[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia grinned and rolled herself off the bed. She opened the curtains and cracked the window. She inhaled deeply and sighed.

”I've always loved the rain, and storms. Even before my powers came in and I learned of my affinity for wind and nature, I would sit outside in the rain until I was soaked through and my mother had to carry me inside.”

Cassi lifted her hand and sparks danced between her fingers. The tingling sensation drifted through her body, and raised the hair on her arms. She let the parks dissipate and sighed. She probably shouldn't let off any large cracks of lightning. She was already feeling a bit light headed.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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Caden grinned at Nero when they grabbed his face. He chuckled, his eyes wandering to Nero's lips.

”Now why would you want to emasculate the poor man like that?” he asked, very intrigued by the idea of Nero and Avery sparring.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Nic & Ren’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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Nic listens with fascination, his eyes following Cassi’s movements before her fingertips dance with electricity. “Would you ever get sick from getting soaked like that?” He asks, stepping closer to Cass and holding her face gently as he smiles. He imagines a younger version of her with hair still curling wildly while soaked through.

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nero grins with an alarmingly mischievous look. “I thought Kiki might enjoy the demonstration after the last training session.” They chirp, eye wide with excitement before they sit up enough to kiss Caden’s lips.

“Plus, I want to see how well he can evade me before I manage it.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia smirked, a blush creeping across her face. She shifted her eyes away from Nic sheepishly and shrugged.

”Maybe,” she whispered. ”My mother was our coven’s healer. And when we moved to Paris, she still practiced, but had to pick and choose a bit more so we weren't hunted.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Ah. You want to show her it is possible to defeat a supernatural creature larger than her. I approve,” Caden said and kissed them again.

”But if you're going to spar with Avery… when does that mean you'll spar with me? I'm sure there are lessons I could be taught.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Nic & Ren’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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“It’s funny,” Nic says as he rubs his thumb gently across her skin. “I have this recurring thought that if my sister was like the sun, then you’re the rain that brings everything to life, makes the earth greener afterwards.”

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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“Well, I also just want him to experience it from someone other than you.” Nero teases back, murmuring against his lips with a smirk. “I’m sure our sparring would inevitably just lead to us ripping each other’s clothes off.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia's face flamed, and she looked down feeling embarrassed. She fiddled with the ends of her braids, and chewed the bottom of her lip.

”I have no idea how to respond to that other than to say I love you and thank you.”

She looked up at Nic and wrapped her arms around his neck. ”Seriously. Thank you. Thank you for loving me and seeing something good in me. For a long time I didn't think I was good, and now that my past keeps coming up… I would be devastated if I disappointed you.”

Cassiopeia couldn't help but think about how she could kill things without blinking an eye, or burn down a portion of a forest without needing to focus on it. She had earned the nickname ‘Storm Witch’ but sometimes it felt more like a curse.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Oh, I know it would. It would be good training all the same,” he said. He kissed Nero tenderly before pulling back, his eyes roaming their body. ”We could lock the doors after the other left… Make sure no one walks in on us.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Nic & Ren’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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Seeing the reaction on Cassi’s face makes it all worth Nic’s terrible way of explaining how much she means to him. “You’d have to do something really massively fucked to make me disappointed in you.” He says honestly rubbing his other hand up and down her arm.

“And before you say it, I know you say you have a past. I don’t care about that,” Nic tries to gently make Cass look at him. “What matters to me is who you have become and who you try to be now.”

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nero grins up at Caden, clearly liking the idea. “Just make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind having ruined completely.” They remind them. “And I’ll make sure to have my knives.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassi met Nic's eyes and smiled. She reached up and kissed his lips softly. ”I love you,” she whispered before pulling back. ”We should finish getting ready… I'm sure Avery will be here soon.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Perfect. I look forward to the challenge,” he said and kissed Nero once more before he pulled back from them. ”I suppose I should get ready then.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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The closer they got to Caden’s place, the more Nic got nervous. He trusts Cassi completely, but he can’t help but remember the last time she was here. Once Avery pulls up to the house, Nic kisses Cassi’s head before getting out and offering his hand to her. “Are you going to work out with us?” He asks of her after thanking Avery for the ride..

