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Caden finished off his pancakes. He pulled a dish of fruit closer to him, and leaned back in his seat.

”Hmm, I’ve always enjoyed lamb. I’m not entirely sure I have a favourite dish,” Caden stated.

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Cassiopeia came downstairs after she finished to see the others had also finished packing up Ren’s house. Cassi stood outside, getting some fresh air and drank her water. ”Nearly done,” Cass said excitedly. ”Maybe you’ll have more of a free day tomorrow,” Cassi said to Nic when she wandered over to stand with him.

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Avery’s hand slid down Kimiko’s side and rested on her lower back. He moved a bit closer to her while they kissed, deepening the kiss with her while they could. It was nice to be able to kiss her and enjoy it. There had been so many times before the mate bond that Avery thought about and wanted to kiss her, but he couldn’t let himself relax enough. Now he could.

Avery’s hand started to slid up Kimiko’s back when his stomach rumbled. He smiled on Kimiko’s lips, breaking the kiss with a chuckle.

”It seems my hunger for food is winning out.” Avery pecked Kimiko on the lips before he slid out of the bed and pulled on his pants. ”Do you want breakfast?”

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Nero chuckles. “I should have known you wouldn’t have a favorite.” They say with a little laugh before finishing off the bacon and sausage. They lean back in their seat and pat their tummy, humming in content.

“So, how should I dress today?” Nero asks.

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Nic beams at Cass when she joins him. “This wouldn’t have been so easy if you hadn’t helped my dad downsize.” Nic finishes off his bottle before kissing her head. “I didn’t realize how much you helped us out this week. You really are the best.” He says, bending down to kiss her cheek this time. “How was cleaning?”

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Kiki almost says she’s not, but her stomach joins Avery’s in rumbling. “It seems my stomach is trying to communicate with yours.” She says with a laugh before sliding to the edge of her bed that he’s closest to. “What do you have in mind?” She asks, trying to determine if she should shower now or after breakfast.

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Caden grinned with the topic change and glanced outside. ”However you wish. Something comfortable for walking. We'll be coming back later to change for the evening's activities,” Caden stated.

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Cassi beamed and blushed from Nic’s praise. She nudged him slightly before leaning into his side. ”Good upstairs is done. Just have to do this floor but I can take a crack at it after we unload the van.”

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Avery grabbed his shirt and stood. He thought about what he could make for a minute before he grinned and pulled his shirt on. ”French toast with bacon and sausage,” he declared.

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Nero taps their chin, thinking of the clothes they brought and what they could wear before grinning. “I have just the outfit in mine.” They declare before jumping out of their seat. They kiss Caden fully on the lips before scampering off into the room to change.

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Nic almost suggests that she can stay while they unload everything at his apartment, but he realizes he wants to be near Cass as much as possible. “Sounds like a plan to me.” He says brightly as he wraps an arm around her shoulders.

“I think everyone’s taking a short break and then we should be able to get going.”

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Kiki beams at him. “Sounds perfect - how can I help?” She kicks her legs, thinking of what fruit she will want with her French toast.

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Caden chuckled and watched Nero run off before he stood. He finished off his fruit and poured himself some tea before he stepped out onto the balcony.

The noise of New York filled his senses and Caden took it all in, enjoying the noise and the liveliness of the city. Central Park opened up before Caden. The leaves of the trees started to shift as the seasons changed from summer to autumn.

Caden was looking forward to the day and showing Nero some of the sights in Central Park, as well as around New York. For now, Caden took a minute for himself to take it all in and think.

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Cassi wrapped her arm around Nic's waist, enjoying his simple touch. ”That's good. Did you want to take a walk through the place for old times sake?” Cassi asked him curiously.

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”Do you want to cook the sausage up? Or you can just keep me company,” Avery said.

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Nero finishes getting dressed and puts their hair into a half updo before walking out of the bedroom and joining Caden on the balcony. “What a view.” Nero comments, looking out over the large park beneath them and all the life the city had to offer.

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Nic smiles, touched that she thought to ask. “Yeah, actually… I’d love that.” Removing his arm from around her shoulders, he takes her hand and leads her into the house and up the stairs to start. It’s so different walking down the hallway and seeing the empty spaces where photos and paintings used to hang, their spots on the walls much brighter compared to the rest of the paint.

The human takes her to the primary bedroom, showing where Kiki had spilt his mother’s nail polish on the carpet and where he had knocked over a candle. To his surprise, Cass has almost got the stains completely out, but he knows where they are even if drastically faded.

Nic’s shows Cass his bedroom next, pointing out some weird cuts in the wall where his bed used to be. He explains to Cass that he once got a really cool collection of knives from a family friend and had tested it out on the wall. He adds that one day, after school, he’d come home to find their house robbed and started hiding his knives in every room so that if that happened again and the invaders were still in the house, he’d have a weapon.

