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Avery laughed and shrugged. ”He might like that too much. I don’t know if you know this, but Caden is a bit of a pretty boy and a shapeshifter. Anything you do to him, he could just shift and make it work. Now, if you wanted a second shot at me, I might be convinced. Just as long as you pick colours that are more my shade this time.”

---

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---

Cassiopeia looked around and sighed. ”Fine,” she said and wrapped her arms around Nic’s neck. She smiled briefly at some of the staff she knew as they walked by. Some smiled back or took a second look, confused by why Cass was being carried. She looked away, focusing back on Nic.

”I’m better than Nero…or Caden. Thank you for taking charge back there…It seems it doesn’t have to just be a medical emergency for you to know what everyone needs,” Cassi complimented. She leaned close and kissed Nic’s cheek. The man never seemed to stop caring for her or the people important in her life. She laughed when he suggested hot chocolate. Cassi smiled and shook her head.

”I’m thinking something stronger.”

---

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Nero smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach their eyes before they let it fall. “I’ll keep that in mind for a rainy day.” They tell Avery before leaning their head back to look up at the sky with its multitude of stars. “So, how would you punish him for this? Since a makeover is out of the question.” This is an easier subject to talk about and distract the imp from spiraling over how they can break their link to the Prince of Hell.

---

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Nic gives each staff member passing by a smile, enjoying the look of surprise on some of their faces when they saw Cassi being carried. It makes Nic feel special if other relationships haven’t done this for her but he has. “Of course, happy to help.” He tells her, glancing at her with a smile just for her.

“And technically, mental health in response to a traumatic event does fall under medical emergency.” He teases before kissing her nose. “It’s easy for me to work in the middle of chaos - it’s what I do most in my career.” He hums lightly when she says she needs something stronger than hot chocolate.

“I could always spike the hot chocolate.” He teases.

---

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The staff merely glanced at Avery carrying Nero before they quickly turned and went back to work. Sarah questioned Avery with a silent look, but he shook his head before focusing back on Nero. He held Nero a little closer, at a loss for what to do for them. He didn’t like seeing Nero unhappy, but he could tell the imp was trying.

”Well, I would punch him in the face, but if you don’t want to resort to physical violence, might I suggest rearranging his office? He’s rather particular about order.”

---

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---

Cassiopeia desperately wanted to kiss Nic when he looked at her like that. The world always seemed to disappear when he gave her that smile. She settled for resting a hand on his cheek, running her thumb along the lines of his face. He didn’t have a single imperfection. Cassiopeia wondered if he ever had acne growing up.

”If only I could see you in action without being a distraction.” Cassi slid her hand from Nic’s cheek and rested it on his chest, thoroughly impressed he was still carrying her.

”I guess it would have to be some sort of creme-based liqueur if it was to be mixed into hot chocolate. Which isn’t usually strong enough for me, but I suppose I shouldn’t be drinking to get drunk.”

---

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Caden tore apart Cassi’s back room. His eyes were bloodshot after shifting back into his usual form. He glared at items he didn’t want and crushed many of Cassiopeia’s herbs underfoot as he tossed things aside, looking for specific ingredients. Usually, Caden knew this shop as well as the bookshelf in his own house. He could have found the items he was looking for easily, but he was exhausted from shifting so rapidly and drained from the emotions of the day. He wanted answers, and he wanted them now. Once he had the ingredients required, Caden broke the demon warding on Cassi’s shop and summoned a demon.

The demon had barely registered their surroundings no sooner than Caden had his hand wrapped around their throat. ”You better have the answers I seek, or this will be a short trip for you.”

---

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Nero’s gaze shifts back to Avery, an eyebrow cocked as they think about it. “I’m starting to think I should organize it by the most obscure and bizarre system I can come up with…” Their mind quickly starts to come up with ideas.

“If you help me, I’ll make sure he has no idea you did.” They say with a mischievous glint in their eyes, even if it’s a little more subdued than usual. Their expression softens when Avery holds them close and they reach up to pat his cheek. “You’re a good man, Avery.”

