[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Yes, aren’t you?” Cassiopeia asked, giving Nic a look before she climbed into the SUV. ”Besides, I need to feed the cats.”

Cassiopeia buckled herself in before Nero thanked them all. She glanced at them before examining her nails. "What are the chances Crowley just wants an expensive bottle of whiskey? Or some artefact?"

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Caden

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Location: – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden had to agree with Nero. It wasn’t good hearing Mundus was still alive, even though Caden had a feeling that they were before Crowley confirmed it. Hopefully, the creature was still caged.

Caden drove back to the house, only feeling settled once he pulled into the driveway. He relaxed in his seat, resting a hand on Nero’s leg as he drove the last few feet to the front door. Caden parked and looked back at Nic and Cassi.

”Do you just want to take the SUV? It doesn’t feel like Avery is awake yet, and I don’t think you’d want him driving you anyway.”

Cassi raised her eyebrows with a silent question. Caden pulled his phone out and revealed the pictures of Nero’s prank to them.

”Oh my goddess, you didn’t? He’s going to be sooo pissed.” Cassi flipped through the photos and zoomed in. She knew it was bad, but it was hilarious. Cassi took the liberty of sending the photos to her phone before giving Caden back his phone.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Nic chuckles but nods his head in answer. As amusing as all the hijinx in Caden’s household are, he’d like nothing more than to take a lazy day with Cassi. He makes his way around the SUV and climbs inside just in time to hear Cass’ question to Nero.

“Low.” Nero seems to say honestly. If Nic concentrates enough, he can see how exhausted the imp appears, concluding that they didn’t have the energy to lie. “Even if he didn’t plan on all of us being there, he definitely got exactly what he wanted.”

Nic frowns at this, feeling a little unsettled all over again. “Is there a chance he’ll just have you work together to repay him? That might make it harder for him to try and trick you.”

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Nero

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

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Nero really commends Nic on his ability to stay optimistic, but they doubt Crowley will be that nice. Once they’re back at the house, Nero watches as Caden talks to Nic and Cassi before showing them their prank on Avery. They can only grin like the Cheshire Cat at how well their joke on the wolf is being taken. “Good thing he won’t be able to hurt me over it.” They declare.

“I’ll drive us, thank you for lending the SUV to us again.” Nic says, amusement clear on his face as well when he sees the photos.

“And I’ll try to get a video of Avery for you both to laugh at later.” Nero promises before hopping out of the car.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia got out of the car and watched Caden walk over. They looked at each other for a moment before Cassi closed the distance and hugged Caden tightly.

Caden tucked Cassi's head under his chin and rested his hand on the back of her head while the other rested on her back.

”It'll be okay, Mon amour.”

Cassiopeia sniffed and nodded. She pulled back and Caden gave her a look before looking at Nic and back. Cassi sighed and nodded.

”I know I know.” She looked around to see Nero and nodded. ”Thanks for your help,” she said before she turned to get into the front seat of the SUV.

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Caden

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

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Caden worried for his best friend. Neither of them ever expected to be in the position they were in now. However, they had each other plus a new support system. Caden rested his arm over Nero's shoulders and looked at Nic after Cassi had gotten into the car.

”Look after her, and when you're ready to summon the demon, call us.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic watches Cass and Caden as they embrace while he gets out of the SUV. He can tell that all of this is taking a toll on her and he wishes he could make it better for her somehow. Nic nods to Caden. “Of course.” He says before getting into the driver seat. He waves at Caden and Nero as he pulls out of the driveway and towards the city.

“Would you like to stop and get a drink?”

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Nero

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

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Nero’s eyes widen when Cassi thanks them, but they keep their teasing replies to themself for now. “Of course.” Nero responds simply. When Caden puts an arm around them, they lean into his side and close their eyes.

“Are you doing okay?” Nero asks after they hear the SUV leave.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia stared out the window while Nic drove back to her place in Chicago. She looked over at him when he asked if she wanted to stop. Cassi smiled and rested her hand on Nic's shoulder.

”No, I'm okay,” she assured him. She pulled her hand back and resumed looking out the window.

