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Cassiopeia's eyes remained locked on Nic's until she knew he understood her. She smiled softly, leaning into his hand. The kiss was brief, but it held enough passion in it to soothe her worried mind. Still, it left her wanting to pull Nic back into the SUV.

”I'm glad. I just wanted to make sure you knew I wouldn't take over like that,” she said. She captured Nic's hand and pulled him down the sidewalk and into the first store.

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”One more day,” he reminded them. Caden kissed the top of Nero's hand before leading them onto the grass. He kissed their hand again before he released it and knelt on the ground. ”You may stay close, but just in case, don't touch me,” he reminded them gently before he tapped into his power and the wards on his property.

Lines glowed around them, woven into the very land itself and into Caden. He breathed heavily, searching his whole property from where he was. He turned his head to the side when he noticed a weakness further out along the creek that ran through his property.

Caden released the power, his eyes glowing faintly purple as the residue magic from using his power held on.

”There's a weakness in the warding,” Caden stood and looked at Nero. ”Want to come with me to fix it?”

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Nic kisses her back and even though it’s brief, it leaves him wanting more. However, he doesn’t want their first time to be in the back of Caden’s SUV. He grins lopsidedly at Cassi when she pulls back, ears a little red as some people passing by gave them sidelong glances for their public display of affection. He grins because he’s glad that they both have that understanding now and because he’s a little proud he guessed her worries right on the first try.

That pride quickly dissolves when they walk into the first store and he remembers how much he hates shopping. “Is it too late to go to a thrift store?” He asks Cassi softly, trying to keep a polite smile on his face.

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Nero nods, eyes wide with curiosity even still as they watch Caden. All around them lines seem to appear and glow, flowing from Caden or into him, Nero can’t quite tell. They raise an eyebrow at the news that there’s a weak spot, but are unable to hide their delight at the purple hue in his eyes.

“Only if I can hold your hand on the way.” Nero says in a bratty tone. If they still can’t touch him, they’re fine with it. It’s fun teasing him anyway. And I can’t tease them more about space… His poor face when I told him about the knocking!

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Cassiopeia glanced around the store, taking in everything they had to offer quickly. She turned to look at Nic after he whispered in her ear. She patted his chest and looked back at the store.

”Don't worry. I'll be gentle. And maybe I'll thank you for letting me dress you up later,” she said, whispering the last part in his ear before leading him over to the shirts.

Cassiopeia started grabbing and mixing items. She gathered quite a collection of clothes, more of a semi formal casual wear for Nic to start with. She would bombard him with suits in the next store.

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Caden laughed and took Nero's free hand. He took the dessert from Nero's other hand and set it on the ground before taking their other hand.

”How about I carry you on my back instead?” He kissed Nero's hands, eyes watching them for their reaction.

Caden didn't mind Nero's bratty or teasing tones. He found them endearing, although he was certain others would find it annoying. However, Caden knew Nero.

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Nic watches as Cassi starts grabbing items too fast for him to check the price tags. “Am I trying all of these on… today?” He asks with an eyebrow raised as the items in her arms start piling up. “‘Cause I feel like this might take up a whole week.”

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“Now hold on, what if ants get to my cake?” Nero teases as Caden puts it down on the ground before chuckling at his offer. “Like a… what’s it called, a piggyback ride?” They hop from one foot to the other as they shift their weight back and forth.

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Cassi gave Nic a bit of a look before she sent him to a change room. Cassiopeia organized the outfits as she envisioned Nic wearing them and set them on the hooks.

”I need a baseline to see what I'm working with. It won't take you that long,” she assured him. ”But it will take longer if I have to be in here to help you change,” she threatened. Cassi stepped out of the change room and gestured for Nic to take her place.

”Just give it a try. If you absolutely hate everything and don't want to keep going, we'll head home,” she assured Nic, her words taking on a softer tone.

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”Should that happen, I will return to town and buy you the entire cake,” he said.

Caden watched Nero hop from foot to foot, wondering if they were going to take a running leap. Caden smiled with amusement, and picked Nero up.

”Wrap your arms and legs around me,” he instructed Nero. Once they had done so, Caden rotated them so they were on his back rather than his front. Caden then wrapped his arms around Nero's legs and adjusted them a bit more.

”There, how is that?”

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Nic makes a sheepish expression, feeling a bit childish but it is a large amount of clothing. He heads into the changing room and quickly chucks off his clothes before pulling on the first outfit on the hangers. When he glances at the mirror, he admits he looks good - which is no surprise given that his only ‘abnormality’ in his appearance is his height. The clothes fit him well and the colors and patterns are appeasing to the eye.