---

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Nic nods, “And without you having to be surrounded by so much pain too.” He reminds her with a small smile before watching where he’s walking as he approaches the back of the house. “Caden should have that somewhere around here, right?” He asks as he sees Kimiko exit the door onto the back patio.

“I had the staff fix us some plates and get us set up by one of the fireplaces before they started cleaning up.” She tells them both with a small smile before looking past them to try and find Avery.

---

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The idea of Nero completely reorganising Caden's office in some strange order with no way of figuring it out was incredibly amusing to Avery. He laughed while he closed the distance to the house.

”I will gladly help you rearrange Caden's office, and I don't even care if he knows I helped.”

They reached the back porch when Nero touched Avery's cheek. Avery paused, looking at Nero. He felt himself blush, a goofy grin on his face.

”Thanks, Nero.”

Avery turned his head when he heard the backdoor open and smiled when Kimiko walked out. He walked closer with Nero still in his arms. Avery set Nero down finally before talking to Kimiko.

"Nero and I are going to rearrange Caden's office. Want to help?"

---

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---

”Caden has everything. He even has Baiju if you want,” Cassi said, having had some of the traditional Chinese liquor before.

Cassi blushed when Kimiko met them on the back porch. ”I can't believe you carried me all the way here,” she mumbled. ”You can put me down now,” she added.

Cassi looked at Kimiko and nodded. ”That's good, Kiki. Thank you for doing that.”

---

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Nero grins widely, excitement clear in their expression and delight at the idea of Avery helping. They nod when the wolf thanks them and once on their feet, they smooth down their dress. Kiki shows a clear sense of mischief at Avery’s premise, smirking as she thinks about it before nodding.

“Fuck yeah I do.” She says before turning to face everyone. “Right, so I think all of us should get into something more comfortable at the very least, showers if we want to. I’ve already grabbed pjs for Nic and Cassi - well really, I just stole Caden’s favorite loungewear for Nic.”

---

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Nic thinks about it for a moment before Cassi asks to be put down. He looks at her with a sly smile, tempted to keep carrying her just to tease her, but instead kisses her head and sets her down. “He won’t kill me for that, will he?” Nic asks, brow raised as he keeps an arm around Cassi still.

Both Kimiko and Nero say they won’t let him, their voices overlapping. Nero smiles a little before nodding. “I’m getting all this makeup and hairspray off of me at the very least. It’s a good idea, thank you Kiki.”

---

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Avery walked over to Kimiko while she told everyone the plan. He didn’t mind the idea, especially if it allowed him a few moments alone with her while they changed. Avery stood behind Kimiko, wrapping his arms around her and kissed the side of her head. He knew PDA wasn’t really their thing, but Avery felt comfortable around his friends. Besides, the day had been trying, and he just wanted to hold his girlfriend.

”Are they the silky ones?” Cassi asked. She had bought the wicked things for Caden as a joke one year.

Avery chuckled. ”Alright, so we’ll meet back here after we are changed. The kitchen staff worked all day to make this meal, so we definitely can’t let it go to waste.” Avery gently tugged Kimiko back as he stepped towards their room.

---

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Cassiopeia walked into the house and gathered the clothes Kimiko had gotten for them. She still had a change of clothes, but that was in Kimiko’s room unless she had already moved them to one of the guest rooms. She reclaimed Nic’s hand and a bottle of whiskey as she passed the cabinet.

”Yes. And we should drink all the most expensive liquors. Caden spared no expense after all,” Cassi said and pulled Nic towards the quest side of the house.

---

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Caden had weaved some spell work with Cassi’s supplies and his own magical ability to create a space that would prevent the demon from smoking out before Caden had his answers. Still, Caden’s hand remained firmly fixed to the demon’s shirt while he demanded answers. Caden’s eyes glowed with a purple-green fire, the only sign of his wavering control.

”What do you know about the Knight of Hell, Nero?”

“I know they haven’t been in Hell for a long time,” the demon sneered. “Always thought they were too good for us.”

”And what of their relationship with Mundus?”

The demon’s eyes narrowed, a puzzled expression on their face before they smirked. “What would a shifter want to know about the King of Hell?”

”King of Hell? Last I heard he was rotting.”

