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Cassiopeia laughed and pulled her hands back as their food arrived. ”You're probably right, but how fun would it be? You could tell the donors about the archaic equipment you have and how overworked your staff is, and I could sneak around slipping things into people's drinks that briefly has them experiencing heart palpitations, but because your hospital is lacking funding you won't be able to help them.” Cassi pulled her pizza closer and picked up a slice. ”Are you sure you don't want me there?”

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”The flavours they use are rather strong. I'm certain you'll be able to taste it better, like you can with sugar and trans fats.” The wine arrived and was served. Caden inhaled the scent and took a sip. ”And alcohol,” he said with a smile.

He held his glass up, towards Nero for a toast. ”To space and it's terrifying black holes. And to you, reading to me every night about space.” He clinked his glass to Nero's once they were ready and took a sip. Caden sighed happily, feeling much more relaxed now that he wasn't on the road. He flipped through the menu, looking to find something he wanted.

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Avery chuckled, waiting for Kimiko to look at him. When she finally did, he removed one of his hands from her hips, and brushed his thumb along her cheek.

”As long as you are the one haunting me, I'll manage,” he said and tilted her chin down to kiss her forehead. He let her go and turned to the bike.

”Don't worry, I'll drive us home safely. You have me curious,” he said. He looked sideways at Kimiko, a massive grin on his face.

Once he was done teasing Kimiko, Avery grabbed his jacket from the backpack before he tucked the bag of gear inside. It was a tight squeeze but he managed to get it to fit.

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Nic’s eyebrows raise as he tries to contain his amusement as Cassi describes how a donor dinner will go with her involved. “I didn’t know I was dating a diabolical mastermind.” He says with a small chuckle as he shakes his ahead and pulls his plate closer. “That’s just pure evil, Cassi, you should be ashamed.” His smirk betrays him while he teases her before picking up his burger and taking a rather large bite.

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Nero raises their brow appreciatively, eager to try the food with that preface. “Sounds like you’re trying to find me healthier eating options.” They tease Caden before picking up their glass and clinking with his. It’s truly wonderful to watch all the tension noticeably ebb away from his shoulders already.

“I’ll make sure to read it in the most terrifying voice possible, just to make sure you don’t get too comfortable.” They say, looking at their own menu as they sip. “Should I just be letting you order for me?” The imp asks after a moment.

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Kiki wrinkles her nose at his response, finding it entirely too corny but closes her eyes with a small happy smile as he kisses her forehead. She starts to move towards the bike, going to grab hr helmet and get ready to leave when he makes his next comment. Her face flushes, his grin too much to bear and she shoves her head into her helmet before he can further embarrass her. “I’m having some regrets” She mutters mostly to herself, but she’s certain Avery can hear it… and he can also probably hear how fast her heart had started racing at his infuriating grin.

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Cassiopeia took a couple bites of her pizza, wiggling in her seat happily, and hummed a little song of contentment before she answered Nic.

”Ah, it's all a part of my plan you know. Get you close and trust me, lure you in with kind gestures and a house key, then I'll start to let the evil crazy out, and before you know it, I've taken over the world,” Cassi said, smiling proudly. She took a sip of her drink, smirking at the bite Nic took of his burger.

”You must have been a hit with all the boys, weren't you?” she teased him.

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”On the contrary, you may eat as you wish. I simply want to give you more options,” Caden said, taking another sip of his wine.

”Mmm, I could order for you. I'm going to get a couple of appetizers for us to share. Is there anything that is catching your attention?” He looked up from his menu to watch Nero.

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Avery laughed, having heard Kimiko even though she mumbled and wore a helmet. Her speeding heart made him smile, only because he was the same.

”I love you, too,” he said and tapped the top Kimiko's helmet before he put the backpack on her.

He geared up before getting up on the bike, and took off once Kimiko was behind him. True to his word, Avery did not speed on the way home, although he was incredibly tempted.

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Nic shakes his head as he chews his large bite and listens to the evil mastermind that is his girlfriend, trying not to chuckle and end up choking on his burger. His shoulders shake with silent laughter, knowing full well that if Cassi wanted to take over the world, she would have done so already. At her next comment, with a mouth full of burger still, he nearly chokes. He quickly chews and swallows before washing it down with water.

