KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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”I mean, the clothes from the 1700s were something else with all the layers and the ties,” I sigh again as I reminisce about different times. ”It’s so strange how the clothing evolved. People wear underwear only, it seems, these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love today's fashion, but I’m still prone to layering. I think that’s why I like those old Victorian-era shows. Although, they all make us look like sex addicts. We did do other things, but I guess that’s just what people are into today,” I say with a shrug, watching the world go by.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I look at the bed and shrug. ”Donate it or put it in storage. I’ll see if one of the staff needs a new bed and mattress or if they know someone who needs one,” I say. I examine their outfit choice and make sure to hand them the little bag so they don’t forget.

”Now, do you want to get dressed now, or do you want me to dress you a little later?” I ask, looking at them suggestively.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I nod in agreement with her. A good training routine would be ideal for ensuring someone of Kimiko’s size could overpower an assailant of any size.

”That’s good to know. We can incorporate some fight sessions after the regular training sessions. Are you proficient with weapons?” I ask her. I want to tell her it would probably be better if she didn’t work alone, but that isn’t my place to tell Kimiko how to do her job.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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I bury my head in my hands and peek through my fingers at him. ”Haven’t you ever read those books where the love interest towers over or casts a shadow over top of the main character, and it makes them feel small and overpowered, but in a good way? It’s the same idea as you putting your hand on the back of my seat and leaning over to look behind you. I don’t know, it’s just really hot,” I grumble. I drop my hands and focus on punching in the address for the iced tea shop I want to visit.

For someone talented and powerful, more potent than most supernatural creatures, it was nice to feel overpowered or looked after. With Nic being a human, I didn’t think it would be possible to feel that way around him, yet here we are.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I chuckle. ”You could wear one of my shirts if you prefer. I would wear pants or shorts with it this time,” I say. I turn my head when Nero touches my chin, and I kiss their hand.

I pull back and survey the bags of clothes, boxes of shoes, and other items. ”Some of it. But if you are moving in here, this will in fact become your room. We can redecorate and rearrange items to fit your more unique taste. For example, we can remove the bed since you won’t be using it,” I say, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. ”I’m sure the cats would love to have their own space to hide in for when we are gone as well.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I nod when Kimiko thanks me for answering her questions. I’m sure she has more, but I appreciate being given a break from being the one doing all the talking. I pick up my water glass while she talks and finish it.

”Do you just work with humans or supernatural creatures as well?” I ask. I find it interesting that she chose PI life, not just because of her father, but because she’s spent most of her life tracking her mother. It makes me wonder if Kimiko will stop being a PI once she finds her mom since her longest hunt will be over.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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I grin at Nic, thinking of a good response. I turn my head to inform him of it but all thoughts leave my brain when he puts his hand on the back of my seat to reverse out of the parking spot. My heart skips a beat, and I feel a rush of warmth spreading through my body. I'm momentarily lost in the sensation, forgetting my witty comeback.

”Do you have any idea how unbelievably attractive it is when you do that?” I ask him. My eyes look from Nic’s face to his shoulder, down his arm, and back again.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”Well I wouldn’t mind it, but I’m sure the staff would think it a hygiene problem. Not to mention Kimiko and Avery might find it distracting,” I say. I don’t think Avery would be particularly offended since he was so comfortable with nudity himself, but if Kimiko or I stared too long at Nero, I think Avery would become defensive. He seemed to really take a protective approach when it came to Nero. I could only guess that was because he felt how protective I was through our pack bond.

I stand up and go to stand behind Nero. I wrap my arms around their waist and kiss their cheek. ”Wear whatever you feel like, but it’s just casual. You could wear one of these T-shirts and pants, or shorts. Whatever you want. Maybe we’ll eat outside. I think it’s supposed to be a nice evening.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”Really?” I said not hiding the impressed tone from my voice. I guess it made sense with the Men of Letters background. She would know how to find people anywhere. ”What kind of PI work do you do?” I ask curiously.

