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Cassiopeia listened to Nic's story, glad that she wasn't the only one who was overprotective about her friend's relationship.

She fell silent when he asked about her history with demons. She stared at his hand, focusing on his touch. Cassiopeia debated on just blurting out what happened but she didn't want to burden Nic if he didn't want to hear it.

She looked up at Nic and nodded. ”Do you want me to tell you before or after?”

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Avery chuckled watching Nero do a little turn to show off their outfit. He clapped appropriately, and finished setting the table. He glanced back to see Caden hugging Kimiko now. Avery frowned, wondering just what was going on.

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Caden raised an eyebrow when Kimiko talked about asking Avery just one question a day. He really wanted more information on that but decided that would be a waste of time.

Caden listened to Kimiko's concerns and could help but chuckle. He pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head.

”Since when did you ever back down from something you wanted, hmm?” Caden pulled back and tilted Kimiko's chin to look up at him. ”You only worry this much when you care about someone or care about something important to you. Take that into consideration as you try and figure out what to do. I can't speak for Avery, but if he's giving you signals beyond his usual flirtatious behaviour, then he probably feels the same. I'll talk to him. I think I might be the reason he's sending mixed signals."

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Nic nods to himself. “I want you to do whatever is most comfortable for you, but I also want to better understand where you’re coming from when it comes to Nero.” Nic says, once again squeezing her leg gently.

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Nero beams at Avery when he claps before going and taking a seat by where Caden had sat the other night, grabbing some tasty looking appetizers.

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Kimiko makes a face at Caden when he tilts her chin up. “Well, when the other option is us screaming at each other, I kind of have to back down.” She says with a frown after listening to what Caden has to say. “Also, swear to me you won’t make it obvious when you talk to him. The last thing I need is his boss making him feel like he has to reciprocate.” Especially since she often just felt like the annoying little sister of Caden’s.

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Cassiopeia looks away from Nic and sets her drink down. She seems to drift away to another place as she nods her head several times. She picks up Nic’s hand and traces his fingers with hers, using his hand as a way for her to concentrate on something rather than the painful memories she pulls up.

”I came from a rather large family line of sorcerers; a coven for lack of a better English word. My grandmother received a prophecy on the night I was born. My blood would bring a new line for my family; a hybrid line. It restored hope for the entire coven as we were under constant persecution; we were struggling to stay alive. My parents feared what the prophecy meant for my life and the responsibility their daughter would have, so after I was born, they fled to France.

"I grew up in the countryside and loved everything about it, but my power grew at an accelerated rate. Normally, our youth go through several ceremonies to unlock their powers. Mine seemed to blow through all those norms. At seven, when my powers were meant to unlock, I was as powerful as a 16-year-old who would have undergone their second ceremony by that time. I was already doing complex spells and magics, Healing magics and growing things. I was already getting visions, and the wind was my friend. When the new powers surged through me on my seventh birthday, I nearly burned my family’s farm to the ground. My parents quickly realized that I needed to be with the rest of our family, so we moved back to Scotland.

"My grandmother taught me everything about my visions, how to control them, how to bring them on, she helped me with my elemental abilities, and everyone else took pride in showing me other magics, combat skills, and other necessary traits I would need. My return to Scotland had me meeting Caden for the first time. We bonded quickly and were fast friends. As we aged, I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen but it wasn’t until I turned 16 that I was told. Caden were bonded and meant to be married after I turned 18.”

Cassiopeia paused then and looked at Nic. She squeezed his hand tightly before continuing. ”Our children would have been the hybrid line that saved both our peoples. It was an honour, and both Caden and I were ready to perform our duty. They say the best relationships are built on friendships,” she said rambling.

”On my 18th birthday, I fully ascended into my power and became the head of my family line.” Cassi swiped a tear from her face at the memory of seeing the life leave her grandmothers eyes. She was smiling, pleased to be passing on the mantel to her granddaughter and her future great-grandchildren.

