---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia smiled with amusement while she watched Nic flounder. It was sort of adorable watching the panic come across in how he started to reorganize the cart to keep himself busy. It was even more amusing how they switched positions. Now Nic looked up at her while Cassi stood.

Cassi remained quiet for a moment after Nic stopped talking, enjoying the brief role reversal. She leaned down eventually and kissed him.

”You don’t need to stop talking about it. I’m happy you are excited for our future. That you want a future with me.” She pulled back, and offered a hand to Nic to help him stand.

---

---

---

---

”Well, it’s true,” Caden said with a wide grin. He escorted Nero into the building and paid for two passes for them to explore the museum and all the different exhibits they had.

---

---

---

---

Avery marvelled at how Kimiko was reacting. She really doesn’t know, he thought to himself. Avery reached an arm across the table to brush Kimiko’s fingers. He turned his hand over as an invitation to take his hand if she wanted it. All the while, Avery watched her.

”Je suis amoureux de toi, petit renard. J'aime la façon dont vous vous mordez la lèvre et vous enthousiasmez pour les fraises enrobées de chocolat. J'aime que tu ne réalises pas à quel point tu as un effet sur les gens. J'aime à quel point tu es attentionné. Comme vous êtes motivé et passionné. Et j'aime à quel point tu t'inquiètes pour moi même si je t'ai blessé. J'aime que tu me donnes une seconde chance. J'espère en être digne, et de vous.”

---

---

---

---

Nic starts to nervously sweat for a minute before Cassi kisses him. At her words, he grins widely as he stands up. “You just had to make me sweat a little bit, hm?” He says before pulling her into a hug and kissing her forehead.

“And of course I want a future with you - you’ve become the center of my universe and I can’t imagine being anywhere else but next to you.”

---

---

---

---

Nero chuckles, a smirk finding a way onto their lips as the two head inside. Most of the exhibit is a bit corny with the props and mannequins, but strangely accurate as far as Nero can tell. At one point, they tug on the elbow of Caden’s sleeve so they can whisper in his ear. “I’m starting to think Hell just saw this all and copied it for themself.”

---

---

---

---

Kiki feels her blush grow warmer, her skin turning more red just from Avery watching her, but places her hand in his. Then he starts speaking French. Kiki feels as if she might swoon, finding herself biting her lip even as he points it out. She blocks her face with her free hand, unsure how to even react to his words. “Oh mon Dieux,” She mumbles into her hand as heat radiates off her face. All she wants to do at this moment is find a private spot and kiss him deeply. Perhaps more than just kiss…

---

---

---

---

Cass grinned, wrapping her arms around Nic. She shut her eyes, absorbing his kiss and the pleasing idea of having a future with him.

”Of course I had to make you sweat. It was fun to be on the other side of an anxiety driven conversation,” she said and kissed him softly.

She felt a tugging on the bottom of her jacket and looked down to see Wayland. She laughed a little and bent to scoop him up.

”I guess we should get the little one home.”

---

---

---

---

”Or perhaps a demon from Hell brought it up top,” Caden said, having a feeling it was more of that than the former.

Caden walked over to examine a torture device that was used to pull humans limps out of their socket.

”You know, they have an instrument like this at chiropractic offices. They call it a traction machine,” Caden informed Nero. ”Strange how technology originally used for torture is now used to help people.”

---

---

---

---

Avery’s smile turned soft while he watched Kimiko's reactions. He ran his thumb along her knuckles, finding himself becoming more enamoured with her.

”I've been told I can lay it on thick sometimes, but it's all true,” he said, looking back at her.

Their breakfast was brought over then, but Avery didn't release Kimiko's hand. Instead, he thanked Leanne and moved their plates between them, so they could keep holding hands.

The special today seemed to be eggs over easy, with two slices of ham, and hashbrowns.

---

---

---

---

Nic laughs, finding her observation of the role reversal incredibly adorable. When Cassi picks up Wayland, Nic scratches under his chin. “Time to get this little fella to the ultimate bachelor’s pad.” He says before grabbing the cart to head towards the register. He pays for everything before Cass can, figuring that since most of it will be going to his place that it made the most sense.

