KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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After we entered the house, it seemed like Nero’s rambunctious energy came back and they started to fidget even as they walked. Their energy was infectious, and my steps came quicker as we walked down the hallway.

Not quick enough, it seemed as I now had a sudden weight on my back, although light. I turn my head slightly and laugh.

”Too tired to keep walking?” I tease them. ”Should I just tuck you in to sleep in the guest room, then?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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”It’s only fair,” I declare, locking the car as we walk up the steps and into the house. ”I’m not sure you know how much power you have over me, as well.” We walk through to the stairs, and we walk up to my side of the house.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I turn down my drive, speeding up a bit now that there is less risk of crashing. I chuckle at Nero’s exclamation, and I nod.

”Yes, it’s called insecurity,” I tell them, mildly amused. ”It’s a valid and completely normal emotion to have, especially when you are in a new relationship or experiencing feelings you aren’t used to. I appreciate you being upfront and telling me. It lets me know how you feel and where I need to approve it.” I park in front of the house. The front door opens, and Henry stands in the doorway, looking tired but smiling.

I get out of the car and walk towards the open trunk. ”Henry, did you wait up for us?” I tease him.

“Of course, sir.”

I chuckle, gather up the bags and move to help Nero out of the car if they aren’t already. ”Well, thank you, Henry. We’ll leave the car out tonight. Go to bed.”

“Sounds good, sir. Ma’am.” Henry turns and bows his head in good night to Nero and I chuckle.

”Ma’am,” I tease Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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I stare at the message and the silly little text heart, even though it means nothing, but I still stare at it until my phone darkens. I sigh and roll over, finding a comfortable position. I feel like I’m starting to relax and open up, but my anxiety still rears its ugly head from time to time. I hoped that would settle as time wore on.

I was glad I did a cleanse before going to bed. I’m sure it was one of the only reasons I could fall asleep relatively quickly.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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My fingers continue to rub circles along their knee, and I apply a bit of pressure while I process what Nero shared with me. Their concerns are valid, and with them getting more in touch with their humanity, I want to approach this properly. I like Nero, more than I’ve liked anyone in a while.

”Mine and Cassi’s history put us on a different level than anyone. She and I will always share that, and I’ll always want her in my life as long as she'll have me. But, that doesn’t mean you and I can’t develop something. We already have something developing. I haven’t told anyone that much about my life and family history this quickly before. There’s something here that I’d like to continue to pursue,” I said. I looked over at Nero again. ”I like you, Nero, more than I should, but I’ve never been one to deny myself what I want.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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Oh, ya, I guess you would be. That makes sense, and as I crawl into bed, I debate staying up longer to talk to him. I look at my cats, all curled up on the bed with me tonight, and I smile.

I’ll see you tomorrow, Nic. Tell your dad good night for me.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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That makes me look at Nero. I frown a little, concerned and I rub my thumb on their knee. ”Whatever for?” Truthfully, I assume why because it has been a common thing in some of our past relationships. Cassi and I found the more serious ones managed, but the short-term ones generally ended because they thought Cassi and I were still sleeping together. It was ridiculous, but it was understandable. No one seemed to understand just how much she and I had gone through together.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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I read the message Nic sends but set my phone aside as I get ready for bed. I worry my bottom lip as I get the cats settled. I should just tell him that I feel bad or a burden, but I can’t seem to do that. It isn’t about me, not tonight. I wash my face and brush my teeth before I reply

I should get some sleep. It’s been a long day and it’ll be long tomorrow, too. I don’t know how the two of you are going to manage it with being awake half the night.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I grin from the squeak, enjoying the little sounds Nero makes. My mind briefly wanders to what other noises they might make, but I quickly pull myself from that thought path. My hand tightens on the steering wheel before I clear my throat and relax.

”I think so, which is good. She’s my best friend. We’ve been through a lot together. It would be good if the two of you got along.” I squeezed Nero’s knee but kept my eyes on the road. I didn’t want to get distracted more than I already was.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I put all the loose bits and paper away to keep the cats from causing destruction while I’m sleeping. My phone pings, and I read the message as I walk to the bedroom.

I’m not trying to, I just… don’t want to take you away from this moment with your dad… and your mom.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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As I drive, I start to relax and feel more settled, even though my thoughts are still on getting Nero home. I reach my hand over and rest my hand on their knee.

”Did you have a good day?” I ask, just wanting to hear them talking.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Tell him hi back for me. I send the message, then look out the window once more. I should let you go. I send. Nic should be in mourning and spending this time with what family he had left. I shouldn’t be monopolizing his time.

I sigh and move Wayland. ”Come on, we should go to bed.” I shut the window and start cleaning up.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: ‘Ever> Driving – Chicago, IL
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I nearly lose my resolve and kiss them again. I nod, clear my throat and lower them into the car. I stare at Nero why they are sitting in their seat, caught in a moment before I pull myself from it. I close the car door and run a hand over my chin while I walk around to the driver's side and slide in. I’m barely in the seat before I put the car in gear, and I’m speeding down the street and onto the freeway. Thankfully, it’s late enough that I don’t have to weave around traffic too much.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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I blush and laugh, shaking my head. Well, thank you. I guess you’re alright. I set my phone down, and Wayland crawls into my wrap. I scratch his head aimlessly while I perch on the windowsill and look out the window, letting the cool breeze ground me and keep me safe.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: ‘Ever’ – Chicago, IL
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”I can imagine it, which makes me definitely want to witness it,” I say and join them in sharing the meal. I take whatever they don’t, and we finish off the first bottle of wine, so I get us a second.

The meal continues much the same, with us talking about nothing and everything. I take what Nero doesn’t want and finish mine as well. In between plates, I take their hand up again, rubbing my thumb along the scarring. It doesn’t bother me; I just want to know the story — like I am sure they want to.

At the end of the night, I pay for our meal, including a generous tip for them and a nice one for our valet. Before Nero can enter the vehicle, I wrap an arm around their waist and pull them in. I lean over them, dipping them in the process as my lips connect with theirs. I kiss them deeply, longingly. Near the end, my tongue flicks out to taste their lips. I can taste the wine from dinner, and it takes a lot of strength to pull myself away.

”Let’s get you home,” I say, my voice little more than a growl.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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I smirk and set my pencil down for a brief break. I lean back in my seat. I’m working on yours right now. I sip my water and look towards the window. Wayland meows and nudges my hand for pets, and I smile at him.

”My fuzzy little guy,” I coo.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: ‘Ever’ – Chicago, IL
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I snort and lean back in my seat. Our food arrives, and I release Nero’s hand so the pair of plates can be set down. ”Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass die anderen Schutz vor dir brauchen werden,” I tease. Although, I would be entertained to see just who tries to take advantage or harm Nero before they know just who and what they are. It could be rather fun, actually.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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Haha, okay. If you want something Chinese-inspired, I can incorporate it into the tattoo or design a second for you. You just have to let me know.

Translations

I'm pretty sure the others will need protection from you.