KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassiopeia nodded; she had been hoping Avery would want to finish his tattoo soon.”Oh, that doesn’t surprise me. He broke my arm once because I didn’t have my arm tucked in the right for a close fighting scenario with knives,” Cassi stated as she put the second skin and scissors away.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

Avery grumbled and yipped when he felt like Kimiko was taking too long. Once she came out of the tree line, he grinned wolfishly at her, his tongue lolling out to the side before he lowered his head again, tail high and yipped at her to come at him.

Training for fighting as animals always initiated from play.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

”Mmm probably not. As you should know Nurse Wu,” Cassi said and tapped his nose. ”Everyone heals at a different rate. What I did for you was basically heal any pain, swelling or discomfort. The colouring is reasonable for a tattoo you would have gotten at some point this weekend. You shouldn't start peeling until mid or end of the week and that's usually standard. You should be in the clear. But if anyone asks, I'm not taking bookings. My tattooing isn't something I advertise or do for just anyone,” she explained.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

Avery is momentarily stunned when Kimiko jumps up and meets him halfway before wrapping her arms around his neck. Her comment amuses him and he lets out a huff, his version of a laugh.

Avery pressed a wet nose to Kimiko's cheek before he wiggled out from her hold. He makes a grumbling noise before nudging her with his head. He then dropped his head to the ground, looking at her before nudging her again. Avery wanted to play.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassi set her water glass on the counter before looking at Nic. Her eyes roamed his body, slightly disappointed he was clothed but also relieved.

She turned back and opened up the roll of the second skin and cut a large piece.

”I wasn't sure if the cafeteria had decent food, so I figured while we were here, I'd make you something.” She had made Nic a couple yogurt parfaits, and had cut up some fresh vegetables from her garden. Then she made him some simple chicken and rice with steamed vegetables as well. Truthfully, she wasn't sure how hungry Nic got at work or even if he'd had time to eat. She figured packing more was the better option.

She pushed up Nic's sleeve before she slid the backing off the second skin and covered his tattoo with it.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

Avery waited until Kimiko was inside before he headed for the trees. His mind spun with thoughts of her and their relationship. How they laughed together and teased each other. How they supported each other and could talk about anything.

He stripped down once he was on the other side of the tree line and tucked his clothes away before he started his shift.

It was slow and painful, but Avery did his best to breath through it and let his body go through the motions. Fifteen minutes later, Avery was shaking out and stretching. He scented the air, already looking for Kimiko.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassi felt her breathing turn shallow when Nic approached her. Her focus shifted to see Nic's tied up towel, and all she could think about was how easy it would be to just pull it free.

Thankfully Nic walked away before she could act on her impulse. She barely registered his words as he left, the ringing in her ears overpowering everything as she remembered how to breathe. Goddess help her with how badly she wanted to climb that man like a tree.

Cassi stood and walked to the fridge to pour herself a cold glass of water.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

”Whatever you're comfortable with. If I'm not done shifting when you come out, just remember to keep your distance until I come to you,” he said.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

”Shy? No, it's called self control. You are incredibly attractive, Nic. A fact I am sure you are more than aware of, and now you're standing half naked in my kitchen, looking… like that and…” Cassi shifted in her seat, trying to get the excitement in her body to dissipate. She swallowed, feeling rather warm.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

”He only helps my shift if I need to do so quickly. And it's a combination of pack magic and alpha magic. So if we become a pack, I would pull from you, too. Caden is powerful enough that he doesn't notice, but you might notice. It might slow your change or make you tired. I'm honestly not sure how you would react,” he said.

Everything was unknown when it came to Kimiko. Avery would really have to contact Bran sooner rather than later.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassiopeia finished making Nic's meals for work and is sitting at her kitchen table flipping through the case files when Nic returns.

”How was the shower?” She closed the casefile and looked up to find Nic in nothing but a towel and Wayland curled in his arm. It took a tremendous amount of effort on her part to look away from him. ”You forgot your clothes down here, didn't you?” she said while staring at her kitchen table.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

Caden chuckled and focused back on his ledger. He picked up his phone to start making phone calls, but before he dialed, he watched Nero for a moment.

Caden was growing quite accustomed to having Nero by his side. He liked having Nero in his office, curled up and ready a book while Caden tended to his business ventures. Or out in society, running errands or doing nothing at all. Caden simply enjoyed having a companion again. Smiling to himself, Caden dialed the first number and got to work.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

Avery scoffed, acting offended. ”I have no idea what you are talking about.” Avery handed Kimiko the stack of plates with a grin.

”Why don't you take those in and I'll go shift.”

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassi whipped around when Nic smacked her ass. ”Nic!” She went to chase him, but he was already running for the door to hide in the bathroom. Cassi rolled her eyes, but the smile was still on her face.

”Leanabh,” she mumbled before walking back downstairs.

Cassiopeia stepped foot in her kitchen and stopped. Her countertops looked brand new. She walked forward and ran a finger along the edge. ”And I thought I was a clean freak.” She could probably perform surgery on these countertops. Shaking her head, Cassi looked for a bag and started to pack up Nic's lunch. The cats mingled about her, making sure she was okay. After a few minutes, Wayland went upstairs and waited for Nic.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”Call me if you need me, but other than that, I won't respond while I'm with Cass. I don't think it will help my case if I'm constantly looking at my phone for your messages,” Caden said simply.

He pulled out a ledger from the centre of his desk and flipped through until he found the right collection.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

Avery laughed and patted Kimiko's legs before moving them off his lap.

”And yet, you still like me. Fine, I'll leave your feet alone today, but if you're a brat again, I know how to punish you now,” he said and piled the plates together for easier transportation.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassi rolled her eyes but was smiling. ”Go on Nurse Wu. I'm fairly certain the hospital, or Jane at the very least, would hunt me down if you don't go to work,” she said and headed for her bedroom door. ”Towels and things are in the linen closet in the bathroom,” she told him before leaving her room.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”I do plan on going over tomorrow. I could drop you off on my way in,” Caden offered.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

”Well, it's six now,” Avery teased her. He played with her loose shoelaces after releasing her ankles. ”You know, I don't have to massage your feet if you are ticklish or truly don't want it. I can just find someplace else to massage,” Avery said suggestively.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

Cassi looked sideways at Nic when he called it ‘research.’

”Mhmm, sure,” she said simply before shutting her eyes. Nic's touch was soothing even if the adorable comment caused her cheeks to warm.

”Adorable. The 300 year old witch with anger issues is adorable. Nic, my love, we're going to have to work on your self-preservation skills,” she teased. Cassi opened her eyes and kissed his cheek before he stood.

”Go on and shower. One of us has to be responsible and go to work today.”

hr]

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

Caden grinned, his mind whirring with possibilities on how he could reward Nero. ”I have a few options in mind. I could list them for you or surprise you with one or several rewards. Depending on how efficient you are with the task, of course.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

”Even numbers are just as good,” Avery declared.

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

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

---

---

”Not enough to put me out for the rest of the day, but healing isn't where my magic is the strongest. Unless you're a plant,” Cassi said.

She placed her hands over Nic's arm and shut her eyes. She had to concentrate and couldn't answer Nic's question until after.
Despite the minimal healing, beads of sweat still broke out on Cassi's forehead. When she pulled back, the flame of the candle sputtered out, and Cassi took a deep breath in before she sat next to Nic on her bed.

”Um, I like blue roans but draught horses I'm also a sucker for and Friesians are gorgeous. Why? Are you thinking about taking Caden's offer?” Cassi asked.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”Ah, but hard work is rewarding,” Caden said with a grin before he sat in his chair and logged onto his computer.