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Cassiopeia released Nic to walk inside his building. She walked ahead of him to the elevator, making her walk more sultry as she went.

”I'm not sure how badly it'll affect him to touch you, but silver is harmful to wolves, but if he touches a little, it'll be an irritant more than anything. Silver is mainly used to weaken the werewolf before killing them.” She spoke softly to prevent her voice from carrying far. It was an informative lesson Nic should hear, but she didn't need to freak out the other people in Nic's apartment building.

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Caden watched his mate return to their food eagerly after they relinquished the decision to him to pick their outfit. Caden loved how they trusted him, and allowed him to dress them. Caden looked down at the hand that found its way back to Nero's leg. He brushed his hand along Nero's leg, watching the glide as it moved up. He danced his fingers up the inside, while his thumb moved up and down like a massage technique. Caden loved how Nero continued to wear clothes that showed off their legs. He thought of some clothes he would have to get Nero during the colder months so the shape of their legs was still shown off.

”Mmm, there is Chebakia, a honeyed pastry. They also have orange cake, donuts and a few others.”

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Avery watched Kimiko turn away from him. He stepped forward to grab her, but stopped when she started walking away. His eyes dropped to take in the show and he chuckled.

”Yes, my little fox,” he said, obediently following after her. Kimiko's words had served to relax his body and calm his mind. Once again, Avery had been caught overthinking.

He moved the plate of strawberries before he looked at Kimiko, he smirked at her, shaking his head from embarrassment on his behalf as well as disbelief from how he managed to win her over.

Avery stretched out on the bed, pulling a pillow away from the headboard and laid his head on it. He turned his head to the side and shut his eyes.

”I know you were expecting something else to happen first, but I am looking forward to this.” Avery stretched out, the sound of bones popping mingled with his deep sigh. He settled back down, feeling more relaxed just from that simple action.

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Rubbing his chin, Nic nods as his attention is distracted for a moment by Cassi’s hips swaying. As he catches up to her in the elevator, he gives her bum a light smack. “That’ll work then - I’d rather just cause some irritation instead of recklessly hurting someone.” He pulls out his phone, opening it to find out where he might find some silver supplements.

“Besides, it might make me even more of a target if I’m suddenly hurting someone supernatural.” They’re alone in the elevator as it goes up to his floor.

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Nero hums as Caden touches their leg. Ever since that day they had teleported into his pool and then shucked their pants off, he’d been obsessed with their legs and the imp was definitely okay with that. “Oooo! Orange cake?” Nero says, eyes wide with eager delight at the thought. They of course want to just get one of everything, but Caden did say that was for special occasions, not every outing. “That, I want that.” They declare.

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Kiki’s ears turn bright pink when Avery calls her his little fox. Damn him. She thinks as she watches him smirk at her. She grabs the other half of the strawberry she had been eating before and polishes it off before she climbs onto the beck. The cracking of his bones alarms Kiki at first, but then she realizes how hard the past four days must have been for him.

“Well, I’m spoiling you right now, so it’s whatever you want.” She reminds him, kissing his head before she straddles Avery and puts some of the oil on his back. She uses her fingers to try and find knots before switching to her knuckles to massage them out.

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A noise of surprise escaped from Cassi when Nic's hand connected with her ass. It was a light hit but she hadn't been expecting it.

Once she stepped in the elevator, she leaned against the wall, but Nic was distracted on his phone. Cassi transferred the bag of food to one hand and hooked her finger in his jacket before tugging Nic forward.

”Then it's a good thing you're training to be a part of this world, aren't you?”

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”Then that you shall have.” Caden kissed Nero softly, amused by their excitement and antics. He pulled back before the server arrived and set down their main dishes.

The spices on these plates were even stronger than the first, and it filled the space around them. That was the only downside to food like this, the spice was so powerful that it often obscured Caden's sense of smell, but he still had his eyes and ears should he detect a problem.

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Even before Kiki started actually massaging him, the act of just rubbing the oil into his back at Avery sighing deeply. It was the simple motions and touch of her hand that he wanted. She started to dig around, and Avery guided her a bit until she reached some of his usual spots that tension and stress were held in. There was oddly more tension around his rib cage and down into his hips. Clearly he was locked in place, unable to shift or turn. His tell in fighting was a weight transfer that stemmed from his hips.

Avery groaned as muscles released and let go under Kimiko's persistent work.

