[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Warehouse Liquors —> Driving – Chicago, IL
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”Because I know what you’re thinking. Psychic, remember?” I joked. In reality, it’s because I had been teased about it before, and Nic seemed the type to tease me about it. Clearly, I had been right.

I follow him up to the counter and wait on the other side to keep from hearing how many hundreds of dollars he spends. I know nursing makes a decent amount, but they aren’t doctors. Then again, it really isn’t my business how much money Nic decides to spend or not.

Once he paid, I led the way back to the car and got into the backseat. ”Thank you for making the stop, Avery.”

“Not a problem at all, Miss. Alistair.” He pulled smoothly away from the store, and we were on the road again, leaving the Chicago city limits for Caden’s home. I look out the window and fiddle with my hair.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I don’t take a very long shower, mainly needing it to help me relax and feel refreshed. I towel off and wrap the towel around my waist before completing my hair and skincare routine. It seems more like keeping up appearances rather than anything. After that, I exited through the secondary bathroom door and entered my closet. I’m glad I have the two doors, so I don’t have to walk back into the bedroom and disturb Nero. I flip through my clothes and select dark navy blue slacks with a matching jacket and shirt. I dress quickly and hang up my towel.

I slip on dark brown loafers before returning to the bedroom. I glance over at the bed and smirk. ”Comfortable?” I ask Nero. I slip a silver bracelet onto my right wrist and fix the collar of my jacket.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Being Chauffeured - Chicago, IL
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I shake my head with a smile at her psychic comment. She wasn’t far off, I might have teased her about it if I had been given the chance. The price might have been a little high, but I don’t usually spend a lot of my money in the first place, so it was a hit I could handle. After paying, we head back into the car and off to where I can only assume Caden’s place must be. “What’s your favorite season?” I ask Cassiopeia, watching her fiddle with her hair.

It’s as if I can’t help but tease her about some of her peculiarities, her reactions were enjoyable. I have to bite my lip to keep myself from asking how often she compares the taste of dirt and peat.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
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My eyes dart quickly to find Caden and I grin. ”And here I was hoping to see you naked.” I chirp before I flop over onto my back and spread out as much as possible in the gigantic bed. I lean my head back so I can still see him. ”Also, I’m never leaving this bed.” Even while looking at him upside down, he is quite the sight to behold. It felt unfair that he could look like he stepped off a movie set or runway with how well he’s able to pull everything off. I chew on my finger again as my eyes rake over him shameless.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”All the questions,” I say and look at Nic. I guess it’s the least I deserve with the amount of questions I ask, but I hate being asked questions.

I shrug noncommittally and look back out the window. ”I don’t really have a favourite season. My magic is tied to the land, so every season yields something special. Every season has its value,” I state.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I enjoy the way Nero looks at me, taking in everything about me. I don’t mind people looking at me, but there’s something different about the way Nero looks at me that I like more.

”You’re drooling,” I tease them. I walk over to the bed and look down at them, all spread out. Although I know they are trying, they don’t even take up a quarter of the bed. My eyes roam them, too, and I have to tug on the collar of my jacket again.

”I should go. You are far too distracting. Do you want a plate of food sent up once it’s ready?” I tug on the belt of my jacket, ensuring it feels and looks right.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Being Chauffeured Chicago, IL
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”Fascinating.” I tell her with a mix of wonder and awe. Even if I am a grown man, finding out about this new world is exciting and spectacular to me. “So when did you start trying to avoid answering any questions? Was that from your childhood or…” I’m teasing, but now that I can see her reactions to my questions in person and not just over the phone, it seems like she doesn’t really want me to get to know her better.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
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”Can you blame me?” I ask with a smirk before sitting up. I gently tug on his coat to pull him closer to me. “Kiss for the road?” I look up at him with my best innocent pout. “Otherwise, I might find your line of sight during dinner and distract you more.” The smirk slips back onto my face as I wink suggestively at him.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I shift uncomfortably in my seat. ”You could say that,” I answer vaguely. I keep my eyes trained on the window, my hands no longer fiddling with my hair. The question he asked seemed simple enough, but it was loaded and could lead to other questions I did not want to answer.

My past was not easy to divulge, and what happened to me is one of the many reasons I don’t trust easily. The only person I trusted absolutely was Caden, and only because we grew up together. He had been there.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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”Now, now, we have to play fair and not scare the human off. If you try to distract me, there’s no telling what I will do,” I say. I let them pull me closer, and I breathe in. Already, their scent is mixing with mine, and I can’t help the little thrill that goes through me.

