Chapter 38: Storybook Lifetimes

Nine months passing—

Piper had officially sold her nightclub to open the dream establishment she had always wanted of her own—a restaurant. Opening day was fast approaching; if it hadn't been for the helping hand she'd received from Billie, Beast Boy, and a few others—the place wouldn't have been ready for the scheduled date. When the door finally opened to the service of the public, a line had formed outside the door of patrons waiting to be the first customers.

Piper kept true to her form and ran the place as she had always dreamed; all the recipes were ones she'd saved for just that purpose. It was apparent to her after a time that that decision had been a good one.

While Piper had been working tirelessly trying to get the place ready for opening day, Phoebe was dealing with her own developments. Her pregnancy progressed with no complications, and after the long, yet expected wait—she had the baby girl she had foreseen so long ago.

Raven and Kane prolonged announcing their engagement; there were so many things the two still had yet to work out before they could set their plans in motion. It wasn't like they were running out of time; she was only just reaching the age of nineteen, and he was just getting used to actually aging normally.

All the while—Prue brought Andy around and introduced him. He was just like Piper and Phoebe remembered him—except maybe a little happier. Paige had never met him—never even heard of him; when she finally got the honor to, they got along right from the start.

Without any knowledge of there being any previously made engagements—Robin and Starfire announced their own plans of engagement. Raven wasn't surprised—but she knew that when she finally got around to announcing she had plans of her own, she'd have everyone else shocked.

Especially if they knew the proposal had been made prior to her teammates'.

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"When are you going to get around to telling them?" Kane asked her. Raven was standing in a corner of her room, just poring over an old novel, slightly distracted by it. She turned her attention away from the literature in her hands and towards him.

"I don't know," Raven admitted. "With having to deal with my new responsibilities, Piper's restaurant opening, and everything else…I just put all thoughts of it on the back burner. I wasn't completely expecting my teammate to pop the question to my other teammate quite this soon—although it has been a long time in coming." She looked at him, setting the book back up on its proper shelf space and then sat right beside him. "I'm sorry if you're angry at me about delaying it."

"I'm not angry at you Rae," he assured her. "I know you've been busy."

He had eventually gotten around to giving her the ring he had told her about; she wore it on a short silver chain underneath her cloak just out of view. She was fingering it between two fingers on one hand anxiously. She'd been debating the day she'd officially take it off the chain and wear it the way it was supposed to be worn—she knew that day was drawing near. She also knew she'd have to say something to everyone else before she would.

"It's probably going to have to be soon that I tell them," she told him. "I'm sure they've been jumping to conclusions on what I do with my time up here—when I am here—with you. They don't exactly know we haven't really done anything yet up here."

"They don't need to know what you do or don't do privately—that's none of their business," he told her. "Plus—you said you wanted to wait, so we are. You said it wasn't private enough here—too awkward, too many chances for interruption. I've honored that decision, and just kept busy with other thoughts and things. I've got a novel near completion, and I'm hoping the sales will be satisfactory enough to cover a few costs—including our future plans."

"I'm thankful you've been respectful about that," she told him. She leaned in and kissed him. When she separated from him again, she added, "Is that a novel of your poetry works—or an actual literary novel—a story with a plot, characters, and a beginning and an end?"

"An actual novel," he replied. "An old medieval tale I just concocted after the adventure we had together. The poem I wrote for you got me thinking of fair maidens." He caressed her cheek. "I just have a few details to hammer out on it—and I'd like your approval before I send it off to be approved for publishing."

"Show me the manuscripts, and I'll look it over," she replied, smiling. She again leaned in to kiss him, but this time she departed just as they came in contact with one another in a shroud of blue-white lights. He sighed when he realized she had left him, but he was fairly used to her orbing out by that point.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Phoebe was watching over her newborn, standing over the cradle of the daughter she'd envisioned having so long ago. The child was beautiful; she knew she'd grow up to be a true Halliwell. Coop had gone out to do some of his own errands, leaving her alone with their infant daughter for the afternoon.

