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Cassiopeia wiggled her nose and stuck her tongue out at Nic when he tapped her forehead. She swatted his finger away before she rubbed the space over her third eye, feeling a weird tingling from where he had tapped.

”I wasn’t going to,” she defended. ”Well…completely. Did your mom have an aversion to tattoos? Or did she want to get one with your dad?”

Cassi piled her plate high with food, stealing another piece of the rice dessert to eat as she walked over to the table. She tucked her left leg under her as she sat down and started in on the tempura, like a bear fresh out of hibernation.

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”If it had something to do with that, I would be more inclined to believe either Cassi or I would be the target for stalking and not you,” Caden announced.

At Nero’s touch, Caden relaxed into his seat, lifting his foot off the gas peddle to slow down. ”Do you want me to take you out for supper, or would you rather we return home?”

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Nic’s tempted to ruffle Cass’ hair when she sticks her tongue out at him, but holds back, turning his attention to his plate. “Not any I ever heard of. Anytime Kiki and I would mention tattoos, she would just say to make sure we were certain of our choices… Since it’s permanent and all.” He chuckles, remembering how the two of them had wanted to get matching Reptar tattoos at one point.

“Moving on, did I just catch you eating dessert before having your dinner?” Nic’s tone is teasing, but he’s also the tiniest bit worried that she’ll steal them all before he finishes his food.

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“But I’m the one who’s been sending demons to try and figure out where it came from…” At Caden’s question, Nero tilts their head in thought. “Well, if we’re going out, we need to change clothes. Someone made a mess of them.” They flash a smirk at Caden, but there’s still worry behind their expression.

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Cassiopeia mulled over the idea of tattoos, but with what Nic said it didn’t make sense that getting a tattoo without his wife was the problem. Maybe it was the reason for it, though.

Nic pulled Cassi from her train of thought, and she grinned at him. She wiggled two fingers in the air. ”Twice,” she declared. ”You really should have bought more,” she teased him before she returned to devour her meal. Even though she had just started, she was already halfway through and looking forward to seconds.

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”I was prepared to do a whole lot worse to them, but then we were rudely interrupted,” Caden informed Nero. He slipped his hand onto their thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

”I don’t want to go home just yet, in case we are being watched. I have a safe house we can go to, or I can call one of the stores in town, and they’ll let us in to find something to wear.” They were likely closed, but Caden had formed a good relationship with many stores in Chicago. They would happily send someone in to open the store for him with the amount of money he spent.

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“I’ll remember this.” Nic says with a wink before he start eating his food. With his right hand, he starts his laptop up and downloads the video files he’d stolen from the hospital before running them through a program that should allow them to go through them frame by frame.

Nic reaches over and places his hand on Cass’ thigh with a gentle squeeze. “Alright, shall we get into our feelings now? What’s still on your mind after talking with Caden?”

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Nero tsks, a little miffed that the mysterious demon had ruined their fun. They move their hand to place over Caden’s. “That’s a wise idea actually - not going home right away, I mean.” They stare out the window again as they run everything through their head again.

“I’m pretty sure the only reason Crowley hasn’t show up on your doorstep is because he doesn’t know where you live or that I’m living with you…” Nero smiles at a memory that comes to mind. “Did I ever tell you that Cassi threatened me that first day you brought me there? Told me specifically not to tell any other demons about it.”

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Cassi slowed in her eating at the mention of Caden again. She fidgeted in her seat, glancing at the screen where an operating room sat pictured full of people, the patient — who somehow disappears — on the screen.

Cassi huffed and finished her last tempura roll before taking a sip of her drink. ”I don’t trust Nero. I think they’ve brought something to our doorstep that none of us should be involved in, but Caden is in love with them. He’s chosen Nero to be his mate and its all rather confusing for me. I trust Caden, but I don’t know. And Nero has been helpful in our hunts but they are still a demon. Causing pain is kind of their thing.”

