KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Caden’s smile faltered from Nero’s question. He followed Nero as they skipped ahead to open the door for him. In the back, a couple of the humans were starting to wake, but they were still groggy.

”I’m not sure, my little imp. I think you telling her about Mundus will help, but it leaves us with more questions as well.”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery glanced down the street while Kimiko climbed into the SUV. He could see some movement in the other SUV, and understood that to mean the unconscious wolves were starting to wake. On one hand, Avery was glad he wasn’t in that SUV, but on the other, he wished he were so he could punch them all in the face, but he supposed Kimiko deserved an opportunity to as well.

Kimiko’s voice refocused Avery, and he looked back at her. He smiled and nodded before he started to close her door. He paused when she thanked him again.

Avery’s fingers twitched on the door, wanting to touch her, kiss her, or hold her. ”I only did it to get the towels back,” he joked poorly. Avery winked before closing Kimiko’s door and walked to the other side.

He glanced back at the other SUV, and saw that Caden and Nero were having a moment. He hoped they wouldn’t take long. Avery jumped inside the SUV, set the pile of BLT sandwiches on the centre counsel, turned the SUV on, and grabbed a sandwich to start eating.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia fidgeted in her seat before answering Nic. ”I was going to tell you… eventually. I just wanted the others to be examined first. Then Nero threatened to tell you, and I knew it wouldn’t go over well if someone else told you I was hurt.”

She held her hand out for the pill, not quite meeting Nic’s eyes. She watched him grab a new bottle of that sparkling cider she liked and smiled. He was an absolute gem, Cassi thought, but she shook her head at the bottle. ”Ginger tea would be better,” she declared. Max moved from his post at Cassi’s feet, jumped onto the counter, and sat below the cupboard with the tea things for Nic to find.

Cassi shifted her eyes to look at Nic and the sincerity in his voice. Maybe it was because she was so tired, or maybe it was because Cassi felt like she could be vulnerable with Nic, but she started to cry. ”You don’t take no for an answer, do you?” she joked, and looked away again. ”No one’s ever taken care of me like you have. Well, there’s Caden, but that’s vastly different from you. I don’t know how to let anyone look after me…My family…when they…I felt so helpless when I couldn’t save them. It was the first time I ever felt weak. I never wanted to feel that way again,” Cassi whispered as she cried. She finally met Nic’s eyes, hoping he’d understand now.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Caden paused to ponder Kimiko's request as they left Cassi's. ”I don't see why not. Bran didn't say what condition their bodies had to be in, just that they were left alive for questioning. So no head trauma,” Caden stated.

They all got to the sidewalk, and Avery was protesting Kimiko riding with him and Levi's pack, when Nero suggested they take that SUV instead. Caden smiled and kissed their head.

”That's a splendid idea,” Caden said, and switched keys with Avery. ”No more traffic laws broken today, Avery. Okay?” Caden grinned before escorting Nero to the rundown SUV.

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Avery Zain

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

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It would seem Avery's mind had been made up for him. He took Caden's keys and sighed, he then looked at Kimiko and suddenly felt nervous. He cleared his throat and walked down the sidewalk before opening up the front passenger for Kimiko.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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The exhaustion hit Cassiopeia as soon as the others left. She felt like she could sleep for days. Max stayed near Cassiopeia, looking between her and Nic every few seconds.

Cassiopeia nodded at Nic's question about feeling nauseous. ”And tired. And sore. And like I've been run over by a werewolf,” Cassi said.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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A piece of toast and orange juice. Cassi never had much of an appetite before a big hunt like this, and that she was concussed, it was less. Besides, it was just after lunch time. Her appetite might still come back. Avery and Kimiko entered, saving Casi from having to answer Nic's question for now.

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Caden

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

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Everyone listened to Kimiko's retelling of her injuries with rapt attention. Caden was angry, and Avery was pissed. Cassiopeia didn't look happy either, but she also looked drained.

Caden put the items for Kimiko in one hand before he shook Nic's.

”Thank you. For everything,” Caden said, gesturing around Cassi's house. ”We'll take Kiki in tomorrow to get some imaging done just in case, and keep you posted. Take care of yourself, Cass. And listen to your nurse.”

Cassiopeia's face flushed, and Caden chuckled. ”Alright, let's head home, and make sure our guests are comfortable for Charles’ arrival.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery chuckled at Kimiko's statement. He took her hand and helped her to stand. ”It'll be our little secret,” he said and led Kimiko into the kitchen.

Avery was glad Kimiko was letting him help her. It soothed not only his worried mind but also the mind of his wolf.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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”Good,” Cassi replied simply. She picked up a sandwich and debated eating it before setting it back down. She felt slightly nauseous, and didn't trust herself to keep the sandwich down at the moment.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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”Okay,” Avery agrees and kisses the top of Kimiko's head. ”Threaten all you like, little fox, it's not going to stop us. Speaking of, Nic wants to look you over once more, but Cassi is being stubborn. I don't think he wants her out of his sight, so we should go to them,” Avery said before standing.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassi opens her mouth several times to protest but Caden gives her a look that silences her. Instead, she grumbles to herself before looking at Nero. So much for ‘don't touch anything’.

”There should be a few small, flat, round silver containers on the middle or top shelf. She needs one of those. On the bottom shelf in a yellow box is a tea she could take as well.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery holds his breath when Kiki's eyes flutter closed. He worries he's hurt her even with the simple touch, but she doesn't pull away from him. Instead, Kimiko touches his cheek and Avery rests his hand over hers.

