Donut Look Now

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I smooth down her hair, but release my hold on her. “Last time I left Jane with my dad, they fell asleep on the couch together, but you’re probably right.” I use a hand to tilt her chin up and bend down to kiss her softly. “Can’t have you getting sick of me before we have our second date after all.” I wink before I lead her with my hand on the small of her back out of the back.

“Need me to grab anything from a shelf before I go?” I ask in a teasing tone before I give a little nod and wave to the newest customer.

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“Ich vermisse dich immer, wenn ich nicht neben dir bin.” I mumble, burying my face in his exposed chest. I hum happily, closing my eyes. While he’d been gone, I successfully gotten myself full drunk. I know it won’t last long, but I enjoy the happy buzz that helps me forget about everything else in the moment.

Translations

I always miss you when I’m not next to you

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I turn to raise an eyebrow at him. “Are you offering to take me home with you, Zain?” My face and body expression are flirtatious, but I’m tired and my social battery is running on fumes. Obviously I wasn’t able to recharge in the bathroom thanks to our newest lead. If I stay much longer without actually getting some time to myself, I might crack and lash out at the next idiot that crosses my path.

“I might like that.” I bite my lower lip the tiniest bit before I lick my lips, my eyes darting between his eyes and lips. Our drinks arrive and I eagerly down mine.

---

---

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I watched her face carefully, automatically wrapping my arms more around her as she curls into me. I rest my cheek on her head as I contemplate my next words, inhaling her scent for a moment. “So you’re definitely not going to ever do that.” I say. The amount of guilt I would feel if she brought me back just to succumb to darkness herself would be immense. I want to tell her not to do anything like that if I died, but I don’t really want to broach that conversation right now, not when we just started.

“Right now, we’re both alive and we should enjoy that.” I move my head to kiss hers, massaging her back lightly again with my hands.

---

---

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I slip on a cocky grin. “Maybe I am?” I say, licking my lips lightly, but I’m blindsided when Nero prances off at full speed. I turn to follow her with my eyes and see her pounce onto Caden with a goofy grin. I try to pretend to be upset that I lost my target, but it’s hard not to smile at how adorable that was. I finish my scotch and get up to get a new drink from the bar.

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I laugh fully, letting my hold on her loosen. “Can’t you just let me stay alive if you’re going to bring me back?” I ask teasingly with a raised brow. The idea of death should scare me more, but as a medical professional, I know death - at least natural deaths - is something that happens. Part of me also likes the idea of being able to spend more time with Cass too. I brush her hair a little with my hand.

“Are you actually able to bring someone back though?” I ask, curious now.

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

Someone sits down next to me and I glance over to see Kiki. She looks me up and down before handing me a new drink with a sly smile. I take it happily.

“Didn’t I see you dancing with someone earlier?” She asks coyly.

I don’t know where Caden ended up, but I try to play along. “Are you offering me a dance” I ask but I also silently plead to not go back on the dance floor.

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I pluck her teacup and set it down near mine before I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close but making sure not to squeeze the life out of her. I rest my chin on her head while I talk. “We’ll take it one day at a time, okay?” I rub my hands up and down her back in a soothing manner.

“Besides, I’ve managed to stay alive this long, haven’t I?” I kiss her head.

---

---

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“I’m glad to see you got my call.” I say to Caden, pulling my phone back out to disconnect the call before I turn to the vampire currently hissing at us. It’s a good thing I didn’t try using Charm or Mind Manipulation with her - those typically won’t work on vamps since they’re able to compel.

“Trust me, I wouldn’t be caught dead in this perfume otherwise. So please, let us help you.”

---

---

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

”Hey,” I set my tea down and cup her cheek. “I don’t really care what people will think - two of the most important people in my life love you almost unconditionally already.” I show her a smile. “And don’t forget, I’m going to start training with Avery and Caden. Plus, I do know how to defend myself pretty well.”

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I watch Caden and Avery as they leave the table again only to be stopped by more puppies. Tilting my head with mild interest, I watch Caden’s next move and raise my eyebrows. This must be his ‘alpha presence’ or whatever Avery had explained in the car.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I sigh loudly and let out a little groan of frustration that my recharge was interrupted. “I’m not the murderer, but I’m looking for them.” Since I wasn’t even using the toilet, I unlock the stall door and open it to step out, recognizing the woman who’d ‘sniffed’ me out earlier. Before I put my phone in my pocket, I dial Caden.

I put my hands up to show I’m not trying to start a fight or anything. “It’s the perfume I’m wearing - you’ve smelt it before so you followed me into the restroom. That’s why you think I’m the murderer, but I’m not.” I keep my tone even, not really knowing what this woman might be planning to do.

“Will you tell me what happened? I might be able to help.” I don’t want to use anything until I know who I’m dealing with.

