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“Hmm,” Kiki thinks about it for a moment before grinning. “More chocolate strawberries.” She declares, choosing now to run backwards. “And if you win?” She asks.

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Nero smiles with a light rosy blush from the compliment. “Kiki picked the dress.” Nero says, doing an obligatory spin for Caden. “Or, well, I didn’t see her pick it, but I didn’t so it could’ve only been her.” They chuckle.

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Nic raises his eyebrows in appreciation. “Cass, this is gorgeous… You’ve captured my mom and Kiki in this… very well.” He almost touches the paper before he stops himself. “I like where the anti-possession is.” He tells her in earnest.

Ren leans in to look at the drawing as well, eyes crinkling as he looks over it with fondness. “I have to agree with Nic - this is beautifully done, Cassi.”

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Avery snorted but nodded his head in agreement. ”If I win…. You show me your underwear drawer,” Avery said with a boyish grin.

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”Well, I'll be sure to thank her once we get back. Are you ready to go?”

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Of course Cassiopeia blushed from the praise from both Wu men. ”I'm not quite finished with yours, Ren. I confess I'm struggling to capture the right feeling for it.”

Cassiopeia flipped the page over before she rested a hand on Nic's leg under the table. She had drawn out a reflection pond with a curious fox looking at themselves. The features of the fox however were more feminine and human-like but still kept with Kiki's design. She was in the process of creating 3D like flowers that haloed the fox, but she also had some in the water. The water looked like it was rippling in those areas, but those flowers weren't fully finished either.

”I'm not sure if the flowers should frame Kiki's fox, or should frame the reflection pond like a picture frame, you know? I was also researching zen gardens and the ideas behind them, but I liked the idea of the water for you, Ren and the reflection pond of seeing the past and future seemed to fit.” She looked at Ren, wanting his opinion. Her hand tightened on Nic's knee. She was worried she had missed the mark and didn't want to offend Ren.

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Not expecting that answer, Kiki nearly trips over her own feet but catches herself quickly. She stops at a tree to lean on as she starts fully laughing. “I’m afraid you’ll find it dreadfully boring.” She says but holds out a hand towards Avery. “But deal.”

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Nero nods, looping their arm through Caden’s. “Yup! Let’s go.” They declare as they tug him towards the door.

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Nic looks at the drawing and nods, liking it so far. He doesn’t notice the crease in Ren’s brow at Cass’ words or how the mention of the past and future made him fidget. Nic squeezes Cass’ hand back encouragingly. “It looks great. Personally, I like the idea of framing the fox, but what do you think, dad?” Nic asks, looking at his dad now.

“I’m not sure, but I definitely like it. Well done, Cassi.” He says, patting Cass’ shoulder with a small smile. Nic cocks an eyebrow, finding his behavior a little odd.

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Avery stopped with Kimiko, ready to grab her if she needed to but she caught herself. He grinned, pleased she had accepted his deal.

”Good, then I'll know what you're missing,” Avery said, grabbing Kimiko's hand, pulling her in quickly to kiss her before she could protest.

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Caden led Nero from the hotel to the street. Once again, a town car waited for them and Caden helped Nero get into the vehicle first before getting in after them.

”How do you feel about boats?” Caden asked as they neared their destination.

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Cassi swallowed, her fingers twitching in Nic's hand with nerves. His words didn't even really register with her, she was so focused on Ren and how he felt about it.

”Is it too much? I could make something more simple or use black and white rather than colour,” Cassi offered.

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What I’m missing? “Wai-” Kiki starts to say but Avery’s pulled her close and kisses her… And she doesn’t mind being interrupted for that. She wraps her free arm around his neck and kisses him back. I’ll just have to make sure I beat him. The fox thinks to herself before tucking that thought away.

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“I think I’ve taken the ferry in Chicago once? It didn’t seem to cause any issues…” Nero peers at Caden closely with narrowed eyes but also a knowing and playful smile. “Are we eating on a boat, Mein Drache?” The demon starts to wiggle in their seat.

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Nic gives his father a look as if saying, Dad, please put my very anxious girlfriend’s nerves at ease. Ren doesn’t catch Nic’s expression, but he holds Cass’ shoulder and shows her a more appropriate smile.

