The afternoon had come a lot quicker than expected. Nico was still sticking around and was determined to stay the night on the couch, so Kyrie had found her some blankets and a pillow. Carlo, Julio and Kyle set up a fort in the lounge so they could annoy the Brunette. It was working, but they very quickly got shooed out and into their own beds.

'I swear, you are an angel for takin' care o' those kids. I can't stand the thought o' chasing after little gremlins all day.'

'I wouldn't go that far. I do love them and enjoy taking care of them, however, my shoulders aren't coping that well now that they are so much bigger than a year ago.'

'Oh, you getting' shoulder pain?' Nico's smile grew mischievous before eyeing the Devil Hunter in the kitchen on clean up duty. 'Ya hear that, lover-boy? Kyrie's shoulders 're sore from watchin' the kids. It's almost like an opportunity has fallen into your lap.'

'What do you mean?' Panic spread across his face as Kyrie questioned the foul-mouthed Smith.

'Don't worry about it, Kyr-'

'Oh, come on! Don't deny a fair maiden her chance at some pamperin'. You see, Kyrie, I made a prosthetic with you in mind.' All of Nico's teeth where on full display with how wide her cheeky smile spread. She knew this would get under Nero's skin. 'I created a massaging prosthetic to help, ahem, rub out the stress from your body.' Her laughter was almost diabolical. Luckily for the "fair maiden", she was completely oblivious to what Nico really meant. Nero flicked soap from his fingers over Nico's face splattering her glasses. A scowling match ensued and the two began to size each other up for another argument.

'Nero, it was a sweet gesture. Thank you, Nico. But, if it's a prosthetic I guess it will no longer be necessary.' A roar of laughter threw Nico over to clutch her stomach.

'What, this lizard? He can just retract the arm at 'is leisure. Prosthetic use is still possible, so feel free t' pester 'im 'bout that massage. It'll be a happy end t' any day.' Her teasing was relentless, and the quarter Devil just prayed that Kyrie didn't know what she meant.

'I'm not a lizard!'

'I just call it as I see it. You grew an arm like a lizard grows a tail. So, if it walks like a duck and talks like a-'

'Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. Now would you shut it?'

'Fine, but that's no way t' talk t' your guest.' Kyrie played with the fringe of her skirt and looked on over the pair. She was so happy to see Nero engaging so comfortably with another person. For as long as she had known him, he was very reserved and a bit of a loner. He was quick witted some of the time, but always preferred to be on his own. It brought such a happy warmth to the Songstress to know that her boyfriend had started to expand his world. Even just a little, it was a much-welcomed change.

Struggling to stifle a yawn, Nero began to pull off his apron and slowly staggered towards Kyrie.

'I'm goin' to bed.' He kissed her head almost missing her in his drowsiness. 'Sleep well.' Kyrie watched in slight worry as Nero ascended the staircase. Thankfully, he made it to the top in one piece and seemed to find his room without too much difficulty. Only a stubbed toe.

'So,' Nico began in a hushed tone. 'What do you think of the improved Nero?'

'I think he's still the same. He just has a bit more of himself figured out. So, I am very happy for him.'

'Did you see his extra assets?'

'You mean the wings?'

'Oh, so he did show you. So, like what you see?'

'Again, I still like, Nero. So, there isn't really a like or dislike. It's just him.' Nico chewed her lip a little in frustration. She could see why Nero was holding out on pushing intimacy.

'No, Kyrie, does seein' his Devil Trigger get you all hot 'n' bothered? Into a bit of monster fuc- Sorry, I mean touching?'

'Nico, I know I seem completely innocent, but I know what you are trying to say. Yes, it gets me excited seeing him in general. But I'm just not used to what is coming our way. While you were both away, I tried reading to gain a bit of understanding. No one had ever explained how intimacy worked. I know that there was something missing from our relationship but couldn't really put my finger on it. Woman to woman, though, I'm terrified by what I read.'

'You read an anatomy book that just broke it down t' the most basic understandin' didn't ya?' Shaking her head helped prepare for the conversation she was about to have. This wasn't easy, but she hoped that maybe she could patch this issue before it backfired one day. 'Ya' know, sex is enjoyable. It's not as scary as ya probably imagine it to be. Plus, you have something I didn't have with my first experience. Love. That makes it better, or, so I've heard. With th' right person it can be bliss. Don't let a little fear keep ya from havin' the time o' your life.' Kyrie clasped the edge of the seat, clearly uncomfortable about the topic.

'Thank you for telling me that. I have had no one teach me or direct me to learn what I need. Living in a cult meant that I was a very sheltered child.'

'I bet. I don't think there's time t' teach the youth safe sex in between worshippin' your God, huh?' Nervous laughter escaped Kyrie's lips before resuming the conversation.

'My fear has kept me from crossing any sort of boundary so far. We have kept our relationship at an arm's length. I do want to be closer to Nero, yet I find myself avoiding any situation that might change our standing.' Kyrie braced herself to admit what she was thinking this whole time. 'I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I want to face my fear and get myself alone with Nero, properly.'

'You're absolutely right, I don't want to imagine Nero in compromising positions.' Nico's nose wrinkled in disgust. 'But I also think ya need t' strike while the iron's hot and charge in head-first. And I know you'll give me hell for it, but I think ya should fuck his brains out.'

'Geez, Nico. I get it, but I don't think I'm ready to hear it!' The two looked on in quiet reverie. Nico may not have felt happy about the imagery being conjured up, but she was pleased to see that Kyrie was capable of taking a big step in the right direction. As much as she liked to tease Nero, she also liked to see him happy.

'We'll, the night is no longer young, so I'm goin' t' pack it in for the night. Thanks for lettin' me stay. I'll get out o' your hair in th' mornin'.'

'You are no bother, Nico. Stay as long as you like. The kids like you, and you are a great influence on Nero. I thank you for that.'

'Say what now? A great influence? You are delirious.'

'No, you have been a great influence. You are Nero's first friend other that myself and Credo. That means you are a very special person. Goodnight, Nico. Our door is always open to you.'

'Well, thanks a lot. G'night.'