Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL Skills:
The satisfaction Avery felt from Kimiko wrapping herself around him is immediate. He kissed her deeply as he held her, more than happy to keep holding her the way he was. The stress of the day seemed to fade away while Avery held Kimiko. He wasn’t worried about the barrier or where Caden might be. He wasn’t worried about the full moon tomorrow night or how Nero was doing. All that mattered was the woman in his arms.
Kimiko’s tongue traced Avery’s lips, and he sighed, parting them happily for her. Avery turned and took careful steps to the bed. He knelt on the edge before he laid Kimiko down, tangling his tongue with hers while sliding his hands up her body.
Cassiopeia Claire Alistair
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
”Mmm covered in the blood of my enemies, maybe?” Cassi asked, unable to resist. She let Nic pull her along, her attention completely focused on him. Nic always had a way of drowning out the world for Cassiopeia. One look at him and things quieted. Holding his hands or being in his arms was the perfect thing to bring her back to the present.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic gives it a moment’s thought, looking above Cassi’s head like he really needs to think it over. “I mean… what if they deserved it?” He teases lightly, his eyes wandering back to her face as they leave the room. His grin relapses into its prior lopsidedness. “Besides, after seeing you in that red dress tonight, I think the color really suites you.” He winks, his feet softly padding on the floor.
Behind Nic, Nero looks up with one cheek full of macarons and watches the two of them enter the room. “The sweets are mine.” They announce before adding, “I might be convinced to share them for a soul.”
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi grinned, her eyes lighting up. ”How is it I love you more than I did two seconds ago?” Cassi pulled Nic to a stop and kissed him deeply.
The sound of Nero's hoarding ways made Cassi laugh and pull back from Nic. She switched places with him and pulled Nic along with her arms behind her. She walked over to the set up of food.
”Fine. Then the whiskey is mine,” Cassi countered and looked sideways at Nero. At least she could laugh at Nero's poor joke about taking souls. That was progress right?
”What on earth are you wearing?” Cassi started at Nero, fully taking in their outfit. There was no way Caden bought that.
Caden
Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Caden walked in, handcuffed and escorted, into a sleepy little Chicago police station. At least it was sleepy by Chicago's standards. Half a dozen police officers walked about behind the desk, answering the ringing phones and talking to people on the other side of the desk. The bull pen held a smattering of cops milling about but when Caden walked in bloody and with an entourage, all conversation seemed to momentarily pause. Caden had the strong urge to make some salacious comment but the clearing of Detective Costa's throat had him holding his tongue and the rest of the police force getting back to work.
”Put him in one of the basement holding cells.”
Caden came to a full stop. The cop escorting him nearly fell over. Caden glanced at them before looking back at Costa as if to say, “yes, I am stronger than you.”
”You can't be serious?”
“Why wouldn't I be?” Costa crossed his arms and raised a questioning eyebrow at Caden. “You are a monster, something that shouldn't be. I have to treat you as such Caden. You fucked up and I have to make sure everyone here knows I'm following the book. So yes, you go downstairs to the isolated holding cells. You need to cool down and I need time to figure out the paperwork.”
Caden glared at the detective and Costa stared back. “Don't push me Caden. One of the protocols for you helping us was to give us some of your weaknesses. I don't expect the iridium to kill you but I do expect it to weaken you enough you won't be much trouble.”
”I wasn't going to be,” Caden growled.
“Good, but appearances must be kept.” Costa nodded to the cop holding Caden. They tugged on Caden but the dragon shifter didn't move right away. He glared at Costa a moment longer before turning away.
Caden stared at the floor while he was led downstairs and locked into a cell. As soon as the iron and silver imbued bars were closed, Caden felt lightheaded.
The dragon raged inside Caden's head, demanding they get out now. Iridium wouldn't kill Caden, but it would severely weaken him. Caden was already drained from shifting and using his magic so much that he could already feel the effects. Caden sat on the small cot in the corner that wasn't nearly long or wide enough for him. He leaned forward and rested his head in his hands, refusing to touch any of the iridium and spell infused walls.
Iridium - One of the few things known to be harmful to the Alpha Shapeshifter. Being stabbed with an iridium knife was very painful to him, similarly to how silver affects normal shapeshifters.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nero grins widely, obviously pleased with Cassi’s reaction. Nic peeks around Cassi and chuckles, shaking his head before pouring water into a couple of glasses. “What, you don’t like it?” They ask with a signature head tilt.
“I want… no I need you to drink this glass of water before you start chugging the whiskey.” Nic says, handing one of the waters to Cassi with an eyebrow raised as if asking her to argue. “Nero, I would try and force you but I still have no idea how your body actually functions.”
