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Nero pretends to think about it, tapping their chin in thought. “If you have, it wasn’t enough.” They say cheekily, wiggling their toes. “You might have to say it right now before I start to think you don’t love me anymore.” A wide smirk curls their lips lopsidedly.

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“Maybe…” Kiki doesn’t move either, pulling her lip in to bite it as her eyes search Avery’s face for any sign that she should move away or stop this. “Oh, fuck it.” She whispers before grabbing his face and kissing him fully.

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”Oh, well, we definitely can’t have that.” Caden held Nero’s face in his hands. His thumbs rubbed their cheeks in a gentle back-and-forth motion. ”I love you, Nero. I love the way you stick by my side, and I love the way you look after me.”

Caden shifted closer to the counter and Nero. He kissed their lips, then their forehead before he pulled back. ”Let me help you undress. That will help me feel better,” he said, matching Nero’s cheeky grin from earlier.

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The image Avery had created in his head when Kimiko was glowing in her power earlier filled his mind. Her anger shouldn’t have turned him on so much, but it had. Her power and strength had matched something deep within him, and Avery couldn’t help but respond to it.

Kimiko bit her lip in that way that drove Avery crazy, but rather than push him away this time, she gave in and kissed him. Thank the gods.

Avery growled his assent before his legs and arms shifted to wrap themselves around her more fully. The blanket slipped further, and Avery shivered when her bare skin connected with his for the first time. Avery splayed his hands along Kimiko’s back, holding her close while they kissed. As much as Avery wanted to remove the blanket completely and lay her on the bed, he remained seated, letting her control the pace for tonight.

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Nero beams at Caden, their eyes sparkling as he makes his declaration of love for them. “That should suffice for now.” Nero says with a grin before he closes the distance between them. Nero wiggles happily, letting themselves enjoy the cheesy moment with Caden’s words and kisses.

As Caden tells them what else they could do to help them in a cheeky manner that nearly reflects Nero’s, they laugh before nodding their head fervently. “I was growing tired of these clothes anyway.” They chirp in reply, ignoring the blush that’s bloomed on their face.

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Kiki’s breath hitches as her cool skin meets Avery’s warm exterior. She moves so she can be closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She’s a little trapped in between his legs otherwise she would be straddling him right now. Almost shyly, Kiki bites Avery’s bottom lip, letting her teeth drag across them before letting go.

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Nero’s constant need for movement always brought a smile to Caden’s face, and today was no exception. He chuckled at the imp as they wiggled on the counter, their face blushing from the purity of the moment.

Caden helped Nero off the counter before he stepped around them and started to free them from their outfit. Caden leaned down and placed a kiss on each patch of skin that was revealed to him as he removed all of their clothes.

Caden slid his hands down Nero’s sides, removing their pants and placed a kiss on their shoulder. He shifted to stand closer to them, tilting his head to whisper into Nero’s ear.

”My turn.”

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An immediate groan of release and pleasure escaped from Avery’s lips after Kimiko bites them. He had been fantasizing about that moment every time she bit her own lip.

He moved his lips off of Kimiko’s to kiss the arms that wrapped around his neck. His kisses were brief as he moved along her arms to get back to her lips. Avery tangled up his hand into her loose hair, the other hand remaining on her back, holding her as close to him as he could with her still wrapped in the blankets and his legs wrapped around her.

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Kiki wakes up the next day with her hair sticking out all over head and in what appears to be Avery’s shirt from last night. She remembers that the moment she had started showing any hesitancy with moving forward after their kiss, Avery was quick to stick her in some sort of clothing. His dress shirt had been longer than her dress from earlier. She glances around the room as much as she can until she finds a clock. It’s already close to six in the morning, meaning the workout is bound to start soon.

“Avery,” Kiki mumbles from her prison that is her boyfriend’s arms. “We should skip working out today.” She curls into him more, burying her face in his warm chest. The blankets had all been kicked to the foot of the bed, just a sheet covering the two - which is fine with how hot Avery gets anyway.

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Nic wakes up with a groan, his right arm aching as he grabs his phone to turn his alarm off. He turns his head to see where Cass had ended up and finds her snuggly fit between his back and the two cats on her other side. He sits up a little so he can turn and kiss Cass’ bird’s nest she calls hair. Then he remembers last night - the L word had been dropped by both parties.

Feeling a little bit like a teenager again, Nic grins to himself and gives his girlfriend another kiss on her head. Wayland meows, walking over Cass to say hello to Nic as well. The tall nurse’s grin grows wider and he cuddles Wayland close. “Your mother and I said dropped the L bomb last night, can you believe it?” He asks of th cat softly.