”The responsibility of it all hit me hard that night. Women lead the coven in my family, but only every other generation. So me, my grandmother, and her grandmother before. In order to take over, the sorceress ascending must take the power of the older generation in combat. I killed her. I killed my own grandmother to take over.”

Cassiopeia held onto Nic’s hand tighter, worried he was about to rip it away from her and throw her from the vehicle. ”Caden held me all night while I cried until I had no tears left. In the morning, I was the matriarch of an entire coven; three hundred people strong. And I had a wedding to plan.”

Cassiopeia loosened her hold on Nic’s hand, the depression of her memories hitting. ”My heart wasn’t in it, Caden could see it, my parents... I tried, I really tried but in the end, I couldn’t do it. Caden and I broke off our engagement. I didn’t know, none of us knew the deal my grandmother made the night I was born. It happened so quickly after that. No one had time to process what I said when the demons showed up. Caden’s family fought on our behalf, and Caden had to drag me away. I think he still has scars from what I did to him that night.” Cassi shook her head, the tears freely falling down her face now. ”They killed them all. The dragons got away, demons not having the power to kill them, but my entire family was slaughtered because I broke my promise.”

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With Avery’s task completed, he was officially off kitchen duty. At least that’s what the others told him, even though he protested. They handed Avery a drink and told him to sit down.

Avery took his drink, grumbling and walked to the table. He looked back at Caden and Kimiko, straining to hear what they were saying. It was rather annoying to have enhanced hearing, but not being able to hear private conversations because they could talk quieter and still hear each other.

Avery pulled a chair out and sat down at the opposite end of the table from where Nero sat. Avery usually sat at the other end while Caden sat at the head of the table. It just made sense for Avery from a dominant wolf perspective as well as a bodyguard perspective. Caden could watch Avery’s back while Avery did the same.

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Caden chuckled but nodded. ”I’ll be as subtle as I can be. I’m making Nero a drink, what would you like?” He asked, and guided Kimiko to the table.

Avery sat at the other end of the table, leaving either side wide open for Kimiko to choose either side. She could sit in the middle or closer to Caden and Nero or closer to Avery.

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By the time Cass finishes her story, Nic feels like crying himself on her behalf. He had pulled into Caden’s driveway at some point in Cass’ history and parked the car. He made sure not to interrupt her, even though he had dozens of questions with each word she said. “It’s not your fault.” He says immediately when Cass states that her breaking the promise was the reason her family was slaughtered. He wanted to tell her it was her grandmother’s fault if anyone’s, but didn’t feel like he had any right to do so.

Gently, he holds Cass’ face and turns her towards him as he wipes her tears, brushing his thumb softly across her cheeks. He now understood how Cass could understand the pain he and his father are going through, but it’s on a much grander scale for her. He also understands her hatred for demons - if more chimera showed up, Nic wouldn’t be able to hold back anger for them.

“I’m glad you had Caden to help you and keep you safe.” He continues, brushing her hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ears. “Don’t force yourself with Nero - something as traumatic as this takes time and I have a feeling you haven’t been processing it in a healthy way.” He tries to say the last part in a teasing tone, but even he knows there isn’t anything he can say or do to truly make it better for her.

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Nero watches as Kimiko seems torn about where to sit and tilts their head, glancing between the two of them. No, they aren’t about to kill each other anymore, but something is definitely going on. They otherwise ignore it though as they nibble on the appetizers.

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That doesn’t help Kiki’s nerves, but she nods back to Caden. “I would love a drink.” She says to Caden before looking at the seats available. As much as she doesn’t want to torture herself, she wanted to at least thank Avery, so she went to sit by him, hoping Caden and Nero would act normal.

“Was it a dream, or did I fall asleep on the couch?” She murmurs in a low voice, hoping Caden isn’t eavesdropping, as she takes her seat and looks at Avery.

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The tears flow freely down Cassiopeia’s face, even when Nic makes Cassi look at him and wipes the tears away himself. She sniffs, looking down and back up again. ”You don’t hate me?” After all, she killed her grandmother, she’s killed demons, and she’s hurt so many others. Nic was right in saying Cassi hadn’t healthily handled her family’s death. She definitely did not for the first several years. If she didn’t have Caden, she could only imagine the type of person she would be today.