“Alright, mon amour,” Nic says as they head for the SUV and start unloading the cart. “Do you require anything before we head home? Or anything on the way?”

---

---

---

---

“Wasn’t me, promise.” Nero teases before following Caden’s lead. They tilt their head at his observation of the torture device, trying to imagine it being used to help someone. “I think I’d need to see it to believe it.” They say, still trying to picture it in their mind before they shakes their head. “Is there a lot of things like that? Originally for torture but revolutionized now?”

---

---

---

---

Kiki peeks out at Avery between the fingers of her hand, her heart feeling like it skips a beat at his expression. She hides her face from Leann when she brings the food out, mumbling a ‘thank you’ to her. When she hears her footsteps recede, she finally removes her hand and looks at the food in front of her with a curious gaze. “Oh, that smells good.” She observes, greedily grabbing a fork and dragging one of the eggs to cover the hash-browns before breaking the yolk. If she notices that they’re still holding hands, she doesn’t show it… Except for the tiny bit of pink still on the tips of her ears.

---

---

---

---

Cassi helped load everything into the SUV before she let Wayland hop in and explore. She watched him while she mulled over Nic's question.

”No, I think we have everything we need for Wayland and the start of your garden. We don't need to worry about filling it with dirt or anything with winter coming. So we should be able to head to your place now.”

---

---

---

---

Caden pulled out his phone and searched up an image of the traction machine in question to show Nero.

”A few things I believe. Most of the tools used are used for surgery or dental exams. But some things are still used for torture, as well. Like on those who are war prisoners,” Caden revealed.

---

---

---

---

Avery watched his girlfriend for a little while longer, memorising more of her habits before he relinquished her hand. He needed it to eat his meal properly. Avery ate his meal in silence, periodically looking around the diner habitually before refocusing on his date and his meal.

”After we go to my screaming rock, do you want to head into town to get some riding gear for yourself?”

---

---

---

---

“Sounds good to me,” Nic says with an easygoing smile, waiting for everything to be loaded before he wraps an arm around Cassi’s waist to pull her in for a soft kiss. His hand moves to tangle into her hair as he kisses her, lingering for a bit before he pulls back. “Okay, let’s go.” He says with a smirk as he opens her door for Cass.

---

---

---

---

Nero frowns, thinking on that tidbit of information. “You’d think humans would have evolved to better habits outside of torture.” They say before shrugging and linking their arm through Caden’s as they look up at him with a smile. “I’m glad to be past all that at least.” That’s another tiny fear in the back of their mind for going deeper into their memories of Hell; will they have to watch as they torture others?

---

---

---

---

Kiki’s finished her food and has turned her attention to her bowl of fruit, humming in delight with each tasty bite of the ripe fruit. “Mhm!” She responds, finishing her bite of food before she actually responds. “How else can I spoil you if we don’t?” She says cheerfully with a smile. She’d even checked earlier that her credit cards were still good to go in order to properly shower him with gifts. She might have considered not rewarding him after the stunt he pulled with their bond, but she figures he’s been punished enough at this point.

---

---

---

---

Cassi's attention remained occupied with Wayland, ensuring the rascal wasn't getting into anything he shouldn't. She moved to take a step when Nic's arm secured itself around her. She let out a startled sound when he pulled her in. She barely had time to protest before Nic was kissing her.

After the initial shock, Cassi relaxed into the spontaneous kiss. However, it was over quickly, and left Cassi breathless. She felt her face flush and looked at Nic. She glared playfully at him, brushing her cool hand against her warm cheek.

”You little tease,” she accused.

---

---

---

---

”Humans are creatures of habit. They are much the same regardless of the century or country of origin. ‘History repeats itself’, is a common phrase among them,” he said.

Caden escorted Nero through the museum, glad they were past torture as well. They walked arm and arm through the museum, commenting on objects here and there. Caden didn't mind hearing about things that looked familiar to Nero. It was another part of their past that Caden felt privileged to learn more about.

