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Cassiopeia concentrated on her meal as well, grateful when Ren helped the conversation switch. ”Oh, we need clothes for Nic. Our friends Caden and Nero are going through what we call a binding ceremony. It's kind of like a wedding but more intense. It's only an intimate gathering but Caden is known for going over the top, so we have to dress for the occasion.” Cassiopeia split the rest of the bruschetta and gave Ren an extra piece before she gave Nic some and then herself.

”I'll make sure we get pictures so you can see Nic all dressed up,” she told Ren.

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Caden felt his cheeks grow warm and he quickly turned his head away. He understood the conversation was all in jest, but Nero's teasing and laughter left him feeling slightly embarrassed.

Nero had become incredibly important to Caden in a short amount of time. Anything they said mattered a great deal to him.

”Well, if you're certain.”

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Avery's smile shifted into a crooked grin as he met Kimiko's eyes. ”You know me too well, my little fireheart. I can leave it alone if you want, it just means I'll get to take my time instead.”

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Nic happily accepts another piece of bruschetta, having finished his burger and is now almost done with his fries. “Oh good, he’ll finally have more than one suit.” Ren says with a chuckle. Nic’s mouth is too full to argue with him about it. “Can’t keep patching holes in it and expect people not to notice, son.”

“It’s worked so far.” Nic grumbles after swallowing his bite.

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Nero smirks and pats Caden’s cheek. “I’m very certain.” They’re touched that Caden views their opinion of him so highly, thought it feels strange that his confidence had wavered at all. “Besides, how else am I going to get showered with gifts and all the food I could want?” They stick their tongue out to make sure Caden knows they’re teasing again.

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Kiki’s face flushes and she blinks several times, looking up before she could melt into a puddle. “F-fireheart?” She admits to herself that the nickname makes her heart flutter, but her mind is flustered between the new name and Avery saying he’ll take his time.

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Cassiopeia gave Nic an accusatory look. ”I appreciate your desire to be frugal, Nic, but you need to let the patchwork suit go and buy some that are more appropriate. Everyone needs at least two good suits, plus some other semi formal clothing,” Cassi declared. She wouldn't force him into an impromptu shopping spree, but she would make sure they made time for it in the near future. Especially before they went to Montana for his conference.

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With those comments, Nero succeeded in relaxing Caden's worries. He laughed and rubbed his jaw. ”Well, we can't deprive you of that now, can we?”

Nero's second dessert was delivered in a box for them to eat later. However, the way Nero had devoured their first dessert, Caden wasn't sure it would make it home.

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Concern moved across Avery's face and he held Kimiko gently yet securely. He was worried the nickname didn't land well. It had briefly come to him a couple of days ago while he was working, and he felt it suited her so completely not only because of her power, but because of how her bond was represented for him.

”Do you not like it? I can keep using little fox… I just know Caden will call you that sometimes.” He wanted something that was just theirs. Something they didn't have to share.

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Nic sighs with a pout as he considers it. “I’m not tossing the suit, but I will compromise and get two new ones.” He says, gears turning in his head as he thinks about what it will cost him. “And maybe we’ll find some good deals or clearance racks for the other stuff. Deal?” He asks Cassi with a smile.

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“We absolutely can’t let that happen.” Nero chirps, pulling the box close to them as they wiggle their feet. “Although, I much prefer your company in the bath or in our bed to material gifts.” They sit up so they’re closer to Caden’s face as they say that line and look at him through their lashes.

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Kiki lips quiver with nervous energy, both loving how concerned Avery is about a pet name and feeling utterly flustered. Unable to look him in the eye, she stares off at nothing in particular as she answers. “No, no… I like it.” She nods affirmatively, face still flushed as she licks her dry lips. “It’s a good name.”

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Cassiopeia grinned and wiped her hands on a napkin before holding her hand out to Nic to shake. ”Deal,” she agreed happily.

Cassiopeia resumed her eating with renewed vigour. It had been an age since she shopped for a man, let alone shopped at all. She finished her meal and stood to go wash her hands. When she returned, she found Wayland had taken her seat and was peering at the items at the table while vying for Nic's attention.

”I can't believe I've been replaced so quickly,” she said, and scratched Wayland's head. He barely acknowledged her.