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Caden smirks a bit while Kimiko struggles with where to sit. He walks over to the drinks tray and makes something with tequila for Kimiko and something with gin for him and Nero.

Caden brings Nero their drink first before setting Kimiko’s down. ”Cassiopeia and Nic are here. Feel free to eat, though. I’m sure they will be along shortly.” Caden returns to his seat and smiles at Nero.

”My little imp, do you wish to sit alone at the head of the table or would you like me to join you?”

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Avery fills a plate of appetizers while he waits for the others to sit down. He glances over to watch Kimiko debate on where to sit. When she takes a seat near him, he relaxes and naturally leans his arm on the armrest of his chair which is closest to her. Avery smirked at Kimiko’s action.

”Did you know you snore?” he teases.

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Nic looks at Cass with a cross between bewilderment and concern. “Why would I ever hate you?” He asks, fighting the urge to check her temperature. “A lot of what you just told me sounds more like your family placing you in an impossible position.”

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“As if you could stand to be that far from me.” Nero teases Caden with a smirk. “But join me please.” They add, grabbing the closest chair and dragging it closer.

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“I do n-” Kimiko realizes she’s almost yelling and immediately drops her own volume. “I don’t snore.” She declares with a frown before she realizes Avery’s probably teasing her. “And to think I came over here to thank you.” She says with a huff.

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Before continuing, Cassiopeia sniffed and looked for a tissue in her bag or Caden’s car. ”But I knew what was expected of me. I knew the only way to continue my family’s legacy was to kill my grandmother and marry. I killed my grandmother willingly! I killed so many others after my family died...” Cass shook her head and looked away. ”You should hate me,” she said, staring out the window.

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Caden grinned and set his drink down. ”You know me too well.” He scooped Nero out of the chair and turned. Caden sat in the chair Nero had formally occupied and placed Nero in his lap. ”Better.” Caden leaned forward and picked his drink up again.

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Avery grinned when Kimiko switched the volume of her voice to keep from announcing to the whole table that she did, in fact, snore. He chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

”Thank me for what? Letting you drool on me, or tucking you into bed?” he asked, half-heartedly teasing her. Avery concentrated on swirling his drink while he waited for Kimiko’s answer.

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Nic pulls out the small tissue packet he has in his backpack and places them in Cass’ lap before she keeps talking. When she looks out the window, he gets out of the car. He walks over to her door and opens it so he can pull Cass into his arms. “And now you help people like me. I don’t think you should hold this against yourself.” He kisses her head before pulling back to look her in the eyes.

“I know I can’t speak on behalf of your grandmother or your family, but I don’t think they would want you to hold this guilt over yourself. You didn’t want to marry someone you didn’t love and that’s okay. You had no way of knowing what would happen, okay?”

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Nero squeaks in surprise but ultimately accepts their fate as Caden’s lap accessory. They certainly have no complaints about it. They happily sip the drink Caden made with a happy wiggle. “My rightful throne.” They say in agreement with Caden’s ‘better’.

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Kimiko glared at Avery, tempted to smack him. “I’ve made a mistake sitting here… I also don’t drool.” She tells him before taking several gulps of the drink Caden made for her.

“Anyway, thank for for tucking me in.” She says, blush spreading across her nose and cheeks from the phrasing he used.

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Cassiopeia accepts the tissues from Nic gratefully. He truly had everything in that little backpack and first aid kit. Cassiopeia managed to blow her nose and wipe her tears before Nic opened her door. She didn’t even register that he had gotten out of the vehicle until his arms were wrapped around her.

Cass hesitated before she wrapped her arms around Nic and buried her head in his shoulder. She had a painful flashback to when Caden had held her all those years ago, and then when she had held him in return. Cassiopeia tighten her hands on the back of Nic’s shirt.

