KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I grin and send him a gif of bowing. I look around the empty room, growing bored. I decided to do a little meditation; it would also help ward the room from allowing anyone negative into the space.

I go over to my bag and light a couple of candles, setting them up in a circle with a ring of salt. I sit down in the middle, set my phone on silent and begin meditating.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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I grin, closing my eyes for the kiss that is over far too soon. ”Good. I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself,” I say and give Nero another kiss. ”We should go if the demons are done loading the van. We only have an hour left before the caterer and flowers show up. Cassi will have our heads if the furniture isn’t in place before they arrive.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Actually, I can say no……………… No. I’m smiling as I send it, knowing that he’s still going to do something even though I don’t want him to do anything.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Well, you can say no. I’d rather you didn’t, and I really think you would like me to shower you with gifts and overpriced food, but if you really don’t want me to, then I won’t.” I didn’t want to push them, and if buying Nero new clothes was pushing them too quickly, then I didn’t want to do that to them.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Nic… You don't need to repay me. I wanted to do this. Your mom and dad deserve something good. You deserve something normal in the face of losing so much. Please, just let me do this.

I didn't normally beg for things but this was different. This was more for me than just planning a funeral. There were so many things I couldn't make up for in my life. So, when I could do something, I did it.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”No, but you do need another wardrobe if you're going to be living a double life,” I tease them. ”Besides, I can take you for dinner after at an incredibly overpriced restaurant.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I would have liked the chance to meet her as well. I send back. I was certain she was an incredible woman if she was anything like Nic.

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Caden

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

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I relax my arms when Nero comes over. ”We’ll have to come back because I would like a tour.” I reach out and pull Nero into me. I rub my thumb against his cheek before tucking hair behind his ear.

”No, we have everything for the vigil. While we are here, though, do you want to throw anything into a bag to bring to my place? Or should I just take you shopping after we drop Cassi off at home?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Um, maybe? My face flushes, and I tuck my hair behind my ear, looking around at the nearly empty room. I look down at my phone and text Caden.

Are you guys on your way back yet?

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Caden

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

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I walk over to Nero’s desk and lean against it, watching them with their cats. I cross my arms, smiling softly at them. ”I know, and I know you have a certain image to maintain around your demons. I don’t mind filling a roll if you need me to while we are in their presence,” I say. I was secure enough not to be offended if I needed to play a part or stay away. If Nero was shown blushing or flirting with me, it may showcase a tinge of his humanity coming back. I didn’t want to think about what might happen to them if that got back to Crowley.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out. ”Cassi is getting impatient,” I noted. I texted Cassi we would be back with a noncommittal soon before putting my phone away.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Oh, okay. That works. Sorry about that. I’ve cleaned out the space and have a table set up. I’m getting a white tablecloth for the table, but is there anything else I should get? Do you guys have a photo of your mom? Do I need to get one printed or a frame or an easel to put the picture on? I hit send before I could edit down the bulk of the message. I went off, my anxiety coming through, I’m sure.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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I let my hand fall from petting the black cat. I observe Ryan with feigned interest before we exit into Nero’s office. I shut the door behind us and look at Nero. ”You know, I don’t mind playing a part, so you maintain an image with your minions. I’m rather good at role-playing.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I just walked back into the room from putting the last unneeded table outside when my phone buzzed. I picked it up and a wave of panic settled over me. Crap. Of course, they wanted to burn candles, but I had already gotten everything. Do I tell them sure and just keep the candles I bought or double their amount or do I tell them no? I looked from my phone to the bag and back again.

Hey! I just asked the chief, and they would prefer no open flame. I could maybe magic something to keep the flames contained! I hit send and sighed. There, covered both angles.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”I’m not certain. I would assume they would have to stay awake, but maybe they’ll sleep in shifts? If so, I think this red floor couch would work for Nic or his father. This red chair would be good for sitting up, though, and this other red couch should be fine.”

I looked at a green velvet couch that might work, but honestly, I could see it on my side of the house as well. I did have a thing for the colour green. Nero draws my attention back to the cats, and I smile at the two of them.

”Good afternoon, ladies,” I greet and let them sniff my fingers before getting consent to pet them.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I sat on the floor in the middle of the room where the vigil would be sat up, and looked around while I ate. Thankfully the windows and door were covered, so I could flick my hands this way and that to move furniture around.

I need a tablecloth, white. I sent to Caden. He texted me back almost immediately saying the caterers would be bringing one. I put my phone away and got myself up into a standing position.

I set the supplies I got from Chinatown on one side of the room before I opened the door and started hauling chairs and smaller furniture out the door. I hoped Nero had decent furniture and not something to out there.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”I meant for right now, dear. Do you want my help loading the truck, or will your demons take care of that?” I clarified.

I walked around the furniture. Eyeing some more closely with interest. Nero had quite the collection. I kept looking and pointed out a couple pieces. ”These are the most uniform. I don't think having such patterned furniture would be good for this service,” I said and smiled at Nero.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Another suggestive comment fills my head but I keep it to myself this time. I slip my hands into my pockets, examining the other demons and Nero's place. I chuckle at his enthusiasm

”See, you and Cass will get along just fine. Do you need my help moving anything into the truck?” I ask, knowing Nero and I would have to off load the truck later.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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”I'll answer as many of them as I can. Cassiopeia's story will be able to fill in some of the holes as well, but I can tell you more about my family if that will help.” Most people I've come across don't know as much about me and my history as Nero does now. It's nice to share my story with someone after so many years.

I look to the sidewalk where a demon starts to approach us. I smirk. ”Are you sure? Being watched can be quite thrilling,” I say. I look back at Nero and wink before I get out of the car.