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I cuddle into bed, squishing the pillow up underneath me to support my head while I lay on my stomach and read Nic's message. I see the picture of his father sleeping on the couch and smile at the sight. He looks peaceful, at least as peaceful as he can be.

Oh, you're welcome. I was worried I was overstepping.

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I smile sadly, scoffing a little that she thought she could overstep with the man who calls her his future daughter-in-law. You were able to help him much better than I could. Also, I’m sorry for eavesdropping. I enter my bedroom and close the doors softly behind me before I get undressed to take a shower. I know I’ll have to take another one after the workout tomorrow morning, but I don’t like to sleep in my bed without washing.

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I read Nic's message over and over, struggling to find the right words. I was angry for a long time after my family died. It wasn't until I stopped and let myself mourn them properly that I was able to start living again. I guess, I just want that for your dad and for you. I don't want you to be angry or cut off from feeling like I was.

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Fresh out of the shower, I pull on some basketball shorts and run a towel through my hair before I flop onto my bed and check my phone. I reread Cass’ latest message several times, wanting to make sure I understand it before I try to find the right words. I think I would have let the anger take over me if you and the others hadn’t saved my dad. I send the message as I contemplate the next thought.

I’m sure my company wasn’t the best that day we met, but I think I’m beginning to understand why you were so empathetic in how you helped me. I clench my jaw as my eyes moisten. As much as I love to help others and lend an empathetic earmar, talking about my own dark memories or thoughts is not easy for me.

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It takes a while for Nic to message me back, but I don’t stress about it. Which was another indication of how confident I felt in my relationship with Nic. Eventually. he did message me after I had repositioned myself to be laying on my back.

I read Nic’s words and felt for him all over again like I had that first day. I was surprised you weren’t angrier with me. I didn’t think I was that helpful. You can always confide in me. Emotions are always trying to guide and tell you something, but they can be difficult to navigate.

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Well, I guess looking back at how much info you had to keep to yourself that you might seem unhelpful, but I could tell that you wanted to. And when I finally did use the tea you had given me, it was very helpful in getting me to sleep.

I tap my fingers on the side of my phone as I think of the next words I want to say. Thank you for making sure I know that I can confide in you. I hide a lot behind jokes and smartass remarks, so it’s nice to know I don’t have to hide my emotions around you. <3

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My heart races as the little heart Nic puts after his second message. It doesn’t really mean anything, and it’s far too soon for me to even feel anything like that, but the idea of potentially feeling like for Nic is thrilling. It gives me hope of it being a possibility, of this being a long-term relationship. Of course, it was still too soon to tell.

You never have to hide around me <3

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I smile, keenly aware of the heart she sent in response. I close my eyes and hold my phone to my chest for a moment as I just think about how lucky - or rather unlucky given the circumstances - I was to be able to get to know this amazing woman. And you never have to hide around me either.

The next message I don’t want to send, but I know I’ll regret it if I don’t try to fall asleep soon. I should let us both get some sleep, but don’t forget to tell me what drink you’d like me to bring you tomorrow morning. ;) <3

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I smile but sigh. I had a feeling if Nic ever spent the night, we would end up staying up the whole night just talking. I wiggle in my bed, flipping over onto my side, feeling giddy just by the thought of it.

Enjoy your early morning workout. Remember not to fall in love with Caden or Avery ;)

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Laughing, I decide I have to send at least on more text after hers. Don’t worry, I only have eyes for you. Besides, I’m sure both would kick the shit out of me if I even thought of ghosting you and this face is too pretty for bruises. Sleep well <3 I turn my phone on silent mode, plugging it in to charge on my nightstand before I roll over onto my side to sleep. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

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I laugh at Nic’s comment on his face, and I shake my head. I don’t think he realizes they won’t pull their punches after he’s trained up properly. Of course, Avery and Caden wouldn’t use their enhanced strength against Nic, but they would match him blow for blow and make it count if needed. Avery wasn’t one to take it easy on them.

Don’t worry. I have ways to help with the bruises. Good night. I send one of the kissing emojis before I put my phone down for the night and roll over to the other side.

