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Cassiopeia smiled and watched Nic go before she returned to the task at hand. She bent down and gave her cats a scoop of food and some treats. She sat there for a minute and watched them eat.

”Oh kitties, it has been a day. You two be good down here, okay?” She scratched both of them before she headed up the stairs. As Cassi walked, she pulled her hair down and shook out the curls. She had some hairspray from the styling and was looking forward to washing it out of her hair. Maybe Nic would help her. He did seem to love playing with her hair.

Cassiopeia walked into her room and shut the door behind her. She could already hear the shower running and smiled, biting her lip. She stripped off her sweater and tossed it on the bed before she kicked off her pants, leaving them on the floor. She tiptoed her way to the bathroom and knocked on the door frame.

”Can I joy you?”

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Avery laughed and shook his head. He took his customary one, only strawberry and ate it happily. After he kissed Kimiko's head and focused on the TV show. It felt nice to relax and not think about much, and watching X-files was a great way to do it. Avery laughed at some of the things the characters went through as well as the creatures. He tried not to point out the irregularities but it was difficult not to.

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Nic’s gotten most of the evening off of himself by the time he hears Cassi finally enter her bedroom. Hearing her knock, he sticks out his head and flashes a grin before his eyes focus on the fact that she’s out of her clothes. It’s a welcome sight and his smile turns soft as he nods. “I would love for you to.” He says gently while reaching out a hand to help.

To be honest, if the image of the dead body from earlier wasn’t fresh in his mind, he might have reacted in a totally different manner. As it is, he still feels a twitch in response to Cassi. “How did I get so lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend?”

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Cassiopeia laughed and looked away from Nic to hide her blush and avoid looking at him while she took her bra and underwear off. She glanced around her bathroom to look anywhere but at Nic while she walked across the bathroom floor and took his hand.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe you were really good in a past life, or made some wish to be with a sorceress just once," she joked nervously.

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Nic can’t help but find Cassi adorable as she blushes and avoids eye contact, his lips quirking up in an amused smirk. “I think I should like to thank my past life then.” He says before wrapping his free arm around her waist and briefly picking her up to pull into the shower.

“Hmmm… Very lucky though.” He hums as he just holds her close for a moment and lets the warm water wash over the two of them. “Wǒ’àinǐ, wǒ de nuwū.” He whispers as he presses his forehead to Cassi’s.

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Cassiopeia gasped and grabbed onto Nic's arm when he picked her up effortlessly. In the back of her mind she couldn't help but think about how strong he really must be, to be able to pick her up again after carrying her across Caden's yard earlier, and then cleaning the floor of her shop for hours. Her stomach warmed and flipped just from the idea of it, and her hand tightened slightly on Nic's arm. He really did have great muscle definition.

Cassi had seen Nic without a shirt before and in a muscle shirt, but there was something about him not being obstructed with clothing that made his muscles pop more. Or, perhaps it was just in her head, the emotion of being skin-to-skin with him causing her mind to work in overdrive.

The shock of the temperature difference the hot water brought caused goosebumps to form on her skin, but the thrill of Nic's skin flush with hers didn't help, either. Cassi shifted in Nic's arms, wrapping her arms around him. She shut her eyes when he pressed his forehead to hers and whispered something in Mandarin. Cassi thought she recognized one of the words as love, but she wasn't thinking clearly at the moment.

"I hope that means something as sweet as it sounded." She tilted her head back, and opened her eyes to look at Nic. She smiled and reached up to kiss his lips.

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Nic smiles against her lips, a small chuckle muffled before he kisses her back. He keeps her close, their skin flush against one another before he breaks it. It’s hard to breathe while water is running down his face at the same time. “It was very sweet. Maybe one day I’ll tell you what it means.” He winks, kisses her forehead once again, and then pulls away a little as he helps the water run through her hair. His fingers rake through the strands, working to break through the hairspray still in there.

