KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi slowed in her eating at the mention of Caden again. She fidgeted in her seat, glancing at the screen where an operating room sat pictured full of people, the patient — who somehow disappears — on the screen.

Cassi huffed and finished her last tempura roll before taking a sip of her drink. ”I don’t trust Nero. I think they’ve brought something to our doorstep that none of us should be involved in, but Caden is in love with them. He’s chosen Nero to be his mate and its all rather confusing for me. I trust Caden, but I don’t know. And Nero has been helpful in our hunts but they are still a demon. Causing pain is kind of their thing.”

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Caden

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Location: Car – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden squeezed Nero’s thigh while he chuckled at what Nero revealed about his best friend. ”I’m not surprised. She’s rather protective. We have my property and her place heavily warded. Most don’t know either location unless we invite people over. By bringing you in, I’ve allowed you access to invite people as well. I’m certain that’s what she was referring to. As well as likely hoping you were just going to be my latest playmate rather than my mate.”

Caden turned his hand and slipped his fingers around Nero’s. He twisted their hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

”I would offer to do the same to your place, but I’m concerned whomever that demon works for will detect my magic. Dragon’s magic isn’t exactly world-known. It’s one of our best kept secrets, next to my family’s location. I’m the only dragon that’s ‘out’ in the world, I guess you could say.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia mulled over the idea of tattoos, but with what Nic said it didn’t make sense that getting a tattoo without his wife was the problem. Maybe it was the reason for it, though.

Nic pulled Cassi from her train of thought, and she grinned at him. She wiggled two fingers in the air. ”Twice,” she declared. ”You really should have bought more,” she teased him before she returned to devour her meal. Even though she had just started, she was already halfway through and looking forward to seconds.

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Caden

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Location: Car – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I was prepared to do a whole lot worse to them, but then we were rudely interrupted,” Caden informed Nero. He slipped his hand onto their thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

”I don’t want to go home just yet, in case we are being watched. I have a safe house we can go to, or I can call one of the stores in town, and they’ll let us in to find something to wear.” They were likely closed, but Caden had formed a good relationship with many stores in Chicago. They would happily send someone in to open the store for him with the amount of money he spent.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia wiggled her nose and stuck her tongue out at Nic when he tapped her forehead. She swatted his finger away before she rubbed the space over her third eye, feeling a weird tingling from where he had tapped.

”I wasn’t going to,” she defended. ”Well…completely. Did your mom have an aversion to tattoos? Or did she want to get one with your dad?”

Cassi piled her plate high with food, stealing another piece of the rice dessert to eat as she walked over to the table. She tucked her left leg under her as she sat down and started in on the tempura, like a bear fresh out of hibernation.

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Caden

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Location: Car – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”If it had something to do with that, I would be more inclined to believe either Cassi or I would be the target for stalking and not you,” Caden announced.

At Nero’s touch, Caden relaxed into his seat, lifting his foot off the gas peddle to slow down. ”Do you want me to take you out for supper, or would you rather we return home?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Is it just me or is your dad acting like a moody fifteen year old boy?” Cassi meant it in jest, she knew he had just lost his partner in life and it was hard for him, but it also seemed like he was regressing.

She opened up the take out boxes and started to pile food on a plate for Nic. When she opened up the mochi box, she popped one in her mouth and hummed happily before she finished her other task.

Cassi handed Nic his plate of food with a warm smile. ”Don't say I've never done anything for you.”

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Caden

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Location: Car – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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Caden chuckled and pecked Nero's lips before guiding them to the car.

”I'm perfectly unharmed. Let's get going. I don't want to linger in this area,” he said.

He got Nero in the car before he quickly got in himself. The tinted windows concealed them, and Caden quickly sped off in the opposite direction of Nero's home and their's for right now.

”The demon wouldn't talk to me. I tried to get them to talk, threatened them but they smoked out. What bothers me is they smoked out straight to Hell. Something tells me Crowley wasn't messing with you when he showed up today.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi happily followed along behind Nic, still carrying the food. She walked into the dark apartment, Nic beating her to turn on the light.

”The property is three times the size or more. The house is relatively the same, but I just know there is a lot of activity there during the winter to make sure the animals are well looked after. Maybe if you have a free day we can stop in. I'd just rather not stay there.”

Cassiopeia walked down to the kitchen and plopped the food onto the counter before she grabbed drinks and glasses.

”Where's your dad?”

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House —> Car – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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Caden grew more frustrated, ready to just snap this demon's neck before exorcising him, but then they smoke out and disappear into the ground. Caden frowned, staring at the ground before he walked back into Nero's house.

He paused on the threshold, staring at the space before he closed the door and locked it. Caden went around and drew all the curtains on the windows shut before he replied to Nero.

I'm coming. Just securing the house.

Once he completed his task, Caden opened one window, a tiny crack before he closed the curtain and blinds. He shifted again but this time into a mouse. He scurried up the curtain and squeezed himself out the window before he dashed across the yard, invisible in the tall grass.

