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Kiki follows Avery by habit, slowly coming out of her hiding place. “I’d like to try sparring.” She says as she puts some thought into it, knowing she’d like to feel less helpless. “Then you could have an excuse to manhandle me.” She jokes, trying to distract her thoughts. Even if I could have fought the wolves off, the problem was them grabbing my star ball. Her hands fidget as she starts cracking her knuckles finger by finger.

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Nic heaves a heavy sigh but nods before pulling her into a hug. “You’re probably right.” He plants some kisses on her forehead, nose, and cheeks before kissing her lips. “I love you and I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” He moves his head to lightly smack her bum. “Don’t miss me too much.” He kisses her lips once more before heading out the door.

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Nero playfully pouts once Caden stops kissing them, unable to help but giggle. “And what else would you call your hair oils and moisturizers and stuff.” They ask with an eyebrow raised in his direction.

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Avery grinned, liking the idea of sparring with Kimiko more and more. ”I guess it would be a good test to see if you like me manhandling you. Who knows, maybe I’ll prefer you putting me on my back,” Avery said, turning to wink at Kimiko before walking down the stairs to the kitchen.

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”Have fun,” she said, moving to watch him leave. Once the front door closes, Cassi turns and leans against the counter. She sipped her tea, sighing. ”Don’t worry, I still will.”

It was hard not to miss Nic. He brought so much life and joy to Cassi’s life. Cassi wouldn’t say she had been depressed before meeting Nic, but she just went through the daily motions of life before. She enjoyed her shop and the life she was living, but with Nic, she felt truly alive again.

Cassi sipped her tea, waking up a bit more before she went into the backyard. She set herself up on the grass before doing a small yoga routine to help her wake up a bit more. After, she tended to all of her plants.

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”Hair care and skin care,” he said, kissing Nero one more time before he sat up, rolled the imp off of him, and stood. Caden stretched, lingering a bit longer in front of Nero since he was completely naked. After their fun last night, Caden didn’t see much point in putting on clothes.

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Kiki puts her red face in her hands. “I’m not awake enough for this.” She says in a mumble before following Avery down the stairs. “Is it too late to change my mind?”

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Nic admits to himself that he’s glad his dad isn’t awake when he comes by the apartment to change clothes and grab some to leave at Cass’. He doesn’t want the morning ruined this soon. Nic is in and out of the apartment rather quickly and gets ready to drive over to Caden’s, sending Cass a text first.

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“Beauty products.” Nero sticks their tongue out at Caden before they’re manhandled off of him. Narrowing their eyes at Caden’s usual lack of shame. They stand on the bed with their hands on their hips, raising an eyebrow in a silent challenge. The demon hadn’t bothered with clothes either, especially with how much Caden teased them about wearing any clothing to bed.

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Avery chuckled as he entered the kitchen, smiling and greeting the others who were already in there.

”Too late to change your mind about us or the workout routine? Cause if it’s about us, the answer is yes, it's too late,” Avery said and leaned back to kiss Kimiko’s cheek before he pulled out some ingredients to make their protein shakes.

As he worked, he spoke to the chef about supplies needed for the kitchen, letting them know they needed extra strawberries and baker's chocolate this time.

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Cassi’s phone buzzes while she is pruning some of her plants. She sat back on her heels and smiled before opening the camera on her phone to take a picture.



Wayland and Max were wandering around the backyard while Cassi worked, her tools laid out in the photo as well.



She added in a second message.

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Caden smirked at Nero’s silent standoff with him. ”I think this is my favourite outfit of yours. Although, it might look better with that necklace I bought you,” he informed them, walking backwards into the closet.

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Kiki sends Avery a playful glare as her ears turn pink from the simple kiss. It’s one thing to kiss and be affectionate in front of strangers, but in front of the staff or family and friends? Kiki tries not to overthink it too much. “Well, that can’t be right. Let me speak to your manager.” She says before watching what Avery pulls out.

“Oh! That’s why we’re in the kitchen.” She says brightly, moving to help get the ingredients sorted and started.