Kimiko rapidly fires me with questions about the Marrok and my age. I laugh. ”Breathe,” I tease her. ”I’m a hundred and five. Although physically, I’m currently 32. I still age, but at a slower rate, so I’m not technically immortal like Caden or Cassiopeia is. As for the Marrok, he is the first werewolf, the original, the father. Whatever you want to call him. He is the one who determines the rules we live by and makes decisions that we all have to live by. Ultimately, he leaves pack disputes and things up to the alpha of the area, but he’ll also solve territory disputes between packs.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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I look up from my phone when Nic gets into the vehicle. I look over at him curiously. ”Is kissing a part of your charm?” I look towards the temple, then back at Nic. ”Just what exactly did you do to get all those answers earlier?” I accuse him, my tone laced with suspicion.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I lean back into the seat, grinning at Nero. ”I was planning to wait and see what you were wearing, then I'd match you.” I say, my voice filled with playful anticipation.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I angle my body to match Kimiko’s to try and seem more friendly and open to her. I chuckle at her questions. ”Did you pick up your curiosity from Cassiopeia, or is this just a you thing?” I tease her. I sip my water before setting my glass down.

”Some die during the change if they aren’t born. Those of us who are born can live a bit longer, it seems like, but due to our nature, especially if we are dominant and fight more, we can die before we reach a hundred or shortly after. The Marrok, Bran, and his sons are old, Charles being closer in age to Caden, but Charles is a witch born before he was made into a werewolf. He’s the only one of his kind. Samuel is younger, in his hundreds, and there are a couple of alphas in their hundreds, but most of us die off before then. No one knows how old the Marrok is, but there are whispers he was around well before the dragons even ruled. Caden has never confirmed nor has he denied it.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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Clearly Nic feels the same way about kissing me. He kisses me twice more before he steps away and I have to let him go. Nic opens the door for me before giving me a heartbreaking smile. I poke his dimple.

”Put that away before you make me kiss you again,” I demand and get into the SUV. I set my bag on the floor and started searching up cafes or shops with good iced teas.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”I would like that very much,” I say and put the green lingerie back into the bag for now. I find a seat without bags on it and watch Nero go through their spoils. ”We are staying home for supper, if that makes a difference in your outfit choice.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I go to the drinks cart and pull out two glasses. I wait for Kimiko to point out what she would like when she asks me how I came across Caden. I'm used to answering these types of questions, so it doesn't bother me.

”Much the same as you, I suppose. Bran and Caden had met years before I came along, but when I did, Bran watched me closely. Wolves don't have a long life expectancy. Bran and his sons are the exception, but even Bran’s youngest struggled with turning savage,” I state and pour myself a glass of water. I don't drink very often.

”My wolf is very dominant but I didn't have a pack. Being a lone wolf is a death sentence on its own. We aren't meant to exist without pack. My wolf took over and I was slated to be killed when Bran decided to go another direction. He called Caden in, curious to see if he could get my wolf under control. So, here I am. Dominant in my own right but Caden is my alpha. We follow all the same pack rules and it's calmed my wolf down enough to allow me the little joys of being human as well.” I finish my water and pour myself another glass before I walk back to the couch and sit down. I don't spread out as much as before and keep my feet on the ground.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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I’m breathless when Nic pulls away from the kiss and brushes my flushed cheeks with his hand. ”I like kissing you too,” I whisper. My hand remains in his hair, twirling it around my fingers. I really wanted to kiss Nic again. I didn’t want it to stop, but I also knew we were in a public place, and we still had to drive an hour home.

”Can we stop somewhere and get some iced tea?” I ask.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I follow Nero down the hallway, watching the cats run around and follow us as we move up the stairs and into Nero’s room. I stop in the doorway and look around. I’m both impressed and a little surprised about just how many shopping bags there are. Kimiko definitely outdid herself. I have to make sure to get my credit card back from her.

”Very impressive,” I comment. I walk further into the room, seeing some of the names on the bags. At least I know all the clothes, shoes, and bags are of high quality, and I don’t doubt Nero looks amazing in everything.

