[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I take the book from Caden, ignoring the suggestive look in his eyes. I set the book in the middle of the circle of candles and take the rest of the sandalwood concoction along with the added bit of Nic’s hair. This time I speak in Gaelic rather than Latin to draw the correct rune on the book. The candles flare slightly and then go out.

I pick up the book and open it. I grin. ”Once upon a time, there lived a fierce dragon.” I read and handed it to Caden next.

Caden chuckled, looking at the book to keep reading. ”The dragon lived an isolated life until a princess was sent to the dragon's tower to be guarded.” He handed the book back to me, and I gave it to Nic.

When Nic opened the book, the first page would read, Treaty 1: This Treaty acknowledges the official relationship between the human and supernatural communities of Illinois. It went on from there, but I saw something different.

I sat back on the couch beside Nic while he looked over the book, and I read what I saw instead. ”Now the princess did not want to be guarded; she wanted to be free, but her parents wanted her protected.” I smiled. ”There, now you have a book that is a fairytale to anyone but you.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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Even despite the awkward hiccup from earlier, I still hold Cass in high regards, mesmerized as she works. The two of them prove that her spell works and when I look at it, I can see what looks like official paperwork rather than a fairytale. I turn to look at Cass as she talks and returned her smile. ”Okay, but what if I want to read the fairytale too?” I joke, hoping to ease any tension before I take a more serious tone.

”Thank you both for trusting me with this - with your world. I promise to protect it just as you two do.” And I mean it - if the rest of their world has even half of their decency, it doesn’t terrify me as much as it did before.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smile and shake my head. ”Not allowed, I’m afraid.” I pick up my wine glass and relax on the couch. I took a sip, looked at the book in Nic’s hands and nodded.

”We’re trusting you with our secrets, with our lives,” I tell him seriously. Caden nods in agreement.

”The world may like reading and writing about us in stories, but it is another thing to be knowingly living with a dragon or a sorcerer or a vampire.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I nod, understanding them both and making a mental note that there are dragons too? Finishing off my wine, I set the empty glass down and take a deep breath. ”My dad and I will be having a small service for my mom the day after tomorrow. I know he’d appreciate if you two can make it. No pressure, of course, but it’ll just be the two of us and some close friends, so the crowd will be small.” I stare a the leaf of one the plants, zoning out on it and chewing on my lip as I wait for a response.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I glance at Caden, and he looks back at me, deferring to my answer this time. I tap the side of my glass, wondering if it is really appropriate. I look at Nic, seeing him staring intently at a plant.

”Of course we’ll come. We’re sorry we weren’t able to find the creature sooner.” Even though it was out of our hands. The police didn’t ask us to be on the case until after Nic’s mom had turned up dead, but Mr. Wu was still missing. At first, the police suspected Mr. Wu had something to do with the killings, but Caden pointed out the markings, and then we got asked to consult.

I couldn’t believe the police, even though Nic’s father was capable of something like that. I hoped Nic didn’t know that… He didn’t need to know that.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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My eyes snap to Cass and I smile at her sadly. ”No need to apologize. I appreciate you both more than you can imagine.” I glance between them both. ”Actually, you probably could - it’s easy to forget how… experienced? You both are?” I fumble over my words. ”What I mean is thank you.” I awkwardly give a bow of my head.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Caden and I laughed but nodded in understanding. ”Of course, we’re happy to help. Always. And thank you for the wine. This is delicious,” Caden said, saluting Nic with his glass.

I smile into my glass before finishing it off. It does have a lovely taste that counters the meal we had. It was a nice way to finish it off.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I feel my ears warm, but I smile at their reaction. ”I’m glad you liked it.”I tell Caden. ”Can I help with dishes or anything?” I don’t want to leave him with all the mess since his staff took the night off. I would need to go home eventually though, otherwise I’d end up owing the biggest favor to Jane.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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”Oh, no. It’s fine,” I assured him. ”If that’s all the questions you have tonight, though, I can have Avery pull around to take you two home,” I offered.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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”I think it’s all the questions… for now.” I let out a short laugh and rub the back of my neck. ”I’m sure I’ll have more, but I’ll at least give it a week.” I grinned at Caden before looking over at Cass. ”Are you ready to go home?” I ask her, not wanting to force her back early if she wanted to stay longer, Jane be damned.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Ya, I should get back and see what sort of shenanigans the cats got into. I don’t usually leave all three unattended.”

Caden started to laugh and stood. ”Take pictures. I want to see the state your home is in,” he teased me. He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Avery.

I frowned and stuck my tongue out at Caden. ”Well, not all of us like living in mausoleums, old man.” He just grins and winks at me — infuriating man.

”If you have any questions, Nic, make sure to write them down in that notebook of yours. If you don’t think they can wait, feel free to call me or Cassiopeia beforehand. Send Cassi the details for the memorial, and we’ll be there.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I watch their banter with a smile before I stand up myself. I nod to Caden. ”I planned to, don’t worry. And yeah, I’ll get the details to her as soon as i can.” I held out my hand to Caden. ”Thank you again for hosting me.” I tell him.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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

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”You’re welcome anytime,” I assured Nic. I shook his hand in return. I look at the table and then back at Cassi. ”Are you going to clean up your mess?”

She grumbled but waved her hand. The candles remained on the table to cool, but the mortar and pestle were magically cleaned and put away, as well as the scissors and ladder.

”I should have magicked them into your bed,” she stated. I laughed.