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Caden

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

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Caden watched the SUV disappear down the driveway before he answered Nero.

”I'm okay. Do you want to go check on Avery or Kimiko?”

A lot had transpired so far and the day was only half over. Caden felt tired but all he wanted to do was ensure all of his people were okay.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Mic glances over at Cassi frequently as he drives, unable to stop his worrying for her. Luckily the drive back to her place barely has any traffic and it’s not long before he’s pulled in front of Cassi’s condo. He puts the car in park before shifting to face her better,

“Penny for your thoughts?”

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Nero

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

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Nero nods, not quite satisfied that Caden is indeed okay, but not pushing it. “We should go check on Kiki - Avery’s sure to go straight to her when he wakes up. Oh, and don’t tell Kiki what I did - I want to see her reaction.” Nero rubs their palms together like a carton of an evil villain, wiggling with excitement again.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Try as she might, Kiki’s not able to get through much of the demonic text. On one hand she’s only understanding every other word while on the other hand she can’t stop thinking of Avery. She knows he’s just sleeping off the intensity of repairing their bond, but she’s tempted to go smack him awake. Or maybe dump a bucket of ice on him.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia unbuckled her seatbelt and looked over at Nic. She smiled slightly and opened up the car door.

”Inside. The children are starving,” Cassi said. As if on cue three heads popped up in Cassi's large window, batting back the curtains and opening their mouths in silent meows. Even Max was meowing, seeming more concerned than the other two.

Cassi got out of the car and headed up the steps to unlock the door. As soon as she opened the door she was greeted with yowling and whining.

”You'd think I abandoned you. My goodness. Yes, yes, calm down.” Max pawed at Cassi, refusing to leave until she picked him up. He started to purr instantly, watching her and where they were going.

Cassi didn't set Max down while she fed her cats and topped up their water. Eventually Max released her to feed himself but he didn't stay away from her for long.

While Cassi had a reprieve of deprived animals, she set the kettle and procured eight candles from seemingly nowhere. They floated through the house to separate corners. Once they had their place, they lit automatically. They were magiked and protected not to blow out or catch anything on fire.

”Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Cassi asked Nic.

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Caden

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

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Caden laughed but felt comfortable leaving Avery alone to check on Kimiko. He took Nero's hand and led them inside. He walked through the house to where they left Kimiko earlier to find her still there.

Caden walked inside and looked over the mess of books. ”I'm afraid to ask.” It didn't look like she had gotten very far.

[Donut Look Now]

hr]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Mic nods, a soft snort leaving his nose when he sees said children in the window. He grabs his and Cassi’s things from the SUV before following her to her door and heading inside. While the cats crowd around their mother, Nic gets to work putting stuff away and filling water bowls. Starstruck, he watches as the candles move through the air and light themselves.

“I’m fine with whatever you’re having.” Nic says in response to Cassi’s question. “What are the candles for?” He asks as Wayland meanders over and uses his leg to climb and stretch.

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Nero

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

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When they enter the library, Nero can’t help but smirk. Not only was there the pile of Nero’s books on one table, there were assortments of papers, parchment, and other books strewn about. Kiki is almost completely hidden by both the books and her laptop, which she furiously types away at.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Kiki looks up from her laptop when she hears Caden’s voice and pushes her glasses up her nose with a pencil as she pouts. She has her hair up in a messy bun with a couple of pens but blows a stray strand of hair out of her face. “I’ve been a bit distracted.” She finally admits before closing the book and pushing it away from her. “Besides, Xra’mban is incredibly difficult to translate.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia rummaged around in her cupboards until she found the jars of dried soup mix she had made a while ago. She grabbed a pot and poured water in before setting it on the stove.

She glanced at the candle she had in the corner before she scooped Max up and scratched his ears.

”Protection. My house is heavily warded, but the candles will add an extra little bit while we're here,” she said before she sat on one of the chairs at her kitchen table.

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Caden

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

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Caden picked up one of the texts and was able to read a couple of lines before he had to set the book down. He rubbed his forehead until the headache disappeared.

