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Nic's next text comes through and Cassiopeia puts her phone away. Crap. She looks out the window, watching Chicago's skyline go by as Caden manoeuvres down streets. She may be hurt but at least she's alive.

”Nero. I'm grateful for your quick reaction earlier, but I'm nowhere near ready to forgive you. I don't think I will ever be able to forgive what you've done.” Her tone wasn't harsh or rude, it was a statement of fact.

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Caden looked from Cassi to Nero. He rested his hand on Nero's leg after Cassi spoke about being grateful for Nero saving her.

”Would you consider forgiving them because they were just following orders?”

Cassi turned her focus back to Caden and frowned. ”What do you mean?”

Instead of answering, Caden looked at Nero to answer.

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Nero makes a face at Caden, having not made up their mind on if they should even tell Cassi or not about the other memory. “You don’t need to forgive me, just don’t hold it against Caden… He truly didn’t know and… He’s right.” Nero sighs and removes their gloves before grabbing Caden’s hand with both of theirs, choosing to trace his tattoos to keep them calm.

“I didn’t order your family killed, I was just ordered to do it… Which doesn’t make it any better, so you don’t need to forgive me, just please don’t throw away your friendship with Caden.”

---

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Well, now she remembers the fight. “Did you have another memory, Nero?” Kiki asks, trying not to keep glancing between the other three people in the car - her neck hurts enough as it is. She watches as the demon freezes for a moment before they nod, continuing their tracing.

“Was it… Mundus? That’s his name, right?” She prods further. Nero looks like they just want to curl into a ball out of sight. Kiki doesn’t need them to answer - their reaction was enough of an affirmative.

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Cassiopeia's attention shifts to look at Caden and Nero. They trace Caden's tattoos in a rhythmic pattern that Cassi understands to be a soothing method. She focuses on that while Nero explains about Mundus’ involvement.

Cassiopeia frowns. She remembered seeing that name in books and hushed whispers around the fire, but what did he want with Cassi's people?

She looks back up at Caden's face and Nero when they continue to tell Cassi not to throw her friendship away with Caden. Cassi doesn't say anything and she just looks away. This is new information she has to process, and new questions she has to file away.

They pull onto Cassiopeia's street and a new string of anxieties take over her thoughts.

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Caden squeezes Nero's hand when they tell Cassi about Mundus’ involvement. He really thought that information would help Cassiopeia see past her prejudice with Nero, and start to understand just what sort of life Nero had to endure.

He pulls up outside Cassiopeia's house and turns the car off. ”Cass, could you spell the other SUV so the wolves can't get out if they wake up?”

Cassiopeia looks at Caden and nods once. ”Yes,” she said eagerly before getting out of the vehicle.

”Hmm, do you think Nic is going to scold her for not telling him she's hurt? It's been awhile since I've seen Cassi scared of someone,” Caden said with a grin. He kissed Nero's hand before getting out, and opened the back door to help Kimiko out.

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They pull up outside Cassiopeia's house and Avery stays in the car for a minute longer. He gripped the steering wheel tight, and breathed deeply. So many thoughts were roaring through his brain. He hadn't felt this confused since before he met Caden and they formed a pack bond.

A car door opens up, and the sound of footsteps on pavement causes Avery to look up. He's hoping to see Kimiko, but it's Cassi. Avery gets out quickly, concern etched across his face.

”What's wrong?” he demanded.

Cassi stopped short and looked at Avery in confusion. ”What? Oh, Caden wants me to spell the vehicle so the wolves can't get out. She's fine.” Cass pats Avery's arm to reassure him, but her eyes are amused as she walks past Avery.

Oh. Right. Avery looked down, feeling embarrassed, but he looked up again when Caden got out to open the back door.

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Nic hears the cars outside and sets out the food with plates with some veggies and chips, pulling out the sparkling raspberry cider he got out of the fridge before he goes to the front door to greet everyone. He can’t help but frown at how Avery is looking, but when Kiki comes out of the car, he almost runs over.

Knowing that Caden is certainly able to carry her inside if needed, he starts making a mental list of her injuries that he can see. Bruised cheek, bruised neck - almost her entire neck really, split bottom lip, bruises and cuts on her wrists, and a number of superficial cuts and scrapes all over.

“I’ve got the couch set up and there’s food for everyone.” Nic calls out to the group before heading back inside to grab his stethoscope along with his ophthalmoscope and otoscope.

