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Avery winked at Kimiko when she called him out. He refocused on his meal and inhaled his burger while Kimiko talked. He finished it shortly after she finished talking. It wouldn't seem like it, but Avery quite enjoyed it and would have to make note of this place for their burgers. He cleaned himself up and finished his water before speaking again.

"I've found older cultures are funny about that sort of thing. India is okay with tattoos, but only for certain occasions and as a ritual sort of thing. Likewise Indigenous cultures in the Americas have a similar idea about tattooing. And other cultures have certain ideas about what men or women can get for their tattoos," Avery stated, geeking out a bit.

He piled some more of the hot wings on his plate, but ate some more fries before Kimiko stole more.

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Cassiopeia looked at Nic's father and smiled before she shifted in her seat to focus on her meal. Her soup smelled delicious and her sandwich looked good as well. Cassi glanced at Nic and shrugged.

"Your ears were red. I wanted to feel their warmth, and I love running my hands through your hair, especially when it looks like you've been doing it yourself all day," she informed him.

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Kimiko steals one last fry before Avery goes into a spiel about tattoos. She tilts her head as he talks, her eyes wide as she tries to keep a grin off her face. “I can’t believe I’ve never noticed, but by gods you’re adorable.” She says with a silly grin, feeling like heart is being squeezed by how alluring Avery is at that moment.

“Sorry, men probably don’t enjoy being called that by their gi- date.” Kiki stuffs a couple more fries in her mouth, realizing what she had been about to say. She can’t bring herself to look at Avery, so she starts looking around the place instead.

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Nic’s mouth pops open at how honest Cass has just been with him. “He really does run his hands through his hair all day.” Jane says with a little smile before digging into her pizza with Kat.

“Yes, thank you Jane. This is an AB conversation so please see your way out of it.” She kicks him under the table and Nic laughs before turning to whisper to Cass.

“You can play with my hair anytime you want - it’s only fair since I do it to you all the time.” He tells her before turning to try his food. He suppressed a moan, but it’s really good.

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Avery grinned when Kimiko called him adorable. He’s about to question her on her word choice when another almost word catches his attention. He’s even more intrigued when Kimiko starts to avoid making eye contact with him.

Avery finishes off the fry he was about to eat and attempts to catch Kimiko’s eye. ”You were going to say girlfriend, weren’t you?” His voice took on a lower tone, but he knew Kimiko would still be able to hear him above the noise of the arcade.

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Cassiopeia covered her mouth to keep from laughing at the brother-sister energy NIc and Jane have. How the hell did she think these two were an item? She takes a sip of her drink while Nic whispers into her ear.

”Do you run your hands through your hair at work because you’re thinking? Or is it getting too long?” she asked him.

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Kiki shakes her head as her cheeks grow hot, grabbing her water and taking a big gulp. “Nope.” She lies, stealing a glance over at Avery. Kimiko realizes her mistake when she catches Avery’s eye. Between the axe throwing, his outfit, and his adorable little geek out over tattoos, she’s very attracted to him right now.

Swallowing, she smiles nervously at him, her lips making an odd expression. “I was going to say girthy.” She closes her eyes. Not only was that a horrible lie that made no sense, it also wasn’t appropriate! You’re really making a fool of yourself tonight, Voss. She thinks to herself. First ‘Randy’ now ‘girthy’?

“Is that cave still available to crawl into and die?” Kiki asks, grabbing her water to try and cool down her flaming cheeks.

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Nic grabs a strand of his hair - it is getting a bit long. “My mom used to cut it for me, I guess it might be a mixture of both those things.” He thinks out loud. It had been nice and cost effective to have her cut it all these years, but he supposes it’s about time to find a proper hair stylist.

“Do you know how to cut men’s hair by any chance?” He asks of Cass before taking a few more bites of his food.

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Avery’s grin widens the further Kimiko digs herself in. ”Yes, it’s available. And it’s big enough for two,” Avery informs her.

He wiped his hands on a napkin before pushing the plates aside. He plucked the water glass out of Kimiko’s hands and takes her hands into his. ”Are you sure you didn’t mean girlfriend? Because I rather like the sound of you being my girlfriend,” Avery said, rubbing his thumb across Kimiko's knuckles.

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Cassiopeia finished her delicious soup before she nodded in response to Nic’s question. ”I do actually. I used to cut Caden’s and mine. I could trim yours if you like.”

It was a common thing she did, especially when they travelled in the 18th and 19th century. It just made more sense since they were on the move all the time.

