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Cassi smiled, scooting closer to Nic, so he didn't have to reach so much. Wayland hopped up on the centre console and laid out on Nic's arm, closing his eyes shortly after.

"I'm good. Yes, we tend to have busy schedules these days don't we? I appreciate the morning and good night texts, though," she said, and held his hand in a way that left it in contact with her leg still. "The shop has been extra busy. I lost some new clients, but my old ones are keeping me as busy as ever. Had to place an order to have some things brought in from out of state which is exciting. And planning Nero and Caden's bonding ceremony. You're still coming to that, right?"

---

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Caden chuckled, settling his arms around them, and his chin on the top of their head. "You know me. I never do anything half assed."

Caden already had a plan in his head for what he wanted to do. This question was just confirmation that he could use the ring he bought in New York for this purpose.

---

---

Staff Housing

"Well, you only come around when you need my gear," she pointed out to Kimiko. She opened up her simple bedroom, a room she shared with another girl, and opened up the wardrobe. She dug out her leathers and handed them to Kimiko.

"It'll be good to have your own. They'll fit you better and then I can tag along for a ride from time to time." She hadn't had a riding buddy since Kimiko came along, which was fine, but it was nice to go as a group as well.

"Oh, well Avery should have a good few stores for you two to go and check out," Sarah said, resting her hands on her hips. "Why? Do you not want to go with him?"

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Nic grins, glancing sidelong to see Wayland’s perch with a soft chuckle. “Of course I am - even made sure to switch shifts with someone so I can go.” He gives her leg a squeeze, playing with the hem of her stocking a little even as she holds his hand.

“Now the real question is, what should I wear to the ceremony?” He had looked around online for something he might like, but buying something online that accommodates his height and weight isn’t an easy task. “Would you like to go to another store with me today to find something that’ll work?”

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“Precisely why I would have been greatly offended with a lackluster proposal.” Nero chirps. The cold breeze outside makes the blanket and Caden’s usual warmth very comfortable, which is probably why the dragon had mentioned the pool closing up for the winter. “Okay, so maybe it might be too cold for swimming… Is there something you’d like to do today? I think we deserve a little break.”

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“Hey, maybe! Then I can get to know you better instead of only using you for your gear.” Kiki says with warm ears at being called out as she takes the leathers. When she mentions that Kiki might not want to go with Avery, the fox answers a little too quickly and loudly. “No, of course I want to go with him!” Kiki flushes as she realizes she didn’t need to defend herself so quickly - she’s not in an interrogation.

“Er, um, well thank you for the gear, we’ll talk soon I’m sure!” Kiki awkwardly bows as she leaves the staff housing and bolts for the garage, figuring Avery might be there waiting already.

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"Mmm, something semi-formal at least. It isn't a wedding, but it is kind of like one. A bonding ceremony is usually a big deal and a large party usually follows, but since it is just the six of us, and maybe a few members of Caden's staff, it'll be low key. Still, it's a good excuse to dress up."

Cassiopeia stared out the windows while she spoke, looking from the windshield to her window to remain focused on the task at hand. Nic's fingers slipping under her stocking had her anticipating the moment he just decided to push it down, and the thought set her heart racing.

"Oh! We could definitely go shopping if you like, but I think that would be too long in the car for Wayland. I know we can take him into the pet store, we might get away with it in the hardware store. He can sit in my pocket, but I think the clothing stores will be pushing it." She looked at the cat in question, who was fully asleep on Nic's arm.

---

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Caden chuckled and kissed the top of Nero's head. "It is heated, it just can't sustain the cold temperatures and freezing of Chicago's winters."

It was the beginnings of Fall in Chicago, which meant a mixture of cold and warm days that were never consistent. Plus wind and some rain as the seasons started to turn.

Caden tried to think of something else they could do, but he couldn't think of anything else. "We could go visit one of the museums if you want," he offered. There were dozens of museums, but a few of interest were the Medieval Torture Museum, the art institute, and the planetarium.

---

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Sara shook her head, amused by Kimiko and waved her off before returning to her breakfast.

---

Meanwhile, Avery had got his bike running and was changing into his gear when Kimiko finally arrived.

"There you are. I was wondering if you ran away on me to get out of going on the bike," he teased her. He knew the bike wasn't Kimiko's favourite mode of transportation, but he appreciated how she was still willing to ride with him. He liked having her close on the bike, but he also liked sharing one of his passions with her. It was one of the reasons why Avery was going to buy that run down mustang he told Kimiko about when they first got together.

