KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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”Hmm, maybe I should schedule ourselves a little honeymoon after. Then we can really hide away from the others,” Caden said.

He escorted Nero outside and followed the others at a respectable distance. From what he could hear, each couple was having their own little conversation as they made their way to the gazebo hidden away in the woods.

As they entered the woods, fairy lights hung from the trees, and random lamps sat along the path, guiding the way. About halfway from the location, flower petals littered the pathway, and the intensity of lights grew. The sun setting cast a fiery glow through the trees that brought the sense of a warm natural hearth to mind.

Caden looked at Nero, seeking their approval of the set-up.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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”More mature than her,” Cassi said matter-of-fact. Cassi flourished her dress as they walked along the lit path, smiling to herself. She has always loved natural weddings or ceremonies like these. Nic’s compliment brought her focus back, and she smiled at him.

”Only if you promise to dress like this for them,” she said and smoothed down his collar while they walked. ”I was going to go shopping for a nice dress for November. Do you want to come with me, or would you like to be surprised again?”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery caught Kimiko staring at him, and it made him happier. He smiled softly, looking away from her to give her a moment and watched the ground for a moment. The path they walked was fairly smooth, but Avery guided Kimiko around any dips or rocks that might make her trip up.

”And why do the two of them need help moving along?” Cassi and Nic looked incredibly happy to him. Why was Kiki meddling?

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Caden enveloped Nero in his arms, and pulled them closer, lifting them slightly off the ground. The dragon shifter was incredibly tempted to take Nero to the couch and banish any thoughts of doubt or worry from their mind.

”Well, if you are certain, then let’s go before I have to postpone this day. You are proving to be a dangerous distraction,” he said and kissed Nero’s cheek before leading them from the house.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi whipped her head around and stared daggers at Kimiko. ”Kiki! Seriously?!” Cassi’s face flushed, especially when Nic agreed with her. She pulled Nic forward, away from Kimiko and Avery, and from the others when they finally emerged from the house.

”Ignore her. She’s a child,” Cassi said, loud enough for Kimiko to hear. Cass wrapped her arm around Nic’s, taking a moment to compose herself while they walked towards the trees.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery stood a little straighter in response to Kimiko’s compliment on his appearance. It quickly shifted when Kimiko referred to Cassi’s breasts. He choked and coughed himself, trying to fade into the background, but it wasn’t very easy. When Cassiopeia pulled Nic away, Avery started to laugh.

”I can’t believe you said that,” he laughed.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery smirked, glancing back at Caden and Nero before he led Kiki outside. As they walked, he leaned down to whisper into Kimiko’s ear. ”Tu es magnifique, petit renard.” His hand rested comfortably on Kimiko’s hip while he held the door open and followed her outside.

Avery always found it a bit better being around Kimiko, and he was still better when he touched her in some way. The physical connection reinforced the emotional and mental bond they shared.

”Caden wants us to go on ahead. I think Nero is feeling nervous.”

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Caden

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

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Caden ran their hands back down Nero’s arms while they talked. He nodded, attempting to understand Nero’s nerves. He picked up Nero’s hands and kissed each one in turn. ”I love you, Nero. More than anything in this world. I want to be bonded to you more than I’ve ever wanted anything—and I’ve wanted a lot of things. However, if you don’t want to do this anymore, just tell me, and we’ll take the getaway car.” The last thing Caden wanted was to force Nero into something they no longer desired.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi’s eyes wandered down Nic’s arms and chest. She nodded her head from side to side in agreement with Nic.

”True, but I always think you look wow, even if I’ve seen you wear something already. And today, you look even more wow.” Her eyes made their way back up to Nic’s. ”Even with the wet hair.”

Avery’s voice announced the slight change of plans. Cassi kept her attention on Nic while she answered. ”Mmm, last-minute jitters, I suppose.” She ran a hand down Nic’s arm and intertwined their fingers together.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery stood near the door, watching Kimiko walk up to him. He took his time admiring her, grateful to have this incredible creature in his life, and relieved that she gave him a second chance. Avery raised his eyebrows at her news and wrapped Kimiko in his arms. His scent engulfed hers, and he had a brief image of picking her up and whisking her away to the bedroom. He shared this image with Kimiko.

”Did he? Want me to beat him up?”

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Caden

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

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Caden laughed. ”Not until after the ceremony, Zain. I don’t want to get blood on my shirt.” Caden looked at Nero and chuckled.

”And the same goes for you. There will be no skipping out of the ceremony.” Caden wrapped an arm securely around Nero. ”You two go on ahead with Nic and Cassi. We’ll follow,” he told Avery and Kiki. Once they left, Caden looked down at Nero.

”You’re nervous, still. Is there anything I can do to help ease that?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassiopeia beamed at Nic when he looked her up and down. Kiki’s words were strong in her ears about Nic stealing her away and about her boobs looking good. She twirled around for Nic to see every angle before she assessed her boyfriend for herself.