“You truly did a wonderful job with it. I like it as is - would you be able to put it on my chest?”

Nic almost releases a sigh of relief - his tone was much brighter this time, more like his usual self.

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Avery smiled as Kimiko went along with the moment. He slid his arm around her waist, noticing how alive she felt from the running and all the flirting and teasing. He kissed her deeply, savouring the moment with her just like he did with every minute he had with her.

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Caden grinned and kissed Nero's cheek, falling silent. He didn't confirm nor deny Nero's question but as they pulled up to the marina, the answer would be obvious.

A local company had started hosting brunch on board boats that would then take the patrons across to Ellis Island where they could view the Statue of Liberty up close.

Caden got out of the car first and helped Nero out before leading them to the boat that already had several people aboard, waiting for the boat to depart and their meal to begin.

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Cassi nods slowly when Ren tells her that he liked that tattoo and where he wanted. Her fingers twitched again, but with the urge to see what memories trigger his reaction. Cassi wouldn't betray Ren's trust and look into his mind like that. She couldn't, not to him.

”Are you sure? I don't mind changing whatever you want…”

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Kiki feels Avery’s smile and can’t help but grin herself as they kiss. She always enjoys how his muscles feel wrapped around her, making her feel tiny even though she’s not. She pulls her other hand and cups Avery’s face, her tongue darting out to taste his lips for a moment.

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Nero can’t help but grin and shake their head at Caden. His sense of needing to surprise them makes waiting for answers adorably thrilling. They happily skip along with Caden as he leads them to a boat that has other people seated on it. Once seated, Nero excitedly wiggles, looking all around them with anticipation.

“Will they explain it or am I going to be left guessing the whole boat ride?” Nero asks of Caden.

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Nic’s father releases Cass from his hold and just smiles pleasantly. “No, I think it’s great as is.” He tells her warmly before turning to his food.

“Something’s weird, but I don’t think it’s the tattoo. I’ll talk to him later for you.” Nic whispers in Cass’ ear before kissing her cheek. “What are you thinking planter-wise for this?” He asks brightly.

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Avery tried not to but he couldn't help the groan that slipped past his lips when Kimiko traced his lips with her tongue. It was from a combination of how attracted to her he was, and running outside that heightened Avery's senses. It simply felt more hyper aware and connected to everything.

Avery shifted in his position, unwrapping his arm from Kimiko's waist to rest his hand on her hip. He slowed his kiss, pressing his thumb into the soft flesh on the inside of her hip bone before he pulled back from the kiss.

”We should probably keep running.”

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Caden sat at a table with Nero, chuckling from their excitement and questions. ”Brunch is on the boat today. As for our destination, you'll see,” Caden said.

A few minutes later the boat started and smoothly pulled away from the dock and started to rumble forward. A waiter came around with water and mimosas while taking everyone's orders.

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Cassi squeezed Nics hand in thanks. Something definitely wasn't right. She turned her attention back to her food, but her appetite wasn't the same. Thankfully, Nic pulled her attention away again to ask about the planters. She flipped the page in her sketchbook to reveal Nic's terrace as it was with some doodles on it of planters and boxes set up in different ways.

”I've seen some people stack them, but we could also have several boxes lining the railing and then set up a second row. We can even hang some off the railing but I'm not sure I like that.” She pulled the notebook closer and started playing around with more ideas.

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Kimiko almost pouts when Avery stops the kiss, but realizes he’s right. She can’t help but concentrate on how his hand feels on her hip before she finally nods, swallowing. “Probably…” She says, but instead drags Avery by his arms as she steps back into a tree, her back pressed against the bark.

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Nero smirks, still lovingthe mystery. They order something sweet and salty off the menu along with a Bloody Mary. The server didn’t ask for ID this time, for which Nero was grateful for. They reach across the table for Caden’s hand. “Sollen wir einen Ausweis für mich besorgen, wenn wir wieder in Chicago sind?” They ask with a tilt of their head, their eyes glancing out to watch the water as they travel through it.