The demon thrashed in Caden’s hold. Caden pinned the creature against the wall, bottles of liquid crashed to the ground and cast an interesting smell to Cassi’s workshop. Caden was going to be in so much trouble with Cass if she didn’t kill him.

“How dare you speak of such horrible things!! The King lives and will return to us! He—-gargh!” Caden turned the knife he had grabbed earlier from Cassi’s drawer and stabbed it into the side of the demon. It burned the creature's side as Caden had soaked it in holy water before.

”Focus, if you please.”

“That demon whore is betrothed to them. Everyone in Hell knows that,” the demon said, fighting against Caden and his knife. “And he wants them back. We’ve been searching endlessly for them, but we can never get close enough. Until you two were seen at their house. Oh yes, shifter…We know all about you. Thought you were clever, were you, pretending to be the bitch?” The demon laughed, and Caden cut into them again.

”My patience wears thin. Answer my questions and nothing more or die now.”

---

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Kiki briefly looks up at Avery behind her, showing a soft smile and leaning back into him a little. She laughs lightly and shakes her head to Cassi’s question. “No, I think Nero is the only one who actually likes those.” She says before letting Avery tug her towards their room. She had pulled some of the clothes Cassi purposely left at Caden’s for the sorceress. She definitely likes the idea of drinking Caden’s expensive reserves dry.

Once they parted paths with Nero, Kiki glances at Avery. “How is the little imp holding up?” They looked like they were only jut coming out of the shellshock of Caden running away.

---

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Nic follows Cassi, squeezing her hand gently when she captures his. “Do you want to take a shower?” He asks, keeping an eye on her as they move towards the guest rooms. He knows she’s never needs his help before and was able to go through some of the worst moments of her life, but he can’t help the concern he has for her. “I can help with your hair if you want.”

---

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Avery followed behind Kimiko happily. He took in more of her outfit, feeling a healthy appreciation for how good Kimiko looked and how well she dressed. When he reached the room he shared with her, Avery hovered in the doorway until he heard Nero and Caden's door closed. He glanced at Kimiko when she asked how Nero was doing and sighed. Avery stepped into the bedroom before shutting the door behind him.

”They're putting on a brave front but I don't think they're okay. Even the prank didn't light up their eyes like it usually would. I know why Caden ran, I hardly blame him, I just wish he didn't for Nero's sake.” Avery leaned against the closed door with his arms crossed. He stared at a spot on the floor with his brow furrowed. ”I've never seen Caden lose control like that.”

---

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Since Kiki was in the room Cassiopeia normally occupied if she spent the night at Caden's, she led Nic to the guest side of the house. She picked a room she had helped decorate. It was mainly white with light brown trimmings and accents. Green, yellow, white, and orange plants decorated the room with black and white pictures of famous movie scenes and piano players.

Cassi tossed their borrowed clothes on the bed before she flipped onto the lounge chair by the windows. She pulled her legs under her dress and sat cross legged on the chair, with her head tilted back and stared at the ceiling.

”No,” she said simply. Cassiopeia opened the bottle of whiskey without looking and lifted her head to take a healthy swig from the bottle.

Cassi set the bottle on the table beside her seat. A record player sat nestled in the corner with a few records tucked underneath. She leaned over and selected a Nat King Cole album to play quietly. Once the soft baritone of Cole's voice filtered through the speaker, Cassi's attention returned to Nic.

”Do you want a shower?”

---

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Kiki starts with getting her jewelry off before she gets a washcloth to remove her makeup, tossing her hair up in a messy bun to get it out of the way. Her gaze shifts to look at Avery as he speaks. “Yeah… to see the person who taught me how to stay in control lose it like that…” Kiki frowns before grabbing a change of clothes and walking over to Avery.

“Can you help me with the zipper?” She asks with her back to him. “Well, Nero was there for me when you had to go shift, so I’m happy to flip Caden’s office upside for them if it means getting them out of their head.”

---

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Nic starts to unbutton his clothes and pulls off his coat to start, shaking his head. “No, I don’t need to.” He says, working on his shirt next before sitting on the edge of the bed to get his shoes off. He takes the moment to listen to the music, enjoying Cassi’s choice.