"Phoebe?" Phoebe was suddenly aware of a visitor showing up unexpectedly, calling for her. She turned her attention away from her slumbering infant daughter to her unexpected guest. She recognized her guest standing there in the corner—Raven.

"Need something?" Phoebe asked her. "Another premonition perhaps? Or did you come for something else?"

"I came—to ask for your advice on something," Raven replied. "Besides knowing from personal experience—I've read your column, so I figured you'd be the right one to ask about getting advice on a certain subject."

"What do you need advice on?" Phoebe asked her. Her expression suddenly became concerned. "You're not having problems with Kane are you? You're not fighting or anything—are you?"

"No—Kane and I are getting along just fine," Raven told her. "In fact—the advice I've come to ask has something to do with how well it is going."

"Are you seeking advice in intimacy?" Phoebe asked. "I recall having that premonition involving that with you two—"

"We're—not active with that just yet," Raven replied. "We decided to wait. What I did come to ask about is—how to tell everyone else that he's proposed to me. I haven't bothered to tell my friends just yet, and…I'm not sure just how I should go about doing it."

"You're definitely not a Halliwell, because we almost always started our relationships with intimacy—with a few exceptions, and most always had it happen before the proposal," Phoebe said. "So…he proposed to you? Can I give you my congrats?"

"Yeah, and—thanks," Raven replied. "So…what should I do?"

"Before I get to that…can I see the ring?" Phoebe asked curiously. "He did present a ring to you—right?"

"He did—I keep it on a chain I wear out of sight," Raven told her. She reached for the mentioned chain, unclasping it from around her neck and handing it over to Phoebe. "He told me his mother had a friend from way back that made it for her—so it has some special meaning to him and his mother in particular. I was surprised with how well it actually fits—and I do like the craftsmanship that was put into it."

Phoebe held the ring close up to examine it.

"That's a beautiful piece," Phoebe told her. "You're lucky his mother's friend had a good eye. It would be a shame if it had turned out to be shoddy work—and you had to wear it like that."

"The thing that makes it harder for me to show my friends that ring is the fact that one of my teammates just proposed to another teammate, and it would be weird to announce that I'm also secretly engaged so soon after they got engaged," Raven told her. "Even though Kane asked me a long time before they even conceived of the thought—it might seem like we were copycatting them—and I really don't want it to come off appearing like that. I just don't do copycatting; I do my own thing individually."

"How long ago did he pop the question to you?" Phoebe asked her.

"Several month ago," Raven replied. "Is that relevant?"

"No—probably not," Phoebe told her. "Let me see, what advice can I give to you…" She began thinking of different concepts, trying to play them out in her to see which worked the best in her mind. "Maybe you should just tell them that Kane asked for your hand—but you were too afraid or just unsure on how to present them with the info. I recall you having a hard time talking to them about something else that was personal to you before—you asked Prue for advice on it instead of telling them about you problem."

"I should just—tell them straight out?" Raven asked, trying to clarify it in her mind.

"Sometimes the best answers are the simplest solutions," Phoebe told her. "The more complicated you make something sometimes—the more difficult it tends to become."

"Maybe you're right," Raven replied. "If I wait too long—eventually Kane will be mad at me, and I don't want that."

"I wish you luck in telling them," Phoebe said. "Oh—after you get through telling them, can you fill me in on how it went afterward?"

"Yes—I can," Raven replied. There was an awkward silenced that followed; Raven fidgeted with the ring Phoebe had handed back to her. "Um—do you think it would be okay if—I held you daughter?"

"I wouldn't have any issues with that," Phoebe replied. She reached down into the crib to pick up the infant. "Are you thinking you might want children of your own?"

"I think it's inevitable that I will," Raven replied. "I kind of—like you had…a dream that I would eventually…have a daughter myself."