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Nic looks over the sketches she has so far, his hand never leaving her. “I want whatever is going to be best for the plants. Somehow overhang in the Windy City seems like it might easily break them.” He says, darting a glance at his dad who ate silently. Ren stares off into the distance at nothing in particular, but Nic can practically see the gears in his head turning.

“Would building a sort of greenhouse or something help keep them safe?” Nic asks, turning his attention back to Cass and kissing her head.

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Avery went to pull away but Kimiko grabbed him, dragging him further into the trees until her back pressed up against one. Avery's voice got caught in his throat, seeing her do that. It's what had gone through his own mind before he pulled away.

Avery moved a step closer to her, limiting Kimiko's chances of escape unless she pushed against him. ”I think you are overestimating my self-control, little fox,” Avery said once he cleared his throat.

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Caden ordered waffles with sausage and bacon for his meal, deciding to stick with the mimosas. He easily slipped his hand into Nero's and held it while they travelled.

”I think it would be a smart idea. We can get you a passport at the same time. I have someone who takes care of all those things without asking too many questions.”

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Cassiopeia nodded in agreement with the hanging baskets. She glanced around again, the ideas coming to her more easily now that she had someone to bounce them off with.

”We could for the smaller ones, but I don't want to take away from the view you have. I'm also thinking we should place something against the house for any vining plants to climb. As for the wind, I can always magic a bubble around the terrace to keep it at bay. I mean, I'm hoping you both would be okay if I did some spell work in the house like I did with my place to keep anything from entering.” She glanced at Ren again before looking at Nic.

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Kiki raises an eyebrow, looking into Avery’s eyes before frowning a little as she regards him. “And I think that you’re overestimating mine each time you call me ‘little fox’.” She answers back before kissing Avery softly.

“Does the wolf make it harder for you?” She asks after pulling away. “For your self-control, I mean.” Her hands stay on his chest as her thumbs gently rub into his skin.

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Nero nods and flashes Caden a smile, liking the idea more as they discussed it. “If only you could just fly me places without being conspicuous.” They say as their other hand plays a little with the dragon on their choker. “Have you ever been on this before? Done this whole breakfast thing?” Nero asks curiously.

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Nic grins, his eyes shining with admiration and wonder for his girlfriend. “Sometimes I forget you can do that.” He says, leaning in to kiss Cass’ nose. “I’m definitely okay with it - it seems like we’re in need of protection now, so please, go right ahead.” He shoots his dad a look and Ren nods in agreement.

“I think protection and the bubble you mentioned would be perfect, as long as it’s not too much to ask, my dear.” Nic can’t help but notice the continuing fidgeting from his father.

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Avery smirked on Kimiko’s lips, liking that his nickname for her was so well received. After she pulled back from the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers and shut his eyes. He breathed in her scent and sighed. The sound of her voice, mixed with the touch of her hands, and her scent mingled with him and the forest. It was both soothing and arousing.

”Whatever I am feeling or emotions, I have become heightened because the wolf’s emotions and instincts are so primal. So in a way, yes but also no because I already have all these feelings without the wolf’s help,” Avery said. He kept his eyes closed while he spoke, letting the strange mix of sound, touch, and smell envelope him before he pulled back to look at her.

He rested a hand on her cheek, brushing his thumb along the flushed parts of her skin from the run and maybe a little because of him.

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”Brunch? Yes, I’ve done brunch before,” Caden poorly joked. He kissed Nero’s hand before sipping his drink. ”I haven’t done this type of excursion before. I was doing some research into brunch dates as well as seeing the location of where we are going when I came across this and thought it would be a fun idea.” The food arrived shortly after Caden was done explaining.

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Cassiopeia closed her eyes from the simple peck, grinning after rather than giggling. She looked at Ren, feeling concerned again about how he was acting. She had a brief thought of maybe leaving. Something definitely didn’t seem right.

”Oh, no. It is a simple task for me. Something I do quite regularly,” Cassi assured them both.

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Kiki nods slowly as Avery explains before he pulls his forehead away. Kiki leans into his touch as he traces her blush and smiles. “I wasn’t doubting your feelings again, I promise.” She says to start, looking in his eyes. “I want to make sure I’m not overestimating you constantly.” She smirks, a tease in her tone.

