KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I had a feeling that's what was bothering them but I wasn't sure how to answer them. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly before I turn into the car park. I manage to find a spot closest to the street and the stores.

"I've seen evil. Tasted it, felt it, witnessed it. You aren't that. I'm not saying your soul is pure and you haven't done bad or evil things but true evil you are not. Being a demon in hell that could be a bad thing, but being up on earth or with me, that is a virtue. I trust you because I like you. I trust you because I trust first." I turn in my seat to look at them fully, smiling. "I'm defensive because I like you, and it's hard for me to keep the beast quite when I claim someone as mine. Now, that isn't to say you can't up and leave tomorrow or even right now. It's not a physical claim I feel. It's an arbitrary and archaic one. I barely understand it myself."

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Spellcasting

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I eventually decide that I need to scrub the soil off my hands, even though I love the feel of dirt and the smell of growing things. I'm just toweling off when my phone dings. I glance down and then around. Seriously. How does he do that? I pick up my phone and read his message, then double check my phone didn't hear my eternal thoughts and message Nic creepily saying I'm thinking about him. Thankfully, there is no evidence of that or a live stream of me in my home.

Oh, that's a shame. He's closer to my age. Are you sure he isn't looking?

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I look at Nero, letting my eyes wander before I grinned. "I really rather like the idea of nothing," I say cheekily. I turn off the freeway to make my way downtown. "There are several shops in a row we can venture through. If you find something you like, we'll get it. It's whatever you want to wear, Nero. Whatever you'll be comfortable in." I reach out and rest my hand on their leg.

"Just ask me whatever you want to ask me." I could tell they were battling with asking my questions. I wasn't sure why they were so worried about asking me anything.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Spellcasting

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After I get the cats fed and placated, I go back and clean up the bathroom, working my way to the kitchen. The plants still look to be in tact and I have no doubt they will come back around. I set up the pots again with some fresh soil. I whisper words of encouragement and magic as I replant the uprooted beauties.

"You'll come back stronger than ever," I assure them. I rehome them up on a high self, so they have a chance to get used to their new pots. After, I pick up my milkshake, dirty hands and all, and finish it off. It's around that time of having nothing left to do that my mind starts to wander. I think about Nic and his dad when they saw everything. How happy and sad Mr. Wu had been. And then there was Nic's reaction. I felt flush again just thinking about it.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile, watching Cassi disappear into her house. I rest my hand on Nero's leg and give it a gentle squeeze before I pull back and drive away, heading for downtown Chicago and the stores that are open a bit later during the week. It was no New York or LA, but Chicago still had a good social scene which meant they are good clothing stores that catered to all kinds.

"She's coming around. Because of our history, she's extra protective of me as I am of her. I am glad to see she is trusting me on this one."

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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When I walk into my house I'm expecting disaster; but it isn't that bad. I'm greeted with a lazy meow, the other two missing in action. I dump by bag onto the couch, being mindful of the offering bowl and the envelopes I got earlier. I creep around the house, Wayland following me with his fluffy tail raised and flicking this way and that.

"Ah, ha. I knew there would be a few victims." A couple of my herb plants of been knocked over, dirt in the sink, on the counter, and a bit on the floor. Some of the dill I was growing had been nibbled on but nothing terrible. I keep doing recon through the house and find more destruction in the bathroom. Currently Calypso and Maximilian are batting a bottle of nail polish back and forth.

"Of the three of you, I did not expect you to be part of the problem, Max," I scoop him up, flipping him onto his back for unwanted affection. Calypso weaves between my legs and I pick her up next. She is much more receptive of my kisses.

"You little instigator you," I cooed. Calypso was my problem child, which I was not surprised by in the least. She had that look about her in her eyes that let you know trouble was on the horizon. I loved it all the same.

"Alright, how about I feed you before I start fixing all these messes." A chorus of meowing answered me followed by Calypso jumping from my arms, and all three cats ripped out of the bathroom and down the hallway. I smiled and shook my head. At least I wasn't lonely when I came home.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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"It would be wise if we don't push your presence on Nic tomorrow. If he comes around my house, then that will be a different story."

"Are you staying with Caden now?" Cass asked, looking at Nero.

"They are welcome to come and go," I state, looking at Cassiopeia. She puts up her hands.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving ---> Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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"I already figured they were," I assure Caden. I eye the back of his head more and more curious about his sudden defensiveness when it came to Nero.

We pull up outside my house and I slid forward on the seat. "Thank you both for your help today. Seriously, I asked a lot and you both delivered. You should have seen Nic and his dad's face." I lean forward and kiss Caden's cheek then Nero's. "Just in case Nic doesn't delivery on his promise to give you both a kiss. See you tomorrow." I slid out of the car and climb up the steps two at a time. Like usual, Caden waits until I'm inside before pulling away.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I fidget in my seat uncomfortably due to the upfront statement. I open my mouth to retaliate but Caden gives me a look. I clamp down on my straw, annoyed and look out the window. No fair, I thought to myself. I guess my statement could have been mean, but I also think Nero would have taken it in stride.

"Are you coming to the funeral tomorrow, Nero?"

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I pause in drinking my milkshake before I continue on. Damn Nero for trying to rile me up again. "So Nero, come across anymore 13th century artifacts in Caden's home that get you all hot and bothered?" Two could play at the 'let's make the other uncomfortable' game.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I chuckle as I drive. I had a feeling I was just going to have to let these two battle back and forth with wits and words until they came to some sort of understanding. Either that or I put them in the boxing ring to get it out that way.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I laugh and remind myself to be on my best behaviour, especially when Cassi walks out with three milkshakes. I reach behind my seat and open up the back door for her. She slips inside with a thanks before she hands me one of the strawberry milkshakes. She hands Nero the other, keeping the third for herself.

I take a sip of mine, enjoy the thick creamy texture mixed with real strawberries. I put mine into the cupholder before pulling away and make for Cassiopeia's house.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I let Nero speak, let them talk out what they are thinking and feeling before commenting. "I've heard that demons will often take the forms their souls are most comfortable in. But they'll also take the form that will best serve them for the task at hand."

I pick up Nero's hand and kiss the back of their hand before I put it back on my thigh, slightly higher than before. "I like your smaller stature. It strokes my primitive desire protect," I say with a wicked grin.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile as Nero tells me the things that they like about me. As a shapeshifter, I don't have a problem changing my form to a form that suits the time. It's how I've survived most years. However, it is nice to hear that my original form is enjoyed. The next comment Nero makes doesn't have anything to do with my physicality, though, and that makes me smile more.

"I'm glad that you feel so comfortable around me." I rest my hand over top of theirs while it rests on my thigh. "I never want you to feel uncomfortable or pressured into being or acting a certain way."

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smirk wickedly at Nero. ”It’s fine, old thing. You probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with the youth anyways.”

Caden laughs as he drives before pulling into the ice cream parlour.

”I got it,” I say before jumping out of the back seat to get us milkshakes.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I’m suddenly frustrated with cars when Nero puts his hand back on my thigh. I shift a bit in my seat to give them more of my leg, but that’s the best I can do with the gear shift and consul in between us. I park outside the ice cream parlour and watch Cassiopeia run inside. I tap an unheard rhythm on the steering wheel.

”What else do you like about me? Aside from kissing height?” I grinned, looking at Nero.