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Kimiko sucks her lips in, trying to quell the nervous energy she has right now as she looks at Avery, unable to fidget since he has her hands again. She takes a deep breath in through her nose before releasing it and looking at Avery’s face. Gods, his smile is addictive. “I like the sound of it too.” She mumbles, giving it her best not to avert her gaze again. It’s not easy.

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Nic gives Cass a dubious look as he finishes off his salmon salad, tempted to tease her about how Asian hair and black hair is not the same, but refrains. He smiles crookedly at her instead. “I think I might - unless the disheveled look does it for you.” He adds, unable to help himself. It’s been a long time since he had long hair, but he won’t mind the change in appearance if she likes it.

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Avery continued to rub his thumb across Kimiko’s knuckles, smiling more softly as she agreed with him. ”And do you like the sound of me being your boyfriend?”

He could see how nervous and shy Kimiko was. It endeared him to her, but it also worried him. Did he make her too nervous? Perhaps she was uncomfortable…

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Cassiopeia’s eyes widened at Nic’s blatant comment, and her cheeks warm. She did love the rouge, devil may care look on him, but that didn’t mean should would love his hair any less if it was shorter. ”It’s whatever you are more comfortable with,” she said quickly, and moved her focus onto her sandwich. It smelled delicious, and she hoped it was just as good as her soup.

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“Oh, no, definitely not.” Kiki tries to sound sincere but she breaks out in a wide grin. “Of course I do! You know that… right?” She asks, tilting her head slightly. She thought it’s been pretty obvious how much she likes him, especially given how often she throws herself at him. Kimiko is just worried that she’ll embarrass herself so much that he’ll decide to ditch her, even if they have a mating bond. She makes a note that she should really borrow a book or something to read up on that more…

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Nic chuckles, picking up his drink to finish it. Everyone at the table seems to be enjoying themselves, his dad is even making conversation with Caden’s staff which makes him smile. Hopefully get together like this will become a frequent thing for all of them. He leans over to kiss Cass’ head. “Shorter will probably be easier to manage at work, otherwise I’d probably start sporting a man bun.”

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Avery looked down at their joined hands, a lopsided smile replacing the smile he had worn before. ”I had hoped so, but you’ve been nervous around me and looking away. I’m worried things are moving too quickly for you, or you’re not really sure,” Avery confessed and looked up at Kimiko. ”I like you a lot, Kimiko. I don’t want to push you if things are moving too quickly. I know I can be overbearing and overprotective.”

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Cassi’s screws up her nose at the thought of Nic with a man bun. She shakes her head. ”No, we definitely can’t have that. I can cut your hair on Sunday, then. If you trust me,” she said. She took another bite of her sandwich before looking at Nic.

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Kimiko’s mouth pops open it a little ‘o’ - she hadn’t realized her awkward behavior was coming across like that to him. She gives Avery a sheepish smile, trying to look apologetic as she fights to keep eye contact with him rather then glance away. “I’m a nervous wreck when it comes to you because I’m just worried I’ll say the wrong thing or ask too many questions.” She laughs apprehensively.

“I think I got a little too big for my breeches when I tried to charm you like Caden would charm someone that first day I arrived here… I’ve felt like I’ve been stumbling and tripping trying to make it up to you, especially with how much the two of us were fighting… I don’t understand how I can be so smooth and confident in my PI work but somehow being around you just completely undos me.” She can’t help but look down at their hands now, anxiously biting down on her lip to stop herself from rambling.

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Nic grins, dimples showing at the cute reaction Cass has to picturing him with a man bun. “Sounds like a plan.” He says, kissing her cheek this time. “And of course I trust you; you could’ve cursed me by now but you haven’t. That’s gotta count for something, right?” He whispers while he’s still be her ear.

Finished with his food already, he lightly scratches Cass’ back while she eats and tries to join the other conversations at the table. Things are finally starting to feel normal again for him.

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Even though she rambles, Kimiko’s words calm Avery, and he believes her. He doesn’t mind when she looks away this time. In fact, he squeezes her hand before letting her go. ”I quite like the thought of being your undoing,” he teased her. ”Because you certainly are mine.”

The waiter refills their water glasses, and Avery takes a sip before he keeps talking. ”I know I came off rather abrasive at the beginning. I’ve always been like that when it comes to meeting new people. I don’t want our first impression to deter you from asking me questions now. I also don’t want you to be anyone but yourself. Caden’s charm is great for him, but you don’t need to charm me. You already have.”

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Cass smirked, thinking to herself that she could still curse him if she wanted to. Of course, that would never happen. Cassiopeia inches closer to Nic until their legs are pressed against each other. She focused on her meal, though, so Nic could converse with his friends and family.

