---

---

---

---

Nero blinks owlishly up at Caden and almost asks ‘what bracelet?’ before their brain finally works. “Kleiner kobold.” They say in a small voice. “We should see if they can put kleiner kobold on it somewhere.”

---

---

---

---

---

---

Kiki hops before trotting to catch up to Avery. This is going to be interesting to try and keep up with him… She thinks to herself as she sizes Avery up while the two walk. She leans her body up against his leg in an sort of ‘hip bump’.

---

---

---

---

“If you don’t mind.” Nic says with a smile. “I’ve never really taken care of transplants before and I don’t want to kill them before they’ve had a chance.” Once everything is set in the back, he closes the back door of the SUV. “And you’re sure you’re okay taking care of them?” He asks of Cass again. He wants to make sure she doesn’t feel an obligation to do this.

---

---

---

---

---

---

”Okay,” Caden said. He dropped his arm from around Nero’s shoulder to rest it low around their hips instead.

He signalled the salesperson and relayed the request.

”Certainly. We can have that ready for you by the end of the week.”

Caden nodded and relayed the address it would have to be shipped to before handing them his card to charge for the other items they had purchased and would be leaving with today.

”We should head back to the hotel now and prepare for supper and the evening’s entertainment.”

---

---

---

---

Avery looks down at Kimiko’s short stature when they bump into his leg. Avery grins wolfishly at them before he breaks into a light jog into the tree line. He follows no particular path, but any way they go will lay the path for reclaiming their territory because this was their land and their territory now with no wolves left in the area.

---

---

---

---

”More than okay. Each plant has a story to tell, and I’m eager to get to know them all.” Cassi smiled at Nic, and stole one more kiss from them before getting into the SUV.

---

---

---

---

Nero nods, still recovering when Caden mentions returning to the hotel. They peer up at him, now distracted by mention of ‘tonight’s entertainment’. They wiggle a bit as they make their way outside. “What’s on the agenda tonight?” They ask.

---

---

---

---

It turns out Kiki is right; it’s a bit of a challenge keeping up with Avery, but keeping her focus on him helps distract her from over thinking being in the woods again. In an effort to keep things fun, she’ll nip at him whenever she catches up before pouncing backward. While anger is something that generally fuels her fox as a human, she likes to be playful when actually in her fox form.

Kimiko doesn’t know what time it is as the two make their way back from where they came. The sun is starting to get more orange in the color it’s shining down and Kiki starts to become a little jumpy. Every sound startles her into hopping backwards into Avery before some animal would reveal themselves and go about their day, paying no mind to the weird fox and wolf.

---

---

---

---

Nic smiles from her kiss, trying not to laugh when Cass gets into the SUV without letting him help. He makes his way back into the driver’s seat and gives one last sentimental look at his childhood home before he drives away. “When you say stories, does that mean you’ll see memories of my mom from them?” He asks tentatively.

---

---

---

---

---

---

”A surprise,” Caden said, grinning. He reclaimed his card and took the bag filled with jewellery before leading Nero out of the shop and into the waiting car.

Caden rested the bags by his feet before pulling Nero in close. He ran a finger along the flying dragon on their neck. ”This necklace makes me ridiculously happy,” Caden informed them.

---

---

---

---

Avery enjoyed playing in the woods with Kimiko. She would pounce and nip at him, and he would turn to chase her a little, but he never barred his teeth at her. He didn’t want to scare her. Still, he liked the playful little fox.

As the sun started to set, Kimiko grew more skittish. Avery, sensing her unease, nudged her gently after the last prey animal startled her. He whimpered slightly, licking the side of her face before nudging Kimiko back towards the spot where she had left her clothes, his protective instincts in full display.

Once they were there, Avery turned around and sat down. His back was to Kimiko and the house, and he watched the forest around them, so she knew he was protecting her. Avery surveyed the quiet woods. Happy with the sounds of birds going home and the bats coming out. Avery looked up at the sky as the bats flew past, and he noticed the moon. Avery gave let out a howl. It wasn’t very long, but it was a sweet song for the moon and the place he now called home.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia looked over at Nic. She smiled softly and nodded, resting her hand on his leg. ”Yes. It’s one some of them chose to remain rather than go on. She took good care of them. Her and your father.”

---

---

---

---

Nero looks down at the necklace before looking up at Caden and beaming.“And that’s why I want you to have a little ‘me’ with you.” Nero pauses to think about it for a moment before they chuckle. “Although, I don’t think either of us can spend more than a few minutes apart from each other.” They muse before scooting into Caden’s lap.