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Caden squeezed Nero’s thigh while he chuckled at what Nero revealed about his best friend. ”I’m not surprised. She’s rather protective. We have my property and her place heavily warded. Most don’t know either location unless we invite people over. By bringing you in, I’ve allowed you access to invite people as well. I’m certain that’s what she was referring to. As well as likely hoping you were just going to be my latest playmate rather than my mate.”

Caden turned his hand and slipped his fingers around Nero’s. He twisted their hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

”I would offer to do the same to your place, but I’m concerned whomever that demon works for will detect my magic. Dragon’s magic isn’t exactly world-known. It’s one of our best kept secrets, next to my family’s location. I’m the only dragon that’s ‘out’ in the world, I guess you could say.”

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Nic nods as Cass talks, leaving his hand on her thigh while he eats more of his food. “That makes sense. From what you’ve described to me, I didn’t expect to like Nero at all.” Nic sets his chopsticks down as he finishes his plate.

“Well, not that I do like them - I’m just not as terrified of them as I once was.” Nic stops himself from going into detail about how much Nero and Caden can do in feats of strength during workouts. “But I think being cautious about them is very wise of you. I don’t think they’ve found an explanation for everything that happened to your family, otherwise Caden would’ve brought it up with you, I’m sure.”

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Nero smiles at the offer but shakes their head. “Yeah, I’d rather just sell the place anyhow. Although, it helps keep up the facade that I’m still a demon.”

“So, why is that? Is it like every other dragon story where you’re all endangered?”

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Cassi looked sideways at Nic before she ate another sushi roll. She chewed happily before swallowing. ”You can like Nero if you want to, Nic. You don’t have the history with them like I do.”

She leaned back in her seat, looking at Nic and enjoying his hand on her thigh. It was steadying, comforting.

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Caden released Nero’s hand to type on the screen in his car, sending a message to one of the clothing stores he frequented that he would be arriving soon with a guest for some clothes. After he hit send, he reclaimed Nero’s hand.

”Mmm, yes and no. Dragons are secretive, illusive. Pop culture got a lot of things right about dragons, but they also don’t know a lot more. I’m out and about because of what I horde. I can’t be cooped up; I have to go out and collect myself, but I’m also the leader of my people. Being in the world helps me know the world so that I can protect my family.”

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“When that ‘history’ is something as tragic and traumatizing as what happened to you, I’d rather wait for a pretty good reason to like them.” Nic assures Cass with a gentle squeeze on their thigh, turning in his chair to face her fully. “I can hound you all day about giving Caden a second chance, but Nero is a different story.”

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“I’m part of your horde, right?” Nero teases as they squeeze Caden’s hand in return. “Also thank you for setting me up with a new outfit. Would you like your sweater back, by the way?” To be honest, Nero is still pretty nervous for when they do end up meeting Caden’s family.

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Cassi smiled at Nic and placed a hand over his. ”I think them helping to kill the Chimera that took your parents, and them killing a wolf that was about to attack me is a pretty good reason for you to like them a little more than I do,” Cassi said and squeezed his hand. ”But I appreciate you wanting to be on my side all the same.”

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Caden chuckled and squeezed Nero’s hand. ”The most important collection in my horde,” he said shamelessly.

”As for my sweater, you can keep it if you want. I’m going to get a new one that doesn’t have a hole in it,” Caden declared. ”Although, I should wear it into the store to prevent causing an alarm.”

Caden currently sat half naked as he drove through Chicago, but it didn’t so much matter to him with the windows being tinted. Besides, Nero seemed to have grown fond of Caden’s clothing.

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“Now who’s defending them?” Nic jokes as he turns his hand to pull Cass’ hand to his lips and kiss it. “You’ll probably find that I hold those I love on a pedestal, so you might want to get used to me blindly hating people who’ve hurt you.”

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Nero laughs as they roll their eyes and shake their head. “That’s more of the reason I’m offering it. I wouldn’t ask you to cover up for no reason, after all.” They make a show of checking him out before smirking.

“I’ll let you pick out my outfit to make up for not being able to completely destroy my clothes earlier.”

