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Nero glances up as much as they can with Caden’s chin on their head. “I’d say I have awful luck if it does exist.” They say very drily as they watch one of the lions yawn before getting up off the ground. “Why do you ask?”

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Nic stops by the kitchen after sanding and painting the hole patches. “Wow, I don’t think this looks this nice even when I moved in.” He says with a little bit of awe in his tone as he moves over to kiss Cass’ cheek.

“I got about everything else cleaned up, just need to run a vacuum to get any dust I made from patching the walls.”

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Kiki stares at him in wonder at her mysterious boyfriend. “So, I feel very inferior in the kitchen now.” She says with a blush. “The total amount of food I can cook can be counted on my hand.” It’s a bit of a hyperbole, but she wouldn’t ever call herself a cook.

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Caden smiled a little before he shrugged and lifted his head so Nero could move; however, Caden’s arms remained around Nero’s waist.

”Because I think you would come back as a really fearsome lion or lioness. Ruling over everything in Africa. Not in some zoo,” Caden declared.

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Cassi cleared her throat and wiped the back of her hand over her forehead. She was sweaty a bit from all the scrubbing she had done. ”Yes, well, I had some pent-up energy to expel,” Cassiopeia informed him. She looked around the house. ”Should we wash the floors before vacuuming?”

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Avery finished a few pancakes before he held up a finger. ”Sausage,” he said, waiting for Kimiko to tell him the other four things she could cook.

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Nero laughs, moving their head so they can look up at Caden like he’s crazy. “Ruling over an entire continent sounds line entirely too much work though.” They say before watching the lions again. “I could see you ruling and I’ll be one of your lionesses.” They tease before thinking about it. “Lion prides are really more like harems, aren’t they.” Nero wonders out loud.

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Nic’s eyebrows raise; he didn’t realize he had caused this in her. He tries his best not to laugh at her expense though, knowing how hard it had been for him just last night to experience that. Nic looks around. “We should probably sweep them but… We’re alone for once.” He points out before closing the distance between them and pulling her close by snaking an arm around her waist.

“And I really did mean what I said earlier.” He tilts her face up by a finger her chin and leans down to kiss her lips.

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Kimiko flips him off but laughs, caught off guard but finding it immensely amusing. “Scrambled eggs.” She says showing him two fingers before she starts digging into her French toast and fruit. She begins with the grapefruit since eating any of the sweeter fruits first would ruin the tang of the citrus.

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Caden laughed and released Nero, taking their hand and leading them to the other enclosures.

”Yes they are. And I don’t think you would appreciate having to share me with the lionesses. Or maybe you would?” Caden asked, looking at Nero curiously.

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And just like that, the sexual tension Cassi had worked out of her system returned She arched her back, pressing herself closer to Nic after he pulled her in. His finger is light on her chin, but it leaves a lingering impression that slides down her body to pool into the centre of her stomach, just behind her navel. His kiss matches the intensity she already feels, but it’s quickly pushed over the edge.

Cassi kissed Nic back hungrily, unable to hold herself back. She rested one hand on his side, gripping the loose shirt in her hand while the other found its way easily into Nic’s hair. They had just started kissing, but she was already breathless, her mind hazy.

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Avery lifted a second finger to indicate he was counting as well. ”Scrambled eggs. I’m sensing a pattern.” Avery used his free hand to eat more of his sausage and bacon.

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Nero ponders his question for a moment. “No, I don’t think I quite like the idea of sharing you with anyone else.” Nero says with a grin before taking the lead to look at the panthers. They look up at the big black cats lounging in the branches of a tree.

“Maybe a panther would better suit me.” They can see themselves in the cat as it nimbly jumps down at the arrival of Caden and Nero. “See, he even looks like me when I jump down from things.”

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Nic starts gently guiding Cass backwards until her back hits the counter before helping lift her so she sat on it instead. One of her hands stay on her hip, the other going to the small of her back to hold her tightly against him.

He doesn’t ask for permission with his tongue this time, he takes the opportunity as she becomes breathless to entangle with her tongue.

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Kiki finishes off her grapefruit and then starts cutting her French toast into pieces. “Well, you’ll never guess what’s next. Toast.” She cocks an eyebrow with a big smirk, as if she was admitting she can make the most perfect crème brûlée.

“I eagerly await your awe at this information.” She teases.

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Caden held Nero’s hand while they wandered from enclosure to enclosure. Caden looked up at the panther, meeting their eyes before they jumped down. Caden considered Nero’s proposition, and nodded. ”Maybe you’re right,” he agreed.