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Caden grinned, his eyes shifting to look at Nero's lips while he spoke. ”Mmm, I enjoy that perhaps more than showering you with gifts… Shall we return home then?” Caden's eyes lifted back to Nero's, a suggestive look in his eyes, and he slid his hand up higher on Nero's leg.

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Avery watched Kimiko curiously as she continued to avoid looking at him. It's in moments like these that Avery desperately wanted to know what her past relationships were like, and why Kimiko believed herself to be so unworthy of love, or at least shy enough to not accept it for what it was.

”Are you sure? You aren't acting like it with how you keep from looking at me.”

Avery lifted his hand from her hip and lightly touched the bottom of her chin with his fingers. He didn't force her to look at him, but rather attempted to coax her to look at him with the gentle brush of his fingers.

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Nic smirks, amused by the fact that Cassi is asking for a handshake on it. He finishes his food just as Cassi comes back from the kitchen and chuckles at her comment. “I mean, look how fast you fell for me.” He says teasingly, standing up and kissing Cassi’s cheek on his way to the kitchen to wash his hands now too.

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Nero smiles impishly, almost tempted to stay and let Caden continue with his wandering hand, but that would certainly bring the two trouble. They nod, kissing Caden’s cheek before they slipped their legs off of his and stood up. “We must make haste.” They declare with a wide grin.

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Kiki takes a deep breath just as she feels Avery’s fingers brush against her chin. Knowing how flushed she is, she turns her head to look him in the eyes with a sheepish expression. “I like it, I really do. It’s just hard to maintain eye contact when you make me so flustered.” She bites her lip for a moment before taking another breath. “You make me feel so immature sometimes with how often I just want to bury my face in your chest because you… you say things like ‘my little fireheart’ and my heart just soars.”

She puts her face in her hands and shakes her head. “How do you do this to me?”

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Cassiopeia blushed and dipped her head, even though Nic kissed her cheek.

”I was worried you were going to start stalking me and boombox ‘Careless Whisper’ outside my place, and I didn't want my neighbours to call the cops on you,” she defended.

She watched Nic walk away, smiling fondly before she turned and scooped Wayland up from her seat. He protested for a moment until Cassi plopped him in her lap, and he purred contently.

”How are you doing, Ren?” It had been a few days since Ren revealed the demon deal he had made, and although everything was progressing forward, Cassi still liked to check-in with Ren daily.

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”Aye, that we must.” Caden stood after Nero, the height difference shifting as soon as he stood, and he chuckled before paying their bill, and escorted Nero out of the building.

”Is there anywhere you wish to go before we return home?” Caden had no further plans for the day, as he was sure it was the same for Nero, but he wanted to make sure.

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Kimiko finally looked at Avery, and rather than speak, he let her talk. He listened quietly, his fingers sliding up to allow for his hand to cup her cheek. He smiled as she explained, and his own heart pounded with elation from her confessions of how he made her feel and how she liked the nickname.

The name repeated back to him by her sounded superior to when he said it, and he smiled. Avery brushed his thumb along Kimiko's cheek, his hand falling away after to stroke her shoulder and arm. He watched the motion until he reached her hand and pulled it away from her face. He intertwined their fingers and held her hand.

”Maybe because you're in love with me just as much as I'm in love with you. Maybe because no one has loved you or worshipped you the way I intend to.” Avery brought Kimiko's hand to his lips and kissed her hand very softly. His eyes shut and he sighed, his breath settling over her skin.

”Maybe because you know you deserve this, but you don't know how to fully accept it yet.” He placed a kiss along the inside of Kimiko's wrist, feeling her pulse jump against his lips. Avery smiled and placed a third kiss further up her arm.

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Nic washes his hands and wipes his chin before heading back to the table. He can hear his dad answer Cassi, “You’re so sweet to keep checking in on me, dear. I’m alright - Wayland being here is already helping me. I know you and my son are working diligently on my behalf and I really appreciate it. You’ll make a fine wife for my son, I’m sure of it.” He reaches out and pats Cassi on the arm with a smile.

“Dad…” Nic says with red ears. “Stop trying to make her your daughter-in-law before I’ve even proposed.”

