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"Mmm, I have a strong appreciation for seafood, but churros are probably the most amazing thing out there," Avery confessed. "What about you?"

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Cassi laughs as everyone piles into the SUV. There's a lot of room, so everyone fits okay but she just finds it amusing how all of them pile in. Several conversations occur as they drive over. Cassi opts to stay quiet and just listen. Her mind wanders as she think about taking a vacation for the first time, and about how much she is enjoying this time with Nic.

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Kiki nods in agreement. “Seafood is good - if you ever get the chance, you should try it in Japan. The sushi is to die for. Oh and churros are huge in Spain, they have them as snacks or desserts or festival food.” Kimiko closes her eyes and hums with a smile at the memory before blushing as she remembers why she had been in Spain.

Clearing her throat, she opens her eyes again to look at Avery. “As for my favorite, those strawberry sandos are easily the best. Growing up, my da found a little Japanese sando shop near our place and I easily became obsessed. Tamago sandos are a close second - egg sandwiches.” She beams at Avery.

“How much have you travelled?” She asks, realizing she might have sounded a little snooty with how she described places. The blush returns, but luckily it’s not because she’s thinking of another man this time.

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Nic holds Cass’ hand as they make the short drive to the Polish pizzeria. The two had gotten in the back so Nic has a little more room to spread out as Jane, Kat, and his father are in the middle seat. Jane starts up another argument over what place has the best pizza, naming a blog she follows that rates pizzas in Chicago with a strict rubric.

Once they arrive and park, everyone ambles out of the car before Nic climbs out and offers a hand to help Cass. The smell of the pizzeria wafts out into the street side parking and Nic moans in anticipation. “Okay, that already smells amazing.” He says with a grin as they all make their way into the place.

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Avery grinned as Kimiko wnt off on food and some of the places she had travelled to. Avery had always wanted to go to Japan and he was sure the sushi there would ruin him from having it anywhere else. Avery was rather picky about when and were he had seafood, which was why he enjoyed it so much when he did have it. It was a treat. Whereas churros were good anywhere, even if they weren't enjoyed in Spain.

Avery chuckled from Kimiko's blush and question about if he's travelled. "All over Canada and the US before meeting Caden. Since meeting Caden, I've been to Central America, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. And you're originally from Japan?" Avery asked, more curious about that.

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Cassiopeia rubbed her thumb aimlessly along Nic's hand while they were driven along. The mild argument between Jane in the others is so normal, and it helps to soothe and relax Cassiopeia further.

Once they get to the pizzaria, Cassiopeia scoots along to climb out from the back to take Nic's hands and get out. They can already smell the food from outside, and Cassi laughs when Nic moans.

"It will be a well earned meal," Cassi said, patting Nic's stomach before the group walked in to claim a large table.

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Kimiko’s surprised to hear Avery’s been to Europe. “We must have kept missing each other. I know Caden said we’d met, but I have a feeling I would have remembered.” She looks at Avery through her lashes for a moment before finishing off her drink.

”As for where I was born, your guess is as good as any. My da at least knew my mum was Japanese, but I could have been born in Europe.” She shrugs and plays with the paper wrapping from her straw, folding it over itself.

Kiki’s mum is never a fun subject - as much as she tries to play it off that she doesn’t care, the woman had abandoned her on her da’s doorstep with nary a word. She was lucky her da had connections so that she could obtain legal documents in order to attend school, get a passport, learn to drive, and so on. She just has so many questions that only her mum could answer.

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Nic keeps a hold of Cass’ hand as they all sit down at a large table, making Cass sit next to him so he could rest his hand on her leg as he looks over the menu. “Oooo, watermelon lemonade.” He says, pointing out the drink to Cass. Above it is a drink that uses jalapeño and Nic can’t deny that also interests him. It has been a long week and a little alcohol sounds nice right about now.

Everything on the menu sounds delicious, Nic is even tempted by the ‘Buffalo Bill’ pizza. Even though he knows he shouldn’t, blue cheese is a guilty pleasure of his. “What looks good to you?” He asks Cass in a whisper as the rest of the group decide on an appetizer, eventually settling on bruschetta.

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"It was probably in the beginning when Caden first took me in. I was more unstable then, and more prone to being Caden's bodyguard or driver rather than a companion," Avery explained. "It was my job to go unnoticed."

