June nodded and picked up Sam in her arms, who looked too happy for his liking. She sent me a small smile and then turned around, cooing Sam who had started to fidget and giggle. I would be nothing if it wasn't for her. Mom squeezed my hand beneath the table, her eyes telling me she was grateful for June too.

Ashton cleared his throat and we gave him our entire attention, as he flicked through Sam's medical reports. "His blood pressure and pulse are entirely stable at the moment." Beside me, mom heaved a sigh of relief. "But, a transplant is unavoidable." A grim expression took over his face as both of us sat up straight, gulping heavily. "At this rate, I'd give three months for him to remain stable. After that, there's a high chance that he might face a heart attack." Mom clamped a hand on her mouth to stifle her sobs as I squeezed her shoulder, pulling her in. "Forgive me for being a bit harsh with my words, but my profession does not allow me to give false hope. Especially when it comes to matters of heart and brain."

"We understand where you're coming from. Please, do continue." Mom muttered, wiping away her tears. "Please tell us everything. We're here to accept the reality and do anything that could help my son."

"Please do keep thinking that way. It's extremely important for you guys to remain positive, because Sam is young, and he needs all the support and love." Ashton, as he'd told me to call him, pursed his lips and rubbed his palms together. "I'll have a word with the doctors in the city hospital. I used to work there, and I could maybe help speed things up. Of course this doesn't mean I will put Sam above on the list, because that would be an injustice to the other patients, but I can sure look into other hospitals around South California and see if there is someone who would be personally willing to help us. Sometimes, people offer their organs to specific people, mostly relatives or close friends in need. We could look for that approach as well."

That would help us so much. "God bless your big heart, Dr. Williams. You're doing such a big favor for us. We'll forever owe you and your family." Tears flowed down the corners of mom's eyes and mine watered as well, my heart aching for my five year old brother, who absolutely did not deserve whatever he was going through. He had yet to see the beautiful aspects of the world, yet to explore the unexplored, yet to spread his smile and lay his eyes upon the wondrous beauty of nature.

"Mrs. Rutherford, you're being too polite. This is my job, and more than ever my responsibility to help the needful." Getting up from his seat, he shook mom's hand in a firm grip and patted me on my back. "Don't worry, Sam will be better soon enough." We all walked out towards the garage from where squeals and giggles could be heard. Stepping out of the door and onto the freshly mowed lawn, a soft squeak left my mother's mouth at the sight of June laying on the ground and playing cars with Sam. The little guy was all over her, shouting, yelling and giggling as something she said made him laugh.

"They sure are bestfriends." Ashton pointed out, as his eyes softly continued to ponder over the two.

"Sam has always been so reserved. He was teased at school a lot for not being able to run and play like the other kids could. Since then, it's almost always Ray taking him out to play or Julie, the kindergarten head teacher. Since June came, he's all over her. He really likes her." Mom's voice cracked and I swallowed heavily, all but wanting to pick up June in my arms and kiss the fuck out of her. She was too good for this world.

"Mommy!" Sam yelled and started to run towards us, but before he could pick up his speed, June scooped him up in her arms and flicked his forehead lightly. He stuffed his face in her neck and pouted at something June said, probably to scold him for running, which enticed a smile out of her.

"You can say hi to your mommy now." Taking the last few steps before us, she set him down as he lunged forward and hugged mom's legs.

"Thank you for watching over him." Mom said, picking the little devil in the process. "He's quite a handful actually, when he really gets in his moods, but somehow you always manage to discipline him."

Waving her hands in the air, she patted Sam's head as he giggled. "He's like the brother I never had. Cute kid, really. I don't mind looking after him. In the future, if you don't have anyone to watch him you can always let me know. Only if you're okay with it, of course." Her eyes flitted to me, and she profusely blushed. I hated the entire concept of alpha male and the masculine ego, but her blushing at the sight of me definitely sent my ego sky rocketing. I reveled in the fact that my girlfriend was blushing because of me.

"I don't mind dear, I'll let you know for sure." Mom smiled. "I really do have to go now, I have a double shift this night. Thank you for helping us once again, really."

"Stop thanking me! Please, it's nothing. I wish I could've done more, but I'll try my best. Thank you for putting your faith in me." Mom and Ashton exchanged pleasantries as I moved closer to June.

"Hi."

