KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery tried not to take too long in the shower, but he really needed the hot water to help relax his muscles and his mind. He couldn't really believe he straight up told Kimiko about the mating bond and that he formed one with her. He definitely thought she was going to slap him. Or hit him. Maybe she was still in shock from the day.

His mind drifted to images of Kimiko in the cage. Of her bruised body. Of Terrace’s idiotic smile, of his torn body after Avery ripped into him. He didn't suffer enough.

Avery turned the water to cold to flush his body and his mind. She was safe. She was back, and Avery could keep her safe now.

Avery dressed in some joggers, similar to the pair he wore yesterday. He pulled on a simple black t-shirt, and a light grey hoodie with the name of the old gym he used to go to on the front. Down the right arm were the words BEAST in bold, black lettering. Avery didn't need to wear a sweater tonight, but if Kimiko still smiled like the Chicago pack, he wanted her to wear something of his.

Once dressed, Avery headed back to Caden's to go and make some hot chocolates for Kimiko. Thankfully the kitchen staff had already anticipated Avery's needs when it came to food. They gave him a bunch of jerky, a couple fresh steaks, and potatoes with all the fixings. They gave him a couple sandwiches for Kimiko too, not sure of her appetite after everything. Avery loaded the food and hot chocolate — with a straw — onto a trolley and took it up to the main floor.

He wheeled the trolly down the hallway and knocked on Kimiko's door. ”Room service.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Property —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden walked over to stand with Nero and nodded. ”They sort of take anyone I have staying here under their wing. If something happens, they are usually beside themselves until I come home. At least the staff members who have been around for longer than six months.”

Caden scanned his bookshelves and started to pull down books that were about hell and some that briefly mentioned hell and demons, but any information would be valuable information.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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”I promise,” Cassi said. She waited for Nic to leave before she pulled her swim top off. She rung the water out before setting it on the end of the tub, and started to clean up.

Cassiopeia didn't linger in the tub like she did the night before, but she did indulge in scrubbing the memories of the day off. She tentatively touched the back of her head and flinched from the tender spot on her head. It could have been worse, she thought.

Cassiopeia drained the water from the tub and stood, stripping off her swimsuit bottoms before she towelled off, and put on the sweats from the night before.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery laughed and moved away from the door. ”The staff don't know all my secrets,” he teased.

He stepped back from the door and shut it before leaving to go shower in his room.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Property —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden smiled, a little bit of mischief flickered in his eyes from the way he made Nero breathless. They skipped ahead of him, and the display caused Caden to chuckle.

He felt eyes on him and turned his head to see Henry with the majority of Caden's staff. Ah, yes. Caden smiled and walked over to them.

“Sir, Avery said for us to avoid the shed…”

”Yes, the Marrok wished to speak with the Chicago werewolf pack as they were the ones to kidnap Kimiko late last night. She sustained several injuries, but we had her checked and she is stable. We brought the remaining members of the pack here and they are being detained. I will bring them a meal myself later on. Sandwiches or something light. Tomorrow the Marrok's second will arrive to speak with the wolves. I will deal with him personally, so none of you need to worry about entertaining him. Thank you all for caring about Kimiko. I'm sure she appreciates the support as much as I do.” Caden smiled and squeezed Henry's shoulder before he smiled at the rest of his staff. ”Treat tonight as usual. There is no need to make a big fuss over supper, though. If you have everything you need done accomplished, you may retire for the day, and remember to give the cabin a wide berth.”

Everyone readily agreed before scurrying off, which allowed Caden to finally retreat to the library. He arrived a few seconds before Nero, and was just rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt when they walked in.

”I got waylaid by the staff. I haven't had a chance to pull the proper books out.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Caden uses a privatized company for the medical needs of his staff and other supernatural creatures. He pays them a lot to keep silent about a lot of things,” Cassi informed him.

The tension starts to melt in Cassiopeia's neck and shoulders from Nic's massage. She didn't realize how tight her muscles had become after the impact of her head injury. She heard the kettle though and glanced at Nic.

”I can finish washing and then have my tea in the bedroom,” she said.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery smirks, his eyes dancing with humour. ”You are so weird,” he informs Kimiko. Hot chocolate with a straw? What was the point?

Kimiko walks over to Avery and his eyes shift to track her as she approaches. He's surprised she kisses him lightly on the cheek, but he's quick to smile. After she leaned back, Avery stares into her eyes, locked in a silent conversation with her.

Avery dropped his arms at some point which allowed Kimiko to hug him. He hesitated, not wanting to hurt her further. Avery lightly holds Kimiko's waist while she holds onto him.

