[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I lean over and kiss Nic's cheek. ”You are incredibly giving and thoughtful, did you know that?” I set my drink aside and wrapped my arms around my legs.

”I'll have the same as you. I want to see if goat cheese is really worth the hype,” I teased.

I rested my cheek on my knees, watching Nic before I sat back up and crossed my legs. ”Trees are quite chatty, actually. They see a lot and like to talk. The willows were planted together and enjoy when people come to visit since they are cut off from the rest of the park.”

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Avery Zain

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

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I laugh even harder from Kimiko's battle cry. I curl over, unable to block her hits anymore. I'm hardly breathing from laughing so much. I finally get a reprieve when I feel something tickle my face.

I sat back and looked up to see that Kimiko had broken the pillow. I grinned and looked at her.

”How could you? That was Caden's favourite pillow,” I joked.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Pleased by her praise, I smile happily before I narrow my eyes at her joke. I still happily oblige, passing her the sandwich I already made so she can start eating first as I make a second one. “Huh, well, thank you willow trees for creating such a beautiful little nook for us to use today.” I say, taking a moment to glance above me at the canopy of leaves before returning my gaze to the sandwich.

“Will they like a sandwich too?” I tease.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I fall over, dying of laughter at this point, and clutch Avery’s upper arm. Peals of laughter leave and I can barely breathe for a second. “This is entirely your fault and I’m going to tell him that.” I say breathlessly as I continue to laugh. I close my eyes and rest my forehead on Avery as I try to catch my breath.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I take a bite of the sandwich Nic gives me. I don't get to swallow it before Nic teases me. I push him, covering my mouth to keep from spitting out my food. I swallow and push Nic again.

”I knew you were making fun of me!”

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Avery Zain

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

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I grin, resting my hand over Kimiko's where it gets on my arm. ”He'll never believe you,” I tell her.

When Kimiko leans against me, I almost stop breathing again but for an entirely different reason. It feels right but it also feels wrong. I know I'm very clearly attracted to her, but I shouldn't be. I can't be. But I also can't push her away. Instead I let go of her hand and picked the feathers out of her hair, letting them fall to the ground.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not making fun of you, I promise.” I tell he genuinely, looking into her eyes to show I’m being genuine.

“I think you’re incredible and beautiful, I don’t know how I got this lucky to get to know you and date you.” I smile softly at Cass before turning my attention back to the sandwich.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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It takes a moment for my laughter to calm down and for me to regain my breathing. I feel Avery’s fingers plucking what I can only assume are feathers out of my hair. It seems almost too intimate to me, especially when this man hates my guts. But I don’t move, afraid if I do he’ll push me away.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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”Thank you for asking me out… I've had a lot of fun these last couple of days,” I said, resting my hand on his shoulder. We never would have had this opportunity if he didn't have the courage to ask me out. I was glad I was smart enough to say yes.

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Avery Zain

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

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I pick another feather out of her hair but notice she's stopped laughing. I realize again how close we are. This isn't just reaching around me to get the remote, this is borderline cuddling.

”Kimiko… I—” The back door opens then and I jump away to look behind me. The kitchen staff is walking in, laughing about something. They smile and wave at us as they pass to go to the kitchen to start preparing for supper.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I smile, putting my hand over hers that rests on my shoulder. “Thank you for saying yes.” I reply. Pausing in my sandwich making, I turn my head more towards her and caress her cheek before I lean in to kiss her.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I would have given anything to hear what he was going to say, but at the sound of other people entering, we both jump apart. Once the staff has passed by us, I clear my throat. “S-sorry.” I mumble, not daring to look Avery in the eye. I start nervously collecting feathers to clean up the mess I made.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smiled at Nic and leaned into his touch. I truly did admire Nic's kindness and his compassion. I also adored how he could make me feel so small and cared for.

He leaned in to kiss me and I readily kissed him back. I marveled at how soft his touch was and yet how deeply I felt things when he kissed me.

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Avery Zain

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

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Needing something to do with my hands as well, I started helping Kimiko gather feathers. With nowhere else for them to go right now, I started stuffing them back into the pillow that broke. I paused in my work when she apologized. I shifted in my seat to pick up feathers from the ground.

”Don't apologize, unless your apologizing for that terrible battle cry,” I said and glanced sideways at her. My fingers twitched and before I could stop myself I was tucking a piece of Kimiko's hair back so I could see more of her face.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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The hand caressing Cass’ cheek moves to hold the back of her head, my fingers gently tangling in her hair as we kiss. I still can’t believe how incredibly lucky I am to be dating this amazing woman.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Following Avery’s example, I start stuffing fistfuls of feathers back into the pillow. “It was the only thing that… came to… mind.” I start to trail off as Avery tucks my hair back, my eyes going a little wide at the gesture.