He pulled back, forcing her to let go and look in his eyes. Cassiopeia dabbed a fresh tissue on her cheeks while Nic talked her. She sniffed and nodded.

”Okay,” she whispered, not having any other words to say.

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Caden chuckled at Nero’s comment but ultimately nodded in agreement. ”You are very right. In multiple ways,” Caden stated. He sipped his drink and looked to the other end of the table.

Avery was grinning, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes that Caden could see even from the other end of the table. A clear blush was rising to Kimiko’s cheeks, even as she tried to hide from it. Caden shook his head and leaned closer to Nero to whisper in their ear.

”Haben Sie durch das Gespräch mit Avery etwas über die beiden herausgefunden?”

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Avery smiled despite himself. He looked at the table and shrugged in response to Kimiko thanking him. ”I take back my comment about the drooling, but not the snoring. As for the other thing… You’re welcome.”

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Nic kisses her head again, then her forehead, followed by each cheek, before he finishes with a kiss on her nose before pulling back again. “Now, do you want to just skip tonight and go have dinner by ourselves?” He asks, offering her an out like Cass had done earlier for him.

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Nero luckily stops themselves from doing their wiggly scrunching that usually occurs when Caden does anything near their ear and shakes their head in answer before sitting up to whisper back in his ear. “Er erzählte mir, dass Kiki heute Morgen sein Outfit gesehen hatte und wahrscheinlich unbewusst zu ihm passte.”

“Dann schien er sich so sehr für das zu interessieren, worüber ihr euch unterhieltet, dass er mir nicht einmal antwortete, als ich fragte, ob sie sich immer noch gegenseitig auf die Kekse traten.” Nero pulls away to glance at Kiki and Avery before grinning at Caden.

“And what did the two of you discuss?”

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This time, Kiki does smack Avery - it’s a light one on his arm but it still gave her a little satisfaction. “The snoring must have been from all the dog hair.” She retorts with a smirk.

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Cassiopeia was amazed she told Nic the whole story like that. She had told people bits and pieces over time. The people who mattered to her or she had a long term relationship with, but nothing to the extent she had just done with Nic. And he didn't run from her. Instead he was comforting her.

The soft kisses to Cassi's face had her focusing on her breath and calming down. She smiled when Nic asked if she wanted to leave.

”Yes, but Caden likely already heard us pull up. I'll be okay. I have my personal nurse with me,” she joked.

There was nothing more Cassi wanted to do then to go home, maybe with Nic, curl into bed and sleep. Or just hide. But she made Caden a promise and she couldn't keep dwelling in the past.

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Mmm, so he was guarding and distracted, Caden surmised. He wrapped his arm loosely around Nero's waist, resting a hand on their left thigh and played with the hem of their skirt.

Avery laughed after Kimiko smacked him and Caden smiled. It was a full sound that filled the space around them. That was a more telltale sign than anything.

”Sie ist verwirrt. Sie möchte keine Grenzen überschreiten, aber Avery scheint gemischte Signale zu geben. Ich denke jedoch, dass es offensichtlich ist, in welche Richtung er tendiert,” Caden informa Nero.

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Avery laughs at Kimiko's comment. It's a deep and full laugh that fills his belly, and when it ends he's grinning. Avery looks at Kimiko and shrugs.

”That's a shame then if you have allergies. I guess I'll just have to keep my distance.” There's a silent challenge in Avery's eyes as he watches Kimiko for a response.

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Nic beams at how Cass refers to him. “And I’ll make sure to keep any stressors away from you.” He says with a dimpled smile. He does a once over of her face again, making sure everything is in place and it’s not too obvious she had been crying.

“Alright, are you ready?” He asks, pulling away to offer a hand.

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“Von Feinden zu Liebenden.” Nero says wistfully with an impish smile.

“Ein Märchen so alt wie die Zeit selbst.” The lean into Caden’s touch, resting their head on him as they surreptitiously steal glances over at the fox and wolf.