---

---

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I watch her with bemusement, remembering that she had told me her magic was a natural gift she was born with and that if I wanted to be a witch, the only way would be me making a deal with a demon. I let her ramble on until she’s done. “They do say opposites attract.” I remind her with a small smile before continuing. “Does that worry you? That I’m a ‘man of science’ and you’re one with nature? That we’re different?”

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“Yes, shots.” I say, grateful when he leads me back to our table. For once, I’m rather still in my seat, only moving when I notice Caden making his way back with more alcohol. I grin widely at him, feeling like my mind is screaming at me for just letting that slip out.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

Promising my admirers that I’d be back soon, I run off to the bathroom and hide in a stall so I can recharge my social battery a little before I head back out. I pull out my phone and just zone out on an app for a little bit.

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I add some honey to my tea, letting it dissolve in the hot water before I stir it in and sip my tea. I decide not to point out the she offered milk to the lactose intolerant. “You act like you aren’t good with people too.” I tell her with a confused smile. “Maybe we can open a psychic shop that doubles as a clinic.”

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

My mouth pops open in a small ‘O’ as I look up at Caden with a head tilt. “Aber Sie sind bereits.” I tell him. “Deinetwegen will ich kein Dämon mehr sein.” The words tumble out of me accidentally and I slap a gloved hand over my mouth as I start sobering fast. “Can we put a lid on that and pretend I didn’t just say that?” I ask, grimacing.

Translations

But you already are // It’s because of you that I don’t want to be a demon anymore

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“Why, do you like it too?” I raise an eyebrow at him with a smirk as I try to remember the right hand signals. I let out a short, soft sigh of frustration before I put my hand on Avery’s shoulder and whisper into his ear as I describe the person I had seen sniffing me out. I give him a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling away.

I plaster on a fake smile for him. “Let me know if you’d like that idea.” I wink, silently wishing to be done with this bit sooner than later so I could get back to my book I left at Caden’s. If I had to deal with any more idiots, my mask might slip and fall.

---

---

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I catch Cass watching me and I return her smile. “I know what you’re thinking - as much as I would love for you to be my boss, I can’t abandon the hospital.” I tease as I walk over to join her where she is. I honestly would love nothing more than to run a small business like this with someone special like Cass, but I know I would feel guilty about ditching my patients.

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I beam up at Caden once we have a rhythm going, happy that he’s able to help my two left feet. “Wir tun es!” I say excitedly. “Du bist zu perfekt.” I mumble with a stupid smile on my face as I look up at him..

Translations

We’re doing it! // You’re too perfect

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

After a couple of dances, I spot Avery at the bar. I would try to speak with Caden, but he seems busy with the little one. Excusing myself from the group, I join Avery at the bar, making sure to spot the twitchy nose again. “Nice to run into you again - I think I found some pleasure after all.” I say in a flirtatious tone.

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I begrudgingly release Cass from my hold. “I eagerly await my new name.” I say, reaching over Cass easily and grabbing two cups for her. “What kind of tea are we having today?” I ask, leaning against the wall.

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I hop up a little so I can wrap my arms around Caden’s neck. I’m terrible at dancing sober though, so it’s not any better while I drunk. I end up stomping on Caden’s feet more than once and I feel my ears and cheeks start to burn. “Sorry.” I say, looking down to watch my feet and trying my best to avoid Caden’s.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I play demure, fluttering my eyelashes and looking down when Avery places his hand on my hip. Pretending, I watch him leave with interest before I finally turn back to my adoring fans. I take the drink from the stray dog and happily sip it, letting my eyes wander around the place, easily faking that I’m paying attention to the conversation. A newcomer arrives and I watch their nose twitch before they lock eyes with me. I send a flirty wink before turning my attention to the stay again, placing a hand on his chest and laughing. I can’t see Caden, Avery, or Nero as the crowd thickens on the dance floor.

“Who wants to dance?” I ask with a shiny smile.

Chicago After Hours

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“Well, because…” I squint my eyes like I’m glaring at Cass, but I’m trying to hold back a chuckle. “Because I want you to be my tomato. Get your own nickname.” I say, shoulders now shaking in silent laughter as I continue to hold her.

---

---

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

It barely registers that something was going on as I hold another drink in both hands and kicking my feet. When Caden asks if I want to dance, I nearly stand up in my chair and almost forget to set my drink down so I can grab his face with both hands. “Scheiße ja.” I chirp with wide eyes, wiggling with excitement.

I jump down from my seat and grab Caden’s hand to drag him to the dance floor with me.

Translations

Fuck yes

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I pretend to be flattered by the kiss, using the hand to twirl a loose strand of my hair around my finger. “Kimiko.” I say simply, not wanting my dad’s name to get dragged into this. “I’m in Chicago for business but wanted to get a little pleasure in as well. I’m sad to say I haven’t gotten any bites.” I play a pout and immediately have the other men in the group start fawning over me. I cast a sidelong glance at Avery, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at the simpering fools, but hoping he understood my cryptic message. No one suspicious yet.

---

---