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It’s Nic’s turn to make a noise of surprise as Cassi tugs him towards her. He blinks a couple of times before clearing his throat and smiling. “Well, yes, of course. But it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.” He says, slipping his phone away before putting his hand on the elevator wall above Cassi to lean against as he looks down at her. “And you’ll protect me, won’t you?”

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Nero beams brightly before kissing Caden back before he pulls away. With the new onslaught of smell, the imp wiggles excitedly, eager to taste the next round of food. “Okay, what should I try first?” They ask of him, not noticing how alert he’s being. It’s for the best - Nero knows what happens if they start showing fear, so they bury it deep down instead and focus on more important matters. Like food!

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Kiki blushes each time Avery groans. She knows it’s natural and that it means she’s doing a good job, but she can’t help that her mind goes straight to other ways to elicit the sound from him. “You know, you’re a pretty good teacher for not even seeing what I’m doing.” She says after clearing her throat like it will help banish the degenerate thoughts she gets about Avery.

“There is so much tension down here.” She says as she starts to struggle getting some of the more tough knots out near his hips.

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A pleasant shiver slid down Cassiopeia's spine when Nic towered over her. She looked up at him through her lashes and shrugged. She dropped her eyes back to where she had her finger hooked in his jacket.

”I guess I could. Although, how will you thank me for protecting you? My rate is rather expensive,” she said.

As she spoke, Cassi pulled down the zipper of Nic's jacket. She slid her hand up his chest, looking up at Nic when she finished speaking.

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Caden started in on his meal first before he helped Nero pick and choose what to start with and what to eat after. The wine Caden had chosen paired well with the meal and created an overall enjoyable dining experience. A sense of pride and joy filled Caden from being able to share such an experience with Nero.

Once they were finished and their plates were taken, Caden ordered desserts for the pair of them and a coffee for himself. He settled back in his seat, draping his arm back over Nero's chair, and a hand on their leg.

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”Mmm and you have amazing hands for someone who isn't a professional massage therapist,” Avery said, halfway between a mumble and a groan. He shifted his head the other direction when she started to work more diligently on his hips.

”Yes. I need to stretch more and do those hip openers. Probably should see a professional massage therapist as well, but this is much more enjoyable.” Avery shifted his arm back, and found Kimiko's leg to rest his hand on. He rubbed his thumb along her skin subconsciously while she worked.

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Nic holds back a chuckle, watching Cassi for a moment before he smirks with an eyebrow raised. “Well, maybe there’s some way I can repay you.” He says, trying not to laugh at how this sounded like the woman’s line for the beginning of a porno. His other hand goes to rest on her hip as his thumb brushes along her skirt.

“How about free medical care?” He goes on to tease, breaking out in a lopsided grin.

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Nero leans back with a happy sigh, patting their tummy with a happy little wiggle. “Delicious.” They chirp, finishing off their glass of wine and setting it down. “I think you’ll definitely need to take me to Morocco so I can experience their food as authentically as possible.” They tell Caden, eagerly awaiting for their orange cake with their legs still draped over his.

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Kiki smirks to herself, Avery’s voice making her nearly laugh at him. “Well, I have a pretty good instructor.” She teases as she grunts in her effort to release the tension he has in his hips. The hand on her leg doesn’t help with her dirty thoughts, but she does become momentarily distracted by how his thumb movement made her wiggle from the tickling sensation.

“You could always join me in my stretches…” She says, trying to leave the quiver in her voice out before Avery can notice.

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Cassi laughed and scrunched up Nic's t-shirt in her hand. ”I thought I already got that. Girlfriend privileges and all,” she said. Cassi hooked her ankle around the back of Nic's leg after his hand came to rest on her hip. While she pulled him in closer, Cassi wondered if they could hide in his room under the pretence of working on the garden boxes, so she could finally thank him for spending the night at her place a few nights ago.

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”I would be honoured to take you. The culture is wonderful as well. I think you'll find you enjoy more than just the food.” Morocco was a vibrant place with an equally vibrant culture from the food to the music and the stories. Plus, they would be treated well and looked after.

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Avery's hand paused on Kimiko's leg when he felt her twitch from his touch. She was so ticklish. Avery smirked and continued to brush his thumb along her thigh. He noticed that the pressure of his massage had lightened as well. Avery didn't mind. She had worked hard on his upper back, and he could admit he was thinking about other things she could be doing with her hands.

”Your stretches? And what is it that you do that could help me?” Avery asked. He rolled his body slightly so he could see Kimiko without throwing her off him. Because of the motion, he was now able to run his full hand down her upper leg rather than just his thumb.