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Nero had spent a good deal of the night making sure to distract Caden, not wanting him to think too much more about Cassi or Kiki. To be honest, Nero felt a little relief that is wasn’t their fault with Kiki at least. Moving past the thought, they think about how they can execute the next part of their plan; get out of bed without Caden noticing and goading some staff into helping them make the dragon breakfast. The first step is the hardest, however, as Nero currently lays trapped against said dragon.

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Last night had been interesting and intense. Avery was glad it hadn’t gone past much more than making out. It wasn’t that he didn’t want Kimiko, it was just he didn’t want their first time to be after she had gotten so angry and frustrated with how slow her recovery was going. Besides, the making out they had done was hot and enough to settle Avery’s need to touch and hold her at every possible second of the day. As it was, he woke up to her in his arms once again.

Avery chuckled when Kimiko finally woke and buried her head in his chest. ”As tempting of an offer as that is, Nic is coming today. We can be lazy after our workout if you want,” he said and kissed the top of her head.

After Kimiko had pulled back last night, Avery quickly moved to cover her with his shirt. He didn’t want to be tempted, but also having his clothing on her soothed so many different primal urges within him. He liked seeing her in his clothes.

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Cassiopeia was happily asleep, dreaming of nothing and loving every minute of it. Until she felt four paws walking across her. Cassi groaned and rolled over. Calypso protested whereas Max was already awake, watching over everyone.

She opened up her eyes a crack and looked through bleary eyes to see Nic was awake and cuddling with Wayland.

”Both of you sicken me,” she declared, her voice groggy with sleep. She covered her head with her pillow and willed sleep to come back.

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Despite the chaotic return home, the night had ended rather well. Nero had successfully distracted and tired out Caden enough that he fell asleep deeply and quickly with his little imp wrapped tightly in his hold. In fact, Caden had slept so deeply that he didn’t move all night.

Nero was still wrapped securely in Caden’s arms and Caden was still out of it. Other than having the contractors start their work and make a few phone calls, Caden had no plans for the day. He was taking full advantage of a lazy Monday. Of course, it would be polite to train with Avery since Nic was coming over that morning as well, but that was the furthest thing from Caden’s mind. He adjusted his hold on Nero in his sleep, which brought Nero closer rather than further away.

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Kiki grumbles under her breath at this answer. “Stupid human, wanting to work out and shit.” She slips one of her legs between his and holds onto Avery tightly. “Tell him it’s a snow day - we’re closed.” After kissing Avery’s chest once, she resumes burying her face in it again.

Last night had been intense, between all of the strong emotions she went through, Kiki was almost ready to throw her promise out the window and sleep with Avery. She’s glad they didn’t go further than kissing though - having sex just because she was angry and frustrated with everything isn’t how she wants to take that next step in their relationship.

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Nic laughs, shaking his head at the cute mess beside him. “Wayland, I think your mom needs help waking up.” He teases as Cass hides her head under a pillow. A warm smile turns his lips upwards as he looks at the amazing sorceress in bed with him. I can get used to waking up next to Cass… He thinks before kissing her shoulder.

“You sure you don’t want to come see me workout?” Nic whispers. He knows her answer - she’s still hurt over Caden and Nero and it’s way too damn early. Somehow, he’ll turn Cass into a morning person.

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Nero chuckles as their prison becomes more secure. They won’t complain - even if it did ruin plans to surprise Caden with breakfast, the demon enjoys being trapped by him. “Good morning to you too.” They whisper with a happy smile, snuggling more into into Caden’s arms.

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Avery chuckled and ran his fingers up and down her spine. ”Kiki…Not today. Maybe you can convince me to do a lazy day tomorrow after I shift back,” he said, reminding her that he needed to shift today.

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”Maybe if you worked out after work,” Cassi grumbled into her pillow.

Despite the early hour, Cassi’s body still responded to Nic’s voice, which made her wish she was enough of a morning person to entice him to stay in bed. As it was, Cassi was shifting her pillow to peek over the top of it and look at him.

”I’m fairly certain I read somewhere once that people this cheery in the morning are serial killers.”

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”It would be if someone would go back to sleep,” Caden whispered sleepily, keeping Nero close.

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Kiki sighs softly, enjoying Avery’s touch even if he won’t skip working out. At the mention of him shifting, she curls into more of a ball. “Sorry, I forgot…” She didn’t really, but she feels bad that she had been keeping him from letting his wolf out.

“You said you’d be out all night… when do you usually come back from ‘wolfing out’?” Kiki asks in a whisper, trying not to let her nerves show in her voice. It’s been a blissful three nights for her - no nightmares she could remember thanks to Avery - but she worries she won’t be able to fall asleep tonight without him.

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Nic can’t help his goofy smile. “Well, I used to work out in the hospital’s gym after work. I think I’m allowed to bring a guest with me.” He chuckles warmly when she peeks out from behind her pillow, sitting up to pat her head.

“You’ve caught me - you were going to be my first victim, but I fell too hard for you to kill you.” He winks before grinning lopsidedly at Cass.