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Nic quickly saves the picture Cass sends, setting it as his wallpaper. He couldn’t get enough of all the cuties present. He starts driving again before he can text her back, waiting for the next red light before he answers. He snorts at Cass reminding him to talk to Kimiko.



When he had been there Friday morning of last week, Kiki’s bruises were barely visible. He hadn’t wanted to bring up the luncheon with her when she was only just getting back to her old self. However, now that there’s some suspicious interactions from his dad, the sooner he got them all in a room together, the better.

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Nero mirrors Caden’s smirk, hopping off the bed to follow him into the closet. “That outfit is only for special occasions.” Nero declares with an devilish grin. “And you have to earn those.” They can’t help but tease.

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Avery laughed and shook his head. ”I am the manager,” he informed her. Avery started to add some ingredients to the blender, deciding he would make two separate shakes today since he would need the extra protein for today.

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Ever since Cassi could remember, she had had an affinity for plants. Even before the wind called to her, the plants in and around her home in France played and talked with her. Even the keepers of the plants, small Fae-like folk, responded and liked Cassi. They were often shy creatures and didn’t come out around humans or strange supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, Cassi had never seen any of the Fae folk in the United States. It was probably for the best. The hunters in America were ruthless.

Cassi was talking to the plants as she tended to them. She was so immersed in her work that she didn’t notice Nic had messaged her. She just kept working, letting the task and the fresh air wake her up.

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Caden grinned, his eyes narrowing playfully. ”And how do I earn the privilege of seeing that outfit?”

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Kiki walks up behind Avery and despite her embarrassment with PDA, she stands on her tiptoes so she can rest her chin on Avery’s shoulder to watch him make the shakes. “Well, Mister Manager, I have some complaints.” She whispers, trying not to giggle and ruin the tease. “First one being that there’s not enough strawberries.” This time, her laughter is very audible in her voice.

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When Cass doesn’t reply, Nic starts to think she might have fallen asleep in her garden and waits until he’s parked in front of Caden’s place to send another message. Remembering her comment from the day before, Nic gets out of the SUV and takes a selfie of him in his workout fit making a thumbs up with a smirk and a wink on his face.

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“I don’t know yet, but I’ll inform you as soon as I think of something.” Nero grins back at Caden.

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”Well, Madame, you'll be happy to know I have made sure the kitchen orders many more strawberries. They should be delivered tomorrow,” he said.

Avery enjoyed the closeness of Kimiko, even if it was simple. It reminded him that she had chosen him as well. It reminded him that she was still there.

Avery turned the blender on, mixing up his shake before he poured it into a cup and started making Kimiko's for her. He put in the right amount of protein for her size and added more berries to substitute the missing strawberries. He added greens as well to up the fibre intake before blending it up.

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Cassiopeia had moved onto the plants she had taken from Nic's when he texted her again. This time Cassi heard the buzz of her phone and wiped her hands before she opened up her messages to see the one she missed earlier and the new ones.

Cassi instantly saved Nic's photo after sending just the hot emoji.

I hope I'm one of these cuties. And unfortunately no, I did not fall asleep. Once I'm up, I'm up. Text me when you're on your way back, so I can head in and work on breakfast.

She added a frowning face after her statement about not being able to fall back asleep, followed by the kissing one at the end of her text. She was glad cell phones were a thing. It definitely made relationships easier to maintain while living your own life.

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”Be sure and tell me as soon as you know. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing that outfit as soon as tonight,” he said.

With one last look at Nero's small yet lethal frame, he turned his head and gathered his clothes for today's work out. He dressed quickly in some compression gear before he walked over to Nero.

”If you finish moving things before I'm done and miss me, be sure to come and find me,” he said and kissed Nero deeply.

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Kiki snorts with a soft laugh. “I know, I heard you talking to the chef.” She says before stepping away from Avery, claiming the spot on the counter that nobody is using next to Avery’s blender and prep work. She leans back on her elbows so she can carry on the conversation with him.

“Oh, thank you for adding the greens - I manage to forget those somehow… often…” Her ears flush a little as she realizes it’s more habitual than she thought.

