[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Chinatown —> Driving – Chicago, IL
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Ah. I nod in understanding and pat Nero’s leg before I pull away and drive out of Chinatown.

”How about we get some lunch? And then I’ll take you to the station, Cass.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Chinatown – Chicago, IL
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”Ya, sure,” I agree, but I’m in my own world at the moment. I know to Nero, it seems silly, but there’s a lot more going on in my head than a boy trying to flirt with me.

We’ll see you at 6:30 I send, effectively ending the conversation for now.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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I glance between Cassi and Caden before turning back around in my seat to face the front. From the leg pat and context clue, I’m guessing it’s something I wouldn’t quite understand without a better explanation. ”Uh, I’m sorry for teasing you, Cassi.” I say in an attempt to show her I’m not just here to make fun of her.

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Nic Wu

Location: - Chicago, IL
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‘We’ll?’ Is she planning to go with us? I frown a little but send a little thumbs up emoji. My dad and I have some things to take care of before tonight.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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”It’s fine, Nero. I shouldn’t be so uptight. It’s just… It’s a long story for another time.” I say.

I fall silent in the backseat, and Caden turns on a little bit of music. He weaves in and out of traffic, but I barely register how fast we are going. Or when he puts the bag of fast food in my lap. I barely realize we’ve made it to the police station until the car door opens up.

I shift in my seat and go to get out, but Caden is there, crouched in front of me. He places his hands on my knees and looks at me with those soul-searching eyes. I hate those eyes.

”I’m fine, okay? Nic was just flirting, and then Nero needed my phone, so I didn’t respond to Nic, and then he panicked and said something that he really shouldn’t have, and then I just… Shut down. It’s fine. I’ll be fine.” I grab my food, and Caden hesitates before I give him a look. He stands and helps me out.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”We’ll be back soon to offload the furniture. The food for Mr. Wu should be here in a couple of hours,” I tell Cassi. She nods, waving me off. I watch her walk into the police station before I get back into the car and look at Nero.

”She’s too stubborn for her own good. Damn Scots blood,” I curse before peeling away from the station, speeding down the road. ”So, where am I going?” I haven’t been to Nero’s, so I’ll need directions of some kind.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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The car is awfully quiet and I fidget in my seat often until we drop Cassi off with the police. ”I still don’t get it.” I say before I give Caden my address and basic directions. ”Why is she being stubborn?” I don’t really expect Caden to answer - this is probably something I will just have to be confused by. ”Make a left up here.” I say as we finally leave the city and are headed towards Caden’s side of town.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”That’s something I can’t tell you, but I can tell you this. Cassiopeia and I were betrothed when we were both quite young. We tried to make it work, dated even. I courted her for quite a while, and we were happy,” I say, smiling as the memories sweep through me. ”But the only reason we were fated to be married was because of who we are and what our families wanted. Power. I am not a normal shapeshifter; I am stronger and different. My family line is different, and Cassi, well, Cassi, was destined to be the strongest of her coven. I’ll let her tell you about that when she wants to, though. Anyway, Cassi and I decided to break off the engagement. We loved each other but didn’t want what our families wanted. When we told our families, it caused a massive rift within the communities. We ran. After that, on top of a few other ill-timed and destined events, Cassi has a difficult time putting her desires first. Even if there so clearly is an opening for her to be happy, and both sides want it, she’ll still suppress it.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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I frown, fidgeting as I try to run it through my head again. I remember when this was mentioned briefly the first time I was over at Caden’s. ”But if you were both happy then, why did it matter if it was what your families wanted?” I tilt my head, still confused. ”Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re free for me to be devious with,” I shoot him a wink before I tug on my earlobe. ”I’m sorry, I promise I’m not trying to be dense on purpose.” I bite my lip, brow furrowed, That isn’t all though, the envy I felt from earlier is rearing its head again. ”Third left is mine.” I tell Caden.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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I reach over and take Nero’s hand. I kiss the back of it, smiling. ”You aren’t being dense.” I take the turn smoothly and continue to talk while I can. ”We were happy, and then we weren’t. The pressures put on us by our families and the fact that we never had a chance to love another contributed to us breaking off the engagement. Cassi had her own reasons, but I can’t tell you those. We were betrothed at birth. I am several years older than Cassiopeia, but our fates were sealed when her prophecy was read — at least according to our families. If Cassiopeia and I had married and bore children, a new species would have been created essentially. Her rare magic, which not even her ancestors possess, and my ability to shift partially or fully and to be able to shift into a dragon. My ancestors each have a human form and a secondary form. Mine is a dragon, which was a rarity, and now, like Cassi, I am the last of my kind. There are shapeshifters, yes, but they are of a lesser line. They are born in one form and shed their skin to possess another. I don’t shed my skin; I simply shift. And my dragon form possesses their own magic and abilities. So, I have three times the amount of power. Our families coveted what Cassi and I had and wanted to create something new. So, you see, we were in love, but we weren’t our own selves. We were little more than chattel being pushed this way and that to serve a greater purpose.” I parked the car behind the moving truck that was already there and shut the car off. I looked at Nero. ”Neither one of us wanted to be told what to do, but neither of us thought dismantling our union would tear so many apart.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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I sit still in my seat for a few moments, something that’s not common of me to do, as I mull over it all and try to find the right words. Some of the puzzle pieces are coming together and the unique power that both Caden and Cassi possess starts to make sense. I chew on my bottom lip before I finally respond. “I don’t like being told what to do either, so that part I can understand…” I stare at my lap before I look at Caden. ”I still have so many questions but… I think I’m starting to understand at least.” I see one of my demons start to make his way over here in a tall beanstalk of a body. ”Besides, I want the peons to get to work, not watch us.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”I'll answer as many of them as I can. Cassiopeia's story will be able to fill in some of the holes as well, but I can tell you more about my family if that will help.” Most people I've come across don't know as much about me and my history as Nero does now. It's nice to share my story with someone after so many years.