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Nic’s eyes widen for a moment as he’s pulled in closer to Cassi before he smiles at her and leans down to kiss her lips softly. It only last for a couple of minutes before the ding of the elevator signals they’ve reached Nic’s floor. He pulls his face away from hers, smirking a little, before he picks Cassi up and puts her over his shoulder, exiting the elevator and carrying her into his apartment.

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Nero leans their head back so it rests on Caden’s arm. “I believe it… There’s so much of the world I haven’t seen or experienced, so I look forward to those adventures with you.” They turn their head, flashing a smile at Caden as they kick their feet a little.

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“I do those dancer stretches that help with my flexibility - I’m s-sure they would h-help… Can you stop?” Kiki’s trying explain to Avery how her stretches may help, but the damned man is close to tickling her! She pivots the conversation abruptly and shoots him a playful glare, smacking his hand lightly.

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The simple kiss was enough to leave Cassi craving more. She sighed when the elevator doors opened, signalling that their little game was over. She smiled at Nic, and moved to follow him out of the elevator when her perspective on the world changed.

Cassi had no time to react to Nic picking her up and tossing her over her shoulder like a sack of flour. Cassi squealed in alarm once she was there and wiggled on his shoulder.

”Nicholas! This is hardly appropriate,” she declared. She stared at the floor, and spoke again when she recognized Nic's flooring.

”Wayland! Tell your father to unhand me,” she demanded, knowing the cat was somewhere and would surely come to her rescue.

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Caden unconsciously tracked Nero's movements as they tilted their head back. It wasn't something that normally spoke to Caden, and he was certain Nero didn't intend for it to come across as a move of submission, but it aroused Caden's dragon and the creature purred happily.

Normally, for a werewolf or even a vampire, exposure of the neck was a submission to the more dominant creature. For Caden, in this moment, it was highly arousing.

Caden watched Nero's throat stretch and twist while they spoke to him, and unconsciously Caden ran the tip of his finger down the unprotected side of their throat.

”As do I, mein kleiner Kobold, as do I.”

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Avery grinned, joy sparking in his eyes. He let his hand fall from her leg after she smacked it away.

”You're no fun,” he teased her. Avery's eyes shifted to take in Kimiko's body from this new angle. ”You know, I think I like you on top.” He brought his hand back and fiddled with Kimiko's open robe.

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Nic laughs, shoulders shaking as he walks into the apartment after kicking off his shoes. “I heard someone might be hungry in here?” He says, using his hand to shield Cassi’s upper thighs and bum from his dad as he approaches him and Wayland. The cat shows no concern, in fact looking more like he wants to be carried too.

“Special delivery,” Nic tells his dad, turning around so Cassi can hand him the bag of food.

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A shiver up Nero’s back makes them wiggle as Caden traces a line on their neck. “This is where you bite me so I can become one of you, right?” They practically purr, quite content with how his finger felt on their neck. They close their eyes with a little hum.

“Where should we go first?”

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Kiki flips him off in a huff. “See if I ever massage your back again.” She says before noticing his wandering eyes. At his words, she quickly looks away from his face, blush creeping into her cheeks and ears as she bites her lip.

“You would, you perv.” She says, pursing her lips and not looking at Avery still.

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It was then when Cassiopeia hear Ren's surprised voice that she was glad she had a longer jacket on, and that Nic's arm was covering her from flashing her father-in-law. Still, when Nic turned around, Cassi's face was a deep red with embarrassment.

"We got you something and bruschetta." She offered the bag to him before hiding her face once more. Wayland was absolutely no help. Instead the little beast jumped onto the table, and reached out a paw to Nic, to make it easier for Nic to pick them up.

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"If only it worked like that," he said, the tone of his voice low with desire. Caden traced his finger across their throat, watching it bob before he took his finger away. A short moment later, the dessert arrived.

"Mmm, I think I should like to take you to Paris first, perhaps. Or maybe we can tour the UK before we move on to somewhere warmer," Caden said, his voice back to normal, and he thanked the server before taking a bite of his pastry.

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Avery laughed, and rested his hands on Kimiko's hips. He held her in place while he rolled over and looked up at her from his back.

"You love me and my perverted mind because its just thoughts about you," he stated. Avery ran his hands up Kimiko's sides, the fabric of her outfit catching along his hands. "So, you've given me a massage. Does that mean I have to pay you back now for your services?"

