The sun rises slowly as it peers over the horizon line. All the while not doing a thing about the autumn breeze giving a reminder of winter's soon arrival.

The sun didn't seem to do a thing for Gwen's hair either, as the wind tore through it like the small flame of a lit candle. With the wind intertwined was the cold air of the closing month of November. It seemed to as well encompass her almost entirely as the only warmth she could feel anywhere was the hand holding onto hers tightly.

The sight of her cousin and the serious and focused expression on his face was what filled her with warmth and chill at the same time along with worry in her heart. Worry because all he had on was his black shirt and a medium-sized backpack with much compartment space on, while his jacket was being worn by her. Worry because she knew when that expression was plastered on his face there was no turning back. That the only way was forward and nothing was going to stop him. Worry because it was all real. The letters they left for their parents only solidified that.

Gwen had her second thoughts and doubts but she pushed them to the back of her mind for the hundredth time today.

"We're here." Ben's words said with a firm tone brought her out of her thoughts and her gaze from the ground, up to the barely functioning neon sign above her.

Bellwood's used motorcycles are for sale! your satisfaction is guaranteed!

As the duo entered the semi-small shop they took in their surrounding as well as the stench of metal and musty air. The main area consisted of about 10 motorcycles lined up in 2 rows with another 10 or 20 in the visible backyard. The motorcycles consisted of many different models and styles. Ben went off a bit ahead to take a better look.

There was another room off to the right of Gwen where sounds of screeching metal and hammering and drilling could be heard. Then it stopped and a man in a mechanic-type attire peeked from around the doorway with a welding tool in one hand and a large hammer in the other, and a welding mask equipped.

Gwen could only stare as the man simply dropped the tools onto the floor, lifted his welding mask up, and proceeded to let out a low whisper and in a rhythmical tone said,

"why…hello there hot mama."

Gwen had no words. None as he removed and dropped the mask and while waking to her, wiped the sweat from his face and forehead. Though the smudges and streaks of oil stayed.

The man now with a full appearance visible, could be made out as a young and tall man with black mullet hair a smooth well-shaped face, and possessing broad shoulders, and a strong looking physique. He had a toothpick on his bottom lip kept in place by a cocky grin.

With the young man now standing in front of Gwen and a little too close for Gwen's liking or comfort, the name on the name tag on the chest of his stained outfit could be made out as the name Kevin.

"What's your name princess? How can I be of service to a pretty thing like you today?" You looking for a nice ride with wheels or a nice ride with some muscle." Kevin asked in a low tone, then ended with a smirk and a wink with his right eye.

Gwen was stunned for what seemed an eternity until the stench of his breath which smelled like Chinese food and coffee smacked her back to the present moment and his words registered.

"W-Wha-What! E-Excuse me! Firstly I am taken, secondly, I am a distinguished woman who would never stoop so low to such standards or undergo such filth, and thirdly your breath is putrid." Gwen although having stuttered and sputtered, fired lethal verbal shots at the man. And after processing what she said, blushed just a little due to her words being a small lie based on her past actions.

Anyway, she was sure this would deter this Kevin from going any further.

Unfortunately to no avail, Kevin was not deterred instead only more determined.

Giving a chuckle he said, "That wasn't bad I've heard worse though. Just listen I know a good club we can hit up I bet there you and I would get along just righ-"As Kevin was about to test the bounds even more with a dirty hand on its way to Gwen's left cheek, Ben caught his wrist in the air and clutched it there tightly.

"Lay a finger on her and I'll kill you." Said the young brunette with a grim tone and an expression promising pain.

The larger boy stopped his failed flirting attempts and within a second, shifted his demeanor to a more intimidating aura, with an expression and cold glare down at Ben.

Ben didn't waver, however. Gwen was about to try and calm the situation or take Ben's side just in case, but it turned out she didn't need to do a thing.

In a snap, Kevin gave just a sigh and deescalated the situation by nonchalantly saying, "Cool your jets man I won't take your girl. She's one hell of a find but she's a biter I can tell."

"Hey!" Gwen barked.

See? Kevin said blankly, having felt as though his point was proven.

After letting go of Kevin's arm, Ben cleared his throat hoping to bring the attention back to the matter of why they were here while catching a glimpse of Kevin's name tag.

"Listen…Kevin, The name is Ben, Ben Tennyson and this is my co-girlfriend Gwen. She and I are here today cause we need a reliable bike, that has good mileage and most importantly has speed."

Kevin took a minute to ponder that then Proceeded. "Hmm, I like the way you think Tennyson I got a nice hot batch of baddies in the back but I got a little something special I've been working on, and…well there's just something special about you two. Call it experience or whatever but I know when someone's trying for something."

The Tennyson duo had no words for that but exchanged eye contact while acknowledging Kevin's thoughtfulness and wondering what kind of experience he was referencing.