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“That will all depend on if one of us tells him or if he figures it out on his own.” Nero jokes before jumping out as Caden gets out. They hover by their mate, unsure of what to do right now, especially if Cassi is spelling the SUV. They were going to keep watch but that seems useless now.

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“Thank you.” Kiki mumbles to Caden as she exits the vehicle. She almost wants to tell everyone to stop treating her like she’s made of glass right now, but she had seen some of herself in her reflection… Cassi’s right - she does look like shit.

As Kimiko glances around, she spots Avery looking over in her direction. She goes to tilt her head at him, wondering what’s on his mind to make such an odd expression but winces. “Is Avery okay?” She whispers to Caden as the human calls out that there’s stuff set up inside for them.

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Caden glanced at Avery who shifted forward when Kiki visibly winced, but he stayed back until Cassiopeia was done. Caden chuckled and led Kimiko up the stairs.

”Define okay. He broke nearly every traffic law driving over to the warehouse. I don't think Costa is going to appreciate how much money the city is going to lose.”

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Avery wanted to run to Kimiko when she winced. He wanted to know where the pain was so he could take it away, but he was afraid of touching her and causing more damage.

He caught himself before he could run, pinning himself to the sidewalk and focused on Cassiopeia's presence behind him.

---

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”You're bleeding,” Avery informed Cassi.

Cassiopeia looked at her front door but Nic had already disappeared. ”I know. Don't tell Nic. I want to make sure Kiki is okay first.”

”And then you'll tell him?”

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes. ”I have half a mind to stab you with a silver blade,” she said.

Avery grinned and wrapped Cassi's arm around his. ”Good, you're still fiery. That means no concussion,” Avery teased.

---

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“As if you’d even notice it missing if you to paid it.” Kimiko jokes lightly, forcing herself not to look back at Avery even though every part of her wanted to. Was he about to run over to me? Kiki tells herself no and heads inside Cassi’s house.

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Nic comes back out to the living room just as Caden and Kimiko enter. Now that he can see her better, she looks even worse. He takes her from Caden and helps her sit on the couch and he examines the bruises on her neck first. “Are you hurt at all, Caden?” He asks without looking back at him. Using the scope, he has Kimiko open her eyes so he can check for signs of the strangulation in the sclera of her eyes or a concussion via her pupils.

“Cass already let me know about Avery’s injuries. There’s a bunch of sandwiches in the kitchen if you need food. Do you think Avery will eat this time?” He finally turns to glance at Caden.

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Nero slips in after Caden and Kiki, darting into the kitchen. They’re not injured and neither is Caden - plus, they have no medical knowledge to help with Nic, so it seems like the best choice is to just stay our other way for now. Even though they’re tempted to tell Nic about Cassi’s head injury. They do steal one of the BLT sandwiches though and start nibbling on it.

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”Not a scratch on me,” Caden said and stood out of Nic's way while he examined Kimiko. ”Avery will eat, but he'll eat Cass out of house and home. Once we know Kimiko is stable, we'll head back to my place, so he can eat his fill there,” Caden explained to Nic.

”How is she?” Caden asked, taking on more of a tender tone.

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Cassiopeia and Avery walked inside together. Cassi had a bit of blood on her vest from killing wolves, and she would have to clean her blades up as well.

Avery held himself tightly while his body worked on healing itself. He could smell egg salad and bacon though and his stomach won out over staying in the living room.

Cassiopeia slipped into the kitchen quickly with Avery, so she could take her vest off and Avery could eat.

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Avery wolfed — no pun intended — down three sandwiches before eating at a normal pace. He leaned against the table next to Nero.

”You know, you're kinda scary when you want to be,” Avery informed them.

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Nic laughs and shakes his head. “I used the leftovers from breakfast and bought more groceries, so there should be plenty for now.” The nurse assures Caden as he takes a look at Kimiko’s wrists next.

With all the excitement wearing off, Kiki feels as if she could fall asleep on the couch, even as some of her skin sticks to the shower curtain on it. She watches Avery go into the kitchen and tries not to feel disappointed, choosing to focus on Caden’s words instead. “Stable? You make me sound like I’m about to die - it’s just some bruises and scratches, Caden.”

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“I’m glad you’re not hurt - is Nero okay as well?” He turns to look at Caden again and spots Cass as she helps Avery into the kitchen. His hands twitch for a moment as he wants to follow her and make sure she’s okay too.

