It was Nex's fifth time sitting through the play, except this time he wasn't alone. He glanced over to the many demons seated in both the row he was in and the one behind him. They may have been on good behavior, all in human form and looking relatively normal, but he was still annoyed by their presence and unending questions.

"Why did you say anything?" He hissed at Marcus, who was sitting next to him and flipping through the program.

"Hey, you're not the only one that cares," Marcus shrugged. "They wanted to be there for her like she was for them. We're not exactly used to being treated nicely by anyone, you know," he pointed out.

"I'm aware," Nex said, rolling his eyes and sinking back in his seat. "I just think they're ridiculous."

"Says the man sitting through the same play for the fifth time," Lucian piped in with a smirk.

"Shut the fuck up," Nex scowled, crossing his arms.

"You know usually outside of hell we escape the whips, but I guess that's not the case for you," Marcus said, making a whipping motion with his hand.

"I will set your seat on fire," Nex warned.

"Nex!"

Nex recognized the voice but the fact he wasn't expecting to hear it had him second-guessing himself. He turned and saw Frida coming down the stairs of the auditorium with a bright smile, waving at him.

"Who's that?" Lucian asked.

"Katherine's cousin," Nex muttered, frowning in confusion. Unless he was mistaken, Kat told him Frida was on the other side of the continent when she read her blog post last night.

"Aw, come on, we're at the hugging stage by now, aren't we?" Frida said, stopping at his row and opening his arms.

"Sorry," Nex said, standing and accepting her hug. "I just wasn't expecting you. Katherine said you were somewhere far South."

"Yeah, well, this play is important to her so the parents and I couldn't help but fly over and surprise her," she said, gesturing to the couple standing behind her. "Especially since we can't make it back for Christmas."

"Parents..." Nex repeated, the blood draining from his face. You've got to be fucking kidding me, he thought.

"Yeah, right, sorry," Frida said, shaking her head. "This is my mom and dad, Alice and Joseph," she introduced, stepping back. "Mom and dad, this is Kitty Kat's boyfriend, Nex," she said, gesturing to Nex.

Nex was frozen for a moment until Marcus nudged him in time to respond when Alice stepped forward and pulled him into a hug he was not ready for. "Nice to meet you," she said, pulling back and smiling.

"Heard a lot about you," Joseph said, offering his hand. "Nice to finally meet you."

Nex reluctantly shook his hand and tried his best to smile. He would rather be in hell cleaning up blood than doing this right now. "You as well," Nex nodded, scrambling for something to say. He couldn't remember a time in his life he'd ever been put in a position like this. "Katherine will be thrilled you're here." He could at least say that and mean it.

"We're excited too," Frida bounced, glancing around Nex curiously. "And lucky there's three seats in front of you so we can all be close," she grinned, taking one step down and moving into the row in front of Nex.

"Lucky, huh?" Marcus chuckled quietly, nudging Nex. "This is as close as you're getting to meeting the parents, don't fuck it up."

"Your chair," Nex growled "On fire. Shut the fuck up."

"Are these your friends?" Frida asked.

It wasn't until then Nex realized Frida had turned in her seat and was leaning over the back of it, looking curiously at the group of demons occupying the entire row he was in. Nex kept the groan internal and instead tried to smile, giving her a stiff nod.

"That's Marcus, Lucian, Arda, Armand, Laris... It just keeps going, I wouldn't worry about it," Nex sighed, gesturing to the demons next to him.

"Wow," Frida said, her eyes widening. "It's so nice they all came out to support Kat," she said, her eyes sliding to Lucian. "Hi," she said, biting down on her lip.

Lucian froze up and blinked a few times. He also needed a nudge from Marcus before he could respond. "Hello," he nodded politely, darting his eyes away.

Fucking hell, is Lucian blushing? Marcus said to Nex.

I think he is, Nex answered, a smirk forming on his lips.

Lucian was both on the shy side and not used to getting much attention when seated next to Marcus and Nex, so despite the fact he actually did find Frida pretty, he avoided her gaze. Lucian pointedly looked away from Frida and the second he started talking to someone else, Frida leaned over the seat further. "Hey," she whispered to Nex. "Is your friend single?" She asked, inclining her head towards Lucian.