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nero laughs, starting to sit up on their elbows when Caden pulls back. “Aw, are you afraid of the big bad wolf?” They can’t help but tease before they push him towards the edge of the bed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put him in his place if you want.” Nero hops off the bed and grabs some leggings to wear under their sleep shirt.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia got out of the car and stared at Caden's house. The last time she was here, she caused a storm. Thankfully, it was already a rainy day. Cass sipped her tea, thinking she'd have to go check on the trees at some point to try and heal them.

Nic pulled her from her distant thoughts and smiled at him. ”Not today. I need to talk to Nero.”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery paused in front of Caden's door and turned slowly to look at Cass. He held a bag of breakfast sandwiches in one hand and a tray of drinks in the other for him and Kimiko.

”I'm sorry, did you just say you need to talk to Nero? Ya, no.”

Cassiopeia looked at Avery and rested her left arm over her chest, her hand resting on her right elbow. ”Why the hell not?”

”Uh, maybe because the last time you spoke to them you tried to kill them?” Avery turned and opened up the front door.

Cassi dropped her arm and rolled her eyes before she tugged her brown cardigan around her, and stomped up the steps.

”Ya, well, I don't need to talk to them about that. It's about Nic's dad and breaking demon deals.” She marched inside and waited for the others.

Avery walked in behind her, sighed, and looked at Nic.

”I need to go give Kimiko her breakfast. Make sure she doesn't break anything,” Avery said. He looked at Cass, and she stuck her tongue out at him in annoyance. Avery smirked but he wasn't exactly happy as he walked to Kimiko's room.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”He makes me run more if I'm late… and no. I think he would make me do more of everything if you talked to him.” Caden pulled some clothes out of the dresser and slipped into joggers and a sleeveless shirt for now. The muscle shirt was in the compression style, so it hugged all of Caden's muscles and didn't leave much for the imagination.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nic blanches at Cass’ declaration, unsure what to make of her smile when Avery saves him from having to do so. He can’t help but think the wolf has a good point - the events of last time weight heavily on his mind still too. But then she brings up demon deals. Throwing a quick nod to Avery in acknowledgement, Nic closes the front door behind him and joins Cass.

“I appreciate the thought, but you don’t need to push yourself on my dad’s account… or mine. You only just repaired your relationship with Caden,” Nic knows this is a dangerous line of conversation to go toe-to-toe with her about. “I just want to make sure you’ll be okay doing this.”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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When Kiki rolls over, she feels drowsy and, if she’s honest with herself, a little sore as well. She grumbles as she tries to find her phone and then growls impatiently when she can’t get it to turn off. She’s just about to chuck it at the wall when she finally gets it to stop blaring and her bedroom door opens to reveal Avery.

“Wait,” Kiki mumbles, now grabbing her glasses and putting them on. “When did you leave?” She asks groggily.

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nero decides just socks are good enough for today as they look at Caden’s fit. “Now hold on, that’s not shirtless.” They tease before bounding over to open the bedroom door.

“Maybe I should talk to Avery on your behalf or make you late.” With an impish smirk, Nero starts to leave the room with every intent to get Avery to force Caden to run.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”We don't know how much time your dad has left. I don't want you to be robbed of any time you could have with him. Besides, I'm going to have to learn to play nice with Nero if I expect to have any time with Caden.”

It would be multiple birds with one stone. Besides that, Caden also expressed interest in Cassi unlocking more memories, plus help with the mate bond. Then there were the answers Cassi wanted for her own peace of mind about her family.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery smirked when he saw Kimiko just waking up. He shut the door behind him and walked to her bed. He sat on the edge of it and opened the bag of food.