Instead he answers Caden’s questions. “No concussion as far as I can tell, luckily. Take a deep breath, Kimiko.” He says as he stands. She does no without question and Nick pushes her shoulder back in place, causing the fox to grimace. “And the dislocated shoulder is fixed now. I don’t think she has any internal bleeding right now, but I don’t have a portable imaging machine or x-ray vision.” He smiles at his own joke, now checking her neck and back.

“Oh Jesus.” Nic breathes. The back of her neck is worse than the strangulation bruises on the front.

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Nero grins widely up at Avery. “I have no idea what you mean.” They say innocently before taking another bite of their sandwich.

“You and Kiki have matching coats.” They point out to Avery as they remember the image of him and Caden attacking together. They’re about to ask more questions but hear Nic from the other room go ‘Oh jesus’, making them pause and look towards the living room. Not that they would see anything from where they sat anyway.

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”You underestimate the appetite of a werewolf who shifted quickly and is healing,” Caden tells Nic.

Caden told Nic Nero also unharmed before his attention quickly shifted back to Kimiko and he frowned. ”They could have damaged your vocal chords, Kiki. Or snapped your neck judging by how bad those bruises are.” Nic’s words of alarm sell Caden's point, and he looks at her.

”You see? Too close for comfort,” he said, shaking his head. She could have fractured vertebrae for all Caden knew.

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Avery chuckled and went to bite into his sixth sandwich when he heard Nic. Avery dropped the sandwich and raced into the next room.

He came up behind Nic and froze. Avery started to tremble, his eyes shifting to yellow again. The bruising on Kiki's neck was black. Avery wouldn't be surprised if the area was numb.

Avery looked up at Caden and then the door where the last four wolves of Levi's pack live. Caden stepped to the side, effectively blocking the door and filling Avery's vision again.

”Avery. It's over. There's nothing left you can do.”

”The hell there isn't,” he said, his own voice foreign in his ears.

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“Avery!” Kiki starts to stand before Nic gently pushes her back down. She glares at him before looking at Avery again.

“Most of it’s from Terrance anyway, Avery.” She says, trying to stop him from making a mistake. “Come here and let Nic look at you too so he can stop gaping at my injuries and gawk at yours instead.” She practically orders of him with a huff. She almost chews on her lip again before remembering not to.

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“She’s right, Avery. Cass said you had some broken bones - we should make sure they don’t heal wrong.” Nic uses a gentle tone, but there’s still some authority behind his words. “Unless you want Caden to have to re-break your bones for me… As a medical professional, I would advise against that though.” He flushes out the split lip on Kiki before handing her some gauze and a little ice pack.

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Avery glared at Caden and the door behind him. ”Then I should have killed him more slowly,” Avery countered and held his arm out for Nic to examine his rib cage.

”Caden's already had to reveal my bones before. Ribs I find mend quickly for us,” he said but complied with Nic's examination all the same.

Avery looked down at Kimiko, his eyes softening. He still felt responsible. If he had just gone after her… or not kicked her out of his room. She would be healthy. She would be safe.

”Avery. Terry and Levi would have found another way to Kiki. It was only a matter of time.”

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Cassiopeia picked the sandwich Avery dropped off the floor and tossed it into the garbage. She stumbled forward though and grabbed the counter before she fell. Cassi took a deep breath in and turned around to lean against the counter. Maybe she did have a concussion. She glanced sideways at Nero.

”Don't say anything,” Cass said.

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Kiki was watching Avery as Nic examines him when she meets Avery’s gaze. “I’m okay.” She says softly to him before patting the space on the couch next to her. As much as she trusts Nic’s medical opinions, she wants to check him herself… Or just touch him in general.

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Nic tries to be gentle as he looks at Avery’s ribs and feels them with his hands. “Nothing else was broken though?” He asks, not feeling anything abnormal on him and not seeing any swelling outside of just bruises healing.

“I need to check your neck and back better - any idea where the bruises came from?” He says, turning towards Kiki.

Kiki casts a glance at Avery. “Can I tell the good nurse how it happened or are you going to freak out again?”

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Nero stopped themselves from running to Cassi’s side, but they do sit up straighter and put down their sandwich. They snort at what she says though. “Like hell, then I’d have everyone in that room hate me when you die of some brain bleed or whatever. You tell them or I’m calling your human in here.”

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”If there was, it's healed now. The ribs are the only things that feel sore still, but even that is subsiding,” Avery informed Nic. While Avery answered Nic's questions, his eyes never left Kimiko's.

