[IC] Chicago After Hours

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I find myself smiling against her lips, happy to have her kissing me back this time. It’s what I had wanted when I kissed her at the vigil, but would have definitely been inappropriate at the time. I remember the little bit of magic she did at the service with the acorn and I deepen the kiss more before pulling away a little to look at Cass again. “My little tomato.” I tease as I cup both cheeks now and run my thumbs over her blush.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I sigh and pick some lint off of my skirt. “The family name is Wu, which is one of the most common Chinese surnames, so I’m sure it’s going to be like finding a needle in a haystack.” I let out another sigh and look out the window, but movement catches my eye. The little demon had immediately turned in her seat to look at me.

“Shouren and Lì Wu?” She asks me, eyes widely intense.

I’m taken aback. “How did you know?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I don't even get a chance to stop blushing. ”It's purely your fault,” I say, as I continued to watch him. I slide my arms away from around his neck and rested my hands on his arms.

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Caden

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

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”Unbelievable,” I say with a laugh. ”We just finished a case involving the Wu family you are looking for. A hybrid Chimera escaped from hell and attacked several people including the Wu family. Nero was sent to retrieve the creature but Cassi and I got called on to solve the case. We ended up killing the creature but Li Wu died. We're still in contact with the son. He wants to help and he's quite taken with our Cassiopeia,” I say, knowing Kiki knew Cassi well.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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A pleasant shiver runs down my back when she moves her hands to my arms. “Just stop blushing.” I say with a crooked smile. I hope she never stops blushing, though. I bend down to kiss her forehead. “Why do you have to be so stinking cute?” I ask as I pull back enough to gaze into her gorgeous blue eyes.

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Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I chew on my bottom lip. “That’s a hell of a coincidence.” I say, knowing Caden trusts Kiki and that’s the only reason I don’t have my ‘claws’ out. I glance back at Kiki again and I see her eyes darting about like she’s going over all the details in her head.

“That should not have been possible. They had a blessing of protection that warded off evil spirits.” She furrows her brow, obviously trying to figure this out. “I’d like to meet the remaining family as soon as I can - could you arrange that Caden?”

I turn to look at Caden, mixed between concern and curiosity as the plot keeps thickening.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I laugh and shake my head, pulling away from him to do something else. ”Cute isn't a word most people use for me, but alright.”

I put the treats away and pet my cats before I go over and check on the plants. Part of me feels lost with not knowing what to do. Another part of me wants to have Nic come over, but I don't want to rush this. I'm still trying to be comfortable with the idea that Nic likes me.

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Caden

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

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”Of course. We can set something up tomorrow. If a blessing has been revoked, it would be good to know why. It would also explain why the Wu family hasn't encountered any supernatural problems until now.” I look at Nero and raise an eyebrow, curious as to why they seemed so concerned.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Well then most people are wrong.” I say, my eyes following as she walks away and starts checking on plants. “How do ‘most people’ describe you then?” I ask, leaning down on the counter as I watch her.

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Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I put my hands up in a sort of shrug to Caden, not really sure how to put my feelings into words and not being able to try explaining it in German when Kiki can understand it. I pout and face forward, again wishing I knew another language that she did not so I could still have my private conversations with Caden.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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My cool and confident facade is starting to chip away little by little. “Urgh, that would be so much easier if my mother wasn’t so much of a pain in the arse.” I groan with a sigh.

”In the lore, the blessings would stay with the humans as long as they were good and pious, but who knows what that definition would be.” I fume a little bit in my pity party before I blink and reset my attitude.

“Sorry, we aren’t here to talk about my mum.” I say with a chipper voice, trying to bring the good mood back. “How long until we’re there?” I ask of Caden.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I shrug, checking on plants just to keep busy. I keep my back to him while I work. Calypso wanders over to survey my task. ”Evil, a bitch. A saviour, too, if I help someone and they feel like I succeeded.” I've also been called a murderer. That one is a little harder to let go of. That one I still feel guilty about.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I continue to rub circles on Nero's leg, wishing they could tell me what's bothering them but I know they can't. I have a feeling Nero doesn't trust Kimiko, but it's probably because they don't know them. It could also be partly because they are similar.

”Few more minutes,” I assure Kiki. ”Good and pious has changed over the years. You would think the blessings would shift as well.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I want to crack a joke, to ease the moment with some comedic relief by saying I’ll kick the shit out of anyone who says any of those things about her again, but I refrain. “A rather large range of characteristics to place on your shoulders.” I briefly wonder if my dad and I had made her feel like a savior.

“I can only guess the negative ones are from people who couldn’t accept the truth?” I wager as she keeps her back to me. I can only guess that she’s trying to keep up a strong and resilient appearance.