Once they were done, Caden led them out of the building. ”On to the planetarium?”

---

---

---

---

Avery paused in his quest to steal fruit from Kimiko's bowl. He cocked his head to the side, staring at her in confusion.

”Spoil me? What are you talking about?”

---

---

---

---

Nic grins lopsidedly at Cassi. “I don’t know what you could possible mean by that.” He says innocently before winking. It does take an impressive amount of willpower for him to refrain from pushing her against the SUV and continuing to ‘tease’ her. As it is, he runs a hand through his hair to distract himself.

“Into the car you go, cutie.” He gently pats her hips and butt, pushing her towards the open door.

---

---

---

---

Nero surprisingly wasn’t triggered by the exhibit, finding it fun to be the one with all the knowledge for once in a museum. They flash Caden a bright smile as they leave the Medieval Torture Museum together. “Onward!” They declare happily bouncing on the balls of their feet in excitement. “It’ll be good to see the awe and true power of the universe after seeing the worst of humanity.”

---

---

---

---

Kiki mirrors Avery’s head tilt with a smirk. “I fully plan on buying everything in the store you want.” She says simply as she pops a piece of fruit into her mouth. “And if you avoid telling me what you want, I will buy everything.” She declares. “I’ll even make Caden send someone with a SUV if needed.”

---

---

---

---

Cassi jumped slightly from Nic's brazen behaviour. She shook her head at him before climbing into the SUV.

”Hmm, I'll remember that. Maybe I can educate you on what teasing is,” Cassi said, feeling particularly feisty.

---

---

---

---

Caden nodded in agreement while he helped Nero into the car. ”Yes, I should think so. Good choice on the order of which museums we should go to,” he complimented before closing Nero's door.

Caden walked around to the other side of the car. As he walked, he glanced around, concerned they could still be followed. It had been a few days since the incident at Nero's home, and no one had tried to breach Caden's property, but it never hurt to be cautious.

Caden did one final sweep of his surroundings before getting into the car with Nero.

---

---

---

---

”Everything I want? Kiki, I have riding gear. You're the one who needs gear, and I've already decided to buy it.” Avery shook his head, leaning back in the booth while he looked away from her. ”I don't need anything,” he stated more firmly.

She was already going to pay for breakfast, and she had given him the greatest gift she could already. A second chance and a ride on his bike. Besides, the shopping trip was for her.

---

---

---

---

Nic pauses for a moment, blushing, before he regains his composure and grins. “Is that a threat or a promise?” He asks cheekily before closing her door. He runs his hands through his hair as he takes the long way around to the driver’s seat. When he climbs into the driver’s seat, he feels a little more settled.

“Alright, let’s get going.” He reaches over and places his hand behind Cassi’s headrest as he purposefully backs out of a stall he could have easily driven forward thru.

---

---

---

---

Nero wiggles happily in their seat from Caden’s compliment as they watch him take his time to get to the driver’s seat. They can guess what he’s doing, but they try not to let their nerves show from it. “We’re safe.” They say, trying to convince themself more than anything before Caden returns.

---

---

---

---

Kiki frowns at him. “I won’t let you. You’re saving up for your car and I have plenty of money to spare.” She says stubbornly as she crosses her arms. “I told you I would spoil you and I plan on doing it properly, Zain.” She hopes using his last name might make him look at her again.

---

---

---

---

Cassi smirked when Nic closed her car door before she could answer. Well, this should be fun, she mused to herself.

Nic climbed inside and started to back up. She hated how much the way he towered over her when he put his arm behind her headrest, but she couldn't deny its effect, either. While Nic backed up, Cassi rested a hand on his thigh, making circles with her pointer finger. At the same time, she crossed one of her legs over the other, her skirt shifting up from the movement.

”Once we have Wayland set-up comfortably, should we go for lunch before clothes shopping?”