"Apparently we have more in common than I thought," Phoebe noted. "Here, she's peaceful right now—but be careful with her, she's very sensitive as to how she's held and will scream if you don't hold her just right." She carefully handed her daughter over to her guest, who in turn was just as careful in cradling the infant—treating her like she was very fragile. "Is that the reason why you're waiting until later to be intimate with Kane?"

"Uh—one of the main reasons," Raven replied, cradling Phoebe's daughter carefully in her arms. "It took me a while to adjust to even liking kids; a certain responsibility I had put onto my shoulders taught me a lot about discipline and patience with kids—as well as appreciation. Now—I wouldn't mind dealing with them—especially if they're my own." She looked down at the infant. "She's very quiet and peaceful. Phoebe—so far I'd say you're raising her right. I hope—when I eventually have my own—that mine will be like she is right now."

"I'm sure they will be," Phoebe assured her. "If you will raise them with the right amount of nurturing and structure—they should turn out good."

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Raven left Phoebe with her infant daughter, going off on her own to think over what they had discussed. She went up to the spire of the Golden Gate to think, much like Kane used to when he was still able to. Now it was her sanctuary for thought—alone.

She didn't have any company show up to bug her; Artie had kept his distance for a while after Kane had his wings clipped, Paige didn't bother to go up there very often, and the Elders were too occupied with their own affairs to meddle in hers. She only had the faint noises of the bustling city below to occupy her sense of hearing, the sights of activity of that same city below to busy her sight, and whatever else was carried on the breeze to occupy her other senses.

Her white cloak billowed around her, the ambiance of the dying rays in the distance etching its outlines in hues of amber and gold.

She knew being up there was just delaying the inevitable; yet—she needed to have some peace of mind before she could return home to deliver—in words—what she needed to tell her friends. She sighed, as she thought about what she'd say, knowing she couldn't procrastinate any longer.

Gazing one last time at the failing light in the distance, she sighed again and then left.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

When she got back to the tower, Raven realized all of its occupants were ironically located in one location like she needed them to be. The common room—the main hub of activity, recreational or otherwise—was active with the presences of her friends, plus a few others that normally didn't reside in the tower in general.

Raven hesitantly waited in the hallway just outside the main entryway, nervous about going in and saying what she needed to say. She psyched herself up enough after a few moments of inner pep talks to finally get up the courage to enter the common room.

She slowly entered the room; nobody seemed to take notice of her arrival. Cyborg was busy with his own thing, Starfire was busily caught up in some discussion with Robin, Beast Boy was entertaining Billie, and Kane was off to his own side concentrating on some paperwork spread out before him on the counter top. Artie was there beside him, helping him with the paperwork. Prue was busy at one of the consoles, obviously taking advantage of the computer systems database for her own research purposes—possibly something relating to a charge or something for one of her sisters—

"Um…can I have everyone's attention?" Raven spoke up, not very effectively. In a louder tone, she added, "I have something I need to say."

Heads turned and looked up from what they were doing and towards her; she had managed to get their attention. All eyes were on her, and she could feel her nerves starting to wear.

"What's up Rae?" Robin asked her. "Something wrong?"

"Actually—nothing's wrong," Raven replied. "What I need to say isn't startling—or bad news."

Kane silently acknowledged what she was going to say; she could read it in his eyes.

"There's something I've been meaning to say for a while—but have been hesitating on actually saying anything about," Raven spoke. "With some recent developments though—I think it's time I said something about it."

"What do you need to tell us?" Beast Boy asked her. She was fidgeting with the ring again under her cloak out of view; it was all she could do to keep from giving into her nerves completely.

"Several months ago…Kane—proposed to me." Raven stopped fidgeting with the ring, instead gazing down at it resting in her palm. She held it up by its chain—in plain view of all those present. "I've been keeping this concealed under my cloak for several months now—not sure when the right time would be to spring this on everyone. With Robin and Star—I didn't think it was good to wait any longer."

Starfire was the first to approach her—along with Robin beside her.

"Congratulations on your news," Starfire told her in her usual cheerful tone, embracing her unexpectedly, Robin didn't go to that extreme; he stood on the sidelines smiling.

