Eric arrived at the Wainwrights with a tight bundle in hand. Sheena and Naomi were already waiting in the parlor. Naomi was the first to greet him. "Your hair has been cut again."
Eric nodded. It was fairly short in most places, though the back completely covered his neck. "The long hair belonged to someone without a care in the world. That isn't me anymore."
Sheena smiled at him. "Don't get so melodramatic on us. Admit it: you like the way you look better like this."
Eric shrugged. "Well, yeah – that and I realized what a pain it was keeping it all clean."
She grinned in triumph. "So – did you come through?"
"I always keep promises." Drawing out the package, he handed it to Sheena, who gleefully tore it open. After throwing it on, she turned to Eric, slightly confused.
"What gives?" The garment was re-cut to resemble a trenchcoat with a hood. It was deep greenish in color, with a pearling sheen. Unlike a normal cloak, it didn't cover completely, and she wasn't showing a single sign of disappearing.
"Here." Gently reaching for the lapels, he drew out two clasps from behind concealing flaps and locked them together. A whispering of magic enshrouded Sheena. Naomi gasped as they found themselves facing a head and a pair of hands. "Let the cuffs down, and the hood has a veil you need to pull down." As Sheena gleefully complied, her remaining body components vanished from sight.
A disembodied voice called out to him. "It's awesome and discreet – it's perfect!"
"I'm glad you like it. Basically, unconcealed magic items and anything sticking out from the coat will be visible unless you cover it up, and the clasp runs the spell. Oh, and there are narrow pockets on either side for your wand."
A clacking sound heralded Sheena's return to the visible world. "This is excellent. You really know how to pay a debt." She gave him a quick hug in thanks.
"Did we miss something?" Dorian and Tylena had just arrived, finishing their group.
"Not at all. Let's go." Taking Eric's arm, Naomi led them all out the back, where Norman was waiting with their car. "To Gotham, Norman."
The nightclub was as fascinating as before. This time, however, they were greeted by a small crowd. Eric recognized a few faces from Hogwarts. Apparently their group spent the year spreading the word about their favorite hangout. Eric was desperate to find a quiet place to sit and drink, but they had barely managed to find a table before a thudding tone and tapping sound again drew Naomi onto the dance floor with Eric reluctantly in tow.
Magic in her hands – she could make anything grow... Magic in her hands ...
Naomi danced wonderfully. Her moves flowed evenly one to the next, and she made it very easy for Eric to know what she wanted him to do next. Here she led the way, and all he had to do was to support her in whatever she wanted to do. It was so simple, almost second nature. She never was more than a foot away from him at any time as she moved and swayed to the music. She kept near him, never looking to shine on her own or to leave him behind in the dark.
... crawling the tightrope along the latticework ...
She took his hand and faced him, staring deep into his eyes, pledging without words that he would never be alone again. Somehow he knew that Naomi was decided – she would never abandon him.