Don't you fucking dare, Lucian warned. Tell her I'm taken.

That would be a lie, Lucian, Nex said.

"He's absolutely single," Nex said, his lips turning up in a smile. "He's shy but don't let that stop you. You're absolutely his type."

What is wrong with you? Lucian snapped.

Frida smiled and nodded, glancing at Lucian one more time before the lights dimmed. Frida sunk back in her seat as the director came out and Nex purposely ignored Lucian's piercing glare while trying to stifle a laugh.

Normally, Nex got bored easily. He did not get bored watching Katherine perform. She found away around her shyness and glowed on stage. He couldn't possibly get tired of seeing her like that. As much as he felt tension from the probability he would have to spend the rest of the night with her family, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of her seeing them and how excited she would be. He then mentally rolled his eyes at himself and scowled because Marcus wasn't completely wrong in his earlier comment.

He found himself wishing the play was longer given he'd have to interact with more humans afterwards. If anything, the time went by faster than he liked and he was now standing awkwardly in the parking lot with both a horde of demons and Katherine's family. It couldn't have been planned more poorly if it was intentional. He'd worked so hard to ensure no demons but him were present when Bernice came but now here they all were with Katherine's family, that wasn't a lot better.

"She knows to meet you here?" Alice asked Nex.

"It's where we've been meeting since it started," Nex confirmed. "Easier than meeting in the crowded lobby."

"It's so cute you come to all her shows," Frida gushed. "She did end up making you stop bringing flowers huh?"

"She said getting them every performance was excessive," Nex said, darting his eyes away.

"I think it's freaking adorable," Frida said. "What'd you think of the play, Lu?" Frida asked, fixing her gaze on Lucian.

Lucian frowned in confusion, his eyes darting to Nex in a panic. Nex was just thankful to have the awkwardness be directed at someone other than him and was barely able to suppress the laugh.

"Are you speaking to me?" Lucian asked wearily.

"Yeah, what? No one's ever given you a nickname?" Frida asked, tilting her head to the side.

"I..." Lucian swallowed hard, unable to keep eye contact with the woman in front of him. "No."

"I guess that's fair," she shrugged. "Lucian is a pretty sexy name. Better to just sound it all out," she said with a sly smile.

"Frida," Joseph scolded, covering his face with his hands. "Filter, darling, filter. At least around me," he groaned.

"What?" Frida asked innocently, sending Lucian a wink that left him forgetting how his brain worked.

"Here comes Katherine," Lucian said, his voice cracking slightly as he slowly moved back, disappearing in the crowd of demons.

Nex quietly laughed and Lucian's embarrassment as he turned towards the theater where Kat was emerging from the crowd. Her eyes landed on him immediately and a smile spread over her face as she started walking faster, then slower as she noticed who he was standing next to.

She didn't expect to see them at all this year but especially not for her play. She couldn't stop the tears from filling her eyes as she ran towards Joseph with open arms.

"There's our star," Joseph beamed, catching Katherine in a hug.

"No way, I can't believe you're here!" Kat squealed, hugging him tightly. "What are you doing here?"

"We wanted to surprise you," he smiled, kissing the top of her head. "You did amazing, sweetheart. I mean, you really wowed us. I still can't believe how beautifully you sing."

"Thank you," Kat said, holding onto him tightly. "It feels like it's been forever since I've seen you. I'm so glad you're here!"

Joseph chuckled and hugged her tightly, resting his head on hers and his smile only faltering slightly. The last time he saw her was during the month they stayed with her at the house after his brother and sister-in-law died. He was afraid he'd never see his niece smile again and although he was nervous about her having a boyfriend already living in the house, he hadn't missed that smile she had when she saw Nex.

Nex happily stood aside as there were way too many hugs going around for his liking. After Kat got over the shock of her family being there, she then had to go thank all the demons individually and that took a lot of time. Nex sped it up because he knew for a fact she hadn't eaten before the play today and thankfully, the rest of her family was hungry too and Nex was a little too quick to suggest a bar and grill where the bartender poured generously. If he was going to sit through his first ever family dinner, he needed a drink.