Nero, smothering some laughter from watching the human try and force the sorceress to do anything, grins at Nic. “Well, the body is dead already so it’s a toss up. Can anything truly make me more unalive?” Speaking of the clever social media term for ‘dead’, the imp pulls out their phone and starts watching Tik Toks, making sure the volume is low. They had receive a laugh from Cassi with the soul bargaining joke - there’s no need to undo all the progress the two are making in their friendship.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi looked away from Nero and opened a second bottle of whiskey. She poured herself a glass before answering Nero. ”I didn’t say that.” She went to take a sip of her whiskey when Nic presented her with a glass of water.
Cassi stared at the glass of water and then up at Nic. She lowered her glass of whiskey and cocked her head to the side. ”You do know I’m a three-hundred-year-old sorcerer, right? I can’t even remember the last time I was properly drunk." She sipped her whiskey and watched Nic over the rim of her glass.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nero gleefully takes the response from Cassi as Nic waits for an answer from her. He’s trying his best to be mindful of everything and not be overbearing, but he frowns at her response. “Humor me, please.” He lightly begs, still holding the water out to her.
“I won’t make you drink more water after this like I do with Jane or Kat, but I just want to make sure you’re properly hydrated… at least a little.” Nero watches Nic’s face shift into what can only be described as ‘puppy-dog eyes’ and they giggle before snuffing the sound with more sweets. “Also, Nero, I don’t think that statements makes me feel much better.” He says after a moment, glancing sidelong at the demon.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi stared at Nic for a moment longer. She could understand his concern but it wasn't needed. Cassi took another sip of her whiskey before she caved.
”Fine but it's incredibly unnecessary.” Cassi took the glass of water and drank most of it before she set both glasses down near a chair. She needed her hands free to get herself a plate of food.
Cassiopeia took notice of Avery and Kiki having not arrived and wondered if they were doing what she wished Nic and her would already do. Cassi angrily piled food onto her plate. And Nic wondered why she drank. She needed some sort of release.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic kisses the top of Cassi’s head swiftly after she finally gives in. “Thank you, my love.” He murmurs this to her rather than letting Nero be privy to their whole conversation. He starts gathering food as Cassi fills her own plate.
“Nero, would you like me to fix you a plate?” He asks, glancing at the demon as he finishes with his own. He’d gotten a little bit of everything, wanting to taste how everything had come out to see if he wanted more of something.
Nero shakes their head as they finish chewing on their latest little morsel. “No need to worry about me. I’m not so fragile that I need someone to take care of me simply because...” They say the first part bluntly before trailing off. Nic can guess that they can’t go on to speak about Caden at the moment. “Sorry, I know you’re just trying to help.” They mumble the apology before focusing on the tray in their lap. Nic glances away and at Cassi when he notices Nero is just staring blankly at the sweets now.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi sat on the couch and crossed her legs. She grabbed one of Caden's pillows to use as a little table and set her plate on top before she started to eat happily. The chicken was delicious and the pasta was rich. It looked to be an Italian meal and Cassiopeia scanned the liquor trolley for a bottle of wine that would pair nicely.
She heard Nic and Nero talking but didn't really pick up on the conversation until she heard Nero apologizing to Nic. Cassi looked back to catch Nic's eye. She had a silent conversation with him before looking at Nero.
”We need wine,” Cassiopeia set her plate aside and stood. ”You may be content with a sugar overload, but I need a little red for this delicious meal. Trust me Nic, it'll taste better. Nero, come help me find a good bottle downstairs.”
Caden
Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Time moved different in a jail cell. Caden wasn't aware of how long he sat in the cell before Costa came back. His dragon had grown silent, conserving energy likely once he realized Caden wasn't going to get them out of the cage.
“I've called Cassiopeia on your behalf. You'll be released then but not a moment sooner.”
Caden acknowledged the words Costa spoke but didn't comment. Costa hesitated a moment before leaving Caden in silence once more.
Caden wasn't sure if he was relieved she was coming or shamed. Would Nero be with her, he wondered?
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic looks up at Cassi, eyebrow cocked as they try to figure out the answer to this particular riddle. Is it punishment for being rude to her human? Why not go get the wine with Nic? “Okay…” They say slowly as they lift the tray of delicious sweets and set them down on the table after standing.
They shoot a look at Nic to see if he’ll give them any clues, but the human suspiciously covers his face with his glass of water and drinks innocently. They sigh before trudging over to Cassi. “I’m pretty sure you know more about wine than I do.” Nero tells the sorceress as they start walking towards the stairs to the basement level.
