[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”You think? What gave it away?” Cassi asks, Nero smirking.

Nero leans forward, and I shift in my seat, but they catch themselves and walk around the office with their hands. I cock my head to the side completely. ”You are such a strange little imp.” Costa walks back in, completely ignoring Nero.

Cassi wiggles in her seat. I can see her wanting to protest having the vigil in a police station, but I lean forward and speak. ”Thank you, Detective. I’ll make the arrangements. Cass?”

She also thanks the detective and stands, and I follow her out.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Police Station - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I send a grin at Costa and wave to him as we leave before I prance to catch up to Caden and Cass. “Ich bin dein seltsamer kleiner Kobold.” I tell Caden as I loop my arm with his.

”Where to first, Energizer-Häschen”

Translations

I’m your strange little imp // Energizer Bunny

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I pat Nero’s hand as we leave the station. Cassi gives me a look when Nero uses their new nickname for her. I shake my head and look at Nero. ”Ich denke, du bist der Energizer-Hase. Du kannst niemals still sitzen.”

Cassi has gone ahead and is on the phone by the car. She’s talking rapidly and nodding before relief crosses her face, and she hangs up the phone.

”Okay, they are going to deliver a bunch of flowers here as well, so it’s a bit more comfortable for the overnight vigil and not so, grey,” she says, frowning at the police station. ”Can you call your contact?”

I chuckle but oblige her and pull out my phone to make a few phone calls.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi’s House – Chicago, IL
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I look back at my phone and pull up Nic’s number. I think about calling but I opt for just texting him.

Good news! Your dad can have his overnight vigil. We had to compromise, though. Caden offered to have security. They won’t be in the room with your dad, of course, but they’ll be inside and around the building.

Translations

I think you're the energizer bunny. You can never sit still.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Police Station - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“Stillsitzen ist langweilig.” I pout, but ultimately oblige. When Caden starts making his phone calls, I turn to Cass. “Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask her. It would help with repairing the bridge between Nic and me.

Translations

Sitting still is so boring

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Nic Wu

Location: Cemetery - Chicago, IL
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I’m talking to the funeral home at the cemetery when I feel my phone vibrate. On the off chance that it might be my dad, I excuse myself for a moment. When I pull out my phone and see the text from Cassi, I have to read it several times before I fully realize what she’s done for my family. I think of teasing her by saying my dad will now officially be on her case to become his daughter-in-law, but resist. You’re incredible and amazing. Please let me know how I repay you. I sent before heading back to the director to go over details.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I look at Nero a little sideways, puzzled that they want to help, but then I genuinely try to think. [color=#DB7093]”I don’t think so… We just have to go to Chinatown, and then I need to find some appropriate caterer, but Caden might have another number for that.

Nic replies, and I smile, shaking my head a little. Just let me know when your dad would like to start his vigil.

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I somehow luck out and find a master who is willing to work on short notice and in peculiar circumstances. I thank them in perfect Mandarin before hanging up.

”Good news. I found a Master. They just want to know when Mr. Wu will be here so they can meet with them, but they need to find a suitable location for the burial.” It was too late for the date, time, and funeral service to be chosen, but this could be at least done for them.

Cassi practically leaps into my arms as she hugs me, thanking me profusely. I laugh a little and hug her back tightly. ”Of course, mon amour.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I nod at Cass’ response, feeling a little useless at the moment, but that’s to be expected when I’m not typically topside. I tug on my earlobe as I try to think of something nice I could do for the human when Caden reveals he’s successful in finding this ‘master’. I tilt my head as I watch the two hug and get another twinge of envy at their friendship. Emotions are such weird things. I step closer to the two with my hands behind my back, an idea forming.

“Could I provide some furniture for the Wu’s, maybe? I have some pieces that might be comfortable then what the police could provide.”

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Nic Wu

Location: Cemetery - Chicago, IL
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I finish up with the director of the funeral home and head out to the next errand when another text comes in. I smile, still elated that Cass was able to pull this off. I’ll ask him as soon as I get home. Thank you again, I really appreciate it.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I release Cassi from the hug and smile at Nero. ”I’m sure they would appreciate that.” Cassi nods in agreement and checks her phone.

”Okay, we still have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in. Let’s go. Caden, do you know a good caterer?” Cassi asks as she gets into the car.

I chuckle and nod before turning my attention to Nero. I take a step closer to them, closing the distance between us.

”Was denken Sie?” Nero seemed distant, but also determined to help. I wanted to make sure they were okay.

Translations

What are you thinking?

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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I start thinking of some loveseats and things that I have that could work, making a mental list in my head when Caden comes over. I look down at my feet, shifting my weight as I fidget. “Ich möchte nützlich sein.” I say in a small voice. I wasn’t jealous because that would be irrational. I tell myself before I look up and smile at Caden. “Wir sollten gehen, bevor sie ungeduldig wird.” I say with a nod towards his car and Cass.

Translations

I want to be useful / We should get going before she gets impatient

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I look back at the car, hesitating but I nod. ”Okay. Je schneller wir alles erledigen, desto glücklicher wird sie sein. Dann werden wir etwas Freiheit haben.” I kiss Nero’s cheek before taking them back to the car, and then we are on our way to Chinatown to get these little white envelopes Cassi says we need.

”What are they for?”

”Donations. Everyone in attendance gifts the family money. But it starts at $101 and goes up from there, but only odd amounts. I’m not entirely sure why.”