---

---

---

---

The howl almost startles Kiki while she pulls on her clothes before she reminds herself that it’s Avery. She comes out from behind the tree and bush, admiring Avery’s fur for a moment before clearing her throat and scratching his head. “Such a wolf.” She teases. “Do I need to be away from you while you shift back?” She hopes the answer is no because she doesn’t now how much longer she could just sit in the yard.

The little adventure helped Kiki a lot, but there were still flashes of the horrible night that plagued her every so often.

---

---

---

---

Nic smiles to himself. “I’m glad you’ll get to sort of meet her this way from another perspective.” He says while drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. “You’ll tell me about any good ones you come across, right?” He asks, knowing that Cass probably already has that in mind.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Caden chuckled when Nero slid into his lap, confirming Nero's statement about either one of them not being able to go any length of time without needing to see the other.

”Maybe we'll find something. But I am looking forward to the engraved bracelet.”

---

---

---

---

Avery relaxed and turned his head when he heard Kimiko. He grinned at her again, before nudging her with his head. He ignored her question for the moment while he stood and circled around Kimiko and brushed against her.

He sat after a moment and pawed the ground before holding it limp and whimpered, indicating that the change was painful. He looked at Kimiko and pressed his head gently against her hip. He didn't want her to have to see him in pain.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia squeezed Nic's leg at the simple request. ”I'll share them all with you,” she said.

---

---

---

---

Nero rests their head on Caden’s chest with a smile. “Good.” They practically purr. “Now, what kind of outfits are we wearing tonight?” Maybe they could guess what ‘tonight’s entertainment’ will be based on the fit.

---

---

---

---

Kiki frowns but nods, translation Avery’s actions to words as best she can. She runs her hand through his fur for a bit, trying to soothe them both. “I wish I could help you more.” She tells him before kissing his head.

“Your fur is so soft though, definitely better than the little ōkami.”

---

---

---

---

Nic beams, stealing her hand to kiss it again. “You’re amazing. I can’t believe I have such a caring and compassionate, perfect girlfriend.”

“J'ai beaucoup de chance de t'avoir dans ma vie.”

---

---

---

---

---

---

Nero's tone sends a pleasant little shiver down Caden's back, and he holds his imp closer. He rested a hand on Nero's thigh, while his arm held Nero's waist securely. It was difficult for Caden to pay attention to anything else when he was alone with Nero like this. Especially after a day of spoiling them.

Caden brushed his nose along Nero's neck, moving closer when he registered that Nero had asked them a question about today. ”Fancy clothes,” Caden said simply before pressing a kiss to Nero's neck.

---

---

---

---

Avery nudged Kimiko after she kissed his head. Her hands felt nice running though his hair, and he leaned against her. The wolf seemed to vibrate happily with his mate running gentle fingers through his coat. However, Avery knew he couldn't spend all night out here. Not yet.

He bumped Kimiko and led her from the woods back to the open yard. He glanced at the house then back at Kimiko, wondering if she would stay or wait inside for him.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia smiled happily, glad to hear Nic speak French whenever she could. They pulled onto her street, and Cassi looked down at their joined hands. The day was coming to an end, but it had been a good day. They had been interrupted earlier, but Cassi was still glad they had some sort of moment.

”Are you training with Avery tomorrow or is that just during the week?” she asked curiously.

---

---

---

---

Nero suppresses a shiver from Caden’s exploring nose, but they do squirm a little when he kisses their neck. “H-how fancy?” They ask, ears blushing that their voice gave them away. It’s still not fair to Nero that Caden can have this much power over them just by nuzzling their neck.

“Like the clothes I tried on today?”

---

---

---

---

Kiki follows Avery’s gaze. “I’ll stay in the yard as long as I can.” She tells him before kissing his head. “Don’t push yourself too much.” She tells him before going to find a spot to sit. The sun is still setting, but Kimiko tells herself that she can move slowly towards the house if she starts getting jumpy.

---

---

---

---

Nic rubs his thumb over her hand. “I think it’s just during the week. Why do you ask?” He pulls up to her house and parks the car, not moving for a moment so the two can just enjoy the privacy in the SUV for a moment.

“Did you want to come over?” His tone is a little bit teasing but he would love it if she could.

---

---

---

---

---

---

”Not quite. But close,” Caden whispered. What Nero didn’t know was that because Caden could affect them so easily, it affected Caden just as much. Nero’s breathless voice, the way they tilted their neck or opened themselves up to Caden more thrilled him.