Avery sipped his drink and mulled over Kimiko's words about where she might have been born and her mother. He wasn't sure talking about how she was abandoned was good first date conversation, even though it involved Kimiko, and he wanted to know more about her. "But you've been to Japan. What was that like? I've always wanted to go," he added.

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Cassiopeia rested her hand over top of Nic's under the table. She sat turned into him slightly and leaned back into the chair while she looked over the menu. "Honestly, a soup and sandwich sounds like a really good idea."

Soup was always a comfort food for Cassiopeia, and she could use a bit of comfort right. "As for drinks, a Gin Smash sounds delightful," she said, smiling at Nic.

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Nodding along to what Avery says about why they might have missed each other, Kiki finds herself agreeing with him. It very well could have just been in passing that they met and the two just didn’t really notice the other. When Avery shifts the conversation back to traveling to Japan, Kimiko can’t help but grin.

“It was amazing.” She breathes as she sort of stares off in the distance, imagining she’s back on the streets. “There’s just so much life and culture there - honestly I could have stayed there forever.” Kiki lets out a dreamy sigh before looking at Avery again. “You and I should visit together sometime.” Maybe it’s not proper ‘first date’ etiquette to suggest traveling to another country, but Kiki would love nothing more than to show Avery around Japan.

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Nic smiles and kisses Cass’ forehead when she smiles at him. “You should see if they’ll make you a grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup.” He teases.

Jane overhears and shoots a wide-eyed look over at Cass. “Grilled cheese with chicken noodle soup?” She asks, clearly bewildered. “Tomato soup is the best with grilled cheese, you little maniac.” Nic laughs, especially at the fact that Jane, the 5’1” steamroller of a fiery Latina, would call anyone else little or maniac.

“She has an aversion to tomatoes.” Nic offers as an explanation, his hand gently squeezing Cass’ thigh.

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Avery watched Kimiko get lost in the memories as she spoke about Japan. He would love to see it through her eyes. Go to all the places she went, try the same foods she had, and then create their own experiences. He wasn't really expecting her to feel the same, but he was thrilled when she suggested they go together.

"I would love to see Japan with you," Avery told her.

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"Okay, you seriously do not know what you are missing out on when it comes to home-made chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches," Cassi said defiantly.

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A genuine, happy smile displays on Kimiko’s face. “It’s a date.” She declares with a little tilt of her head. “Alright, what’s been your favorite place to visit or live?” She asks, now placing her other hand over his. It feels great to ask him questions that he’ll answer without getting annoyed with her. By all means, the date feels completely normal to her and she loves that fact. Kiki’s already excited for future dates with Avery, she realizes with a small blush.

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That table laughs as the bruschetta makes its way to them along with drinks. Nic ended up ordering the Fire & Smoke Refresher and tastes it before smiling. “Ooo, that’s nice.” He observes with a lick of his lips. He grabs two pieces of the appetizer and plates them for himself and Cass.

“Would you like to try?” Nic asks Cass as the table starts putting in orders for their entrees.

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"That'll be one hell of a date," Avery commented, laughing. He looked down after Kimiko's free hand closes around his, and he smiled softly. It was such a subtle touch, but the way she held his hand now made him feel incredibly important to her.

Avery looked up at Kimiko, meeting her eyes, and smiled when her cheeks pinked. "The Dominican was gorgeous. But I also really loved France and Spain. Caden didn't take me to run with the bulls though," he said teasingly.

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Cassiopeia ordered the chicken and egg soup with a grilled polish sausage sandwich, and took a sip of her drink when the waiter moved on. She looked at the bruschetta and nodded. "Yes please," she said, setting her drink down.

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Kiki’s blush deepens at the mention of the bull run and she takes her hand back to put it over her face. “I don’t think a three-hundred pound white wolf would really blend in with the bulls.” She quips, running a hand through her hair to pull it out of her face and adjusting her glasses to make sure they’re on straight still.

“But France and Spain are beautiful places, I agree. I haven’t been to the Dominican, though. What’s that like?” She asks as she flags someone down to order some hot wings.

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Nic chuckles and sets one of the plates down in front of her before scooting his drink closer to her as well. “Sorry, I meant my drink - it’s really good.” He takes a bite into the piece of bruschetta he grabbed for himself, knowing a little Parmesan wouldn’t kill him. His eyebrows go up - the bruschetta is very good as well.