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Cassiopeia blushed at Nic’s statement. It was so pure and truthfully that it made Cassi shy, but also feel the love Nic spoke of.

”Well, don’t put me on to high of a pedestal. I don’t want to fall off,” she said, and twisted her hand out of his to caress his cheek.

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Caden laughed and grinned happily, more than enjoying this topic of conversation instead.

”Mmm, alright. But when we get home, will you put something on that I can destroy?”

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“No promises there.” Nic places his hand over Cass’, turning his face to kiss her palm before letting it rest on his cheek again.

Nic pulls his laptop closer, now that the program has finished rendering the video for them. “Alright, I’m going to grab some more food before we start painstakingly watch this footage.” He rises to his feet, gathering his plate before he reaches down towards Cass. “Would you like another plate?”

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Nero fiddles with the sweater they still wear. “I think I have just the piece of clothing we can use for that.” They chirp to Caden. The change of topic is better - Nero can’t spend forever trying to figure out who had a demon spying on them anyway.

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Cassiopeia’s eyes followed Nic as he stood, towering over her. He reached down and gathered her plate. She was tempted to tell him no, that she had a different idea in mind, but she wanted to see this footage and she was still hungry. Besides, Cassi intended to spend the night. They could have time for other activities later, even if Ren came home and they would have to be quiet.

”Yes, please, and dessert,” she finally answered.

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”I can’t wait to see it.” Caden’s tone shifted to one of promises made in the dark. Of needs left unmet and moments interrupted.

He parked in front of a store and an employee immediately opened up the front door, waiting for Caden and Nero.

Caden leaned over, turning Nero’s face to look at him. He stared into Nero’s eyes for a moment.

”I love you, Nero. I would rather watch my entire collection be destroyed than lose you. Whatever is coming for you will not reach you. Not while I’m around.” For some, a silly pronouncement about losing a lifetime's worth of collections over a person would be considered obvious, but for a dragon to lose their collection would be to lose a part of themselves. Hoarding is in the very nature of a dragon. It is a severe compulsion that is not ignored. For Caden to tell Nero he would happily lose it all to save them was like saying he would rather be limbless or blind than ever lose Nero.

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A grin spreads across Nic’s face and he chuckles with a shake of his head. “If I remember correctly, you already had your dessert.” Nic teases Cass as he goes into the kitchen to divvy up the remainder of food. He lets Cass have most of the shrimp tempura sushi that’s left as well as another mochi, keeping the last one for himself.

“You’re lucky you’re too adorable to say no to.” Nic says with a smile as he places both of their plates down. He’s not actually sad about giving her more of the dessert - he doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth anyway.

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Note blinks owlishly at Caden’s declaration, their cheeks turning red as they stare at Caden. From what Caden had described, a dragon’s horde meant a lot to them. “You never cease to amaze me… How do your proclamations of love keep growing?” They reach over to hold Caden’s cheek, their expression soft.

“Thank you. I know I’ve told you how safe you make me feel but… it always pleasantly surprises me how easily you’re able to calm my nerves.” Nero kisses Caden’s lips softly, their thumb caressing his cheek before they pull back to take off his sweater and hand it to them.

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Cassiopeia grinned innocently at Nic. ”I worked hard today. I deserve an extra treat, besides, I’m a better treat for you than mochi anyways,” Cassi said boldly.

She accepted her plate from Nic, focusing on the food rather than Nic’s reaction to her statement.

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Caden smiled, accepting his sweater back from Nero, but didn’t let them move far away.

”Simply because my love for you keeps growing,” he said. Caden kissed Nero again before he made himself move back and pull the sweater on.

”Are you truly going to let me pick your outfit for supper?”

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Nic’s ears turn red, Cass’ comment taking him by surprise. “I dunno, I might have to do a taste comparison.” He says, not daring to look at her as he sits down, afraid his warm cheeks will give him away. He starts eating to distract himself from actually following through on his words. Only the thought that his dad might come home and see that stops him.