“Cassi,” He starts, clearing his throat and coughing a couple of times to make sure he will live. “You better know how to pull off the Heimlich maneuver if you’re gonna surprise me like that.” He thumps his chest a couple more times before his coughing turns into laughter.

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Nero wiggles in their seat, taking another look at the menu before meeting Caden’s eyes. “I’m going to be really honest with you - I have no clue what half of these things even mean.” They tell him sheepishly but with their usual impish grin as they set their menu down and prop their head up on the table with their elbow.

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Kiki wobbles back a little after he taps her helmet, but otherwise she’s able to climb onto the back of Avery’s bike with little problem. “Love you too…” She mutters. She clings to him all the way back to Caden’s house, just in case he gets too excited and speeds. When they make it back in once piece, Kiki is quick to hop off. “You go ahead and take Sarah’s gear back to her - I’ll be in our room.” She says with a secretive smile and wink as she quickly takes off her gear to head inside.

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Cassi laughed, needing to cover her mouth to quiet herself. Many people's heads had already turned to stare at them because both of them were laughing so loudly.

”I couldn't resist,” she said, smiling innocently.

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”Alright, then I'll order for us both,” he offered. Caden didn't mind ordering for Nero. In fact, it pleased him to do so. When the server returned, Caden ordered a plate of seafood pastilla and mama dolma for their appetizers. In addition, Caden ordered a bowl of Marrakech Harira and menara tagine for himself, and Marrakech Tagine for Nero. It was a crispy chicken dish with several different flavours. Caden surmised that if Nero didn't like anything else, the chicken would at least be satisfactory since it was fried.

Caden handed the menus over to the server. He grabbed his wine after, and leaned back in his chair. "There, I'm sure there will be something you enjoy out of all that," he declared.

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Avery removed his helmet after shutting off his bike. He watched Kimiko get off the bike and remove her gear. He smirked at her comment and managed to pat her butt before she got out of reach.

”Don't start without me,” he joked. Avery tucked away the helmets and Kimiko's new jackets and gloves. He left the riding pants in the bag, assuming Kimiko would want those in her room to change into.

Avery made his way back to staff housing where he returned Sarah's gear to her. He talked to her for a few minutes, trying to plan a ride before the weather got much colder. He could have talked to her longer but he had to get back to Kimiko. Avery missed his friends on the staff. Maybe he could convince Kimiko to have supper with everyone one night.

Once he reached his room, Avery quickly changed his clothes. He threw on a black muscle shirt and a pair of black Adidas pants with the white stripes. He pulled his white high tops on, and made his way back to Kimiko's room.

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Nic smirks, drinking some more of his water before responding. “Of course you couldn’t.” He says with a wink before continuing. “And yes, I can confidently say I’ve ‘been a hit’.” Satisfied with his response, he takes another large bite of his burger.

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Nero feels a strange sense of satisfaction when Caden orders for them and wiggles in their seat with a satisfied but goofy smile. “With your love for the finer things in life, I’m sure it will all be delicious.” They raise their glass of wine with a little head tilt to him before sipping.

“Have you ever been to Morocco?” They ask curiously.

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Kiki flees to her bedroom, closing the door behind her before she scrambles to change clothes, choosing a ‘dress’ and robe with some stockings. She sets some candles around the room before lighting them with her finger tip, using only a tiny bit of her fire magic to make sure she doesn’t set Caden’s house on fire. Making her bed, she rearranges the pillow on it, trying to make it look neat before she lays on her side across it and faces the door, propping her head up with her elbow. She fidgets a little a adjusts, trying to find a pose that felt normal and effortless, but still attractive.

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Cassiopeia grinned, her eyes dancing with delight from Nic’s response. ”And I’ve cruelly taken you off the market. All those poor men and women,” Cassi said, sighing wistfully. She watched him take another large bite of his burger and shook her head.

She resumed eating her pizza, her good food dance still happening. After her third piece of pizza, the door to the pizzeria opened. The bell above the door jiggled happily, but the expression on Cassiopeia’s face soured. A gentleman with sharp facial features, soulful brown eyes, and brown hair that sported blonde highlights walked in. He glanced around the room like he was searching for someone specific. Cassi quickly turned her head, but she knew it was too late.

”Whatever you do, don’t let him touch you and don’t touch him,” Cassi told Nic quickly.

“Cassiopeia Alistair? As I live and breathe. My darling, where have you been hiding?” The man smiled widely, an air of mischief surrounded him.