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"White with some grey. Makes me more sophisticated," Avery joked. Avery watched Kimiko adjust her hair, unable to keep the smile from his face as she goes about the simple action. There is just something about it that makes her terribly beautiful.

Avery finished his drink before the waiter came over. He ordered himself a water, along with Kimiko's hot wings, and a burger with a bunch of fries for himself. Plus more hot wings because why not.

"The Dominican is gorgeous. The people are kind, the food is incredible, and the water is stunning. The history and culture there are definitely something to experience. I would go back in a heartbeat."

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"Oh! Thank you," Cassi said and wiped her mouth with her napkin before she took a sip of Nic's drink and nodded her approval. "That is quite good. Unique," she commented before returning to her food. Nic's reactions to the food make her laugh.

"Do you not eat at work?"

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Kiki doesn’t mention that it had been difficult to get a closer look at his fur color while in the middle of battling werewolves, deciding to keep that comment to herself. “Sounds like another place we should visit.” Kiki says with a smile. Listening to Avery describe it makes her want to go right now.

“Speaking of coats, do you think our fox and wolf could ever meet? Like one on one? Or would that push you too far?”

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Nic’s ears and cheeks warm and he glances around with a guilty look. “Sometimes I forget or I’m too busy.” He admits as he looks back at Cass, grabbing another piece of bruschetta to have. “I definitely forgot today but I was also busy.” He tells her with a small laugh before finishing his first piece of bruschetta and starting his second.

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"You would love it there," Avery said matter of factly. He reclaimed Kimiko's hands once she was done fixing her hair. He smiled at her request.

"It would be fine now. My wolf would recognize you as our mate regardless of what form you are in," he assured her.

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"Hmm, maybe I will have to brave the ER to make sure you are eating," Cassi said and poked his side. "Remember you have to look after yourself too, Nic. Or you'll be useless to your patients if you pass out from lack of food."

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Kiki does a little shoulder dance at this news, excited. “Good, ‘cause I make an adorable fox. This means we could hunt together then, right?” She knows Caden’s lands are off limits to the werewolves now, especially since they no longer have a pack in the Chicago area, but she hasn’t gone out since she was kidnapped. She would feel safer with Avery by her side if it’s possible.

“Sorry, that’s probably presumptuous of me to assume.” She blushes a little and her hands twitch in Avery’s, wanting to fidget again.

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Nic laughs, waving her poking fingers away from him. “I usually will have like a Clif bar or something between patients - does that make you feel better?” He asks, fiddling with a strand of her hair now that he ate both pieces of bruschetta. He had ordered their seafood special, unable to resist a salad with pan-seared salmon in it.

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Avery cocked his head to the side, watching Kimiko curiously and squeezed her hand. She kept twitching and fidgeting in her seat. Avery had the urge to move around the table and put his hands on her shoulders to keep her from wiggling so much, but he knew it was just nervous energy.

"It's not presumptuous. I know we don't have to worry about the wolves anymore since there aren't any left, but I would still insist on going hunting with you. So, yes, we can hunt together," Avery said, smiling.

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Cassiopeia beamed at Nic when he started to play with her hair. She had grown rather fond of him playing with her curls and tucking them behind her ear. If only because she got to feel his fingers tickle her ear.

"Hmm, I guess that's better than nothing at all," Cassi said. She knew there wouldn't be much time to actually sit down and have a lunch or supper. Power bars would have to suffice most days.

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Kiki beams at Avery, letting out a shaky breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “It’s like you read my mind.” She tells him, letting her hands stop twitching for now. “By the way, the whole matin thing… will you be able to read my mind?” She hopes not - not because she really has anything to hide (well outside of her and Caden’s fling that is), but her thoughts are… degenerative to say the least if not just nonsensical sometimes.

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Nic smiles, glad to appease his favorite sorceress a little. “Now, what about you? Have you been eating regularly this week in my absence?” He asks as he tucks the strand of hair behind her ear before finding a strand on her shoulder to twirl with his fingers.

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"It's part of my job to notice things others don't want noticed," he told Kimiko.

Their food arrived and Avery pulled his hand back for the plates to be set down. He already misses her touch and has half a mind just to sit beside her, so their knees could touch while they eat. Avery sipped his water and nodded in response to Kimiko's question. He waited for the waiter to leave before talking.