They sat at the table and Nex did his best to not engage in conversation. He didn't know the first thing about speaking to humans in an appropriate manner. Unfortunately, when Kat got caught up talking to Frida and Alice, it left him open for attack.

"So, Nex," Joseph said, leaning over the table and taking a sip of his beer. "What is it you do for a living?"

Nex froze up for the second time. He had no idea what to say. Suddenly, all the normal human jobs escaped his mind.

"Dad, don't do the interrogation thing with him. He's a sweetie," Frida said, rolling her eyes. "Besides, Kat told you, Nex is a model. You're not senile yet, are you?" She asked, nudging Joseph's shoulder.

Nex stiffened at her words, slowly turning towards Kat who had a guilty look on her face. Frida and Joseph started lighthearted teasing and bickering, enough that they were distracted. Between that and the fact the bar was loud and crowded, he was comfortable they couldn't hear him.

"A model?" Nex asked flatly, leaning his head down next to Kat's. "Are you fucking kidding me?" He whispered. "A model? Really?"

"I panicked," Kat said, biting her lip. "I was on Facetime with them and they asked me and I froze up, I didn't know what to say!" She said, sinking back in her seat, giving him a sheepish smile. "Then Frida told them you were hot enough to be a model so I just said you were," she mumbled.

"For fuck's sake," Nex sighed, shaking his head. "Of all the fucking human jobs," he muttered.

"I'm sorry," Kat said, resting her chin on his shoulder, looking up at him. "Are you mad at me?"

"Like that's fucking possible," he scowled, setting his hand low on her back. "But rest assured, you're going to make it up to me later."

"Yeah?" Kat said, a blush reaching her cheeks, her eyes darting down to his lips. "How?"

"However I want you to," Nex whispered, pressing a quick kiss against her lips.

"Nex, my dude, I don't care what your religious affiliation is or isn't, you need to go with Kat to church just to get that guy to stop bothering her every Sunday. Pretty sure he wants her or something. Best mark your territory, boy."

"Frida," Alice sighed, shaking her head.

"What?" Frida shrugged. "It's true."

"What guy?" Nex frowned, his head snapping towards Kat.

Kat narrowed her eyes at Frida who mouthed 'sorry' and pretended to be very interested in the menu in front of her. Kat looked over at Nex, finding him staring at her expectantly.

"What guy?" He repeated, frowning.

"It's nothing," Kat sighed, avoiding his gaze.

It was true Gabriel made a point to talk to her every week and every week she was growing more uncomfortable being around him. He asked way too many personal questions and engaged her in way too many theological discussions about right versus wrong and what was sin and what wasn't, not to mention the fact he almost always brought Nex up in a subtly negative way. She didn't tell Nex because his protective side could be a little out of control and while Gabriel was bothering her, she didn't want Nex taking things too far and bringing Lilith back.

"Katherine," Nex said in a low growl right by her ear. "Who is bothering you?"

"He's not bothering me," Kat sighed, turning in her seat towards Nex. "He's just lonely and looking for a friend because he's new to town. He's just not... Socially adept. He knows I'm with you and I talk about you all the time, don't worry about it," she said, setting her hand on his face. "I'm with you, Nex."

"If that's all it is, why are you venting to Frida about it while hiding it from me?" Nex said, narrowing his eyes.

"You want me to vent every single annoyance in my day to you?" Kat asked doubtfully, dropping her hand and sighing.

"Maybe I do," he said, leaning closer to her, moving his hand under the table and setting it high up on her thigh. "You are mine after all. Who is it?" he asked, rubbing circles in her thigh.

"The possibility of you overreacting is the exact reason I didn't tell you," Kat said, focusing on breathing and trying to not think about his hand on her leg.

"Tell me," Nex said, brushing his lips against hers. "Right now, kitten, or you're going to have a lot to make up to me."

"Ugh with the PDA," Frida said, making Kat hide her face in her hands and slouch in her chair in an attempt to disappear. "We have something important to discuss."

"This is not over," Nex warned.

"What?" Kat asked Frida, peeking through her fingers.

