Donut Look Now

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Leaving Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Part of me wishes I can just stay wrapped around Caden while he drives, but I hold back on asking, instead unwrapping myself from him when we get to the car. I climb into the passenger seat and wrap my arms around my legs, resting my head on my knee so that I can watch Caden while he drives.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Resisting the urge to roll my eyes at his antics, I instead focus on eating the burger meal and milkshake I’d ordered. It hits the spot and a goofy smile appears on my lips as I happily finish the milkshake. As I near the last bit of it, I recognize that it might be annoying to Avery to hear the sound of me trying to suck the last bits of the milkshake up, but I keep at it anyway.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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I grin at Cass’ reply. It’s starting to sound like I’m becoming the head of a worm mafia. I send with a shake of my head, enjoying this weird conversation I’ve started.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli. Hopefully Cass has seen the Godfather or at least know the quote. I roll onto my side, happily imagining a worm mafia ring being busted by police worms.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I crack a wry smile. “Are you trying to take advantage of me, Caden?” The joke comes out before I give myself the chance to think. I grimace and close my eyes, silently pleading that Caden will either just take it as the joke I meant it to be or just not even acknowledging it.

“Yeah, let’s go home.” I mumble in agreement. In an even smaller voice I ask, “Can I hide in your chest again?” I’m starting to find myself enjoying that Caden just carries me everywhere. Plus I fear what anyone will think if they saw my tear-stained, raccoon-like face right now.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“Thank you.” I force myself to say when Avery drives the car towards a Steak ‘N Shake. I give Americans one thing, their greasy and overindulgent fast food sounds like the perfect remedy for the headache in the driver’s seat. I grab my purse and pull out one of my international credit cards, getting ready to hand it to Avery. “Please get yourself something too.” I’m not at Caden’s level of stupid rich, but with a dad in the Men of Letters, money was not something I had ever lacked.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I hear some worms are great for gardening. I send a gif to her.

I chuckle as I type out a message to follow it. Be honest, I’d be a super cool worm. Like, so cool without even trying. I stifle a big yawn, not wanting to fall asleep yet, but the comfort of my bed calling to me.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I gratefully take the tissues and wipe furiously at my eyes and nose. What Caden says rings true, but I can’t even remember anything like that ever happening, so why does it feel correct? “That’s so dumb.” I mumble. I can feel the last of the alcohol wearing off already, the shame and embarrassment I feel sobering me up efficiently.

“Are these memories going to hurt too?” I ask, my left hand fidgeting. Today had been such a nice day with Caden, about as normal as could be for an immortal dragon and his demon. I wish it had lasted longer.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My eye twitches as I hold back my frustration with Avery. I have half a mind to just rip the stereo out of the car, but I close my eyes and start counting backwards from ten. When that doesn’t work, I start doing it in every language I know, ending it with some mumbled poor Italian - my latest language to learn. It had been a trick my dad taught me when the Kitsune had first awoken. Otherwise he was following me around with a fire extinguisher to put out all the little fires thirteen-year-old me would set.

“Can we at least get a cheeseburger on the way home? Fighting makes me hungry.” I finally say. I have to almost shout it to make sure I’m not drowned out by the music.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smother my laughter with my hand, scared that I’m going to wake up my dad. Talking to Cass is quickly becoming my favorite part of any day, whether in person or on the phone. Would you still want to date me if I was a worm?

A tiny voice in my head tries to tell me it won’t last, but I ignore it. Instead, I opt to pull out the treaty I’m borrowing from Caden. Might as well drown out the second guessing with something productive.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I hide my face in Caden’s chest as he carries me off somewhere else and stay there until he starts pulling my hair loose. I’m horrified to find that I’m still crying and rub angrily at my eyes before I remember I’m wearing makeup. I groan in frustration when I look at my hands and find black eyeliner and mascara covering them. “Why is it coming to the surface now though?” I finally meet Caden’s eyes and the floodgates open.

I can’t remember ever crying before as a demon, let alone sobbing, but it seemed like a common occurrence whenever I’m with Caden. “Why are you so damn observant?” My tone is bitter, but only because I feel like I keep messing everything up no matter what I try to do. I’m not angry with Caden - how could I be when he has the perfect response each and every time?