"Anyway follow me, I'm just putting the last few bolts on her," Kevin said signaling the duo to follow him with a wave of his hand.

As they entered the room they took in their environment. A small garage space, enough for a car and a bike. Tools and boxes are scattered all over, on shelves, and the ground.

"Ain't she a beaut? Found her mostly in pieces in an old abandoned airfield. Seemed like someone had a run and messed up royally and left it for dead. Scavenged much as I could but spent a while getting the right stuff as well as certain other exported performance enhancement parts to go along with the tune I had in mind. Trust me Tennyson you want speed you don't need to look anywhere else. This 2012 Yamaha YZF - R1 has got you covered Kevin Levin certified." Kevin finished with a wink and a proud grin.

Ben took his slow lap around the motorcycle passing a hand over its fresh newly refined lime green body. The rims also sport the same color along the inside.

Ben gave a low whistle and whispered, "No going back."

Kevin heard the whispered words but chose not to push into the topic. He knew all well that a man's reasons for doing extreme things should not be questioned for they had already thought out every option and consequence. So then he began the final touches and after a good five minutes passed a rag over his creation and announced, "She's finished, my greatest creation."

"She's one hell of a ride Kevin are you sure we can have it?" Ben questioned just wanting to ensure this was even real.

"Hell yeah, you need it more than I do," Kevin said giving a thumb towards the rear of him where there sat a green with black stripes dodge challenger. It visibly looked well-kept and with no doubt having been tweaked and tuned a great deal.

"Well…Thank you, Kevin Levin." Ben said extending his hand out to Kevin.

Kevin smiled and accepted the invitation and exchanged a firm handshake with the Tennyson boy.

"though it would be more of a thank you if you had five grand on you," Kevin said in a sarcastic tone.

Ben have an expression like a light bulb turned on in his head, pulled off the backpack he had on his back and held it in front of himself, and took out fifty, one hundred dollar bills held together by a rubber band.

"Woah, what the hell are you doing running around with that on you?! I was just messing with you!" Kevin exclaimed, surprised.

"An amount of what I had saved for college. Take it, I would spare more but I don't know what's waiting for us on our journey so if I can I'll send you somewhere if ever I'm able to."

Kevin could hardly process the five grand placed in his hands just now and neither could he the words Ben had just said. "Hey man, there's no need for this I was just trying to help."

"Exactly, I was just returning the favor the most I could. This was the best way." Ben said.

Kevin stayed silent this time only giving an acknowledging nod.

"Alright, Gwen let's hit the roa-" Ben stopped running his mouth and his movement once he saw his Gwen sitting on the floor against the wall asleep. Ben felt a deep sense of guilt and shame as she sat there head down exhausted as she looked.

Ben took a deep breath and moved forward. He then knelt beside her and brushed a few strands of her red hair away from her face and behind her ears. He back to look at where Kevin stood. Once stood as he witnessed him at the other side of the garage space opening the garage door there, filling the space with sunlight. Which emitted some groans out of sleepy Gwen who took refuge under Ben's figure reflexively.

Ben smiled understandingly. "Wake up sleepy head it's time to go," Ben whispered in her ear.

She opened her eyes a little at that.

"I'm with you." She responded in a whisper.

At that, Ben picked his favorite girl up and set her back on her feet, took her hand, and walked over to the outside where Kevin was giving a quick inspection of the motorcycle.

Hand in hand Gwen and Ben walked over.

"All clear for take off Tennyson. Treat her well." Kevin advised as he tossed Ben the keys. Ben caught it with one hand while the other was occupied with Gwen's and assisting her in mounting the rear seat of the motorbike.

"Thanks, Kevin will do," Ben replied

"Since when did you too get so friendly?" Gwen asked puzzled.

"Who said friendly?" The two males said in sync leading to sequential embarrassment.

Kevin cleared his throat and spoke, "Listen…Ben here's my card, if there's anything you need hit me up."

"Sounds like a deal. Thanks again, Kevin." Ben said as he took the card and put it into his Jean pocket. He then mounted the bike and put the key in the ignition and turned. The high pitch whine that came from the bike as the engine came to life was adrenaline-inducing, to say the least.

"You sure you can handle this thing, doofus?" Gwen asked worriedly.

"Grandpa gave me some good practice back when I was 14. I did well…But then again that was on a moped…so I'd say probably." Ben answered. A lack of confidence was present.

"This is why you're the world's number one doofus, doofus. I better hold on tight." Gwen added sighing along with a worried expression as she leaned into the back of her doofus of doofuses. In addition, she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.

"Alright, Tennyson hit the gas already I got a shop to run and rides to tune," Kevin shouted back while walking away into the garage space.