“Our children are going to have the thickest hair in the world, aren’t they?” He asks with a humorous tone, his eyes crinkling in amusement. He has to keep his concentration on something other than the naked woman before him, else he get distracted and make the wrong move. “At least they’ll be adorable if they’re anything like you.”

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Cassiopeia smiled when Nic started to comb through her hair. She turned around to give him better access to her hair. She tilted her head back to soak her entire head before she reached for her shampoo.

She laughed while she squeezed out the shampoo into her hand. ”They might… But our children will be just as adorable as we both are.” She stepped away from the water and started to run the shampoo through her hair, scrubbing it along her head. ”Have you ever thought of names?” she asked curiously.

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Nic pauses to think, pulling away to lather up some soap onto his washcloth before he starts to wash his legs more. He still can’t help but think of the mess back at Cassi’s shop. “Hmm, I guess I haven’t really before… Are you saying we can’t just name them all after you?” He jokes before going to wash the rest of his body.

“If we have more than one daughter, maybe we can name her Katherine or Lì…” He glances away, even if Cassi’s back is turned to him. Talking too much about his Kiki or his mom is still hard to do.

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Cassi laughed and scrubbed her hair more before she traded positions with Nic. Her shower was a little small for doubling up, but she didn't mind the close proximity. The comfort she was feeling from sharing this moment with Nic was worth shuffling back and forth.

”Why not both? Katherine Lí Wu has a nice ring to it, don't you think? As long as our other little girl has Claire as a middle name. It's sort of a family tradition.” Cass finished washing the shampoo out of her hair, and moved out of the direct stream of running water to look at Nic.

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Nic could’ve sobbed in that moment, his eyes meeting Cassi’s with a small shocked expression for a moment. As soon as she steps out from the water, Nic wraps both arms around her and pulls her close. “I love you.” He says before he kisses her deeply, one of his hands splayed on the small of her back while the other reaches up to tangle into her hair and hold her head.

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Cassiopeia smiled softly when Nic looked at her with shock. He didn't honestly think she wouldn't be okay with it, did he? Cassi laughed when he pulled her in, proclaiming how he loved her in a rather serious tone. There was no time to respond with Nic's lips instantly on hers.

Her eyes closed automatically, arms wrapping around his neck to deepen the kiss. She smiled while they kissed, pleased he was in love with the idea. It seemed like a simple thing to Cass. She knew how important Nic’s mom and sister had been to him, and she did love the name Katherine. If they could honour their memory in this way, then she would happily do it.

The kiss lingered, Nic's hands a welcome touch after the initial anger and emptiness Cassi had felt mere hours ago. She accepted his touch readily, her own hand creeping up the back of Nic’s neck to tangle in the back of his hair. She parted her lips slightly to run her tongue gently along Nic's bottom lip in a silent question.

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Nic took his time getting dressed after the shower, his gaze kept shifting over to Cassi with a small playful smile on his lips. Once clothed, he gave her forehead a swift kiss before heading downstairs to get started on some tea. He popped some bread into the toaster as well, knowing that the two of them might need some food with their drink, and started rifling through the cupboard that housed the teas Cassi owned.

As much as he felt he should be focusing on what he’d say - or more likely shouldn’t say - to Caden when they finally picked him up, his mind kept drifting back to the most recent memories made in Cassi’s shower. His ears turned a little red as he grinned to himself before he started tidying up the kitchen and getting dishes down for their little snack.

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Cassiopeia was busy drying her hair after finally getting to wash it. She didn't mind the distraction that prolonged the completion of washing her hair fully. In fact she rather enjoyed it. Her eyes kept wandering to Nic as he dressed, and she would blush every time she was caught staring.

Cass beamed when Nic kissed her forehead before he left her. Her eyes remained on his retreating form until he was gone and she sighed wistfully.

