Nico had disappeared into the garage muttering something about fixing the Jukebox, leaving the quarter-demon to clean up after breakfast. With the kids dropped off and the house quiet, he let his thoughts wander while he scrubbed. Their morning was rowdy, as usual. However, Nico was really pressing the intimacy issue. She was clearly bored and needed a distraction. Giving little digs at the pair all morning without being outright with her words was annoying, but at least the kids didn't get it. Well, he hoped not. He was not willing to have the "chat" with the boys just yet. Actually, scratch that. Not ever.

Just behind him stood a large, open sliding door. It gave way to so much sunlight and a light breeze in the warmer months. It was like a painting just beyond its threshold. Cobblestone guided up towards the clothesline. Marigold, violets and Hyacinth bloomed freely over the sides of the untamed path. And there, placed between two washing baskets, was Kyrie. Removing and folding all the newly cleaned clothes and bedding. All perfectly white and crisp under her gentle touch. The house was falling apart in some places, and the boys had to share a room. But this view was a wonder and made the location perfect.

'Do you need a hand?' Nero yelled out while shaking off the last of the water from his hands. The Songstress turned her head in his direction and smiled brightly.

'No. But I'd love company.' At this, the Demon hunter jogged over to stand with his love. She placed folded linen into his hands and had him deposit them in the baskets. Kyrie was grateful that Nero was so eager to help. The two of them were making a home together and they equally contributed.

Having him by her side again, all alone, made it the opportune time to discuss what had happened that morning. It needed to be out in the open and definitive.

'Thank you for not being too bothered by the fact I slept in your bed last night. I know I startled you.' she looked at the pegs on the shirt she was removing to avoid looking directly into Nero's eyes. It felt way too difficult.

'I will always love having you wake up next to me,' he beamed from ear to ear. 'You did give me a shock though. You were clutching my arm for dear life. Would'a hurt if you weren't so sleepy. You been working out while I was away?' Their laughter was contagious. Filling the silent air with a comfortable joy that the pair never seemed short on. As they got older their personalities became less severe. Nero didn't brood as often and Kyrie did worry about him, but she trusted him to come back after every job. And with that, they both found it so easy to talk about their true feelings. She knew her boyfriend would never say something harsh or hurtful, and he accepted that even though swearing was a bit of a stretch for his love; she did allow many of his antics to happen without any judgement. Like him keeping weapons in the house and the sometimes sexual conversations that he had with Nico. For a child of a cult, she was very open to new and sometimes sacrilegious activities happening in her home.

'I had no idea I was holding on that tightly. I clearly can't be trusted to know what I do while I sleep.'

'Oh, you knew. You crept into my bed just so you could feel me up.'

'Don't tease! I just wanted to be close to you. I missed you.' Their features softened and they stood hand in hand.

'I missed you, too. I thought about you every day.'

'Did you- Did you imagine you would have that kind of welcome back?' The Songstress struggled to spill the words from her lips. She flinched slightly, closing her eyes, at hearing them fill the air. Nero pulled his left hand away from hers to cover his face. He was beet red beneath his grip.

'I- I did not,' his icy blue gaze peaked out between his fingers. 'I was... thrilled by it. You have never been so bold.'

'I know. And that's what needed to change. How long were we going to sleep separately?'

'Figured you would tell me when you were ready.'

'And would you have stayed away indefinitely if I just never said anything?'

'Of course!' The Devil Hunter stood firm. 'I will always stay at your pace, Kyrie.'

'But, I don't know what pace to set and when to go further. That's why we have been sleeping separate all these years. I haven't known better. I think the only reason I became curious was because of your talks with Nico. Sometimes the conversations you have with her scare me, but not because they are scary, but because I'm naïve.' Kyrie let her hands fall to her side, keeping her eyes trained on her boyfriend's.

'I didn't really think about that. I always thought you just didn't feel ready. I had no idea you just straight up didn't know. I know it might make you uncomfortable, but,' he swallowed dryly. 'What do you think the next step I've been talking about is?'

'Sex. I know that much from reading.' Nero choked on air. This made Kyrie frown, crossing her arms in a huff. 'I couldn't talk to anyone about it, so I read a lot of books.'

'Well, I'm glad we are on the right page. I do want to know if you know what that entails?'

'Y-yes, I was able to get a general gist. It does seem a little embarrassing, though, and I'm not sure what is so good about it.'

'That's something we can learn together. Plus, you would have an idea if you played with yourself.' He was playful with his delivery but hoped not to come across too crass. It was a serious matter that he just tried to downplay not to scare his love.

'You mentioned that earlier. Show me.' This was not a question or a gentle request.

'R-right now?' This felt like a faux pas to be speaking so openly about a sexual act during the daytime. As though the whole world could hear just because the sun was out.

'Well, the washing is sorted. Now is as good as any I suppose.' The pair were fidgeting uncomfortably as they grabbed a basket each and walked briskly into the house. The quarter demon laced his fingers with Kyrie and reminded her that she could change her mind.

'We don't have to do this now. I'm not going anywhere, so we can wait.'

'No, I think I've waited long enough.' He swallowed hard, as though it would take away his fear, and steeled his resolve. With her hand still in his, he pulled them up the staircase.

'Your room or mine?'