"We'll see you around sometime Kevin. Thanks for the bike and the…introduction." Said Gwen somewhat awkwardly. Kevin gave no words except a wave to them while still facing the garage space.

Neither did Ben say anything else as he gave the bike a few revs before letting it accelerate forward with considerable velocity before hitting the brakes and stopping abruptly.

"Don't worry I got this!" Ben shouted back to his passenger as he engaged the clutch and shifted into second gear. Then the acceleration was smoother and more stable.

Five minutes in and Ben had mostly gotten the hang of the "green machine" as he nicknamed it. Along with some advice from his co-pilot as they went through some turns and many straightaways to arrive at a gas station with a shop attached.

The duo hopped off the bike as Ben plopped his backpack on the bike and took out a one hundred dollar bill. "Here Gwen, buy anything you see fit for long-distance travel. Maps, nutrition, clothes, etc. I'll be here filling up." The brunette told the redhead with a calm tone yet focused expression.

Gwen responded with a firm nod and made her way to the shop. Once inside she grabbed a carry cart and made her way through the small aisles and grabbed what she needed. The same went for the refrigerators she grabbed water bottles from. Then she arrived at the small clothes section where two other women older than herself, were also shopping.

Gwen paid them no mind as she grabbed a few pairs of jeans for herself and her cousin. In addition, some shirts ranged from black and white. She figured it would be best not to stand out much. That was when she spotted a rack of bomber jackets. She moved closer and discovered they were bomber jackets with fur interiors. Good for the cold. Good on Ben. It was a must for Gwendolyn. Even if the price tag was sure to place a dent in her budget. She chose a black bomber jacket with a black fur interior a size large due to these jackets usually running small.

Gwen now made her way to the checkout counter where an elderly lady could be found sitting on a stool behind it. She wore a warm smile and eyes full of life. They seemed to light up more as Gwen approached the counter.

The young redhead placed her cart and distributed the items onto the counter.

"My my, aren't you the most gorgeous little girl I've ever seen? Goodness, those eyes and that hair, that pretty face of yours. An Angel you are." The old lady said with wonder and astonishment.

"Oh, um thank you I guess." Was all Gwen could muster up with a slight blush coming on and through a nervous laugh.

"Will this be all?" The old lady asked, Causing Gwen to return to the task at hand. She looked up the wall behind the old lady where backpacks hung. She saw a backpack of her favorite color similar to Ben's design but slightly smaller. "Would help lessen the load on Ben. I should have enough budget left for it."

"Could I please have that blue backup above you to the far left?" Gwen requested.

"Surely hon." The old lady replied as she stood up from the stool with surprising agility. Then took the reacher grabber on the side of the wall and brought it down and onto the counter. Gwen thanked her. "Would you like me to put these items in the backpack for you?" The lady asked Gwen.

"Yes please, just not the jacket," Gwen responded. While the lady was neatly storing the items into the backpack as best she could, Gwen was examining the maps on the newspaper standing beside the counter. They depicted many different towns and cities in the nearby region.

"Go ahead honey you can have them, they're free." The old lady told her noticing Gwen's examination of the maps.

"Oh thank you." Said Gwen.

"Here we are young lady that will be ninety-two dollars and fifty cents. Cash or card?"

"Cash," Gwen responded to the old lady, handing her the hundred-dollar bill. Soon after the elder lady handed Gwen her change and the backpack which she threw on and the jacket she took in hand.

"Pardon me for intruding but, is that your man out there?" The old lady asked Gwen, her finger pointing in the direction of Ben as Gwen looked over. There he was leaning on the new motorcycle. His motorcycle now. His flip phone in hand on his lap. His head tilted back as he looked up at the sky. His breath was visible in the cold morning air. The morning sunlight gave a gold glow to his hair, skin, lips, and green eyes.

Gwen swallowed hard, finding her mouth dry and face warm.

"Ah, I figured as much." The old lady said with a smirk.

Gwen turned back to the lady in panic. "Wait no I was just-" she tried but the old lady beat her to it.

"Oh, young love. How wonderful it is. Well, you run along now little missy I'm sure your hubby wants all of you in his arms right about now in that cold. Thank you for shopping and come again sometime." The old lady said and gave a knowing yet warm smile.

Gwendolyn tried for words but in the end, with her face a red hot mess, she shyly made her way out the door.

It was the cold that brought made her regain her composure. It was the sight of her lover that made her take the first step forward.

"Hey, Ben I'm back," Gwen said now in front of Her cousin which as a result brought Ben from out of the clouds down to her wide green eyes.

"Glad your back. Um, you alright Gwen? You're a little red." Ben questioned somewhat confused.

"Y-Yeah i-its just from the cold. I uh got you a jacket…for the cold." She said timidly as she extended the jacket to him.