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Nic and his dad laugh - a sound that’s been missing for a while in the Wu household. “We figured we could eat lunch with you and then go shopping, but Cassi’s legs seem to have stopped working properly. She might need medical attention.” The younger Wu teases, his chuckling giving away that Cassi is just fine.

Ren laughs some more, standing up to pat Cassi’s cheek in an endearing manner before taking the food and heading to the table with it. Nic scratches Wayland for a moment before following his dad, Cassi still over his shoulder.

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Nero’s eyes open only a little at Caden’s words, looking at him through their lashes at the tone he used. Unfortunately, that’s when the desserts arrive and the imp is immediately distracted by the sweet scent of oranges wafting off their cake. “Hmm, I could help you make an itinerary, but my maps of Europe might be a bit dated.” They tease Caden before trying a bite of the dessert. They sit up, eyes going wide and wiggling happily in their seat. “Mmm.”

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Kiki’s eyes widen and she looks at Avery as he easily maneuvers underneath her. Her lips squirm as she tries not to wiggle from him running his hands up her side, feeling both ticklish but also aroused. She can’t maintain eye contact with Avery and looks away before answering, blushing still. “You don’t need to pay me back, you pinecone.” She says, refusing to look at him.

“I’m spoiling you.”

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Cassiopeia felt more flushed after Ren patted her cheek. It was such an endearing gesture that tugged on her heart and warmed her soul. Still, Nic was refusing to put her down.

"So, am I eating in your lap or what? Cause I'm about to pull out some self-defense moves," Cassi politely informed Nic.

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"Perhaps a little, but I am sure someone would be interested in seeing historical world maps if you want to get them appraised," Caden said. He took another bite from his pastry before he watched Nero. He smiled at the joy on their face, and squeezed their leg.

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Avery paused in running his hands up Kimiko's back, ready to take her robe off but had to stop. "Did you just call me a pinecone? What possessed you to call me that?" he asked, barely holding back a laugh. His hands tightened on Kimiko's back while he laughed.

It took Avery some time to regain his composure before he could continue his task in removing Kimiko's robe. He slipped it off her shoulders, and let the robe fall to pool around her.

"Alright, you're spoiling me. What are you going to do now, then?"

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“That’s a great idea!” Nic says, maneuvering so he can sit down and hold Cassi in his lap, his arms securely around her. His dad shakes his head as he pulls the different boxes out of the bag. “Maybe you can feed me?” He teases with a grin.

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“What’s mine is yours.” Nero says simply as they try to eat the cake slowly to avoid devouring it too quickly. The second bite is just as good as the first and Nero hums in delight with a little dance in their seat. “Though, those maps are probably still at my place…” Or in Hell. They add in their head.

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Kiki breaks, giggling at Avery’s reaction. “Calling you dumb or an idiot twice in one night seemed mean.” She says sheepishly. She squirms a little as he keeps laughing, feeling weird for just sitting there straddling him still, but she grabs her half-eaten strawberry and finishes it. She goes to grab another when he pushes the robe off her shoulders.

“Oh, uh,” She glances at him as she feels her blush return. “Whatever your pinecone heart desires.” She tells him softly, having to concentrate on not biting her lip. She rests her hands on his chest as she leans in and kisses his head before pulling away.

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Cassiopeia huffed as she was promptly plopped onto Nic's lap. She stared at him, her face blank, but she couldn't maintain it. She loved this man too much. Her face split into a happy smile and she shook her head, rolling her eyes.

”You're insufferable. Was he always like this?” Cassi asked Ren while she pulled her pizza box closer.

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”They will keep. We have plenty to keep us occupied until then,” Caden said. He finished off his pastry, and sipped his coffee while he watched Nero try and pace themselves with their dessert.

”Do you want me to order you another to take home?”

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Avery's eyes danced back and forth from watching Kimiko eat her strawberries, and roaming her body. She was equally stunning and powerful. Avery could easily see the speed and agility her body had from running and hunting, as well as shifting into her fox. He felt shame briefly for ever doubting her ability to look after herself. She would train with Cassi and get stronger. Avery just had to trust her.

When she leaned down, Avery moved one of his hands to rest over hers to keep her from pulling her hand back. He looked into her eyes as she sat back up from kissing his head and smiled.

”And what if I say I desire you?”

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Ren nods gravely.“He used to say he wanted to be a stand-up comedian.”

“I did not!” Nic says, freeing one hand to grab his box of food from his dad and opening it. He places his other hand on Cassi’s thigh where the skin peeks through. “And if I did, it was only for the shock value of yours or mom’s reactions.” He says defiantly before stealing a piece of bruschetta too.