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Nero chuckles, walking with a skip in their step as the two head for the car. “Nope!” They chirp, one arm linked with Caden’s while the other has the cake tucked safely against them. “I have my sweets and I have my dragon. Who could ask for anything more?”

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Kiki’s bites her lip, embarrassed about showing this much vulnerability with anyone and feeling as though she needs to dive under a pile of pillows or a blanket. “Worship?” She squeaks out breathlessly, unable to tear her eyes away from how Avery kisses her hand.

“Showing emotion has always been hard for me…” She adds softly, in agreement with his words, but also afraid to admit it. Her heart pounds, echoing in her ears as her face feels as hot as the surface of the sun. She closes her eyes, resuming biting her lip. Why is it so hard for her to share her feelings?

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Cassiopeia looked Ren over, watching his eyes, and examined his face to make sure he was getting enough sleep and eating well. It was one thing for him to say he was okay versus actually being okay. Cassi glanced down at Wayland and scratched the top of her cat's head with a fond smile.

Wayland had always been good at improving people's moods and caring for them. She was glad Wayland found a strong bond with these two men, but she was going to miss having him waking her up in the morning.

"Oh, Ren," Cassi said with a laugh, blushing. With all the recent talk about starting a family with Nic, visiting Scotland, and maybe even moving back one day, she had completely forgotten marriage was a possibility. "We only just started dating," she reminded the older man. And haven't even had sex yet, she thought to herself. The thought made her blush more, and she buried her face in Wayland's fur. She kissed the top of the cat's head before pulling back.

"Let's get going, Nic. I want to try and beat the hometime rush."

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Caden grinned at Nero's statement, feeling rather loved and adored. "I couldn't agree more," he said and kissed Nero once before helping them into the car.

Once they were on the road, traffic had lessened, making Caden calmer as he found it easier to get out of Chicago and onto the open road. He drove faster once they were clear of traffic. Caden liked to go fast, but also a high performance car like he had needed to speed to run properly. He would miss the speed over the winter months, but the SUVs were much safer on Chicago's winter roads.

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Avery placed a couple more kisses up Kimiko's arm before he took her other hand and did the same. While he kissed her, he listened to her, only chuckling when she squeaked. He took both her hands and placed them on his chest. He looked up at her even though she had shut her eyes once more, her vulnerability becoming too much.

"That's okay. This is very knew for both of us," he reminded her. He pulled on her hands, extending them past his head, forcing Kimiko to lay on top of him. Once she relaxed, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled, so they laid on their sides. He didn't need an explanation or all the answers for why Kimiko felt so shy around him. If she didn't know or didn't want to tell him, Avery was okay with. Just as long as she didn't try to hide from him, or shut him out because of it.

"If it becomes too much, just tell me. I don't want to scare you off or make you too uncomfortable, but I am crazy about you," he whispered and kissed Kimiko's nose. "And yes, I do intend to worship you because you are a woman who deserves worshipping and nothing but the best." He kissed her forehead, and ran one of his hands down her back and over her butt. "And you are fine as hell." He squeezed her ass in emphasise before kissing her head again.

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Nic can’t help but chuckle, watching Cassi’s face go through many different expressions and he longs to know what exactly is going through her head, but he refrains for now. He nods and extends his hand. “Let’s go, you little tomato.” They leave the apartment and head back down to the parking garage.

“I figure we’re probably going to get too nice of stuff to try and carry back to my place.” Nic guesses out loud as they reach the SUV.

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As the two drive home, Nero wiggles in their seat with some excitement. “You know, I don’t think we’ve christened my new room yet.” They say with a sly smirk, glancing at Caden sidelong before placing their hand on his thigh.

To be fair, Nero hasn’t spent much time in the refurbished room since it was finished. They were spending so much time with Kiki getting through the books that it just seemed smarter to be in the the library for resources.

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Kiki opens her eyes as Avery gently forces her to lay down and rolls them on their sides. “You don’t make me uncomfortable,” She murmurs as he kisses her nose. “Just because you manage to fluster me, doesn’t mean I… don’t like it.” Her eyes fall close as his kisses her forehead before flashing open with a tiny gasp when he grabs her ass. “T-thank you…” She forces herself to say despite how much she wants to just blush furiously about it.