“Unless you’re offering to take one with me?” He teases half-heartedly, reminding himself that it wants it to be special, not in Caden’s house, even if it’s a guest room.

---

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Nero struggles to get the zipper of their dress down, finally giving up and just ripping it over their head. They pant for a few breathes in and out, staring at the torn dress on the floor before taking a deep breath in and out. Getting into a rage won’t help with anything anyway.

They’re nicer with how they take off the rest of their clothing and accessories, but they don’t bother picking anything up. They place the jewelry on the bathroom counter before they dunk their head under the sink. Flashes of memories play in their mind while their eyes are closed, one of them likely being what Cassi had seen under the gazebo.

Nero lifts their head and glares at their own reflection in the mirror as the water runs down their face. “Depp!” They tell the reflection, finding themselves angry that they let Mundus get the better of them once again.

---

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Avery's attention shifted when a black dress invaded his vision. His eyes slid up Kimiko's dress to find the zipper she needed help with. He smiled despite the situation and placed his hands on Kimiko's shoulders.

”I'm actually looking forward to messing with Caden a bit.” In a petty way it was almost like payback for Caden making Avery work over time.

Avery moved away from the door and slid his hands to Kimiko's zipper. His eyes followed the zipper, taking in the colour of Kiki's skin as more was revealed to him.

”How long do you think we have?” he asked. Once he finished unzipping her dress, Avery rested his hands on Kimiko's hips, and kissed the top of her left shoulder.

---

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Cassiopeia smirked, her eyes wandering to Nic's hands while he unbuttoned his shirt. ”Well, the room is soundproof,” Cassi said, pushing the idea further.

Her body felt tight with the idea of taking Nic into the shower. Her mind flooded back to how Nic looked at her earlier when she walked out to meet him. She took a shuddering breath in from the thoughts swirling in her head and stood.

”I should go change,” she said feeling breathless.

---

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“I already told you. The King wants his Queen back. I assure you Mundus is alive and well and looking for Nero. They've been obsessed with them for hundreds of years. I've never understood the appeal.” The demon spat a mouthful of blood to the side before sneering at Caden.

”If he desires them so much then why hasn't he come for them himself?”

“Because you don't send a King to do medial tasks!”

”Or because he isn't able to,” Caden said. The realization dawned on him and he slowly smiled. ”He's trapped, isn't he? Or not at full strength yet.”

“You know nothing! Mundus gets what he wants regardless of his current state. He filled Nero's head with horrid thoughts and tortured them until they finally gave in. The same will happen again.”

”I don't think so. The world has changed since Mundus ruled.” Caden released the demon. They dropped to the floor and glared at Caden while he walked away from them.

Caden turned back around and watched the demon. He pointed the bloody knife at them. A pleasant smile sat on Caden's as if he had just read something enjoyable. The demon shifted uncomfortably, quickly realizing they did not have the upper hand.

”How do I get in contact with your so-called King?”

---

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Kiki turns her head, smirking a little when she catches Avery’s eyes. “You’re just elated that you’re not the one being pranked for once.” She says with a teasing tone. A shudder runs up her spine at his touch and she turns her head away when he kisses her shoulder, her cheeks warming up.

“Probably not long enough for whatever you’re thinking of.” She tells him with a small shake of her head.

---

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Nic eyes the slit in Cassi’s dress at her words, his mind becoming a flurry of not so decent thoughts and his ears turning red. He shifts his weight where he sits, trying not to show how much he’s tempted to test just how well the soundproofing works. When Cassi stands, he looks up at her face, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“R-right. Me too.” He agrees eagerly.

---

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Avery chuckled and continued to kiss Kimiko's shoulder and up her neck. ”I can be quick, too. I just prefer to take my time.” Avery slid his hands back on Kimiko's hips to move her dress lower. He tugged the fabric down so it fell and he pushed it down her hips.

”Are you sure you don't want me to be quick?” He had reached her ear with his kissing and whispered in her ear before biting her lobe.