The imp had only been there a handful of times prior to this and had always been accompanied by Caden. Their mood turns more sour at the thought. Yes, I understand why he couldn’t stay there - he would’ve maimed most of us and killed Nic most likely. They think to themself, their head voice grumpy. But why hasn’t he come back yet? Nero stumbles over their own feet as their stomach drops, falling forward on their hands and knees.
“He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try and go to Hell, right?” Nero mumbles, wide eyes staring at the space on the floor between their small hands.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassiopeia tried not to smile at the exchange of looks between Nic and Nero. ”Do you not trust me, Nero? I thought we were friends now?” she teased. They finally got up and Cassi led the way downstairs.
Cassi ran her hand along the wall while she walked, humming the Nat King Cole song from earlier as she went. She glanced back at Nero when they spoke up and shrugged.
”Then consider it another lesson.” She kept walking until she heard Nero fall. Cassi turned, alarmed by why they just suddenly fell. Cassiopeia got down on the ground and rested one hand on Nero's back and the other over one of their hands. Nero's question made her pause.
Cassi let Nero go, sighed, and sat back on her heels. ”Not directly to Hell no, but he might try and find more answers for you. He usually comes back by the morning,” Cassi said, hoping her word choice would tell Nero that this wasn't the first time Caden had lost it.
Upstairs, Cassi's phone would start to ring. Detective Costa's name flashed across the screen. Unfortunately, Cassi was downstairs but Nic was right there.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nero glares at their hands, taking a moment before they sit up and look at Cassi. “That’s a relief at least…” They mumble as they use the back of their hand to wipe away tears they hadn’t realized before were falling. They turn their face away from Cassi, already feeling miserably weak at the moment.
“What did… What did you see?” Their voice is barely a whisper as they sit back on their bum and pull their legs close to their chest. The position doesn’t hide their trembling as well as they would hope. “Never mind, I probably don’t want to know, do I?”
Nicholas “Nic” Wu
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic watches the unlikely pair leave before he starts putting a cover over Cassi’s plate. His head jerks when Cassi’s phone goes off, startling him before his eyes narrow. Why would Detective Costa be calling right now? The human has a quick debate in his head before he decides to grab it and answer.
“Detective Costa, Cassi isn’t available right now. I can have her call you tomorrow if it’s urgent.” He goes to hang up before he hears the detective tell him to wait.
Nic presses the phone back to his ear, waiting. “I need to talk to her - we had to arrest Caden.” If anyone was around, they would have seen his face blanch at the news.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassiopeia looked away from Nero when she saw their tears. She didn't blame them for the tears or the vulnerability, but she could understand the imp not wanting to showcase. Cassi sighed and moved back to sit against the wall. Her own tears started to fall as the memory came back full force.
”I don't know if you want to, but it might give you the answers you are seeking.” Cassiopeia wiped her face and looked back at Nero. If they wanted to know, she would tell them, if not, Cassi would help them up and retrieve a bottle of wine.
“He broke into Cassiopeia's shop. It's locked up now and I've kept my people from entering but I can't keep them away forever. Caden made me promise to not let anyone in besides Cassi. I suggest you pack up whatever you are doing and head this way,” Costa told Nic.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nero glances sidelong at Cassi briefly before sighing. “…We might find more answers if we dipped into the memories again.” They say after a brief moment before resting their forehead on their knees. “Would not want to do that tonight, obviously, but… I heard Mundus in that moment…” A shudder runs through the imp and they try to shrug the ill feeling off.
“I don’t know how, I just could clearly hear him ordering… his children was the word he used… he told them to bow and welcome his mate…” When Nero looks up from their knees at Cassi, their pale face somehow looks closer in shade to a piece of paper with their two-toned eyes appeared as dead as the demon felt inside.
Nicholas “Nic” Wu
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic runs a hand through his hair, mumbling some Mandarin curses under his breath. “How much longer can you hold them off?” He asks, pinching the bridge of his nose as he begins to pace. Why in the hell would Caden need to break into Cassi’s shop in the first place? And why now?
Heaving a sigh, Nic stops to stare at the ceiling before answering Costa. “Listen, I’ll try my best and let you know.” He begins to head after Nero and Cassi.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi wasn't sure if telling Nero was the best idea, especially with how they looked. But she also understood that feeling of guilt or shame from something you had done in the past.
”You were chained to him. He stood over you and you were dressed in a very thin material. It was completely see through. The dark material contrasted with your skin to make you look like the night sky. The chamber was full of creatures. He had them bow to you, welcoming you as his mate… I don't know what happened, Nero but whatever it was… Whatever made you choose him first, all that matters is you, the you that you are now, is better than what you were then. You actually know what love and family is. What it means to have both with power. What you had then… That wasn't love. It was a perverted obsession. And I know Caden will get you out of it because we are all going to do whatever we can to get you out of it.”