It took me some time to fall asleep, but I eventually did and had a decent night's sleep. When I woke in the morning, though, I felt unsettled and uneasy. I checked my phone before I got up and paced around my house. I hated feeling unsettled and not knowing why.

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I woke up early the following day to make myself breakfast and then went for a run around the perimeter of Caden’s property. When I did a morning of training, I always did my workout before I trained others. Of course, I usually ended up doing something during my training with Caden, but I was doing something for two others as well. Most of my time would be taken up by ensuring they got the most out of me.

After my run, making sure the forest was in order and the sun rose, I had a protein shake and went to the gym to start my workout. It was five am at this point, and Nic wouldn’t be here until six am, so I could still get in a good 45-minute workout.

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I woke up at half past five in the morning, still tangled up with Nero. I kiss their cheek, the feeling of last night still lingering in my body. ”Guten Morgen, mein feuriger Kobold.”

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When I wake up, I smile that I have a text from Cass waiting for me. I’ll probably have to take you up on that - it’s been awhile since I’ve had a boxing partner that wasn’t a punching bag. I send to her before I get out of bed and start pulling on clothes.

Also, good morning tomato, how did you sleep? I send to Cass as I leave a handwritten note for my dad to let him know I’ll be out. Jane already happily agreed to check in on him for me ‘once it’s a normal hour’. Her and Cass seem to be alike in that respect. I grab my gym bag and I’ll on my socks and shoes before heading to the car. I’d probably arrive fifteen minutes early, but I’d rather be early than late.

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I wake up with a groan, feeling just a bit hung over from the drinks last night. I get up out of my bed and start brushing my teeth before I brush my hair and throw it up in a ponytail. I change into leggings and a crop top then make my way to the kitchen to put together a smoothie for breakfast.

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I lazily open my eyes and grin. Waking up to perfect German is something I can definitely get used to. “Guten Morgen, kräftiger Drache.” I chirp before I stretch out.

“So sehr ich mir auch wünsche, dass sich alles zum Guten wendet, lass uns lieber im Bett bleiben.“ I suggest with an eyebrow wiggle in Caden’s direction. I don’t have to sleep more, of course, but the idea of spending the morning in bed with him sounds lovely.

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Nic had messaged me twice already, and I smiled as I read the messages.

I slept okay. Ready for today? Let me know when you're done your workout. I ask him. That would give me plenty of time to get ready for the day.

Still struggling with this uneasy feeling, I decide to make myself a cup of tea and head back to the bedroom. I needed to do some research on the fountain and how to properly restore it anyway.

I curl back into my bed with some books and my laptop. I reached over and checked my phone again.

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I chuckle, my voice deeper from sleep. I kiss Nero's brow before resting my forehead against theirs. ”So gerne ich dieses Angebot annehmen würde, muss ich doch wieder in eine Art Routine zurückfinden.”

I kiss Nero's lips before I untangle myself from them and go to stand. I stretch, several bones cracking and I sigh before walking around the bed to go to the closet.

”Du kannst gerne im Bett bleiben, mein kleiner Kobold, und hier frühstücken. Ich werde nur eine Stunde weg sein,” I tell them.

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I try to remind myself I don’t need to speed, that I’m not in a hurry and that getting there early would not mean I could leave early. Even though I’d love to see Cass sooner than later, it’s definitely more important that I learn some more skills and make myself useful. Coming to a stop at a red light, I smile at Cass’ response.

Is it weird that I’m really excited? I should probably be a little more anxious, shouldn’t I? I send the message with a little sweating and laughing emoji before the light turns green and I’m on my way again.

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A smoothie in hand and a water bottle in the other, I head towards the gym to get a head start on stretches. I really shouldn’t be surprised that Avery is already here. I take a minute to appreciate the view before I take a long slurp of my smoothie to announce my presence.

“Good morning, sensei.” I chirp in a teasing tone before I find a spot on the floor to stretch.

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I tilt my head to the side as he gets up to get clothes on. “Und den ganzen Spaß verpassen? Ich glaube nicht.” I say before I get up out of his bed. This would be a great time to have a door connecting his bedroom to the other one. I grab his shirt from last night off of the floor and wear it like a robe.