---

---

---

---

Caden turned the car on before he looked at Nero. He smiled softly and rubbed his hand on their leg before squeezing their knee.

”I know but I wanted to be sure.” Nero hadn't said anything, but Caden saw the look in their eyes.

They were safe.

Caden had promised Nero that, and as long as they were together or Nero had someone with them, he believed they would be. He had to, or he'd be worse than Avery when he had fought with Kimiko.

---

---

---

---

Avery snapped his head back to Kimiko when she used his last name. He narrowed his eyes at her, a dangerous smile pulling on the corners of his lips.

”Did you just last name me, Voss?” Avery countered. He leaned back on the table, looking into Kimiko's eyes. ”I already have the money set aside for the car. I just have to go get it. I'm buying your gear. You wouldn't even be on a motorcycle if it wasn't for me, so I'm paying for it.”

---

---

---

---

Nic’s eyes catch movement from Cassi as he turns to face forward and he can’t help but stare at the freckled upper thigh that peeks out from her skirt riding up. He grabs her hand and kisses it on the inside of her wrist before he simply holds it in his hand. “Lunch sounds nice.” He tries to say as nonchalantly as possible.

“Lots of cute little places we can go to within walking distance.” Cassi’s hand still trapped in his, he places his hand on her thigh where her skirt had pushed up.

---

---

---

---

Nero glances at Caden with a quivering smirk full of anxious energy. “I’m starting to think you can read minds, mein Drache.” They lean over the center and kiss his cheek before settling back in their seat. Capturing his hand with both of theirs, they resume their tracing as they drive to the planetarium.

“Have you ever tried going to space?” They ask curiously as they look out the window at the people and city passing by.

---

---

---

---

---

Kiki snorts at being referred to by her last name and mirrors Avery as she leans towards him too. “And I’ll do it again if you don’t stop being silly. You’re not spending a single penny today.” She says, reaching across the table to lightly flick his nose.

“Unless you want me to spend that money somewhere else? Just let me spoil you.” She glares at him as she pouts. Remembering his words from earlier that day, she looks him in the eye as she pushes her glasses up her nose and bites her bottom lip.

---

---

---

---

Cassi turned her to look at Nic when she noticed how he seemed to refuse to let it go. Her fingers twitched slightly, mirroring the twitch in her lips as she tried not to smile in pleasure. Clearly her tactics were working. She watched him kiss her wrist before setting their joined hands on her leg.

"That would be a good idea. We can see what places are good for us to get a quick bite or for you and your dad," she said. She moved his hand higher up her leg before wrapping her other hand their joined one.

---

---

---

---

Caden chuckled, leaning against the centre console to give Nero more of his hand and arm to trace. "I know you well, mein kleiner Kobold. What are you going to do when we complete the bond and can actually read each other's mind, mmm?"

Caden signalled to switch lanes to move around a slow car effortlessly. He shook his head before Nero even finished their question. "Space is interesting, but I don't have a desire to learn what it is like to be in it. I think it's my survival instincts kicking in. That and there's so much of it...And you don't know what's out there. Like the ocean," Caden said, an involuntary shudder going through his body.

---

---

---

---

Avery wiggled his nose and stuck his tongue out at Kimiko. "I don't see how buying your own gear is spoiling me," he grumbled. Then Kimiko did three out of the many things that he told her would be part of his undoing. "Hey, no. Stop that," he said pointing his finger at her.

---

---

---

---

Nic smirks when Cassi moves his hand higher, shaking his head with a soft chuckle but otherwise not drawing attention to it. His thumb peeks out from her hands and plays with the hem of her skirt, slipping underneath every so often. ”Exactly.” He says, casting a smile her way before concentrating on the road again.

“We should go shopping together more often.”

---

---

---

---

“Now hold on a second - I thought it was more of a mood reader than anything.” Nero says, happily tracing more of the tattoos on Caden. Their body is turned more towards the driver seat, a leg tucked underneath them.

At Caden’s remarks of space and the ocean, Nero chuckles. “I feel like I’ve seen the worst of what the universe has to offer - my curiosity wants to see and experience everything. Show me your secrets, oh mighty ocean!”