Kiki’s room had been turned into a sewing room for his mother and it’s difficult for Nic to see it empty. He knows much of the sewing materials and machine had been sold or donated, as he and his dad didn’t really have use for them outside of memories. The pair head downstairs and it’s not much different to the small tour upstairs, mostly just Nic replaying some memories of when he still had his whole family.

They move to the backyard where his mother’s garden still stood, the plants thriving as the weather starts to cool. Tears sting his eyes as he remembers his mom teaching him how to garden and grow his own food. “I wish I could take this with me.” Nic tells Cass as he crouches by the in-ground planters

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Kiki nods, hopping out of the bed and finding her slippers to put on. She also grabs Avery’s sweater and pulls it over her head. It only faintly smells of Avery now and she can’t help but feel a little disappointed. She pulls him into a hug so she can take a deep breath. “Why do you always smell a little bit like mint?” Kimiko asks while she pulls away.

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Caden looked over Nero's outfit, and smiled at their choice. He slid a arm around Nero's waist, resting his hand on their hip and nodded at the park.

”That's central park. We'll start our day there. They have fountains, carriage rides, a tea house, a zoo, and a year round carnival,” Caden informed them. ”After that I'm taking you shopping again.” Caden kissed the top of Nero's head.

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Cassi happily followed Nic through his old home. Some of the stories made her laugh, the others shocked her, and others had her standing a little closer to Nic.

She couldn't believe their place had been robbed, but it warmed her that Nic always seemed to have this protective nature within him. It endeared him further to her.

Outside a different story was told. Cassi wandered away from Nic, looking over all the different plants and how loved and cared for they were.

”If you want. I can take cuttings off your mom's plants and grow them until they can be transplanted for you and your dad. You have a lot of room on that balcony. We could easily create a garden there.”

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Avery happily accepted the hug from Kimiko, returning her hug until she pulled back. He looked at her with bewilderment before laughing.

”I'm not sure. Is it okay? I can go grab some deodorant or put cologne on if it's bothersome.”

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Nero’s face lights up at all the things Caden lists in Central Park, wiggling excitedly even as they lean into Caden’s side. There’s so much to explore and experience for the first time. “I remember something!” They announce as the word bounces around in their head.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a carnival as a human but…” Nero blinks as they try to recall the distant memory and they tilt their head. “I never could…” The memory isn’t sad or triggering for the little demon, which is nice in comparison to many of their other repressed memories. “Anyway, what I mean to say is I’m excited!” They shift their weight from foot to foot in an odd sort of dance.

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Nic can’t help but stare up at Cass with a small gasp. “You… would do that for me…?” This barely comes out as a whisper, but Nic’s tears flow freely now as he stands and moves to pull her into his arms for a tight embrace. He knows she hasn’t confirmed that she would, but just the thought meant so much to him.

“You’re already so busy with all that you do - are you sure it wouldn’t be a hindrance?” He asks, pulling away to look down into her eyes.

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Kiki laughs now, amused by Avery’s reaction. “No, no, I like it. You have this… musk about you that’s very unique but there’s always a note of mint with it.” She stretches up so she can kiss Avery on the lips.

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”Well, I'll get dressed and we can get going then. That way we'll have the most amount of time before we have to return and get ready for the evening,” Caden said. He kissed Nero softly before heading inside to get ready.

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Cassiopeia tilts her head to the side, smiling at Nic, and shaking her head. How could he think she wouldn't do that for him? He embraced her, and Cassi held onto him tightly.

”Of course I would do that for you, Nic.” She already did that a lot for her own plants, it would be nothing to add more to her collection that she'd need to care for.

Cassi looked into Nic's eyes deeply and smiled. ”Nic, any excuse I can have for being in my garden and growing plants, I'll always take it. I have the time, trust me.”

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”Oh, okay. Well, good.” Avery smiled, no longer feeling worried. He took Kimiko's hand in his, leading her from the room and down to the kitchens so they could make breakfast.

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Nero returns Caden’s kiss happily before he leaves to change, opting to stay on the balcony and lean against the railing to watch the world below. Their human memories were slowly piecing together and there’s still a lot of unknowns, but somewhere deep within Nero, their humanity is gleeful about experiencing these things that weren’t available to them as a human.

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Nic grins lopsidedly, his dimples popping out. He bends down to kiss Cass softly on the lips before picking her up off her feet a little to swing her in a joyful circle. “I don’t know how I got so lucky in meeting you.” He says once he pulls away from the kiss and sets Cass back on her feet.

“I…” Nic starts to say but pauses. “I really like you, Cass.” He says instead, planting a kiss on her forehead.