“Ich bin gleich wieder da - ich muss noch ein paar Sachen holen.” I say to Caden before I head into the other room. Going through one of the bags I recognized from the basics store we went to, I pull on some very comfortable leggings and an oversized hoodie before I head back into Caden’s room… Our room. I’m still not used to it.

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I’m sipping my tea and reading until my phone buzzes. I set my cup down to read Nic’s latest message. I smile a little before responding.

I’m glad you’re not nervous. Not many humans would want to train with supernatural creatures.

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I finish my last deadlift and drop the weights to the ground when I hear slurping. I turn around to see Kimiko in the doorway. A smile forms on my face readily, and I shake my head.

”I’m going to find every damned straw in this house and get rid of them,” I vow. I pick up my water bottle and drink some of it. I check my watch and see I still have some time before I have to cool down.

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I watch Nero pull on my shirt and hurry from the bedroom to gather some of their clothes. A primal satisfaction envelops me when I see Nero in my shirt from last night. They’ve worn my clothes before, but there’s something about them wearing something that I had on before we had sex that has my mind repeating one word over and over in my head when I look at Nero. Mine.

With that pleasant thought, I pull on some briefs, spandex, and shorts before my socks and trainers. I head into the bathroom to freshen up, and I notice a few marks along my neck and back courtesy of Nero. I smirk as I brush my teeth, more than okay with the display of Nero’s own need to claim me.

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Turning off the highway, I start to recognize some of the scenery as I make my way to Caden’s place. I drum on the wheel as I get closer, now feeling some of the nerves that came with the fact that I am about to train with beings that could easily kill me if they wanted to.

I almost miss the turn off for Caden’s driveway, lost in my own thoughts. I park the SUV in front of Caden’s, out of the way in case anyone needed to use the driveway. I smile when I pull out my phone and see a text from Cass waiting for me. I’ve got to show off to you somehow ;) Just arrived at Caden’s

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I laugh heartily, imagining Avery whisking away all the straws in the house. “I’ll keep a stash in my room.” I declare, finishing off the smoothie with one last, loud slurp and setting it aside as I do my stretching. I glance at Avery often, admiring his muscles once again as he finishes up his own routine.Leg spread out in almost a splits, I reach out in front of me as I touch my forehead to the floor. My muscles had a pleasant burning sensation as push my flexibility to the limits.

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I prance into the bathroom and grin when I see that I had left marks on Caden. “You’ve got something on your neck.” I say teasingly to Caden before I smack his butt. I make my way to the sink and grab some mouthwash to gargle and swish around in my mouth,

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I was making headway with my research and had a few notes compiled, but I was battling this uneasy feeling the entire time. I had to set everything aside when it became overwhelming. I closed my eyes to start meditating on it.

Someone or something was here to pass on knowledge, and it would be difficult. My phone buzzed, and I quickly broke my meditation to read it. Nic arrived safely at Caden's and I heaved a sigh of relief. The unsettled feeling, however, didn't go away.

Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of other ways you'll get to show-off. Your driving skills for one, and you ability to jump on trampolines is impressive. I can't help this feeling that the unease is tied to Nic, but why would it be? He should be safe with Caden. Caden wouldn't harm Nic.

Hey, take it easy today, okay? You don't have anything to prove to them.

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I frowned when Kimiko bested me by saying she'd keep straws in her room. I'd figure a way to get those, I decided. I walked over to the medicine ball rack and picked up one of the heavier ones from the bottom. I held it in my hands, just below my chest and started to twist from side to side before bending down in a squat. I did this action at a decent speed one hundred times before I put the ball back. I glanced at Kimiko, catching her as she was looking away. Clearly she had a taste for finely muscled people or those who worked out. Today I tried not to take it personally. Today I was her training, not her friend. I admired her flexibility, though, that was something I couldn't do. Maybe we'd have to add in some agility training for her.

I turned my focus back and started my cool down.

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I grinned at Nero through the mirror, and chuckled when they smacked my ass. I finished brushing my teeth and washing my face before turning around and leaned against the counter.