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The kissing became more heated once Cass was seated on the counter. She moved her legs for Nic to stand closer to her, and she hooked one of her legs around his, keeping him from moving. Her hand in his hair tightened while the one on his side slid to the front of his body and gripped his shirt.

Cassiopeia moaned when Nic tangled his tongue with hers. Her leg slid up higher, pinning Nic to the counter.

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Avery gasped. ”Toast? Incredible. That is one of the more superior breakfast foods,” he said, holding up a third finger. Avery continued to eat, needing something to keep from bursting out laughing.

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Nero beams up at Caden. “Now we just need to get a pet panther.” They joke will a silly grin. The two move on from the big cats and follow the path around the zoo - well they followed as much as they could before Nero would get sidetracked about something.

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Nic groans as the hand on her hip starts to play with the hem of her tank top, fiddling with it before he pushes it up just enough to feel her skin under his thumb. With Cass fully flush against him at this point, he trails his other hand to hold her waist as he scrunches up the fabric there as well. He breaks the kiss and trails kisses on Cass’ jaw before burying his face in her neck, tasting her skin as he kisses it.

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Kiki lets out a peal of laughter, genuinely amused by this man before she starts to eat her French toast and fruits. She hums in contentment, happily enjoying every bite. “Where did you learn to cook?” She asks Avery.

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It was a nice wander through the zoo. There was no set destination or path in mind. Some animals they looked at for a couple seconds, others a few minutes. Caden stopped and got them some more snacks and sweets before they finished their excursion through the zoo, and Caden took them to the little carousel and carnival they had. It wasn't spectacular but they had some rides and games. The carousel was definitely their signature item.

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Cassi shivered and moaned as Nic's hands explored her body. His lips moved from hers, allowing her a moment to breathe and clear her head some. Cassi's hand softened in Nic's hair, but she kept her grip on his shirt. Her leg tightened around Nic when he hit a sensitive part at the base of Cass' throat, just under her collarbones. She moaned and tugged on his shirt again.

Cass removed her hand from his hair, and slid both hands down Nic's chest. She pushed him back slightly so she could tug up the hem of Nic's shirt and pull it off him.

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"Here and there. Self-taught mostly, but I picked up some things from my mum and gran," Avery informed Kimiko. "You still have to tell me two other things you can cook." He wasn't going to let Kimiko get away without telling him, but he was fine with it for now.

Avery happily dug into the remaining stack of French Toast on his plate.

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Nero bounces about excitedly when the two of them make their way to the small carnival. They drag Caden to the carousel, and run to find the perfect seat. That seat was a little high for Nero to climb onto without exposing a little bit of their demon self. They grab at it to try and jump into it.

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Kiki laughs and shakes her head at Avery. She’s dying to know more about his mum and grandma, but she figures she can humor it. “Does tea count?” She asks with a playful tone. “I’m also very skilled in the art of instant ramen.”

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Of course Nero picks the higher placed horses. Caden chuckles, standing behind them. "Best behaviour, remember, my little imp? Let me help you up," Caden said and rested their hands on Nero's waist.

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"That depends. Is it traditional or store bought and you place the bag in the hot water?" he asked and finished up his French Toast. Avery pouted a little when she said instant ramen. "I'll make you some ramen one day. You'll never eat instant again," Avery informed her.

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“I know…” They pout before letting Caden help them onto the horse. “Why did the best seat have to be taller than me?” They bemoan in faux disappointment before grinning at Caden. “We’re the same height now, look!” Nero chirps when they notice the two are eye level with each other.

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Kiki finishes her portion of the food before placing her elbow on the table and propping her head up as she snacks on the leftover fruit. “I’d surely disappoint my ancestors on both the English and Japanese sides if I didn’t make it traditional.” She pops a blueberry into her mouth.

“That being said, sometimes I do get lazy and get the bags.” She flashes a grin as she considers Avery’s next statement. “I can’t wait to be spoiled by your cooking.” She tells him honestly.

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Caden's eyes sparkled, seeming to shift with his emotions as he looked into Nero's eyes. They were eye level for the first time and it amused Caden, but also brought him great joy.

"Aye, that we are, little imp." Caden ran an affectionate hand across Nero's cheek to the back of their neck. He held them there as he leaned in to kiss Nero softly. He brushed his lips across Nero's once. A promise of more rested there before Caden pulled away to claim another horse near Nero. Shortly after that the ride started and Caden glanced back to look at Nero.

He smiled and chuckled at the pure joy on Nero's face. Caden slipped out his phone and snapped a few photos of Nero plus a video.

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Avery grinned, an obvious excitement in his face. "Ya? You'll let me cook more for you?" Avery would mind a home cooked meal of toast and eggs from Kiki, but the idea of her letting him provide for her thrilled him. If only because it meant she would keep him around for a while.