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Kiki beams at him and follows him happily to the kitchen, her stomach starting to join the rumbling of Avery’s. When they step into the kitchen, she can’t help but remember her first night here, sharing a midnight snack with Avery. “Did you happen to eat the rabbits I caught? I mean, the rabbits I got my first night here…” She kisses Avery’s cheek before letting go of his hand to wash hers.

“You know, I saw your bare arse that night too - you really don’t have any modesty.” Kiki comments with a small smirk.

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Caden took some extra time getting ready, adding a nice watch and necklace to his ensemble before slipping on his rings. He fixed his hair and sprayed on some cologne before walking back to the dining and living room area.

”Ready when you are, my little imp,” Caden said, standing next to the patio door.

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Cassiopeia laughed and giggled as Nic twirled her. She felt the ground under her feet again, and pulled her head from his chest to look at him. Cass’ stomach tightened and she was sure she stopped breathing. Was he going to say he loved her?

Cass tried not to let her face fall when Nic said he really liked her. Of course, now that she thought about it, Cassi wasn't sure she could tell him the same. Not that she didn't feel that way, but because she was scared she did.

”I'm really glad I met you, too, Nic.” She reached up and kissed him softly. ”I'll get the boys to swing by my house after we unpack everything, so I can get my gardening tools.” Cassi was looking forward to ending her day playing in the dirt.

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”No, I think the chef has frozen them though. Do you want to thaw them for supper?” Avery asked. It had been a while since he prepared game, but Avery was sure he could make a nice stew.

Avery pulled out a couple loaves of bread, a couple packages of sausage and bacon, and some eggs and cinnamon.

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Nero made a dramatic twirl and beamed at Caden before clicking their heels. ”Let’s go!” They chirp as they bounce over before pecking Caden’s lips. Nero loops their arm through his and takes a deep breath. “You smell good.” They tell him with a big smile before hopping from one foot to the other. Nero’s excitement for the day is palpable.

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Did Nic see that correctly? Had Cass looked disappointed when he almost said ‘I love you’? He tries not to get his hopes up too quickly - the two have only been dating for a couple weeks at this point, but he’s certain about it. He loves Cass. She kisses him and gives him a nice distraction from his whirlwind of thoughts before smiling.

“I like the sound of that. Now, will you help me either make or pick out what planters will work best for everything too?” He unwraps his arms from around her and takes her hand again to go back through the house to the front. Everyone is waiting patiently, luckily, so Nic doesn’t feel too embarrassed; his ears only go slightly pink when Jane winks at him.

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“Oh, I was just curious, but a stew might be a good idea. The staff are technically off this weekend, right? I wonder if the ones staying on property would like rabbit stew…” Kiki wonders out loud as she takes the sausage from Avery’s hands. “Do you want me to cook the bacon too?” She asks. She’s not a great chef or anything, but she knows the basics at least. PI work often meant odd hours and having to make your own food.

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Caden chuckled and beamed at Nero's excitement. Half the enjoyment of planning this trip was watching Nero's enjoyment.

The pair walked from the hotel and down the street to Central Park. There were several walking trails and paths they could take to see all sorts of sites. The park itself spanned nearly three and a half kilometers, making it a lot of ground to cover.

Caden stopped at a coffee and snack cart to get himself something and whatever Nero wanted before leading way under some of the bridges to the fountains.

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”Oh, definitely. I've made my own planters over the years, so we could design something that would fit your space. If you want flowers, I've always liked some of the creative objects and planters people use or what you get from garden centres,” Cass said.

She happily followed Nic through the house and back to the others before getting into the SUV and headed to the new place.

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”We could definitely ask,” Avery said and rummaged around until he found brown sugar. He looked up quickly at Kimiko when she offered to cook the bacon, too, and he shook his head.

”No no. I have a special way to cook it,” he said. ”How much do you want? I usually eat an entire pack of bacon, sausage, and half a bag of bread to myself,” Avery explained.

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Nero happily snacks on their churro as they let Caden lead the way. When they come out on the other side of the bridge, the imp recognizes the area from a few different pop culture icons, but can really only name one. “Was there a Home Alone movie here?” Nero asks with a cheek full of churro.

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Nic could kiss and hug her all over again, her creative eye enchanting to him. “That sounds like it’ll be fun.” He tells Cass as they get in the car. The trip to the new place doesn’t take very long now that everyone’s been there at least once. As they start the first round of unloading, Nic manages to make it so he and Cass are alone in the elevator with their cargo.

“Have you ever tried drawing digitally?” Nic asks, curious what her thoughts were if she had.

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Kiki nods before she laughs, the amount of food Avery eats still surprising her. “Somewhere between what a normal human would eat and what you eat, so maybe half of all of that?” She guesses, the smirk staying on her face while she sets a pan down on the stove to let it heat.

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Caden walked around the fountain with Nero, looking at the pond and the tea house across the way. He glanced at Nero, and smiled at them in amusement.

