JUNE AUSTERE'S POV

Another thunderclap sounded when I woke up with a jolt. In a flash, I recalled my surroundings; fancy night lamp, extra comfy queen-size bed, grandiose wallpaper; the expensive apartment in Super Sound Studios. I wish I could say that the storm outside woke me up from a blissful sleep. But I'd be lying to myself. I was hurting inside.

I was stressed out about the tour, so the fact that it was postponed should've relieved me. But instead, I was restless and still without a conclusion about Jason. Was he brave? Untrue? Heroic? He was all of those, but more rattling was the fact that he was Tekeon all along. So many feelings swirled inside me. Even after a couple of hours to calm my nerves, I still wasn't sure how to deal with that realization.

Samson had probed me during the first aid session for the full details of how I ended up in Tekeon's arms. I was speechless at first until he insinuated that Jason was Tekeon. It was at that very moment that words rolled off my tongue. And thank goodness the right ones.

Jason; He was hot, rich, nice, and interesting. Why did he have to be more? I thought perfection was impossible.

What's the time? I pondered, slipping out of the red fluffy duvet and reaching for my iPhone on the bedside table, right next to the night lamp.

Just then, my phone rang and made me jolt. Looking closer, I saw it was Ember calling. And for the first time, I was reluctant to pick up. Because I was worried. And I always tell her everything when I'm worried. But the plea in Jason's voice when he charged me not to reveal his secret, it pulled at my heartstrings.

Before I knew it, the call rang out. I decided I'd answer the next time she called and try not to talk about Jason.

With my conscience settled, I watched my finger hover hesitantly over the NCN app. My worry about Jason had intensified and was getting the better of me. C'mon June, stop being afraid.

When I was dropped off at the studio with a left hand wrapped in bandages, I checked the news headlines only to see 'Tekeon vs Monster: Round 2'. After that, I'd put my phone away out of anxiety. But with every passing second, I wondered if he was okay. The way that monster's eyes bore through me back at Cross-Bakes, I had never been so terrified. The thought of Jason getting injured-or worse-prevented me from checking the result of the clash.

But curiosity was eating me up. He saved me from danger and flew back into the danger zone. Part of me was dying to know if he saved himself.

"Please be okay," I muttered before finally opening the NCN app and quickly tapping on NC-Desk's latest report.
The screen was overtaken by a video. Their star reporter-standing just in front of a giant hole in the earth-was dressed in a white turtleneck sweater and black jeans. She brushed back a streak of black hair that was being tussled by the wind.

"This is Elise Sally, reporting live at the scene of the otherworldly explosion that lit up the night here in New Chronos. It happened exactly ten minutes ago here in this forest region. And as you can see, there's a large depression in the Earth, the size of a massive crater, just behind me. What's crazy about this scene is that there is not the slightest trace of fire around. The closest trees to the hole are unscathed. On the scene are the fire department, who naturally expected a wildfire, and the NCPD going straight into investigation. Wait! There's a figure limping out from the trees, heading my way."

The camera spun to show a figure magnifying into view with every limp. Clad in gold and blue.

"Jason?" Shock washed over me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, call me crazy but isn't that Tekeon? It is Tekeon! Approaching the media after more than a month of evasion. But I'm more baffled to see him not walking straight for the very first time. Hello, Tekeon. Did you witness what happened here? Were you involved? Could you fill us in?"

She pointed a mic to his metal mask. Worry welled up inside me. For him to be limping, how badly was he hurt?

"New Chronos," He spoke into the mic as his left hand clamped his right shoulder. "The crimson monster...is no longer a threat."

Jubilation broke out around him. The camera view changed to a zoomed-out one; showcasing the cops and firemen that were cheering. My eyes lit up, and I almost leaped off the bed in excitement if not for the last bit of restraint. Still, a smile played across my lips. This guy just saved the world. And I know him!

"Yeah," he said after the hollering didn't stop. Then his voice seemed to falter. "And neither is Alain Archer."

The jubilee picked up tempo. I was curious as to the change in his tone, though, but his mask shielded whatever facial expression he was displaying.

"Peace," he saluted with two fingers. Then his sky-blue T-like jetpack popped out and blasted him into the sky.

"Well, there you have it, good news from Tekeon himself! I don't know about you, but I, for one, am relieved and I'm sure that the citizens of New Chronos duffs their hats in salutation and gratitude to the beacon of hope of our time."

A knock on the door startled me. "June, you up?"

I sighed and rolled out of bed to unlock the door. I couldn't care less that my hair was unkempt. It was only Mr. Disturb-a-lot.

Once it swung open, the golden glow of the hallway lights mixed with the room's white light at the entrance. Samson was looking slick like his gelled brown hair, donning a grey button-up shirt with black pants and a silver chain wristwatch. "How's our favorite star doing?" He grinned.

I rolled my eyes and strode back to my bed. "Ugh. Come in."

"Attitude much?" He teased, and I heard the door gently close.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I crossed my legs and picked up my phone. "I'm pretty sure you didn't come to replace my bandages."

"Close," he maintained a mischievous grin as his hands hid behind his back. "See, as your health mentor -"

"Is that a cliche?" I quirked a brow. "I swear that sounds so cliche."

He gave a flat face before flashing a smile again. His hands unlaced to reveal a basket of fruits in his right one. "After an injury like today, it's important to get a good dose of iron and vitamins. You could start with the mangos. They're your favorite, right?"