“Ich wollte nur einen lustigen, normalen Abend mit meinem Jungen verbringen.” I mumble.

Translations

I just wanted to have a fun, normal night with my boyfriend

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I wince when the music starts blasting and immediately go to turn it down. “How does that not kill your head?” I ask condescendingly. “You don’t need to blast music, you can just say, ‘Kiki, I don’t want to make small talk.’” I huff before I reach into the back to grab the top I was wearing earlier and pulling it on. Would it kill this guy to learn some manners?

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Dressed for bed, I flop onto it, sighing happily at how comfortably I fit in my bed compared to the couch. Cass finally responds and I grin, taking note of the delay. Was it the selfie that sold it? I ask cheekily. I take another selfie, but I hold the phone low so that I can fake multiple chins.

Cause if not, this one certainly will

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I blink at Caden owlishly, stopping my movements. “Wait, no, I want to, I just…” My eyes start to fill with moisture and I bite my lip in frustration. No, no, no, not now. I plead silently with myself not to cry. First I ruin our dance out on the floor with a stupid comment and now I ruin a lap dance.

“What’s wrong with me??” I ask rhetorically in a small voice. Why can’t I get this right?

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Outside Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
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”Hey asshole, I know that.” I respond, crossing my arms as I feel my eyes shift in irritation. What the fuck is his problem??

I roll my eyes and walk past him, giving him a solid shoulder tap on my way. “Dios ayude a este imbécil.” I mutter under my breath as I walk away.

Translations

Gods help this shithead

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Stepping out of my bathroom in just a towel, I smile when I see my phone light up with a notification. How can I not? He’s been a great wingman Debating it for a second, I take a selfie making the dumb thirst trap face and send it to Cass before I move to my closet to grab some clothes to sleep in. Typically I only wear boxer briefs to bed, but with my dad saying with me, I’ve been sleeping in t-shirts and basketball shorts.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I feel my ears and face warm, the typical shiver going up my spine when he whispers in my ear. I bite my lip in concentration. “Don’t laugh at me, please.” I mumble before also taking a shot.

I lick my lips and began rolling my torso slowly, trying to keep my movements fluid. The roar of the music seems to dull as all my focus went to trying to move my hips with the music. I can’t look Caden in the eyes, instead concentrating on one of his jacket’s buttons instead.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Outside Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Why the hell is he frowning? I think to myself, but decide to ignore it with a roll of my eyes instead. His comment about catching up to Caden makes me snort lightly, but I’m more entranced by his accent.

”Vous êtes né aux États-Unis, n'est-ce pas?” I ask, trying to remember parts of what Caden had told me about him. “Votre accent est impeccable.” As much as it pains me to give this asshole a compliment, I could still appreciate a flawless execution.

Translations

You were born in the states, right? // Your accent is impeccable

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Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I give him a flat look. “Did you hit your head? Or maybe I didn’t stomp on your foot hard enough.” I finish his drink for him and set the empty glass down on the table.

”Unless, of course, you meant a different kind of dance?” Raising my eyebrow, I place my hands on his shoulders and shift to straddle him more.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I walk through the door and my phone vibrates a bunch. Smiling, I pull it out to see messages from both Caden and Cass. I react to Caden’s message with a little thumbs up before I open my conversation with Cass. the picture of Wayland makes me grin. Well, at least someone misses me :P

I hang my backpack on the hook by the door and spot my dad asleep on the couch. Jane must have mentioned something to him. I shake my head and head into my room, closing the door so I can shower and change without waking him up.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Outside Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery’s question catches me by surprise and I laugh, an actual laugh with a small snort rather than the polite ones I had shown in the club. I move to catch up with him. “And German, Welsh, Scot, Polish, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish… I’m trying to catch up to Caden, but I’m severely behind.” I look at him, noticing his cuts and scrapes have healed.

“Est-ce que je t'ai vu assommer l'un d'entre eux d'un seul coup de poing?” I ask.

Translations

Did I see you knock one of them out with one punch?

