KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I cross my arms on the counter to rest on them as I lean forward to match Nic's pose. I look into his eyes, smiling brightly.”When is the traditional cooling-off period between dates?” I ask them. I was pretty flexible with my time unless I was on an active case.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I glance over at Nero when they threaten me with that option. ”I don’t think I have to worry about that mein kleiner Kobold,” I say, my voice laced with unwavering confidence, and rest a hand on their leg. I’m certain that I have done enough to secure Nero for a while.

I concentrate on driving and slow down as Avery and the SUV come into view. He picked a good, secluded location that wouldn’t have too many eyes.

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Avery Zain

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Location: A block away from Orisis – Chicago, IL
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I’m standing outside, leaning against the SUV, when Caden finally shows up. I push away from the vehicle and open up the front passenger door for Nero. I smile at them as they get out.

”How was supper?” I ask Nero. I know I hadn’t known Nero for very long or that well, but I saw what they did for Caden. That alone showed me they were good — even though they were a demon. Caden was always a good judge of character, and that was usually fine by me. Usually.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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”Oh! Well in that case we wouldn't need a driver. Caden will probably let us borrow one of the SUVs. He lends those out all the time,” I say, not giving it another thought.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear —> Driving – Chicago, IL
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”We should,” I say. I help them into the car once more before I get in and drive away. ”Avery won't be parking close and will be discreet. We'll meet up with him for us to change, then I'll take Avery and Nero into the club. You can come a few minutes after that, Kiki.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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”I'm sure we could borrow a car and driver. I'll just need to tell him when we plan on going,” I say.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
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I snort when Nero calls Kiki a baby. ”Yes, tonight should be interesting,” I say with a laugh.

We finish our dessert and the rest of the wine before I get the check and pay. [color=#006400]”Avery will being meeting us at the club with one of the SUV's. The windows are blacked out, so you both can change in there before we head into the club,”[/colour] I inform them as we leave the restaurant.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I look at the place on Nic's phone, flipping back and forth. ”An hour?” I muse and slid Nic's phone back to him. ”Do the buses run that far out?” I only ever bused where I needed to go, or Caden drove me around.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
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”Um, the last time I saw you!” I said with a laugh. ”Remember? We drank all that wine and you set that abandoned building on fire because you swore you knew this trick that could narrow the direction of your flame. You nearly set the block on fire.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I find myself grinning and nodding. ”Pizza,” I remind him. ”But when and where?”

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
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I give Kimiko a look before I sip my wine. ”You know exactly what I mean, Kiki. You have a tendency to cause trouble and push buttons. You are aware you're a right shit disturber, yes?”

I look over at Nero and smile at them. ”I only warn you against causing Detective Costa too much grief. The treaty is delicate. We can't afford to lose safe passage here.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I smile albeit sadly. I glance down at the counter and Wayland’s fluff. I rub his belly and he starts to purr. ”Easy stuff first. Hard stuff later. With drinks,” I say and look up at Nic. ”Deal?”

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
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At least with a trio of people, it means for closer seating. I sit across from Kiki while Nero sits in the middle, but slightly closer to me. Not only had I pulled their seat out and shifted it towards me, but Nero had scooted closer as well. Our knees brushed and Nero's hand found my leg. I captured their hand with my own, holding it under the table.

I pursue the wine list and select one for our meal. The conversation drifts between catching up on Kiki's wanderings to my exploits and Nero's time topside. We discuss music, we discuss politics, and we discuss the treaty of Chicago. Any sensitive topics, the three of us switch easily to German.

I know Nero enjoyed the private language between the two of us, but I think it helped to bond them and Kimiko as well.

After our meal and before dessert arrives with a new bottle of wine, I speak up.

”Try not to rile up Avery too much tonight, Kiki. He's on edge enough with being looked at as a suspect and potentially being in a room with other territorial werewolves.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I grin from Nic's statement and tilt my head to the side. ”I don't see you as having a violent streak,” I tell him. Besides, I am more than capable of defending myself. I wasn't joking when I said I was better with knives than guns at the trampoline park.

”As for my history, I can tell you some of the lighter stuff, but the darker stuff… I'm not sure you want to know or need to know.” I'm fairly certain it would colour the image of me that he had in his head, and I wasn't ready to ruin that yet.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
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”Not to mention all the advancements in medicine made over the years. We wouldn't have half of what we do if it wasn't for questionable medical practices and experimentation.” I pull out Nero's chair and have them sit, while the host does the same for Kimiko. They give us the list of specials for the night before handing me the wine list and give us a few minutes to decide what we'd like to drink.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I nod. ”Definitely for the evil nickname. Sort of comes with the territory,” I say and twist my fingers into a closed fist. The lights in the room responded by dimming. They flicker in defiance before I release the hold and they spring back to life again.

I turn back around and rest my arms on the counter. I look at Nic, Wayland lounging in between us. ”People always fear what they don't understand or what they can't be. That hasn't changed. And even in the 18th century, if you went against the church, there was something wrong with you; more so if you were a woman.”

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> The Bear – Chicago, IL
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I nod in agreement with Nero. The world had changed so many times, it was amazing how our world never really changed or evolved. The only thing that changed was how creatures hunted.

I pull up to the restaurant and park in the parking lot across the way. I get out, and open the doors for Nero and Kimiko. [color=#006400]”It's a newer restaurant, but I've heard great things about it. I don't think we'll be disappointed,”[/colour] I say and lead them across the street and into the restaurant.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I shrug, checking on plants just to keep busy. I keep my back to him while I work. Calypso wanders over to survey my task. ”Evil, a bitch. A saviour, too, if I help someone and they feel like I succeeded.” I've also been called a murderer. That one is a little harder to let go of. That one I still feel guilty about.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I continue to rub circles on Nero's leg, wishing they could tell me what's bothering them but I know they can't. I have a feeling Nero doesn't trust Kimiko, but it's probably because they don't know them. It could also be partly because they are similar.

”Few more minutes,” I assure Kiki. ”Good and pious has changed over the years. You would think the blessings would shift as well.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
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I laugh and shake my head, pulling away from him to do something else. ”Cute isn't a word most people use for me, but alright.”

I put the treats away and pet my cats before I go over and check on the plants. Part of me feels lost with not knowing what to do. Another part of me wants to have Nic come over, but I don't want to rush this. I'm still trying to be comfortable with the idea that Nic likes me.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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”Of course. We can set something up tomorrow. If a blessing has been revoked, it would be good to know why. It would also explain why the Wu family hasn't encountered any supernatural problems until now.” I look at Nero and raise an eyebrow, curious as to why they seemed so concerned.