"Congrats Rae," he told her as Starfire stepped back to rejoin him by his side.

"Is there some reason why you suddenly decided to pop the question to her?" Beast Boy asked Kane particularly. "You didn't by chance get her pregnant or something—did you?"

"Huh?" Kane exclaimed, wide-eyed and innocent. "No—of course not. We haven't even gotten that far with each other for that to even be a possibility. I proposed because I wanted to—for the right reasons, like love."

"All this time…you two haven't slept together?" Billie exclaimed. Raven averted her eyes as her face went red. This was partially what she was afraid was going to happen.

"I wanted to wait," Raven replied defensively.

"Rae—that's your choice—and I respect that you made the decision you're comfortable with," Robin told her. Prue was paying attention from the console across the way—not saying a word. She didn't have to say a word—she understood.

"Billie—that's not a place where you can make judgments," Prue told the young witch disapprovingly. Billie expressed regret for her statement, as she smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry—I was out of line," Billie apologized.

"So, Raven—when were you thinking about planning your big day?" Beast Boy asked her curiously. "Rob and Star already have their date set. Have you considered a day for yours too?"

"I've been too occupied to really consider it," Raven admitted. "I'm still get used to juggling my usual responsibilities with my new ones as a whitelighter."

"I'm sure—if you need help with that—I can discuss with my sisters different possible plans and run them by you," Prue suggested. "With all the weddings that have taken place in the family—I'm sure we could give some helpful input."

"I'd appreciate that," Raven told Prue.

"Oh yeah—you might want to remind Coop that one of his accomplishments is really bearing fruit—if you get what I mean," Prue said to Raven, indirectly indicating what she meant with a side glance to two of her teammates—Robin and Starfire. Raven got what she was aiming at, but she was surprised Prue even knew about that.

"The next time I see Phoebe—I'll see if I can talk to Coop about it," Raven replied.

"Good." Prue turned her full attention back to her research on the computer console she was working at. Raven made her way towards Kane and his stack of paperwork.

"Is that stack of papers the novel you told me was near completion—the one you wanted me to read before you sent it off?" Raven asked Kane as she looked over his shoulder. He looked up at her and smiled.

"Yeah—this is it," Kane replied. "Do you want to read it now?"

"Sure," Raven replied. "I have plenty of time right now."

She took a seat right next to him, and he handed over the stack of paper—which was bound by a piece of ribbon run through the three hole punches of each sheet, she realized. He leaned on her as she took it from him, his head resting against hers as she began to read through his work.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

"They took it mostly like I suspected they would," Raven spoke as she took a sip of warm herbal tea. Phoebe too was sipping a cup of her own brew, listening. "The surprise, the congrats—the awkward questions."

"Was it good that you took my advice then?" Phoebe asked her.

"It did lift a heavy burden off my shoulders," Raven admitted. "It was better just getting it out instead of just continuing to delay it." She looked down into the steamy brew clasped in her hands, watching the steam rise from it. "Phoebe—is it really that bad that I—um…waited?"

"Waited on what?" Phoebe asked her. "On telling your friends about the proposal?"

"No—the comment that I told you Billie made," Raven, replied, continuing to make eye contact with the steamy brew before her. "Is it really that bad that Kane and I—" She looked up at Phoebe. "—haven't had sex yet?"

"That nobody else's call but yours," Phoebe told her. "If you feel you yourself are ready for that—then don't keep waiting. Don't let comments like Billie's pressure you guys into that kind of commitment prematurely." Phoebe was reassuring. "Believe me—when you're able to see portions of the future—it's not always good to rush things for that moment." She recalled an episode of one particular love interest that came before Coop—Dex. For a time anyways the relationship had existed on that concept—because of that rush to fulfill a certain premonition. She didn't relate that thought aloud out of embarrassment to herself though.

"You've had many love interests—steamy romances…what's it like to…just do it?" Raven asked awkwardly.