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Most might feel embarrassment at having their boyfriend call them out for their sweet tooth, but Nero just grins widely at Caden. “Yes please!” They say as they start to bounce and wiggle with glee.

“Have I mentioned how wonderful and amazing my mate is?” They say, batting their eyelashes before eating the cake at a normal pace… well normal for the imp at least.

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Kiki tries not to smirk as she raises an eyebrow. “Then I’d say it’s about bloody damn time.” She leans down close to Avery’s face but stops just before their lips meet. “Because the next time I put on lingerie for you, you had better be more appreciative.” She rubs her nose against his before straightening and moving like she’s about to leave him. She’s just giving him an excuse to hold on to her, though.

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Cassiopeia gasped and slowly looked at Nic. ”Please tell me you don't subject your poor patients to your stand-up comedy routines. They've suffered enough, Nic,” she teased him. She took a bite of her pizza and wiggled happily. It still tasted wonderful even though it was colder.

”What was your initial reaction when he told you, Ren?” Cassiopeia couldn't help her curious mind in wanting to know more about Nic and his past.

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Caden chuckled but nodded his compliance, and signalled the server to order Nero another. Caden brushed his hand along Nero's arm, watching them while they ate. For someone who didn't need to eat, Nero took the task of food consumption seriously. Caden chuckled again, shaking his head.

”Oh? You've never mentioned having a mate. What are they like?”

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Avery grinned when Kimiko's accent got stronger on the word bloody. He chuckled when she leaned in tantalisingly close but didn't kiss him.

”Just me. I do appreciate it, but I was trying to be respectable and less perverted,” he explained. She started to shift away from him and Avery's hands automatically went back to her hips and he tightened his hold on her. ”But apparently you like that about me.”

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“Hey now, my patients love my sense of humor.” Nic argues defiantly. He has to set his food down and hold Cassi’s hips still when she starts wiggling about. “Alright, lap privileges are revoked, vacate the premises please.” He says as his dad starts chuckling to himself, a knowing smile curling his lips as he shook his head.

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Nero takes a bite and chews with a smirk as they look sidelong at Caden. “Oh, just some overconfident billionaire type who’s afraid of space.” They do a little wiggle as they eat another bite. “Has the most gorgeous eyes though.” And they believed that to be true - their gemlike appearance is bewitching to the imp.

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Kiki rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “If I put on something lacy and go through the effort of lighting candles, you have my full permission to be perverted.” She tells him with a look that says he had better get it right next time. “Now tell me how you’d like to be spoiled already.”

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Cassiopeia was quickly moving onto her second piece of pizza when Nic's hands grabbed her hips. She stopped, having realized what she was doing and blushed.

"Well, you're no fun," she said, attempting to cover up her embarrassment. Cassi stood and claimed a seat of her own. She resumed her eating and happy dancing.

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"Overconfident, really? Hmm, sounds a bit full of himself then. Are you sure you want to be mated to someone like that, even if he has gorgeous eyes?" Caden watched Nero closely, shifting his eyes back and forth for them before he settled on his blue-green. But overconfident? Caden was confident, of course, it came with his age, but he was worried it was a negative now.

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Avery cocked his head to the side, looking up at Kimiko. "Now who's playing coy? I think you know what I want, unless you want me to give you step-by-step instructions." His hands wandered back up Kimiko's body.

"How much do you like this outfit?" he asked her nonchalantly.

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“Maybe when my dad’s not home.” He replies cheekily, patting her butt as she got off of him. That’s it, just think of your dad. Not about how nice Cassi’s ass felt as she wiggled in your lap… fuck. He gets quiet and starts eating his burger with a little more vigor as a much needed distraction.

Ren takes the hint and changes the subject. “So, what are you going shopping for? Seems like you got plenty earlier.” His tone is gentle, just some light teasing.

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Nero tries to hold it in, keep their face straight for the sake of the prank but they soon lose the fight and start giggling. “Oh, mein Drache, you are adorable when you worry.” They sit up and lean in towards Caden, kissing his cheek before returning to their cake eating.

“You’re as confident as you should be.” They says with a little hum.

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Kiki raises an eyebrow, trying not to squirm from his wandering hands. Why is literally every part of her ticklish? “That depends, are you asking if you can rip up my perfectly good velvet night gown?” Her cheeks are red once again, but she tries to play it off that he has no effect on her right now.