When Nic was done, Avery sank down on the couch next to Kimiko. He stared into her eyes for a long time before they flickered away and examined her face. He wanted to brush his fingers across her bruises and will them away. He wanted to kiss them and take them from her, and suffer with them so she didn't have to. He wanted to kill Terry all over again.

Nic asked how Kimiko had received them, and Avery's face hardened. ”No promises,” he said in response to Kimiko's inquiry.

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Cassiopeia glared at Nero and weighed her options. In the end, Cassi's growing headache won out.

”Nic… Could you come in here, please.” He was going to think she was fragile and weak and couldn't do anything.

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A slow smile creeped across Caden's face while he watched Avery and Kimiko. He could see the tension between them but also the need. He understood that all too well.

When Caden heard Cass call for Nic, he turned his head to the kitchen before looking at Nic. ”You should go,” Caden said seriously. ”These two are fine for now.” Caden moved to follow Nic into the kitchen. He glanced back at Avery and Kiki before giving them some privacy.

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Nic is called away and Caden follows him before Kiki can answer how it happened. She looks up at Avery and smiles tiredly before leaning her forehead on Avery’s shoulder. “Don’t push me away yet - I’m injured so you have to let me do what I want. I don’t make the rules.” She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, glad that despite everything, Avery still smells like himself.

“I know I already asked you a question, but… are you okay?”

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Nic doesn’t need any more convincing, but Caden telling him to check on Cass makes him feel like he should sprint over to her. “What’s going on, are you okay?” He asks, trying to look over her and check for injuries.

“She whacked her head hard during the fighting.” Nero says and Nic frowns, pulling out his scope.

Gently, he lifts Cass’s face up by the chin. “Open your eyes for me, please.” He asks this softly.

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Nero shrugs off her glare as Caden and Nic enter the kitchen. Nic starts freaking out over her, checking her over carefully. “She also nearly fell over picking something off the floor.” They add before bringing Caden their half eaten BLT with a smile.

“She tried to tell me not to say anything.” They whisper to him before offering the food.

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When Kimiko rests her forehead on Avery's shoulder, everything that had been tensed in the werewolf relaxes. He sighs, itching to put an arm around her but he doesn't want to hurt her. He doesn't know where there isn't a bruise. From what Avery could tell, she was covered in them.

Despite everything, Avery starts to chuckle. ”Am I okay? Honestly Kiki, you're as bad as Cass. Physically, I'm okay. Mentally, I want to break something, emotionally… I don't know. I'm relieved but I'm also tired and worried and scared.”

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As soon as Nic touched Cassi, she wanted to sag into his arms. She opened her eyes and looked into his, having a hard time focusing. Cassi sighed and turned around, so he could see the damage. Cassi was sure her hair was matted with blood. Her hair was still braided from last night. Maybe that's what prevented her from being knocked out.

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Caden joined Nero and accepted the half eaten sandwich from the. He draped an arm over Nero's shoulders and bit into the sandwich. Caden swallowed his mouthful when Cassi turned around.

”A wolf launched himself at Cassi and Kiki, Cass threw her daggers but the wolf's momentum had them continuing forward. She cracked her head on the concrete before getting up. She's been dizzy but coherent and talking,” Caden supplied for Nic.

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Kiki patiently waits while he talks even though she wants to know what Avery means when he says she’s as bad as Cassi, but she pulls away to look at him when he says he’s scared. “Scared? What are you scared of?” Kiki asks, suddenly feeling concerned now.

“Should I be scared too?”

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Nic’s face twists with concern as he hears everything from Nero and Caden. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He asks gently. He grimaces when he sees the back of her head.

“Sit down please.” He says as he guides her into a chair before going to the sink. He waits for the water to get warm before he soaks a towel. “Does a sorceress have fast healing like a wolf at all?”

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Nero happily leans into Caden’s hold, smiling to themselves. They hadn’t meant for Cass to call Nic over immediately, but they’re glad she did. “Everything okay with the fox?” They ask Caden softly.

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Avery is disappointed when Kimiko moves away, but at least she doesn't leave. He smiled from her question and gently shook his head.

”Unless you're afraid of watching you die,” he said softly. Avery couldn't stop himself anymore. He lifted his hand and gently brushed his fingers across her bruised cheek. His touch was featherlight, but he still worried he hurt her.