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Kimiko pauses for a moment, trying to muster up the courage to say the next words. “As if you could stay away.” She says with a sly grin but internally she hopes what she said is true. She takes another sip of her drink, now watching Avery as he had watched her.

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Cassiopeia watches Nic look her over and she understands that he's making sure she looks presentable. However, she does lean back into the car to look in the mirror there just to comfort herself.

Cassiopeia leans down and grabs her bag and the bag of candy for the others. ”Do you want your drink?”

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Caden chuckled at Nero's comment, and kissed their cheek before he looked at the house. Cassi and Nic still hadn't come to the backyard, and Caden was starting to worry something was wrong. His fingers continued to stroke Nero's leg and play with their skirt as he became lost in his own thoughts.

"When Cassiopeia gets here, let me bring up the topic of us, okay?" Caden said, his attention still on the house.

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Avery's grin shifts to a smile, and his eyes drift down to her drink and then his. ”I would if you needed me to,” he said. He looks back at Avery, temporarily forgetting they weren't the only people outside.

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Nic chuckles. “Might as well. It would make for a good mixer if nothing else.” He helps her out of the car before going to grab his backpack from behind the driver’s side before rejoining Cass. He takes her hand and squeezes it gently before the two of them head inside.

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Nero glances up at Caden before nodding. “I figured it’d be better coming from you… Maybe since it’s been a few days since we last saw each other she might be willing to warm up to me more.” Nero says optimistically. If Cass won’t help with the branding, Nero still plans on going through with it.

“You’re worried.” Nero says, reaching up to smooth the small crease in Caden’s brow.

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Kimiko appraises him for a moment from behind her drink. What if I wanted you to, though? She asks silently to herself. Instead of that though, she says, “I’d like that.”

She straightens in her seat. “Cassi and Nicholas are inside the house.” She says, mentally preparing herself for it.

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Cassiopeia smiles, watching Nic while she waits for him. She silently thanked the triple goddess and her ancestors for putting Nic in her path. He truly was one of the good ones. She holds his hand securely while they walk up to the front door. Henry opens it up right away and Cass smiles.

”Good evening, Henry. Have they been waiting long?” she asked, kissing Henry's cheeks as her and Nic passed.

“No, Miss Cassiopeia. Supper will still be half an hour out. Can I bring you two anything?”

”No, Henry. I think we're okay.” She squeezes his arm before walking towards the back door with Nic.

She can see Caden and Nero at one end of the table. They're sitting in the same chair and matching. Clearly their relationship had progressed quickly. She turned to look at the other end of the table. Avery was laughing and Kimiko's back was to them. Even those two were matching. Interesting. Cass sighed and turned to look at Nic.

”Thank you for doing this with me.” She kissed him once before facing the door and walked outside.

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Caden pulls his attention from the house when Nero smooths out his brow again. He smiles and kisses Nero's lips softly. ”You're starting to learn all my secrets,” he joked.

The back door opened then and Caden's attention shifted back quickly. He sighed in relief when Cassi walked through with Nic beside her. He looked between the two of them, noticing something different, something stronger between the two of them. Caden kissed Nero's cheek before maneuvering Nero to have them stay in the seat they shared but so Caden could stand.

He hugged Cassi once they were near. ”A h-uile rud ceart gu leòr?”

Cassi hugged him in return. ”Yes. I told him. We're good,” she said. They released the hug, and Caden turned to Nic.

”Good to see you again,” Caden said and held his hand out to shake Nic's.

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Avery's eyebrows rose in response to both of Kimiko's comments. She could hear that well? When the back door opened, Avery stood. Cassiopeia naturally went to greet Caden first, kissing his cheeks before Cass turned. She spotted Avery standing and smiled.

”Eh bien, vous ressemblez à un grand verre d'eau rafraîchissante,” she said. Avery chuckled and they hugged.

”Et tu es à couper le souffle, comme toujours,” he replied and kissed Cassi's cheek before she turned and looked at Kimiko.

Cass put her hands on her hips and stared at the fox. Avery smirked behind his hand and took a couple of steps back.

