KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
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I grinned at Nic and nodded. ”Yes. You should have,” I declared, pretending to be offended as I waltzed into the park. I walked ahead of Nic, letting my feet lead us to our destination.

I wandered down a little path that opened into a much larger area. To the left, through some trees and under some brush, was a smaller, hidden path. Grinning like a child, I hurried for the path and bent myself around trees. It would likely be more of a squeeze for Nic because of his height, but it was worth it.

There were a series of willow trees seeming to lean on each other. The grass was lush and green with little flowers. The space was virtually untouched, but you could see shoe prints that had crushed down the grass in areas. Under one of the willows, there was even a bench. It wasn’t a secret spot by any means, but it was unoccupied for the time being.

I wiggled happily and jogged over to the bench to set my stuff down. I immediately placed my hands on the trees and greeted them like old friends.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I shift my arm off the back of the couch, holding my hands together as I think about how to word my response to Kimiko’s question. Her second of the day, even though she said she would only ask me once a day.

”He does. He experiences many different emotions like any other animal does. Hunger, anger, grief, desire. But whereas humans can regulate their emotions, animals cannot, so whatever the wolf feels becomes heightened. Likewise, because I am a werewolf, I have a hard time keeping my emotions in check. I feel things naturally, but they become heightened because the wolf and I are one and the same. I’m sorry. I’m probably explaining this badly. The wolf doesn’t influence how I feel. I feel what I feel. It just feels more because the wolf doesn’t know self-control.”

I glanced at Kimiko once I was done to try and gauge how she felt about what I had just said or tried to say. ”I think it would be a good idea to reach out to the other kitsune. Don’t think of it as asking for help. Think of it as research or a history lesson,” I suggested.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Fox River – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I grab a couple of bags to help Nic out, and I notice the dilemma. ”I’m sure we could find a bench,” I said. ”Although, I’m sure I’ll just sit on the ground anyways,” I informed Nic. I wiggle my toes on the warm pavement before I step from the parking lot onto the cool grass and sigh. Yes, I would definitely find a nice spot on the ground to sit.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Oh,” I said, trying not to sound disappointed. ”With the anger thing or just emotions in general?” I asked. So…maybe she didn’t feel the same way and was only reacting because her fox was reacting. ”The Men of Letters or Caden weren’t able to find anything on your mom?” I asked, moving the conversation forward.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving —> Fox River – Cary, IL
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I smile and beam at Nic. ”I think I’d like that,” I said. I had fun on the double date with Jane and Kat, and I enjoyed having supper with his father last night. It made sense that I would like to spend time with all of them in one room.

We make it to the park and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I can see multiple trailheads plush a few picnic shelters from the parking lot. I’m sure there are more places hidden within the trees. I open up my door and I can smell the lake in the distance.

I hop out of the car, forgoing shoes this time. I can usually figure out where to step and where not to step.

”This place is gorgeous, Nic,” I compliment.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I stare at the silent TV for a minute before looking at Kimiko when she turns to face me. I just turn my head to look at her, deciding to keep my body away from facing her.

”Oh,” I said, trying to absorb everything she just said. ”So…is that why you’re looking for your mom? To figure out which one she is?”

There was still a lot that I was learning about my wolf, but at least I had people I could call if something new happened to me.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”Ah, you want me to play my other favourite instrument,” I said. I stood up and picked Nero up off the couch. ”I can do that.” I grinned and carried Nero from the music room up the stairs to our bedroom.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
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I smiled as Nic explained some of his family traditions. ”Oh, I like that,” I said, nodding in agreement. ”I also like how you’ve created such an extended family… It’s nice not to have to be alone and have people to share things with.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I fall silent as Kimiko finds a game for us to watch. I turn my focus to the screen, but I’m not really following what’s happening. I drum my fingers on my leg before I look over at Kimiko.

”Does that happen with you and your fox? Are you two separate entities like the wolf in me, or are you one in the same?” I ask curiously.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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When I feel their hands on my chest, resting but also lightly pushing, I pull back from Nero’s neck to look at them. ”Do you want me to play the piano for you again?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
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[color=#DB7093]”Oh!”[/coor] I exclaim and laugh, remembering Nic would probably like to know how his father is doing, as well. ”I’m fairly certain Kat and Jane are trying to put your father into a food coma. You’ll have to look at the picture to see the amount of food they ordered. He looks happy, though. Maybe a little tired, but that could be from the momentous task he has to complete in eating that mountain,” I joked.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I shift in my seat, breathing deeply again to clear my head and relax my body. ”It’s fine. You just caught me off-guard,” I said. I wait for my eyes to shift back before glancing at Kimiko. Her squeak was rather amusing, and I was starting to wonder if I wasn’t the only one having a hard time.

I did see how she looked at me today, and it seemed different somehow, but I wasn’t sure if I was just reading into things because I was looking at her differently.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I grinned, my eyes narrowing when Nero decided to play along with me. ”Mmm, don’t worry. We’ll make sure the wolf doesn’t hear you screaming my name later,” I said.

Now that Nero was facing me, I had to reposition my hands. I tucked my fingers under their chin as I spoke before using my thumb to push on their jawbone and tilt their head away. I placed a kiss over Nero’s pulse before I gently sucked on the spot.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smile, catching Nic’s phone and flip through his messages to find a new one from them. It’s a picture of the three of them. Nic’s dad looks overwhelmed by the amount of food on the table in front of them, but he seems happy.