He was going to restore it over the winter, perhaps with her help, but he wanted to have it done by the summer. That way he could take her on dates with that, and reserve the bike for when he had time to himself or Kimiko wanted to go.

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Nic smiles happily to himself, blissfully unaware of just how much of an affect his fiddling with Cassi’s stocking has on her. “Ah, then maybe we’ll get Wayland all set up at my place and go shopping after that then.” He says with a nod. Maybe if he had that backpack, the clothing store could be a possibility. He shifts his glance to Wayland again and chuckles.

“Man, I wish I could just fall asleep anywhere.” He says, not thinking of how he can do the same from working years in the hospital.

---

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---

“Is that you saying you’d like to go to a museum?” Nero asks as they play with the collar of Caden’s shirt. They know there’s much that they haven’t experienced yet in Chicago, so maybe going on a little trip to some of the museums could be fun. Plus, now that they know Mundus is still locked in his cage, there’s definitely much less to worry about.

“I think that could be fun.” They say after a moment before smirking with an idea. “Do you think you can carry me the whole time?”

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Kiki flashes a grin, forgetting her flustering from just moments ago. “I had to make you sweat a little, right?” She replies as she starts putting on the borrowed gear from Sarah. “Sarah says she misses riding her bike with you.” She mentions as she hops into the chaps. “So I guess you’ll need to help me get me my own gear sooner rather than later.”

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Cassiopeia watched Wayland sleep with a fond expression. ”I'm just glad he feels comfortable enough. It's always a telling sign of if a cat feels comfortable or if a person is safe. If the cat likes them, it's always a good sign,” she said and smiled at Nic.

Familiar's, of course, were different. They had one person and that was it. They could certainly accept another human or animal into their person's life. But there wouldn't be that same connection with the others.

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”I'm asking if you'd like to go. I'm perfectly content staying in and taking you back to the bedroom to keep you naked for the rest of the day,” Caden said, sliding his hand up Nero's leg suggestively. He stopped just before his fingers could brush their groin. ”But, if you'd like to go, then we can.”

Caden smiled wickedly while he watched Nero for their reaction. He had to laugh though, when Nero challenged him. ”You want me to carry you around the museum?” he asked.

---

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Avery pouted before he put his helmet on. He wondered how long Kimiko would punish him, but he knew he had no right to ask.

”We could go today if you want. It would be good to have a partner to ride with again.” He missed riding with Sarah, as well. She was a good friend to have.

Avery handed Kimiko his backpack to put on once she was properly dressed and he got on his bike, waiting for her to climb onto the back.

---

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---

“I knew I was a catch,” Nic says with smooth confidence before he laughs at himself. “Don’t worry Wayland, I knew I liked you from the beginning too. Your mom took a minute though.” As he pulls off the freeway, he throws a teasing smirk and wink towards Cassi.

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Nero smirks at Caden’s brazen actions and rolls their eyes when he stops. However, at his reaction to their wish, they laugh. “I just like being carried around by you - it’s fun to see things from this height.” They lean their head back against his shoulder again.

“I figured now that we know Mundus is still imprisoned, maybe I can come down from my tower.” They say.

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Kiki catches Avery’s frown and shakes her head with a laugh. “I’m only teasing, but we can do that after the diner if you’d like.” She slips on the backpack and her helmet before climbing on behind Avery and wrapping her arms around him.

“Also, diner is my treat and whatever you want when we go get gear.” She tells him with a tap to his shoulder.

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Cassiopeia coughed and cleared her throat before looking out her window. ”Yes, well, I guess I should be thankful that you were more stubborn than I was in that case,” she said, fiddling with her hair again.

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Caden laughed both from Nero's reaction to Caden's touch and how they liked to be carried.

”That is true. The view from your height is rather limiting,” he teased them. ”Alright, let's go to a museum, and although it would be inappropriate to carry you, I'll do so for some of the tour,” he compromised.

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”Ah, is this finally the date where I get wined and dined?” Avery patted Kimiko's leg before he drove the bike out of the garage.

Like the last time, Avery took the journey slowly. He didn't speed like he normally would, wanting Kimiko to enjoy the ride rather than fear it.

The drive relaxed Avery, and he sighed happily, a smile on his face even though no one could see it. Driving his bike with Kimiko behind him felt right, and it restored a feeling of completeness in Avery that had been missing since he fought with her.