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Nero nibbles on the tip of their thumb as Caden leaves after the kiss to find his own seat. When he looks back, Nero flashes a wide grin his way, enjoying the little ride immensely. This carnival isn’t anything like Nero imagined it would be, but it was enchanting. There’s something thrilling about seeing the sights around them from a new height.

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Kimiko cocks an eyebrow as she considers Avery, finding his excitement addicting and adorable. “Well, if you’re going to ruin any other possible love interest for me, I might as well let you do it with food too.” She takes a strawberry and eats it slowly while waiting for his reaction.

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The carousel went around several times, the traditional music playing. There were people from all ages enjoying themselves on the ride, and Caden had to admit he was enjoying himself immensely despite his age and how put together he held himself. At the conclusion of the ride, Caden walked back to Nero to offer his assistance in helping them down.

"Do you want to check the rest of the carnival out?" Caden asked.

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Avery grinned, his eyes flicking to watch the way Kimiko eats her strawberry before he looks into her eyes again. "I also know how to bake and make chocolate covered strawberries," he pressed.

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Nero holds Caden’s shoulders as he gets them down from the carousel ride. They beam brightly up at Caden, very much enjoying the day so far. “Sure!” They say excitedly, looping their arm through his while the two follow the path to the exit.

“This has been great so far and exactly what I needed, thank you Caden.” Nero says as they nuzzle their cheek into his arm that she holds.

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Kiki’s face lights up. “You’re making those for me later, or I’ll cry again.” She could never turn down a chocolate covered strawberry. She finishes the last of the fruit and leans back in her chair, feeling full and satisfied.

“You’re absolutely brilliant.” Kiki says with a content sigh.

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"Du hast keine Ahnung, wie glücklich mich das macht, mein kleiner Kobold." Caden rested a hand over Nero's has they walked from the carousel to the rest of the small carnival. The sounds of games, and music from the rides filled the air, mixing with the smell of buttered popcorn and fried foods.

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Avery grinned and chuckled, hoping there were more strawberries in the fridge so he could make those for her. If there wasn't he could always head into town but he didn't really want to leave.

He watched Kimiko lean back in her chair, seemingly full and happy. "You're incredible. I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner."

hr]

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Nero smirks, looking up at Caden brightly. [color=#9B111E][i]“Ich glaube, ich habe eine Idee.”[/i[/color] They say. As they walk, Nero makes Caden buy nearly every single kind of fried food available so they can try it. As overindulgent as the fried stick of butter is, Nero could not eat more than a couple of bites.
“Americans are so… interesting with their food choices.” They muse out loud.

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Caught off guard, Kiki blushes from his comment and takes a second to recover. “Was it my incredible toast skills that made you realize?” She leaned over so she could rest her head on Avery’s shoulder. “No apologies needed - you’ve more than made it up to me.” She tells him as her eyes close.

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Caden leaned against a railing while Nero tried all the different foods available. He smirked when Nero tried the fried butter.

"I think it's the need to try anything once. Although, you wouldn't see them eating some of the other animals in the world that some eat. Like horse or bugs," Caden noted.

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"Definitely. You are making breakfast tomorrow," Avery said and kissed her hand. He took her hand from his shoulder and brushed his thumb over her fingers.

"I know we were just playing a roll at the club but, would you have let me follow you into your room if I wanted to?"

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Nero tosses the rest of the fried butter, trying to fried Oreo last and finding the combination of sweet and salty delicious. “Bugs make good protein in a pinch and why let perfectly good ingredients go to waste?” They wipe their gloves off with a napkin, wanting them to be free of grease.

“Okay, where to now?” Nero asks as the two finish their lap of the area.

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Kiki laughs with a roll of her eyes, but is distracted by Avery’s fingers. She stares at their hands for a moment as he talks before glancing up at his face with his question. “Honestly, I might have.” She responds finally, glancing down and playing with the cords of Avery’s sweater that she wears. “Before we got back to the house that night, it felt like we were almost getting along. Plus, as I’ve said, you’re incredibly attractive.”.

Kiki lets herself chew on her lip for a moment, her tongue running over the thin scar left there from Levi. “… Why do you ask?” Is he going going to think I’m a slut now? She can’t look up at him again, fearing for the worst.

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"Well, how do you feel about letting me spoil you more with yet another shopping trip? New York is the best place for all the new and high fashions aside from Paris. I want to get a couple new suits anyways," Caden told Nero, wanting them to know he was going to spoil himself as well.

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"Just wondering how much time I wasted being an idiot," Avery said. He looked up at Kimiko, smiled, and kissed her hand again.