Free from distractions though, Cassi was able to dry her hair and get it to fall naturally. It wasn't completely dry, but she knew it would dry wavy and natural. After, Cassi dressed comfortably, yet professionally. She didn't want to look like she had just rolled out of bed, even though it was the middle of the night. Or was it the early morning?

Cassi suddenly felt a little bad for taking the extra time. Caden had been in jail for several hours now. He deserved it, of course, but it didn't stop her from feeling a slight bit of shame. Once she was dressed, she headed downstairs to join Nic. Along the way, Cassi had picked up Calypso and was scratching her head.

”Did you make toast?” Cassi asked, slightly amused by Nic's domestic nature.

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Nic turned with a smile, one corner lifting higher than the other as he watched Cassi enter the room with Calypso. He was clearly tired, but he didn’t show it other than in his eyes that were just a smidge bloodshot. “I did indeed,” He winked before the toaster went off and he grabbed the food, placing it on the plates. Just as he put down the butter and jams, the kettle began to whistle and he ambled back over to the stove to grab it.

“Figured we might need some more food after… our little exercise.” His smile turned crooked as it became a smirk, the dimple on his left cheek becoming more obvious. With a little hum, he poured the hot water in the cups and set the tea in to steep.

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Cassiopeia set Calypso down when Nic went to tend to the kettle. She picked out a jam and started to make up her piece of toast. She stuck her finger in her mouth to lick the bit of jam off when Nic made his second comment. Her body felt flushed, and she looked at Nic. His dimple was making an appearance, and her stomach flipped. However, the smile on her face was undeniable. She removed her finger from her mouth, grabbed her plate and quickly sat. She took off her sweater to help with feeling flushed.

The couple ate and talked before heading to the police station. The sun had risen at this point, and the early morning rush hour traffic was just starting. Nic parked, and Cassi got out of the car before he could open the door for her. She stared at the police station, a hundred different emotions flooding her before she felt Nic’s comforting hand slip into her. Cassiopeia smiled at him, kissed him lightly, and led them into the police station.

Costa was gone at this point, having left a couple of hours after he had called Cassi. Another cop led Cassi and Nic into the back where the holding cells were but didn’t stop at any of the cells. It was then that Cassi’s stomach dropped, and she realized where they had been holding Caden.

Once the cop unlocked the first set of bars, Cassi pushed in around them, rushing to the cell Caden was in. She grabbed onto the bars and stared at her best friend. Caden’s complexion had shifted to ashen, his eyes bloodshot once he opened them to look at her. He chuckled roughly and sat up.

”I was beginning to think you were just going to leave me in her, mon amour.”

”I strongly considered it,” she grumbled. ”I can’t believe Costa put you in here…He could have killed you.” She turned her head and demanded the cop open the cell immediately.

”Ah, I would have to be in here for several more days at least. Hello Nic,” Caden greeted. The cop opened the door and Cassi rushed in. She wrapped her arms around Caden, checking his pulse as she did so. It was slow but strong. She slapped Caden’s face.

”That’s for my shop and being reckless.”

”Cass…”

”I know, I know. I would have done the same, but you destroyed some things I will never get back, Caden, and things that will take me years to remake. Can you stand?”

Caden looked down at his feet, shame creeping in as he attempted to stand. He stumbled forward a bit but managed to regain his balance. ”I can manage. Just get me out of here.”

With Nic’s help, Cassi got Caden out of the police station. People who knew Caden paused in their work to see how weak and unhealthy he looked. One look from Cass, though, had them quickly returning to their task. Cassiopeia was furious Costa didn’t tell her Caden was in the basement. Those cells had been specially made for supernatural creatures to weaken them. Caden and Cassi had helped build those cells.

After they got Caden into the back seat of the SUV, she and Nic got in before driving off. Cassi shifted to watch Caden from the front seat while Nic drove. She monitored Caden closely until she could see his colour starting to return. Cassi dug through her bag until she found some Chinese herbs and gave them to Caden to chew.