He parked the bike outside the diner, shutting the bike off before he got off and removed his helmet. The smile from earlier still on Avery's face. He unzipped his jacket, looking at the diner, and inhaled the delicious smell of bacon grease and pancake mix.

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Nic laughs at Cassi’s reaction, pulling into the parking lot for a strip mall that had a hardware and a pet store. He parks the SUV between the two shops. “I’m lucky that Jane joined our ‘first date’ so that she could be the most stubborn of us all and push us together.” He turns to Cassi and winks.

“Now, would Wayland want to ride in the cart? Or are we carrying him?”

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Nero laughs fully, a smile forming from ear to ear. “I was only teasing, you don’t have to carry me.” They tell Caden as they boop his nose. Taking in the moment, they snuggle against Caden for a few more minutes before their chaotic energy demands more action.

“Alright, let’s get going!” Nero says with glee while sitting up.

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Kiki would be lying if she said the pat on her leg from Avery didn’t leave her wanting more. While she’s partially been holding back to punish him, it’s also been hard to be close to him with Caden kidnapping the wolf all the time. Kiki gets off the bike with more grace than she has previously and smiles easily when she notices Avery’s expression. Yes, this is a good idea for sure.

“You’re cute.” She says as she takes off her gear.

---

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---

”And at least my stubbornness kept me from leaving of embarrassment.” Cassi had enjoyed her first date with Nic, even if it had a rocky start.

She unbuckled her seatbelt and booped Wayland's nose to wake him up. ”He can sit in my pocket at the hardware store. I'm not sure if they're a cat friendly place. For the pet store, he can wander around freely.”

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Caden chuckled, amused with Nero's behaviour. He stood up and scooped Nero into his arms.

”Alright, at least let me carry you to the car,” he said and kissed Nero once before heading into the house to get their jackets before he told Henry where they were going, and headed to the garage.

All the while, Caden held Nero, carrying them happily through the house and outside to the car.

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Avery grinned and took the backpack from Kimiko. He pulled out his wallet and shoved his jacket inside.

”I'm happy. I'm on a date with my girlfriend at one of my favourite places,” he said and leaned over to kiss her softly. He lingered for a minute before he pulled back and rubbed his face.

”So, what do you want for breakfast?”

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Nic chuckles, quietly thinking to himself that she wouldn’t have died from embarrassment if she’d just watch the way he treated her. “They probably are pet-friendly, but better safe than sorry.” When Wayland finally gets off of Nic’s arm, he gets out of the SUV and goes to open Cassi’s door with a bright smile. He can’t help but think that if they lived together, they could have outings like this regularly for something like groceries.

“Which one do you want to go to first?” He asks as he offers his hand to help Cassi and cat out.

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Nero giggles, unashamed as they’re carried through the house and Caden even talks to Henry. They remind themself that they still need to pull a prank on the butler. When they arrive in the garage, Nero moves to get down so they can climb inside the car. “If we went to a fine art museum, you can just carry me around and say I’m a part of the exhibit.”

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Kiki nearly snatches the wallet from Avery, but refrains as she reminds herself that she’ll pay no matter what. Her cheeks warm just a bit from Avery’s words but she doesn’t have time to linger on her blush as her lips are captured. She kisses him back, all at once feeling a small pang of how much she’d missed him and a desire to deepen the kiss. She’s properly flushed when Avery pulls back and it takes a few moments for her to catch up to what he’s asking.

“Oh, um, I don’t know yet.” She responds with a few blinks as she tries to remember any other menu items that aren’t French toast.

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Cassi gave Wayland a bit of a pep talk, deciding to wait for Nic to open the door for her. She kissed Wayland's head before she got out of the car and popped him into her jacket pocket.

”Hardware store first. Then the pet store can be a sort of reward,” she said and scratched the top of Wayland's head before she reclaimed Nic's hand.

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Caden grinned and kissed Nero's nose. ”You stole my line,” he said before shutting the door on the Aston Martin and walked around to get in on the driver's side.

He turned the car over and pulled out right away. It would probably be the last time Caden took the car. He usually stuck to driving one of the several SUVs he had during Fall and Winter.

”They have a Medieval Torture museum that could be interesting, but possibly triggering,” Caden said. He rested a hand on Nero's thigh, rubbing his fingers along the inside of their leg. ”Or we could start with the planetarium. Something light and fun,” he suggested, looking at Nero.

