---

---

I laugh, smacking the foam cubes away as she throws them. “Your nurse sounds really smart, is he single? Or is he dating his lesbian best friend?” I tease back, my smile growing wide. We reach Jane and Kat just in time for them to hear the last part of my question.

“Yeah, no, even if I were straight, you’re too much of a himbo and I’m not attracted to the illiterate.” Jane chimes in unprompted.

I climb out of the pit and turn to offer my hand to Cass, shaking my head in amusement. “See, what did I tell you, she can’t admit I’m smarter.”

---

---

---

---

I glance at Caden when Avery mentions the girls ditching him for my dragon - I can’t blame them. “Interesting.” I say when Avery finishes. “So what does Caden do to help your… wolf… stay stable? I’ve never encountered your subspecies before.” I hope he doesn’t mind my ramble of questions, but then I remember that this man knows Cassi.

---

---

---

---

”Hey! I say and throw another cube at him. Nic climbs out first, and I smile at the back and forth the other two have with Nic. Now that I know nothing is going on, the brother-sister energy comes across more clearly. Nic reaches his hand down to help me, and I smile at him. I tighten my grip on his hand and yank him back into the pit.

”That’s for being cheeky,” I say and lift myself out of the foam pit.

---

---

---

---

”Well, sometimes it's easier to see, but in a nutshell, Caden is the dominant wolf, or the alpha to my wolf, who is also rather dominant, but Caden is more so. My wolf responds well to Caden’s authority and has calmed down. Before, my wolf fought for status, but I’m also older. I’m eighty. Wolves don’t have a long life expectancy. We are constantly fighting for dominance unless your wolf is submissive or an omega. Omega’s are rare though,” I add-in.

I don’t mind answering Nero’s questions. I’ve been doing it most of my life. The werewolf pack hierarchy is a fascinating subject for most people.

---

---

---

---

”I was being groomed to be the head of my family eventually. Dragons used to live for thousands of years. With my family being wiped out, I am automatically the alpha, except I don’t have a formal pack. Bringing Avery in saved him and me as well. It gave me purpose beyond drifting from place to place,” I add. I park in front of the mobile shop. I look back at Avery.

”Are you hungry, Zain? Setting up a new phone for Nero will take a few minutes. Feel free to grab something to eat,” I say and hand him my card.

”Thanks, boss. Do you want anything, Nero?” Avery asks.

---

---

I laugh from my spot back in the foam pit. “First of all, how dare you.” I say with a grin. This is making me want to have a pool party with Cass - throwing her in would be fun. With some struggle, I manage to get back out and catch up to her real quick, throwing her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“Alright, so I’ve got to go put Cass in the corner, what do the rest of us want to do?”

---

---

---

---

I look sidelong at Caden - hearing him described as the alpha is on par for him and I don’t mind it at all. I glance back at Avery when he asks if I want anything. I’m sold, I like him all the more now. “Actually, Caden got Cassi some drink the first day I was here, it had little black balls in it. Can I try one of those? If there’s one nearby?” I turn to peer at Caden for help in naming the drink.

---

---

---

---

I grin as I watch Nic struggle to get out. I feel some sort of satisfaction at getting him like that, but then he gives me this look. I take a step back, but Nic is fast.

”Nic, no!” I squeal as he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. He doesn’t even react or flinch like I’m causing too much strain on him. I try to ignore that, so I don’t blush. ”Nicholas Wu, put me down!” I wiggle in his hold, trying to get free. Of course, I know a few ways I could magically get free, but I can’t do that here. Damn him.

---

---

---

---

I grin at Nero and tap their nose. ”Bubble tea, little imp.”

”Oh, ya, for sure,” Avery says and slides out of the backseat before he heads towards the fast food restaurants nearby.

I get out of the car and open Nero’s door for them. ”So, did you enjoy story time?”

---

---

Jane shakes her head at me, laughing before nudging Kat to share a knowing look. “Do you ladies hear something? There’s a weird cry for help nearby.” As tempted as I am to just toss her into the foam pit, I smack the back of her thigh a couple of times before setting her down.

“I’m built different, you won’t win right now.” I say with a wink at Cass, hoping she gets the hint. “Anyway, who wants to race on the obstacle course with me?” Jane immediately agrees and we both make a run/jump to beat each other there.