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Nic squeezes her hand before the two of them head outside. When Caden approaches the two of them, Nic finds he has a new appreciation for Caden after learning everything from Cass. He takes Caden’s hand but hugs him instead of shaking it. “Long time, no see.” He jokes with a small smile before turning to Cass. “Apparently we missed a memo about coordinating our outfits though.”

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Nero stays perched in the seat after Caden gets up, offering a small wave to Nic and Cassi in welcome. There’s something different with Cassi and Nic’s not meeting their eyes. Nero fidgets in their seat, looking at their lap as they wait for Caden to return.

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Kiki stands up with a sheepish smile. “Hi Cassi.” She says with a small wave, wanting to stay behind Avery and hide, but it’s inevitable that she faces Cassi’s wrath. “Nice to see you too.”

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Caden is surprised by the hug from Nic, but he hugs the man in return, feeling a silent understanding pass between them. Caden laughs from Nic's comment. ”I'll call you next time so we can coordinate outfits,” he joked. ”Can I get you a drink?” Caden offers Nic.

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Cassiopeia stares at Kimiko for a minute longer before she pulls the girl in and hugs her tight. ”I missed you,” Cass whispered.

It was common for Kimiko to go off grid for a while, but Cassi never liked it. And it had been years since she'd last seen the kitsune. Despite her reason for coming around, Cassi was glad to see her old friend who had become like a sister to her as well.

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Nic chuckles and shakes his head. “I have some Italian soda for now, but maybe in a bit?” He glances over in Cass’ direction and relaxes a little when he sees Cass hugging Kimiko - that’s a good sign.

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Kimiko smiles, hugging her ‘big sister’ back. “Yeah, well, I missed you too, I guess.” She pats her back awkwardly, still not the best at showing her true emotions. She can’t help but steal a glance at Avery before she mentally chastises herself.

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”Of course. Avery can drive the two of you home if you decide you want to drink. Unless you need the SUV for tomorrow?” Caden asked.

Caden steps back to rest a hand on Nero's shoulder. He doesn't want to be rude and sit down before he's done speaking with Nic, or before Cassiopeia sits, but he does want to be near Nero again.

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Cass smiled from Kimiko's indifference. She holds on for a moment longer before letting go. Avery hands her a drink and she grins. She kisses Avery's cheek before accepting her class of whiskey and walks to the other side of the table to take a seat. She sets the candy on the table.

”Nic and I found this Italian soda shop on the way back and got everyone some candy.”

”How did the fountain restoration go?” Caden asked.

”Great. We found the guy's house and he had a safe full of gems taken from other restoration jobs. We turned those in to Detective Costa before restoring the one at the Hindu Temple ourselves.”

”Oh? And how did he feel about you two doing that?”

Cassiopeia shrugs and sips her whiskey. ”I didn't give him the option of not being okay with it.”

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While the girls hugged, Avery went to the drinks trolley and poured Cassiopeia three fingers of her favourite whiskey, knowing she would want a drink.

He waited patiently and when Kimiko looked at him, he smirked and winked at her. It looked like she wanted to be saved but Avery would do no such thing. Once Kimiko and Cass sat, Avery reclaimed his seat and his drink.

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Nero looks up when Caden rests his hand on their shoulder and beams. They nod their head side-to-side and kick their feet a little in a happy wiggle as they continue to sip their drink. Even though they want to join the conversation, Nero holds back just in case they manage to say the wrong thing.

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Nic shakes his head in answer to Caden. “As much as I would love to keep borrowing it, I think my bike misses me.” Nic tells him before Cass starts to tell Caden about their day. He claims the seat closest to her and sits as well.

“Oh, we probably should let Mr Singh know we were able to restore it.” He mentions before grabbing one of the appetizers and eating it.

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Kimiko glares at Avery when he winks at her, before she picks up the bag of candy, selecting one that looks like a large marble. “This almost looks a Hoshi no tama.” Kimiko muses before popping it into her mouth and sitting down again. She notices Avery waits until her and Cassi have sat to sit down himself.

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