”You look wow yourself,” Cassi said. She closed the distance and rested her hands on his arms. She smiled up at Nic, silent while she watched him. Her mind wandered to how much she loved this man, and how she wanted to spend the rest of time with him. Cassi lifted her hand and ran her fingers through his still-damp hair.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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”I should hope so. We’ve taken to teasing each other more and more. The tension is nearly unbearable. We still haven’t had sex. We’ve done other things but never seem to have more than an hour to ourselves. I’m tempted just to book a hotel and tell the hospital Nic is dead,” Cassi joked poorly.

She sighed and adjusted her hair over one shoulder. ”Alright, let’s go. You look stunning,” Cassi complimented. She led Kimiko to the living room. They met up with Caden and Nero shortly after.

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Caden

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

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Caden laughed. ”Well, maybe I am a little nervous but mostly excited,” he admitted. Caden led Nero down the stairs, where they met Kimiko and Cassi in the living room. Caden grinned when he saw both women looking exceptional.

The house had grown quiet for the time being, the area around the gazebo having been set up for their little ceremony in the garden. While they were gone, the staff would set the table with an elaborate meal.

”I do love that I have chosen to surround myself with such beautiful things,” Caden said, grinning at the women in his life.

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes and hugged Caden tightly. ”Things? I’m not so sure.” She turned her attention to Nero. ”Deiseil?”

Translations

Scottish - ready?

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery checked his watch and shook his head. ”By the time we cross the yard, they should be with Caden and Nero in the living room. We can escort them from there.” Avery ran off of punctuality. It was important with his job not only as a chauffeur but also as a bodyguard.

Once the two of them were ready, Avery walked with Nic across the yard. Avery asked Nic about work and how he was finding their training. It was small talk, but it was also common ground between the two of them. Avery admired and respected Nic's work at the hospital, and the more Avery learned, the more his respect grew.

They reached the back pad, and Avery paused. Kimiko was hugging Caden, and Avery couldn’t help but admire her. She looked like the night sky, and his fire for her burned bright in his chest. He caught a flash of red and saw the back door opening. Cassiopeia walked out in a stunning red dress that had Avery looking at Nic. Avery patted Nic’s shoulder before he walked past.

”You’re going to give the man a heart attack,” he teased.

Cassiopeia smirked. ”That’s entirely the point.” Avery laughed at that before he walked inside. His eyes reclaimed Kimiko as his focus, and he smiled.

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω Officially Done

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Roman Side - CHB
Skills:

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Ezekiel met his sister’s eyes for as long as she looked at him. He still saw a kinship there, but there was also distance. Zeke looked down at his feet until the trial was called to order. He shifted nervously in his seat, tapping his fingers against his leg in a silent rhythm. Zeke was sure this trial was going to be heated. He wasn’t sure how long it would go for without Leandra being able to speak, but he didn’t really know.

Ezekiel watched the senate members take their place and talk while the trial started. Of course, Leandra pleaded not guilty. Zeke’s eyes shifted to look at Nancy again. Stay calm, Nanc. Ripping her in half in front of everyone won’t win you any favours, even though it might feel good. He knew Nancy couldn’t hear him in his head, but it made Zeke feel better about being utterly useless.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: Botanical Gardens — New Orleans
Skills:
Fit

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Antoinette shifted the straps of her backpack on her shoulders. She had Arnold sitting on her shoulder, and the two of them looked this way and that at all the flowers in the garden. Antoinette wanted to sketch and paint all the different blooms, but that’s not what they were here for. She couldn’t help but stop and smell the flowers, though. She bent over, finding a particularly bright bloom for her and Arnold to sniff.

The wind shifted, and Antoinette looked up to see two more superpowered humans land in the gardens. She hooked her thumbs under the straps of her backpack and bounced over to Edus’s side. Even though they were here for a serious situation, Antoinette was quite happy to be outside, around such colourful things.

”Mary called for help. She might be overwhelmed to see all of us, but I think she will be pleased to see us here for her,” Antoinette said confidently.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Caden’s arms naturally encircled his imp when their arms went around his neck. Caden chuckled at their comment, staring into their large blue and green eyes. His own shifted back and forth to look into each one. Caden always found himself staring into the green for longer, though.

”I think that is because we did,” he said and kissed Nero briefly. He didn’t want to ruin their make-up or be covered in lipstick. That would be for after the ceremony.

”Come. It’s time.”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery chuckled and sipped his drink. He glanced towards his door and the open window. Kimiko was always in the back of his mind now. Thanks to the bond they shared, he could sense her even when he wasn’t with her, and after the night they shared, it seemed stronger today.

”I’m not sure why. You landed Cassi after all,” Avery reminded Nic. She wouldn’t be with someone who didn’t have a spine, that much Avery knew.

Avery looked down at his attire and nodded. ”They do, although this is more for show. I didn’t think wearing the ones I have for knives and guns would be appropriate. Are you nearly ready?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Feeling more confident with her duties, Cassiopeia folded her piece of paper away before glancing at Kimiko. A slow smile moved across her lips, and a knowing look entered her eyes.