---

---

I stick my tongue out at Caden after he boops my nose, but make a mental note to remember bubble tea. I hope it’s delicious. I hop out of the car when Caden opens the door and beam up at him. “I did! It also filled in some blanks on why Avery is so important to you. Plus, I got to hear how desirable you are and makes me even more pleased that I’ve managed to get you as my first boyfriend.” Despite my blush at saying the word boyfriend, I hop a little to give him a quick kiss on the lips.

”If you tell anyone I said that, I’ll deny it.” I tease.

---

---

---

---

I stick my tongue out at Nic after he puts me down. I try to keep myself distracted from how easily he picked me up and the fact that he smacked me. I had this strong feeling that it would have been my ass he smacked if we weren’t in a public place.

I fidget as he and Jane run off to the obstacle course. I look over at Kat and smile at her. ”I’m sorry for thinking you and Jane were with, um, Nic. How long have you and Jane been together?” I ask curiously, making small talk as we approach the obstacle course.

---

---

---

---

I beam at Nero when they finally use the term boyfriend. I kiss them a second time before I take their hand and lead them into the shop.

”I promise I won’t say anything as long as you promise to call me your boyfriend more when we are in private. I rather like that word coming from your lips.”

We walk into the shop and I lead Nero over to the rows of phones in the centre of the shop. The phones flash and light up, showcasing what they do. I pull my phone out and hand it to Nero. ”Do you want a similar or different one?” I have a Google Pixel phone. I was on the iPhone train for a long time, but I enjoyed what Google offered a bit more.

---

---

Being a maniac and trying to fit his large body in a tiny obstacle course

Kat laughs at Cass’ apology. “I get it - when I first start dating Jane, I was worried that she was only pretending to be gay and I would lose her to Nic. It’s been five years now.” Kat says, a light blush appearing on her cheeks and ears as she watches Jane and I race. I keep getting stuck in the tiny spots while Jane struggles with anything vertical. “How did you and Nic meet?”

---

---

---

---

My face flushes, warm from Caden’s little observation. I’ll use that to my advantage later. When Caden hands me his phone, I tilt my head to analyze it. I know I only just used Cassi’s phone the other day, but I only used the calling feature. Seeing Nic’s messages were just a great bonus. “What would you recommend? All I had before was a burner flip phone. Oh, it did have a fun little Ouroboros game that I liked - do I need a certain kind for that?” Caden’s phone is big in my hands and I have to use both of them to properly use it, otherwise my thumbs couldn’t quite reach the other side of the screen.

---

---

---

---

Kat and I opt to watch Jane and Nic race through the course. It’s quite a sight to see. I’m glad I am on the outside watching this one. Hearing that Kat was similarly concerned about Nic and Jane’s relationship relaxes me.

”Oh, I run a mystic shop selling natural herbs, teas, lotions, that sort of thing, but I’m also a practicing psychic. He was looking for answers for his mom and dad. We just sort of, connected,” I said with a shrug.

I smile and laugh a little when Nic gets stuck at one part before wiggling his way through. ”Honestly, I thought it strange he would come and see someone like me since he is in the medical field. But I’m glad he did.”

---

---

---

---

”No, we can download the game for you and any others you might like. We should get you a newer phone, or one that has been out for a year already. Something with a lot of storage space. If you have a hard time holding it, we can get you something called a pop socket that allows for a better grip,” I tell Nero, unable to hide my amusement as I watch them hold my phone with two hands.

I showed Nero some of the iPhones as well as the latest Samsung and Google phones. ”Whatever you like the most is what we can get you. Don’t worry about the colour of the phone. There are hundreds of phone cases to protect the phone, so you can pick what colour you want, or as many as you want,” I tell them honestly. I’d get Nero a phone case for every day of the week and outfit they had if they wanted.

---

---

“Oh! Then it was Jane who gave him your info. I think her mom or sister or whatever recommended you and she just happened to have one of your cards for Nic when…” Kat struggles to find the appropriate words. “Well, you know.” She watches me and Jane race like there’s a cash prize involved. “I’m glad you were able to help him… We were starting to lose him and Jane wasn’t able to help him this time around.”

Jane and I make it out of the course within seconds of each other, both of us choosing to just fall back onto a trampoline while we catch our breath. We’re too winded to fight about who won… for now.