”Did you find anything promising? Nero can translate if need be. We just need to narrow down which books we should be looking at more thoroughly,” Caden explained.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic gives Wayland some scratches between his ears and under his chin before he moves to stand behind Cassi when she sits down. He starts to gently massage her shoulders, concerned that she might be holding too much tension and stress in her body.

“Better safe than sorry.” Nic says, kissing her head gently. “Thank you for getting the info for my dad, but I’m sorry you got cornered into a deal with him…” His thumbs start moving across the soft tissue of her back.

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Nero

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

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Kiki turns her laptop to show a couple lines translated but then what looks like keyboarding smashing that read as ‘aohdfghjadgpafbadbsFUCKsfjgksjdhkfghjbsdfgkFUCKER’. Nero sheepishly looks between her and Caden as he rubs his forehead, recognizing the toll translating demon text was having.

“If you’d like, I can translate and you can type, Kiki. Then we can leave the Enochian to Caden.” Nero suggests, taking the book Caden had just set down and opening it as they sit down.

Kiki looks from Caden to the imp to her laptop with its angry keyboard smash and nods.“That sounds like a much better plan… How did everything go with Crowley?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia shut her eyes when Nic started to massage her shoulders and neck. She sighed not wanting him to stop but also wanting him to just sit with her.

”Mmm, just sit with me, Nic. You can do that later if you really want to,” she said, tilting her head back to look at Nic.

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Caden

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

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Caden smiled and watched Nero sit down before Kimiko drew his attention. He sighed and pulled a chair out to sit down. Caden removed his jacket and draped it over the back of his chair before sitting and crossed his legs.

”It went as expected. We got some of our answers. However, Nero owes him a favour, and Cass.” Caden looked at Kimiko, knowing she knew just how much Cassi hated demons.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic peers down at her in confusion, his hands still massaging her shoulders gently before he gives up and takes the seat next to her. Wayland wastes no time in claiming his lap. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable on the couch?” He asks Cassi, one hand petting the cat while the other brushes her cheek. “I can be the one getting up to check the soup.”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Kiki observes Nero for a moment, watching their eyes move across the page rapidly as their lips mouth the words, before turning to look at Caden in shock at the mention of Cassi. “La puta madre.” Her gaze flicks back to Nero, whose eyes have narrowed in an expression of anger with a flushed face. Kiki can see that they’re trying their best to concentrate instead of letting themselves become frustrated.

“But not an actual deal, surely?” Kiki asks, hoping no one had to sell their soul just for information.

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Translations

phrase used for ‘oh shit’ or ‘fuck’

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Probably, but I want to look after you right now because I know you're going to want to look after I tell you what's going on. But we'll wait until lunch is served,” she said and patted his knee. She scratched Waylan’s head before continuing to pet Max.

”I didn't think I'd like having you with me today as much as I did,” Cassi confessed. ”It felt like we were a team.”

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Caden

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

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Caden watched Nero closely, ready to pull the book away from them if their expression got any worse.

”No, Cassi didn't give over her soul or agree to killing or hunting anyone down for him, but Cassi is the last of her kind and the most powerful. He could want anything from her.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic raises an eyebrow, not sure he really likes having to wait for whatever Cassi wants to tell him. When she changes the subject however, he perks up a little and nods. “I definitely liked being there to experience it firsthand rather than hear it later.” He pats her knee in return.

“Even if that Crowley fellow is a prick, I was glad I could be there, even if it was just for moral support.” Nic has dozen questions he wants to ask about the demon, but he keeps them in his head for now.

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Nero

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

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Neros fingers tighten on the book a little. There are too many variables that the imp can’t quite put together in order to find an answer and it’s frustrating them. They read the words in the book, but none of the information sticks.

“Well, there’s a silver lining, I guess.” Kiki says with some relief in her tone.

Nero puts down the book, recognizing that they’re not going to find anything useful right now. “And right after what she discovered in my memories.” They say with their jaw clenched. Kiki glances at Nero before looking at Caden.

“…Do I want to know?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”He is, but he's also one of the most powerful demons. I enjoyed how protective you got over me, even though I did worry you were going to do something stupid,” she teased, watching him.

