Cassiopeia watched Nic as he hopped around, while removing his clothing. She imagined a bird hopping around to gather food and couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled to the surface. She buried her head into the pillow just as Nic collapsed onto the bed. Her giggling continued when Nic pulled her in close before burying his face into her head. Cassi’s tired giggling subsided, and she sighed. She wrapped a hand around Nic’s, holding it securely in hers while they cuddled in the bed.
Cassi yawned and stretched before she felt more relaxed. She shut her eyes, mumbling an affirmation to Nic’s statement before she followed up with a mumbled goodnight in Mandarin. The warm embrace of Nic’s arms and the bed's comfort allowed Cassi to fall asleep quickly.
Avery Zain
Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
The grin that formed from Kimiko clinging to Avery was effortless. It reinforced the idea that he was who she sought after when afraid—even though Avery was currently responsible for her slight fear. Once he deposited her onto the bed, Avery could see Kimiko hadn’t truly minded how Avery had picked her up without warning.
His eyes danced, mirroring the look in Kimiko’s eyes as she tried to keep the silent smirk from them. He barked a laugh at her next statement, surprising himself with how freely he laughed despite the intense emotion that had settled in the house.
”I'm always thinking about that, my dear, but I confess I am in favour of sleep as well.” Avery removed his sweater, revealing that he wore nothing underneath, then removed his joggers. He crawled onto the bed clad only in his briefs, and wrapped an arm around Kimiko’s waist. Avery kissed the side of her head before he laid down with her as his hostage. He breathed in the comforting scent of her: fire, honey, pine, and whatever soap she used.
”I mean, unless you are thinking about it, too…” Avery grumbled, his whispered words gently brushing across Kimiko’s neck.
A myriad of emotions still rode on the surface, slowly eroding away the little control Caden had regained. Although he was drained from staying in that iridium-filled cell all night, the urge to protect those he claimed as his was strong. That urge only seemed to grow as Nero approached Caden.
The dragon suddenly felt like a caged animal, and he debated bolting from Nero until he was worthy of being in the imp’s presence again when Nero simply took Caden’s hand and led him inside their home. The fire drained from Caden’s eyes instantly, and he obediently followed Nero.
Once the door to the house was shut and locked, that urge to avenge and protect quietened. Everyone he cared for currently resided within his home, safer than any of them could be if they remained in their own homes. Caden shut his eyes, trusting the direction of his imp, and breathed in slowly as he grounded himself.
After Caden reopened his eyes, that familiar confidence and mischievous glimmer that Nero seemed to bring out in him returned. Of course, there was a lingering exhaustion there, mixed with worry for the stress Caden had brought to Nero.
You look like shit by the way… Nero’s words brought a faint smile to his face. Caden dropped his eyes to look at their joined hands.
”Spending the night in a cell full of iridium does that. Not that I didn’t deserve it,” he said, looking back at Nero in the hopes that his imp would have some sort of righteous comeback. Caden knew it was the least he deserved. Between hurting Cass and Nero, Caden was certain he was in for years of repentance—if any could be achieved.