”Smile, but no reckless driving,” I tell Nic and turn the front camera of the phone on. I lean over the console and take a picture of me grinning and Nic driving. I send the photo off before setting Nic’s phone in the cupholder.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I chuckled when Kimiko inevitably called me out on how I was dressed. ”Blame Caden. I had to vastly improve my wardrobe for when I’m supposed to be a guest of his at places rather than a driver or bodyguard,” I explained.

I get comfortable on the couch while Kimiko looks for the remote. I throw one arm up on the back of the couch and cross my opposite leg over my knee. Just as I’m settled, Kimiko crawls over and reaches around me to grab the remote. The smell of her shampoo and conditioner invades my senses, and I have half the mind just to wrap my arm around her and keep her there.

”Um, hi,” I said. I can feel my wolf very near the surface, and very interested in this entire interaction. My eyes seem to pick up on the details of Kimiko’s clothes, her hair, and her face. I’m certain that means my eyes have shifted, and I work on breathing to get them to go back, but it isn’t simple when all I can smell is her, and all I can think about is how much I want to be buried in that smell.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I almost protested when they grabbed my face as they were ruining my fun, however, Nero’s comment makes me grin. ”No. There won’t be a pack connection for the two of you yet. Why do you ask?” I asked in an effort to tease Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Grocery Store —> Driving – Cary, IL
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I remove my shoes and socks once we are back in the car and I start to dry them off with the towel I still have. ”What’s your dad doing today? Should we check in with him?” I remembered the pictures Nic received yesterday of his dad, and once again, I was monopolizing all of Nic’s time today. I was sure the two of them would be worried about the other if they didn’t speak all day.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I hopped back into the shower once I was in my room to rinse off the chlorine. I was already clean, so it was a quicker shower. I dressed casually but nice enough for supper, doubting I would be returning back to my room before the meal. It was a warmer day, so I kept the fabrics light and loose. I added the gold chain that Cass had gotten me for my birthday one year and double-checked my appearance in the mirror before I lightly sprayed on some cologne.

As I slipped on my shoes and made my way back across the yard, I wondered why I was trying so hard for a meal we were having at home. She was probably going to tease me. I could just use the excuse that I had been hanging out with Caden too long. Ya… ya, that would work.

I opened the back door of the house and walked inside, leaving my shoes by the door, and found Kimiko already in the living room.

”Have you found a game or anything on TV?” I asked, reclaiming the same spot on the couch I had last time.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile when I hear that whine. My eyes are closed again and I tilt Nero’s chin more to brush my lips across their neck. ”Yes, my little imp?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Grocery Store – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I carry the last bag since Nic has taken it upon himself to be a pack mule. I open the back door so we can set the stuff on the seats after Nic unlocks the doors.

”No. I think I’d like to be the one surprised today,” I say, smiling up at Nic.

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Avery Zain

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

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Kimiko’s robe gaps at the top more when she crosses her arms. I try to stop myself from looking. I really do, but my eyes shift to see the top of her breasts swell as she gets angry with me. She tightens her robe, and I shift my feet, taking a step towards staff housing.

”Ya, sure,” I say quickly with a nod. ”I’ll meet you in the living room again.” I said before leaving. Why did I just agree to sit near her and torture myself for another couple of hours?

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I walk slowly closer to Nero as I play, making the sounds softer as I near them. I kneel down behind the couch just as I finish playing the last note. I set my violin aside and leaned over the couch to kiss Nero’s shoulder. My free hand goes to their chin, and I tilt their head away so I have more access to their neck.

”If that is what you prefer, then I will happily do it, my little imp,” I whispered.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Grocery Store – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smiled and shook my head. ”No, this is plenty for a nice little picnic,” I declared.

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Avery Zain

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

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”Ah, understandable, but your loss,” I teased, not being able to help myself. I run the towel over my head and face, but I’m mostly dry now as I stand in the sun in front of Kimiko. ”I guess I’ll go and get dressed and wait for supper. What are your plans?” I asked her curiously.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My eyes closed as I played, something I naturally did to help me fall into the music a bit more. I open my eyes back up when Nero starts talking. I smile when I see their eyes are closed. I switch the tune into something a bit more magical sounding and keep playing for them. ”I can play for you next time,” I offered. ”I enjoy playing the violin.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Grocery Store – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I push the cart while Nic looks on his phone for somewhere for us to. ”Whichever is closer. I don’t mind either way,” I tell him truthfully. I’m just excited to have a picnic with him. It seems so simple, but to be able to sit outside and relax in nature while sharing a meal with Nic was probably my ideal idea of a perfect date.

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Avery Zain

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

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I glanced away from Kimiko to see the towel on the chair she was leaving for me. ”Ah, well. Nero wasn’t entirely thorough with getting all the towels. Luckily, I still have some in my room, I just didn’t want to risk bringing one in case you got the idea to come out here to steal it. Seems I had the wrong idea about your intentions,” I said and walked closer to her.

I know I’m testing my self-control as much as I’m testing hers, but I don’t care. I leaned down next to Kimiko to grab the towel she had left, and I wrapped it around my shoulders.

”Thanks.”