I look to the sidewalk where a demon starts to approach us. I smirk. ”Are you sure? Being watched can be quite thrilling,” I say. I look back at Nero and wink before I get out of the car.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL
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My face flushes and I give it a minute to cool down before I get out of the car. I’m fascinated by what I’ve just learned and wish we could continue the conversation, but I want to get everything done for Cassi and the human sooner than later. The gangly demon is here and lets me know that they’ve arranged the furniture as I asked. ”Thank you Gregory.” I pat him on the shoulder.

“My name’s Ryan.” I wave him off and motion for Caden to follow me inside.

”Just a warning… I’m a hoarder, so there’s going to be a lot of stuff in there.” I stand on my tiptoes so I can whisper in Caden’s ear. ”But if you see something you like, you can help yourself to it.” I don’t want the demons to hear us - so far I’d been observed as someone who doesn’t get emotional over anyone let alone share their treasures. ”Oh and there will be lots of cats.” I grin at the last part.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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Another suggestive comment fills my head but I keep it to myself this time. I slip my hands into my pockets, examining the other demons and Nero's place. I chuckle at his enthusiasm

”See, you and Cass will get along just fine. Do you need my help moving anything into the truck?” I ask, knowing Nero and I would have to off load the truck later.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: - Chicago, IL
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I shake my head. ”I’m stronger than I look.” I tell Caden with a wide grin as I lead him up the steps to the front door. ”I assume we don’t have time to give you the grand tour?” I open the heavy oak door and prance inside to hold it open for Caden. My house starts with a small foyer with stairs leading up to the other floors and archways leading to other rooms. I don’t have much set up in the house by way of rooms since I don’t really need a dining room or kitchen, so most of the house are rooms of chaotic things I’ve collected, organized mostly by century. I lead Caden past the stairs into what humans would call a ‘great room’.

”I had the minions bring every seat I had to this room so that they’re in one place. Makes it easier for us to choose something for the Wu’s.” The thing about the furniture I have is that it’s weird, quirky, or just plain ridiculous. When I find a piece that catches my eye, I have to seize it and add it to my hoard.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I sat on the floor in the middle of the room where the vigil would be sat up, and looked around while I ate. Thankfully the windows and door were covered, so I could flick my hands this way and that to move furniture around.

I need a tablecloth, white. I sent to Caden. He texted me back almost immediately saying the caterers would be bringing one. I put my phone away and got myself up into a standing position.

I set the supplies I got from Chinatown on one side of the room before I opened the door and started hauling chairs and smaller furniture out the door. I hoped Nero had decent furniture and not something to out there.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”I meant for right now, dear. Do you want my help loading the truck, or will your demons take care of that?” I clarified.

I walked around the furniture. Eyeing some more closely with interest. Nero had quite the collection. I kept looking and pointed out a couple pieces. ”These are the most uniform. I don't think having such patterned furniture would be good for this service,” I said and smiled at Nero.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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My dad and I re-enter my place and plop ourselves on the couch. We had stopped by my dad’s convenience store to grab a few things for tonight such as candles and snacks. I pull out my phone and type a quick message. Hey, sorry to bother you, but will the police let us bring candles and light them in the station? My dad wanted to make sure it was okay.