He ran as a mouse all the way back to the car before he shifted back into his normal body. Shirtless, since Nero bore his sweater, Caden walked over to the car to check on Nero.

”Are you okay?” He looked Nero over to ensure they were unharmed. Caden's eyes glowed still from all the shifting he had done within the last few hours. Seven times in total between shifting into other creatures and himself.

It had been exhilarating, and Caden felt great from being able to shift so much, but his joy was dampened from the demon who had been watching the house and how they left.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I told Caden his jet would be appreciated but I declined the use of his home for a couple different reasons but the main one is I'd rather be alone with you when you aren't learning to save all of humankind. I was thinking maybe we could rent a little cabin or an AirBnB of some kind close to your conference,” she suggested.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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Caden remained calm even though the silent treatment frustrated him. He continued to smile sweetly and looked the demon up and down.

”Mmm, the strong silent type. Well, as much of a joy and conversationalist that you are, I really must protest you using me and my home for your kink. I mean, unless you want to come inside,” Caden said, dripping the last two words with nothing but sexual energy.

He pulled one of Nero's daggers out of his clothing and twirled the point on his finger.

”Either tell me who you are, or I'll cut the reminder into your meat suit that I don't like unwanted lawn gnomes.” Caden said, and looked up at the demon through his/Nero's eyelashes. He tried to maintain the innocent yet intimidating look Nero had, but Caden wanted nothing more than to burn the demon and the human they rode.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi watched Nic as he let them in and led the way. She couldn't keep the smile from her face as she watched him. She thought about how great their time would be once they finally got the opportunity to. She thought about how happy she was to have him, and how glad she was to decide to surprise him tonight.

Once the elevator doors opened, she squished herself inside after Nic and hit the appropriate button for his floor.

”So, Montana.”

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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”Okay. Countdown from five. Remember to wait 10 seconds after opening the door then go. Five, four, three, two, one.”

Caden opened the door in a flurry and started to stalk around the yard.

”Michael! If you do not show your fuzzy little butt in the next five minutes I am completely disowning you!! This is no time for hiding!” Caden said in a huff, his voice completely mimicking Nero's.

He continued to stomp around, screwing German profanities until he called out to the lurking demon.

”Oye, you haven't happened to see a small white, adorable headache in the form of a cat wandering through the yard while you've been lurking, have you?” Caden asked, skipping over to the demon in question as he did so.

He flashed his eyes from black to white and then back again, cocking his head to the side. ”You are really bad at lurking. Did you know that?”

The demon in question looked annoyed with Nero/Caden, but when Caden flashed his eyes white, Caden saw the demon's fear and he smiled sweetly, closing the distance between him and the demon.

”And who…are you?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi blushed from Nic's suggestion, but the idea sent a little thrill through her. She elbowed him in the stomach, not having a free hand.

”Let's worry about what you can call me after I see your skill level,” Cassi said, her tone suggesting more than just magic knowledge.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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”An exit that is as close to the west side of the house as you can. The demon is on the east side watching front and back but I want you to exit at the same time I do. Count to ten and then walk straight and away from the house. You'll come across the car about two blocks away,” Caden said and placed a hand on the door.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi grinned and nodded. ”Yes, both are very fashionable these days,” she said and reached up to peck his lips before tugging him along.

They were almost back to his place and the food was calling out to her.

”I know there are still dangers, and I'm still going to worry, but I also have to trust in myself. I gave you protection runes and the anti-possession tattoo… You're smart, and you told me about what's going on at the hospital. I can't protect you every minute of every day, but I've done what I can to ensure you are, and if we educate you on what's happening, that will help you further.”

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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Caden had a solid plan in place by the time Nero called out. ”No, but the car is a coupe. The trunk should be large enough to accommodate what you have. Are you ready?”

Caden moved about the house to the door that would be the closest to where the demon was.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi paused when Nic stopped walking. She turned to look at him and felt her cheeks pink slightly. She glanced at the ground, both of her hands preoccupied with holding food and Nic’s hand so she couldn’t fiddle with her hair or anything in her embarrassment.

”Well…no. At least, not what I was feeling for you I didn’t feel like I deserved. Plus, I wanted to protect you. I know you said you wanted to be a part of this world, but I’m worried about what you might find or what you might come across if none of us are around.” She stepped in closer to Nic, put her chin on his chest, and looked up at him again.

”Are you opposed to me placing you in a bubble?”

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills: Shapeshifting
Fit

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Caden chuckled and watched them dash off before he looked in the direction of where he sensed the demon watching the house. ”Just remember, I can shift into nearly anything. Human, supernatural creature…whatever you’ve had a fantasy about, I could fulfil it.” he called after Nero.

He thought over what he could do, shaking his hands and rolling his neck while waiting for Nero to tell him they had everything and were ready.