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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Intrigued, Avery sets his knife and fork down to take a sip of water before accepting the sandwich from Kimiko. He takes a bite and chews carefully before swallowing. ”Huh, who knew.” Avery finished off the half Kimiko shared with him before he dove back into his steak and potatoes.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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Caden watches Nero while they talk. He smiles softly and brushes his fingers along their shoulder. ”It’s okay if you do. It was a large part of your life. In some ways it will always be a part of you, even if you aren’t actively involved with Hell anymore,” Caden said.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Oh…Actually, it’s starting to come back… Ooo, ya,” Cassi said, taking a sharp intake of breath, resting her hands on her stomach before she looked helplessly at Nic. She was faking it and probably doing a horrid job at it, but his shoulder massage had felt so good she could only imagine what the foot massage would be like.

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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”Mmm, more selfish and possessive than brilliant. I’d rather you smell like me than anyone else,” Avery confessed. He sat down and started digging into his steak, which was cooked more on the rare side. Foods with high iron were always better for Avery after a shift. He ate a few pieces of his steak before looking at Kimiko and her sandwiches.

”What kind of sandwiches?” he asked, very confused.

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Caden

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

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Caden read through a book written in German that went over lore on demons. It mentioned Lucifer and Lilith, along with the idea that demons where their children, but there was nothing specific on Mundus. However, the hierarchy was interesting. Caden wrote a couple of pages of notes before setting the book aside.

He stood up and poured Nero and him a glass of wine to go with the snacks. Caden sat back down, resting his arm on the back of Nero’s chair, and read over their shoulder again.

”I have a feeling Mundus and knights of hell lore is going to be limited.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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”I wouldn’t mind that at all, actually. I could clear out a drawer for you,” Cassi said, liking the idea of having a stash of Nic’s clothes in her house.

She sipped her tea, letting the warmth soothe her nerves and her stomach. ”It’s okay,” she said and rested her head against Nic’s arm.

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 transfers a plate of food onto the table to eat when Kimiko holds her arm out. He smirks at her before taking her arm. When he first walked in, Avery could just smell her shampoo, body wash, and the laundry soap Caden’s cleaners use. With his nose closer to Kimiko now, he could still smell the lingering effects of the werewolf pack and the warehouse. Avery frowned, striped off his sweater and handed it to Kimiko.

”I had a feeling the scent would linger, so I brought this for you to wear,” Avery explained.

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Caden

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

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”It’s never too early for alcohol,” Caden declared. He walked over to his desk after setting more books on the table and called down to the kitchen for salty snacks and a couple of bottles of wine.

”Okay, snacks and drinks in route,” Caden said before he joined Nero. He sat down next to them and pulled a book and his laptop over to start his research.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia picked up her cup of tea and inhaled the soothing scent of ginger tea. She settled into her pillows and smiled at Nic. ”I have everything I need now. Thank you, Nic. For everything.”

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 waited until he heard Kimiko invite him in. He opened up the door before wheeling the cart inside.

”They made me lunch. We weren't sure how hungry you would be, if at all, so they made some sandwiches, but you can have some jerky if you want,” Avery offered.

He pushed the door shut with his foot and wheeled the trolley over to the table in Kimiko's room.

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Caden

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

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Caden piled books onto a table with the more relevant volumes on top. He looked down at the list Nero had compiled and turned.

He rested a hand on the table and the other on Nero's back as Caden leaned over them to read their notes. He rubbed his hand subconsciously along Nero's back as he read.

”It looks good, babe. Do you want anything to eat or drink while we work?” Caden asked, and went to grab a couple more books he missed.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia smirked and set her phone back onto her nightstand. ”Shoulders and ankles are covered,” she assured Nic. Max was curled up on the end of the bed, and shifted his attention when he heard Nic and smelled the tray of goodies he had.

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
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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
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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
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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.