[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My leg warms where they touch, and I continue to smile. Despite driving slower, I pull onto their street and stop in front of their place. ”Then I’ll see you soon,” I said. I parked and looked at them. ”Thank you for your help today. I’m sure it wasn’t what you were expecting.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Not at all what I expected.” I reply. ”But I hate the expected, it’s too boring.” I smirk before I take my hand off his leg and instead hold his face, leaning in to kiss him again. I don’t want to leave yet, but I also know that the sooner I pop on down to hell, the sooner I’ll be back. I pull away a little to say, ”Schlaf gut, mein Drache.”

Translation

”Sleep well, my dragon.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Outside Nero’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I chuckle, having to agree with them. I enjoyed the finer things in life and was never satisfied. I was constantly looking for things to give my long life meaning and enjoyment. The dull and mundane was not something I looked for in daily life.

Nero cupped my face, forcing me to stop thinking and look at them. My eyes shut as our lips connected briefly. My spine tingled when they spoke German once again. I open my eyes, seeing every little detail in their eyes.

”Gute Reise, mein kleiner Kobold.”

Translations

Safe travels, my little imp.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I grin at his nickname for me; it fit me perfectly. Resting my forehead on his for a moment, I stare back into the gems that make up his eyes, completely enthralled. “Try not to forget me while I’m gone.” I tease before letting go of him to turn and exit the car.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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”Impossible,” I say truthfully. Once I see them go into their house, I pull away and head for mine. On the drive, I roll the windows down and turn up the music to help myself come down off of the evening, and drown my thoughts of Nero out.

It had been a long time since I felt this strongly about someone else. How strange for it to be a demon. I pull into my driveway and follow the dimly lit path to the house. It seems so big now, but it isn’t so empty. A light is on inside, and I thank my staff for that small favour.

Once I am inside, I don’t waste much time preparing for sleep. I hope the night will move by quickly.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I woke the next day shortly after sunset. Max is standing on the end of my bed, staring at me. He’s rather patient, but I know he is telling me to get up and face my fears. Still, I linger in my bedroom even though I know Nic will be awake now. How weird it must be for him not to be in his home and to have his father sleeping on the floor. Mother goddess, I had a lot of questions to answer. I much preferred being the one asking all the questions.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Hell
Skills: Smoke Form

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Not wasting anytime once inside the house, I go into smoke form and head straight to hell. I find Crowley sitting at my desk fiddling with one of my hand puzzles, but this doesn’t really surprise me. ”Do you need help with that? I think I can get a child down to teach you how to use it.” I tease in a snarky tone. He looks up to give me a flat look, obviously not amused by my jokes.

“You’ve come back empty-handed.” He states simply.

I shrug, walking over to grab my knife from it’s place on my shelf. ”Yeah, well, that thing was rather nasty, so I think thanks are in order instead.” I spin to face him. ”And by thanks, of course, I mean its time to hold up your end of the deal.” He rolls his eyes.

“Did you want to cash in on that now?” I nod, thinking it was rather obvious what I wanted.

Not much later and I have my prize, ready to take it back up with me. Crowley asks me why I’m so eager to leave, seemingly weirded out by my behavior. ”Oh, I’m taking a sabbatical. I found some fun in Chicago so I’m heading back. Don’t contact me unless there is literally no one else who can do the job.” I grin at him, daring him to object. He doesn’t.

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Nic Wu

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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With a groan, I sit up, holding my head in my hands. I feel like I had slept for the first time in a week but also like I’ve never slept in my life. I tiredly run my eyes before I realize I’m not at my place. I peer around and not really able to recognize this particular interior. I hear some light snoring and my eyebrows shoot up. There, sleeping soundly on the floor, was my father. I nearly fall off the couch I’m on, unable to believe my eyes. “Bàba?” I whisper as I reach a shaking hand towards him. His own eyes flutter open and find me peering down at him and without hesitation the two of us are embracing each other tightly. I find myself starting to sob, overjoyed that I didn’t lose all my family, that I still had my father.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I dressed slowly, favouring dark green leggings with an oversized sweater today. I wanted to be comfortable to stave off the reprimand I was sure to get from Nic. I took even longer in my bathroom, which seemed to wear off Max’s last nerves. He came sauntering into the bathroom and meowed loudly. I jumped and sighed.

”Fine…fine.” I put my hair back down, moving it to frame my face before opening my bedroom door. I peek my head out, looking down the hall. I can hear some crying and murmuring, but nothing significant.