”Cordell.” Cassi drank some of her water before she spoke again. ”Nicholas, this is Cordell Jones. His father is the head of the shapeshifter faction in Chicago. And yes, he knows, so don’t even try it,” Cass said, glaring at Cordell.

Cordell laughed, and every head in the place turned to look at them. He had this charismatic way about him that made it hard for people not to gravitate towards him. Cassi could see some of the women and even men staring moony-eyed at the shifter.

“Oh Cassi, you never did play fair. Alright, fine. Tell Caden I want a meeting. He’s been ignoring my phone calls. My father is starting to lose patience.”

”I’ll pass along the message, but if he’s ignoring you, it’s for a good reason.”

“Probably, but with the missing werewolf faction, there is a large amount of territory up for grabs. If he doesn’t meet with us, I’m afraid the rest of us will start to take matters into their own hands.” Cordell’s grin was laced with promises. He glanced at Nic. “Enjoy your date.” He sauntered off, joining a table of other shifters.

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”I have. It’s below Spain, so I took Kiki there briefly for the animals and to follow up on some business, but I had been there before. I was curious about the African culture, and wanted to explore more of it. I own and fund several archaeological sites within Africa. North Africa, however, is friendlier than Southern Africa. I’d like to return and discover more of the southern countries and tribes.” He swirled his wine around his glass, comparing the colour to blood briefly before he focused his attention back on Nero.

”I don’t think they would know what to do with you if you showed up. I would never lose you, though. You’d stand out like a beacon,” he teased. Nero’s porcelain white skin was even an eye-catcher here in America.

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At the last minute, Avery redirected himself to the kitchen. Sometimes, when he returned late from working for Caden, Avery would make a batch of chocolate-covered strawberries. The task of melting chocolate and washing strawberries helped him wind down. There was now a healthy supply in one of the freezers for emergencies of occasions like this. He grabbed a plate full of the chocolate confections before making his way to Kimiko’s room.

Avery knocked on the door, pausing to be admitted in before he opened the door. Avery paused, his eyes on Kimiko as she lay across her bed. His eyes wandered to the stockings she wore before they continued around the room. The romantic scene she had made for them warmed him but also had him smiling lazily.

”I’m sorry, I think I have the wrong room. Do you know where Kimiko Voss is?” He shut the door behind him and locked it for good measure -- not that anyone went wandering into bedrooms around here.

Avery grabbed a strawberry off the plate before he set it down on the bed for Kimiko. "Surprise," he smiled down at her before eating the strawberry he took.

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Nic’s smirk can be seen even with a mouth full of burger, finding Cassi’s remark entertaining. After swallowing that bite, he starts to eat more of his fries, wanting to see which flavor he wanted to end his meal with between the burger and the fries. When he notices his girlfriend’s face suddenly change expressions, he starts to turn to see who had come through the door but paused at her words.

Sitting up straight, he keeps his face turned towards Cassi, only giving a sidelong glance when a man approaches their table. Even if Nic didn’t know her, he would see that the man is no friend of hers. As Cass introduces him, Nic turns and offers a smile, but that’s the only acknowledgement Cordell receives from the human. He faces Cassi again, pretending to be more interested in his food than the conversation.

“Can he hear well like Caden?” He asks softly as the shapeshifter fellow leaves. “I can just pay for our lunch now and we can finish the food at my place with my dad before we go shopping.” He had no problem with it since the guy seems like a total prick.

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Nero nods along, never one to turn down hearing about Caden’s past. When he says the imp would stand out, they scoff. “I’m sure Kiki didn’t blend in that well either.” They say, sticking their tongue out at their dragon before finishing off their glass of wine. “I’ll just hide underfoot of everyone so you can’t see me.” They’re only teasing, but they’re sure their short stature would give Caden at least some trouble finding them if they were to get lost in a crowd.

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Kiki grabs one of the pillows behind her and chucks it at Avery, glaring at him even as she flushed. “That’s the last time I ever try surprising you.” She says as she ties her robe tightly around herself and unceremoniously plopping down on her stomach as she watches Avery walks towards her. She’s tempted to go lock herself in the bathroom, but her mood drastically changes when he sets down the chocolate strawberries.