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”Because Kiki was more important. Because I don't want you to look at me like I'm fragile and I can't do my job,” Cassi said, refusing to look at Nic. ”And I heal faster than humans but not like a wolf. Something like this on Avery would heal in a couple hours. For me, it might take a day or two.”

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Caden finished his sandwich and reached around Nero for another. ”Kiki is okay. The bruising is significant. I might take her in for x-rays tomorrow, but she and Avery are having a moment. How are you doing?” Caden asks and looks at Nero.

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Kiki stops herself from gawking at him. “You thought I was going to die…?” Her eyes flutter close at his touch; amazingly enough, it doesn’t hurt. Maybe it’s still the adrenaline… After a moment, she opens her eyes and reaches up to touch Avery’s cheek.

“I thought you would hate me for causing more trouble.”

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Nic can’t help but snort as he walks back from the sink. “Who would ever look at you like you’re fragile? Especially anyone who’s known you more than five minutes?” He asks as he starts gently wiping at the blood in her hair. “And although I’ll never stop worrying about you, I know you’re more than capable of taking care of yourself.” He undoes the braid so he can start parting her hair at a better angle to see.

X“Also, I’m coming along next time. I’ll stay in the car, but I’d rather triage injuries like these sooner.” He lets out a sigh of relief when he finally gets to the source of blood. “No stitches needed luckily, but you definitely have a concussion. So I’m staying another night and you can’t stop me.” Nic says as he flushes the wound out before putting some antibiotic ointment on it. He then flops into the seat next to Cass.

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Nero peers up at Caden and tilts their head. “I don’t think anything even touched me, to be honest. Except for the one that sat by me. I liked her.” They sneak a glance over at Cassi and Nic.

“She might curse me for making her rat herself out though.”

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Avery holds his breath when Kiki's eyes flutter closed. He worries he's hurt her even with the simple touch, but she doesn't pull away from him. Instead, Kimiko touches his cheek and Avery rests his hand over hers.

”Well, you shouldn't have run off like that,” he joked poorly. ”but I shouldn't have kicked you out of my room. I should have just been honest with you, but I was also afraid of what you would do if I told you what I was feeling. I was also afraid of what Caden would do to me,” Avery said. He glanced down.

”We don't need to talk about this now… but I'd like to, when you're feeling better.”

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Cassi hisses and curses while Nic works on cleaning her wound. No stitches is a good sign but she hated the word concussion. Hopefully, that will heal up in a couple days as well.

”I'm definitely going to curse you,” Cassi said, ignoring Nic in favour of tormenting Nero.

Cassiopeia lifted her hand and touched the back of her head. It was very tender, but it wasn't bleeding anymore. However, Cassi doubted she would be sleeping on her back.

”What about your dad? You can't ask Jane and Kat to stay with him another night. They're going to get suspicious and think some things wrong.”

”Ya, I don't think they are going to think something is wrong,” Caden said with a grin.

Cassiopeia shot Caden a glare. ”Aren't you two fine? Go away,” Cass irritably, but she wasn't really kicking them out.

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Caden chuckled and grabbed a few more sandwiches for the road. ”It's not a bad idea. I think we could all use the sleep anyway. Nic, did you want to look over Kimiko one last time before we head out? Cass, do you think you have anything to give her for the bruising?”

”Huh? Oh, yes.” Cassi said and turned to rummage through her cupboards. Max appeared out of nowhere to help his sorcerer.

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Kiki smacks Avery with her free hand for his ‘joke’ before letting him finish what he’s saying. “And let me stew and overthink it? You’re telling me as soon as we have some privacy.” She says to him sternly before dropping her head on his arm again and closing her eyes. “If you and Caden keep treating me like I’m about to die, I’ll…” Kiki fumbles to find a threat. “I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’ll think of something.”

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Nic can’t help but chuckle at Caden and Nero’s peanut gallery comments. “Do I need to remind you what my dad calls you?” He asks Cass teasingly before Caden’s next questions.

“Cass, tell one of those two or me where the stuff is - I’m putting you on bed rest for today at the very least.” He gently puts her back in her chair and gives Caden and Nero a look. Nero pulls away from Caden, grabbing a chair before they start refiling through Cass’ cabinets.

“What am I looking for?” They ask after looking aimlessly.

Nic turns to Caden, still staying by Cass to keep her in the chair. “I would like to look Kimiko over once more with her explaining some of the injuries. She should also be on bed rest. How fast does she heal?”

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