”Mmm, that’s good. Although I have a feeling it’s better than good.” Cassi grinned before grabbing her dress bag. ”You’ll have to zip me in, but then we can go.” Cassi walked into Kiki’s bathroom and hung the bag up. She changed rather quickly, looking at her reflection in the mirror after to ensure everything still looked okay. Once she passed her own inspection, Cassi walked back out to Kimiko and had her zip up the dress.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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Caden buttoned the sleeves on his long-sleeved shirt while Nero dressed. His eyes kept wandering to his mate, feeling the very real temptation to undress them again. ”Aufgeregt. I can’t wait to share everything with you,” he said. Caden took a step closer to Nero and zipped up their dress. He ran his hands down their arms and kissed the top of their shoulder.

”You look Wunderschön by the way,” he whispered before kissing their cheek briefly.

Translations

Excited//gorgeous

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Avery Zain

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

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While Nic utilised Avery’s private bath, he changed. Avery wore his usual all-black attire, with black boots and leather suspenders that acted more of a showpiece than material to hold up his pants. When Nic finally walked out, Avery had finished rolling up his shirt sleeves. He looked Nic over when the man asked for approval. Avery gave Nic a whistle of appreciation.

”You clean up well, my friend. Although, you could relax and look a little more natural,” Avery teased.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassiopeia looked up at Kimiko, glaring at the fox through her lashes. She flipped her hair and went back to reading through the ceremony. ”I kicked them out because they don’t need to be here,” she said, ignoring the fact that Kimiko was also right. Of course, she hoped the sentiment would be reciprocated once Nic saw her in her dress.

”How are you and Avery doing?” The last time Cassi saw the two of them together was after Avery blocked Kimiko out. Cassi then decided she needed to take over Kiki’s training, but they hadn’t had their first session yet.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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

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”I think it might have something to do with how I’ve charmed their parent,” Caden said. He carried the cats to the joined door that now existed between their bedroom and Nero’s office. He deposited the cats on the other side with some treats before he closed the door and blocked the cat door. Caden then turned around, and crossed the room to where Nero perched. He wasted no time in getting lost in their mate, more than ready to do the same again tomorrow once they were bonded.

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The next day, the house was a flurry of activity. Caden and Nero were having a small ceremony to complete their bond in the evening, but Caden never did anything small. All morning and afternoon, people came and went with flowers, food, and decorations to set the scene for such an important event. Caden even hired people to do Nero’s hair if they wanted it, as well as their make-up. He extended those services to Kimiko and Cassiopeia as well. Cassiopeia had readily accepted, and enjoyed the pampering to its fullest.

When the sun started to move lower into the sky, Caden started to get dressed with Nero. ”Wie fühlen Sie sich?”

Translations

How are you feeling?

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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The rest of the shopping trip went off without a hitch. Cassiopeia had gotten Nic a black button-up to go with the black pants from the other store. It would pair up well with the red sports jacket, and make his features pop. Honestly, Cassi didn’t know how she was going to concentrate on her duties tomorrow of bonding her best friend to their mate with Nic looking the way he did.

Once they got back home, Cassi hung up Nic’s outfit for the following day to keep it from wrinkling before she changed and they got started on the garden boxes. After a few hours, Cassi returned home. As much as she wanted to spend another night with Nic, her cats would have been lonely without her since Wayland wasn’t there.

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The next morning, Cassi woke up to get some house cleaning done and tended to her plants outside. Winter was drawing close, and she needed to prepare her plants for the colder months. After that, she packed everything up before Nic picked her up and then headed to Caden’s house.

Now, Cassi sat on the sofa in Kimiko’s room, drinking a glass of whiskey as she went over the ceremony one more time. She had seen the bonding ceremony of Caden’s people only once, and only participated in half of it herself. It was an honour to perform it for her best friend, but it also wasn’t something normally performed by an outsider. She didn’t want to screw it up.

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Avery Zain

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

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It was difficult getting out of bed the next morning. The warm body beside him enticed Avery to just ignore the world outside and stay in bed a little longer. However, today was not the day for that. Caden roused Avery through their bond, and the werewolf grumbled in annoyance when he was woken. He kissed Kimiko’s head before getting up. Caden sent Avery on a perimeter check, showing him where the weakness had been in the warding the day before.

When Avery reached the location, he noticed a fair bit of activity had occurred during the night but he didn’t smell anything out of the ordinary. After that, Avery was well awake and decided to get a decent work-out in before he was shanghaied in helping the staff prepare for Caden and Nero’s ceremony. It was all work Avery was used to doing when a big event was happening. He fell into the rhythm easily, and the hours passed by quickly.

Avery returned to the room he shared with Kimiko to shower before he was kicked out by Cassi, and told to take Nic. Avery glanced side-long at Nic before huffing and brought the man to his room in staff housing.

”Drink”? Avery offered. ”Feel free to shower if you need to as well.”