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Cassiopeia chuckled softly. ”I do ogle you. I'm just respectful and do it when you're not looking,” she said and glanced at the shower again.

She washed her face before she pulled the plug on the tub. She stood carefully and washed as many of the bubbles off as she could before she wrapped herself in the towel and located the oils she had set out.

The smell of citrus enveloped her and she hummed happily as she applied the oil to her legs, arms, chest, and neck. She glanced back at the shower before she dropped the towel and pulled on Nic's clothes.

”Alright my darling, the bathroom is yours,” she said after she put everything away and hung the towel up.

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Caden shifted his leg, daring Nero to move their hand higher. He chuckled from Nero's descriptions and kissed the side of their head.

”Cannoli, my little imp. I think I'm favouring the tiramisu today, although the dark chocolate and caramel of the budino is a close second.”

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Nic tries his best not to stare intensely out of the shower as he hears Cass get out of the tub, choosing to focus on washing the day off of himself. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He lets Cass know as he takes the shower head and rinses out the shampoo in his hair.

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Nero’s eye twitches as they try their best to keep their face expressionless as Caden kisses their head before breaking out in a smile. “Canoodles.” They declare with a nod of their head.

“Wir sollten den Rest einpacken lassen, bevor Sie die Kontrolle verlieren.” Nero raises an eyebrow at Caden as they eat the last cannoli of one of the trios.

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Cassiopeia closed the bathroom door behind her and wandered to the chair that held her stuff. She grabbed her hairbrush and some ponytails, along with a fresh pair of underwear and her sleep shorts.

She had debated on putting on Nic's joggers, but she figured she would sleep better in her shorts.

She quickly pulled the bottoms on before she turned to the bed. Cass did recognize the bed from Caden's house and sighed. Seeing the bed here rather than at Caden's was further proof that things were changing.

Cass pulled the blankets back and crawled onto the bed. She hated how comfortable the mattress was. She inhaled as she started to brush her hair, and smiled. At least the bed smelled like Nic.

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Caden laughed when Nero declared his own name for the Italian treat. He laughed for a while, picking up his wine glass to drink from and calm himself.

He glanced at Nero when they switched to German and Caden smirked. He glanced around the restaurant, seeing it was emptier.

[color=#006400][I]”Meine Kontrolle? Und bei dir?”[/color]

He set his wine glass down and brushed the tips of Nero's very red ears.

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Nic steps out of the to grab his towel, drying himself off before fully stepping out. He pulls on the pair of joggers he’d grabbed and the loose tank top, putting on some lotion and deodorant before he leaves the bathroom. He smiles when he spots Cass already in his bed and quickly climbs on to help her with her hair.

“These aren’t mine.” Nic says, fiddling with the shorts Cass is wearing, his fingers brushing against her thigh.

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Nero suppresses the shiver that wants to climb up their back from Caden’s touching their warm ears but levels him with playful glare. “Nun, auch meine Kontrolle lässt schnell nach.” They say pointedly.

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Cassiopeia smiled at Nic when he joined her. She paused in brushing her hair, her leg tingling from his touch. She resumed her work, brushing out her tangles as carefully as she could without having the proper detangler or conditioner with her. She made a mental note to grab doubles of everything the next time she went shopping.

”I think I'll sleep better with these, but I'm wearing your shirt,” she reminded. Cass was happy with how Nic's shirt fit. It was still baggy and comfortable in places, but nice enough that she would happily wear it in public without feeling like she was swimming in his clothes.

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Caden grinned mischievously and finished the two desserts he had been working on.

”Good. I'll get everything to go,” Caden said and waved over an attendant to pack everything up. In the meantime, Caden poured the remaining wine into Nero's glass for them to finish.

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Nic grins as he plucks the hair brush from her but keeps his other hand on her thigh. “You’re right - it looks amazing on you by the way.” He kisses her cheek before he takes over detangling her wet tendrils of hair.

“How many braids this time?” Gently, he brushes with his free hand, careful with the knots.

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Nero takes their wine with a little nod of acknowledgement to Caden and a small smirk. “‘I’m a perfect gentleman’, I knew that was a lie.” They say the firsts part with a very bad cockney accent as they tease their dragon. They sip their wine with a little bob of their head in dance, hesitant to wiggle in their seat with the placement of Caden’s hand still.

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Cassiopeia blushed from Nic’s comment and fiddled with the shirt she wore. He started to brush her hair, his one hand still on her thigh.

Cassiopeia held up two smaller hair elastics in response to Nic’s question. ”I was hoping for French braids, but whatever you feel like,” she said, wanting to give him creative freedom.

”The tattoo looks like it’s healing well. Is it itching yet?” She had admired his arms when he first walked into the room before her eyes focused on his tattoo to make sure he had been looking after it properly.

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Caden chuckled and rubbed his finger along the inside of their thigh before he finally relinquished their leg.

”I am, but I’ll admit it is difficult for me to retain my gentlemanly qualities when it comes to having you anywhere near me. Maybe I shouldn’t have picked your outfit,” he said, his eyes roaming Nero’s body.