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Cass’ response is quicker this time and Nic laughs at her emoji choice, leaning back against the SUV to go on and read the subsequent text. He knows he has time before anyone will expect him in the gym. Plus, Caden and Nero have the habit of showing up late most mornings.



Nic sends a little pleading emoji with the text before he continues.



At this point, Nic grabs his bag from the SUV and heads inside, following the familiar path to the gym after Henry lets him in.

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Nero laughs, but their cheeks bloom with a rosy hue from Caden’s words. “Will do.” They reply with a very smug expression as Caden dresses. They pout that he’s clothed now, but can’t really complain when he kisses them deeply. Nero’s arms automatically wrap around his neck as they kiss him back.

“Okay.” Nero says a little breathlessly once they’ve pulled away.

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”That doesn't surprise me in the least,” he said before starting the blender.

Avery glanced sideways at Kimiko, his eyes drifting down the length of her body before looking at the blender to determine when her drink was mixed enough. Avery turned the blender off, poured her drink into a second cup, and handed it to her.

”Let's head up. Nic should be here soon if he isn't already,” Avery said. He put the supplies away before rinsing the blender out and set it by the large industrial sink.

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I’ll start compiling a list of things. Have fun… I love you.

Cassi laughed to herself, shaking her head at the thought of Nic doing more than he already does to make it up to her. He was already blowing her out of the water with everything he had done and continued to do for her. What else could he possibly do?

Cassi reread her last three words over and over, the smile growing on her face before she was headbutted by her familiar. Cassi set her phone away and gathered Max into her arms before scratching his head. He purred and stretched accordingly before loading on her lap, watching Wayland hunt bugs in the garden.

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Caden looked at Nero one last time before he grabbed his running shoes and left. The smile on his face seemed to be permanent these days, even with his rocky relationship with Cassi. Still, nothing could shake the image of how Nero looked after Caden kissed them moments ago.

Caden headed into the gym and greeted Nic. He glanced around not seeing Avery or Kimiko.

”Did we both beat Avery to the gym?” Caden was shocked. That was a first.

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Kiki playfully glares at Avery for the comment. She grabs a straw quickly from where she saw Avery get one the other day, placing it in her smoothie. “Thank you.” She says, fidgeting for a moment and blushing before she quickly kisses his cheek. Now properly flustered, she starts to quickly lead the way to the gym.

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Nic sends the text quickly before almost running into Caden. “Good morning.” He says politely before answering his question. “I never thought I’d see the day.” He glances around before smiling at Caden. “How is everything?” He looks happy, to say the least, but Caden is pretty good at hiding things like that in front of company. Nic wants to ask if he’d reach out to Cass, but stops himself from getting involved. It’s not his place.

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Nero watches Caden leave, a little goofy smile on their flushed face, before they get dressed. Luckily for their clothes, most were all still in the bags, so Nero starts with getting those over to the other side of the house. Henry asks them on the way if they’d like help, but the little imp shakes their head. They would answer with words but they’re holding some of the bag handles by their teeth.

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Avery chuckled, finding Kimiko’s reactions adorable. Once they were on the main floor, Avery grabbed Kimiko around the waist and stopped her in the middle of the hallway. He kissed her once before letting her go.

”Just wanted to do that before we head into the gym. I want to try and keep things professional,” he told her.

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Caden smiled and nodded before he sat on one of the benches to put on his shoes.

”Oh good. Nero and I got back from New York late last night. I wasn’t planning on coming today, but Nero woke me and they want to move some things in the room around. I’m having some renos done,” Caden explained.

He stood up and started to stretch to loosen up before he went over to one of the treadmills he had. He only had two plus two ellipticals since, most of the time they opted to go for a run on the property to warm up.

”Do you happen to know Cass’ schedule for tomorrow?”

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Caught off guard, Kiki blinks for a moment as her blush comes back again. It takes a second or so before she digests what Avery’s said. “Oh, yeah, professional.” She says nodding before smiling sheepishly up at him. “I’m also realizing that PDA is confusing in front of people you know.”