---

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Cassiopeia's mind wandered to how Nic felt her hands when she saw him shift his weight. Goddess save her, she wanted him badly. Cassi bit her lip, staring at the chest that was revealed to her by Nic's open shirt.

[color=#DB7093][I]”Ifrinn fhuilteach,”[/color] Cassi cursed. She grabbed the whiskey and her clothes before hiding in the bathroom. She locked the door for good measure, not trusting herself to not walk out of the bathroom stark naked and demand Nic take her on the bathroom floor.

---

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Kiki squirms, finding it difficult to refuse the idea when Avery is kissing her and touching her like this. “Aren’t you the one who said the staff put a lot of effort into the dinner?” She asks with a soft giggle. She wriggles, scrunching up her neck as his lips move up it.

“Avery!” She says in a hushed, but strict tone. “You’re making this quite hard!”

---

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Nic heavily debates with himself on whether he should follow Cassi into the bathroom or not. When he hears the lock click, he realizes the decision has been made for him and takes a deep breath to settle. Running a hand through his hair, he finishes undressing and starts to change into Caden’s clothes. He keeps repeating what Cassi said in his mind, trying to decide if he might be able to look it up or not.

---

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---

Preoccupied with kissing Kiki's neck, Avery didn't answer her first question. He held fast when she squirmed against him. Avery tightened his hold on her hips and pulled her in closer. He rubbed himself against her butt, grinning.

”I'm not quite there yet, but if you give me a few minutes I'm sure to rise to the occasion,” Avery said wickedly.

He lifted his left hand from her hip to turn Kimiko's face to look at him. He kissed her lips swiftly before he completely released her and walked away.

Avery slipped off the leather straps, letting them hang around his hips, and started to unbutton his shirt. When he was freed, Avery turned around while taking his shirt off. He faced Kimiko once more and tossed his shirt onto the bed.

”The food will be fine even if we are a few minutes late,” he said, answering her first statement.

---

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---

Cassiopeia managed to get her dress off with a bit of magical help. The silk fabric fell to the floor and she stepped out of it. Cassi looked down at her feet and wiggled her toes. They were dirty from walking barefoot through the woods. Cassi suppressed a giggle and turned on the water at the sink to wash her feet.

She hummed to herself while she soaked a cloth and cleaned her soiled feet. Despite all this, Cassi's mind continued to wander back to Nic. She glanced at the door, wondering what sort of state he was in. Cassi mediated briefly on the thought that she would feel less wound up if she just took care of herself. She knew how to do it quickly, but those thoughts deteriorated into thoughts of Nic and the time he took to please her. Cassi sighed and sat on the cool tile floor with the water still running into the sink. Why did this have to be so difficult?

---

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“You can't be serious.” The demon started at Caden, wondering if the shapeshifter was crazier than he realized.

”Deadly,” Caden's eyes darkened as he grinned. He approached the demon and pointed the blade to their chest and slowly pushed. ”After all, I have what he wants. Perhaps I can strike up some sort of deal.”

The demon tilted their head to the side, a terrifyingly close gesture to one Nero might do. They smiled and repeated words that carried the weight of a ritual.

“You must feel the wrath at killing another, the lust in taking off their flesh, to envy and steal that which belongs to another. To send someone you care for to beat and kill another that has helped you in the past.” The demon watched the realization of what he was saying dawn on Caden's face and started to laugh. It started quietly, more of a snicker before it evolved into something louder and wilder.

Caden backed away from the demon. He rubbed a hand over his face and started pacing. Could he do it? Could he kill that many people and enjoy it? Caden had certainly felt lust, greed and envy. And he experienced gluttony daily, but in the way the demon was implying? Caden turned his head to glare at the demon who continued to laugh. If he could kill demons in this way, Caden would certainly feel the deadly sins with no qualms.

In the distance, sirens could be heard. Caden flipped his knife around and stalked towards the demon.

”Sorry, but it seems our time is up.” The demon started to panic and went to run, but it was pointless. The demon was trapped and Caden was quicker.

Caden grabbed the demon by its neck and pinned them against his chest. ”Thank you for your help.”

