KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I keep my hands busy and eyes focused on my task, even while Nic makes conversation. I haven’t had this many people in my house in a long time, and even though I helped to save Mr. Wu, it’s weird to have people here.

Max acknowledges Nic with a bump of his head, but the cat doesn’t linger for pets. They leave the couch and retreat to a different part of the house. To listen and wait.

I know Nic’s father’s comment is meant as a joke, but it still causes my face to turn bright pink.
”Oh, no, no. I usually just take a human sacrifice,” I say in an attempt at a joke. I set his cup of tea down and produce milk, sugar, and honey if he wants to add it to his tea. I return to the stove and continue making the eggs and bacon. I don’t even make eye contact with them as I work back and forth.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I laugh and tap the railing. ”Come inside kleiner Kobold. I’ll bring you something to change into.” I walk back inside and decide to change into something simple for today.

I grab a crewneck and pants that can be belted or tied for Nero’s convenience. The pants, I confess, aren’t my own, and although they are smaller, I fear Nero will be genuinely a little imp in them. It will have to do until their clothes can be cleaned.

I walk down the stairs, clothes in hand, and meet Nero in my living room.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Without much warning, Nic stands and crosses the room to me in three easy strides, thanks to his long legs. I open my mouth to protest or explain, but then Nic’s arms are around me, and he’s thanking me. I deflate and hug him back tentatively.

”Um, ya…yes. No problem.’ I push him away gently and pat his arms before stepping away. ”Right, tea then. Mr. Wu, tea or coffee? Maybe something to eat?” I walk into the kitchen, still able to hear Mr. Wu’s response for some tea and maybe a little something to eat.

Max hops onto the back of the couch and watches Nic. His tail flicks back and forth. Maximilian watches like he is a human rather than a cat, and to be fair, he was once. At least that’s the theory behind familiars.

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Caden

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

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I’m just about to walk back into my bedroom and clean up for the day when I hear a splash of water, followed by a flourish of colourful German. I peer over the balcony and smirk.

”Well, that wasn’t how I was planning on getting you wet but I guess it’ll do. Guten Morgen, kleiner Kobold. Soll ich eine chemische Reinigung bestellen?” The little thrill that is running over my body that they’ve returned is electrifying. I remain still, watching them struggle to get out of the pool. I wasn’t expecting such morning entertainment.

Translations

Good morning, little imp. Should I order dry cleaning?

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I dressed slowly, favouring dark green leggings with an oversized sweater today. I wanted to be comfortable to stave off the reprimand I was sure to get from Nic. I took even longer in my bathroom, which seemed to wear off Max’s last nerves. He came sauntering into the bathroom and meowed loudly. I jumped and sighed.

”Fine…fine.” I put my hair back down, moving it to frame my face before opening my bedroom door. I peek my head out, looking down the hall. I can hear some crying and murmuring, but nothing significant.

Max waltzes out of my bedroom, forcing me to follow. I hesitate as I walk out to my living room, which opens into the kitchen. ”Good morning,” I greet, the words sounding strange. ”Does anyone want coffee or tea?” I inch towards the kitchen, hoping it will provide sanctuary.

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Caden

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

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I sleep in the following day, allowing myself a moment of luxury. It isn’t often I wake up alone, but it is nice when I do. I rub my eyes and lift myself onto my elbows. A table with a tray holding my morning coffee is in the corner of my room. I inhale the smell from here and sigh, throwing back the covers. Standing, I walk to the table and prepare my coffee. I take a small sip initially to make sure it is right.

I grab the newspaper for the day and head out onto the patio attached to my bedroom. The sun beams down, warming the floor and my body. I set my paper down on the patio table, prolonging the morning news for a moment longer. I lean on my railing and sip my coffee while taking in the mowed lawn and forest beyond. Soon enough, though, my mind wanders to Nero, and I wonder how he fared with Crowley.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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”Impossible,” I say truthfully. Once I see them go into their house, I pull away and head for mine. On the drive, I roll the windows down and turn up the music to help myself come down off of the evening, and drown my thoughts of Nero out.

It had been a long time since I felt this strongly about someone else. How strange for it to be a demon. I pull into my driveway and follow the dimly lit path to the house. It seems so big now, but it isn’t so empty. A light is on inside, and I thank my staff for that small favour.

Once I am inside, I don’t waste much time preparing for sleep. I hope the night will move by quickly.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I woke the next day shortly after sunset. Max is standing on the end of my bed, staring at me. He’s rather patient, but I know he is telling me to get up and face my fears. Still, I linger in my bedroom even though I know Nic will be awake now. How weird it must be for him not to be in his home and to have his father sleeping on the floor. Mother goddess, I had a lot of questions to answer. I much preferred being the one asking all the questions.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Outside Nero’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I chuckle, having to agree with them. I enjoyed the finer things in life and was never satisfied. I was constantly looking for things to give my long life meaning and enjoyment. The dull and mundane was not something I looked for in daily life.