”So distracting,” I grumble before I kiss them.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: On the way to Stupid Rich - Chicago, IL
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I can see I made her feel uneasy and I start to feel guilty. ”Sorry for prying… If you want, I’ll answer any question you have for me honestly and thoroughly.” As much as I hate making anything about myself when there’s someone who’s more deserving, I don’t want to push her away either.

”No strings attached.” I end with a smile, hoping that maybe she’d see my sincerity in the window’s reflection.

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Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I let out a laugh at Caden’s grumble, but happily kiss him back all the same. With a small bite of his bottom lip, I pull away and proceed to collapse onto the bed to starfish once again. ”Alright, you can go now.” Unable to look him in the eye, I have to bite my own lip to stop from giggling. I’m probably being a bit cruel, but he can blame the human for that.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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I’m enjoying the kiss, even though it’s brief, when they bite my lower lip before pulling away. My eyes shift automatically to that of a dragon’s. It takes all my willpower to keep the wings from showing themselves. I clear my throat and smooth down my shirt and jacket to compose myself. I turn and head for the door, calming down enough to shift my eyes back.

”You are playing a dangerous game, mein kleiner Kobold. I’ll be sure to come find you after my guests have left.” I don’t dare look back at them before I leave my room.

On the other side of the door, I release all my breath and run a hand over my hair. I curse in a few different languages as I force myself to walk away. Thankfully, every room in this house is soundproof, so Nero can’t hear me positively lose my shit. Normally I was the one to play little games, not the other way around. What exactly was I getting myself into with this one, I wondered.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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We turn on to Caden’s drive when Nic poses his apology for prying. I look out the window for a moment longer before turning my head to look at Nic. ”I’ll keep that in mind,” I say. There’s no point in asking now. I’ll wait for the trip home, or for a different day.

Avery drives us up to the front door and parks. Before I can get out, he has the door open for me. I smile up at him and thank him before walking around the car to stand on the front step.

The front door opens, and Caden stands there. ”Welcome,” he greets. He smiles, but I can see tension crinkling his eyes. I raise an eyebrow, but he closes his eyes and shakes his head slightly before looking and smiling at Nic.

Translations

my little imp

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I sit up and watch him leave, completely aware of the tension I just created. Oops… I think to myself, but I’m utterly terrified and also excited for this dinner to end. Giving it some time first, I traipse out of his bedroom towards where his office is so I can grab the books I had previously been reading and bring them up to his room, setting them on the couch for when I was ready to dive in again. For some reason, I feel too distracted to read them right now. Caden’s last words to me before leaving play in my head and I bite my lip to keep from grinning. My prank had probably worked a little too well…

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Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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Our conversation comes to an end as we pull into the driveway of a pretty magnificent mansion. Definitely stupid rich. I think to myself, recalling Cassiopeia’s words. After checking with the driver, I leave the macadamia liquor and Cass’ rum in the car with my backpack, but grab the wines and my notebook to take inside. With a quick word of gratitude to the driver, I jog a little to meet with Caden and Cass at the front door. I’m trying not to look like a complete dweeb in front of them, but my eyes are as wide as saucers while I look around.

“Hi Caden.” I smile as I reach him before I offer the two wine bottles to him. “Cassiopeia warned me that these might not pair with dinner, but I wanted to show my gratitude for helping me and my father.” My expression changes to something more serious as I give a little bow of my head to him, the tears welling up already. “Thank you.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I take the bottles from Nic, examine them and smile. ”We’ll have them for after dinner. Thank you, Nic. This is quite generous of you. Please, come inside. The appetizers will be served shortly to tie us over before the main meal.”

Cass kisses my cheek as she passes, leading the way to the main living room. The fireplace roars, keeping the space cozy. I note Cassi is wearing a sweater and turns down the gas on the fireplace a bit, so it isn’t quite so warm.

”Can I get you anything to drink to start?” I ask Nic, gesturing to the trolly I have with several different decanters containing different coloured liquids. While I wait for him to decide, I pour Cassi her whiskey, neat, and hand it to her. She takes it happily before collapsing onto the couch. She takes a sip and sighs, resting her head on the back of the couch.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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My shoulders relax a little with Caden’s response. Even if he is just being nice about my gift, I appreciate it immensely either way. I try not to let the fact that there will be appetizers surprises me. I didn’t expect to have more than just dinner, to be honest. I feel overwhelmingly underdressed next to Caden and I’m glad I didn’t show up in my sandals. I gawk as Cass leads us to a large room, feeling like I’m in some sort of trance as my eyes roam over what I guess to be very valuable collectibles. When Caden asks me a question, I have to blink several times before realizing what he said.