---

---

---

---

I look up from trying to navigate his phone to stick my tongue out at him. “First of all how dare you.” I say in mock offense before he starts showing me all the other options available. “What would be the most durable? Also, I’m thinking I might still want to get a flip phone or something specifically for… ‘my kind’ so that they don’t bother me while I’m trying to take ‘hunting’ photos. I wink at Caden.

Honestly, I’m leaning towards one of the android options or something similar to Caden’s phone just so it’s easier for me to get the hang of it. Technology is not my forte.

---

---

---

---

I look at Kat, surprised that Jane was the one to recommend me. I was glad she did, for multiple reasons. I look back at the two racing through the course.

It was heartbreaking to hear how Nic was struggling. I saw it with my own two eyes, but to hear it from people who knew him longer had me feeling it all over again. I don't respond to Kat, I just nod, watching the other two exit the obstacle course and collapse. They would probably need a break now, or at the very least something to drink.

---

---

---

---

”Well, any phone can be made more durable with a screen protector and a better phone case,” I say with a shrug. I mean against the table of phones at the end of the row, watching Nero peruse.

I smirk at the subtle innuendo and nod. ”We can get you two phones then,” I assure them.

---

---

Once Jane and I catch our breath, we walk over to join Kat and Cass. “Anyone feeling hungry? Apparently this place has a food court with food truck windows.” I had seen it when I watched the virtual tour on the website. We’d been here for a couple hours now so it was nearing lunch time.

“I’m hoping there’s a taco truck, personally.” I say with a grin. Jane shakes her head at me, already well aware of how much I can eat in one sitting.

---

---

---

---

I nod as I think it over before I peer up at Caden. “I think I want something like yours. Does it come in a smaller size though?” If it doesn’t, I’d make it work with the pop grip thing like Caden suggested.

”As for the other phone, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy - just something that can make and receive calls.”

---

---

---

---

”Sure,” I say with a smile. I hadn't even realized we'd been here for that long already. I knew I didn't have to leave right away but I did have to go back to the shop at some point to check on the cats and some other things I had been working on.

---

---

---

---

I smile and nod. I turn around and wave over one of the techies who have been eagerly waiting. I point out the phone closest to mine and ask for a simple flip phone as well and explain one is for work and one is for personal use.

They seem curious about Nero and me but I eventually get the techies focus to remain on me while I get both phones set up for Nero. We get a temporary case and a screen protector for the new smartphone, set up email addresses and an account. I double-check the smartphone comes with the ability to replace it once for free, even if it encounters water damage. Again.

I buy both phones outright so the monthly bill is cheaper, and add one of my cards as the one to use for the monthly payments. I hand Nero their phones.

” One for business and one for pleasure. Don't mix the two up,” I tease Nero.

---

---

We all meander down towards the event space area of the park - it’s just a large room with lots of tables like a school cafeteria. I spot a familiar taco food truck and make a beeline for the line at its window. “What do you like?” I ask Cass over my shoulder as I walk.

Jane and Kat decide on a dumpling food truck, both pleasantly surprised that it’s one they’ve had before and liked. The lines aren’t too bad, and its not long before I reach the front of the line.

---

---

---

---

I grin widely up at Caden as he teases me. “I dunno, they’re pretty similar - I might mix them up easily.” I look over my new prizes with interest. Not warning Caden, I take a picture of him to use as my background for the smart phone. It’s not fair that he still looks incredible in a candid photo. I make sure to set a lock on the smart phone and make sure the Lock Screen isn’t the same background in case any vermin happen upon it.

“Thank you.” I chirp to Caden.

---

---

---

---

I follow everyone to the dining area and make a small circle to take on the different food trucks and the whole space. I temporarily lose Nic, but I just look up and eventually find his head and green shirt. I hurry over as he's making a beeline for the taco truck. He asks me what I and I shrug.

”Food,” I say honestly. I've never been one to shy away from eating or a good meal. ”I tend to lean towards soft tacos and burritos,” I say and look over the menu as we wait in line.

---

---

---

---

I have half a mind to steal Nero's phone back and replace it with a more flattering photo, but they seem happy with it. I rest my arm over Nero's shoulders and steer them outside.