“Ooh!” She quickly shifts to pull the plate closer, kicking her legs and feet in excitement as she wiggles her fingers, trying to decide which one to eat first. “You’re lucky you brought a bribe.” She says before picking up the largest one and taking a bite, catching chocolate pieces in her hand.

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”No, but I’d rather go if we can,” Cassi said, looking at Nic apologetically. ”He thinks his family runs Chicago because he is part of one of the controlling factions. He is arrogant and obnoxious. He asked me out when I first arrived in Chicago and didn’t take the hint until Caden showed up. I would have knocked him down a few pegs, but the police would have had a problem since I’m not actually a controlling party in Chicago. However, Caden has more sway.”

Cassi finished her drink and wiped her mouth with the napkin before she handed Nic back his jacket.

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Caden chuckled, the laughter reaching his eyes. He smiled fondly at his imp and shook his head. ”Once we’re bonded, I’ll always find you. No matter how far apart we are or how hard you try to hide, I will always find you until you tell me to leave.”

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Avery watched Kimiko select the largest strawberry and take a bite from it. He had debated on whether he should have left that one out but ultimately decided to cover it in chocolate. Watching her devour the thing, he is glad he left it.

”Mmm, a bribe. Yes, that’s what it was.” His mind shifted and wandered to other things she could fit in her mouth, and what she kept hidden under that robe. Avery started to feel flushed and cleared his throat.

He looked away and took the room in once more. ”So, I was told I would be spoiled. Tell me, do I get a say in how I am to be spoiled or is it all up to you?”

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Nic nods, flagging down the server and asking for their other items and some boxes for their food as he hands the server his card. “One of those men. I see.” He doesn’t take the jacket from her yet, standing up and packing both their food so Cassi doesn’t have to do anything. “I’ll remember that if he ever shows up in my ED .” He places all the boxes in a large paper bag before he takes his jacket from Cass and pulls her chair out for her.

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Nero flags their hand at Caden, a silly grin on their face. “Oh stop, you’re making me blush.” They coyly say before batting their lashes in an exaggerated gesture. It’s only a moment before their face takes on a more serious expression. “Will that work between realms? Like if I’m in Hell?” They ask.

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Nodding her head happily, she finishes the first strawberry, taking her time ensuring she got every little last bit. She’s licking her lips when Avery clears his throat and she peers up at him. Why is he looking around the room for? Oh. A blush covers her cheeks and she sits back up onto her knees before letting them splay underneath her. “Well… I suppose the strawberries have earned you the right to choose.” She says as she grabs another strawberry to eat. Might as well if he’s going to keep his gaze on the room instead of on her.

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Cassiopeia started to smile when Nic took over and started packing up the food. It was a simple task, but it only served to further endear him to her. She watched him, admiring how efficiently he worked before she stood with his assistance.

”Nurse Wu, didn’t you swear some oath to help all people to the best of your ability regardless of race, creed, or if they tried to ask your current girlfriend out and failed horribly?” She stole a couple of the to-go containers from him and made her way to the front door. She quickly got the door before Nic could and held it open for him instead after she had walked through.

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The shift in Nero’s expressions had Caden’s shifting, as well. His fingers twitched with the need to touch Nero. Instead, he settled for wrapping his leg around theirs under the table.

Any talk of Hell had Caden possessively wanting to keep a hand on Nero, confident that if he was touching the imp, they would go together.

”Theoretically, yes. The mate bond has been known to transcend realms and the globe. However, it has been known to be different when it crosses species. It is odd what we have but not uncommon. When we bond, the connection will be greater than anything you may have experienced. It will be as if we become one, two halves of a whole. We will retain our own thoughts, emotions, and will, but all of those things will mingle as well. For instance, you will know mentally how much I crave you rather than just physically, or when I tell you. But we will also have a tether connecting us that will allow us to find the other even if we don't tell each other. I'll be privy to your thoughts and emotions as they come. Of course, we can learn to block each other if you desire it, but I hope you won't,” Caden said. He swirled the remaining wine in his glass, a slow smile curving his lips. ”I’ve also heard the sex is better between bonded pairs.” Caden finished off his wine without another word.

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Avery grinned, feeling a small victory until he looked back at Kimiko. The way she sat on the bed and watched him had him fighting for air. The fact that she was eating another strawberry wasn’t helping either. Maybe he should just rip the robe off her and end this torture.