"If you're with the right guy—it can be one of the greatest experiences," Phoebe told her. "An experience for the senses—physical, emotional." Her expression became critical. "But don't let me talk you into it. You really should decide for yourself."

"Oh—I forgot to mention that I wanted to tell Coop that his love match was successful with my teammates," Raven changed the subject.

"If you're done discussing intimate topics—I can call him up so you can do that," Phoebe suggested. "I'm sure he'd be thrilled to hear the news."

"I think I'm done discussing that topic," Raven stated. She took the last sip of the now lukewarm tea. "I should be going soon, so—it'd probably be good to just call on him now so I can tell him personally before I need to head back."

"Coop!!" Phoebe called for her cupid. He showed up immediately in an aura of rouge that he took form in.

"Phoebe, what do you need?" Coop asked. He acknowledged Raven, their guest. "Oh hey! I didn't know Phoebe was entertaining company."

"Our company has something she wanted to tell you in person," Phoebe told her cupid. "Something I think you'll be happy to hear."

"What did you need to tell me?" Coop asked Raven.

"The teammates you paired up a while ago just got engaged," Raven told him. "Your work with my friends Starfire and Robin turned out to be successful—and I thought you might like to hear about it."

"That's awesome," Coop said. "I always knew, somewhere deep in my heart—that those two were soulmates. They just needed some guidance."

"Apparently—that guidance worked." Raven smiled. "You didn't—by chance…ever influence my relationship with Kane—did you?"

"Whatever happened between you was outside the realm of a cupid's capacity," Coop told her. "You two fell in love without any help from my kind."

"That's good to know," Raven smiled.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Kane had sent his work out to the publisher, and now was just waiting for a response. He was just resting up in Raven's room—the room that he partially called his as well. Raven had been gone most of the afternoon; she'd just orbed out without telling him where she was heading—why she was heading wherever she was heading. The room was quiet without her there—and he was feeling oddly lonely.

Instead of really doing anything—he just lit some candles to illuminate the room enough to his liking and then just rested on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He thought about whatever came to mind; would his work be approved or need improvement? Where in hell did Raven go—and when would she be back—

Just when he got caught up in thought about the girl, he felt a sudden weight just materialize beside him. He shifted his head to the side to acknowledge his dream girl had returned, the orbs of light just starting to fade.

"I was really starting to miss you," Kane said. "You really are here—and not a figment…right?"

"Yes—I'm really here," Raven replied. She moved closer to him. "So…did you get your work out to the publisher?"

"Yeah," Kane replied.

"And—?"

"I haven't heard back yet." Kane turned on his side to get a better angle with her. "What have you been up to all afternoon?"

"Chatting with Phoebe," Raven told him. "Kane—she made me realize that I can't wait anymore."

"Wait for what?" he asked her.

"For you to go all the way with me," she stated. She rested her palm tenderly on his cheek. "I think…I think I'm finally ready."

"Rae…" he gazed into her glittering amethyst eyes, trying to make sense of her request. He knew he probably couldn't. All he could do was just admit something aloud. "I love you." He told her. "And I know I always will."

She vaguely recalled hearing those words in the first dream she had; the surprise made her eyes widen slightly.

"Kane…" she murmured, emotional. She brought her face to his, her body shifting closer to him in her move. When she finally released him, she was resting atop him—looking downward into his eyes. Neither had to speak a word to understand what either one wanted or needed next.

She began to undress him, without hesitation. Her fingers on his skin left him with a strange sensation. He wasn't sure if it was awkward or pleasurable, but he didn't let it stop her from continuing.

When she had stopped working on him, she started working on herself. Her cloak fell away, and eventually everything else did too.

"Kane…" she lay herself against the surface. She turned her head to gaze at him. "This dream girl is ready to fulfill a dream of her own—if her dream guy will allow her that privilege."