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Nero

Location: Nero’s House - Chicago, IL
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”Oh, the demons can handle loading the truck.” I nod to Caden before joining him to look at the pieces he pointed out. ”Do we know if the Wu’s are going to be sleeping during the vigil?” I ask, head tilted. At that moment, two cats ensnare my ankles while mewing and I bend down to pick up my two favorite girls. Why do I have the sudden urge to introduce Caden to them as Daddy? Ears and cheeks warm from that thought, I awkwardly say, ”This is Luci and Mika.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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I just walked back into the room from putting the last unneeded table outside when my phone buzzed. I picked it up and a wave of panic settled over me. Crap. Of course, they wanted to burn candles, but I had already gotten everything. Do I tell them sure and just keep the candles I bought or double their amount or do I tell them no? I looked from my phone to the bag and back again.

Hey! I just asked the chief, and they would prefer no open flame. I could maybe magic something to keep the flames contained! I hit send and sighed. There, covered both angles.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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”I’m not certain. I would assume they would have to stay awake, but maybe they’ll sleep in shifts? If so, I think this red floor couch would work for Nic or his father. This red chair would be good for sitting up, though, and this other red couch should be fine.”

I looked at a green velvet couch that might work, but honestly, I could see it on my side of the house as well. I did have a thing for the colour green. Nero draws my attention back to the cats, and I smile at the two of them.

”Good afternoon, ladies,” I greet and let them sniff my fingers before getting consent to pet them.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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I glance over at my dad sitting on the other end of the couch. I’ll just tell him we can’t, that way you don’t have to explain the magic part of that lol I send the text before turning to my dad to let him know.

He says we’ll just use them tomorrow at the service then :) I appreciate the effort Cass was putting in to help us. When my sister died, my parents had each other to lean on - I don’t know how my dad is going to make it through this once I go back to work.

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Nero

Location: Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL
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The black cat immediately nudges her head under Caden’s hand and I grin. ”These would be to two I’d like to bring over-” I stop myself when Ryan walks in, and I point out the three furniture pieces. ”Go load these into the truck.” I order. I motion for Caden to follow me out of the room and into my office, closing the doors behind us. ”We should have a little more privacy here while they take care of that.” I said with a small smile.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Oh, okay. That works. Sorry about that. I’ve cleaned out the space and have a table set up. I’m getting a white tablecloth for the table, but is there anything else I should get? Do you guys have a photo of your mom? Do I need to get one printed or a frame or an easel to put the picture on? I hit send before I could edit down the bulk of the message. I went off, my anxiety coming through, I’m sure.

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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I let my hand fall from petting the black cat. I observe Ryan with feigned interest before we exit into Nero’s office. I shut the door behind us and look at Nero. ”You know, I don’t mind playing a part, so you maintain an image with your minions. I’m rather good at role-playing.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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Another thing we had picked up while out is a picture of my mom that my dad kept in his store. Smiling, I shake my head at Cass’ rambling text. Honestly, you’ve done so much already. I send the text before I reread her message. Wait, did you look up Chinese funeral traditions? Even without an answer, my heart soars at just the thought that she went that far.

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Nero

Location: Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL
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I cringe and look down at my feet, ears warming with embarrassment. ”Sorry, I panicked.” I walk over to the cat tree in my office and let Luci and Mika jump into it. ”This is all new to me, which I’m sure you already knew.” I turn to face him with a sheepish smile. If I’m being honest, I don’t want any rumors to spread, especially with the chimera nonsense currently unsolved. Even if I don’t like demons, them turning up dead after every lead I send them on is alarming.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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Um, maybe? My face flushes, and I tuck my hair behind my ear, looking around at the nearly empty room. I look down at my phone and text Caden.

Are you guys on your way back yet?

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Caden

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Location: Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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I walk over to Nero’s desk and lean against it, watching them with their cats. I cross my arms, smiling softly at them. ”I know, and I know you have a certain image to maintain around your demons. I don’t mind filling a roll if you need me to while we are in their presence,” I say. I was secure enough not to be offended if I needed to play a part or stay away. If Nero was shown blushing or flirting with me, it may showcase a tinge of his humanity coming back. I didn’t want to think about what might happen to them if that got back to Crowley.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out. ”Cassi is getting impatient,” I noted. I texted Cassi we would be back with a noncommittal soon before putting my phone away.

[Donut Look Now]

Nic Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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Tears start to prick at my eyes as my opinion of her soars. Thank you - I’m sure if my mom had met you, she would’ve loved you and how much you’re doing for us. I glanced at the time on my phone just to make sure we were still good on time.

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Nero

Location: Nero’s Home - Chicago, IL
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I pout a little. ”I’m just gonna send them away next time because I really do want to treat you to a tour.” There’s a tone of things in here and I want him to be able to look at it and even take some if he wanted. Plus, I like flirting with him. I prance over to where Caden is and peer up at him. ”Do we need anything else while we’re here?”