[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia scans the menu, looking for something interesting yet tasty. She paused in her search when Nic whispered in her ear. She smiled, leaning back against Nic while he rested his chin on her shoulder.

”Do you think I should get that? Or try something new?” She turned her head to look at Nic as best she could.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Italian Soda Shop - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“Hmm…” Nic hums while thinking about it for a moment as he scans the menu again. “Well, if you want to try something new, I’m partial to orange flavored things and they have an orange cream soda.”

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia shifted and turned around to face Nic. She held the bags of candy in one hand, resting her now free hand on Nic’s shoulder. ”Orange hmm? And why should I get a drink you prefer?” She asked and leaned in closer to whisper in Nic’s ear. ”Is it so you can taste it on my lips later?”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Italian Soda Shop - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic is a little taken back by the suggestive tone Cass whispers in his ear, but then he grins. “Yes, exactly that actually.” He flashes his dimples at her, but his ears give him away as they’re bright red.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia leaned back, brushing her fingers along the tops of Nic’s ears. ”Then I’ll get that,” she said and turned back around to order her drink.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Italian Soda Shop - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nicholas looks down at Cass and beams at her. “You’re the best.” He says, chuckling a little. “Would you be okay tasting watermelon?” He asks her with a wink.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Nero rubs the towel through their hair, fluffing it out, before turning to Caden. “Alright, let’s see this outfit.” They demand with a grin.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia looks at Nic and smiles. ”I suppose I can manage,” she said and kissed Nic’s cheek before setting the bags of candy on the counter to be weighed and priced.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden laughed and smiled. ”Yes, little imp,” he said and took Nero’s hand and led them into the closet. He let Nero’s hand go before he went and rummaged through his row of clothes. Caden pulled out a three-piece suit with the appropriate accoutrements.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Italian Soda Shop - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“I have a proposal,” Nic says as the candy is being weighed and priced. “Let’s split the cost this time.” He suggests, pulling out his wallet to pull cash out. He lets the person behind the counter know that he wants a watermelon-lime soda.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Nero hops along to the closet and did a little fidget wiggle as Caden picks out an outfit. “Oh, I saw something perfect for this while I going through the clothes earlier today.” They tell Caden before scrambling out of the room to go find it in theirs.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cass smiled and nodded in agreement with Nic’s comment. ”Deal,” she said and pulled out some cash of her own, so they could combine their money. Cassiopeia grabbed the candy once it was paid for and wrapped her arm around Nic’s while they waited for their drinks.

”I know we already agreed, and you spent time with them this morning, but are you sure you’re okay having supper with all of them? If you’re not comfortable, we can just leave.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled and went back into the bathroom to finish getting ready before he went back into the closet to get dressed. Caden stood in front of the mirror and adjusted his tie until it fell straight. He buttoned his vest before pulling on his jacket.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Italian Soda Shop - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic, happy with the compromise, kisses Cass’ head while they wait for their drinks. At her concern, Nic turns his head to smile down at her. “Actually, after seeing them all this morning, I think I’m even less stressed bout dinner tonight. Plus, this time Kimiko won’t be super awkward at least.” He assures her.

“Nero is actually kind of endearing once you see them in action. They acted like a curious child the whole time. Hard to be scared of that.”

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nero grabs the dress along with stockings and a silver chained belt to match with Caden before they run back into the bedroom to change. They found him buttoning his jacket when they walked in and held up the dark red velvet dress for Caden’s approval.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kimiko wakes up in her own bed and looks around confused for a moment. Had she just dreamed about watching television with Avery? When she sits up, she notices the sore muscle from earlier is gone. “So… not a dream.” Did she fall asleep on Avery? Her cheeks warm at the thought.

She quickly gets out of bed and changes, not wanting to feel underdressed by Avery again.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia nodded, feeling relief that Nic was feeling more settled. Caden and Kimiko were the only family Cassi had, so if he was feeling more at ease around them, it would make it easier for Cassiopeia. At the mention of Nero, Cassiopeia rolled her eyes and looked away from Nic.

Caden wanted her to try, and she was. It was just that old habits died hard. The drinks were ready, and Cassiopeia grabbed Nic’s and handed it to him before grabbing hers.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden met Nero’s eyes in the mirror when they held up the dress. Caden smiled and turned around. ’Gorgeous. Although, I’m sure it will look better on you,” Caden stated.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic doesn’t miss Cass’ eye roll at the mention of Nero, but it’s not his place to defend Nero to her. Honestly, if he hadn’t witnessed the love clearly shared between Caden and Nero, he might feel the same way. Nic grabs her hand after she grabs her drink, leading her out to the car with the bags of candy. “I’ll stick by your side all night, don’t worry.” Nic teases, trying to ease the tension.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nero eyes the three-piece suit now that it’s on Caden and grins. “The suit certainly looks better on you.” They say before pulling on their own clothes, layer by layer. “You should wear red more often.” They remark after they’ve dressed completely.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Italian Soda Shop —> Driving – Cary, IL
Skills:

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”Mmm, are you going to protect me from the big bad demon?” Cass asked Nic once they got back to the car.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden watched Nero get dressed before he walked over to Nero. He took their hands in his, smiling. ”I can wear red more for you,” he agreed. Caden kissed Nero’s hands before wrapping one of their arms around his. ”Shall we?”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic crosses his heart. “With my life.” He vows dramatically before he looks over at Cass. “By the way, what are a demon’s weaknesses?” He asks in a mock whisper.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nero bobbed their head up and down enthusiastically, already wiggling with energy. “Yes and also I’d like that very much.” They say with a bright smile up at Caden.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
Skills:

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”Demon blade, angel blade, holy fire, exorcism. Sorcery,” Cassiopeia rattles off readily and wiggles her fingers at Nic. She takes a sip of her drink and moans dramatically. ”This is delicious,” she declares. ”Good choice.” Nic was right a lot. Cassi was going to have to watch that.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden smiled and escorted Nero from their bedroom and down the stairs within the house. He glanced around as they walked. He didn’t see Cass or Nic yet, but he spotted Avery outside helping the staff set up. ”Do you want me to make you a drink again, little imp?” Caden asked, looking at Nero as he opened the back door for them.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery waited for the elevator doors to open before he wheeled out the cart, which was loaded with some appetizer dishes, as well as a few bottles of vintage wine and Cassiopeia’s preferred whiskey. Avery looked back, waiting for the other two people he was with and they continued with their conversation while they headed out to the patio and started setting things up.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“Had to really think about those, huh?” Nic teases, patting her leg right as she started to say how she liked the flavor. “I can’t wait to taste it later.” He tells Cass with a wink.

Translations

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“Yes please! You make the best drinks.” Nero chirps excitedly to Caden.

From behind them, Kiki walks over to join. “Well, don’t the two of you look cute, matching and everything.” Nero turns to look at her before looking back at Avery outside.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones.” They say with a smirk.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kiki raises an eyebrow in a silent question, looking outside to see what Nero is referencing to. She spots Avery almost immediately and immediately puts her head in her hands. She swears she didn’t do this on purpose, but she did in fact look like she meant to match with him.

“Please don’t-“ It’s too late, Nero has untangled themselves from Caden and has made her way over to Avery, tapping his shoulder.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
Skills:

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”Mmm, in the past, I've never given demons much of a chance to talk. And now my best friend is in love with one,”” Cass says, a bitter note in her tone. She takes another sip of her drink and sighs. It is rather good and she is looking forward to Nic kissing her later.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden stops to turn when he hears Kimiko. He grins and looks at Nero happily. ”We thought it would be fun to match tonight,” Caden said and squeezed Nero's hand.

Nero points out that Kimiko is matching Avery, Caden turns to look. He chuckles, feeling Nero untangle themselves from him and runs off to greet Avery. Caden looks back at Kimiko and frowns. He steps up to her and puts his hands on her shoulders.

”Kiki, what's wrong? Did something happen?””

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery is just finishing setting up the table when he feels a tap on his shoulder and turns. He looks down to see Nero and smiles. ”Hey Nero, what's up?” Avery greets.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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From the descriptions Cass had given him regarding demons, Nic didn’t blame Cass for not giving the benefit of the doubt. “It must be hard on you.” He says gently, figuring that maybe Cass will want to vent about it more than have Nic try to solve the issue.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nero beams up at Avery. “Did you do it on purpose? You and Kiki are sort of matching.” Nero tilts their head. “Also, what’s for dinner?”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kimiko peeks up from her hands to look at Caden, blush adorning her cheeks and ears. “N-no, nothing happened… I’m just…” She glances over at Avery for a moment, admiring his looks once again, but looking back at Caden. “I’m confused.” She states, mouth twisting into a frown.

It’s not a lie, she is confused about Avery and where they stand. Kiki feels like if she hadn’t fallen asleeep earlier, they might have even kissed.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia glances at Nic when he attempts to empathize with her. She smiles and squeezes his hand in thanks. ”It is, especially considering not only my history but his history as well with demons. I mean, I'm happy he's found someone that makes him happy, I just wish it wasn't a bloody demon.” Cassiopeia huffed a laugh. She dug through their bag of candy for a jelly and a salt water taffy for Nic.

”Did Jane ever date someone you didn't like?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery looks at Nero in confusion before he shifts his attention up and sees Kimiko near Caden. He notes her light brown pants and off the shoulder white shirt with mild interest. Avery looks back at Nero and shakes his head.

”I was dressed before she was. Maybe she subconsciously grabbed the same colours,” he said, in an attempt to defend himself and Kimiko. ”You and Caden are definitely matching through. It looks good,” he complimented. "And we're having steak with all the sides, and some appetizers to start."

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden notes all of Kimiko's movements and how she looks back at Avery for a little longer than she normally would. Caden smiled softly at her statement.

”It’s fine to be confused. There's no need to rush into anything. But, you can talk to him. I'm sure you're not the only one, Kiki,” Caden said sympathetically.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic nods along to what Cass is saying before he speaks. “There was some time in college where Jane had dated a string of just… bad influences that really jeopardized her goals.” Nicholas says. “I was really wary of everyone Jane would date after that, worried that they were just going to be bad news again. Jane had to very strictly talk to me and tell me to back down after I met Kat. She gave me an ultimatum that I either give her a chance or lost our friendship.”

He reaches over and gently squeezes Cass’ thigh. “What’s your history with demons? Is that something you wanted to talk to me about today?” He hadn’t brought it up because he didn’t want to bring the mood down, but now it feels like he should know before they reach Caden’s.

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Nero

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Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nero gives a little spin when Avery says they and Caden look good. “I know, right, we’re a very attractive couple.” Nero looks back to smile at Caden, who looks to be comforting Kiki.

“Are the two of you still stepping on each other’s cookies?” Nero asks of him curiously.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kiki chews on the inside of her lip for a moment as Caden talks before she sighs. “I don’t think he’d answer… I also promised to only ask him one question a day.” She lets her forehead fall and rest on Caden’s chest for a minute, taking some deep breaths.

“Every time I’m convinced there’s nothing there, he does something that makes me question everything again… I don’t want to make a fool of myself and end up reading too much into anything.” She pulls her head out of his chest and steals a glance at Avery again.

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