Nex frowned as all humor vanished from Frida's face, her eyes darting to her dad. Joseph gave Kat a small smile and leaned over the table. "We're only in town for tonight, I'm afraid given the holiday season I can't stay away from work too long. I wondered if... " he trailed off, suddenly looking sad. That was enough to have Kat sit up, giving her full attention. "I wondered if you'd like to visit your parents grave with us tonight. I'd like to go, I thought you might too. Especially since we won't be here Christmas Eve."

"Oh," Kat said, reaching under the table for Nex's hand and holding on tight, swallowing hard and nodding. "Sure. We can do that."

"Nex, you're welcome to come if you'd like," Joseph invited. "But there's no pressure if you'd rather not."

While Nex didn't particularly care for the idea of being around four emotional humans but he also didn't want to leave Katherine alone, knowing she wouldn't be okay. He squeezed her hand and started to accept the offer but Kat spoke before he could.

"Nex can't," she said quickly, making Nex frown in confusion. "He um..." She trailed off, her eyes darting to Nex briefly before returning to her uncle. "He has to make an appearance at this party for a work thing."

Nex tried to not let it show that it bothered him she didn't want him to come. It shouldn't. It was her business, not his. But it still bothered him.

"Oh, well, that's all right," Joseph shrugged. "I just didn't want to leave him out of it."

"We appreciate it," Kat said with a stiff smile.

Kat sighed in relief when the server showed up with food, distracting the table and taking the focus off the unpleasant topic.

"You don't want me there?" Nex asked.

"Of course I want you there," Kat said, squeezing his hand and scooching closer to him. "I always want you around. It's just that," she said, dropping her voice to a low whisper. "They're buried in the cemetery at my church. Doesn't that still count as holy ground?"

Realization dawned and Nex nodded. It most likely did count as holy ground. That meant he couldn't go with her. He couldn't comfort her if she started crying. He couldn't go with her on Christmas Eve if she wanted to visit them. What was worse was he couldn't do a damn thing to change that.

The fact he couldn't go with her to such an important place all because he was a demon felt worse than when he thought she didn't want him to go.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, sitting back in his chair.

"Why are you sorry?" Kat frowned. "It's okay," she assured, offering a smile and 'thank you' to the server as food was set on the table in front of her. "Don't worry about it, okay? It's not a big deal," she said, squeezing his hand one last time before letting it go to pick up her silverware.

Except it was a big deal to her and he knew that, how could it not be? She picked up conversation with her family easily while he suddenly lost his appetite. Someone that wasn't a demon would be able to go with her and hold her when she cried. He would never be able to do that for her.

"You okay?" Kat asked, breaking him free of his thoughts.

He looked over at her, her freckles, her beautiful green eyes, her red hair she tried so desperately to tame. He hated himself for what he was, someone that couldn't be there for her in the ways she needed. "I'm fine," he nodded.

"You sure?" Kat frowned.

"I'm sure, kitten," he nodded, focusing on his food as a way to avoid looking at her.

Kat's hand landed on his leg and she leaned over, kissing his cheek. "Thanks for coming and being with my family for the night. I know it's not your thing but I'm really glad you're here," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

Nex rested his head on hers, feeling a bit of the self-loathing ease. He could at least do this for her. It was better than nothing.

They finished eating and Nex went his own way while Kat walked with her family back towards the church. Every step towards that cemetery felt like it took much more effort than it should. She hadn't been to visit them since the funeral and she felt a knot in her stomach at the idea of being in front of their headstones again.

"I was thinking of flying you to California for Christmas," Joseph said, looking over at Kat. "So you're not spending it alone. What do you think?"

"Oh," Kat said in surprise. "I appreciate the offer but I won't be alone. I have Nex and I have my church."

"I think it might be a good idea for you to be with family," Frida tried.

"I'll be fine," Kat shrugged. "Really, I'll be fine."

"Well," Alice sighed. "It's an open invitation if you want to come, honey. We'll gladly fly you over. We'd be happy to have you."

"I appreciate it," Kat nodded, suddenly feeling like she lost her voice as they stopped in front of the cemetery.

Uncle Joseph wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they opened the creaky, metal gate and stepped into the cemetery. Even though Kat had only been here once for her parents, she knew where to go to find their headstones. Joseph gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder as they paused in front of the shared headstone.