”That would have been entertaining,” I said, leading them from the sunroom back into the main hall.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I chuckled. ”Remind me to stay on your good side.” I say to Cass as we enter the main hall of Caden’s home. I see the car out front and give a little wave to Caden as I make my way over, giving him and Cass a moment if they need it. I slip into the back seat and smile warmly at the driver, Avery as I start to put my things back into my bag.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden’s House ---> Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile softly at Nic’s comment and tuck my hair behind my ear. He walks on ahead once we step outside. I watch him go before looking at Caden.

”Well I think that went well,” I stated. Caden remained silent for a moment, and my anxiety started to climb. It went alright… Didn’t it?

He turns and looks at me seriously before pulling me into a hug. ”It’s okay to trust other people, mon amour. You and I have been through a lot. We deserve a little happiness every fifty years or so, don’t we?”

I’m hugging Caden back, listening to his words, and as they sink in, I hug him tighter. ”I know… I’m just scared.”

”I know, love. I know. You’ll always have me, but it’s okay to want others, too.” He kisses the top of my head before releasing me. ”I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a fun drive, and give Nic my number.”

I nod and look back at the SUV. I sigh, making my way down the steps, and get into the SUV. Once I’m buckled, Avery drives away.

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Caden

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

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I watch the car disappear down the drive, enjoying the fresh air for a moment before I turn back. Cassiopeia was the most closed-off person I had ever met. She was a shy child, but that shyness became an aggressive reservation for trusting people. I truly hoped she would relax and trust Nic. He seemed to truly care for her. Even though he hardly knew her, I didn’t suspect him to walk away from her once she revealed everything.

I returned to the sunroom to gather the wine bottles and glasses before going to the dining room. I piled everything onto a tray and used the dumbwaiter to send everything down to the kitchen. I made quick work of this, wanting to return upstairs. The longer I took, the more electrical tension built in my body. I wasn’t entirely sure I would be sleeping tonight.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I smile at Cass gets into the vehicle. ”Alright, how’d I do?” I ask once she’s settled and the car started down the road. ”Did I do alright?” I lean back in my seat a little and hang my arm on the back of the seat, stretching out just a bit.

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Nero

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

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I’m sure I heard them leave, but it was hard to hear anything clearly in this house. Why is that? Knowing Caden will probably be making his way back soon, I start prancing through this side of his home to try and find a good hiding place. Once again thanking myself for the tiny body, I find a floor cabinet and climb into it, neatly tucking myself in. I have to put a hand over my mouth, wanting to giggle uncontrollably already.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I look at Nic and frown, a confused smile on my lips. ”What do you mean? You did fine,” I said, laughing at him.

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Caden

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

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I eventually get the food packed away, and the main serving dishes cleaned. The others I slipped into the dishwasher, knowing they were safest to go there without damage. Thankfully, my staff had cleaned all the dishes used for the cooking, so I didn’t have to worry about that.

I wash up my hands after finishing putting away food and washing dishes before I make my way upstairs. I whistle a little tune, slinging my jacket over my shoulder as I make my way down the hallway. Of course, I make my way straight to my bedroom's closed doors and open both of them — to an empty room. I walk inside, tossing my jacket onto a nearby chair.

I peek my head into the bathroom and closet, before walking around my bedroom in a circle. A slow smile creeps across my face, and my eyes shift to pick out small details.

”Komm raus, wo immer du bist,” I call, stepping back out into the hallway. I never minded a little game of cat and mouse — as long as I won.

Translations

Come out wherever you are.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I chuckle. ”I dunno, I have the same butterflies in my stomach that I would get after an interview.” I pat my stomach as I say this. ”Like, is the Justice League gonna let me join their cool club or not?” I smile at Cass.

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Nero

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

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I can hear as Caden makes his way back and the doors of his bedroom open. When he calls out in German, I place both hands over my mouth to stop the laughter from escaping. A little thrill runs up my spine at the tone in his voice. I’m definitely pushing my luck with this prank, but I’m going to enjoy it very much. I scoot as far back as I can in the cabinet, stopping once my lower back hits the back of the enclosure.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I laugh again and shake my head. ”The Justice League? I think we are a bit darker than that. More vigilante, even though we work with the police. Honestly, they call us into the jobs they won’t do,” I state. ”But yes, Nic, I don’t know why you’re worried, but you did fine. Just be smart, and don’t go off solving mysteries on your own.”

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Caden

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

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I check the bedroom next to mine, looking in the bathroom, armoire, and under the bed. My eyes sharpen like an Owl’s as I scan for any slight anomaly. Nothing seems out of place or shifted in this room. I walk back out into the hallway.

”Ist das etwas, was Dämonen gerne zum Spaß tun? Oder sind Streiche etwas Besonderes für Sie?” I call out again once I am in the hallway. I could shift my ears to hear more clearly, but that would ruin the fun. Changing my eyes was cheating enough.

I walk down the hallway and enter my receiving room.

Translations

Is this something demons like to do for fun? Or are pranks something special for you?

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

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

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I grin and give her a little mock salute. ”Aye, aye cap’n” I tell her before leaning my head back and closing my eyes. ”Thanks for trusting me.” I say with a little hum.

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Nero

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

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I’m shaking with silent laughter. I want to answer back and tell him that I’ve made enemies of most other demons for my pranks, but I don’t want to risk it. Instead, I try to quiet my breathing to hear where Caden is now.