~*~ ~*~ ~*~
They both woke at the same time some hours later, LeShana’s senses still tingling with the effects of their first union. The sun was down outside and it was early evening. They both woke to the sounds of their empty stomachs. By silent agreement, they got out of bed and dressed slowly, punctuated by long kisses and passion filled looks. They left the room hand in hand and walked towards the kitchen, the building almost completely silent, which was unusual for that time of day. In truth, as much as she might be curious about the unusual emptiness, she couldn't help but be intensely grateful for the silence and the sense of privacy it brought, while her mind and body both seemed to vibrate with what they had shared. While the fare was not creative or particularly tasty, it did offer both of them the sustenance they needed. After their meal, Raven went off to arrange the meetings with his publisher and agent, hoping to get them together the next day so it could be done all at once. LeShana went to find someone who could tell her how the press conference had gone. She found Destin and Solair in the warehouse floor, watching the TV and sharing something to eat. LeShana walked towards them, and Solair spotted her before she was halfway across the space.
"How did everything go?" LeShana asked once she was near enough.
"Good, but not as good as your little encounter with Raven." Solair replied with an evil, cat-like smirk, causing LeShana to blush a deep crimson.
"You heard?" LeShana asked in small voice. Destin nodded with big smile changing his usually solemn expression.
"Now you know why bonded couples have the most heavily shielded quarters in the Center." Destin remarked to her, which made LeShana blush even more.
"It's alright, we have been the only ones here for the whole time." Solair reassured her. "So everyone doesn't know." LeShana relaxed a little at that. It was one thing if your two best friends were the only ones who knew, but it was entirely different to discover that a whole team of agents knew you just had sex. LeShana tried to banish her blush as she took a seat nearby.
"So, we are going to go back to the Center with you two?" Destin asked her, only too wisely changing the subject.
"That's the plan." LeShana replied softly as Solair rubbed her arm reassuringly. "Sarath too, since she will be needed to train him in magic. You will be teaching him combat skills, and Solair will help me with whatever else comes up."
"Sarath is training him in magic?" Solair asked, deeply surprised by the twist as LeShana nodded soundlessly in return. Destin whistled loudly, since they all knew what it meant without an explanation.
"How much combat training do you think he has?" Destin asked her.
"Very little." LeShana replied sadly. "Which is why I need you, putting him in the beginners classes would be insulting and counterproductive." All three of them looked up at the sound of footsteps to find that Raven was walking towards them.
"I've got a meeting set up with both of them at noon tomorrow, can one of you take me so I won't be so obvious to the crowd of reporters that might appear if I’m spotted?" Raven asked with a hopeful smile.
"In other words, you want one of us to cast an illusion spell on you so they won't spot you." Destin commented.
"No, I can handle being indiscreet on my own, but it works better if someone else is the focus of attention." Raven replied smiling back.
"The trick with the cameras!" LeShana exclaimed, guessing accurately.
"Exactly. If I focus on not being noticed, I won't be. And with someone else leading the way, it works even better." Raven agreed, chuckling at her as she gave him a loving smile.
"I'll do it." LeShana told him, He nodded gratefully and took a seat next to her. Afterwards, the conversation turned to how good it would be to get back to the Center. Raven remained silent and listened to them talk. LeShana only added a few comments, content to lean back against Raven as he moved closer to tuck her in against his body. She could not even have imagined how good it felt to have those strong arms around her, much less the way she she seemed to perfectly fit in the curve of his shoulder.