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Nic starts his stretching to wake up his muscles as Caden talks, nodding along periodically. He goes to grab a jump rope as Caden asks about Cass and pauses to turn his gaze on the other man. “I know the detective asked her to handle red caps? I think they’re called? But… Maybe you could help her with that if you’re looking to build bridges.”

Nic reaches the cabinet the jump rope is in and grabs one before making his way back towards Caden. “Don’t tell her I said anything, but she mentioned your name the other day without immediately scowling so… She might be looking for bridge repairs herself.” He doesn’t look at Caden as he says this, opting to start jumping when he’s done talking. It’ll feel less like he’s betraying Cass’ trust this way.

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Avery cocked his head to the side, looking at Kimiko curiously. ”How so?” He started to walk down the hallway again but slowly so they could finish their conversation. While they walked, he drank his protein shake.

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Caden started to jog lightly, building up slowly to a run while he and Nic talked.

”I'll check in to see how the case is going, but Cassi doesn't take well to people butting in on her cases. Besides, she knows how to handle redcaps better than anyone. They don't necessarily have leadership or a hierarchy but all redcaps are descended from the same Scottish line. Cassi's family is like royalty when it comes to the Fae, witch, and sorcerer world. It's likely why Costa approached her to handle the mess rather than me.”

Caden breathed a sigh of deep relief when Nic mentioned Cassi was saying his name without cursing it in the same breath. ”I won't say anything, but thank you for telling me. I bought her something while in New York to try and break the tension… I've never gone this long without talking to her. I'm not handling it well, not that I am upset with her. I understand why she is hurt.”

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Kiki takes a long drink from her smoothie before she answers, trying to give herself time to think of an explanation. “I don’t know if I can quite explain it… I mean, I know I get flustered almost any time you kiss me, but in front of the staff? Or our friends?” She shakes her head, still not sure how to explain it. “The only word I can think of is ‘embarrassed’, but that doesn’t fit.” She shoots another sheepish look at Avery.

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“Fair,” Nic says between breaths as he skips rope. “I just get worried when I hear the venom in their bite could put her in a coma.” He pauses jumping to finally look at Caden.

“Me too, I can definitely empathize with her, but I know the relationship she has with you is very important to her.” Nic runs a hand through his hair with a sigh. “It’s just hard to make her see that but still come across as a supportive and loving boyfriend… That all being said, I hope you two will be able to reconcile.” He flashes Caden a smile before going back to skipping rope.

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”Is it embarrassment or shyness?” Avery asked, slowing his pace to match hers while they talked.

Suddenly the gym didn't seem as important to Avery. All that mattered in this moment was Kimiko and her feelings. This was perhaps the most honest moment the two of them were having in terms of the intimate part of their relationship and Kimiko wasn't shying away from it at the moment.

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Caden chuckled and nodded, remaining silent for a moment while he worked on getting his heart rate up. He glanced at the door while he ran, still surprised Avery hadn't shown yet. Surely he would have texted to say training was off. At least Nic and Caden had an idea of what to do in the gym.

”Cass is anything but reckless. She's usually pulling one of us out of the fire, if you'll pardon the phrase,” Caden said as he slowed to a walk before getting off the treadmill.

”I have a plan to win her back, don't you worry,” Caden joked before he went to one of the mats to continue his warm up with some ground work.

”Speaking of winning Cassiopeia over. How is it going between you two? I see she finally got her mark on you,” Caden said and nodded towards Nic's upper arm tattoo. ”Impressive work,” he added.

Cassi was always a stickler for detailing but Nic's tattoo was meticulous in its detailing.

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“I would say it’s more on the shy side.” Kiki tells Avery. “Because it’s definitely not that I’m ashamed of you or anything like that.” She says this with emphasis, wanting to are sure he understood her genuine feelings on it.

“I think it’ll just take time for me to be comfortable with public displays of affection is all.” As if to prove her point, Kiki tugs on Avery’s arm to stop him so she can kiss him back. She pulls away once she’s properly flushed and breathless. “But I agree on keeping it professional in the gym.” She says with a wink.