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Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: On the Bus - Chicago, IL
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When I pull my phone out again, I blink. He was going to have it dropped off for me? Right, stupid rich. Oh, thank you! Would 9AM work? I don’t know when Cass wants to go yet, so earlier might be better. I pull up my text chain with Cass.

Caden wants to know what time to have the car dropped off - I gave a tentative 9AM but let me know if we need it earlier, okay? Also I hope you don’t miss your loyal shop assistant too much already ;) Sure, it was cheesy but… I felt like we made good headway today. Silly smile back, I put my phone in my pocket and exit the bus to walk the rest of the way home from the bus stop.

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Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I have my head tilted as I try to think of a good reward while Caden fiddles with his phone. “What kind of reward do you want?” I finally ask as I pluck the drink he only just set down for myself. I happily sip at it, wiggling as I settle in his lap.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Outside Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Oh for fucks sake.” I say as Avery tells me I should go. I crack my knuckles and decidedly not leave, turning around as well. Avery is making short work of them though and I let out another frustrated sigh as I’m realizing that I might not get to let off some steam either.

I grab the wolf who’s just starting to get up from the dumpster and punch him in the nose. I hear the bones crunch and hope that it heals crooked. I give him one more good punch to the side of his head and grin when he passes out. I kick him in the gut for good measure before I turn around to see if Avery needs my help. I kick the one he managed to already knock out and spit on him for good measure.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: On the Bus - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I have the shadow of a grin on my face for most of the walk to the bus stop and even when I get on the bus and sit down. I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Caden. Hey, this is Nic Wu. Cass gave me your number. I was wondering if it’d be possible for Cass and I to borrow a car tomorrow to drive to Cary, please? It’s just a hour north of Chicago and I promise to be careful with it.

I bounce my leg anxiously after I send the message, debating whether or not I should add that I’m taking her on a date. I run a hand down my face. Caden is not her father, you don’t need his permission. I tell myself sternly before I slip my phone back in my pocket.

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Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I pout when he takes his drink back. “Das war nicht sehr nett.” I say, trying to take the new drink he just got from him too. He doesn’t let that happen.

“Ein Zeuge ist ein guter Anfang. Guter Drache.” I pat his head and flash him a goofy smile.

Translations

That wasn’t nice // A witness is a good start. Good dragon

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Outside Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I cast sidelong glances at Avery as we walk out of the club, looking the prefect part of something who scored a lay. When we get to the street, Avery pulls his hand away and I sigh, letting my mask fall off for the night. Trying to relieve some of the stress in my body, I lean my head side to side to crack it. Then I hear a voice the grates my ears.

Avery has already turned around to face them, effectively blocking my small frame. ”Ces putains de types.” I mutter with a frustrated sigh before I step out a little from Avery’s shadow.

“Yeah, and if I wanted to have a one-pump-chump to ask me where my clitoris is, then I’d be going home with you, wouldn’t I?” I call back, my eyes shifting but it’s not purposeful. I’m just fed up and want to go home. “Run along little strays and find someone else to bother.” I loop my arm with Avery and turn us around to finish walking to the car.

To my dismay, I can hear them still following us. “Leave it to a slutty fox to go for Caden’s broken rescue.”

Translations

These fucking guys

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Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“I’d love to play shop assistant whenever you need me.” I say with a genuine smile before I pull out my phone to save Caden’s number. “I’ll try hard not to let Caden steal me away from you.” I promise teasingly, stealing a kiss on her cheek before I head for the door.

I pause at the doorframe to turn and look at her again. “Let me know when you’d like to start our date tomorrow.” I grin at her, dimples showing, before I leave to walk to the bus stop.

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Nero

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I giggle happily while I shift to sit in his lap. With my head tilted, I peer at him with a bright smile. “Haben wir den Bösewicht erwischt?” I ask Caden, stealing the drink he just picked up and taking a sip.

Translations

Did we catch the bad guy?

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I flash a smile. “I can’t think of a reason to say no.” I set my now empty glass down on the counter and lean back against the bar eyeing Avery up and down. He is a fine specimen of a man, there’s no denying that, but boy did I wish he was anyone else right now.

“You just say the word.” I say with a wink, but I can feel my facade slowly fading.