Caden slid his hand up Nero’s thigh, quickly losing his self-control.

---

---

---

---

Avery watched Kimiko go, his yellow eyes never wavering. He waited half a minute more, just watching her before he disappeared into the trees. The shift back came a bit reluctantly. The wolf didn’t have enough time to play around. They wanted to spend a night under the moon, sleeping and hunting. Avery would have to shift again while Caden was home, so Kimiko wasn’t alone.

Despite Kimiko not wanting Avery to push himself, he did. Rather than fifteen minutes, he was just shy of ten minutes. Avery managed to pull on his shorts, grateful they were loose, but he didn’t bother with a shirt. His skin was on fire and extra sensitive.

Avery walked from the tree line, sweat over his face and body from the two shifts in a short amount of time. Even if it was all afternoon.

---

---

---

---

”I was thinking I could come over and help you two organize if you want. But if you want the day with your dad, I understand. Maybe you could come over after,” Cassi said. She tucked her own hair behind her ear, feeling a bit shy about asking him to come over. She wasn’t expecting something like today to happen again, but she would just like to be held by him for longer than five minutes, too.

---

---

---

---

Taking note of his hand now joining the wandering, Nero grabs Caden’s face gently and forces him to look in their eyes. “You are dangerous, mein drache.” They tell him with a playful glare before kissing him, moving their arms to wrap loosely around his neck.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Kiki sat down in the open yard not too far from the patio where they had had breakfast this morning. It’s close enough that Kiki feels confident enough that they could make it to the house if anything jumped out at them. She watches the sky change colors as she waits for Avery. Movement catches her eyes and she sees Avery walking out, his skin watching the light from the sweat covering it.

Kimiko jumps to hear feet to meet him halfway. “I thought I said not to push yourself.” She chides, wiping his forehead.

---

---

---

---

Nic grins, turning to look at Cass in his seat. “I would love the company and I’m sure my dad won’t mind.” He says, taking the strand of hair she just tucked and curling it around his finger.

“When would you like to be picked up?”

---

---

---

---

---

---

Caden’s hand paused in its journey when Nero pulled his attention. He narrowed his eyes playfully until Nero kissed them. Caden tightened his hand on Nero’s leg before kissing them back deeply.

He left his hand in place high on their thigh but deepened the kiss further by letting out a sound of pleasure before tangling his tongue with Nero’s. Anytime Caden could kiss Nero like this, it was like a release for him. A release he craved more and more each time.

---

---

---

---

Avery sucked in a breath when Kimiko brushed her hand across his forehead. It was a light touch, but it still felt like razor blades across his skin. He opened his eyes, smiling tiredly at Kimiko.

”You did, but I didn’t listen,” Avery said. ”Let’s head inside. I could use a shower before starting on supper.”

---

---

---

---

Cassi smiled at Nic, looking sideways at the hair he twirled around his finger and smirked. ”I’ll call you when I wake up.”

---

---

---

---

Nero shudders as a shiver crawls up their spine from Caden’s moan, their own strangled moan following as they tangled tongues. Shifting in his lap, Nero moves so that they can straddle Caden more while letting their fingers grasp at his shirt and neck.

---

---

---

---

Kiki’s brow creases with worry but she nods. “I need to shower too.” Her ears blush when she almost just invites him to shower with her and she concentrates on a drop of sweat running down his chest.

“Sorry we couldn’t stay out longer…” She guesses it wasn’t long enough for Avery’s wolf to be satisfied, something that she feels a little responsible for.

---

---

---

---

Nic chuckles before letting her hair fall back into place. “Let’s unload the transplants before I go though.” He takes the key out of the ignition before leaning over the console to kiss Cass’ cheek.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Nero’s response to Caden’s pleasure is nearly the dragon’s undoing. Somehow, though, Caden holds off taking Nero in the backseat of the town car. Their tongues tangled together until Caden feels the car stop and a car door opened from the front.

”Can we continue this upstairs?” Caden’s voice was hoarse already as he asked Nero to wait.

---

---

---

---

Avery smiled and gestured forward for Kimiko to start walking with him back into the house. ”It’s okay. He was happy to be out with you. I’m glad you gave it a chance. Although, when Caden returns, I think I’m going to have to go out again for the night.”

Avery held the door open for Kimiko and locked it behind him once they were inside. ”Should we shower together? There might be something in your shower I need to protect you from,” Avery said suggestively, but his tone was teasing.