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Nero giggles at this. “I’m not your teddy bear.” Nero whispers back before imagining a teddy bear made to look like them. Maybe Nero will look into getting Caden something like that for situations where the imp might not be able to follow him.

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”I was thinking I would shift this afternoon so you could see me, and we could run around like we did before or with you still human. Then I’ll stay in the woods all night. Do some hunting… I’ll probably shift back before dawn,” Avery told her honestly. He was hoping by shifting during the day the two of them would still have time together before he left all night.

Avery felt Kimiko curl into him more in an effort to make herself smaller. He placed soft kisses on her head, his fingers still running up and down her back in lazy patterns.

”Caden’s home now… You can go to him if it gets bad. I will also be within earshot of the house. If you need me, just meet me on the deck, and I’ll be there,” he said.

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Cassi’s face warmed, and she wiggled herself into hiding again before she poked her head out again a moment later. ”Do you want me to heal up your arm some before or after your work-out?” Cassi asked.

She untangled herself from her blankets and sat up to stretch. She yawned and rubbed her face over and over again before hunching forward with a sigh.

”I really hate mornings.”

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Caden chuckled darkly. ”No, you are much much better than a teddy bear,” Caden murmured as thoughts of last night entered his mind.

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As Avery talks, Kiki listens and nods. It’ll be good for her to get out in the woods again as a fox so she can see she’s not in danger. “That’s a good idea… Yeah we can do that again, sure.” She doesn’t address the other part though, thinking maybe she’ll just find ways to stay awake all night. “The more time spent in the forest will probably be better for me.”

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Nic can’t help but still chuckle at Cass’ adorable behavior. “Whichever you think would be better.” Nic says as she gets up. Once Cass hunches over, he begins rubbing her back lightly. “For someone who hates mornings so much, you sure are cute waking up.”

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Nero softly laughs a mischievous giggle. “Glad to be of service - my rigorous training prepared me well for this day.” They wiggle so they can turn around in Caden’s arms. “Today shall be known as the day the great Nero conquered the teddies.” They kiss Caden’s nose before retreating into his chest.

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Avery loosened his hold on Kimiko and made her look at him. He smiled and kissed her forehead. ”You know what else would be good? A workout session with your trainer and boyfriend,” he said and wiggled away from her before she could convenience him otherwise.

Avery stood and stretched before he went to the dresser to grab some clothes for the gym.

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”Only because you are here,” Cassi said and looked at Nic. She kissed her cheek before she scooted to the edge of the bed and stood. Calypso remained in bed, but Wayland jumped around excitedly now that both of them were awake.

”Do you want breakfast?” Cassi wasn’t sure what Nic’s routine normally was in the morning on a gym day. She grabbed her robe and tied it up, saving some of the leftover warmth from the bed.

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Caden laughed, shaking his head and wrapped him and Nero under the covers. ”We shall throw a party in your honour,” Caden said.

He held Nero for a while before he rolled onto his back, yawning and stretched. ”We’ll have to move some of our things into the other master bedroom today. Enough for a week.”

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Not able to filter herself after just waking up, Kiki mumbles a reply. “I can think of a much better way to work out.” She sits up and rubs her eyes tiredly before yawning and stretching in place, barely able to keep her eyes open.

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Still chuckling, Nic follows Cass’ example and gets off the bed as well. “I actually will need to stop at my new place to get workout clothes before I head over. Jeans don’t make the best athletic wear, unfortunately.” He smooths down the wrinkles around his knees, knowing there’s probably red marks indented into his skin from the material.

“But I can come back here afterwards and we can have breakfast. That way, I can grab some extra clothes to leave here.” He knows they only briefly spoke about it while Cass had a concussion, but he’s hopeful his girlfriend is still okay with Nic keeping clothes at her place for moments like these.

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“Fuck yeah we will.” Nero says with a giggle as Caden hides the two of them under the blanket. When he rolls onto his back, Nero stays firmly attached, resting on top of him even as he stretches. “I can move the furniture while you work out if you want.” Nero offers. There wasn’t much for them to do in the gym anyway - their only real use is as a resistance for Caden.

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Avery threw his clothes over his shoulder and grinned at Kimiko through the mirror. He knew she was half asleep, but it still excited him. At least she thought about it as much as he did.

Avery walked over to Kimiko's side of the bed and kissed her once. ”I'm sure your workout routine would be way more enjoyable. Maybe we can incorporate it soon,” Avery said before he walked into the bathroom to change.

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Cassi smiled and nodded. ”Yes, that would be a good idea,” she said, remembering the brief conversation they had had about it. The last week had been so busy for the both of them they didn't have time to organize it.

”I'll find some space in the closet and dresser for you,” Cassi declared before she yawned. ”Tea.” She turned and headed for the stairs.