"Rae…" He reclined to view his angel fully. She watched him intently with every move he made. She quivered slightly, but not out of awkwardness. He moved closer to her, resting one palm on the side of her head, raking his fingers through her hair. She had one hand on his shoulder, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. Her body was warm, comforting—inviting.

He rested his other hand on her leg, and then leaned in to kiss her.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

They had fallen asleep in each other's arms. She awoke with her head resting beside his—his arm sprawled across her unclad shoulders. He only slightly stirred; not enough to alert his arousal from slumber. She moved his arm gently from where it had rested, and got up. Trying not to rouse him in the process, she moved as silently as she could.

She bent down to gather her garments from where they were strewn; wrapping the cloak around her shoulders until she could dig through her wardrobe for something else. She pulled out a simplistic blue dress from one of the drawers, and got dressed.

He was still asleep when she left the room. Before she closed the door behind her, she looked at him, still asleep—and smiled.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

It was still early; the sun was just halfway toward reaching its mid-morning goal. Raven stood beside the glass pane window in the common room, just watching the water reflect the sun's rays on its bay.

She apparently was the first one up; not another soul stirred as she prepared her tea and breakfast. She had eaten in silence, with the sun and city sounds being her companions in an otherwise quiet living space.

She wondered who would be the first to stir—if it would be a teammate or her love. It didn't really matter; she was just getting restless waiting for someone to awake and fill the silence gaps.

"Rae—you're up early." She turned away from the glass to see Beast Boy across the way. "Is there a particular reason you're up this early? Does Kane even know you're up?"

"No—I let him sleep," Raven replied. "I was just—restless. I couldn't sleep any longer."

"Did you already have breakfast?" Beast Boy asked, making his way towards the counter to search for something for himself in the kitchen.

"Yeah—I finished up about twenty minutes ago." Raven remained standing by the window—watching him.

"I'm guessing you don't want to join me with something then?" Beast Boy stated, looking at her.

"I can sit with you—but I'm not hungry for anything," Raven replied. As he continued to scour the kitchen for a suitable breakfast, she moved away from the window and made her way towards the table to sit. He eventually joined her.

"I hope the comments that Billie and I made yesterday didn't lead you to make any rash decisions," Beast Boy said. Raven looked at him particularly.

"Why are you telling me that?" Raven questioned him peculiarly.

"Your room isn't that far away from mine," Beast Boy told her. "You're usually pretty quiet, but last night—you were a little more noisy than usual. The cause of the noise—the activity that's the culprit is pretty obvious." He took a bite of his breakfast, and then continued. "That why I made that comment in particular. I don't want you to think you had to make a decision to do it based on our criticism."

Raven blanched, and then turned bright red.

"You—you heard stuff from my room…in your room??" Raven exclaimed.

"Not whatever you were talking about or anything—just some slight other noises I'm kinda familiar with," Beast Boy replied. "I thought you wanted to wait. Did our criticism really hit that close to home?"

"No—I just…decided I couldn't wait, after all," Raven mumbled. "I admit—something did happen last night—and no, it wasn't because of what you or Billie said. It was my decision, mine and mine alone. You might have made me consider it more—but in the end—I just made up my mind."

"Are you gonna keep active with it?" Beast Boy asked her curiously, only half aware of his half finished breakfast apparently.

"Apparently—no," Raven stated. "I was right before when I thought there would be no privacy here. I think I'll wait until after the ceremony—and we're off in our own place, just the two of us—alone."

"Rae—you're thinking of moving out?" Beast Boy exclaimed, dropping his spoon on the floor. When he was able to, he responded with, "Ugh, now I'm going to have to get a new spoon. That spoon's been somewhere where I wouldn't even consider sticking it back in my mouth again." He got up and fetched a new spoon, and proceeded to eat his breakfast. "Are you seriously considering moving out of the tower?" He again began questioning her.

"Yes," Raven said. "I'm not the same person I was anymore—and I need my privacy. Now that I've got Kane to take into consideration, and my new whitelighter responsibilities—I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up with the team responsibilities as much as I used to."