Near the end of the meal, Cassi had the second half of her sandwich wrapped up before she laid claim to the receipt and quickly paid before anyone could protest her doing so.

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Kiki gulps, face inflamed yet again at Avery’s words, but peers up at him with a goofy smile. When he mentions Caden as well, she shifts in her seat. She should mention that part of their history at some point, but she’s not sure when would be a good time. Maybe on top of finding books on mating bonds, she can find something to read on dating.

With her hands released, she hides her face behind them when Avery says Kiki’s already charmed him. “Stop. You’re going to turn me into a mushy pile of goo if you keep saying things like that.” She mutters, taking a couple of deep breaths before she pulls her hands away from her face and gulps down a good portion of her water that was just refilled.

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Nic smiles to himself when he feels Cass’ thigh press against his leg. It’s a small gesture but it fills him with joy, especially with how little they’ve seen of each other this past week. He barely notices the receipt until after Cass has already paid for it. He balks at her. “I was going to pay!” He protests. He feels especially guilty since he had ordered a pretty expensive meal for himself.

“You’re a sneaky one.” Nic tells Cass before kissing her swiftly on the lips before she could argue.

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”Mmm, well, we can’t have that now, can we? Alright. How about we go play some games then? I can say competitive taunts rather than sweet words,” Avery said and stood.

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Cassi grinned, even while Nic kissed her. ”Perfect girlfriend, remember?” Everyone gets up from the table, and they all pile back into the SUV, full and happy.

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Kimiko looks up at him when Avery stands and drinks the rest of her water before joining him. “Let’s hope my beginner’s luck is transferable to arcade games.” She says before she wraps herself around his arm. “Wait,” She says as a thought occurs to her. “Did we just become exclusive?” And had she just let the two of them gloss right over that?

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Nic’s tempted to smack her butt for the comment, but decides against it. Those shorts were dangerous enough without him making it worse for himself. “A little too perfect.” He teases as they reclaim the very back seat again.

“Thanks again everyone for helping - I really appreciate it.” Nic tells the SUV full of adults.

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Avery throws some cash down on the table so they don’t have to wait for the machine. He goes to lead Kimiko further into the arcade area when he feels her pause. He stops and looks at her, an incredulous look on his face from the fact that she felt the need to ask that question.

”Did you miss the part where I said you were my mate? That bond is exclusive to me. If you don’t choose to accept it, that’s fine, but if you date other people and do not accept me, I will make their lives a living hell,” he told her honestly.

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There is a chorus of your welcomes and any times that fill the SUV while Jason drives back to Nic and Ren’s new place.

”Do you work tomorrow? Or can we start moving your father first thing?” Cassi asked Nic.

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Caden pulled his jacket back on before leaving the bedroom on the airplane. They were just starting their descent into New York, and Caden wanted to see the look on Nero’s face when they finally figured out where they were.

The sun was just starting to set along the east coast, which backlit New York perfectly. Caden sat in one of the seats, looking out the window with a smile that had seemed to become permanent on his face.

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Kimiko bites her lip, realizing how that might have sounded. As much as she wants to tease Avery, she’s stops herself and shakes her head at him. Why did that sentence sound incredibly attractive? “Well, I don’t plan on dating anyone else - I don’t think anyone could quite reach the standards you’ve now set for me.” She tells him as she looks up at him.

“I was just asking to make sure I can start calling you ‘my boyfriend’.” Kiki looks away when she says it, feeling a little shy again and feeling silly about it.

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Nic shakes his head. “Lucky part about being the head of a department is the Monday through Friday schedule. I’ll be on-call though, but that’s only if something catastrophic happens.” He smiles and puts his arm around her shoulders and kisses her head. Hopefully he hasn’t just jinxed anything by saying that though. “We can definitely start moving first thing.”

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Nero checks their hair in the bathroom mirror first to make sure they don’t have a messy tangle of hair before they pull on their dress and walk out to join Caden. This time, they take a seat right by the window and nearly press their nose against it as they look at the landscape below them - or last thereof. It’s a big city, Nero can tell that much from a glance, but it’s not Chicago or Las Vegas. No, this looks more east coast…

A loud gasp comes out of Nero’s mouth when they recognize the Empire State Building in the skyline and turn to look at Caden. “New York?” They asks, practically wiggling with excitement.

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Avery smiled and leaned in to whisper into Kimiko’s ear. ”Good. It was all part of my master plan to ruin you for anyone else,” he teased. He pulled back and placed his fingers on her chin and cheek, gently turning her head to look back at him. ”I would very much enjoy you calling me your boyfriend and telling as many people as you like,” he said before he kissed her softly.