Avery isn't sure how long they hold each other like that, but he doesn't care. They both needed it, and Avery would hold her forever if she asked him to. However, at this point in time, Avery lets her go after whispering to her.

”I'll come back,” he assured. He tried to keep his voice level and calm, but all he could smell was Terrance on her skin and in her hair. It infuriated him.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Property —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”I’ll meet you in the library,” Caden said, after they reached his front door. Caden smiled at the three simple words, but they were anything but.

Caden slipped his arms around Nero's hips and leaned in. He kissed Nero, dipping them back slowly as he deepened the kiss. After a long minute, Caden pulled Nero back up and whispered on their lips.

”I love you, too.” Caden pulled back, and opened up the front door for Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia couldn't help but grin when her boyfriend turned into a science nerd. ”It would be interesting. Physically I have the body of a 27 year old, but I'm nearly 300. I wonder what story my organs would tell. Maybe Caden can pull some strings and we could get a private scan.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery grinned even though Kimiko flicked his nose. He stayed in the doorway, watching her gather her clothes. He smiled at her when she turned back to look at him. His heart tightened from the tone of her voice. He didn’t like how defeated she sounded.

”Of course. Do you want me to bring tea when I come back? Or hot chocolate?”

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Property —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”That’s more than okay. I was hoping we could do that soon anyways,” Caden told them. ”I know I have some books. If we need more information I have access to the Men of Letters online library. They don’t have everything on their for security reasons, but we might find something.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Shivers ran down Cassi’s spine from the tone of Nic’s voice. Maybe Nic really was her knight in shinning armour. She giggled when Nic kissed her fingers, and turned in the tub to see him.

”Spell work healing works faster than first aid kids, so technically, I’m still the better first aid kit,” she teased. Cassiopeia pressed a wet hand to Nic’s cheek. ”Did you miss the part where I said I created a bubble around myself? I didn’t get burned. It was just a little warm,” Cassiopeia said.

She could joke about being burned now, but for months after she woke with nightmares, and the feeling of being burned. She was very nearly like Kiki as well with starting fires in her sleep.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery laughs while they walk down the hallway to Kimiko's room on Caden's side of the house. He opened her door and unwrapped Kimiko's arm from his.

”The fun thing is you can't get mad at Henry and the others, since they were all very concerned for you,” Avery declared. He leaned against the doorframe outside of Kimiko's room and crossed his arms over his chest.

”Is there anything else I can get for you, Miss Kimiko?” Avery asked, unable to help himself.

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Caden

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

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Caden looked at Nero, eyes wide, and laughed. ”Oh. Well yes, it did sound very scary,” Caden agreed.

They walked along a path through some trees before they found the driveway and walked up that to the house.

”What would you like to do for our afternoon, my little imp?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia shook her head gently, running her hands along the top of the water to make it ripple from the movement. ”I was never blessed with the ability to heal. I can do simple spells, but I can't fully heal someone, and I can't heal myself,” Cassi explained. ”As for my injuries… I've had previous head injuries from being knocked unconscious and various cuts. My arm has been broken, as well as both my hands and fingers. I've also been burned alive, but as you can see, it didn't take,” Cassi said, holding up her arms and wiggling her fingers so Nic could see she was perfectly fine. ”I created a bubble of air around me while the fire raged around me. That didn't help the witch accusations, though.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery chuckled when Kimiko tried defending herself about being able to walk on her own. ”I'm sure, but this is nice.” Before Avery could say anymore, the front door opened and Henry was there with several other people. Everyone stared at Kimiko and even a few of the staff started to tear up.

“Oh thank goodness,” Henry visibly sighed in relief. “Are you hungry Miss Kimiko? Thirsty? Anything you want and we'll get it for you.” The rest of the staff nodded emphatically.

Avery smirked and covered his mouth to avoid getting hit by Kimiko later. ”I believe Miss Kimiko wants to shower and rest. Caden is at the shed, so tell everyone to not go near it. Charles will be arriving sometime tomorrow to deal with them.” Avery had emphasized the title before Kimiko's name because he thought it was absolutely hilarious.

Henry nodded and backed everyone away from the door for Avery and Kimiko to walk inside.. “Of course. If there is anything you require later Miss Kimiko, please let me or one of the other staff members know."

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Caden

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

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Caden locked the cabin and the SUV before pocketing the keys. Normally he would have Avery hang out around the cabin, but in light of recent events, he didn't want to ask.