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A goofy grin broke across Avery's face as he witnessed Kimiko's reaction. He felt shy suddenly. Not only did it seem like their first date, but their first time doing anything. Avery was nervous. He didn't want to cross any lines with Kimiko, even though they had advanced their relationship much further than this already. He felt unsure of himself and what she might be okay with. Right now, he took the fact that she wasn't pushing him away as a good sign.

”Well, let's go find out what the special is today,” Avery captured Kiki's hand and led her inside, holding the door for her before he took her to his usual spot.

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“Sounds like a plan.” Nic says, letting her get Wayland situated before even reaching for her hand. Cassi beats him to it by grabbing his hand though. With a lopsided smile, he leads the way into the hardware store and grabs a flatbed cart to push around.

“Okay, so I know I need lumber for my bookshelves, probably some oak plywood. What do you need for the garden?”

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Nero hums with a smile as the two start their outing before they tap their chin in thought. “If we have time for both, we should start with the torture one and then end on a good note with the planetarium.” They say, placing their hands on top of his.

“If we’re only able to get to one today, I think planetarium will be the best idea so we can have a little palette cleanser from all the demonology we’re been researching lately.” They shift their gaze to look over at Caden and see what he thinks.

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Kiki follows, a little giddy as Avery takes her hand and leads the way into the diner. The two haven’t been on a proper date since the arcade and bar, so she’s excited for another one. “Aren’t you just going to get that one thing the waitress apparently knows by heart to get you?” She asks with a smirk as they sit down. The last time they had been at the diner was when Avery showed her his screaming perch and she can’t help but laugh a little at the memory.

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Cassi pulled out a piece of paper from her other pocket and shook it open before she handed it to Nic. It was from the day she mapped up what they would do for Nic's terrace garden. It had a schematic along with the measurements of the whole thing. On the back was a list of materials they would need.

”All done,” she said proudly.

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”Both it is. Then supper after?” Caden asked, glancing periodically at Nero while he drove down the roads, and into Chicago.

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”Well, ya. The special was for you, unless you decide you want something else,” Avery said.

He waited for Kimiko to sit before he took his seat across from her. The usual waitress spotted him and marched over.

“And where have you two been? It's been weeks,” she said sounding offended.

Avery grinned up at the older woman.

”I'm sorry Leanne, what will it take for you to forgive me?” Avery asked, taking her hand and looked up at her with those puppy dog eyes he had perfected.

The woman scoffed and pulled her hand back. “Good luck with this one, love. He's a charmer. What'll it be?” she asked, ignoring Avery in favour of Kimiko.

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Nic laughs, throwing his head back in amusement before shaking it at Cassi. “You get to push the cart then.” He says, using his free hand to mess her hair up before he takes the paper from her and looks it over.

“Alright, let’s go to lumber first so we can get it measured and cut.” He finally declares, gesturing towards the aisles ahead.

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Nero nods and wiggles happily in their seat with excitement. “Then supper after.” They agree with a chipper tone before they look down and start their habitual routine of tracing the tattoos on Caden’s hand.

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Kiki huffed a laugh as she shakes her head. “Let me tell you, he gets away with everything and anything because of that bloody look.” She says dramatically with a tone of despair before she scans the menu. “Oh, uh, Avery was saying I should ask what the special is, but… I’ll have whatever it is anyway. With a bowl of fruit on the side if possible.” She smiles nervously at the waitress. The back and forth between her and Avery always seems to humor her.

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Cassiopeia was more than happy to push the cart around, and did so happily. She gathered up nails and other supplies like that, while Nic loaded up the wood. At some point between gathering supplies and loading them in the SUV, Cassi realized she had a permanent smile on her face. There was something about running errands with Nic that was spectacularly normal that it made Cassi's heartache.

Once the supplies were loaded, she pulled Wayland out of her pocket and he meowed with relief.

”Alright little one. Time for your reward,” she said. She walked into the pet store before setting him down to run around.

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Caden smiled softly while he drove. He squeezed Nero's leg before talking. ”There's something very soothing about when you do that,” he said, looking at Nero's hands.

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“Of course, love. Anything for putting up with him,” Leanne said before leaving the two of them.

Avery was smiling at Kimiko the entire time she teased him and spoke with Leanne. ”Anything and everything, hmm? I'll have to keep that in mind,” he said with a wide grin.