When he heard the sounds of footsteps, he turned his focus back, looking composed and not at all aroused. He paid for their meal, leaving a generous gratuity before he stood and offered a hand to Nero, the bag of desserts in his other hand.

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“French braids it is.” Nic says, giving her thigh a squeeze before he pulls his hand back and accepts the hair elastics from Cass. Separating her hair evenly down the middle, he starts braiding one side. “There’s been a little bit of itchiness, but I’ve used that stuff you gave me for it and it’s helped.”

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Nero chuckles and shakes their head. “I did warn you.” They tell Caden smugly before finishing their glass of wine. The staff comes by and Nero takes their own hand back to push their hair over their red ears. They take his offered hand with a bright smile, standing with his help.

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Cassiopeia smiled and settled in to have her hair braided. She tilted her head back, so Nic would have an easier time separating her hair, and shut her eyes.

Cassi was glad to hear that Nic’s tattoo was healing well. ”Good. It might peel but that’s to be expected with the healing process. By the beginning of next week, you should be fine. Then we can touch it up in a couple of months if it is needed.”

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”Oh, is that why you were warning me?” Caden asked as he walked Nero from the restaurant.

His car was parked out front, Nero’s door open and waiting. Caden helped Nero inside before tipping the valet. He put the bag of desserts in the back before getting into the drivers seat, and called Avery.

A very tired sounding Avery answered on the other end with a yawn.

”Were you sleeping?” Caden asked, amused.

”It was a busy day,” Avery protested, his voice low. Caden assumed he was in bed with Kimiko and was trying to keep her from waking.

”I need you to do a perimeter check for me before we get back,” Caden said and gave Avery the run down of what to look for.

”You two had fun. That’s fine. We should talk when you get back,” Avery said before hanging up the phone.

Caden looked at his phone, an amused expression on his face. He set the phone down and looked at Nero.

”We’ll have to drive around until Avery gives us the all clear.”

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“Like a sunburn.” Nic observes before finishing off the first braid. He takes his chance and kisses Cass’ neck before moving to the other side. “I promise I won’t start peeling it off like I’m a lizard even if it’s really tempting.” He says as his finger move deftly through her hair.

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Nero simply smiles innocently at Caden’s question as they walk back to the car. They listen with some amusement, especially when it seems like Avery hangs up on Caden. “It’s the perfect time to teach me how to drive!” They say with an excited wiggle.

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Cassiopeia wasn’t expecting a kiss on the back of her neck, so when Nic did so, she flinched slightly before shivering.

”Pro…probably for the best,” she said, having to clear her throat from the tightness she felt there. Mother goddess, it was just one kiss to the back of her neck. It really shouldn’t have affected Cassi so much, but it had, and it still was.

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Caden laughed but nodded as he pulled away from the restaurant. ”Alright. Let’s find someplace out of the way. Are you wanting to drive or just sit in my lap and steer?”

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Avery shifted as carefully as he could away from Kimiko. He grabbed his sweater from the couch and laid it next to her before he scribbled a note on a piece of paper in case she woke up and noticed he wasn’t there.



He pulled on a shirt and his joggers before quietly leaving Kimiko’s room and headed outside. In the fresh air, Avery’s mind whirled with what Caden said about Nero being stalked by an unknown demon. Caden didn’t give Avery any other details than that, but Avery couldn’t help but wonder if there was something Nero had been avoiding by being up here.

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Nic chuckles at Cass’ reaction, brushing his fingers along the back of her neck purposefully as he finishes off the other braid. “Everything okay?” He whispers in her ear before kissing the other side of her neck. He pulls away to sit back, setting her brush on his nightstand with an innocent smile as he waits for her to turn around.

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Nero tilt their head at the question. “There’s a difference?” They ask in a normal tone, but their eyes dance with mischief. “Why can’t I do both?” They turn their body in their seat to face Caden more fully.

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Kiki rolls over in her sleep, feeling a little cold as she snuggled into the blankets more. Her face buries itself in what she thinks is Avery’s chest since it smells so much like him, not realizing it’s the sweatshirt he left behind. A small snore breaks the silence in the room.

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Cassiopeia fiddled with Nic’s shirt and the sheets on the bed while he finished up the last braid. She was feeling a little more settled — until Nic whispered in her ear. And kissed her neck again.

She had done okay with the brush of his fingers, finding the touch soothing and warm, but when he didn’t stop there, Cassi felt her stomach dip. Her body tingled, and she turned her head to see Nic looking smug, and innocent, and completely irresistible.

”You’re teasing me,” she said. Cassi shifted onto her knees and turned on the bed to face him. She rested her hands on her knees, her eyes skimming over his bare arms.

He really did have the perfect arms. They weren’t too big or small, and all Cassi could picture was being wrapped in them, Nic’s fingers brushing wherever they pleased.

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Caden glanced at Nero and chuckled. ”It’s a little more difficult for you to work the pedals if you’re on my lap. The steering is something you could do just fine,” Caden said. He pulled onto a service road and parked. ”So, what will it be?”