He steps out of the changing room and flashes Cassi a smile. “Now I know this is hard, but try to resist your desire to find me incredibly attractive right now.” He teases with his lopsided grin.

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“This pleases me.” Nero chirps with a catlike smile before they’re picked up. They follow Caden’s instructions and laughs a little. “Well, I think it’s marvelous but I’ll probably wear some shorts or pants next time.” They rest their chin on his shoulder and hum in satisfaction.

“It grants me some easy access to attack your neck and ears though.” They quickly nip at his earlobe to prove their point.

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Cassiopeia was browsing through some of the racks closer to the change room when Nic came out. She heard the change room door unlock before he spoke, so her eyes were already scanning him from toe to head. Her eyes roamed up his legs, checking the fit of his pants to ensure they were long enough, then they took in his torso and arms. She saw his smile, then the child-like gleam in his eyes. Cassi laughed and walked over to him. She fixed his collar and smoothed out the lines.

"You clean up very well, Nurse Wu." She pressed a swift kiss to his lips before she stepped back. "Now go on, more clothes to try."

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"Well, if you must," Caden brazenly said. He started to walk through the field, his long stride eating up the distance. His eyes shifted while he walked, using the superior vision of a hawk to give himself a greater seeing distance. He could see the shifting in the grass of mice moving, and the leaves in the trees sway with the breeze.

A pinch on his ear pulled Caden from his surveillance. The sensation Nero created shivered through Caden's body, and a low rumble sounded in the back of his throat.

"Careful, mein kleiner Kobold. If you distract me too much we won't make it the creek." He squeezed his hands on Nero's bare legs in emphasis.

Caden walked past the tree line and followed an unknown path through the woods. His shoulders seemed to relax, and his gait turned confident despite the dense tree cover hiding the forest floor. His eyes continued to allow him to see well despite the conditions, which allowed him to feel more in his element.

The open air and endless fields or the hills of the Highlands would always be Caden's preference, but the forests were a close second for him. Over the years, Caden had adapted well to living in close quarters with people, even enjoying the city life and the homes he had within them, but if Caden had to chose one location, it would always be somewhere in the middle of nowhere with an endless supply of open land and air. His dragon rumbled in agreement with his thoughts, sharing an image with Caden of the last time they were able to spread their wings and fly.

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Nic beams brightly, both from Cassi’s compliment and from her calling him by his profession. It falters when she orders him to go back and keep trying more items on. “Do I have to show you every outfit?” He asks, a tiny bit of a childish pout to his tone.

“The shirts and pants can’t be that different from one another, right?” He chuckles sheepishly as he rubs the back of his neck. “Or do I get a kiss for every outfit, ‘cause then I don’t have a problem.”

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Nero chuckles, always amused by Caden’s obsession with their legs. They make a small mental note to wear more shorts, skirts, and dresses more now that they aren’t expecting to deal with more demons anytime soon. With Caden and Avery’s help, Nero’s house now stood empty. The only missing items that Nero owns are in Hell.

His response to Nero’s nipping of his ear causes them to smirk lazily to themself. They aren’t opposed to spending an afternoon and night with Caden under the stars. “I should explore all your land at some point,” Nero observes as the two traverse into the woods. “Perhaps I’ll find a ‘Secret Garden’.” It’s a book they had read recently while Caden has slept. They won’t admit it to anyone, but the found the book to be endearing.

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Cassiopeia narrowed her eyes playfully at Nic's tone. She shook her head, falling a little more in love with him even though he was pouting. She ran her hands over his collar and shirt again, an excuse to keep her hands busy but also to touch him.

"I'd try the pants at least. Each style will fit a little differently. When we go for suits, I'll definitely have to see each one. But yes, you'll get a kiss every time." She looked up at Nic, her smile soft. "Thank you for shopping with me." It may not be his idea of a good time, but Cassi was enjoying the bonding as well as the excuse of seeing him dressed up.

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"Our land," Caden gently corrected. "And you are free to roam it whenever you desire. With the wolves gone, there should be no supernatural creature crossing in. Once I figure out how the wardening weakened, I will reinforce it, so you will be safe to roam."

Caden chuckled as they neared the creek. "I am unaware of any secret gardens, but I do believe Cassi said there were pixies on the land, so perhaps they've found a place to make their own." Caden relaxed his hold on Nero and knelt down to make it easier for Nero to slid off their back. Caden remained kneeling and once Nero had let go, he tapped into his power right away.