”Someone was having fun last night. Who was I to tell them no,” I tease.

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After I get out and make it to the front door, I read the texts from Cass. Aw, are you worried about me? Don’t worry, I have a first aid kit in my gym bag too. Although I’m teasing her, I definitely could understand her apprehension and worry. Not long after I ring the doorbell am I greeted by Henry, who leads the way to the gym for me where I spot Avery working out and someone else on the floor to the side, stretching.

“Hello.” I say after clearing my throat. I’m a little early, but not drastically.

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I look up when I hear the new voice and grin widely as I jump to my feet. “You must be Nic!” I say gleefully. I quickly check the time, making sure I had some time to talk to the human before we’d officially be starting.

“My name is Kimiko Voss.” I make my way over to him and extend my hand. “I’m a family friend of Caden’s.” I won’t bombard him with questions now, but I at least wanted to introduce myself. He shakes my outstretched hand with a large calloused one. I crane my neck to look up at him. “Nero was right, you are tall.”

He gets a bemused look on his face as he peers down at me. [color=F7941D]“If you ask me how the weather is up here, I’ll get feisty.” He warns and I laugh.

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I spit out the mouthwash and grin widely at Caden. “I hear they can get quite upset if you tell them no.” I tease. I shift my weight from side to side, already excited to see what’s in store for today.

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I huff when Nic teases me. Tell Avery to give you a swift kick in the ass for me.

I sent the message to Nic and debated on telling him the uneasy feeling I was having. I didn't want to concern him, but he also told me I could tell him anything, and I didn't want to keep secrets from him if I didn't have to.

I woke with this unsettled feeling that something or someone has information for you. It's nothing malevolent, just be aware.

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I'm just finishing up my cooldown when Nic walks in. I'm about to say hello when Kimiko jumps at him with her greeting. I shake my head and towel off while she greets him. And she wonders why I was so standoffish when we first met. She's rather abrasive and nosy.

Nic handles it all well and I'm rather impressed. Once Kimiko gives him a moment to breathe, I nod at Nic and hold my hand out for a handshake greeting.

”Hey man, there's a change room just through that door where you can set your stuff down. There's also a shower for after. Why don't you set your stuff down, and then we can get you warmed up.”

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”That doesn't surprise me,” I say and take Nero's hand.

I pulled them along and kissed Nero's hand before speaking again. ”Denken Sie daran, nett mit dem jungen Menschen zu spielen, meinem kleinen Kobold. Keine Tricks,” I remind them. The last thing I needed was an angry Cassiopeia.

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I shake Avery’s hand, thankful for the small rescue. Kimiki reminds me of Cass - I can see she wants to ask a billion questions just from one look in her eyes. “I’ll go change and be right back, thank you.” I say, grateful that Avery pointed out the changing room for me. As I walk into the room, I pull out my phone and read over the messages from Cass.

I’ll try to keep an eye out for an informant and let you know if anything happens <3 BTW, any chance you know who Kimiko Voss is? I think she’s working out with us today - she was in Caden’s gym at least. She said she’s a family friend of Caden’s. I send the message before I pull off my jeans and long-sleeved shirt, placing them in one of the little cubbies available before pulling on some joggers and a loose tank top.

I have a little debate with myself whether I should leave my phone in the room or take it with me. Cass did sound worried in her text, but I could also be overthinking it.

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I turn to Avery when Nic walks out to change. “I have so many questions - I don’t know where to start.” I confess, bouncing on the balls of my feet. If I had the capacity during today’s workout, I’ll try to narrow down my questions and arrange them in order of importance.

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I beam up at Caden. “Ich werde ein guter kleiner Kobold sein, keine Sorge.” I say with my best innocent expression. I’d wait until the human least expects it before I pull a prank on him, just when he thinks he’s safe around me… Those are always the best times. I’m sure I look like a evil villain to Caden as my thoughts pass by - if he wasn’t holding my hand, I’d be rubbing them together mischievously.

“Ich will das kleine Kätzchen nicht verärgern.” I add for extra measure.

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