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Nic continues to smile innocently at Cass. “I have no idea what you mean.” He says before breaking out in a crooked grin. His gaze shifts to Cass’ thighs, noticing how nice they still look. He wants nothing more than to pull her close as he leans forward, his gaze back on her face. “Is it working though?” The whisper is soft, much like his kiss as he closes the distance between them.

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Nero frowns as they think on it, tapping their chin. “I’ll steer for now.” They decide with a nod, opening their door and getting out. With a prance, they make their way to Caden’s door and tap on the window. “Knock, knock.”

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Cassi felt her breathing restricted when Nic's eyes wandered. She desperately wanted to know what he was thinking, and she wanted to pin him to the bed.

Cassi gripped her knees, her eyes locking with Nic's as he leaned ever closer to her.

”Yes,” she whispered, her lips staying apart after.

Cassi was at the point of begging if she needed to. As much as she wanted to pin him to the bed and do what she wanted, Cassi was curious what Nic would do. The way he looked and leaned into her bled nothing but confidence and desire. For her, and there wasn't much more of a turn on than that.

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Caden watched Nero get out of the car, an amused expression on his face as he tracked his imp skipping around the car. He was tempted to just roll the window down and ask them what they wanted, but he opened the car door and moved his seat back.

”Have you ever driven before?” Caden asked curiously, watching Nero as they stood outside his car.

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Nic smiles against Cass’ lips, a soft chuckle escaping before he snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Resting his other hand on her hip, he kisses her deeply and pokes his tongue between her parted lips. It had been hard resisting her all night so far and Nic hopes that maybe this time, they can finish what the two had started back at his apartment.

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Nero shakes their head as they slip into the car and sit in Caden’s lap. “Never ever,” They chirp as they look at all the intimidating lights and buttons that make up the dashboard and steering wheel. “Can’t be too hard though, right?” The demon wiggles into a comfortable position.

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Nic's chuckle made Cassiopeia shiver. Her hands came to rest on either side of his neck while they kissed, her tongue tangling with his after she parted her lips more. Cassiopeia sighed pleasantly, feeling that initial release of intimacy between her and Nic relax her nerves and racing mind.

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Caden pulled the door shut once Nero climbed inside. When they started to wiggle on top of him, finding their seat, Caden began to wonder if this was a bad idea.

"Alright, well place your hands on the steering wheel like this," Caden said, demonstrating the nine and three hold on the steering wheel. "This is your signal. You use it if you want to turn. Up for left, down for right," he said, flicking the switch up and down without removing his hand from the steering wheel.

"This is your gearshift, you use it when you want to move from park to drive or reverse," Caden said, tapping the gearshift that sat in the middle of the seats. "When you shift, it will show up on the dashboard." Caden demonstrated by putting the car into drive and an illuminated 'D' popped up on the screen in front of Nero.

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The thumb of the hand on Cass’ hip pushes under Nic’s shirt and rubs the skin there in slow circles as Nic kisses her. The arm around her waist shifts to pull Cass into his lap so he can splay his that hand on the small of her back. His tongue doesn’t hesitate to reciprocate tangling around hers and he sighs happily, enjoying the moment.

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Nero nods enthusiastically to Caden’s demonstration, bouncing with excitement. Placing their hands over his, they try to mimic what he does with an eager grin. “Okay, that’s a lot.” They observe after Caden shifts gears.

“And you wanted me to try adding whatever else onto that?” The demon squirms to see what Caden’s feet were doing. “Those are pedals, right?” Nero asks once they’ve managed to get a good glance.

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Cassi smiled, pleased Nic pulled her closer. She straddled his lap, her hands drifting down to his chest. She moved one hand to his untattooed arm, and let her hand trace the muscle definition there.

Her tongue remained tangled with his until she needed to breathe, and then she went back to kissing him normally. Her body started to heat up from his thumb on her hip, but she didn't feel rushed to do anything about it yet.

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Caden rested a hand on Nero's hip when they bounced and wiggled on top of him again.

"Yes, and if you keep wiggling around like that we won't be going anywhere," Caden said and squeezed their hip. "Now, the pedal my foot is on is the brake, so we aren't going anywhere, but when I take my foot off." Caden did so and the car started to roll forward. "The other pedal is the accelerator, that will allow us to keep moving forward. The harder you press it the faster you go," Caden said and pushed on the pedal until the got to roughly six miles per hour before he pressed on the brake and they came to a stop again.

"Plus you have to watch the mirrors on the sides and other traffic, but that's why we are on a sideroad. There isn't a lot of others driving down here."

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A warm blush covers their ears and cheeks, but Nero smirks until Caden squeezes their hip and causes them to squeak. “Well that’s another option to pass the time.” They argue in a bratty tone before watching Caden use the pedals.

“Okay, I think I get it.” Nero says, placing their hands where Caden had shown them before nodding their head. “Onward!” They declare, patting Caden’s hip as if it’s the side of a horse.