---

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Nic enjoys wandering the hardware store with Cassi and the occasional Wayland that pokes his head out. He grins when Wayland is finally freed from his prison and watches as he runs off into the store. “Our kids are totally going to be like him, aren’t they?” Nic muses with a faraway look before he turns to Cassi.

“Alright, your turn to take the lead.”

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“Maybe it’s because of how soothing it is for me.” Nero says, not looking up from their task as they kick their feet a little. When the car stops, they peek out the window at the museum. “So, is this where I comment on how realistic this torture exhibit is?”

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Kimiko looks over at Avery when she feels his gaze on her and frowns with her ears turning red. “You don’t have to.” She says with a playful glare. “In fact, it’d be better if you didn’t.” She sticks her tongue out at him.

---

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Cassiopeia watched Wayland run away, shaking her head slightly when some of the patrons and staff members exclaimed about how cute and fluffy he was. Cassi started looking at some of the treats when Nic's comment made her pause.

She turned and smiled up at Nic when he looked at her. ”Well, he is one of our kids, so yes,” she teases him. ”Alright. Essentials first, litter box, litter, food and dishes,” she said and marched ahead.

Wayland periodically came back to check on their progress before scouting ahead.

---

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”That's what I was hoping for,” Caden said, shutting the car off. He looked over at Nero, grinning cheekily.

”You're the only one here with first hand accounts of that time period. I wasn't even a figment of my parents imagination yet,” he said and hopped out of the car before Nero could accuse him of calling them old.

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Avery raised his right hand and crossed his left over his heart, the grin still firmly in place.

”I swear to only use my powers for good.”

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Nic grins lopsidedly when Cassi calls Wayland their kid. “Lead the way, expert.” He says, following her with a cart. He places things in the cart as she points them out, humming along to the music the store’s playing as they go. He brightly greets Wayland each time the cat comes around to find them.

“I wouldn’t mind some human versions of him.”

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“Back in my day…” Nero says in the oldest voice they can put on, climbing out of the car bent over with their hand on their back. “You young whippersnappers respected their elders!” Nero shakes their fist at Caden, but starts to laugh at the absurdity.

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“And somehow, that doesn’t make me feel any better.” Kiki teases, leaning forward to prop her head on her elbow. “Also, it’s unfair when I have no way to retaliate.” She says with a small pout.

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Cassiopeia was letting Wayland pick a couple of new toys when Nic made his comment. She looked up at him from where she crouched on the ground and smiled.

”You're really hooked on that conversation we had about kids the other day, aren't you?” She stood up, placing the toy Wayland wanted in the cart before she focused on Nic.

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Caden grinned and wrapped his arms quickly around Nero from behind and placed a kiss on their cheek. ”And some people would say you're grooming me because you're so much older than I am. I was innocent before you found me and corrupted me,” he teased and placed another kiss on Nero's cheek from behind before he released them.

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Avery widened his eyes in disbelief. He crossed his arms on the table and leaned against them. ”You can't be serious? There are many, many things you could do to retaliate. Looking at me for one, not letting me touch you is another. Asking me please while pushing your glasses back up your beautiful nose. Telling me not to follow you, so I have to watch you walk away. I could keep going,” Avery told her honestly.

No, Avery was and would forever be, bewitched by Kimiko.

---

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Nic’s ears turn pink as he chuckles sheepishly to Cassi’s question. “Sorry, I’d never given it much thought before you mentioned it and now it’s like our future - I mean our possible future children won’t stop running around in my head.” He busies himself by rearranging the items in the cart.

“Should I not bring it up as often?” He’s crouched near the bottom of the cart and looks up at Cass with a pleading look. Unsure of how to navigate the topic of starting a family, he looks to her for guidance.

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Nero snorts, leaning their head back to watch Caden as he spoke before he releases the imp from his arms. “Oh I’m sure.” They say before grabbing Caden’s hand to drag him towards the entrance.

“Besides, you made the cradle robbing joke first.” They turn to stick their tongue out at Caden with their signature stink eye before chuckling.

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Kiki’s own eyes widen, her cheeks and ears becoming red as Avery lists ways in which she can retaliate. “Oh, uh, I’ll have to keep those under advisement then.” She mumbles, feeling quite warm as she glances sidelong to avoid Avery’s gaze. She’d never given much thought into those habits, in fact she doesn’t even realize she’s pushing her glasses up as she thinks about this.