The purple lines showed along the ground once more, but there was one that was slightly darker. It was dim and cloudy, clearly looking sickly. Caden reached out to touch it and hissed unhappily.

"Something tried to forcibly break it," he said out loud, keeping Nero informed. His voice had taken on that ancient tone once more. Caden's face shifted slightly, taking on more of a reptilian look as the dragon came forth, wanting to do their own inspection. Red scales shimmered across Caden's face, reflecting the light and the green grass underneath. His dragon took a deep breath in, holding the scents in before releasing its breath through their widened nostrils.

The scent was foreign, unknown, but it was ancient and had a distinct smell. Caden would know this smell again if he came across it. With the preliminary investigation done, Caden dove into the wellspring of power he contained and reinforced the wards once more. Slowly, the darkened lines brightened as the decay was driven out. The air seemed to shimmer and vibrate while Caden worked. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end from the power expelled, but just as quickly as it came it faded.

Caden stood, examining the lines that still showed before he released them. His features shifted back to his usual dark complexion, with sharp lines and brooding eyes. His eyes still glowed a brilliant purple, slices of blue and green intersecting here and there as it settled.

"Whatever it was, it was old. Older than I, and something the dragon has never come across." Caden looked over at Nero. He stepped closer to them, slipping his hand into theirs. "Once we are bonded, I'll share the scent and the images with you. Perhaps you have come across it."

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Nic dramatically sighs but smirks still. “As you wish - I am but a meager Ken doll in your hands.” He teases with a pat to her head before he ruffles her hair. “As much as I will gripe and groan during this, I know you’ll help me look like an actual adult after today.”

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“Right, our land. Sorry.” Nero giggles before letting Caden continue. “Honestly, I’d probably be just fine taking on whoever crosses my path so wherever I roam, I should be safe.” They pause at the information regarding pixies, giving it a moment of thought at the aspect of it all, before they climb off of Caden’s back and give him some room.

At Caden’s reaction, Nero’s eyes widen and they wish they could see what he’s sensing. The red dragon starts to appear more clearly, worrying the imp that their mate might be losing their control again. They reach out to touch him before stopping themselves as they remember Caden’s warning concerning surprising his dragon. They watch as he finishes his work and stands, the reptilian appearance fading away to show Caden’s perfect face.

They smile, but their eyes still show concern until he talks. Even as he takes their hands, their brow remains furrowed. Something older than Caden and something his dragon has never encountered? The thought made Nero’s heart feel like it’s dropped to their stomach. “Perhaps…” They mumble, looking past Caden at nothing in particular.

“What could do that…?” They finally shift their gaze to look up at Caden.

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Cassi giggled, breaking eye contact with Nic to stare at her hands on his chest. She knew they were just standing in the middle of the store, other customers coming and going from the changerooms, but she couldn’t help her mind when it wandered.

”We used to make these little dolls when I was growing up. I made one once, but I didn’t get to keep it for long. Instead, I was taught to work and play with plants, medicinal and poisonous. I loved it, trust me, but when I was working with the plants, I would watch the children play with dolls and wish I had my own. I didn’t think I would have a real-life doll,” she said, looking up at him again. ”Okay, okay. Go on. No more distractions.” Cassiopeia released Nic and took a few steps back before she turned around to distract herself with other things.

She roamed the store, letting Nic try his clothes on in private, and only came around when he tried on a new style of pants. There were a couple that didn’t work for him, but she was pleased that the majority of the clothes were winners. Cassiopeia stood at the counter with him while the clothes were scanned and folded. She tapped her fingers along the counter’s edge, and once the total was drawn up, Cassi hipchecked Nic out of the way and paid for the items quickly. She slipped her card away and turned to face his wrath.

”You spoil me, I spoil you.”

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Caden looked into Nero’s eyes, seeing all the things they weren’t saying reflected there. He brushed his fingers delicately across their cheek, his other arm wrapping around Nero’s waist and pulled them in close.

”If I had to guess, I would say something celestial. Dragons aren’t the oldest thing on this earth but we are up there. It could be a very powerful witch as well, someone who knows how to disguise their scent, but I’m not sure. The only way I’ll be sure is if I come across them, or if this happens again.”

Caden slid his hand from Nero’s cheek to the back of their neck. ”You’re mine. I’m not letting you go so easily. No matter what or who tries to come for you.” The same fears Nero was feeling circled in Caden’s eyes, but there was a fire there that burned. A fire that refused to be dampened.