”Well, you shouldn't have run off like that,” he joked poorly. ”but I shouldn't have kicked you out of my room. I should have just been honest with you, but I was also afraid of what you would do if I told you what I was feeling. I was also afraid of what Caden would do to me,” Avery said. He glanced down.

”We don't need to talk about this now… but I'd like to, when you're feeling better.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassi hisses and curses while Nic works on cleaning her wound. No stitches is a good sign but she hated the word concussion. Hopefully, that will heal up in a couple days as well.

”I'm definitely going to curse you,” Cassi said, ignoring Nic in favour of tormenting Nero.

Cassiopeia lifted her hand and touched the back of her head. It was very tender, but it wasn't bleeding anymore. However, Cassi doubted she would be sleeping on her back.

”What about your dad? You can't ask Jane and Kat to stay with him another night. They're going to get suspicious and think some things wrong.”

”Ya, I don't think they are going to think something is wrong,” Caden said with a grin.

Cassiopeia shot Caden a glare. ”Aren't you two fine? Go away,” Cass irritably, but she wasn't really kicking them out.

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Caden

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

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Caden chuckled and grabbed a few more sandwiches for the road. ”It's not a bad idea. I think we could all use the sleep anyway. Nic, did you want to look over Kimiko one last time before we head out? Cass, do you think you have anything to give her for the bruising?”

”Huh? Oh, yes.” Cassi said and turned to rummage through her cupboards. Max appeared out of nowhere to help his sorcerer.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery is disappointed when Kimiko moves away, but at least she doesn't leave. He smiled from her question and gently shook his head.

”Unless you're afraid of watching you die,” he said softly. Avery couldn't stop himself anymore. He lifted his hand and gently brushed his fingers across her bruised cheek. His touch was featherlight, but he still worried he hurt her.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Because Kiki was more important. Because I don't want you to look at me like I'm fragile and I can't do my job,” Cassi said, refusing to look at Nic. ”And I heal faster than humans but not like a wolf. Something like this on Avery would heal in a couple hours. For me, it might take a day or two.”

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Caden

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

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Caden finished his sandwich and reached around Nero for another. ”Kiki is okay. The bruising is significant. I might take her in for x-rays tomorrow, but she and Avery are having a moment. How are you doing?” Caden asks and looks at Nero.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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When Kimiko rests her forehead on Avery's shoulder, everything that had been tensed in the werewolf relaxes. He sighs, itching to put an arm around her but he doesn't want to hurt her. He doesn't know where there isn't a bruise. From what Avery could tell, she was covered in them.

Despite everything, Avery starts to chuckle. ”Am I okay? Honestly Kiki, you're as bad as Cass. Physically, I'm okay. Mentally, I want to break something, emotionally… I don't know. I'm relieved but I'm also tired and worried and scared.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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As soon as Nic touched Cassi, she wanted to sag into his arms. She opened her eyes and looked into his, having a hard time focusing. Cassi sighed and turned around, so he could see the damage. Cassi was sure her hair was matted with blood. Her hair was still braided from last night. Maybe that's what prevented her from being knocked out.

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Caden

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

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Caden joined Nero and accepted the half eaten sandwich from the. He draped an arm over Nero's shoulders and bit into the sandwich. Caden swallowed his mouthful when Cassi turned around.

”A wolf launched himself at Cassi and Kiki, Cass threw her daggers but the wolf's momentum had them continuing forward. She cracked her head on the concrete before getting up. She's been dizzy but coherent and talking,” Caden supplied for Nic.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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”If there was, it's healed now. The ribs are the only things that feel sore still, but even that is subsiding,” Avery informed Nic. While Avery answered Nic's questions, his eyes never left Kimiko's.

When Nic was done, Avery sank down on the couch next to Kimiko. He stared into her eyes for a long time before they flickered away and examined her face. He wanted to brush his fingers across her bruises and will them away. He wanted to kiss them and take them from her, and suffer with them so she didn't have to. He wanted to kill Terry all over again.

Nic asked how Kimiko had received them, and Avery's face hardened. ”No promises,” he said in response to Kimiko's inquiry.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia glared at Nero and weighed her options. In the end, Cassi's growing headache won out.

”Nic… Could you come in here, please.” He was going to think she was fragile and weak and couldn't do anything.

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Caden

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

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A slow smile creeped across Caden's face while he watched Avery and Kimiko. He could see the tension between them but also the need. He understood that all too well.

When Caden heard Cass call for Nic, he turned his head to the kitchen before looking at Nic. ”You should go,” Caden said seriously. ”These two are fine for now.” Caden moved to follow Nic into the kitchen. He glanced back at Avery and Kiki before giving them some privacy.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery glared at Caden and the door behind him. ”Then I should have killed him more slowly,” Avery countered and held his arm out for Nic to examine his rib cage.

”Caden's already had to reveal my bones before. Ribs I find mend quickly for us,” he said but complied with Nic's examination all the same.

Avery looked down at Kimiko, his eyes softening. He still felt responsible. If he had just gone after her… or not kicked her out of his room. She would be healthy. She would be safe.

”Avery. Terry and Levi would have found another way to Kiki. It was only a matter of time.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia picked the sandwich Avery dropped off the floor and tossed it into the garbage. She stumbled forward though and grabbed the counter before she fell. Cassi took a deep breath in and turned around to lean against the counter. Maybe she did have a concussion. She glanced sideways at Nero.

”Don't say anything,” Cass said.