”I like the sound of walking back,” Caden said and offered Nero his arm. ”How do you make a hellhound?” Caden asked curiously.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Would this be a bad time to list my past injuries?” Cassi asked Nic. She was no stranger to pain or near death experiences. Of course, it didn't make new injuries any less traumatic or painful. Cassi's head still throbbed right now, but her dizziness and nausea were starting to subside. Nick's gentle touch was also soothing.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery cocked his head to the side when she stuttered. She had never been this flustered with him before. Avery wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it. He did, however, enjoy having his hands on her and hers on him.

”Okay, well, lean on me at least then,” Avery said. He let go of her waist and offered his arm to her instead.

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Caden

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

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Inside the shed, there were three different cages. Two were the same size, with the third being slightly larger and looking like it could fit a number of large creatures. Caden opened up the larger cage and put the person he was carrying inside before he opened the other two cages. He turned around and watched Nero usher the other three inside.

Caden watched Levi move into the larger cage. Caden walked over and closed that cage once there were two people inside and he locked it. ”I’ll come by with food later.” Unlike the Chicago werewolf pack, Caden wasn’t a monster.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia’s cheeks warmed after Nic kissed them. She didn’t mind the idea of showing off for him a little.

Nic’s hands were strong and comforting as they rubbed her shoulders. Cassi felt herself sinking into the water more as she relaxed. She rested a hand over Nic’s and gave it a gentle squeeze.

”I’m doing okay still,” she assured him. She was looking forward to being clean, drinking her tea, and then going to sleep.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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”I’m saying I don’t want to take you on a date when it’ll look like I’ve beaten you,” Avery said, his tone harder. Because that’s exactly what she looked like, and that’s exactly what had happened.

Avery rests his hands on her waist to help steady her. ”Do you want me to carry you to your room?” he offered.

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Caden

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

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”Unfortunately I have standards, even though they are cages. They are bigger than Kiki’s, but yes, you can scare them a little more if you would like, my little imp.” Caden rests his fingers along their chin and kisses them softly. He pulled back after a moment and opened up the back of the SUV and started hauling the wolves out. One of them was still sluggish, so Caden just threw him over his shoulder. The other three, including Levi, were more coherent.

”You can walk under your own power, or Nero here will help you,” Caden declared and gestured to Nero before Caden turned and walked away. He unlocked the shed before heading inside.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia closed her eyes when she felt the water pour over her head. Nic was careful so that the water didn’t go into her eyes or over her cut. The only time it started to pull was when he started to separate her hair. Cassi held her breath to keep from wincing and worrying him.

She smiled at his question and decided to play along. It would be a good distraction for her anyway. ”White,” she informed him.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery parked the car and looked at Kimiko. ”Eager to go out on a date with me, are you?” Avery opened up his door and got out before going around to help Kimiko out of the car.

”I’ll take you somewhere fun, but maybe in a few days after you’ve healed up,” Avery said.

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Caden

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

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”I have several cages inside. Sometimes we’ll hold creatures here until we figure out what to do with them,” Caden explained and opened up the door and got out of the SUV. ”Charles will be round sometime tomorrow,” Caden said, turning around to look back at Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia wiggled her nose and giggled when Nic splashed the water at her. She turned, sitting her back against the tub closest to Nic. ”Another swimsuit, but you’ll just have to take me swimming to know what it looks like,” she teased him.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Avery laughs and shrugs. ”It’s because of when I was born. To me, it sounds better than saying, ‘you wanna go out?’” he said in an obnoxious tone. He pulled down Caden’s driveway and glanced at Kimiko. ”Nic is going to yell at me if you keep splitting your lip open like that,” he stated.

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> Caden’s Property – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden relaxed when his home came into view. He looked into the rearview mirror. All of the wolves were starting to stir, including Levi. Caden tapped his stirring wheel in compilation of where he wanted to put the wolves while they waited for Charles to make it to Chicago. Which wouldn’t be until tomorrow.

Along Caden’s driveway, there were a few side roads and bends one could take to other areas of his property. Caden turned down one of these roads, leaving Avery and Kimiko as they made for the main house. Caden drove down the road until a little cabin appeared. It was more of a shed than a place to live, but it was mostly empty. Caden parked outside and shut the SUV.

”Will you help me move our cargo?” Caden asked Nero.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia rolls her eyes, but can’t help the blush or grin that comes to her face from Nic’s teasing. ”Stop it. You’re going to make me fall,” she gently scolded Nic.

The hot water made Cassi sigh. She sat down and shut her eyes while the water soaked into her tired muscles. She turned her head, opened her eyes, and looked at Nic.

”If you take me swimming, I’d probably wear a different suit,” she informed Nic.