---

---

---

---

They got out of the vehicle together, Cassi’s cheek still tingling from Nic’s simple kiss. She grabbed the plants while Nic gathered her tools, and she led Nic into the backyard.

The nights were still warm enough that Cassi could leave the plants out overnight before she decided which plants needed to stay in the house with her and which ones could go to the shop on Tuesday. Cassi usually kept the store closed on Mondays anyway.

She opened up the shed for Nic. There was an empty spot on the shelf where Nic could put the box down easily. Cassi had already set the plants down on her back doorstep.

Cassi closed and locked the shed once Nic was done, and she took his head. They walked back to the front of the house to Cassi’s door. She stood outside with him, holding Nic’s hand and smiled up at him.

”I’ll see you tomorrow.”

---

---

---

---

Nero bites their lip and nods enthusiastically. “I would very much like that, mhm.” They say breathlessly. The door opens with Nero still in his lap and they kiss the dragon before hopping off and down onto the sidewalk. The offer their hand to Caden with a grin.

“Shall we?”

---

---

---

---

“I hope I can join you in the future.” Kiki says genuinely as they enter the house. Kiki flushes, startled when Avery seemingly says her thoughts out loud. She shakes her head mentally, waving away the images that come to mind when thinking of Avery and showers before lifting her eyes to look at Avery.

Kiki grabs his hand and tugs him along towards her room. “Thanks for the offer, there might be a rabbit in there after all.” She says with a little blush now.

---

---

---

---

Nic enjoys seeing her backyard and shed, always fascinated by her work ethic and just general love of plants. He lets her lead him back to the front door and smiles down at her. “I can’t wait.” He takes his free hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear before letting it rest on her cheek.

“Thank you again.” He whispers before closing the distance with a soft but passionate kiss on her lips.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Caden gathered the bags before he followed Nero out of the car, his eyes dancing with the possibilities of the night. Caden tipped their driver before walking with Nero into the hotel and up to the elevator.

The elevator went up to their room directly, so before they had even gotten to their room, Caden gathered Nero into his arms, and started kissing them again. Their tongues tangled once more, filling Caden with a deep need for Nero.

---

---

---

---

The tension from a quick shift was subsiding within Avery, so when Kimiko took his hand, it didn’t bother him as much. However, he was shocked that she was pulling him towards her room.

Avery followed behind, his eyes trained on Kimiko. He was waiting for her to bring him all the way in before pushing him out. He didn’t fully believe Kimiko would shower with him.

”A rabbit? I thought you liked rabbits,” he teased her.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia returned Nic’s kiss, resting a hand on his chest while the moment lingered. Eventually, Cassi pulled herself away. She smiled at Nic and pecked his lips before unlocking her front door.

”Text me when you’re home safe.”

---

---

---

---

Nero could say they’re surprised by Caden’s actions as soon as the elevator doors closed, but they’re not. They happily clasp their hands around Caden’s neck while standing on their tiptoes to better reach him, kissing him pack deeply. You’d think these two had spent months or years apart with their passion.

---

---

---

---

At first, Kiki had thought about leading Avery into her before locking herself in the bathroom, but she realized that wouldn’t be fair for him since he wouldn’t have his clothes there. Her second thought was to just tease him, but her real reason is that she wants him close by generally, but also would feel better entering her room with Avery by her side. Just in case. She thinks to herself as she opens her door and peeks her head inside to turn on the lights.

“Rabbits make for an exciting chase.” She says offhandedly. “Sorry to drag you all the way here only to send you away, I just…” Kiki shrugs, chewing on her lip when she couldn’t find the right words.

---

---

---

---

Nic smiles, sad that the moment is over already, but it’s probably for the best. “I will, don’t you worry.” He tells her sincerely before kissing her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Nic waits for Cass to go inside her house before he gets to the SUV and makes sure the door closed behind her. He knows perfectly well that she’s more than capable of handling herself, but he still worries.

The ride to the new place is relatively short and Nic picks up some groceries on the way to make sure they have some food in the apartment. Kat and Jane had already left, his dad informs him when he go through the front door. When Nic let his dad in on what Cass is doing for them, the man cries and hugs Nic. They have their moment and set up a place to have their photos of Mom and Kiki on display before going off to their own rooms to unpack there.

---

---

---

---

---

---

The elevator doors opened, and Caden picked Nero up, carrying them from the elevator and into the hotel room. Caden discarded the boxes and bags of jewellery onto the table before walking into the bedroom.