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Nic smiles, knowing what Caden says it true but unable to help the concern he’ll always have for Cass. At the mention of his tattoo, Nic finishes jumping rope to twist his arm and show Caden the details. “Impressive work from an impressive woman.” Nic says in an almost dreamy tone as he takes the jump rope back to the cabinet.

“I think it’s going well though,” Nic answers with a goofy smile. “Although…” His ears shine red and he shakes his head. He’s not going to bring up the sexual tension between him and Cass to Caden. “Never mind, but… I finally told her I loved her and she said it back. I don’t know how much time I’ll truly have with her, being human and all, but I plan to treasure every moment.”

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When Kimiko stopped Avery to kiss him until both of them were breathless, Avery couldn't help the grin that crossed his face. Now he definitely didn't care about the gym or training today.

Avery rested his forehead against Kimiko's, taking one more minute with her. ”How about we start with hand holding when we are around the staff and our friends? Then we can go from there. But if you ever want to push it, just know that I'm comfortable with that.”

Avery quickly pecked Kimiko’s lips before he forced himself to walk away from her and into the gym. If he didn't do it now, he wasn't going to do it. He'd much rather take Kimiko back to her room and talk about their relationship.

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Even if Nic hadn't said he was in love with Cassi, the dreamy expression on his face told Caden everything he needed to know. If Caden had any doubts before, he didn't now.

Caden finished his warm up on the floor before he stood, and grabbed water from the fridge.

”She is pretty incredible. I'm happy for the two of you. I'm also glad Cassi is with someone who cares for her the way she deserves. I'm rather protective of her, but I know I don't have to be with you.”

Cassi was due for something good in her life. Something to show her that she was worthy and worth being loved. She had been carrying the burden of her family on her shoulders for many years. Nic was good for her for many reasons, and Caden would always be grateful for Nic giving Cassi the love she needed.

Avery finally walked into the gym and Caden turned. ”Well well well, look what the cat dragged in. Or should I say fox?”

Avery smirked and nodded to the pull up bar. ”I think you need a longer warm up. Up you go.”

Caden laughed before he listened to his trainer.

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Kiki closes her eyes again when Avery leans his forehead against hers, enjoying his musk and the feeling of being close to him immensely. “Hand holding sounds like a good start.” She whispers before Avery gives her a quick kiss. Watching him walk ahead of her into the gym, she cracks a smile.

“You should not.” Kiki tells Caden reproachfully when she enters and hears his little joke.

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Nic beams at the compliment Caden just gave him, touched that the immortal demigod dragon approved of him. “That means a lot coming from you, thank you.” He says before Avery finally walks into the gym, Kimiko trailing behind with a flushed face that got even more red at Caden’s comment.

Nic chuckles to himself, shaking his head at the easygoing atmosphere. “Speaking of foxes though, Kimiko, I wanted to ask you about rescheduling that luncheon with my dad if that’s okay?”

“Oh, I’m sorry! I completely forgot!” The fox says, making her way over to Nic so he doesn’t have to shout across the gym. “I don’t have any schedule concerns right now, so if you want to find a time that works best for you and your dad, just let me know.” Kimiko takes a long sip of her smoothie before getting on the floor to start her usual stretches. “I’ll just make Avery reschedule if he plans something.” She said in a stage whisper with a smirk and a wink.

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Avery opted to be a trainer mostly today since he started so late. He normally worked out before he trained people unless he was just training Caden. When it was just the two of them they often went about doing their own thing. However, Avery was training three people today, so he needed to concentrate more.

Avery stood in front of Caden, watching him do his pull-ups. Avery crossed his arms, smirking at the dragon.

”Engage your core, old man. You're slowing down,” Avery said and knocked against Caden's core, causing him to tighten up.

”You're going to make me pay for that comment today, aren't you?” Caden finished up and dropped back to the ground.

”I would never. I am a professional. Now put on the weight belt and start with the one arm pushups. Fifty on each arm, then deadlifts,” Avery said, smiling cheerily before he walked over to Nic and Kimiko.

”What am I cancelling?” he asked Kimiko.