It was a habit he was developing; that and, of course, stealing little kisses now and then.

Hed learned many things about Devin that he couldnt have known otherwise; she would pick a fight with anyone within a hundred miles, and was wildly flustered by his constant flirting.

His persistent kissing sometimes left her blushing, which of course only led to his own laughter.

The two of them, along with all their friends, had chosen a sparkling Monday night to sit outside of the councils castle and stargaze.

All eleven of them shared an enormous picnic blanket, enjoying the cool night air and the sounds of buzzing fireflies.

They laughed, told stories, told jokes, traded smiles, and soaked in the feeling of comfort and peace.

For years he had been terrified that something would happen, and she would finally start to hate him.

He was doing his best to banish the guilt, but it stayed, persistent and sickening.

He sensed that the whole revolution thing had given her newfound confidence, which he found comforting.

He expected Raina to coo in adoration beside him, but she didnt.

Hey That last word was directed toward Logan after he kicked her.

Despite that, Heath still pressed a firm kiss on her forehead, ignoring Ollies giggles.

Jax played with a stray piece of her hair absently, ignoring the raised eyebrow she shot his way.

Heath was muttering something that sounded like a lengthy apology to Devin, who was clearly not really paying attention, too absorbed in staring at their interlocked hands as if they werent really there.

Sasha and Logan were whispering good-natured banter (it was all they seemed to do, in Jaxs opinion, other than Logan occasionally nervously doing something as she cheered him on).

Clearly it was a good one, because she was paying close attention with a non-judgemental face.

She shot back, the corners of her mouth lifting into an amused beam.

I go through all this trouble to bust you out of jail, and you wont even let me kiss you.

Nonsense. He chased her with his lips.

It made him grin to see his friends paired up and admiring each other.

Jocelyn and AG. Gilly and Jax.

Heath and Devin. Sasha and Logan.

And, of course, lonely single Raina, who had insisted time and time again that she didnt like anyone and she was perfectly happy that way.

But Heath had confided in him that courting was near and dear to Rainas heart, and she couldnt fool Ollie.

AG seemed as if she was trying to make a conscious effort to hold in some kind of secret, her smile light and fragile.

Rejoicing In The Hands Rar