---

---

---

---

Kiki’s lip biting breaks as she giggles before leaning forward and biting Avery’s finger that’s pointed at her. After a moment she blushes, now embarrassed that she did this in public and releases his finger as she leans back. “Okay, how can I spoil you then? I’ll let you buy the gear if you give me a good answer.”

---

---

---

---

Everytime Nic's thumb slid under the hem of her skirt, Cassi's heart fluttered. She couldn't keep her eyes off him this time, watching Nic as he navigated the busy roads of Chicago effortlessly.

She smiled, tilting her head back against the seat after he spoke.

"Oh? Why is that?" she asked him curiously.

---

---

---

---

"Not for us, my darling. Dragon's bonding is vastly different from the bonding Avery goes through." He turned into the parking lot of the planetarium, and shuddered with Nero's excitement for space and the ocean.

"No, thank you. You'll never catch me on a boat in the ocean or in the ocean for that matter," Caden said.

---

---

---

---

Avery's eyebrows rose when Kimiko bit his finger. He stared at her, a bit perplexed and unsure what to do next. She leaned away, leaving Avery with his finger still pointed at her. He stared at it a moment, suddenly glad and irritated they were in a public space.

Avery ran his hand over the back of his neck and heaved a sigh. He shrugged and resumed eating his breakfast. He was glad he was on his way to winning the ability to buy Kimiko's riding gear, but he had no idea what to give in exchange to satiate her need to shower him with gifts.

"I dunno," he said evasively. He poked at his eggs before eating some. "We could go a music store I guess... Or clothing store, but black is my preferred colour,"

---

---

---

---

Nic squeezes the hand he’s holding and makes a little humming noise as he thinks. “Hmm… I think I just enjoy the normalcy of it. It makes it feel like we’re just the average couple getting supplies we need for our place. Just carefree as we go on living.” He makes the turn into the parking garage at his apartment before pulling out the button he needs to open the gate.

“And don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets when it comes to joining your world - just sometimes it’s nice to get out of my own head.” He pulls their hand dogpile and kisses each of her hands before driving through the now-open gate.

---

---

---

---

“Aw, darn. How will I keep secrets from you now?” Nero teases with a faux pout before chuckling. They don’t mind the idea of sharing their thoughts with Caden, in fact, they think it might help them better navigate the more confusing emotions of humanity they encounter.

When Caden shudders, Nero laughs joyfully. “You so immature for your age.” Nero says with a wicked gleam to their eyes before they jump out of the car. They skip over to the sidewalk and innocently smile towards Caden and the car, feeling satisfied that they are able to return Caden’s move so soon.

---

---

---

---

“And here I thought you would think of a different kind of clothing store after the stunts you’ve pulled.” Kiki teases, trying not to think of the look Avery had given her after she bit his finger. She finishes the last of her food - the fruit bowl - before glancing away to look around the diner. She has no idea what’s come over her today to be so brazen with Avery and in public no less. She drinks her water greedily, trying to cool herself down even if only by a little.

---

---

---

---

Cassi smiled while Nic explained. She waited until they were in the parking garage before she unbuckled her seatbelt. She had released Nic's hand after he presented her with kisses, so she was able to lean over the centre console and kiss his cheek.

”I like it, too,” she declared as she sat back down in her seat. ”It's like a normal life but it's just having a companion to go through life with.” She smiled and turned her head, calling up Wayland from where he was hiding in the back.

He jumped up onto the console and looked around.

---

---

---

---

”Ah, I can pretend to be naive if you wish,” Caden said. He parked the car, laughing when Nero called them immature. Caden watched Nero with mild amusement as they exited the car.

He chuckled, shaking his head and shut the car off before getting out.

”Mmm, well I am one of the younger dragons. You really do like them young, don't you, Master Nero?” Caden taunted.

---

---

---

---

Avery shifted his eyes to look at Kimiko. He smirked and shook his fork at her. ”Mmm, wish I had thought of that. But I think we should work our way up to that again, don't you? Unless you're eager to show me something.”