My eyes narrowed as I mentally skimmed through possible intentions until it clicked. "You want the deets about the incident, don't you?"

He groaned in surrender, plopping the basket down on the glass center table and crashing on the blue sofa close to it. His smile was replaced by a brooding expression. "Is 'tell me what happened' too much to ask for?"

I let out a sigh. He was never one to give up on trying to get what he wanted. But I couldn't tell him Jason's secret. So I'd just have to make him believe he's gotten what he wanted. "I already told you on the way here that Tekeon rescued me and Jason."

"Yeah...why don't you take it from the top? Cherry on a pretty please."

"I told you to stop saying that."

"I'll say it again if you don't tell me."

"Fine, but you seriously need to get a girlfriend."

"Find me a female manager with my level of hotness and charisma first."

"Oh, I will. For the greater good."

"So, back to Tekeon. Why don't you begin from after I left you and your sweetheart to finish making out?" He changed the subject back.

"We're not a couple," I couldn't control the tinting of my cheeks. "Yet."

"Whatever you say. Just start from there." He relaxed on the sofa, resting his elbow on one arm of it while using his fist to support his tilting head.

"Well, shortly after you left, Jason and I went out for a private lunch at Cross-Bakes; booked the building and all. So, anyways right before we started eating, Tekeon and that red monster burst through the roof, tearing at each other's throats. But being the hero he was, Tekeon saw we were now in harm's way so he stunned the creature and flew us out of the building. In the process, my hand came in contact with glass," I saw him about to speak. "Don't ask." He nodded in acknowledgment and I continued. "Because Tekeon was a real gentleman, he asked us where we would like to be dropped."

"He did that?"

"Yes. Jason was dropped back at his villa while Tekeon took me to the private terminal. The end."

Five seconds of silence preceded his reply. "That's it?"

"Yeah. What else were you expecting?"

"Hmm," He sprung to his feet. "Thought it would be more interesting. You know, like Jason turning out to be Tekeon."

"What..." I gave a crazy look. "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard." A hysterical laugh escaped me. I don't know what came over me, but I laughed for almost a minute. All the while, Samson was giving me a flat look.

I finally got a hold of myself with a sharp breath and avoided his gaze by looking at my phone.

He cleared his throat. "Right... so you're saying-" his phone rang, cutting him off. I looked up to see him frowning at the number. "Damn these booking agents, I thought we closed this deal already."

I shrugged, indicating 'That's for you to handle'.

He made his way to the door, the phone still ringing. "I'll see you around, June. Remember you have two weeks off for your injury and probable trauma to heal. Keep me posted, and I'll do the same."

The door closed upon his exit. I sighed in relief and flopped back on the bed. That was close.

Suddenly my phone rang. I patted my hand in search of it and brought it up to my face.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of 'Dreamy Jason'. I jumped into a sitting position, took a deep breath, and accepted the call. "Hi, Jason. Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"Hey, I'm good. Just resting a bit."

"I saw what you did on the news. That was pretty heroic if you ask me. I'm glad you're alive."

"Heh...it was just the usuals. I'm glad I'm alive, too, though."

That got a giggle out of me.

"So um..." His voice lowered a bit. "Hope you haven't told anyone about... you know."

"The secret? Oh, my lips are sealed. My manager even tried to wrench them open, but I told him Tekeon rescued you and me back at Cross-Bakes. Then he dropped you off at your place before taking me to the terminal."

"And he bought it?" Surprise was laced with his voice.

"I think so. It's something Tekeon would do, right?"

"Hm. Thanks for not blowing my cover. I know more than a handful of people who would've done the opposite. It makes me happy that it was you with me at that moment."

"Haha. Yeah... that's probably the most shocking moment of my life."

"Oh! How's your hand? Is it better?"

"Yeah, after first aid, they drove me back to the studio and called a doctor to examine it. Let's just say I won't be going anywhere for a while."

"Yikes, that's a bummer. I'm really really sorry I put you in harm's way. I was being reckless, and I know-"

"It's okay, Jason. It wasn't your fault. It was that Bleeding Bones guy. And that demon thing."

He chuckled. "Actually, that creature was an alien. I kinda stopped it from causing an invasion."

"Are you for real?" Excitement bubbled within me. Superheroes have to be the most interesting set of people.

"Of course. Though it's a pretty long story. One that I'd like to tell you in person when next we hang out."

"Well," my voice fell as my eyes met the bandage. "That may take a while. I'm not psyched about moving around like this."

There was silence on his end for a moment. "Tell you what, how 'bout I come over?"

My heart skipped a beat. Sure, he's been here a couple times. Was it enough for me to get used to his presence? No.
And if he came over, it wouldn't be as my blogger crush anymore. It'd be as my... super blogger lover?

The butterflies in my stomach didn't help to control my squeal. "Yeah, sure! Why not?"

He sounded elated. "Super! I'll be there in a flash." Then he cut the call before I could say 'sure'. It wasn't necessary, though.

Jason is Tekeon! And he's on his way here! Would he fly, or would he drive?

"Keep it together." I breathed, getting to my feet. "How are you even sure he feels the same way about you?"

Then I decided what I was going to do when he came. I needed to know if he loved me back or if I'm wasting my time -again.