That made her giggle and she slapped my arm. I faked pain. "Hey." Biting her lip, she replied.

Oh, the things she did to me.

"We haven't really been able to hang out these days. How are you?" I'd been busy with Neil and Lilah for the Maverick & Sanders case. They had been caught with almost 30 kilograms of heroin, 50 of cocaine, all deported from Mexico. Their illegal business had been disrupted and they were now amidst cases and charges which would have them end up a lifetime in jail. Many witnesses and confessors had come forward to give their statements, and I had been called too. Additionally, we'd been visiting the hospital for the transplant clearances, which would end up taking a lot of my time, since mom had to work.

"I'm good. I studied, read and played Mario with dad a lot. We caught up, he would tell me stories about his days in the military. Katie and the others came by a few times and Simon was extremely in love with dad. Apparently, he wants to be a doctor as well." Her eyes bore into mine. "And I missed you. A lot."

My hands itched to pull her into my arms and make love to her. But I had to settle on simply caressing my thumb on the inside of her wrist. "I did too." I whispered, as she smiled. "Do you want to come over today? I—I want to show you something." Her curious gaze made me want to tell her right on spot, but I wanted to keep it a surprise. "I promise to drop you back after dinner."

She nodded happily. "Dad, I'm going to Ray's. I'll be back after dinner." Ashton turned to look at us and mom winked at me, throwing me a thumbs up. She knew about my plans, because I had talked to her about it.

"Okay, but shoot me a text when you leave. I hope you'll bring her back safe." The last part of the sentence was directed towards me and I nodded crisply, promising to deliver her home safe and sound. "No funny business, you teens. Remember to use protection!"

June's face colored. "OH MY GOD, DAD!" She yelled, turning around and dragging me towards the jeep. Mom laughed and waved a goodbye to Ashton, who was by then chuckling loudly. Slamming the door shut of the jeep, she cowered in her seat, hiding her face beneath her palms.

"Dear God, your dad is really one of a kind." Mom chuckled as June groaned. I pulled out of the driveway and Sam happily waved goodbye to Ashton who still had a smug grin painted on his face. "He wasn't wrong though. Now you kids need to be careful, I hope you are taking prec—"

"Mom." She pursed her lips and June pretended to look out of the window, as I stifled a laugh. "We are taking the precautions, don't you worry." She nodded and shook her head in amusement, as June scowled at me.

"Mommy, what is protection?"

We all groaned collectively as Sam whined, trying to get mom to tell him what it meant. Damn him and his toddler inquisitive behavior.

"It's nothing baby, do you want some ice cream? Oh that reminds me, Daisy and Luke's granddaughters are coming over and they have invited you to have dinner with them. Do you want to go?" That distracted him and beside me, June heaved a sigh of relief. "Ray, love, drop me near the hospital. I have to pick up a few files and then head to work. I'll be back by dinner time. You kids order whatever you want. Just drop Sam next door at Daisy's okay?"

I pulled over opposite the hospital as we all said our goodbyes, resuming the journey back to my house. "So champ, ready for the party at Daisy's?" Sam jumped back in the seat and put his little hands on the window panes, his eyes moving along the line of trees that passed by. My heart clenched. I hadn't even had the chance to take him to other places. He had to get better. As if sensing something was off about me, her soft hand settled on mine, and she combed her fingers through mine. I put them on her thigh, my heart beat instantly calming down.

"Yes! I love the apple pies Daisy makes! Yummy!"

"Okay, we're here buddy. Let's go." Opening the car door for him and then for June, we all walked next door. I picked Sam up and he rung the doorbell, clapping his hands in excitement. The door opened and Daisy grinned, picking up Sam in her arms. Luke appeared behind her and assured me he would drop Sam after dinner.

Entering my house, I threw the jeep keys in the bowl, and pushed June against the main door, taking her mouth in mine. A wave of satisfaction coursed through me at the feel of her lips against mine, and a groan left my mouth as she tugged at my hair.

Gasping for air, we separated, her eyes dilated and eyelids heavy, making me want to take her then and there. "What was that for?" She questioned, pulling me in for a hug. My fingers combed through her hair lightly.

"I missed you." Shrugging, I pulled her towards the attic, my heart thumping wildly at what I was about to show her.