”A couple of hours ago. Already had my work out and now Nic is here with Cass,” he said and stuffed his face with a breakfast sandwich. ”I brought you food, and something to drink. I wasn't sure what you would want, so I got tea, coffee, and a smoothie. Plus enough breakfast sandwiches to feed a small family.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Well I can't start shirtless. That wouldn't be much of a show,” Caden joked and followed their imp. ”You can make me late tomorrow. Or any day Nic doesn't come for training.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Nic pauses, noting that Cass has a pretty firm handle on herself and er reasoning. “Well, when you put it that way…” He says before pulling her in for a hug and a kiss on her head. “What do you mean about time with my dad, though?”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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Crawling towards him, Kiki grabs the smoothie and sips before smiling happily at the flavor before she nearly chokes on it. “Wait, you said Cassi is here??” She asks, her brain catching up to the conversation.

“Does Caden know?” Kiki’s both elated that her ‘big sister’ is here but also very concerned for how this all will play out.

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Nero

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

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Nero glances back with a face full of curiosity. “Wait, why only on days the human isn’t here?” They ask as they eye the bannister to the stairs and contemplate riding it down before changing their mind and just walking down normally.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia tried not to look guilty as she leaned into Nic. ”I talked to your dad last night about the terms of his deal. The demon promised to save your mom from cancer if Ren gave up ten years of his life. Technically speaking, your mom didn't die from cancer which means the deal is still valid.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”Uh, no,” Avery said and finished out another breakfast sandwich for himself. ”But Caden met with her yesterday and they hung out all day, so I'm sure it's fine.”

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Caden

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

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”I enjoy training with Nic. It's a good chance for me to get to know him better while seeing if Cass is doing well and being treated right,” Caden explained, and draped an arm over Nero's shoulders.

They walked down the stairs, and into the main portion of the house. Caden cocked his head to the side, both confused and delighted.

”Cassi?”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic’s brow furrows as Cass reveals his dad’s fate and his rests his forehead on Cass’ head, calling his eyes and taking some calm breaths in and out. “What did he make the deal with? His soul?” He thinks back to the conversation where Cassi revealed to him that he could become a witch through making a deal with a demon, but the two didn’t go into much further information.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Snatching a sandwich for herself, Kiki munches on it before drinking more of her smoothie. “Right, I think I remember you telling me that yesterday.” She nods before finishing the breakfast sandwich quickly.

“Should we go out there to make sure everything’s okay?” She asks.

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Nero

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Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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“Party pooper,” Nero says as they stick out their tongue at Caden. Despite their teasing, they lean into him once his arm is draped over their shoulder and happily prance alongside him until Caden discovers the unexpected house guest.

Nero tries their best to become as small as can be, not wanting to be seen by Cassi and consequently hurled into another fight. “Scheisse.” They curse in a mumble.

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Translations

💩

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassi rested a hand on Nic's hip, her other hand still holding her tea. She closed her eyes when Nic leaned against her, swallowed, and licked her lips nervously.

”He might have, but he told me specifically he said life. As in he'll die ten years sooner than he is supposed to.”

She opened her eyes, trying to get a look at him but it was hard from this angle.

”Cassi?”

Caden's voice broke the tension and Cassi turned her head to look at her best friend and the imp trying to hide themselves. Cassi frowned at them before she relaxed her features.

”Don't bother hiding, Nero. We need to talk.”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery finished up his second sandwich and stole a sip of Kimiko's smoothie before answering.

”Do we have to? It's much safer in here.”

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Caden

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

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Caden observed how Nic held Cassi and how she held him. They were clearly having a moment but it didn't seem like an intimate one. Caden looked down at Nero who seemed to be trying to climb inside him when Cassi declared she needed to talk to them.

”Do I get to know what about or is this one of those times I just need to trust you being alone with my mate?”

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes and glanced at Nic. ”Do you want me to tell him or do you while training?”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic sighs heavily at this revelation, feeling overwhelmed all over again, but doesn’t have time to reply when Caden and Nero show up. Even as Cass tells the demon that they don’t need to hide, Nero sticks to Caden like glue. Despite their pleasant smile, Nic can see their eyes crinkle as if trying to read Cassi’s intentions.