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Nic raises an eyebrow as Cassi seems to think deeply about her next words before he smiles with a small chuckle. Maybe some horseback riding and a doll will make some good gifts for her. He doesn’t complain as he goes through the rest of the intimidating pile she’s set aside for him to try on, making sure she gets to see any new styles.

By the time they make it to the register and the total starts tallying up, Nic can feel that familiar dread in his stomach and the sweat starting to collect on the nape of his neck. He can afford it, he just knows he’ll need to be a little more mindful of any superfluous spending the next week.

He turns to pull his wallet out right as Cassi beats him to paying and he stares at her, a little impressed at how swiftly she pulls it off. “R-right…” He says slowly, not really sure how to react at first before he finally smiles. “I mean, thank you.”

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Nero hesitates before they let out a sigh and wrap their arms around Caden in response. Celestial just makes them think of angelic offspring like Mundus, which is quite possible the last thing they want to think of while in Caden’s arms.

They close their eyes as his hand moves to their neck, letting their face bury in his shirt for the moment. “Du darfst nicht für mich sterben, okay?” They mumble, their hands starting to clutch at the sweater he wears.

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Cassiopeia stretched up and kissed Nic softly. ”You're welcome.” She pulled one of his bags from the counter before walking out of the store. She glanced down the street at the store fronts while making her way back to the SUV. She spotted a couple of suit stores and smiled. She turned to face Nic.

”Ready for suit shopping next?”

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Caden tightened his hold on Nero as they got closer to him. He wanted to protest Nero's words. There's nothing Caden wouldn't do to keep them safe. Of course, dying was not something Caden wanted. It would mean less time with Nero, and that defeated the entire point.

Caden squeezed the back of Nero's neck, pulling their head back to look up at him. ”Ich bin nicht so leicht zu töten,” he said, and kissed his mate deeply. Caden's hand remained on Nero's neck but his other arm dropped lower, his hand roaming their body.

Before Caden's hands wandered too much, he pulled his lips back to talk to Nero. ”Do you want to race back? I'll even let you teleport if you think it'll help you,” he teased.

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Nic can’t help but smile at how happy Cassi seems to be just from helping him pick out clothes, even as he follows her with the other bags to the SUV. He’s tempted to answer sarcastically and say something about spending so much time shopping but… Having a suit for the bonding ritual of Caden and Nero is not only important to Cassi, but to himself as well. It’s about time he started looking like an adult.

“Lead the way, oh doll maker.” He says with a smile as he unlocks the SUV so they can put the bags inside.

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Nero just nods as Caden responds, feeling vulnerable for saying the words out loud and silly for having the thought in the first place. There’s not time for them to reply as Caden initiates a passionate kiss and they immediately kiss him back, trying to ignore the allure of just suggesting they have their way with each other in the woods.

Even so, Nero feels disappointment as their kiss ends before their ears turn red from Caden’s teasing. The distraction works well. “…You’re on.” They say, eyes narrowed in a competitive but playful glare.

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Cassiopeia put her bag inside, laughing at Nic’s newest nickname for her. She slipped her hand into his and led them down the street.

”You’re enjoying yourself still, right?” She looked up at him, wanting to ensure he was still okay. She understood how trying shopping could be. Often, she went home empty-handed because the items she wanted didn’t fit right or even come in her size. She didn’t understand why every store had to carry a different range of sizes.

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Caden chuckled and pecked Nero’s lips before he took a step back. ”First one to the house then.” He grinned before shifting into a wolf.

Caden stood almost to Nero’s shoulder, still taller than a werewolf, signifying his alpha status because of his size. Caden bumped Nero with his head before he made a grumbling sound and faced the direction of the house. He blinked once before taking off, sprinting through the woods. Even though Caden’s coat had a red tinge to it, as soon as he was in the trees, he seemed to disappear.

He pushed himself through the trees, intent on beating Nero to the house. It was just for fun, but Caden’s competitive spirit was coming out.

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Nic nods, flashing a smile. “I enjoy anytime I get to spend with you.” He tells Cassi with a wink, lifting their joined hands to kiss hers. The tip of his ears turn a little red, but he makes sure to keep his eyes on her as he does this before letting their hands fall back down. He really does mean it, though. Even if the process is tedious, he enjoys the time with Cassi.

“I probably would’ve just shown up looking terribly underdressed if you didn’t do this for me anyway.” He adds, still smiling before he dramatically shivers. “I don’t think I would’ve been able to bear the judgement from Nero and Caden.”