Translations

OK. The faster we get everything done, the happier she will be. Then we will have some freedom.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Nodding, I give him a small smile after he kisses my cheek. ”It’s folklore,” I say in response to Cass. ”Good things come in pairs, bad things come alone. It’s to try and make sure that the death is not going to be accompanied by another.” I don’t remember when or where I learned about it, but her talking about it brought the fact to the forefront of my mind. I take a peek at Caden from my seat.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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”Oh…I like that, actually. Thanks, Nero.” Cass goes back to typing and looking things up on her phone. I smile and rest my hand on Nero’s leg this time.

”Attraktiv und kompetent. Ich Glückspilz,” I say. We navigate our way into Chicago’s Chinatown. I find a strip-mall of sorts with several markets and novelty stores. Cassi should find what she is looking for here. We all get out, and Cassiopeia dashes ahead to start scouting the stores. I lean against the car, smiling and nodding at people who look as they pass. I greet a few in Mandarin before pulling my phone out. I feel somewhat at home in Chinatown. I did some schooling in China once upon a time and fell into the folklore of dragons. I look at Nero and smile.

”Do you want to wander around with Cassi?” I dial a number for one caterer and put the phone to my ear, but I’m still focused on Nero.

Translations

Attractive and knowledgeable. Lucky me.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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My ears warm at the compliment and I put my hand on his after he places it on my thigh. It’s not long until we’re at our destination. I tilt my head at Caden’s question. ”I feel like I would just slow her down, but… I should try making friends, right?” I ask him in return. She’s someone important to Caden which means if I do stay in his life, I should make an effort.

Not waiting for an answer, I hop up to kiss him on the cheek. “If I go missing, you better come find me.” I tell him with a wink and a smile before I bound after where Cassi’s run off to.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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Nero dashes off after Cassiopeia, and I take my fill of them walking away before I concentrate on the person talking to me. I give them brief details about the situation and acknowledge that it is very last minute.

”Whatever you could provide would be enough,” I assure them.

“It is no problem. I am intrigued by the challenge. We’ll see you tomorrow.” They hang up, and I relax against the car. I’ll go in and find Cassi and Nero eventually, but I wanted to give them some time.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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I buzzed up and down aisles, looking this way and that for what I was looking for. I was so preoccupied that I ran into Nero.

”Omph. Hey! Oh, Nero. Keep up,” I pat them on the arm before I resume my search.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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It’s not hard to find Cass - she literally walks into me as soon as I’m near. With a chuckle, I follow her. “White envelopes, right?” I ask. Since I can’t look over the aisle shelves, I opt to look at the lower shelves that usually get ignored while trying to keep up with Cass. “Are we looking for a specific size or just anything on the smaller side that would fit money?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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”Something that’ll just fit money, maybe a cheque. Should we get some candies, too? I feel like we’re missing something,” I mutter. I continue to search the shelves, and my phone for anything else needed at traditional funerals.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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I tap my chin as I think and follow Cass in her search. “Is there anything specific they might want or need for tonight’s vigil?” I ask and then my eyes land on our prize. “Ja! Will these work?” The envelopes are similar to the little manilla package envelopes, just under 4x7 inches. I grab a package and show it to Cass.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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”Um candles? I called the florist, and they are going to send flowers to the station as well.” I’m looking at a bowl for a possible offering plate when Nero exclaims. I look over and grin.

”Yes! These are perfect. Let’s get a couple of packages just in case.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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Grinning, I give her a mock salute before grabbing a couple more of the packages. ”Do the candles need to be white too? Or a specific type or height?” I ask as I resume my short person task of looking at the lower shelves.

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Nic Wu

Location: - Chicago, IL
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Finally home, I take a moment to talk with my dad and let him know the news Cass had given me. He breaks down completely, sobbing and thanking her profusely as if she’s there. I sit down to be on his level, resting a hand on his shoulder as he weeps. “She wants to know what time you’d like to be there.” I say as I reach and grab a box of tissues off an end table. I hand them to my dad, about to cry just from seeing him sob. He nods and blows his nose before he answers me.

“Can we start at seven? Will that be okay?” I chuckle and nod, already getting a text ready for Cass.

Dad wants to know if we can start at 7PM tonight. Will that work?

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”White for sure. Colour or red is only allowed for people who have died after 80. It’s a celebration of long life. Which is beautiful if you think about it, which makes this harder… But ya, they have to be white. I’m not sure of the height. Maybe we could ask the shopkeeper?”

My phone buzzes, and I step back to check the message. That’ll be perfect! Caden can have a car sent if you need it.

”Okay, we have until 7pm to have everything in place,” I tell Nero and put my phone away.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I nod in response, now looking for someone who could be a shopkeeper while simultaneously looking for these candles. I start hearing what I assume is Mandarin in another aisle and I jump up high to check if I can see who it might be. I make a run for it and find an older lady talking with another customer, just finishing up. I tap on her shoulder with hope that she speaks English, German, or even Latin at least.

”Are you the shopkeeper? My friend and I have some questions if you could help us.” I say with my best ‘I’m a human please help me’ expression. My luck has run out though, it seems the lady does not speak English as she tries to respond in another language.

”Hey, Cassi, do you happen to know any other languages?” I call out towards where I last saw her as the poor lady keeps trying to speak to me.

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Nic Wu

Location: - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Smiling at her response, I try to reply quickly. That would be great if it’s not a burden. Otherwise it’ll be my dad riding my handlebars :P My dad has gotten up up the floor, determined to get everything else started that we would need for tonight.