”Those cells in the basement are made to detain supernatural creatures. They had some made, but part of the agreement for us to be here helping the police required us to build more cells that could hold us and other creatures,” Cassi finally explained to Nic. ”I honestly didn’t think they would put him in there…”

Caden snorted. ”Of course he would, and he enjoyed every minute of it,” Caden said, the strength already returning to his voice even though his physical appearance still looked rough. "How is Nero?"

This time Cassi snorted. "Pissed. Worried." Caden sighed in the back seat and pressed his forehead to the window. Cassi watched him, her eyes scanning Caden's body. He was still covered in blood from killing the demon earlier.

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

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Nic was rather silent for the most part as he helped Cassi with Caden. He couldn’t understand how anyone could have killed Caden, but there was no mistaking that the man looked weak. There were too many emotions to navigate through easily at the moment, so he was glad to let Cassi and Caden talk while he drove.

Sparing a glance sidelong, he nodded slightly to show Cassi he had heard before his gaze shifted to the rear-view mirror to look at Caden himself. His jaw feathered as he tried not to get angry. All he could think of was the mess that he and Cassi had been forced to clean up on account of Caden’s impulsivity. “I sure hope so…” He grumbled to himself. Some part of him knew the dragon would hear, but Nic didn’t really care.

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Caden turned his head to look at Nic after hearing his grumbled affirmation. Further shame coloured his features as he turned his attention back to Cass. Cassiopeia had moved her hand to rest on Nic’s shoulder while he drove. She had a feeling he really would punch Caden in the face if the opportunity presented itself.

”I did…and I didn’t. To summon Mundus, I have to commit seven sins in their most perverted form. Some I would happily commit, but others…adultery, or sending someone I care for to kill another I care for…”

Cassiopeia looked away from her best friend and stared at her lap. Firstly, she was furious that Caden wanted to bring Mundus here. Secondly, the crimes he would have to commit wouldn’t be just a mark on his soul but all of theirs. Cassi’s hand tightened on Nic’s shoulder, and she looked at him as he drove onto Caden’s property.

”You can’t,” she finally said, looking back at Caden.

”I won’t,” he agreed, looking out the window to watch the trees pass. ”But I thought I could for a moment…” Silence follows Caden’s words until the SUV is parked and the front door to Caden’s house opens.

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Avery sat on the couch with Kimiko still. He debated on moving her to the bedroom to sleep while he remained on the couch in an open area to be present for Nero in some capacity, but he ultimately decided to remain unmoved.

He awoke a few minutes ago, feeling a shift on the property. He turned his head, seeing the sun had risen, and yawned. Avery carefully stood to avoid disturbing those who slept on the couch. Muscles protested, and bones cracked as Avery stretched out. Despite the couch being comfortable, Avery had slept in an awkward position that he was now paying for. He slowly walked to the front door and opened it just as the SUV neared.

Avery noted Cassi and Nic in the front seat. He sighed and turned his head to call into the house. ”Kiki, Nero…He’s here.” He turned his head back to see Caden getting out of the back. The colour drained from the werewolf’s face.

Caden met Avery’s eyes and chuckled darkly. ”I know. I look terrible. You should see the other guy,” he joked poorly. Caden’s eyes drifted over Avery, attempting to look past the bulk of the werewolf to find a certain little white-haired imp.

Avery shifted to block Caden’s view. Caden looked up at his bodyguard, his eyes flashing. Avery swallowed, his arms loose at his sides. ”Sorry boss…” Avery wasn’t moving unless Nero told him to.

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It was only because of Cassi that Nic didn’t say anything further. From what he could gather, Caden hadn’t actually gained anything new from trashing Cassi’s shop. His jaw clenched as he held back from berating the dragon. He wanted to summon Mundus when only weeks ago he said they didn’t want that exact thing to happen. The rest of the drive might have been silent, but there was no missing the heavy sigh Nic released.