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Cassiopeia wiggled her way into Nic’s side, holding the hand that draped over her shoulders. ”Oh, good. If we can get done early enough, that’ll leave plenty of time for you and Ren to get settled and clean up the old places. Just make sure to bring a go bag with you if you have to go,” Cassi said and tilted her head to look up at Nic.

She knew Nic’s work wasn’t dangerous. Not like hunting monsters or police work, but there was still this sense of worry if he got called in because something major had happened. Cassi just wanted Nic to be safe.

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Caden watched Nero sit down and press their little face to the window. He chuckled, drinking from a fresh glass of champagne. He counted to three before Nero figured out where they were.

”Yes, my little imp. Welcome to New York. Have you ever been?” Caden asked curiously. With all the corruption on Wall Street, not to mention the crime, he wouldn't be surprised if demons weren't a frequent occurrence in New York.

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Kimiko makes a weird strangled noise as Avery whispers in her ear, the sensation mixed with his words nearly turning her legs into jelly. What he says next makes her want to look away again out of sheer embarrassment but he’s turning her chin and cheek much like he had in the parking lot. She could swoon as he closes the distance between them and kisses her. Her grip on his arm tightens a little in surprise before she kisses him back, forgetting that they’re in a public place.

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Nic smiles, nodding to himself as Cass speaks. “Sounds like a plan. I once again cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for all your help this week.” He tells her, squeezing her into his side even more after she’s wiggled into him. It’s cute how she reminds me to bring a go-bag with him, but he loves how much she cares about him and his job.

“Can I pack you in my bag?” He teases softly.

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Nero shakes their head with a wide grin. “No - at least, not that I can remember. I know Hell has a pretty large network in the city, but I never really made it here.” Their ‘territory’ has been Chicago for as long as they can remember. The little imp briefly wonders if that was Mundus’ doing or not before they shoo the demon from their mind for now. Instead, they press their face against the window again to watch as the lights get closer and brighter.

“Are you going to tell me what we’re gonna do or are you still wanting to surprise me?” They ask.

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It wasn't the first time they had kissed, but everytime they did kiss, it became a little harder for Avery to pull away. The only reason he did now is because he heard the loud sound of a group cheering as someone one some sort of game. Avery pulled back and turned his head to the sound, making sure it wasn't some sort of distraction to ambush them. Satisfied Kimiko was still safe he turned back.

Avery smiled down at her, her eyes bright and vibrant in the dim lighting. He ran the back of his fingers along her cheek. "I enjoy kissing you far too much for my own good," he informed her.

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Cassiopeia grinned and turned her head to bury it into the side of Nic's chest to keep from giggling. He smells faintly of antiseptic and gloves, but his natural scent mingles in. It's the most comforting scent in the world to her.

Nic keeps pulling her in closer, and Cass wishes they were alone. "You can definitely bring me along," she mumbled into his side.

The car slowed until it came to a stop and she felt the engine shut off. Cassiopeia pulled her head out of Nic's side, and waited for their turn to crawl out of the SUV.

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"I would still like to surprise you, but if you are desperate to know, I can tell you," Caden told them. "I have a couple of things lined up for us tonight before we head to the hotel," he adds in.

The plane banks as it nears the airport and starts to descend further.

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Blushing still, Kiki watches Avery when he pulls away, a little dazed. Is he still playing the bodyguard? She asks herself as his face takes on a more serious expression while he looks around. When he turns back to Kimiko, his smile melts her heart and she beams up at him.

“I have to agree with you on that one - kissing you is…” She Can’t quite find the right words to describe, so she hides her warm face in Avery’s arm for a moment, taking in deep breaths before she peers up at him again. “I rather enjoy it too.” She says.

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Nic smiles brightly at Cass’ response, happy to hear she’d come along with him. Once Jane moves the seat for them, Nic climbs out of the SUV before helping Cass out as well. Jane and Kat announce that they’re going to go home and they’ll meet them at Ren’s place the next morning with the van. Nic watches them leave with a smile before Todd and Jason also announce that they should be heading back as well.

Nic peers down at Cass, wishing he could ask her to stay the night, but knowing she can’t with her cats and her plants. “Does that mean you’ll be leaving too?” He asks Cass softly.

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Nero turns to peer at Caden as they think about it for a moment. “You can continue to surprise me.” They decide with a nod before wiggling in their seat excitedly. “We’re going to take lots of pictures while here.” The little imp declares before snapping a picture of Caden. He looks picturesque sitting in the jet, especially with the ‘gentleman’s club’ theme is has. Nero updates their phone background to it immediately.

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