Max waltzes out of my bedroom, forcing me to follow. I hesitate as I walk out to my living room, which opens into the kitchen. ”Good morning,” I greet, the words sounding strange. ”Does anyone want coffee or tea?” I inch towards the kitchen, hoping it will provide sanctuary.

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Caden

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

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I sleep in the following day, allowing myself a moment of luxury. It isn’t often I wake up alone, but it is nice when I do. I rub my eyes and lift myself onto my elbows. A table with a tray holding my morning coffee is in the corner of my room. I inhale the smell from here and sigh, throwing back the covers. Standing, I walk to the table and prepare my coffee. I take a small sip initially to make sure it is right.

I grab the newspaper for the day and head out onto the patio attached to my bedroom. The sun beams down, warming the floor and my body. I set my paper down on the patio table, prolonging the morning news for a moment longer. I lean on my railing and sip my coffee while taking in the mowed lawn and forest beyond. Soon enough, though, my mind wanders to Nero, and I wonder how he fared with Crowley.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Cassi’s House, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My father and I had had some time to catch up, letting me know just what the three ‘monsters’ had done while I was asleep. I had to let him know that mom hadn’t survived the attack. I look up from the couch when I hear Cassiopeia’s familiar voice enter the room. In only a few strides, I’m across the room and engulfing her in my arms. “I don’t know how to thank you.” I whisper in a thick voice, the tears coming back again.

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Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills: Smoke Form, Teleport

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I hesitate for a moment as I decide my next move, but immediately laugh at my own hesitation. The man had said he would enter hell to drag me back with him. I grin at that thought again. Prize in hand, I make a pitstop at my house to change out of last night’s clothes and into something clean. Crossing my fingers, I imagine Caden’s house clearly in my mind. Hoping it works smoothly, I try using Teleport. My mind must have wandered while I was trying to picture Caden’s house because I end up in the pool instead of the back porch.

”Leck mich am Arsch!” I yell in frustration, dragging myself, my prize from Crowley, and my sopping wet clothes to the nearest pool ladder.

Translation

Literal translation: “Lick me on the ass.”, more commonly used like the phrase “bite me”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Without much warning, Nic stands and crosses the room to me in three easy strides, thanks to his long legs. I open my mouth to protest or explain, but then Nic’s arms are around me, and he’s thanking me. I deflate and hug him back tentatively.

”Um, ya…yes. No problem.’ I push him away gently and pat his arms before stepping away. ”Right, tea then. Mr. Wu, tea or coffee? Maybe something to eat?” I walk into the kitchen, still able to hear Mr. Wu’s response for some tea and maybe a little something to eat.

Max hops onto the back of the couch and watches Nic. His tail flicks back and forth. Maximilian watches like he is a human rather than a cat, and to be fair, he was once. At least that’s the theory behind familiars.

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Caden

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

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I’m just about to walk back into my bedroom and clean up for the day when I hear a splash of water, followed by a flourish of colourful German. I peer over the balcony and smirk.

”Well, that wasn’t how I was planning on getting you wet but I guess it’ll do. Guten Morgen, kleiner Kobold. Soll ich eine chemische Reinigung bestellen?” The little thrill that is running over my body that they’ve returned is electrifying. I remain still, watching them struggle to get out of the pool. I wasn’t expecting such morning entertainment.

Translations

Good morning, little imp. Should I order dry cleaning?

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Sorry for invading your personal space,” I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck as I watch her work in the kitchen. I reach out to the cat watching me, wanting to give it some head scratches. ”My dad explained to me what you all did for him. I really can’t thank you enough.” My dad joins me, patting me on the arm and nodding in agreement with my statement.

“Our family owes you a great debt.” He agrees. “Will a marriage do? Nic here is single.”

I groan, slapping a hand over my face. ”Dad, please don’t.” I plead in embarrassment.

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Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My whole face flushes as I try to glare up at where I can hear Caden’s voice from. I pull myself out of the pool and my clothes droop with the weight of water, a puddle forming underneath me. ”Ich hätte einfach gehen sollen.” I pout as I wipe water off my face. ”Ich zielte auf die Terrasse… Aber ja, eine chemische Reinigung wäre schön.” As if I’m a dog, I shake my head, trying to get some of the water out of my hair.

Translation

“I should have just walked.” “I was aiming for the patio” “But yes, dry cleaning would be nice”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I keep my hands busy and eyes focused on my task, even while Nic makes conversation. I haven’t had this many people in my house in a long time, and even though I helped to save Mr. Wu, it’s weird to have people here.

Max acknowledges Nic with a bump of his head, but the cat doesn’t linger for pets. They leave the couch and retreat to a different part of the house. To listen and wait.