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Nero didn’t think much of it when Avery blocked them from Caden’s view, but when Kiki also stepped in front of them, they groaned with a sigh. “I’m not some child in need of protection. You can let the scheißkerl at least see me.” The demon said impatiently. It was something to behold that everyone was showing so much empathy for them and maybe it would have made them feel loved on any other day, but right now it was just incredibly irritating.

“You have thirty seconds to explain why I should let you have anything more than just the sight of me.” They said to Caden once their eyes lock onto him. It took a lot for Nero not to show concern at the sight of this haggard version of their dragon, but they remained stone-faced for now.

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Cass got out of the SUV shortly after Caden did. She watched him when Nero came into view, but she didn’t stick around. Instead, Cassi moved closer to Nic and stood in front of him, leaning into his chest while she watched Caden and Nero.

Truthfully, Cassi was proud of Nero’s resolve. She wasn’t sure if Nero was going to be able to resist Caden when they finally brought him home, but it seemed Nero was indeed still pissed.

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Avery looked back at Nero and nodded before he shuffled out of the way. He rested his arm across Kimiko’s shoulders, effectively bringing her with him, but they remained close to Nero if they changed their mind.

Caden looked up at Nero, and Avery wouldn’t be lying if he said he didn’t feel for the man. After all, Avery had run from Kimiko as well. He held Kimiko closer at this revelation, never wanting to do that again or experience her disappointment in him.

”I didn’t run from you… I tried to find answers for you.” Caden looked down at his bloodied attire and held his hands with their palms forward in submission before looking at Nero again.

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The sight of Nero nearly broke Caden. His eyes roamed over their body, looking for signs of damage, but he saw the imp was perfectly safe in their onesie. It was adorable on them, and the image brought a tear to Caden’s eye. He should have stayed to comfort them rather than leave them.

”I tried to find us answers. I tried to find a way out of this. You’re supposed to be mine.” Caden dropped to his knees, staring up at Nero.

Avery shifted slightly in shock. He had never seen Caden on his knees for anyone. Not even Cass or Kiki.

”I can’t fix this. I don’t know how to fix this.” The weight of those words caused Caden’s head to droop forward, which contrasted with the rest of his posture.

Caden wasn’t asking for forgiveness for his behaviour. If he hadn’t run out on Nero at the proverbial altar, he would have in the middle of the night. That burning need to right this wrong still flamed within him. Nero was his. The prince of Hell be damned. Caden didn’t care what Hellfire he would have to walk through to stake his claim. His fire would burn hotter. As far as Caden and his dragon were concerned, Mundus had taken what was rightfully theirs, and Caden’s posture reflected that.

His back was ridged, and he had moved one leg back, so he knelt on one knee rather than two. His arm rested over his knee with his head downcasted. It was the perfect posture of a knight bowing before his Queen or King, waiting for a task to be assigned or punishment to be dolled out.

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Nic wrapped his arms around Cassi, kissing the top of her head before resting his cheek against her as he watched. It made him glad that Nero stood up for themself, but it felt weird to be watching this unfold. So instead, he closed his eyes as he held Cassi and focused more on the scent of her hair than anything else.

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There was a shift in the atmosphere when Caden knelt down in front of Nero and they could only assume this sort of behavior was something the imp would probably never see again… Unless Caden managed to screw things up even more than he had in the last twelve hours. Even Kiki seemed utterly surprised. The demon bit their lip, frowning as they let his words sink in.

“I am yours,” Nero finally replied before sighing heavily again. “Glaubst du nicht, dass ich auch Antworten finden möchte? Ich will auch nicht an dieses Monster gebunden sein - ich dachte, ich wäre nach der letzten Erinnerung, die die Katze und ich gesehen haben, befreit.”

Jaw clenched, they looked off to the side at nothing in particular as they mulled over their next words. “Ich habe dich hier gebraucht.”

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