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Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“You’re telling me.” I say with a wry smile. Not that any of us Demons know how souls make it to Hell outside of them making a deal with us. “I mean, look at angels. They’re thought of as the holiest creatures, yet not even a few years ago they were trying to get all of mankind killed.” I, for one, was most glad that neither Michael or Lucifer were able to duke it out.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I nod. ”Definitely for the evil nickname. Sort of comes with the territory,” I say and twist my fingers into a closed fist. The lights in the room responded by dimming. They flicker in defiance before I release the hold and they spring back to life again.

I turn back around and rest my arms on the counter. I look at Nic, Wayland lounging in between us. ”People always fear what they don't understand or what they can't be. That hasn't changed. And even in the 18th century, if you went against the church, there was something wrong with you; more so if you were a woman.”

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I nod in agreement with Nero. The world had changed so many times, it was amazing how our world never really changed or evolved. The only thing that changed was how creatures hunted.

I pull up to the restaurant and park in the parking lot across the way. I get out, and open the doors for Nero and Kimiko. [color=#006400]”It's a newer restaurant, but I've heard great things about it. I don't think we'll be disappointed,”[/colour] I say and lead them across the street and into the restaurant.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I wrap my hands gently around her arms. “I don’t want to push you into telling me right now, but someday I’d like to hear your story.” I tell herm observing her face. “But right now I want to know if there’s anyone still alive that I can beat the heck out of for you.” I give a little smile, hoping to ease some of the tension.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: The Bear- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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All of this would be so much easier if my mother could be a parent who’s present in her daughter’s life. I walk a little behind Caden and Nero, watching the little one walk as if they’re dancing. “So, you’re telling me that even demons don’t know what’s considered good or evil?” I ask as we enter the restaurant.

“I’m not aware of it at least.” Nero tells me. “Maybe some of the original ones or Luci know, but, morality and ethics has always been a large gray area. Think of all the philosophers humans have had.”

I nod in agreement as we’re shown to our table. As usual, Caden must have pulled some strings to get us seats in a more secluded part of the restaurant. “I suppose that’s true when you think about it.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I grin from Nic's statement and tilt my head to the side. ”I don't see you as having a violent streak,” I tell him. Besides, I am more than capable of defending myself. I wasn't joking when I said I was better with knives than guns at the trampoline park.

”As for my history, I can tell you some of the lighter stuff, but the darker stuff… I'm not sure you want to know or need to know.” I'm fairly certain it would colour the image of me that he had in his head, and I wasn't ready to ruin that yet.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Not to mention all the advancements in medicine made over the years. We wouldn't have half of what we do if it wasn't for questionable medical practices and experimentation.” I pull out Nero's chair and have them sit, while the host does the same for Kimiko. They give us the list of specials for the night before handing me the wine list and give us a few minutes to decide what we'd like to drink.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“I’m only violent to people who deserve it. Like people who don’t use blinkers.” I lean forward a little to give her forehead a kiss. “It’s your choice if you want to tell me or not, but people can change over the course of just five years - I imagine the same can happen to someone who’s hundreds of years old.” I offer her an encouraging smile. She’s someone who’s important to me now and my loyalty isn’t something that’s easily wavered. I’ve seen a lot of good and bad in my life already before learning of this supernatural world that’s hiding in plain sight.

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Nero

Location: The Bear - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I beam up at Caden when he pulls out my seat for me and try to surreptitiously scoot closer to him when he sits. “Let’s not even get started on slavery or World War Two for that matter.” I chirp, finding that I’m close enough to Caden to put my hand on his leg. I fidget happily in my seat as the two of them look over the menu. I don’t even bother, figuring I could just steal whatever sounded good off of Caden’s plate.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile albeit sadly. I glance down at the counter and Wayland’s fluff. I rub his belly and he starts to purr. ”Easy stuff first. Hard stuff later. With drinks,” I say and look up at Nic. ”Deal?”

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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At least with a trio of people, it means for closer seating. I sit across from Kiki while Nero sits in the middle, but slightly closer to me. Not only had I pulled their seat out and shifted it towards me, but Nero had scooted closer as well. Our knees brushed and Nero's hand found my leg. I captured their hand with my own, holding it under the table.

I pursue the wine list and select one for our meal. The conversation drifts between catching up on Kiki's wanderings to my exploits and Nero's time topside. We discuss music, we discuss politics, and we discuss the treaty of Chicago. Any sensitive topics, the three of us switch easily to German.

I know Nero enjoyed the private language between the two of us, but I think it helped to bond them and Kimiko as well.

After our meal and before dessert arrives with a new bottle of wine, I speak up.