I know Nic’s father’s comment is meant as a joke, but it still causes my face to turn bright pink.
”Oh, no, no. I usually just take a human sacrifice,” I say in an attempt at a joke. I set his cup of tea down and produce milk, sugar, and honey if he wants to add it to his tea. I return to the stove and continue making the eggs and bacon. I don’t even make eye contact with them as I work back and forth.

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Caden

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

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I laugh and tap the railing. ”Come inside kleiner Kobold. I’ll bring you something to change into.” I walk back inside and decide to change into something simple for today.

I grab a crewneck and pants that can be belted or tied for Nero’s convenience. The pants, I confess, aren’t my own, and although they are smaller, I fear Nero will be genuinely a little imp in them. It will have to do until their clothes can be cleaned.

I walk down the stairs, clothes in hand, and meet Nero in my living room.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I flinch at her joke, but my dad laughs heartily. “She’s a very nice girl, Nicholas” He says with a couple of nods like it’s me he needs to convince to agree to this marriage. He thanks Cassiopeia for the tea and adds just a bit of honey to it before taking a sip. He sighs in contentment as I reach for my cup.

“Are Caden and… uh… Nero here too?” I ask, trying to get Cassiopeia’s attention. She’s hardly looked our way since walking into the room. Is she embarrassed? Or maybe she feels guilty for everything that happened yesterday. Normally, I would easily hold a grudge against someone who lied to me and then also used my mother’s dead body for a spell, but having my dad back makes all of those feelings disappear.

”Would you like some help in the kitchen?” I ask as well. She’s the one who saved us, I should be making her breakfast.

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Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I’m keenly aware of all the water I’m tracking into Caden’s house, but despite everything I’m happy to see him. ”Sorry for the mess,” I say with a guilty look as I take the clothes from him. ”But, I got my prize from Crowley and wanted to…” The sentence dies off. I was planning to give Caden the prize, but then I start to overthink it. What if he thinks that’s moving too fast or something? I stand there awkwardly for a second as I try to weigh the pros and cons quickly in my head, but eventually I shove the stone tablet into his arms. I was going to make a run for the closest bathroom after handing it over to change, but I realize I have no idea where that is. So instead I awkwardly explain to him what the prize is.

”It’s a carving of a Germanic dragon, Crowley said it was probably circa 880s.” I push my wet hair off my forehead to gauge his reaction.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smiled, happy Nic’s dad was enjoying his tea and was safe. ”Oh, no, Nero had to go….I mean, he’s probably at Caden’s having breakfast,” I say quickly. Nic fainted yesterday after Caden told him who, or rather, what we all were. I didn’t need him fainting in my kitchen.

I flipped a finished omelette and some bacon on a plate when Nic asked if I needed help. ”No, no. Just spend the time with your dad,” I assured him. I handed him the finished plate but kept my eyes averted, looking back at the stove to monitor the food cooking.

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Caden

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

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”It is fine. Gives the cleaners something to do,” I inform Nero. I kept my place relatively pristine. Even though I do pay cleaners, I like to tidy the place myself from time to time. They will be happy to have something actually to clean and fix today.

Nero starts to stumble over his words, looking awkward and unsure of themselves. I cock my head to the side, smiling faintly while they struggle. They shove a tablet into my hands, and I quickly take hold of it. As they explain it, my grip lightens, and I turn it over to examine it. I look at it more intently as I understand what this is.

”Unglaublich.”Oh, the bathroom is down that hall, third door on the left.” I gesture vaguely to a hallway before I take the tablet down the opposite way to my office to examine the tablet more thoroughly.

Translations

Incredible.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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My brow furrows when she still won’t make eye contact with me. I walk over to hand my dad the plate of food. ”I’ll be right back.” I tell him in a whisper before I head into the kitchen, hopefully out of my father’s earshot.

”I’m not going to faint.” I tell her genuinely. ”My dad explained how hard all three of you worked to not only kill the actual monster, but to ensure his safety at the same time. I’m also not angry with you either if that’s the issue.” As much as I want to grab her and make her face me, I don’t. I truly have no ill will towards her - maybe a lot of questions, but no ill will. Besides, I wanted to wait to ask those for when my father wasn’t around. Sure, there is probably no way to take back what he had experienced, but I don’t want to put him in any more of harm’s way.

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Nero

Location: Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Thank you.” I chirp before racing for it, not wanting to see his reaction. It’s stupid of me to feel this awkward about sharing a new treasure with someone, but it could also be embarrassment from the… splashing entrance I made this morning.