"Yes and no. We'll be privy to each other's thoughts and feelings, but we can also block each other out. We can create a wall of sorts. The connection we'll have, if you decide you want it that is, will be really cool. We'll be able to find each other no matter where we are. There is a bit of a range on it I've been told, but if we are that far apart from each other, I can tell you right now I wouldn't be happy about it. It would mean you travelled to another state or country without me."

Avery piled a few hot wings onto his plate before he ate some fries. "Speaking of the mate bond... You'd be connected to Caden through it, since he is my alpha he would sort of become yours as well. You wouldn't have to listen to him like I do when he pulls on the alpha magic, but you would feel it. If we knew more about Kitsune, I'd be able to better tell you how you might or might not be affected by the bonding."

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Cassiopeia can't help but blush from the attention Nic is giving her while they are in the presence of their friends and family. "Yes, my appetite has come back since the concussion symptoms subsided," she assured Nic.

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Kimiko closes her eyes at this news as her face flushes. “Oh gods, you’d find out how much a neurotic mess I am.” She mumbles more to herself than anything else. She’s glad there’s ways to block it, she just also hopes she’s a quick learner on how to do it. The thought of Caden becoming her ‘alpha’ in any sense of the word also doesn’t sound quite appealing to her either. She opens her eyes and steals one of Avery’s fries before plating some wings for herself.

“Well… I did try and reach out to some of Caden’s contacts about that in the last week,” She starts after swallowing the food she stole. Kiki had reached out because she wanted to know what to expect while her injuries were healing. “Unfortunately for me, they haven’t responded.” She picks up a wing and flips it around a couple of times before she takes all the meat off the bone with her mouth in one smooth move. “Last time I visited Japan, I was there to mostly learn about my culture as a Japanese woman but… If I visited again, I’d probably put more of an effort into finding others like me.”

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Nic smiles, glad to now she’s back to herself in terms of appetite at least. “Forgive Nic, he’ll panic over any injury or illness you might get.” Jane says, making Nic shoot her a glare as his ears warmed. “You should have seen him when I got the flu a couple of years back.”

“You would have thought she didn’t have a doting girlfriend already with the way he took care of her.” Kat adds.

Nic stops playing with Cass’ hair and purses his lips. “I just like to make sure the people I care about are okay - I shouldn’t be teased for this.” A smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he says this dramatically, giving it away that he’s joking along with the rest of them. Food starts arriving to the table and the nurse practically drools.

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Avery smirked when Kimiko stole a fry from his plate. So the girlfriend stealing food was still a thing. Avery turned his plate so the fries were easily accessible. Luckily for both of them, food was always available. If it wasn't, Avery would likely bite her hand off. One never put themselves between a werewolf and their next meal.

Avery happily eats some of the wings before he eats some more fries. He wipes his hands and mouth before drinking some water. "I already know you're neurotic. And find me irresistible," Avery shamelessly teased. "I think the idea behind the mating bond was also for strength within the pack. It allows for an easier time hunting and protecting." He picked up his burger, and took a large bite, happily chewing. It was rather good. Finding a decent burger was no easy task.

Avery covered his mouth and swallowed before he asked Kimiko more about her heritage. "I mean, we don't have to talk about it right now, but I am curious about Japanese culture and what you found out for yourself."

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Cassiopeia grinned when Nic's friends teased him. "Does he ever stop worrying?" she asked.

She noticed the redness to his ears, and found herself needing to touch them. The food started to arrive at the table, but Cassi was oblivious as she raised her hand to brush the top of Nic's ear. Her fingers spread out, and she brushed some of his hair as well.

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Kimiko flips him off with a playful glare. “Your head is too big for your shoulders, Avery.” She tells him as she discards the bone and eats another wing. While he talks about how mating in a pack works, she listens attentively and nods along. It’s similar to how a wolf pack behaves in nature. She finishes her third wing when Avery brings up wanting to know more about her culture.

“Well… a lot of it was finding out that some places are pretty strict about tattoos. I had to wear sleeves in order to enter some places… even though I got my sleeve and hip piece done in Japan.” She says as she bobs her head to the background music playing. Why does she miss the feeling of Avery holding her hands already?

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“No he does not.” Ren answers for Cass. Nic feels something brush his ears and a shiver runs up his spine as he looks over and down at the culprit. He cocks his head in a silent question to Cass as he chuckles a little. “Were you trying to play with my hair?” He asks her as he starts mixing his salad together.

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