“I don’t think I can explain it very well outside of the fact that…” Running hand down his face he heaves another sigh. “In an effort to save my mom from cancer, my father apparently made a deal that cost him ten years of his life.” Instead of looking anyone in the eye, the tall man stares at a spot on the floor.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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With an exaggerated and offended look, Kiki flicks Avery’s nose for stealing her smoothie. “I don’t know about ‘safer’. There seems to be a smoothie thief in our midst.” She says as she takes a second sandwich.

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Nero

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

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Nero has half a mind to flat out refuse Cassi, despite how helpful it will be to have her help them in return. However, as Nic briefly explains what’s going on, the demon emerges from their hiding spot. They tilt their head as Nic talks and glance at Cassi with a look of pity.

“I don’t know if I would be of any help with that…” Nero says even though they feel like Cassi could strike them where they stand. “But…” They lick their dry lips and glance up at Caden. “If we’re reaching out to Crowley anyway, he possibly would know the details.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassi slid her hand from Nic's hip to his lower back to hold him more securely. She looked back at Nero when they mentioned Crowley and she frowned.

”Why do you need to talk to Crowley?”

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery wiggled and rubbed his nose after Kimiko flicked it. He smiled innocently, stood, and walked towards the door.

”I could steal more than the smoothie, but fine. If you want to be thrown in with the rest of the wolves, by all means,” he said and opened the door.

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Caden

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

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Caden let go of Nero and rubbed his chin, mulling over this new development. He looked down at Nero and nodded in agreement before he looked at Cassi.

”Nero is being watched,” he said simply.

Cassi opened her mouth to speak and Caden held up his hand. ”Don't go there, Cassi. We are in a good place right now, I don't need to hear any childish I told you so’s.”

Cassi frowned and dropped her arm, deflated, and sipped her tea.

”Fine. When are you going to contact Crowley?”

”After training. You and Nero could gather the supplies they need,” Caden suggested.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic frowns a little at the revelation that Nero is having demon trouble. “And along with being the King of Hell, the pain in the ass is also the King of the Crossroads. He would know who holds your father’s contract.” The demon explains as Nic wraps his arms around Cassi, finding her touch to be comforting at this moment.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“I’m not awake enough to know what you’re referring to.” Kiki says in a grumpy tone. “But I don’t hear any tornados or thunder, so they must be playing nice right now.” She finishes the second sandwich.

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Nero

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

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Nero didn’t really want to share the fact that they’d brought more trouble to Caden’s doorstep, but they knew it would be brought up sooner than later. “We should do it off your property though. I don’t really want to broadcast where you live.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Nic becomes a steadying presence for Cassi. Not only is she giving him comfort, but she is also receiving it from him. The idea that Caden is in danger bothers Cassiopeia. She understands Caden can more than look after himself, but she is protective of him. Just as they all were when Kimiko was taken.

”You can't summon here anyways. The protection spells wouldn't allow for it. I assume you want me to go over those as well?”

”If you wouldn't mind. I reinforced the shields last night but the land could use your touch again,” Caden said.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery closed the bedroom door triumphantly and returned to the bed. He smiled happily when Kimiko finished her second sandwich.

”I think it's good she's here… I think she's really trying,” Avery mused. He laid back on Kimiko's bed and stared up at the ceiling.

”Also, if Nero is being hunted, having her with us would be better than having her against us.”

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Caden

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

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”We'll find a place to summon Crowley after training. Nic, are you ready?”

He noted how close Cassi and Nic were, he could understand the comfort the human was probably receiving from Cass, and was fine with leaving if Nic needed a few more minutes.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic takes a moment before he kisses Cassi’s forehead. “Try not to kill the demon.” He teases with a half smile before turning to give Caden a nod.

“I have a possible case to go over with you at some point as well.” Nic says over his shoulder as he heads for the gym.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“Oh definitely,” Kiki agrees before leaning over Avery to block his view of the ceiling with her face. “Now, what else were you going to steal besides my smoothie?” Gently, she taps his nose where she had flicked it earlier.

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Nero

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

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Nero regards Cassi with caution still. “Let me grab something that might help with things. I managed to nick a few books from my private collection in Hell. Maybe we’ll find some stuff in them to help Ren Wu.” Flashing a fake smile, they turn around and run back to the room.