”You're most welcome,” I said and kiss the top of their head.

Avery is waiting for us, eating his burger outside the car. On the roof in a drinks tray are the bubble teas Nero requested.

”I got a couple different flavors,” Avery states.

"An, just throwing my money around, are you?" I tease. Avery just grins and keeps eating his burger. By the looks of the wrappers, it's his third.

---

---

“You’re my kind of people.” I tell her, happy to be ordering from the same truck. I get a plate combo with three carne asada tacos, rice, and beans. “And for the lady?” I ask Cass, prepared to buy her meal for her. I fake a yawn as I lazily wrap an arm around her shoulders.

---

---

---

---

Momentarily distracted by this bubble tea, I run ahead of Caden to the car to look at the drinks. I go for the green and red colored one first. I’m confused for a moment about the lack of drink hole until I remember that Cassi had to stab the drink with the straw. I’m wiggling in excitement as I take a sip and my eyes widen when I get one of the little bobas.

“Thank you.” I beam at Avery. I rotate the drink to see it’s a matcha strawberry. “What other flavors did you get?” I try to stand on my tiptoes to see the other drinks more clearly.

---

---

---

---

I stare at Nic after he places his order. I eye him carefully, wondering if he's actually a werewolf. I ordered a classic burrito with drink and tater tots for myself. I also manage to quickly pay before Nic. I smile triumphantly at him.

”That's for the fake yawn move,” I tease him.

---

---

---

---

I watch Nero with amusement as they discover bubble tea for the first time. They really are like a child with their wonder and joy packed inside a demonic body. I'm both frightened and fascinated by them.

”I got a classic milk with brown sugar with bobba and a mango slush with jellies,” I say, gesturing to the orange and white one.

Caden plucks the classic one from the tray and shakes it up before stabbing it. The slush one remains and I honestly don't care if Nero lays claim to it as well. I already got my drink from the burger joint I went to.

---

---

I clutch my chest where my heart is. “You wound me.” I tell Cass, stepping to the side as we wait for our orders.

”And here I was, thinking we were making progress.” With a dramatic sigh, I lean against the wall to wait for her reaction.

---

---

---

---

“What’s the difference between the boba and the jellies?” I ask, debating if I want the last drink or not. I mix my current drink with the straw, mixing the strawberry and match flavors together more.

---

---

---

---

”Real progress, ya. Not fake yawn cause you want to hold me for the first time progress.” I grab a couple of napkins and stuff them into my pocket.

”Kat said Jane sent you to me. She said everyone was worried about you. They were afraid of losing you.” I grab a fork and fiddle with the tines and glance at Nic.

---

---

---

---

I watch Nero with amusement as they discover bubble tea for the first time. They really are like a child with their wonder and joy packed inside a demonic body. I'm both frightened and fascinated by them.

”The bobba’s are filled with tapioca, while the jellies are either agave or lychee. They just add different flavours,” I say with a shrug and finish off my burger.

”Come on children, into the car. We have a guest waiting at the house,” Caden states. I look at him curiously but he doesn't divulge any secrets.

---

---

I’m about to retaliate when she mentions how I found her shop and I nod. “Yeah, her mom apparently frequents your shop and had given your card to Jane who in turn gave it to me.” I look down and smile at her, twirling a loose strand on her head with my fingers.

“Despite everything, I am glad that I met you.”

---

---

---

---

I grab the other drink and get into the car. “Is this the old friend we’re going to dinner with?” I ask Caden when he mentions a guest waiting at home. I’m tempted to ask Avery to join us so I can get two different sides of Caden’s history, but I don’t want to overstep.

---

---

---

---

I don't swat his hand away this time. I look up at Nic smiling and nod. ”I'm glad we met, too.” It was under terrible circumstances and I remembered how angry and sad he was. I remembered wanting to help him more but also protect him. I still felt that way.

I felt like we were having a moment. My thoughts were tumbling in my head as I was watching Nic, my eyes flicking back and forth between his, not settling on one spot. Then there was a shout. Nic's order and mine were called. I stepped away from Nic, my face heating and I turned to grab my food.

---

---

---

---

”Yes. She'll be staying with us for the duration of her visit,” I tell Nero. ”You'll like her. She's has a bit of a temper but it makes her one hell of a firecracker.”