”Oh, uh,” I watch Cassiopeia out of the corner of my eye as she takes her drink, showing a much wider range of emotions in the short interaction than I’d gotten to see all the way here. Even though I remind myself not to take it personally, I still feel a twinge of envy. I almost forget that Caden asked me a question all over again. ”I’m fine with whatever you or Cass are having.” I finally respond. I’m entirely out of my element here even if we forget that these two are supernatural beings.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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”Cass is having a highland whiskey, 18 year,” I tell Nic. ”I don’t mind making you whatever you like, Nic. I know it’s a bit overwhelming.” For the time being, I pour a glass of ice water for myself and him and set his on the table. A moment later, the sushi is brought out for appetizers. I sit down on one of the oversized chairs, smiling and thanking my staff.

”Please, help yourselves,” I encourage them.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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Grateful, I take the glass of water with a small thanks, swallowing a gulp full right away. When the sushi comes out, I can’t help but make a joke at Cass’s expense to try and ease how awkward I feel. “Do you think they washed the rice?” I ask Cassiopeia with a wry smile. I choose a place to seat that’s close to a surface so that I can set my water down within reach. I make sure to use a coaster before I tentatively take a couple of nigiri and awkwardly stuff them in my mouth.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving —> Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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I examine the different types of sushi before taking a couple of maki and uramaki. I’m about to take a bite when Nic asks me the most ridiculous question. I close my mouth and narrow my eyes at them.

”Does it really taste any different?” I asked before happily eating a piece of my sushi.

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Caden

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

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I look back and forth between Nic and Cassi, amused. ”I’ve missed something. Cass, is Nic already teasing you about your lack of cooking?”

”I cook! I made them breakfast,” she says in defence, and I just laugh.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I’m grinning now. “Caden, this brings me no joy, but I’m afraid Cass is white. She does not wash her rice.” I shake my head pityingly at her. “But yeah, breakfast was pretty good.” Washing down my food with another drink of water, I shoot a wink her way to make sure she knows I’m only playfully teasing. I really want to ask how someone could mess up eggs and bacon, but I keep that one to myself.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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I grin, then look at Cassi with sadness. ”Cassi…how could you? I thought you were taught better than this.”

”Oh, ha ha, laugh it up. Nic would like to know if you need a first aid kit, Caden. He’s worried you’re going to get hurt.” Cassiopeia looks at Nic smugly, clearly pleased that she has turned the tables.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I put my hands up in a defensive shrug and surrender. “That was before she told me that you’re apparently some sort of immortal god that can’t be killed.” I joke, enjoying that she actually took the bait.

Turning to Cass, I sigh dramatically. ”And here I thought that you considered me up there with Dr Sexy MD.” Shaking my head, I pat my heart in a pitiful manner. “But please let me know if there is anything this poor, only-human nurse can provide.” Grinning, I hope they both take that all as the innocent joke I meant it as.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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”Immortal god? Oh, I actually quite like that one. May I use that?” I reclined in my seat, wishing Nero was here to have heard that. I’ll just have to tell him my new identity later.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Oh my goddess, stop talking!” I cover my face as I blush. Caden starts laughing at me before he takes some sushi to eat.

”How long have you been in Chicago, Nic?” Caden asks to my relief. Finally, we can get on with the night now.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I laugh along with Caden, noting the blush on Cass’ face before she hides it. Clearing my throat, I have to think about the answer to Caden’s question. ”I think my parents moved to Chicago back when I was five? So around 1998, I believe. They had emigrated from China to Canada before deciding on settling down here.” I tell him honestly. ”It helped seal the deal that my little sister was born only a couple years later.” I’m sure there’s a hint of sadness in my smile when I finish, but at least that wound isn’t fresh.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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My mind instantly races with questions. He never mentioned a sister before and by the way he looks, I don’t think she is around anymore. To avoid asking insensitive questions, I eat another sushi roll. Thankfully, Caden is more diplomatic and speaks on behalf of both of us.

”Really? And this is the first time your family has encountered the supernatural world?” He sounds genuinely interested and impressed that Nic hasn’t. It almost takes the blow away of there being a supernatural community at all.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Caden’s Mansion - Chicago, IL
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I rub the back of my neck as I answer. ”To the best of my knowledge at least.” Of course, ever since I uncovered the truth, I had been thinking of any odd patients that I had encountered and if I had only known, maybe I could have saved them. This is normal of me even for patients who die of very natural deaths though, I constantly am analyzing reports and cases to see if there was anything I could have done differently. “Why, is that uncommon?” I ask, looking between the two of them. There was a look that I couldn’t quite decipher on Cass’ face, like a cat wanting affection but also too proud to ask for it. Why do I suddenly want to give her a little scratch under her chin?