He pulled his fork back to keep Kimiko from stealing it and finished eating.

---

---

---

---

Nic grins, glad that Cassi understood. He scratches Wayland as he joins them upfront. “Exactly. Now wait here, I’m going to go grab the trolley.” Since the tiny parking garage is underneath the apartment building, there’s a small cart that the community shares stowed by the elevator. He jumps out of the SUV before jogging to go grab it and bring it over.

“We don’t have to bring everything up right away, but I figured this would be easier to get some of the bulky items up.” He says after he’s opened the door and started grabbing some of the cat items and Cassi’s bags from inside.

---

---

---

---

Nero turns a playful glare at Caden as he approaches, pointing a finger at him. “Only underlings and minions can refer to me as that! You have to earn the right.” Laughter tugs at the corners of Nero’s lips before they wrap themself around Caden’s arm.

“Now let’s go see what there is at a planetarium.” It will be Nero’s first time inside this type of museum and they wiggle with excitement at what awaits them.

---

---

---

---

Kiki hides her face behind her hands and shakes her head. “Forget I said anything.” She mumbles into her fingers. Yes, she had been too brazen, that’s for sure. When he finishes his food, she makes sure to pay and also leaves a rather large tip for Leanne before the two head out again.

---

---

---

---

Cassiopeia shook her head, and waited for Nic to get out of the car before she got out with Wayland. She gathered up some of the bags and handed them Nic when he got back.

”That'll work. The only other option would be to have you make sure the coax was clear, and I could magic everything up.”

---

---

---

---

Caden laughed and rested his hand on top of their arm while walking into the planetarium. ”What about if I called you that in the bedroom? Would I be allowed to then?” Caden whispered into their ear.

They walked inside and Caden led them to the front desk. A series of screens lined the wall showcasing the different shows and things one could do.

”Looks like they have a show that's based on future space travel. We could see that,” Caden suggested. At least that way Caden could remain firmly on Earth while seeing space for Nero.

---

---

---

---

Avery followed Kimiko outside, a permanent smirk on his face. It had surprisingly taken no willpower to let Kimiko pay for breakfast. He truly didn't mind being spoiled. Honestly, he liked it, but there was a limit, and he was worried just how much money Kiki was going to try to spend on him,

He stopped beside his bike, pulling his focus from watching Kimiko walk to look around. The parking lot was quiet for the time being which gave Avery the perfect opportunity. He closed the gap between himself and Kimiko by wrapping his arm around waist and pulled her in.

”Hi.” He locked eyes with Kimiko briefly before his eyes slipped down to her lips. Avery hesitated to close the distance and kiss her. He didn't want to push her, but he couldn't deny how crazy she still made him. However, Avery didn't hesitate for long, and pressed his lips against hers.

---

---

---

---

Nic laughs, trying to picture how a regular ol’ human would react to seeing items floating their way up to his place. “Probably for the best.” He finally says. Most everything fit on the cart except for the plywood and other bulky hardware supplies.

“Alright, let’s go lil guy.” He says to Wayland before kissing Cassi’s head and leading the way to the elevator.

---

---

---

---

Nero refuses to acknowledge the comment, but their ears turn bright pink. “Maybe it’ll convince you to buy us a ticket to mars when Earth inevitably falls apart.” They tease with a chuckle. “Although, I guess we’d both survive anyway.”

---

---

---

---

Kiki knew he was being too quiet, but it still surprises her when Avery’s arm wraps around her waist and pulls her against him. “H-hi.” She says with a nervous smile as she blushes. She doesn’t miss how his eyes dip, the subtle act causing her heart to start beating rapidly as her gaze shifts from his eyes to his lips before landing back on his eyes just as his lips press against hers.

She doesn’t hesitate to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him back, holding herself closer. If she’s honest, she’d been waiting to kiss him every day since the incident but had held back because she didn’t want to seem too eager to forgive. No, this is better, much better.