Receiving it Ben thanked her with a smile followed by an unexpected kiss on the cheek.

It was safe to say Gwen had melted right then and there as she went blank with a face as red as a tomato. Especially after her love put on the jacket.

"Sweet jacket. What's this though?" Ben asked pulling out two identical bracelets from the jacket pocket. One had a green heart followed by smaller beads of Gwen's favorite color of blue looping around to it. While the other had a blue heart of Gwen's favorite color followed by smaller beads of green color looping around back to the heart.

Gwen felt like a deer in headlights as she spun to the cause of this surprise embarrassment. And there sat the old lady looking out the shop window at them with a mischievous smile. Gwen spun back to find Ben already equipping the bracelet with the blue heart on his wrist.

"I'll keep this one for me so you'll never leave my mind. Not that you ever do but just in case." Ben said nonchalantly.

"E-Eh?" Was all Gwen could muster, feeling like a deer that got hit by a truck as Ben put on her wrist the bracelet with the green heart.

She felt as though she could faint at any moment despite the cold. Therefore she sought refuge in Ben's chest where she buried her face there feeling as if it was on fire.

"The jacket's very warm, thank you, Gwen. Wanna trade?" Ben whispered into his love's hair.

"Huh?" Gwen asked looking up to him beyond confused.

"This jacket is warmer than my jacket which you're currently wearing. So I want to trade with you so that you can be more protected from the cold." Ben clarified.

Gwen stared at him dumbfounded and slightly bummed out at the thought of Ben taking off the jacket he looked so good in. The only thing that stopped Gwen from refuting was his eyes. His eyes said so many things all at once. Maybe to another person such things would go unnoticed but not to Gwen. She saw with clarity the warmth in his eyes that meant her safety, her security. Gwen also saw behind that, however. The concern, the worry, and the stress beginning to become visible. Like water seeping in through the cracks of a dam. A dam on the verge of collapse be it sooner or later.

But she wasn't about to let that happen. Not to her Ben. That's what she thought as Ben threw on his jacket once again and had already placed the new one on her. That's what she thought as she caught his attention and his gaze with her hands on either side of his face. Caught his attention and gaze and locked it onto hers.

Only then did she find the courage, the words needed to be spoken even with guilt and hurt welling up in her heart. Even with her throat tight and eyes hot and wet. Only then did she speak with a steady, calm, and gentle voice.

"Look at me. Keep your eyes on me, doofus. Believe me when I say that I will never let you go. I'll be with you always come rain or shine. If you fall I will too. Then we'll rise again together. Just like it always has been. So share your pain with me. Lean on me. I'll be your rock like you've been mine and together we'll withstand the waves. No matter how hopeless it seems. So long as we have each other it will all be okay in the end. This I promise.

Because I love you, Ben Tennyson."

Her voice lost its stability in those final words. It seems so did her tear glands as a single tear fell slowly, gently like a stream. Only Gwen didn't notice. Not until a hand was placed in its path preventing its continuation down to her lips. Her lips where another soft pair that could be found embracing them.

A soft, tender, slow kiss was Ben's response. A kiss, worth a thousand words, worth a thousand emotions. A kiss capable of dwarfing infinity in the context of time, as the world seemed to stop in place. Gwen didn't mind in the least. For her emotions overwhelmed her, no such thing as thinking could be undergone except instinct and feeling. Instinct and feeling was what moved her arms behind his neck and up to his hair. Her heart and soul were what enabled her to close her eyes, and allowed her head to be pushed and pulled gently along with her lips. And what permitted the love of her life to bleed into her.

After what felt like an eternity the duo ended the pure love-filled kiss, gasping for air. Forehead against the other.

After a minute their foreheads still connected, Ben spoke returning to the matter at hand. "The last time I spoke with Grandpa he was somewhere in central Florida with Grandma. Knowing them two they could be in Texas right now. But because they recently bought a house in Florida and Grandpa talked about his RV breaking down for the hundredth time with this one sounding the worst. I think it's worth a try checking to see if they're still there. If they aren't then we'll make do. And if they are then…well, I just hope they accept us. Both as a thing and to stay with them."

"They will," Gwen reassured her cousin. Along with a firm nod. A firm nod that Ben returned.

With that, Ben once again helped his cousin onto the rear seat of the motorcycle. Then proceeded to mount it himself and start the engine.

After a few revs, Gwen's arms wrapping around Ben's middle again they smoothly transitioned onto the road with a full tank of gas and a heart full of drive.

Now Gwen's hair blew due to the wind once again. Also once again she was in physical contact with her lover. The only difference this time was that they were both moving over eighty miles an hour and climbing. Passing cars, signs, and tarmac in a blur.

The final sign she saw before a completely straight open road with little traffic under the morning sun was a sign in a big font that read, leaving Bellwood. So soon?