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Caden

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

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Caden held up a finger to Kimiko, silently asking her to wait a moment before he captured Nero's hands.

”What are you having difficulties with?” He could very clearly see the frustration right now. Caden wasn't sure if it was overstimulation or something they had read that was upsetting them. Caden wanted to understand what Nero was thinking, so he knew how to help.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic grins lopsidedly at Cass. “He has such a punchable face, I barely was able to stop myself.” He half-jokes, knowing that if given the opportunity, he gladly would have punched him.

“Also, I was worried you were going to strike him down where he stood.”

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Nero

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

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Kiki leans back in her chair, mouth shut as Nero looks up at Caden and sighs. “I don’t know. I’m frustrated that either of us had to strike a deal with Crowley, but I’m mad that Cassi had to.” Nero scribbles down on a sticky note ‘History of the Morningstar’ to put on the book for ease of translation.

“I’m angry that Crowley knew of my history and actively hid it from me. I hate that I’ve just been a pawn for so much of my life, both as a human and as a demon.” Nero’s fists clench as they glare a hole into the table. Kiki shoots another glance at Caden, this time with a concerned expression.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia laughed and nodded. Crowley definitely did have a punchable face. She hated very much that he was Scottish. As if having any more ties to him was comforting.

Cassi scratched Max's head one more time before kissing her familiar's head. She set him down and he stretched before finding a nearby perch. Cassi stood and kissed the top of Nic's head before she went to add in the soup stock and mix.

”I wasn't going to hit him, but I did feel the storm close. You grounded me, though. Even if I did feel a little weak in the knees. Which definitely wasn't the right emotion to have,” she admitted, still feeling slightly embarrassed.

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Caden

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

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Caden couldn't help but smile when Nero said they were frustrated Cassi had to make a deal as well. Caden already knew Nero didn't mind Cassi, maybe even liked her and wanted her friendship, but hearing that Nero was expressing emotions for her made him happy.

”It sounds like you need to work your frustrations out, because unfortunately, all of those things are out of our hands and have already happened. But your feelings are still valid. I suggest breaking things. Kimiko already damaged the training room. You could continue in there if you like,” Caden offered, trying to bring some humour into the situation while providing a possible solution.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic smiles when Cassi laughs, glad to hear the sound. He gets to his feet to follow Cass as she goes to the stove. He returns her kiss, pressing his lips to her head this time. “I disagree, I think any moment I make you weak in the knees is the right emotion.” He teases before he goes on. “I was trying to to help ground you, so I’m glad it worked.” He rests his chin on her head as the broth and mix start to fill the kitchen with a pleasant aroma.

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Nero

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

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Kiki snorts before she can stop herself and the corner of Nero’s lips twitch in a smile. They look up at Caden with an impish expression. “Sounds like you might want to ask your contractor and his team to stick around a little longer.” They can’t stay too upset around him - he had that sort of affect on them whenever he was near that melted away their stress.

“I think we ought to leave the training room the way it is as a warning to Avery though.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia stirred in the mixtures before she turned the stove down to keep it from boiling over. ”Is your head so heavy that you need to use me as a leaning post?” she asked teasingly.

Truthfully, Cassi didn't mind. She enjoyed that Nic liked to be that close to her even though it was new for her. She valued her own space and the comfort as well as growth that came from that. But it had been a while since she had someone to share that with aside from Caden. It was far different to share one's time and space with a partner than it was with a friend.

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Caden

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

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”Alright, perhaps another room you want renovated then,” Caden suggested. He squeezed their hands before looking over at Kimiko. ”How long are you going to let Avery stew by the way? Not that he doesn't deserve it, I'm just curious.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Nic smirks and starts to put more of his weight on Cassi. “It’s just so exhausting,” He says with a fake yawn. “No one told me all these compliments would all go to my head.” He continues with a dramatic sigh. He starts to slump onto Cass as if he were a backpack.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Kiki watches Nero nimbly climb out of their seat and plop themselves in Caden’s lap before looking at Caden. “I don’t even know,” She answers with a heavy sigh before propping her head up on the table using her elbow.

“How long should I let him suffer?” She asks instead.