He licked his lips before speaking, needing the moisture. ”I was thinking a massage or at least a shoulder rub would be nice,” he said, watching her intently now.

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Mic plucks the to-go boxes from Cassi, placing them in the paperback with the others. “Yeah, but if they’re not human, do they count?” He teases as he goes through the door she’s opened for him. He steals her hand as he exits, pulling her along as they make their way back to his place.

“So, why the no touching?” He asks, his curiosity getting the better of him.

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Nero listens, knowing some of the things Caden speaks of from previous conversations. Nero doesn’t plan on visiting Hell anytime soon, but they still have hope that their dragon wouldn’t leave them there for long should they get dragged back. At his last comment, Nero shakes their head with a smirk. “Is that the only thing on your mind?” They tease before using Caden’s leg to pull their chair closer to him.

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Kiki tries not to let her expression turn into a pout when Avery asks for a massage - she’s trying to spoil him after all. She finishes the strawberry, licking her lips to make sure she’s gotten all the chocolate. “If that’s what you want, I will do my best.” She tells him before noticing some chocolate on her fingers. Keeping her eyes on him, she licks her hand clean as well.

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Cassiopeia pouted when Nic took the to-go containers from her. She watched him place them in the bag and walked out of the restaurant. She continued to eye the bag even after he had taken her hand.

"Mmm, technically you are a nurse for humans and not supernatural creatures," Cassi agreed. She reached around Nic and stole the bag of food from him. "But you are a good person, and I don't think you would let anyone who came into your ED suffer. At least not much."

She smiled up at him and released Nic's hand to wrap her arm around his. Her hand rested along his bicep while she walked, and matched his pace to keep from being jostled around.

"Shapeshifters learn to take different forms by touching their prey. So, if he had touched you even just once, he would be able to shift into you. On top of that, a shapeshifter can see your memories and know what you are thinking after they take your form and will be able to continue to do so as long as you live. Shifters are also inhumanely strong, fast, and agile," Cassi explained, giving Nic an impromptu lessons on the creatures. "But, Caden is different. He can't read your mind or anything like that if he decides to shift into you."

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Caden grinned, his eyes watching Nero as they pulled themselves closer. Caden readjusted their seats to allow them to nearly be side by side. He rested his hand on the back of Nero's chair and topped off their wine.

"It isn't the only thing on my mine, but it is always there," he confessed.

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Avery didn't miss any of Kimiko's movements. He watched everything with rapt attention, from her finishing the strawberry and licking her lips to cleaning the chocolate off her hands, with her eyes on him. Avery felt his control waver and knew his eyes shifted from brown to gold.

He had been watching her hand and her mouth, stuck on thoughts that were better off left unspoken, when she finished. He looked up from her hand, meeting Kimiko's eyes. Avery pulled his muscle shirt off and dropped it on the floor.

"Do you have any massage oil?" His voice wavered as Avery fought to remain in control. He walked forward, closing the distance to Kimiko's bed. His eyes shifting to remain on hers while he moved closer.

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Nic chuckles at Cassi’s agreement to his thought process on helping patients. “There’s some I might let suffer - maybe their vein is really hard to find.” He lets Cassi take the bag from him, shaking his head in amusement at her antics. As she starts explaining the no touching rule, Nic nods, finding the information useful and quite logical for a supernatural species.

“Caden can only use my shape if he needs to be taller.” Nic declares with a wink. He’d never really been afraid of Caden before and has no worries about him trying to do nefarious things with his likeness. “So does the contact have to be skin-to-skin? Or will wearing gloves keep me safe?”

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Nero leans back into Caden’s arm, happily sipping at their fresh glass of wine with a wiggle. “Luckily, I also have a one-track mind when it comes to you.” They say between sips with a smirk and a wink. With some more wiggling, they throw their legs over one of Caden’s thighs to be closer to him without actually sitting in his lap.

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Kiki raises an eyebrow when Avery’s eyes shift. Is he…? She mentally shakes her head, there’s no way, she was only making sure there wasn’t chocolate all over her. Watching him closely, she finds herself tucking her bottom lip in just slightly as her eyes roam his now naked torso. “Mhm…” She hums before meeting his eyes again. “Er, uh maybe not exactly massage oil, but I have oils and creams, and lotions…” She tilts her head back a little so she can look up at Avery easier, a light blush on her upper cheeks.