Caden didn’t break the kiss until they walked into the bedroom. Caden set Nero on top of the dresser, moving his lips from Nero’s to trail kisses along their neck.

---

---

---

---

Avery watched Kimiko with concern as she peeked into her own bedroom. He held her hand more securely before walking inside with her. He looked around her room as well, his senses spreading out to take everything in.

Avery kissed Kimiko’s hand while she spoke, confirming his suspicions that she was sending him away. Avery would be lying if he wasn’t disappointed. Still, Avery walked through Kimiko’s entire bedroom, opened doors, and checked the bathroom. He turned the light on and left it on for her before rejoining her in the bedroom.

”It’s okay… I understand.” Avery brushed his thumb along the bone under Kimiko’s eye, his hand cupping her cheek. ”Take you’re time. I’ll meet you in the living room when you’re ready.” He tilted Kimiko’s head down and kissed her forehead before he left.

Avery closed the bedroom door behind him, sighed, and walked across the house to the room in which he had stored some of his clothes. Avery stripped and jumped into the shower. The water was cold when it hit his skin, but it steamed up the bathroom. Once he felt normal, Avery changed the temperature to something warmer before he showered the day off him and got ready for supper.

---

---

---

---

Cassi finished her bath and cleaning up a while ago. She sat in her living room, wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea and was drawing while she waited for Nic to message her. It was taking too long, and Cassi was just picking up her phone to call him when he texted her.

Cassi released a sigh of relief.

---

---

---

---

Nero has an admiration for Caden at his ability to carry them and the shopping bags into the hotel. When Caden sets the imp down on top of the dresser, they can’t help but smirk a little, but once again their attention was distracted easily by Caden’s lips on their neck. Already breathless, Nero closes their eyes as pleasant shivers run up their spine and arch their neck to give Caden more room.

---

---

---

---

Kiki had caught the small bit of disappointment in Avery’s features when she spoke and she can’t help but feel bad about it. She fidgets with her fingers as Avery checks every corner of the room and bathroom for her. She’s about to tell him that he should just bring some clothes to leave here but he’s gone, Kimiko able to just barely hear a sigh behind the door.

She’s frustrated too - if it weren’t for that pack, Avery and her might be having a normal relationship right now without Kiki getting panic attacks or waking up screaming or jumping at every sound. She lets herself bask in a small pity party for herself, much preferring that she has a meltdown now rather than later. That doesn’t seem to work well for her as she hears a ripping sound from behind her and twists to see a bushy white with pink toned tail had erupted from her leggings.

“Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.” She groans before she just rips the leggings off. It seems to help, though, as her tail slowly disappears. Kiki slips into the shower, but doesn’t take long. She just wants to clean off the sweat and dirt and then run into Avery’s arms. She pulls on another one of her tank tops and some jeans before heading to the living room.

---

---

---

---

Nic sets up the bed and night stands how he wants to when he gets a message back.



He smiles to himself before getting back to work. Nic had opted for the leather armchair from his place and the leather loveseat from his parents to go in his room so he could set up a little reading corner on the other side of the room from the bed. Nic guesses that he will probably want to make some custom bookshelves on the wall for his collection of books, since there were quite many of them.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Caden brushed his lips to the hollow of Nero’s throat where the dragon pendant sat. He pushed it aside to place his kisses before moving back to kiss Nero’s lips. Caden’s hands slid up Nero’s legs, the fabric slipping over his worn hands until he found the space of skin between their pants and shirt. He pushed Nero's shirt up more, exposing more skin for his touch.

Caden kissed the little imp deeply, tangling their tongues together once more.

---

---

---

---

Avery decided to wear some colour again since he wasn’t working. He pulled on a teal-coloured shirt before slipping into black pants. His sensitivity had completely gone away, so the clothes felt normal on his skin.

He had gotten to the living room before Kimiko, and was busy flipping through channels for a European football game or some movie on the TV when Kimiko walked in. He noted the colour of her tank top and smirked. They were essentially matching.

While Avery observed the colour of her t-shirt, he also observed out it sat on her frame and how the jeans hugged her. Avery pulled his eyes away to focus on the TV.

”Are you going to need yet another sweater of mine tonight?” Avery asked.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia set her pencil down, and Wayland immediately batted it onto the ground and started playing with it. She heard it slide across the floor and sighed. Cats.



She grabbed a different pencil to finish the fox that she would tattoo onto Nic’s arm one day. Or wherever he wanted the piece.