”Try not to rile up Avery too much tonight, Kiki. He's on edge enough with being looked at as a suspect and potentially being in a room with other territorial werewolves.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I smile and nod before I join in scratching Wayland. ”Deal.” I’m okay with this - it means she’ll be a little more open with me. ”Alright, would you like to know where we’re going for our next date?”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: The Bear- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I make a face at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I’m a tad offended.

Nero glances at Caden, seemingly curious as well. “That warning’s usually reserved for me.” The little demon tilts her head.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I find myself grinning and nodding. ”Pizza,” I remind him. ”But when and where?”

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I give Kimiko a look before I sip my wine. ”You know exactly what I mean, Kiki. You have a tendency to cause trouble and push buttons. You are aware you're a right shit disturber, yes?”

I look over at Nero and smile at them. ”I only warn you against causing Detective Costa too much grief. The treaty is delicate. We can't afford to lose safe passage here.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I laugh. “Yes, pizza.” I pull out my phone and quickly pull up a place that my family used to frequent. “ This is Uncle Jerry’s. My parents used to take my sister and I here when we lived outside of the city more. I might be biased, but it’s the best deep dish pizza. Though, it’s about a hour north out of Chicago, but I thought that might be a good thing - less likely to run into people we know who would interrupt the date.”

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Nero

Location: The Bear - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kiki made a stink face at Caden. “Only when provoked.” She argues with Caden. I squeeze Caden’s thigh gently to acknowledge what he said to me.

”How much of a shit disturber are we talking here?” I ask with another head tilt. I guess I hadn’t really been my usual prankster while topside and had definitely kept it to a minimum with Caden. If he ever got the chance to see me in Hell, he’d probably see why a lot of a demons hate me.

Kiki scoffs. “Okay, name the last time I did anything remotely like that.” She says to Caden, crossing her arms in a huff.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I look at the place on Nic's phone, flipping back and forth. ”An hour?” I muse and slid Nic's phone back to him. ”Do the buses run that far out?” I only ever bused where I needed to go, or Caden drove me around.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Um, the last time I saw you!” I said with a laugh. ”Remember? We drank all that wine and you set that abandoned building on fire because you swore you knew this trick that could narrow the direction of your flame. You nearly set the block on fire.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I give her a crooked smile. “How likely is it that Caden would let us borrow a car for a night?” I figure the answer is probably not very likely at all.

“We also can go somewhere more local - Uncle Jerry based his recipe off of Malnati’s, which is actually in Chicago.” I offer. We could always drive out to Jerry’s some other time.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: The Bear- Chicago, IL
Skills:

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The little demon snorts, nearly choking on her wine. I give Caden a look, tempted to throw something at him. “In my defense,” I tell Nero. “I really did think I had the trick down. How was I to know I had to reach my first century first?” The demon tilts their head and I sigh at their silent question. “You know those nine-tailed foxes that are oh so powerful - well each tail is for each century they’ve lived. I’m only 62 years old.”

“Fascinating.” The little one whispers, eyes wide in wonder like a child’s and I start to straighten, feeling a little bit of pride in their awe. “You’re just a baby.”

I clench my jaw and make a tight-lipped smile before I chuck a roll at Nero’s head. Decorum be damned.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”I'm sure we could borrow a car and driver. I'll just need to tell him when we plan on going,” I say.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I snort when Nero calls Kiki a baby. ”Yes, tonight should be interesting,” I say with a laugh.

We finish our dessert and the rest of the wine before I get the check and pay. [color=#006400]”Avery will being meeting us at the club with one of the SUV's. The windows are blacked out, so you both can change in there before we head into the club,”[/colour] I inform them as we leave the restaurant.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Mystic Dreams - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“I’d feel bad making someone wait in the car while we ate though.” I rub the back of my neck. “I have my license, but like I said, I don’t know if he’d go for that... I’m a fetus after all.”

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Nero

Location: Outside The Bear - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I prance along beside Caden as we exit. “I mean, I’m just putting on the stockings, but I guess it’s better safe than sorry.” I look at Caden with a smirk, keeping a comment about about someone catching a peek of my legs to myself. We already have one shit stirrer.

“Are we staggering our entrances?” Kiki asks. Her ears are still red from the embarrassment at the table and that makes me smirk even wider.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Mystic Dreams – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Oh! Well in that case we wouldn't need a driver. Caden will probably let us borrow one of the SUVs. He lends those out all the time,” I say, not giving it another thought.

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Caden

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Location: The Bear —> Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”We should,” I say. I help them into the car once more before I get in and drive away. ”Avery won't be parking close and will be discreet. We'll meet up with him for us to change, then I'll take Avery and Nero into the club. You can come a few minutes after that, Kiki.”