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Nero sticks their tongue out at Caden with a playful glare for his joke. “Well, I’m glad we can both enjoy this for the first time.” They say, dancing in their seat as the food arrives. They had ordered biscuits and gravy along with some crepes that had chocolate and banana.

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Ren stands up with smile and starts to gather empty plates. “I’m going to get started on dishes - let you two talk.” He takes his boba with him before disappearing inside. Nic watches him leave through the door as it closes slowly, seeing him head down the stairs.

“It’s not you, there’s something else going on.” Nic grabs both of Cass’ hands. “But you’re not leaving because otherwise I’ll follow you and then this house will never get unpacked.” He kisses her forehead before looking in her eyes. She might not have mentioned going home, but Cass always double checks to make sure she’s not interfering with him and his dad when coming over.

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”Ah, is that what it is?” Avery chuckled and released her cheek to brush his thumb along her jaw. His other hand remained on Kimiko’s hip, firmly pressing her hip into the tree. He barely noticed that hand, more focused on Kimiko’s face. ”It’s alright. I think I keep overestimating how much self-control I have as well.”

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”Sweet and salty today,” Caden noted of Nero’s meal, as he added syrup to his plate of waffles.

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Cassi shifted to stand, ready to follow Ren or tell him to stay and she would do the dishes, but Nic kept her firmly in place. She looked at him, worry creasing her brow and was ready to tell him she should go when he spoke first and completely shot that unspoken thought down.

Cassi opened and closed her mouth several times. She was reminded of when she first met Nic, and he always seemed to know or understand what was happening. His observation skills were paying off again. He would have made a great sorcerer, Cassi thought to herself.

She looked down at their joined hands before she leaned forward and pressed her forehead to their hands. ”Are you certain I shouldn’t? Maybe you two can talk about the information Kimiko needs… I have a feeling whatever is on his mind would answer those questions.” Cassi pulled her head away to look back at Nic.

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“Me too,” Kiki replies before she quickly adds, “I mean about my self-control, not yours.” She tucks her lip into her mouth to nibble on it. Her jaw and hip feels they’re on fire. “Maybe yours too.” She admits softly with a soft laugh.

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“Overindulgence at its finest.” Nero says, beaming. Before digging into a gravy’d biscuit. They hum happily at the taste - the buttery biscuit and the savory sauce truly works well together.

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Nic smiles, knowing he had hit the nail on the head. He releases one of her hands so he can brush her hair. “Yeah, I’ll try.” He says with a nod. “Can you explain his tattoo again, I wasn’t paying attention to him when you talked about it earlier so I’m curious.”

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Avery chuckled, his eyes drifting to Kimiko’s bottom lip. He ran his thumb over her chin and pulled down to force Kimiko to stop biting her lip.

”Do you have any idea how attractive you are when you do that?” Avery dropped his head and leaned in closer. His lips hovered just above Kimiko’s as he spoke again. ”Or how attractive I find you in general?” He pressed his lips lightly to hers, dragging the kiss out.

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The conversation paused naturally between the two while they indulged in a well-prepared meal. The boat travelled through the waters, giving an excellent view of the New York skyline and some of the world-renowned bridges. In the distance, the Statue of Liberty could be seen looming over the water and New York like a guardian.

Caden leaned back in his seat, sipping his fresh mimosa while he took in the view both outside the point and across the table from him.

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Cassi shut her eyes, enjoying the compassionate touch Nic always seemed to have. At the mention of Ren’s tattoo, she opened her eyes and looked at her sketchbook.

”Oh, sure!” She shifted in her seat, moving plates back out of the way and flipped back to Ren’s tattoo. ”It’s a reflection pond. It’s supposed to be representative of the past and present or where your life is going. I thought it would be nice to have something that represented Kiki and your mom in this way. And water is supposed to be healing and cleansing, but…Maybe not. Maybe it’s too reminiscent of what he’s lost,” Cassi said and ran a finger over the half-finished drawing.

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Kiki stares up at Avery as he leans in. “Uh, n-no.” She whispers, face flushing as he continues to get closer. It’s how she had developed a tiny scar on her bottom lip, but constantly trying to chew on it. At his next words, she nearly freezes as his lips brush against hers. She had some idea on that part, but no one had ever said it so genuinely to her in this way.