Nero cupped my face, forcing me to stop thinking and look at them. My eyes shut as our lips connected briefly. My spine tingled when they spoke German once again. I open my eyes, seeing every little detail in their eyes.

”Gute Reise, mein kleiner Kobold.”

Translations

Safe travels, my little imp.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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My leg warms where they touch, and I continue to smile. Despite driving slower, I pull onto their street and stop in front of their place. ”Then I’ll see you soon,” I said. I parked and looked at them. ”Thank you for your help today. I’m sure it wasn’t what you were expecting.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I’m hyper-aware of every movement they make, but I keep my focus on the road, even when Nero turns in his seat to face me. The grin is hard to keep off my face. It doesn’t seem to fade when I’m in the presence of Nero; even when we were facing the Chimera, I found myself wanting to smile.

”Mmm, that, and if you keep me waiting for too long, I can call in a favour and get into hell,” I tease. I do have several connections, though. I could get into hell if I really wanted to.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Outside Cassi’s —> Driving – Chicago, IL
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I watch their hair shift around and around on my finger, lost in my own little world for a moment. I notice the lights in Cassi’s townhouse flicker off, and I sigh, pulled from my thoughts. I shift back in my seat and pull away from the curb.

”Ja, I should, and you likely have to report to Crowley. I’ll drop you off and go home but on one condition. You come back after talking to His Highness,” I say and look at Nero. I don’t know why I feel such a strong pull towards them, but it isn’t like my usual one-night flings. I want them to come back. I want to talk to them and get to know them. I hate the idea of them leaving already, but there are other forces at play here.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Outside Cassi’s – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smirk, unable to help my amusement of Nero trying to empathize with the human. The rest of the car ride is relatively quiet. Cassiopeia talks to Mr. Wu here and there to keep him awake, I think. We reached Cassiopeia’s relatively quickly, and I parked the car. I shift in my seat, my left hand on the steering wheel and rest my right arm over Nero’s seat to look into the back.

”Do you need a hand, Cassi?” She gets out of the car, helping Mr. Wu out, and shakes her head.

”I’ve got it from here. I’ll call you in the morning.” She gives me a look and glances at Nero. ”Have fun,” she mocks before closing the back door.

I chuckle and remain parked, making sure Cassi gets into her house. My fingers are close to Nero’s head, and I find myself twirling a piece of his hair around my finger while I wait for Cassi’s light to turn on.

”Shall I drive you home?” I ask Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV —> Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Witchcraft;

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It takes some time to help Mr. Wu up my stairs and into the living room, where his son is passed out on my couch. Mr. Wu drops to his knees and starts to cry, squeezing his son’s hand, but Nic doesn’t stir.

“What is wrong with him?” he asks through his growing tears.

”Nothing. I’ve just put him under to sleep through the night. He’ll wake an hour after sunrise perfectly fine. He’s just been so worried about you, and after he found out about me and my companions, well, he didn’t take it so well. I wanted him to sleep. He’ll be glad to see you in the morning. I have a spare bed if you would like it, Mr. Wu,” I offer. The older man shakes his head.

“Just something to lay my head on will be fine. I want to be by my son’s side when he wakes.” I nod in understanding and get him an extra pillow and blanket.

Glowing yellow eyes greet me in the hallway. I smile and brush Maxamillian with my foot as I pass. ”How is he, Maxi?” Max grumbles at his nickname. The poor cat never liked it when I called him that, but I couldn’t help myself either. I get a vision of what Nic dreams about, but it fades quickly. I sigh and relax. ”Good, good. Thank you, Maximilian.” He meerps in approval before going to the bedroom to retire for the night, his work completed.

I return to the living room with the pillow and blanket to find Mr. Wu fast asleep. I gently lift his head to lay the pillow down and spread the blanket over him. I step back and momentarily look at father and son, feeling joy and sadness simultaneously. My eyes linger on Nic’s relaxed face, and I sigh. At least his father is still alive. He’ll be able to leave in the morning happier, I hope. So why do I feel miserable about the idea?

I shake it off and turn off the lights. I glance out my window to see the parked SUV still there and shake my head. I don’t like where that relationship is going but I might not have much say in the matter. I let the curtain fall close before finally walking to my bedroom to sleep.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Chimera Hideout ---> Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shifting

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I can’t help the easy grin that crosses my face, and I wink in response. Of course, we would be doing that again. Sooner rather than later, I hoped.

Once we were all in the SUV I pulled away, heading for Cassi’s after she told me we didn’t need the hospital.

“Tha…thank you. All of you… for your help… for saving me… My wife… my wife.” Mr. Wu struggles to speak, and Cassi tries to soothe him.

”It’s okay, Mr. Wu. Just take it easy… You can rest tonight. All of your questions will be answered in the morning,” Cassi assured him. I drove a little faster to get Mr. Wu back to Cassi’s so he could rest and be with his son.