“I can go get them-” She offers, starting to move across her bed towards the bathroom.

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Cassiopeia laughed and looked up at Nic, noting how tall he was. She always forgot that, mainly because it didn't bother her. His height did suit him though, and his strength.

"I'll let him know that. He usually doesn't use a friend or family member's form without permission, though," she assured him. "And don't let them touch you at all. It doesn't have to be skin-to-skin. They are vulnerable to silver, so that would be a good way to tell what you are dealing with, but a lot of supernatural creatures are harmed by silver. In cameras though, their eyes will flare like they are reflecting the light."

Cassiopeia glanced behind them while they walked. She didn't believe they were being followed, but she wanted to make sure. She had done a lot of protection work on Nic's home to ensure the safety of him and Ren. She had even gone into the basement and made the building unplottable. If someone tried to do a location spell, they wouldn't be able to locate the building. In addition, Cassi had changed Nic's door handle to that of pure silver. It wasn't easy to get, but she wanted to ensure her new family was as safe as she could make them.

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Caden practically purred when Nero leaned against him. The easement he felt whenever Nero was near was always immediate. They calmed his mind and his soul in a way no other ever could. He chuckled when Nero draped their legs over his. Caden's hand automatically came to rest on their leg, and he brushed his thumb along their exposed skin.

Their appetizers arrived, bringing with them the pleasant scent of spices. Caden's mouth started to water, but he made sure he wasn't drooling to avoid any further teasing from Nero.

"One track minded as we both seem to be for the other, I am looking forward to this meal," Caden said. He leaned forward and dished out some of each appetizer onto the serving plates. He slid one closer to Nero before pulling one towards himself.

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Avery found himself going still while Kimiko's eyes roamed. He enjoyed the way she looked him over, admiring what was hers. The hum of approval brought a smile to Avery's lips that remained even when she looked into his eyes again. He took another step closer, his legs hitting the edge of the mattress. He lifted his hand to hold her in place, but she already started to move on him.

"No," he said and reached out to stop her. He grabbed what he could reach first which happened to be the tie holding Kimiko's robe in place. He pulled on it to reveal what Kimiko wore underneath. He stared, feeling breathless.

"I'll um... I'll grab them." He took a reluctant step back, his eyes still on her body. Avery paused for a moment longer, torn between giving Kimiko space, and wanting to pin her to the bed. He felt his need for her grow and took another step back, shifting to block himself from her before he hurried into her bathroom.

Avery shut the door behind him and heaved a great sigh. "You are so fucked, Zain," he whispered to himself. Avery took several deep breaths to steady his pounding heart. Once he felt calm, he walked over to Kimiko's sink and splashed cold water on his face.

Due to recent events, Avery hadn't been intimate with Kimiko since that first time. It was understandable, and Avery had just been grateful that Kimiko allowed him back into her bedroom at night. He held her all night, and of course they kissed, but nothing beyond that had occured. It hadn't been that long since their first time, but that clearly didn't matter to Avery based on the way his body was reacting to her. Gods he wanted her.

Avery looked through Kimiko's oils and lotions, knowing where she kept everything and selected something that should have enough glide. He took another minute in the bathroom, reminding himself not to push Kimiko before walking back into the bedroom.

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Nic tugs on his ear with his free hand at this information. “Hmm… does the silver have to touch skin? Maybe I can wear a silver ring… but then gloves would be another layer over the silver…” Nic starts muttering under his breath as he thinks of different ways to sneakily use silver in the emergency department. “Maybe silver coated stethoscope…? Silver in the blood pressure cuff?”

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Nero lets out a soft giggle, reading Caden’s thoughts like an open book. It brings them great joy to know that they both like being close together and find comfort in each other. They wiggle a little so they can start trying some of the items on the plate and hum in delight at the rich flavor the supply. “You’re right, much more flavorful.” They tell Caden with a big smile and wide eyes.

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Kiki smiles in satisfaction when Avery stares, raising an eyebrow in hopes that he’d take the hint. She doesn’t expect for him to practically run away into the bathroom. She puts her face in her hand with a sigh. “What an idiot.” She mutters to herself before picking up another strawberry to eat.

She’s sitting on the edge of the bed, the strawberries on her left as she kicks her legs and eats. The confection isn’t bringing her as much joy though - it seems someone has soured her mood. When the bathroom door opens, she turns towards it, a chocolate covered strawberry halfway in her mouth. She tilts her head in a silent question at Avery, raising her eyebrow.