“I could say the same about you.” Kiki breathes in reply, her hands sliding up over his shoulder to link around his neck.

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Once they’ve finished eating and their Bloody Mary, Nero joins in drinking the mimosa. Their head acts as if it’s on a swivel as they try to look around and take everything in. It’s hard to find this view anywhere else.

“I think this should be a tradition anytime we visit New York.” Nero declares. “I hope they stay in business long enough.”

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Nic shakes his head. “I really don’t think that’s it. If it reminds him too much of Kiki and my mom, he would be all for it.” He says with a small frown. “I’ll want to see if Kimiko would be up for rescheduling that luncheon… Maybe talking with her will bring whatever’s going on with my dad to the surface.” He kisses Cass’ cheek with a bad feeling that maybe whatever his dad is hiding from him, might have to do with their names disappearing from Kimiko’s scroll.

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Avery’s kiss remained light, his lips brushing across Kimiko’s while she responded to his statement. He chuckled, running his lips up her jawline to her ear. They had yet to kiss or be intimate like this. Avery had really been trying to resist Kimiko and respect her boundaries, but it was getting hard, especially when she was the one to pull him in.

”Well, I can’t say I’m disappointed by that,” he whispered in her ear. He placed a kiss under her ear. Images of her bruised skin flashed across his closed eyelids, and he placed another gentle kiss on her neck, sweeping those horrible images and that horrible night from his mind. Those thoughts had no place in this moment.

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Caden held his glass to Nero and clinked their glass with his. ”It’s a date,” he said. Caden finished his mimosa and glanced out the window. Caden smiled and set his glass down before he stood.

”Come with me,” he said and pulled Nero up from their seat before leading them out onto the deck of the boat. A gust of wind greeted them, but it quickly subsided as Caden guided Nero up to the bow of the boat. The Statue of Liberty loomed, larger than life the closer they got. It was even more awe-some than gazing at the Empire State building.

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”I think that would be a good idea,” Cassi agreed. ”Whatever is going on in his head might relate to why your family blessing is gone.”

Cassiopeia closed up her notebook and looked at Nic. ”So, when can I tattoo you?” She’d prefer sooner rather than later, just so she knew he was safe and protected, but if he wanted to wait until whatever was going on with his dad was resolved, Cass understood that as well.

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Kiki’s breathing grows shallow with each gentle kiss Avery plants. When he reaches her neck, as gentle as he is, she flinches a tiny bit and she starts to tear up with frustration. “Gods, I…” She puts her head on his shoulder in a vain attempt to stop him from seeing her tears. She groans, irate with it all.

“I want to smash my head through a wall.”

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Nero carries their mimosa with them as Caden leads them away from their table. When they reach the front, Nero has to crane their neck to look up at the Statue of Liberty, their eyes wide and mouth pops open in awe. “Is this the destination?” They ask, peering at Caden.

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Nic nods, staring at the door for a moment before gazing over at Cass. He smiles easily at her question. “How long will it take?” He asks in reply. “Because I’d gladly do it as soon as possible, just need to know a timeframe.” As much as he would love to just take a day off, he’s saving his PTO for something a bit more important; his girlfriend.

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Avery froze when Kimiko flinched from his kiss on her neck. He felt a growl of annoyance build in his throat, but he kept it buried. It wasn’t her he was annoyed with. Avery opened his eyes, staring at the tree Kimiko was backed against. Tears pricked his own eyes in empathy with Kimiko.

He released her hip, sliding his arm around her waist, pulling her from the tree, and he turned. Avery sat down on the ground, his back now against the tree and lifted Kimiko into his lap.

”I’d prefer if you didn’t. Caden might take the damage from my pay,” he joked poorly. Avery cupped Kimiko’s face in his hands, making her look at him.

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”Yes. We have a couple hours to tour the island the the Statue before this boat will take us back, and then we can continue on with our last day in New York.”

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”Mmm, four, maybe five hours,” she told him truthfully. She could help Nic with the pain and possibly the healing process, but there was no way to rush a tattoo. It took time to make things look right and precise.