”There was. There was also a TV show that filmed here quite frequently. The park and all of New York is rather iconic,” Caden said.

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Cass picked at the tape on one of the boxes randomly while in the elevator when Nic asked his question.

”I have a tablet for it, but I prefer pencil to paper. Sometimes I'll scan my designs into my laptop, but,” Cassi shrugged and smiled at Nic. ”I'm an old soul.”

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Avery laughed and nodded. He pulled out another pack of bacon and sausage before he started prepping and cooking. As the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar, and bacon filled the air, Avery asked Kimiko a question.

”Would you maybe want to go for a run with me? I was thinking tonight but we could do this afternoon if that would be better.” Avery didn't want to come across as insensitive, but he was itching to shift and go for a run.

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Nero bobbed their head with a smile.“I can’t imagine why.” They say in a teasing tone as they dramatically kick their feet in front of them with each step. “Do you have a favorite place in New York?”

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Nic smiles with a chuckle. “That’s what I figured.” He says, watching her play with the tape. “I had the sudden urge to buy you a tablet when you talked about designing planters for me.” The elevator doors open and Nic leads the way. “Do you have a medium you prefer?”

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As if on cue, Kimiko’s phone goes off with its little ‘brain emoji’ reminder. She laughs sheepishly as she goes to turn it off, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Afternoon please.” She busies herself with cooking the sausage as a distraction.

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”Times Square, I think, is probably my favourite. There is so much to do all within that one location,” he explains. Caden led Nero around the fountain and the pond before taking them back up to the bridge, where a line of carriages and horses sat waiting to take people around the park.

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Cassi smiled wide, feeling a faint blush on her cheeks from the way Nic wanted to spoil her. It was far too much. She was glad she already had a tablet.

”Depends on what I’m doing, I guess. Mostly I’m designing tattoos, so graphite I find is best for that. Sometimes I paint, oil or watercolour, but that takes a lot of time and effort on my part,” she said with a laugh and started unloading boxes from the trolley.

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Avery glanced behind himself, watching Kimiko busy herself before answering. He didn’t push the subject; just smiled and nodded. ”Perfect. We can see if a fox can outpace me,” Avery said with a competitive tone. He purposely left the word ‘wolf’ out, hoping the less he mentioned it, the better she would feel about shifting.

The first batches of French Toast were nearly completed, and the bacon was almost done in the oven. The kitchen smelled heavenly. It was only making Avery more hungry.

”Do you want some fruit? Blueberries maybe? Or strawberries or raspberries? I think there is some grapefruit, as well,” Avery said and opened up the fridge.

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Nero nods enthusiastically. “That makes sense. And it’s never the same day-to-day, is it?” They beam up at Caden, barely noticing their surroundings. “Where to now?”

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Nic kisses her cheek and helps her unload. “Alright, ‘old soul’,” He says in a jesting tone. “Do you also prefer real books to things like kindles?” He’s sure he knows the answer already, but he looks up at her with a smile anyway.

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Kiki feels her cheeks warm just a little, knowing that Avery is trying to help her not get triggered again. It’s touching, but she doesn’t comment on the competition, as much as she wants to. She already knows that she can’t outrun a werewolf.

When he mentions the fruit, she laughs softly at the growing list. “Yes, to all of them please.”

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Caden smiled and gestured to the carriages. ”Would you like to go for a carriage ride with me?”

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”Of course! And used book stores over new, film over digital,” Cassi said, going down a list of this or that as she stacked boxes.

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Avery laughed, shaking his head, and pulled out all the fruit he could find. He laid everything out on the counter for Kimiko to pick and choose what she wanted. He closed the fridge and headed back to check on the French Toast. He passed behind Kimiko and paused. He rested a hand on her hip and kissed her cheek. ”Thank you for cooking with me,” he said before leaving her side.

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Nero’s eyes go wide while glancing between the carriages and Caden. “Really?” They ask with the excitement of a child. With a bounce in their step, they drag Caden along to get closer. “Do we get to choose the horse?”

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Nic grins to himself, feeling accomplished that he had guessed right. “I once at a conference in Portland, Oregon and they have one of the largest bookstores I have ever seen. Like four full, large floors of books. Maybe you and I can visit there sometime.” He picks up the last two boxes off of the trolley and sets them down. The others are just now joining them with some of the larger items that wouldn’t fit on the trolley.

“Okay, who made the munchkin help carry the couch?” Nic asks before taking her end from her. Jason looks relieved as soon as someone not 5’1” helps.

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Kiki grins as Avery lays out the fruit on the counter, almost ready to set the sausage on a plate when she jumps a little. She glances at Avery’s hand on her hip with a blush while he kisses her cheek. She turns her head to look at him in a little bit of surprise as he thanks her. “Anytime.” She says with a smile, trying to catch him before he’s gone but missing him.

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