Am I imagining it or does it seem like he’s interested in me too…? A commercial plays, suddenly loud and I jump away from Avery to sit on the ground and collect feathers there. “What battle cry would you use?” I try to ask in a teasing tone to move the conversation along.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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My sandwich is temporarily forgotten but I manage to set the plate on the ground beside me, so I can rest my hand on Nic's forearm while we kiss. I feel nature respond to the gentle display of affection. A gentle breeze blows through the willows, letting their branches gently sway around us. Enough movement occurs to send sunlight down to warm my hand and Nic's forearm.

I smile on Nic's lips, feeling the warmth of the sun reflecting the warmth I'm feeling inside.

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Avery Zain

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

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I jump from the sudden noise and start to laugh. I grab the remote and set in on the coffee table, so neither one of us accidently sits on it again. "I have no idea, maybe something more pillow related?" I said and start picking the feathers off of me to put into the pillowcase.

I keep my hands to myself as we finish cleaning up the feathers. I take the pillowcase and find a trashcan to throw it into for now before I sit back on the my end of the couch.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I finish the kiss by deepening it for a moment before pulling away and peeking at how the sun has made its way into our little hideaway. I smile, turning to show Cass my dimples before I kiss her cheek. “Did you do that? Or are the trees trying to set the mood for us?” I ask as I brush my thumb over her red cheeks.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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”Something more ‘pillow-related’.” I say mostly to myself as the two of us finish gathering up the feathers. As Avery leaves to toss the pillow and contents into the trash, I distract myself from overthinking about Avery by trying to come up with a good pillow battle cry.

I’ve just climbed back onto the opposite side of the couch from where Avery sits when he re-enters the room and takes a seat.

“Next time I’ll cry ‘I’m gonna fluff you up!’.” I turn my head just slightly as I grin so I can catch his reaction.

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[hr

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I blushed and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I little of both, I think," I said and picked my plate back up. "I think the willows felt how I was feeling and acted accordingly," I confessed.

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Avery Zain

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

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I immediately snort and cover my mouth before I start laughing. "Yup that one will work," I agreed.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I finish my own sandwich, taking a bite and swallowing before I turn to look at Cass. “And how were you feeling?” I ask, a smirk curling my lips just a little. I watch her cheeks to see if she’ll blush.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I throw my arms up in victory. “Redemption!” I cry out with a large grin. “Now I just need to find a more durable pillow for next time.” I say sheepishly.

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[hr

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassandra resumed eating her sandwich, enjoying the different taste the goat cheese provided. She didn't often have mayo on her sandwich either, so that was a nice twist. She pauses in her eating when Nic questions her. A blush does move across Cass' cheeks, and she pauses to take a drink before answering Nic.

"Warm, comforted," she confessed.

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Avery Zain

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

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"Oh just not hit me. There's an idea," Avery said with a laugh.

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Caden

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

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Caden stroked his hand along Nero's hip, making lazy circles as they laid tangled in the sheets still. He looked at Nero, smiling lazily at his mate before Caden redirected his focus to the light stokes he made along Nero's hip. He switched the direction and walked his fingers up Nero's spine.

"Do you think we can just stay here? Forget about the dinner and pretend we fell asleep?"

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic’s smirk turns into more of a crooked smile as he watches Cass’ cheek bloom with blush right on cue. He reaches out to trace them with his large hand again, so easily mesmerized with how easily she could blush. At her words, he closes his eyes and nods, humming in content. “I think I feel those same emotions.” He says after a moment, his eyes reopening.

He’s tempted to capture her lips again, but reminds himself that he hasn’t really eaten today, so he takes another bite of his sandwich instead.

“So, what do you think of goat cheese? Worth the hype?” He quips, referencing her teasing from earlier.

Translations

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Kiki levels a glare at Avery, but there’s a laugh curling her lips. “Maybe if you weren’t such a smartass, I wouldn’t need to teach you a lesson.” She sticks her tongue out at him, crossing her arms in an attempt to look intimidating.

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Nero

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

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As usual, Nero finds the little touches from Caden intoxicating, bouncing their feet and humming in content. When Caden walked his fingers up their spine, a pleasant shiver runs up their back and they wiggle closer into Caden, welcoming the warmth he provides. “Only if you think Cass will still help us with the branding.” Nero murmurs in a soft whisper.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia does her best not to think about Nic's hand caressing her cheek once more. Instead she eats more of her sandwich and watches the ants and other creatures crawling on the ground around them. She finishes her sandwich and grabs some carrots.

"Mmm, it's alright. If you like that sort of thing," she said, a teasing note in her voice.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery gave Kimiko an incredulous look. "Teach me a lesson? I thought I was your trainer," he said, shifting his position on the couch to look at Kimiko directly.