Avery is easily becoming the best thing in her life, the little addition she needed to finally feel whole. As much as he makes her blush with his wandering hands and his teasing comments, she loves him and his quirks with her whole being. “Maybe one day, I’ll be able to express it to you…” She murmurs, mostly talking to herself.

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"Yes, it'll be a bit cumbersome to carry. Do you just want to look for something for Caden and Nero's ceremony, or do you want to do a bit of shopping for the conference in Montana, as well?"

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Caden had one hand on top of the steering wheel with his other relaxed over the centre console. He didn't have his hand on Nero's leg this time, but he was brushing his fingers along their skin from time to time. Nero's words pulled Caden from his silent thoughts, and he glanced down at the small hand that rested on his thigh. Caden chuckled and shifted his free hand to rest more completely on Nero's leg.

"It seems you are right, my darling little imp. How do you think we should break in your new living space? Should I grab my violin? Or perhaps we'll need to relocate the cats for a few hours?" The idea of keeping Nero locked in their room for hours, taking them on every surface until both of them were drained was dangerously appealing.

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Avery smiled, his lips brushing along Kimiko's soft skin. His hands roamed under her dress, growing tired of the thing being on her body.

"Mmm, you could always write it down. Or write me a song," he teased her. Of course, Avery had shown her the song he had written for her, but it wasn't the only song. Avery felt more vulnerable playing his music for her than speaking to her like this. It was strange, but Avery's music was an extension of his soul. Sharing that with someone was like cracking himself open for the world to pull apart and judge.

"But in the meantime," Avery said, his voice turning gruff. "I think there is another way you can express to me how I make you feel." He nudged Kimiko until he found her lips and kissed her deeply, done with talking.

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Nic smirks, opening the door for Cassi to get in first. “I have a sneaking suspicion that you want me to choose the latter.” He says, helping her in before moving around to the driver’s side. He hops in and turns to look at her while he turns the ignition on. “So, where are we headed to first?”

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Nero beams, a dangerous gleam of excitement in their big eyes. “I think relocating the cats would be the most appropriate answer.” They say impishly, their hand moving higher up Caden’s thigh. “We must put that vigor of yours to the test.” It feels like it had been ages since they discussed the meaning of each other's names.

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Cassi laughed and tucked her jacket in so it didn't get locked in the door. She buckled herself in before bringing up the GPS on the large screen in the SUV. She typed in an address and pressed go.

"There are several stores along this street we can check out, and it is completely up to you how many we go to. Just know if we don't do it all today, we will have to go another day," she told him.

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Caden relaxed into the driver's seat more, enjoying the direction Nero's hand was travelling. He chuckled with amusement, his eyes reflecting his own excitement and intrigue.

"I am certain I will meet your expectations," he said, gently squeezing the imp's leg.

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Nic starts leaving the parking garage and heads for the destination. “So, no matter what, I’m not getting out of any of this.” He says with a cheeky tone. “As long as you don’t make me look ridiculous, I’m all yours for the afternoon.” He tells her, placing his hand on the center console.

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Nero chuckles before giving Caden’s thigh a squeeze and leaning back into their seat. They’re nearing the house anyway. “You usually exceed them, are you off your game already?” They tease with a wink before faux pouting. “And here I was hoping it’d last past the honeymoon phase.”

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Cassiopeia rested a hand against her chest, looking offended as she looked at Nic. ”I would never make you look ridiculous or silly.” She glanced down at his casual hand placement, and crossed her arms, looking away while she pretended to be upset with him.

”If anything, I'd dress you down to keep it easier for me to fight off the screaming hoards of men and women who want to get their hands on you at the conference,” she teased.

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Caden laughed, patting Nero's leg before he took his hand back and turned down the road that would lead to their home. ”Perhaps I am still scared from the Planetarium visit. You'll have to comfort me when we get home,” he said, returning a cheeky comment to Nero.

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Nic laughs, shaking his head. “Most heads of hospital departments are ran by old white men. If anything, you’ll have to deal with them saying how good my English is.” This is, unfortunately, a common occurrence at conferences he attends and speaks at.