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Caden rested his arms back around Nero after he stretched. ”That would be tremendously helpful. You can move whatever you want into the master on the other side of the house, too. Make sure the cats are situated over there as well.”

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“Mmm, sounds good to me.” Kiki mumbles before hearing Avery close the bathroom door. “W-wait!” Her entire face flushes as she realizes what she said. She shakes her head before jumping out of the bed and grabbing clothes for working out, figuring she can change while Avery’s in her bathroom. She keeps it relatively simple, grabbing a robe she can use for when the two of them shift later.

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Nic grabs his phone and the car keys as he follows Cass. “What kind of tea are you making this morning?” He asks in a chipper voice. “You don’t have to clear too much closet space - I don’t have that many ‘nice’ clothes to begin with, so I’ll probably only need a hanger or two depending on what I grab.” He tells her, catching up to kiss her cheek.

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Nero nods happily. “How fast do you think I can do it?” They ask in a teasing tone. “You might need to show me where that room is though - I haven’t been on that side of the house since you gave me the tour.” They chuckle sheepishly, resting their chin to look up at Caden with a small grin.

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Avery laughed when Kimiko finally woke up enough to realize what she had said. He washed up briefly and dressed in his usual workout attire before walking back into the bedroom.

”So, do you not want to change our workout routine then?”

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Cassi glared at Nic and his chipper voice. She walked into the kitchen, yawning again as she set the kettle. ”Ah, well, I will still clean up a bit, so you have room. It’ll wake me up, anyways.” As much as she disliked an early morning start, it was for the best. She had that case for Detective Costa she needed to start today.

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”Mmm, ten minutes,” Caden joked and looked at Nero. He ran his hands down Nero’s back and up their arms before pulling Nero closer. ”I can show you again, but if you get lost, the other side of the house mirrors this side. Just that side is more bedrooms,” Caden said and kissed Nero.

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Kiki had just gotten her face to calm down when Avery makes her flush all over again. She pulls her robe up and over her head to hide her face. “Yes… I mean no! I… fuck you.” She tries to find the door to escape through before Avery teases her more.

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Nic smiles pleasantly in reply to Cass’ glare, but nods. “You let me know if I can help in any way with that still, okay?” He says, leaning against her counter as she set up for tea.

“Would you like me to bring you a drink on my way back?” Nic coos as he wraps his left arm around Cass once she set the kettle on the stove, pulling her against him so he could kiss her head.

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“I’ll do it in five.” Nero says with their impish grin before relaxing from Caden’s touch and humming in content. “Ah, well that makes it easier.” Nero says. “Does it have a balcony with stairs like this side? Then I could just run up and down those easily.”

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”Mmm, yes please,” Avery said, pushing the teasing further. He got to the door before her and opened it up. ”After you, little fox.”

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Cassiopeia smiled softly at Nic’s gentle request. ”I will,” she assured him before grabbing fresh ginger and some lemon from the fridge. She returned to the counter and started cutting the lemon when Nic pulled her into his side. Temporarily forgetting to lemon, she shifted to look at Nic.

”You…are a brat,” she said, tapping his nose before she kissed him and returned to her task. ”You can bring me something if you want to, but as I will also be leaving the house at some point today, I don’t require anything.”

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”It does not. This side of the house is far more appealing, but we can make do for a week,” he said and kissed Nero’s nose.

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Kiki peeks out of her robe disguise to playfully glare at Avery before walking out of her bedroom. She hopes that he doesn’t see her blushing cheeks. “What’s on the workout agenda for today?” She asks, choosing to ignore his cheeky remarks for now at least.

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Nic hums and smiles as his nose is booped. “How about a smoothie, then?” He offers as he kisses her head. “Would pair well with whatever breakfast you have in mind.” Feeling a little bold, he places his right hand on her hip, close to her bum.

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Nero nods, definitely agreeing with him on that. “The bed might have to stay un this room then.” They say as they think out loud. “What do you think you’ll need? Your beauty products?”

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”What would you like to work on? We could do more weight training for you with some cardio, or I could spar with you. You seem to do better at hitting when you have an actual target,” Avery noted, heading for the kitchen.

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Cassiopeia finished preparing her tea and poured the water over the ginger and lemon. She covered it to steep for a minute when Nic rested his hand on her hip. She didn’t mind the contact, not in the least. What she minded was how her heart sped up and how she wanted to move Nic’s hand lower.

”A smoothie sounds good,” she managed to say and turned her focus back to Nic. She looked into his eyes, searching them before she turned to face him completely. ”You should probably go now so you aren’t late for your workout.”

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Caden laughed, kissing Nero’s face several times before he pulled the covers off of them. ”Yes, the furniture stays in this room. Just clothes, the cats, and my ‘beauty’ products need to move,” Caden said, laughing still.