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Nero giggles softly against Caden’s lips, kissing him back before he pulls back this time. His question makes Nero chuckle. “I am.” They say with a smile. “Just don’t make me regret it.” They say with a wink and a cheeky grin before hopping out of the car.

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Cassiopeia’s cheeks burned, but she smiled, pleased with Nic’s response. ”Soon then,” she said, her voice sounding a bit breathless to her. She focused on her meal, then looked at the laptop.

”Should we hit play and watch it a few times?” Of course, Cassi would rather ignore the video and watch it tomorrow before Nic went to work, so they could resume their conversation upstairs, but she had to be on her best behaviour.

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Caden laughed and got out of the car. He locked it up, slipped his keys into his pocket, and took Nero’s hand.

”Never, my love.” He kissed Nero’s hand before walking into the store with them.

They were guided to the back where a selection of clothes, the latest fashions were already hung out for the two of them to look through. Caden scanned through the clothes they had picked for Nero. They had everything from pantsuits to dresses and skirts laid out for them. Of course, Caden had a certain look for Nero that he liked in his head, so he was immediately drawn to a short dress that came in a blush colour.

There were even black lace tights paired with heels he was sure Nero would be comfortable in. Caden moved the dress over and leaned his arm on the rack. He looked from the dress to Nero, and smirked.

”This one, please.”

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Hearing the desire in Cass’ voice makes Nic want to forget all about anything else, but he drinks some cold water to help stop himself. He nods to Cass’ question, pulling the laptop closer so they can both see it before he starts playing it frame by frame. “This is the first one I was able to find - they just wheeled the patient into the OR and everyone is getting ready when poof, the patient’s gone.”

When it gets closer to the disappearance, Nic tries his best to go through it as slowly as possible. Just a fraction of a second before the patient vanishes, there’s a cloud of pink that seems to explode from them. “What the…”

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Nero tilts their head at Caden’s choice, trying not to look too nervous about the open back of the dress or the fact that Caden is smirking. “Do I even want to know why you’re smirking?” They ask as they approach the rack and reach out a hand to feel the fabric of the dress.

“It’s cute.” Nero observes before turning their head to look at Caden, still suspicious of him.

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Cassiopeia resumed eating while Nic played the video. She was glad for the slowed down frame by frame version. She frowned when the pink mist appeared, and then nothing. Cassi cocked her head to the side, her food forgotten.

"Play it again," she asked him. She scanned the whole room, looking for anything amiss. The pink mist appeared once again, but Cassi was no closer to knowing what or who had done it. "Were the same people in the trauma room for this patient's disappearance as well as the other?" she asked curiously.

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"I'm smirking because I can picture you in this dress clearly. I like seeing your legs, and this will be a fine dress for it. I also thoroughly enjoy the zipper placement, but I can understand if you are hesitant because of the open back."

Caden had shifted his position to stand behind Nero while they both looked over the little dress. He ran a protective hand down Nero's back, visualizing the scarring that was there from hundred of years ago.

"I can pick another," he whispered for Nero's ears only. "but you know how much your legs."

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Nic pulls up the other footage he acquired and plays that frame by frame as well. “Different teams - one of these patients was brought in during the day shift, the other one during the night shift. There can sometimes be an overlap of some of the same nurses or residents, but the attending are different.” The second footage follows the a similar pattern, but the team is halfway through the surgery when the patient vanishes in the pink mist.

“I called around and asked some of my buddies at the other hospitals to see if they were encountering anything similar - only the trauma centers are experiencing the same thing.” Nic runs a hand through his hair, popping the mochi into his mouth. “It’s always a patient in critical condition too.”

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Nero watches Caden with an open expression as he spoke, pinpointing exactly what Nero is nervous about. Their ears warm at being caught that easily, but his hand running down their back produces a pleasant shiver up their spine. The whispering in the ear breaks Nero of any hesitancy and they bite their lip for a moment before sighing dramatically.

“I did say I’d wear whatever you picked, so I suppose this will do.” Nero leans their head back so they can look up at Caden with a smirk. “Who could say no to this handsome face anyhow?” They reach a hand to trace Caden’s jaw.