"I just have one question about last night," Beast Boy said. "Were you free to be emotional with him—or do you still have to restrain yourself from expressing a certain amount of emotion like before?"

"Becoming a whitelighter meant that I was freed of that burden," Raven reminded him. "I was—and still am—free to express as much of it as I see the need to. I can be emotionally satisfied with worrying about any bad effects."

"I'm glad about that," Beast Boy told her, working on finishing his breakfast in silence.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Phoebe had mentioned to Raven that the overseer of the nuptials—the one who would initiate the ceremony itself—didn't have to be a minister or preordained for the ceremony to be legit. Phoebe's own union with Coop had been overseen by an Angel of Destiny, and Piper's had been initiated by her own Grams—in spirit form as high priestess. If it was kept among friends and family and remained simple—Phoebe suggested that hers could be done in the same manner.

Raven wasn't up for anything extravagant, Starfire had already planned for hers to be fairly elaborate, and there really was no need for there to be two on that scale. Her biggest conflict was finding someone to fill the role of officiating the ceremony.

Phoebe again made a suggestion—the same Angel of Destiny that had handled hers and Coop's ceremony. Raven politely turned it down, stating it was just too impersonal—considering she'd never even met the Angel of Destiny before.

Raven had been trying to work it out in her head, the confliction frustrating her as she overlooked the San Francisco Bay from her usual post. She couldn't seem to work it out in her mind, and it was driving her mad.

A visitor came by to pay her a visit; an Elder she knew fairly well by now. Danielle had kept her word by keeping in touch with her; she'd been the Elder who had assigned her first charge.

"I could sense you're troubled," Danielle noted as she stood beside Raven. Raven turned her head to Danielle. "Is there something on your mind you need to discuss and work out?"

"I'm having a bit of trouble with one thing," Raven admitted to her. "Considering you're almost like family—I think you might be able to give me some insight."

"What seems to be troubling you?" Danielle asked.

"It's something concerning my wedding ceremony with Kane," Raven told her. "There's one vital detail I need to figure out that I just can't seem to—the one who'll initiate the ceremony for the two of us. Phoebe suggested an Angel of Destiny—but I didn't think that could work, and I can't do the same thing Piper did for hers. Plus, my union isn't all that conventional—and I don't think a conventional ceremony is an option."

"May I make a suggestion?" Danielle inquired.

"I'd appreciate it if you did—actually," Raven told her.

"If you would be up for the suggestion—I could possibly be the one to oversee it for you," Danielle suggested. "That is—if it would not be too awkward for either of you to have the Elder—the mother of the groom—performing the rites for you both."

"Are you officially able to do that legitimately?" Raven asked her.

"My status qualifies me—yes," Danielle replied. "Have you worked through all of your other concerns regarding the ceremony itself—dress, other traditional options?"

"I have a dress," Raven stated. "Although I'm not fond of them—I know how important it is to have a dress for the ceremony itself. Everything else is arranged otherwise."

"Give me a precise timing—and I can adjust my schedule duly," Danielle replied. On a side note, she asked. "How is Kane doing?"

"He's doing—well," Raven replied. "I think he's happy. He just put out a novel and successfully had it published. Now we just have to see how well it sells."

"He always had an interest in becoming a writer," Danielle said. "It was always an aspiration of his to do so as he was growing up during the Renaissance period."

"Um…we had sex one time recently, and I was wondering…" Raven blushed as she paused momentarily. "Can you tell if something will result from it—or am I safe—for now?"

"If you are concerned about becoming pregnant from that one experience—do not worry," Danielle replied, smiling. "Nothing was conceived during that one encounter."

"Do you foresee it happening eventually?" Raven asked her.

"I am not at liberty to say," Danielle replied. She smiled mysteriously. "Yes—eventually."

"Kane told me you tended to be cryptic," Raven said. "Can you not do that with me though? It irks me."

"I promise not to," Danielle told her. From that point, the two were silent, just taking the moment to enjoy the sun setting in the distance.