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Cassiopeia mused over Nic's suggestions on how to use silver in the ER. ”Either of those would be a good idea. As long as it doesn't throw off your medical results. I used to use silver in my tattoo ink but it changed the consistency of the ink. Besides, I found the runes to be more effective.”

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Caden beamed, glad Nero could taste the flavours of the food and seemed to enjoy it. He understood there was no need for Nero to eat, that they just did it because of him or to appear human, but he appreciated the effort Nero made.

”I'm glad. I'll make sure we have more of the spices on hand should you develop a craving for it,” Caden said.

He focused on his food, quickly devouring his plate before taking a second helping of the dishes.

”Ah, I nearly forgot to tell you. The clothes that we had ordered when we were in New York are set to be delivered tomorrow.”

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Of course Avery's eyes land on Kimiko's lips while they surround a strawberry. She looked at him, curiosity in her eyes. He fought to keep his eyes from wandering down her body again, and instead looked at the floor. He held a bottle of oil up.

”Where do you want me?” he asked shyly.

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“Silver used to be used as a way to clean wound before there were antibiotics. It’s debated on whether or not it actually worked, but some people still use it medicinally.” Nic tells Cassi as they near the entrance to his apartment. “If I take silver supplements, would that make me like, poisonous to some supernatural creatures? Like those South American frogs?”

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Nero turns their head to look at Caden, their mouth full of so much food that their cheeks are puffy. “Mmf clomthes?” They ask, but it’s hard to discern any actual words from what they’ve said. Quickly, they chew and swallow their food.

“I can’t even remember what we ordered, if I’m honest.” Nero says sheepishly. “Are we wearing any of them for the ceremony?”

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Kiki takes a bite of the strawberry in her mouth, setting the other half of it down on the plate before she stands and moves over to Avery, bending so she can look up at his face as his eyes stay downcast. “You’re an idiot.” She says matter-of-factly, pursing her lips in a small pout while she invades his line of sight.

“Here I am, throwing myself at you, and you won’t even look at me.” She sighs and straightens, meaning to go back to the bed and finish the rest of that strawberry. “Get on the bed - might as well make some use of it.” She knows she’s being a little bit of a brat, but she doesn’t seem to care.

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Nic's idea made Cassi laugh. She squeezed her hand on his arm, pleased he was taking all of this in stride, and not letting it ruin their day.

”That would be a fun experiment,” Cassi mused. ”We could try it with Avery. That would be the safest option.”

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Caden chuckled. ”The dresses we had custom tailored for you, my darling imp,” Caden reminded them with a smile. ”And a few suits for myself. But, yes, I think I would enjoy you in one of those dresses for our ceremony.”

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Kimiko's movement drew Avery's attention back to her. He tried to keep looking away, but it was hard when he could see her little dress — and when she called him an idiot.

Avery's eyes wandered up Kimiko's body again, resting on various body parts he enjoyed. ”I didn't want to assume,” he said. His eyes shifted from watching her pulse jump along her neck before they looked at her face finally. ”I do rather like you throwing yourself at me in this way. I thought I would have to wait to see your lingerie until I won our little competition.”

He handed Kimiko the bottle of oil, unsure if she really even wanted to massage him now.

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Happy that Cassi is up for trying the idea out, Nic grins lopsidedly, opening the door to the apartment building to usher her inside. “I can’t wait to start testing,” He says with boyish excitement.

“It won’t actually hurt Avery, right? I’m looking for more of a reaction to touching silver as a kind of radar.” The two head into the elevator.

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Nero smiles brightly back at Caden. “Then I’ll let you choose which one I wear.” The imp declares with an assertive nod of their head before they go back to eating the food off their plate. They pause after a bite and look back at Caden. “What kind of desserts does Morocco have?”

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Kiki snorts, shaking her head at him. “Do you even know how attractive you are to me? I can’t imagine waiting that long to…” She trails off, taking a deep breath as she grabs the bottle of oil and turns to walk to the bed. Even with pink ears, she still sways her hips in exaggeration for Avery.

“Come along, little pup.” She calls over her shoulder. “Or I really will start without you.” Wherever this faux confidence comes from, she intends to use it to the best of her ability.