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Caden

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

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"I'm sure she would. As long as we were clothed." Caden's arm wraps around Nero when they wiggle in closer. He kisses the top of Nero's head before relaxing back onto the pillows.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic can’t help it, he laughs and shakes his head at her antics. “Would you like another sandwich with normal cheese instead, my darling?” He offers, finishing off his own sandwich before he finishes his cup of the sparkling cider. He steals a carrot while he waits for her answer.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Kiki notices him shifting and moves herself on the couch to face Avery, the smirk finally growing on her lips. “Oh, then can you train me to a better fighter with a pillow?” She asks.

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Nero

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

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Nero rolls over slightly so that they can rest their chin on Caden’s chest and watch his face. “I don’t plan on anyone else seeing me without clothes, my love.” They say with a bright smile, flashing their white teeth.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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"Yes, please. I can't make an accurate assessment if I don't have one with normal cheese," Cassiopeia decides. Cass has to admit she likes when Nic calls her darling better than when he calls her tomato. She knows that it's all in good fun, but it makes her blush more when Nic calls her his tomato.

She finishes her own cup of cider and decides to pour herself more. She likes the bubbles and the fact that its raspberry. Cassiopeia was impressed with how quickly Nic seemed to pick up on things that she liked.

"Do you want something else to drink?" Cass asked, seeing Nic finish his own cup.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery grins at the request. "Only if you don't use your new found skills against me," he countered.

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Caden

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

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Caden grins at Nero before closing his eyes and settles more into the pillows. "Good, because then I would have to pluck their eyes out and that's such a mess."

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic gets start on a sandwich with normal cheese on it for Cass. He glances over to see Cass enjoying the sparkling cider and smiles to himself, happy she’s liking it. “There should be a yellow drink in there, it’s sparkling water that piña colada flavored. Would you pass that to me please?” He asks with a smile.

He glances around at their little nook Cass discovered and smiles. Yes, the park was public, there were little bugs biting his ankles, and everything so often he caught a whiff of the river, but dates like this with Cass are becoming his favorite. He makes a silent vow to get a hiking backpack that can carry picnic basket supplies so they can have that ready to go.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“But you’re the only one I can use it on.” Kimiko says with a pout that’s quickly turning into a smirk. “Caden and Nero will literally decimate me if I hurt them, Cass and Nic are the same way with the added bonus of Nic being fragile. So you’re the only option, I’m sorry.”

Kiki stretches her neck in an attempt to crack it but isn’t able to. She settles for massaging it lightly instead.

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Nero

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

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Nero wiggles their butt as if wagging an invisible tail as they smile. “You could use your claws, just have an eyeball on each one.” They move their arms so they can make a grabby hand gesture at Caden before giggling.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia happily complies and rummages through the paper bag until she finds Nic's weird drink. She reads the label while he makes her sandwich. "Have you ever had a patient come into the ER who didn't want to be there?" she asks randomly.

Cassi felt like so much of their conversation and dates had been wrapped around her and her life. Plus, the beginning of their relationship started on something tragic in Nic's life. She hardly knew anything about him or his job. She did know he liked being outside like she did, which Cassi was grateful for. There was no way she'd ever be able to be with someone who didn't like the outdoors.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery chuckles and shakes his head. "I'm fairly certain Caden would be fine if you attacked him with a pillow. Nero might even join in," he added.

Avery glanced at the TV to watch the football game for a minute. When he looked back at Kimiko he noticed she was massaging a spot on her neck. Avery smirked, resting his arm on the back of the couch.

"Pillow fight too much for you, little fox? Or should I call you old fox instead?"

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Caden

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

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Caden's eyes stay closed as he grins and chuckles. He tightens his hold on Nero briefly to pull them in closer and kiss the top of the head. "And how will grabbing the eyes with my claws make any less of a mess, my dear one?"

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Fox River - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic finishes up her new sandwich and set it on the plate Cass’ been using before starting another goat cheese one for himself. “Oh, for sure.” Nic says, nodding as he focuses on the sandwich. “You get psychiatric or homeless or both patients who don’t trust you - that’s usually the most common. Then you’ll get someone accused of a crime that was apprehended by the police but needs medical care. Then of course, you get the vaccine deniers who won’t let you give them a tetanus shot after they’ve cut their leg open on rusted metal… There’s a lot.” He realizes he has been rambling and turns to look at Cass apologetically.

“Why do you ask?”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“Yeah, that’s the part that’s scary; imagine being killed by an imp and their pillow.” Kiki says with a laugh. She rolls her shoulders trying to work out whatever kink is in her back when Avery makes his joke.

She glares at him and flips him off with her free hand. “I’m a spry 62, thank you very much.” She tells him, not adding that if he stopped calling her ‘little fox’, she’d be very disappointed by it.

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Nero

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

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The demon hums in content when Caden pulls them closer to kiss their head, enjoying the moment. When he asks how it will make less of a mess, Nero’s grin turns more mischievous by the second. “It doesn’t, but it’ll be very intimidating.” The slight German accent comes out a little stronger towards the end of their sentence.

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