Caden's eyes flared, and the magic holding the demon in place vanished. Caden grinned as soon as he felt hope flare in the demon's body. They wiggled against Caden, ready to smoke out when Caden clamped his hand over the demon's mouth and whispered an ancient word of power and death.

The demon's eyes widened moments before Caden felt them go limp. He titled the creature's neck back and sliced it open before discarding the demon. Caden wiped the bloody knife on his polluted clothes, and slipped it away. The police sirens growing closer.

---

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Kiki squeaks, easily becoming flustered at both Avery’s actions and words. “A-Avery!” She says, more indignation in her tone this time. The audacity to say it! When will I learn not to give him these kind of openings?? She asks herself.

Before she can protest further, her face is turned towards him and she shares a kiss before he lets her go. Her gaze follows him as he walks away, a little breathless as she gives him a dirty look with her flushed face.

She can’t keep up the glare when he turns around to face her as her eyes drift immediately to his exposed torso and she unconsciously licks her lips. “Completely unfair,” She mutters with a pout when she finally lifts her gaze to his face. “You’re using my weakness against me.”

---

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Finished changing, Nic takes the moment to dig through the closet for a hanger so he can fold and store his clothes properly. The process helps him calm down a little at least. He’d rather not show everyone just how damn attractive he found Cassi. He hears her humming through the bathroom door and can’t help the smile that curls his lips despite the frustration he feels.

“Do you… do you need any help?” He asks after lightly knocking on the bathroom door. It’s a dangerous game indeed and he knows that he shouldn’t tempt himself further but… the others could wait a moment, right? He clears his throat before speaking again. “I-I mean…” No, he doesn’t mean anything else. Caden’s lounge pants start to feel tight and he leans his forehead against the door with a sigh, cursing himself.

---

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Nero makes quick work of changing after berating themself in the mirror. There was a particular outfit they’d been dying to try on, specifically because they want to see the others’ reactions. No time like the present to play a little joke. Nero slips on some comfortable panties before pulling on the ironic onesie. They slip some fuzzy red socks over their feet before sliding on some slippers that match the aesthetic they’re going for.

Humming to themself to distract them from wandering thoughts, they make their way to one of the little living rooms or whatever rich people call it where Kiki had gotten everything set up. Ignoring the plates with dinner on them, Nero goes straight for a platter of sweets and sits down in an armchair. The staff must have known what the little imp would need most.

---

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Avery grinned, crossing his arms and puffed out his chest slightly. ”Est-ce que ça marche?” His eyes roamed Kimiko’s nearly naked body, clearly hungry for her.

Avery felt like they were just starting to get to a good place again. He couldn’t deny that he wanted to keep that momentum going, and that meant taking advantage of every situation he could to get her alone so he could love her properly.

---

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Cass had just finished pulling the crewneck over her head when she heard Nic’s voice. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of it and his nervousness. She smiled, her mind wandering easily from his words, but Cassi wasn’t going to make this harder than it already was.

She was wearing an oversized lounge outfit, perfect for hiding everything that she had been exposing earlier. She pulled her hair back into a high pony before opening the door.

”I’m okay. You look comfy,” she said cheerfully, determined not to succumb to the urge she had of wanting to rest her hands on his chest or grip his arms.

---

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Kiki’s nose and eyebrows crinkle as she tries to think of an answer besides ‘yes’. “Of bloody course it is!” She huffs, unable to think of how to say it in French due to how flustered she is. Face still wiggling from exactly what emotion she should feel, she takes a deep breath and stares at the ceiling, biting her bottom lip for a moment. Another sigh before she finally looks at Avery again.

“Viens ici et embrasse-moi déjà.” She says, crossing her arms but shifting her hips so she can kick her dress off the rest of the way. Blushing, she looks sidelong away from her wolf. “Loup insatiable.”

---

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Nic chews on the inside of his cheek nervously, waiting for some sort of response from Cassi. He hears some movement, so he assumes she’s not dead, but his brain is jumping to worst-case scenarios. Images of Cassi passed out on the bathroom floor, blood pooling from hitting her head on the sink and other similar situations come to mind until finally the door opens.

