"What should I pack?"

Kaden gazed at me over his book.

I didn't know what it was about but when I tried reading some of it when he was in the shower it made me feel incredibly stupid, like I should know what words axiomatic, coruscating, or nugatory means.

At the same time I was feeling like an illiterate fool I found it somehow sexy my man could breeze through books like that smart guys are really really attractive.

He set his book onto the bedside table, "...whatever makes you feel the most comfortable love, and a few of your nice dresses."

I shifted on my feet nervously, "...but won't we be like in a castle?"

"yes...my father lives in a palace."

"so won't you be all dressed up."

"I'm always dressed up."

I rolled my eyes, "Are not. Your casual clothes are not lordish and when your with me you're barely even wearing clothes. I just take them off you anyway."

He chuckled lowly, "touché. But you understand what I meant."

I nodded, "I do...but won't you be going the extra mile because you're in the palace and stuff?"

His expression turned slightly cold, "No. There is no need to change for that man Calla, and absolutely no reason you should think you have to."

I toyed with some lace stockings, avoiding his gaze, "...I just don't want you to get in trouble with his royal assness because of me."

Kaden was quiet for a long moment.

I jumped in surprise when his hands set on my hips, "Kaden! how many times do I have to tell you-"

He kissed my neck, mumbling into my skin, "Don't pull that ninja vampire shit on you. I know baby you just looked so sad I had to touch you."

I smiled a bit, "How could I be sad after my treatment last night?"

Another kiss on my neck and a tiny nip from his fangs, "Good. I'm glad I served you well."

I leaned against him and reached over my shoulder intertwining his hair in my hand,"I love you Kaden."

"I love you too Calla."

I smiled a bit before pulling away and continuing to pack.

Kaden watched me closely, "I can get some servants to do that for you, why don't you relax."

I shook my head, "No, no I want to pack my own stuff it would feel weird having someone touch my 'I'm going to get my man to remove his pants' panties. You just read your book and chat with me?"

He chuckled, "you have underwear specifically to get me to remove my clothes?"

I bit my lip and winked, "I do now." Thanks to his allowing my unlimited access to his credit cards.

He made that odd purring sound that never failed to turn me into a puddle.

"anyways...I was thinking..."

He gave an exaggerated groan, "No love, we cannot stuff my fathers mattress full of rats."

I giggled, "you sure?"

"positive."

Shaking my head I tossed a pillow at him, "no. I was thinking that maybe..." I cleared my throat completely nerves and embarrassed, "well...you know I love you right?"

He nodded, brows furrowing in obvious confusion.

"And I know very well that you love me..." I trailed off struggling for the right words, "I know we can't get married, I know I can't have your child, and I know I can't even hold your hand in public...but I just feel like we need to take the next step. I feel like we are ready for that, you know?"

Bless his unbeating heart he still looked confused, "...next step?"

I nodded, flushing, "I haven't worked out the details yet but...we need progress Kaden."

"...Progress?"

"do you like where we are now? do you wish for more?"

He was silent for a moment, "I love being near you Calla, but of course I wish for more. I just know that I should be grateful I have you as it is."

"I know...But..."

"I understand what you want pet and I want that too. I'm not telling you we cannot take the nest step, whatever that is I just want you to know it needs to be thought through." He smiled at me, "So what is this next step you have in mind?"

"...I-I just...uhm actually never mind."

He frowned slightly, "Calla."

"Its stupid.."

"you're thoughts, opinions, and words could never be stupid to me love."

I nodded a bit, "Maybe we could uhm get a little place of our own like a little cottage or something? If not that maybe a kitten or a puppy or something like that, I read online that lots of couples raise small animals together."

"...A cottage or a small animal..? That hardly seems like a step Calla."

I physically deflated, "o-oh really?"

"...would it make you happy?"

I shook my head, it wouldn't, the point wasn't my happiness it was ours.

The air filled with an awkward silence.

"Even if we bought a cottage I never have time away from home love, we would never get to use our getaway. And as for the pet...I do not wish to see you cry when some vampire gets drunk at a party and mistakes it for a snack."

I nodded sullenly, "you're right."

"I do not mean to upset you baby."

"I know you don't I just...I just..." I felt the first tear fall from my lashes.

Kaden was by me in seconds, "shh its okay love, don't cry."

I gave a tiny hiccup, "I knew it was stupid."

"It was not. I would love to do those things with you but I worry they my not have the end result you desire."

"I just want to be with you and do things with you."

He stroked my hair softly, "..I have never had a pet cat before."

I smiled into his chest, "I like cats but I've never had one either."

"perhaps we can go shopping in London?"

"...I would like that."

He rested his chin on the top of my head, "Just keep it locked up when we have parties, I don't want to see you crying over it."

"...Waffles."

He froze, I could tell he was trying not to laugh at how random that must have sounded, "...What?"

"Its name should be waffles."