“You can hex them if you’d like.” He says with a smirk as he pulls up to the street and finds parking. “I’d prefer it.”

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“Maybe I’ll start telling you all the ‘fun’ space experiences that have taken place instead.” Nero says with a truly wicked look in their eyes. “For instance, in 2003, a Chinese astronaut heard knocking on his spacecraft.” They leave it there for now, not actually wanting to scare Caden.

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”Ah, old white men. My speciality,” Cassi said with a grin. She shifted her focus, looking at the stores as Nic drove past to find good parking. Luckily, they found something along the street with enough room for the larger SUV.

”Don't worry my love,” Cassi said as Nic parked. ”I'll win them over for you.”

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Caden looked at Nero, his eyes wide, and he looked slightly pale. ”You're not serious.” He turned into their driveway and slowed down. Even though Caden was alarmed by Nero's “fun fact”, he was vigilant in scanning the property.

Caden shut the radio off and rolled the windows down to listen for anything strange or signs of trespassers on his property. As the house neared, Caden rolled the windows back up. He parked near the steps to the front door, and shut the car off.

”I'm going to check the wards. You can head inside if you don't want to wait for me,” he offered.

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“Ah, so this is what they mean when they say ‘white savior’.” Nic jokes as he finishes parking before hopping out to meet Cassi on the sidewalk by her door. “Alright, which store first, my love?” He asks. He has to admit to himself that he’s a little excited to see how Cassi will style him.

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Nero has to clamp a hand over their mouth to keep from laughing in Caden’s face. Granted, the ‘fun fact’ was something the astronaut had claimed, but who’s to say it wasn’t just some supernatural creature playing a prank? Nero would’ve done the same thing. “I don’t mind waiting… Do I have to keep my distance or can I stay close?”

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Cassiopeia jumped out of the SUV excitedly, ready to style Nic in several different outfits, but before they went anywhere she had something else to say. Cassi rested her hands on Nic's chest, looking up at him with a serious yet tender expression on her face.

”In all seriousness, when it comes to the conference, and if those people really do try to make you feel inferior, I'll follow your lead.”

Cassiopeia understood what it meant to be discriminated against. Her gender, especially in the time periods she grew up in, had her being overlooked and shut down a hundred times over. Even her culture had a long, violent history with Great Britain that had people questioning her in the 19th and early 20th centuries. But just because she had those experiences did not mean she understood the struggles or pain Nic went through. And in today's world, Cassi did have it a lot easier than most people. She would never want to take away from someone else's experience with discrimination by being the “white saviour”.

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When it came to the things Caden was most afraid of, logic went out the window. Caden had genuine fear from Nero's words, and was desperately concerned with the poor man's outcome. Were there aliens? Or perhaps creatures from Earth messing with the man? Either way, the idea of it made space all the more frightening to Caden.

Caden pouted briefly, seeing Nero try not to laugh at him, but he smiled when they asked to stay close.

”You can stay close. When we're bonded, I might be able to give you a taste of what it feels like when I tap into my power,” he informed them. Caden got out of the car, walked around, and opened the door for Nero. He offered them a hand to take to help them out.

For Caden's people, a mating bond became a sort of conduit for their powers and abilities. It made the other stronger and when combined, even more so. Caden was sure he would be able to build on the strength of the wards after he was bonded to Nero because of their celestial power. But it was a theory he would have to test out. For now, Nero keeping their distance was more of a precaution than anything. The dragon recognized Nero as his mate, but when that level of power was flowing through Caden he wasn't sure how the dragon would react to being touched by someone they weren't fully bonded to yet.

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Nic peers down at Cassi, tilting his head a little in surprise at how serious her expression has become. He raises a hand and cups her cheek, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone. “I appreciate that.” He says sincerely. He leans down to kiss her tenderly for a moment before pulling back.

“And just in case you were worried, the white savior comment was just a joke. You’re too empathetic to do anything just for the glory or face value.”

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Nero’s face lights up, excited for opportunity to experience even just a little of Caden’s power. They beam brightly up at him when he offers his hand and grab it quickly with on of their tiny ones, holding the box of cake in their other hand. “I can’t wait until we’re bonded.” They tell Caden in earnest.