Costa was silent on the other end of the line for a moment. “An hour, maybe two. Caden won't be released until Cassi comes to get him. I have to know if she wants to press charges as well. See that you do have her come, Nic,” Costa said and hung up the phone.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nero stares at a spot on the floor as Cassi speaks, trying to digest her words but also feeling themself disassociate. They know if they try, they can easily bring up the memory. Even just hearing Cassi repeat his words makes it feel like the chains are on them again. This is it; they can feel themself start to sink into the darkness as their humanity ebbs away…
Wait. Nero looks up at Cassi, their eyebrows cinching together as they hear her words. Their lips part in surprise, not believing their own ears as the sentiment behind what Cassi says wraps around their shoulders and break the chains binding them. “…You…” They start to say, struggling to find the right words to respond with.
“Cassi? I just got a call from Detective Costa…” Nero hurriedly wipes their face free from tears again, pulling the hood of their onesie over their head as the human makes his way downstairs and stumbles across the two of them. “Everything… okay…?” Nic asks, concern showing in his expression and voice.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassi wiped tears from her own face when she heard Nic. She wasn't sure what Nero was going to say. Maybe they were going to call her a bitch or a liar, maybe thank her. Cassi wasn't sure but it didn't matter much because what Nic said brought Cassi to the present.
”Everything’s fine. What did he want?” Cassiopeia stood up from the ground and moved to the wine cellar. Nero remained huddled on the ground, but Cassi wasn't going to force them to stand if they weren't ready yet. Likewise, Nic didn't need to know what had just happened. That was between her and Nero.
Avery Zain
Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL Skills:
Avery chuckled and kissed Kimiko's head. He rubbed his hand along her back, enjoying the lingering effects of the moment they just shared. ”I doubt it. But if they did, I don't much care.” Avery opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Kimiko. He smiled and wrapped his other arm around her.
”I'd much rather spend the evening with you than socialize.”
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Nic steals a glance at the demon still on the floor before quickly following Cassi into the wine cellar. He isn’t keen on giving the news for Nero to hear. “He said he had to arrest Caden after he broke into your shop… Apparently Caden also told Costa not to let anyone but you inside. Costa doesn’t think he can hold off his people for more than another hour or two…” He relays the news to Cassi in a soft tone. As curious as he is to know what he had interrupted between the two, he knows he needs to let it slide for now.
Kimiko “Kiki” Voss
Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL Skills:
Kiki’s eyes close for a moment as she enjoys the impromptu back rub with a small hum. She peeks an eye open at his words, cracking a small smirk when she catches him looking at her. She happily wraps her arms around him in return. “I’ll make sure the staff learns how little you care about the dinner they works so hard on.” She says with a soft giggle before burying her face in his chest and breathing his musk in deeply.
Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
Cassiopeia hunted through the wine shelves as she looked for a particular Italian wine she knew Caden had. She had just picked it up and was examining the label when Nic informed her of why Costa had called.
”He what?” Cassiopeia's eyes snapped up to meet Nic’s and listened to the rest of the story.
The idea that she had to be the one to enter her shop didn't sit well with her. Cassi tightened her hand on the neck of the wine bottle.
”I half a mind to sit here and let him spend a couple of nights in that jail cell.” Cassiopeia sighed and put the bottle of wine back. She took Nic's hand and walked out of the cellar and into the hall.
”Are you staying or coming?” Cassi asked Nero.
Avery Zain
Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL Skills:
Avery grinned and nuzzled in closer. ”Only if I get to tell them why I don't particularly care,” he said and kissed Kimiko's nose. He then proceeded to kiss the rest of her face before finding her lips.
Location: Caden & Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL Skills: Fit
“I think that’s a great idea, actually.” Nic says in response to Cassi. He’s of the same opinion that the dragon could use some time to reflect on his choices, but he has no idea if Caden would actually let that happen.
When they exit the cellar, Nero looks up. There’s some red rimming their eyes, but their face is dry now. They tilt their head at Cassi’s question before getting onto their feet. “So the piggy was calling about Caden?” They ask, matching pace with the two of them as they head back upstairs.
“Do you think I should?” Nero asks with their brow furrowed. On one hand, they can find out what exactly is going on. On the other hand, however, will they still have time to completely rearrange Caden’s office?
Kimiko “Kiki” Voss
Location: Caden & Nero’s House - Chicago, IL Skills:
Kiki huffs, shaking her head at her wolf and his stupid teasing. Her huff of laughter turns into giggling soon enough as Avery tries to kiss every inch of it. Just as she’s about to protest, her lips are captured and she happily kisses him back before laughing. “Of course you are, mon loup insatiable.”