I quickly pull off the wet clothing with a frown. I had chosen something a little more feminine today, but that quickly became useless. ”I really should have just walked.” This wouldn’t be an issue if I was a proper white-eyed demon, but that’s a rabbit hole of thoughts to go down at another time. I throw the shirt over my head and pout at the fact that it fits me more like a dress. I turn my back towards the mirror and grimace - unless I wore a high collared shirt, the longest of the scars on my back would always show a little bit, but the tips of three other scars could be seen protruding out of the shirt’s neckline.

Knowing there’s not much I can do regarding that, I tie the bottom of the tshirt into a knot so I’m not swimming in it. The pants fit a little better and I can tie them to be tighter, but I have to roll the cuffs of the pants at least five times until my feet aren’t hidden anymore. I debate if I want to try putting on the soggy leather gloves on so that my left hand’s burn scar isn’t so prevalent, but I think that will just bring more attention to it instead. Besides, wet leather was not enjoyable to wear.

Stretching on my toes, I hang the clothes on a rod in the bathroom, throwing a towel on the floor to try and catch most of the water, before I come out. Some of Caden’s staff are already busy cleaning the water I tracked in and they give me directions to Caden’s office. I peer into the doorframe, nervous for some reason on what he would think of the tablet.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Maximilian joins me in the kitchen, weaving between my legs before standing on my feet. I sigh. ”You are a child,” I say. I break off a piece of cooked bacon and give it to him. He nips it out of my hand and quickly eats it before Nic comes walking back in. I stiffen, worried again when he starts talking.

He stands close to me in an effort not to be overheard by his dad. My poking at the cooking bacon slows at his words.

”I should have just told you everything yesterday. I knew you weren’t going to give it up, but I had to try…”

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Caden

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

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My office was in another part of the house. It sat below my bedroom actually but it didn't exactly match the aesthetic of the rest of my home. The living room where I greeted Nero was the part of my home all my guests knew. I even had a secondary bedroom for myself when I had more overnight guests. It was the part of me I presented to the world, but the part of the house I was now in was a part of my soul.

It was dark, moody, full of rich tones, and clutter. There was organization but also madness. Bookshelves line the wall behind me, stacked and crammed in wherever they could fit. A few small statues and things sat precariously on books or on the edge of the shelves. Planta lined the top of the shelves, curiosity of Cassi saying I need more living things in my home.

The opposite wall from the door was adorned with a floor to ceiling window, bringing in a large amount of natural light that made my archeological exploits more enjoyable.

The opposite wall from my books housed art work of various types and from various eras. There was also a low coffee table with two plush, leather chairs, framing a fireplace. Scattered throughout were more antiques in various stages of cataloguing.

I sat at my desk with my tools spread out, examining the stone tablet more closely. As I discovered something I'd write it down in my journal before continuing on.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Cassiopeia’s House, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watch her actions and I can’t help but want to apologize to her again. Is that why she was acting so guilty? I want to hug her again, but I hold myself back, unsure of how she would react. “Sorry, but I don’t know if I would have reacted differently if you had told me.” I run a hand through my hair. ”I was so desperate for any answer outside of what the police were telling me that I probably would’ve gone to where the beast was by myself and gotten killed. You were right not to tell me.” I tell her gently.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watch him work studiously, catching myself intrigued by his work ethic with the tablet. I might need to bring him some of my other collectibles if he enjoys this that much. ”Ich gehe davon aus, dass dir meine Wahl gefällt?” I ask as I walk into the room, hands innocently behind my back as I look around the room. It was very different from the rest of the house and more like my place, which makes me feel a little better about the state of my house in comparison. My eyes rake over all the shiny things I wanted to immediately pick up and inspect closely. I do my best to not have my back face him, feeling strangely self conscious about the scars that riddle it and my left hand.

Translation

”I take it you like my choice”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Nic, stop apologizing. You reacted the way any human would have.” I finished making his omelette and bacon. I plate it and turn, handing him the plate, but I still can’t make myself meet his eyes, so I just stare at his chest. Was he really that much taller than me?

”I knew you wouldn’t give up on this. I saw it, but I still tried to deter you from it. It would have been better if I had just been upfront and told you what was going on. Yes, maybe you would have wanted to hunt the Chimera down, but at least you would have been protected with us. At least I could have asked you to…to…use your mom that way,” I say, the last sentence little better than a whisper.

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Caden

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

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”It’s incredible,” I breathe. ”I believe it depicts a puk. They were considered small household dragons that would steal items to give to the homeowner,” I inform him. ”The stone alone is in incredible condition, never mind the actual artwork,” I say, completely geeking out over the thing.