"Where are we going?" I didn't reply and simply kept climbing up the stairs as she followed, her footsteps making a light pattering sound behind me. "Seriously, where are we—oh my god." Her gasp was audible and I leant against the wall, observing her observing the many paintings I'd hung across the room. Her eyes widened as she walked over near them, her fingers gently tracing my signature below them. For ten minutes, all she did was walk around the room and stare at my works.

Since dad passed away, the only way I'd let out my emotions was by painting. I'd even stopped showing mom my works, keeping them all locked away in the attic, out of her reach. When June confessed she'd seen some of my sketches in my notebooks, it was as if I'd gone into a defensive mode and pushed her away. Because painting was supposed to be something exclusive to me and dad. It was a time for me to be open, vulnerable and expressive without anyone to judge.

But now, as I saw her expressions changing by the second at the sight of my works, I felt calm. I felt safe. "What do you think?" Deciding to break the silence, I pushed off the wall I was leaning on and stood beside her, as she continued to stare at Void.

Void was not one of my best works, but I'd painted it after the night Sam saw me passed out on the couch after taking drugs. I'd rushed here, in the attic, and painted this while tears slipped down my face, not a single goal in mind and had only drew what flashed before my eyes.

"It's you, isn't it?" She pointed out at the boy stuck in midst of a raging tornado, coated by thick layers of red, black, grey and white. The whole painting was very sad, but it was something I used to remember the emotions I felt in that moment.

"It is. How did you know?" She simply smiled and leaned her head against my shoulders, all the while not taking her eyes off the painting.

"I just know. It must've been an emotional period for you." Her hand cupped my jaw and she stared at me with utter adoration and sadness. A loud sigh left her mouth. "Ray, do you know how beautiful your art is? And I'm not even exaggerating, you—you could pass off as a professional. When I see these works, I imagine them hung in an art gallery, not on these attic walls. But of course, that is a decision for you to make." She gulped heavily, taking two steps back and letting her eyes roam over every painting in the room. "I'm so glad you decided to show me your works. I love you."

And how would I ever be able to tell her how much I loved her? How would I ever show her what had she did to me and how drastically she had changed my life? I couldn't believe she was the same girl I'd tried to push away, but then maybe I knew back then that she was going to be the main character in my story, and was too afraid to open up.

Tears prickled the corner of my eyes and I stuffed my head in her neck as she massaged my scalp just the way I liked it. "I love you, so much." I mumbled, holding her tighter than ever.

She giggled, and kissed me lightly on my neck. "It's not fair, I want to see you painting though."

An idea flickered in my mind, and my lips pulled into a smirk. I pulled back from the hug, and she raised her eyebrows at my expression, questioning silently what was going through my mind. A lot of things, but I'd show her that eventually.

"You can watch me painting right now." Her eyes lightened up and she nodded enthusiastically. "Only if you agree to be my live model."

"W—What?" She stuttered, biting her luscious full lips and I had to hold in a moan. "You want to paint me?" Yanking her hips to meet mine, I hummed, as she pursed her lips in a thin line, undoubtedly to hold back a moan. And now we were equal.

"It has been on my mind since like forever. Only if you'd allow me to." I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but taking into consideration as to how far I knew her, she always wanted to do things that made her adrenaline rush.

"Does it involve r—removing of my clothes? Don't judge me," she clarified, a blush coating her cheeks, "I saw that on TV, and in books and in art galleries." Rambling off, her blush deepened, and her gaze turned downwards. So fucking cute.

"Yeah, I mean, I have done human portraits before but I think I do better with nude paintings. It was something dad was the best at. You wouldn't have to show everything, obviously, I'll drape a satin cover over your intimate body parts dramatically, only showing your legs and arms." She pulled her bottom lip between her lip, mulling over her options for a bit before her eyes settled on mine.

"Let's do it." A jolt of electricity ran through my body at those three words, and my eyes widened. I hadn't really expected her to say yes; I was partly joking.

"Really? You don't have to if you don't want to." She shook her head and walked a bit closer to me, enticing a deep suck of breath out of me.

"I want to." A wild fire raged in her eyes, almost an alluring, seductive look; as my muscles tensed. She was a wild one, and god did I love that.

"Okay, then. Strip."

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I can't wait to show y'all the next chapter; I am going to blush so much while writing it because it's so fucking hot and sexy and cute and...hot. Until then, adios amigos <3