"Very stylish, but isn't it rather racy? Especially for a bodyguard?" Raven gestured with a slender-fingered hand to her sister's apparel.

Mistral smiled mischievously. "Yes, it is. But it allows me freedom of movement. Not to mention the fact that it draws more envious glances than Kieran Stone himself."

Raven sent her sister a wry stare. "And what if you're being shot at? Your body is completely unprotected."

Mistral raised a finger, raised eyebrow and amused expression wordlessly opposing Raven's assertion. "I have some tricks of my own, you know." She tapped the fabric of her bodysuit. "The material is bulletproof and nearly as light as cotton, created by an elite corporation in South America."

"Nice." Raven's head tilted in appreciative evaluation. "There's practically nowhere to hide weapons, though."

"Damn, I didn't realize that this was an interrogation." Mistral grinned to show that her words were a joke. "And there are if you improvise," she answered with a wink.

"Mm." Raven stifled an amused yawn, but not before her sister's keen eyes caught it.

"Go to bed and get some rest," Mistral said, her tone softening. "You have a long trip tomorrow."

Raven waved her sister's words off. "I'll have plenty of time to sleep on the plane."

"Aidan seems like he'll make an interesting companion, though." Mistral tilted her head in a way that narrowly escaped appearing as assessing. "Don't underestimate him, Raven."

"Yes, I was pleasantly surprised to find that actually is something under those delightfully rumpled curls." Raven smirked crookedly. "Don't worry, I'm no amateur; underestimating him is not a mistake I'll make."

A strange expression crossed Mistral's face, so fleeting that Raven couldn't decipher it. "It's such a strange feeling, seeing you like this. So astute and mature and..." she searched for the word, "cunning. You've grown up so much." The slightest hint of sadness tinged her voice. "I didn't want this for you, you know," she continued. "I would have done anything to shelter you from having to enter this lifestyle."

Raven reached out, tentatively laying her hand on Mistral's arm. "I know," she said quietly. "I know, and I thank you for everything that you did to protect me. But this is who I am now, and I don't think that I would choose to change my past, even if I could. I have become used to this lifestyle--enjoy it, even. I am," she hesitated momentarily, "happy."

"Are you, Raven?" Mistral asked, mien unfathomable. "Are you happy?"

Raven tilted her head, considering. "At the very least, I am content," she answered after a moment, "and that is more than satisfactory."

Mistral nodded, her expression relaxing. "Then so am I."

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A/N:

The last chapter was dedicated to brother time; in this addition, you witness some sisterly interactions. Personally, I prefer Aidan and Kieran's banter, but don't let either pair of siblings know ;) anyway, let me know what you thought, and vote if you liked the chapter!