I finally tear my eyes away from the tablet to look at Nero. I can see him resisting touching anything, and I chuckle. ”You can touch anything you want in here. I bring all my new acquisitions here to catalogue before placing them in my house or museums or selling them. Don’t touch the artwork on the wall, though. Those are either first renditions or very expensive recreations,” I inform them.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Cassiopeia’s Townhouse, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I take the plate from her but immediately set it down on the counter. She still won’t look at me, choosing to stare at my chest instead. Her reasons for not telling me were completely valid and I could see Caden even playing a role in stopping her from telling me. Looking back, I remember something shattering during our conversation yesterday. At the time, I thought it had merely been one of her cats, but now I have the feeling her cats are much better behaved than that.

Her last statement makes me suck in a breath, even though it was barely at a whisper. Was that why she couldn’t look me in the eyes? Thinking back to last night, I remember she hardly looked at me in the morgue.

Using my hand, I gently raise her chin so she can finally look me in the face. ”Listen to me, at the time I thought it was batshit bonkers that you were doing that, I’ll admit, but you saved my only remaining family using it.” I can feel my eyes well up with tears, but I don’t break eye contact with her.

”That wasn’t my mother anymore, I know that. I work in an hospital emergency room, it’s hard for me not to know that. But you,” My hand is shaking under her chin but I’m afraid if I let go, she won’t see my sincerity. “You gave me a reason to keep on living and I could never hold a grudge against you for that.” I stay staring at her like that for a moment, making sure she really heard what I’m saying before I pull her into a tight hug, lifting her feet just a little off the ground. “I promise.” I whisper the last part.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I find myself grinning as I listen to him gush about the tablet. He was fucking adorable in this state, almost like a child in his wonder. ”This is how Crowley convinced me to take on this job. He said I could have my choice of his collectibles.” I look around with wide eyes as if I’m back in his storeroom. ”There was so much to choose from, I wish I could’ve stolen it all.” I throw a wink Caden’s way after saying that. ”But when I saw this, I knew both of us would love it… Or I hoped you would, but I think you probably like it, yes?” I tease, walking over to where he sat to peer over his shoulder, resting my chin on him.

”Now you need to tell me how you’re able to understand all of this because i doubt you were alive back then…” I tilt my head, still keeping my chin on his shoulder as I think. ”Unless you were and in that case, you simply must tell me the secret to your skincare.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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What was with this man and not wanting to eat? My eyes follow the plate and I reach out to pick it up to hand to him again, but I fall short when his fingers lift my chin. I’m forced to look at his face, and I swallow once. He starts to talk, and I desperately want to run or look away, but I can’t. And Max has conveniently sat on my feet again. I swallow again when his fingers shake under my chin and he starts to tear up, my empathy showing as I also start to tear up. Goddess damn. He’s thanking me and understands me. Well, maybe not fully, but he gets what I did. I can’t think of the last time a human said something nice about witchcraft and sorcery.

Max moves off my feet and I think I’m finally free, but Nic pulls me into a hug, lifting me off the ground. Me. All 175 pounds of my 5’6” ass. I confess I blush again at this fact. I hug him in return because hanging there limply doesn’t seem like a good idea.

”I’m just glad it worked out,” I finally say.

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Caden

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

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”Ah, the King of Hell is a hoarder, and you have an eye for unique things; now it makes sense.” I examine the tablet again, comfortable with Nero’s closeness and their chin on my shoulder. I hold the tablet up so we can look at it together.

”Well, I read,” I tease him. ”I’m roughly three hundred years old. It’s hard to keep from being bored, and time moves rather slowly, so to keep myself from going crazy, I started researching and collecting. I’ve gotten obsessed, I guess you can say, but it’s nice to see how art immortalizes history.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Cassiopeia’s Townhouse, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I give her one last reassuring squeeze before I let her escape. Clearing my throat, I picked up the plate and held it up in a gesture as I said thank you. ”I hope you know you won’t be able to get rid of me now.” I say with an easy smile. Now that I know of this supernatural world’s existence, I want to know everything I can about it. I’m even hoping that I might be able to help some patients out better with the new knowledge. ”Do you take on apprentices?” I’m half joking, but I really want to learn more. I snack on a piece of bacon off my plate as I try to gauge how she’ll answer.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I’m thankful for Caden holding the tablet up a little so I can see it too since I kind of grabbed it and rushed over right after. ”Ah, so you’re a spring chicken.” I say teasingly when he reveals his age. From my perch on his shoulder, I reach out and tap some of the other papers I see on his desk, noticing that there’s a lot of different languages. ”How many languages do you know? I’ve heard you speak at least four different ones since meeting you yesterday.”