He beams at her, unable to help the little sigh of relief he feels at the sight of her okay. He looks her over once before wrapping his arms around Cassi’s waist and lifting her a little to kiss her passionately with a little spin before he sets her down and pulls away. “Sorry, you jut look… so adorable, I couldn’t help myself.” He grins lopsidedly.

---

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Avery laughed, pleased he had succeeded in getting Kimiko flustered. It wasn't difficult to do so, but it was a challenge to get her to give in to him. Avery didn't waste time. He watched Kimiko kick her dress away as he walked towards her. She had just finished calling him insatiable, and his hands grabbed her hips.

”You have no idea,” he whispered before kissing her deeply. Avery's hand tightened on her hips before they moved to cup her ass and lifted her off the ground.

---

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The relief on Nic's face was unmistakable. Cassi wondered just what was going on in his head to make him worry so much. She took a step forward to ask, when Nic caught her up in arms. Shock moved across Cassi's features but was quickly dissipated when he kissed her.

Cassi wrapped her arms around Nic and kissed him back with equal passion. She felt weightless, and it wasn't until she felt the ground under her feet again that she realized Nic had picked her up and spun her around.

Cassi blushed from Nic's words, her arms still wrapped around his neck. ”I suppose Kiki thought you deserved enough teasing for one day. Although, it seems it doesn't matter what I wear. You still find me attractive in some capacity.”

---

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While Caden waited for the police, he surveyed the damage. It was a sobering act, and Caden was starting to come back to neutral. Cassi was going to kill him. Nero was going to be hurt that he just left, and also, possibly, kill him.

Caden sighed and rubbed his suddenly tired face. Red and blue lights assaulted his vision, colouring him in a strange combination of colours. Caden stepped out the front door.

A flurry of movement occured with several cops screaming at him to get down. This wasn't the first time Caden heard this. He held his hands up and away from his body before kneeling down.

“Stand down, stand down!” Costa's voice carried over the panicked voices and most of the cops stopped moving. Costa walked onto the sidewalk and over to Caden. He took in Caden's appearance before looking at the store behind him.

“How bad?”

”Bad enough that the regular cops will think I'm the next serial killer,” Caden said.

Costa sighed and looked up at the sky. It sounded like he was praying for deliverance. Caden tried not to laugh.

“Fine, but you owe me.”

”Don't I already do your job for you?”

“Watch it, Caden. I still have to arrest you and I don't have to call anyone.”

Caden stared at a spot on the street, trying to keep his face blank but many emotions crossed his face. It wasn't anything he didn't deserve, but he would also make Costa's life a living hell once Caden decided he wanted redemption.

”Just don't let anyone other than Cass into that shop.”

Costa nodded and waved a cop over to arrest Caden. Costa then grabbed Caden up by the neck and arms and pushed him towards one of the cop cars.

“Was it worth it?’ Costa asked as they walked.

”Yes.” The arresting cop stared at Caden with a shocked expression. She looked at his bloodied shirt and narrowed her eyes. Caden smiled, completely uncaring. The first time Caden walked back into the police station to help on a case, he was sure she would be there to either arrest him or assist on the case.

Caden was shoved unceremoniously into the back seat while Costa relayed orders. The shop was locked up and the special task force was called in to babysit the shop. Thankfully, he didn't tape anything across the doors. There would already be enough trouble for Cassi getting her customers back when she was able to open her shop again.

Caden shut his eyes and tried to drown out the world but he couldn't stop the demon's words or the feeling of the cop in the front seat staring him down while she drove to the station.

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Kiki does a little hop as Avery lifts her, her legs automatically wrapping around him and crossing at the ankle as she kisses him back. Her hands move to hold his face at first before she slides one hand to hold the back of his neck. Her fingertips play with the little hair he does have as she tries to show restraint by not immediately biting his lip, but she does trace them with her tongue.

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Nic’s lopsided grin stays in place as he bobs his head in a nod. “I can’t think of a single scenario where you wouldn’t be cute to me.” He says, kissing her forehead and brushing away some of the loose flyaway hairs that Cassi missed when putting her hair up. He moves his hands to hold hers and start backing up towards the door and pulling her with him to head back to the others.