They hand me the little bag, and I grin. ”Will you put it on under whatever you wear for dinner?” I ask them. I pull out the green number and let out a low whistle, nodding. ”You should strongly consider wearing this so I can take it off later.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I look back at Kimiko during the next commercial break, and she is even more curled into a ball than she was before. She’s not very big, but I didn’t think she could shrink her size anymore. My wolf seems to be drawn in by it as well, wanting to comfort Kimiko. I frown and look back at the TV.

I shift my position and stand up. ”Do you want something to drink? I can get you something from the kitchen or something stronger,” I offer, gesturing to the drinks cart in the corner.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
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I don’t have much time to react to Nic’s words. He pulls me in close, his lips already on mine. My entire body feels like it’s on fire, and I can feel my magic wanting to respond, but I pull it in, knowing we’re in a more public place.

I melt into his hold, letting Nic move me as he wants as I hold onto him, my arms around his neck with one of my hands tangling in his hair. I really hope tomorrow ends like this, too.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I grin and nod. ”Yes, please,” I said and let them go so they could lead the way. We have a few hours until supper and needed something to do to pass the time.”[/color]

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I laugh more, finding the conversation amusing. I catch the pillow and tuck it behind my head. ”Save it for the ring,” I tell her.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple —> SUV – Cary, IL
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I laugh at Nic, shaking my head. He is such a dork. We get to the SUV and stop outside it. When he asks to take me on another date, my stomach gets butterflies again. I look up at Nic, smiling.

”I’d love for you to take me on another date,” I say. ”Just to clarify, restoring a fountain's mystical ties to India doesn’t count as a date?”

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”Ich liebe dich, Nero,” I say. I smile, looking into their eyes and seeing a hundred different lifetimes in them and seeing a hundred different possibilities for us.

”I meant every word I said to Kimiko. You make me feel like I’m alive again. The drifting around the world I do, the things I own, all of it was to fill a void, an emptiness. If I lost everything today, or you asked me to get rid of it all and move into your home instead, I would do it all in a heartbeat.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I laugh. ”Pounce on me? And how often has pouncing on supernatural creatures with inhuman strength worked for you?” I asked, my tone all teasing.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
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I look at Nic and gasp. ”Well, I'm definitely going to lose you to Avery or Caden now,” I state. I sigh forlornly, looking off into the distance.. ”Oh, well. Maybe Kat and Jane will take a third. I'm bi as well,” I say, looking back at Nic with a smile. For some reason, Nic being bisexual makes so much sense.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I hold Nero close when they go rigid in my arms and start to shake. The only reason I know what's happening is because of Cassiopeia. Nero getting flashback visions make the witch idea more and more plausible.

I rub their back when they speak, knowing they've returned. ”We'll get to the bottom of this,” I whisper.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I look back at the TV a few seconds after Kimiko does. Her reasoning for looking is valid, but it seems pointless to me. Whatever she's actually searching for, the answers from her mom aren't going to cut it. I don't tell Kimiko that. There's no point because she's stubborn and going to do what she wants anyway.

”Gallivanting all over the world to look for someone who doesn't want to be found. You sure know how to party,” I say, making a joke out of it instead.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
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”Oh, that’s because you haven’t seen Avery shirtless lifting weights. If that doesn’t turn you gay, nothing will,” I say, knocking my hip back into his.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I looked away from the cats running about to Nero and smiled. I wrap my arms around their waist, looking down at them. ”Well, them not acting like regular cats for one, and your power. I think you were probably a witch before you ended up in hell. Most demons were witches since they make deals for power, which is one of the reasons Cassiopeia doesn’t like witches or being called a witch. Her power comes naturally,” I explain to Nero, my curiosity about their past growing with each word.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I look away from Kimiko and pick at the fibres on the armrest of the couch. It made sense why Caden was called in. He had this way of connecting with anyone and anything, not to mention he was good at healing people. I try to ignore what Kimiko said about chasing down her mom and never finding her, but I can’t.

”Are you sure you should even be looking for her? I mean, it doesn’t sound like she wants to be found.” Or know you, I think to myself. I glance back at Kimiko, thinking I probably crossed a line and she’ll storm off now.