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The imp strokes through the wolf’s fur for a moment before Caden runs off without much warning. “Oh, I see we’re just starting off with cheating!” Nero yells with a laugh before making the split decision to use their magic. They have a clear picture of their bedroom in their head but just as they flip the switch to teleport, they also think of their new office. The scenery around them whirls and twists before a small pop sounds within Nero and they land on their feet.

“Oh fuck-” Nero scrambles to find their footing as they realize the ‘floor’ beneath them is angled. It’s not a floor beneath them, it’s the roof of Caden’s house. Nimbly, they start making their way towards where they guess Caden would be running from. Probably best for them to wait there before trying to jump down.

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It never ceased to amaze Cassi how Nic made her feel like the centre of his world when he looked at her like that. She blushed after he broke eye contact with her and walked into the store.

”Caden would have been polite, I'm not certain how Nero would have reacted though,” she said.

A sales attendant immediately came up to them and offered their help. Cassi smiled, greeting them happily before explaining a bit of what they were looking for.

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Caden raced across the open yard, feeling the speed was going to be his biggest advantage — until he saw a shape on the roof that shouldn't be there. Caden skidded to a halt and cocked his head to the side. Caden barked and circled around and around before he transformed back to human.

”I suppose that means you win?” He slipped his hands into his pockets and stared up at Nero, an amused smirk on face.

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“Based on what they did when we first met, I don’t think it would’ve been a good reaction.” Nic says with a cheeky smile. It’s not long after walking in that Nic is dragged away for measurements. When they start asking about fabrics, cuts, and all things that sound foreign to Nic, he smiles sheepishly.

“I think you should probably ask the young lady I came with because I feel like I’m out of my depth here.” He says, ears red.

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Nero watches with delight as Caden’s wolf emerges from the tree line with incredible speed until he seemingly notices his new roof ornament. At his words, Nero places their hands on their hips and stands proudly. “You suppose correctly!” They state confidently before they stop their bravado.

“I don’t trust myself to teleport down though and I would prefer not to break a bone…” They sit down on the edge of the roof and lean over to continue talking to Caden. “I might be willing to consider this a tie if you would be so kind as to catch me.” They let the words hang for a moment or so before they let themself fall off.

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Cassiopeia started to browse through all the different fabrics and colours while Nic was taken into the back and sized. She hummed happily to herself, only stopping when the attendant came to check in on what Nic should be dressed in. Cassi laughed lightly, realizing she had left her poor boy all defenceless.

They ran through a list of items and colours that would look good on Nic, and she told them to get him something that was red, as well as a standard black. That way, she could buy coloured ties or dress shirts that would allow Nic to match anything.

Cassi was brought to the back when they found a red sports jacket with some simple slacks and a shirt that pulled everything together. It was a simple outfit that could be easily dressed down or dressed up. Cassiopeia inspected Nic from head to toe, her heart fluttering.

”Je vais devoir revoir certains de mes sorts plus défensifs. Tu as l'air sexy, Nic,” Cassi said bluntly. Surely, she would have to beat people back from her boyfriend if he walked around in this. She could only imagine what the black suit would look like once it was tailored properly to him.

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Caden took a step closer when Nero stepped to the edge of the roof. He already had a feeling Nero was going to jump, but he still didn’t quite believe it when they simply slid off the roof. Caden watched, the world seeming to slow as his focus narrowed on Nero’s falling shape. He pulled his hands out of his pockets and caught Nero effortlessly. He bent his knees, absorbing some of the shock, but Nero weighed practically nothing.

Caden looked at Nero, his eyes sparkling from the rush of the moment. He shook his head. ”And what if I hadn’t caught you?” There had been a brief moment in Nero's free fall when Caden worried something would go wrong.

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It’s a whirlwind of clothing, measuring tapes, pins, and tailor’s chalk that Nic can barely keep up. Is this what it feels like for people to enter his emergency room? Maybe he’s a little more understanding of how people can seem so disoriented when they first start out there now…

When they bring Cassi into the back, Nic smiles nervously at her and feels those nerves rise as she seems to inspect him closely. When she finally speaks, his cheeks and ears blush brightly at her French. “Ah, um… merci beaucoup.” Nic manages to stammer out. “Êtes-vous sûr que ce n'est pas trop?”

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Nero smiles innocently up at Caden from his arms. “Well, I probably would have to ask for some help from Cassi or Nic and that’d be awfully inconvenient with tomorrow’s event.” They chirp before patting Caden’s cheek and then wrapping their arms around his neck.

“But, I knew you’d catch me.” They say confidently as they beam brightly at their mate. It’s the truth though, they didn’t have a doubt in their mind that Caden would always be there for them.