[IC] Chicago After Hours

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Leaving Osiris Oasis - Chicago, IL
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Part of me wishes I can just stay wrapped around Caden while he drives, but I hold back on asking, instead unwrapping myself from him when we get to the car. I climb into the passenger seat and wrap my arms around my legs, resting my head on my knee so that I can watch Caden while he drives.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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Resisting the urge to roll my eyes at his antics, I instead focus on eating the burger meal and milkshake I’d ordered. It hits the spot and a goofy smile appears on my lips as I happily finish the milkshake. As I near the last bit of it, I recognize that it might be annoying to Avery to hear the sound of me trying to suck the last bits of the milkshake up, but I keep at it anyway.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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I grin at Cass’ reply. It’s starting to sound like I’m becoming the head of a worm mafia. I send with a shake of my head, enjoying this weird conversation I’ve started.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli. Hopefully Cass has seen the Godfather or at least know the quote. I roll onto my side, happily imagining a worm mafia ring being busted by police worms.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Once I've got Nero in the car I slip off my jacket and tuck it around them. I can't hold them while driving but maybe this will help. I get in on the driver's side and make my way through Chicago, headed for home.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diving – Chicago, IL
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After about five minutes of listening to Kimiko try to suck the inside of her glass out, I tighten my hand on the steering wheel.

”I think you've got it,” I declare abruptly. Seriously, how the hell did Caden put up with this woman?

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
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I snort as I read Nic's quote. If only the supernatural underground was like that.

I feel the bed depressing and look over to see Wayland making his way. I hold my arm out and start petting him as he gets closer. I pull him in and he curls up beside me. Perfect. I roll over and rest my chin on Wayland and open up the camera on my phone. I have a lamp on, so it really gives the photo mood lighting. I snap the photo and send it to Nic. My eyes are just looking over Wayland's head with his ears framing my face. Wayland is looking at the camera too, curled up next to me and my pillow. The angle of the camera gives off the impression that we're looking at Nic in bed beside us. Ha, take that Nic's bathroom selfie, I think to myself.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I snuggle into Caden’s jacket, enjoying his scent enveloping me as I watch him drive. He really is perfect and despite my reaction when saying it in the club, he really does make me want to find my humanity again. I just need to get through these pesky memories first, it seems.

“I Wish there was aa way to expedite my memories… I want to get this over with.” I know I probably wouldn’t be able to handle all the memories coming back at once, but I just want to get to a place where Caden doesn’t have to comfort me at least once a day.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I know he’s right, but I give it one last suck, making it long before I put the empty milkshake down. I start to see Caden’s mansion come into view and I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank the gods.” I breathe. I’m tired of being in the same space as this asshole.

Caden had always spoken highly of Avery whenever he came up in conversations, but I have a hard time recognizing the ‘loyal and talented trainer’ in this brute of a man behind the steering wheel. I catch myself staring at him and shift in my seat so that I’m looking out the window.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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A photo comes in and I smile. Cass had gotten a perfect angle, making it seem like I was in bed with her. The thought made me blush, but I quickly set up my phone to take a little video. Once I finally get a good one, I send it off. I wish I was getting cuddles from Wayland. I send afterwards before I open the photo of her and Wayland. I can almost picture her adorable reaction to both the text and the photo I sent and it makes me grin.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I chuckle softly as I drive, resting my right arm on the centre console. I look over at Nero and smile. Despite the black make-up running down their face, I still find them attractive and adorable.

”You'd think that would make it easy, but I'm not so sure.” I can't help feeling helpless, though. I wish there was something more I could do for them. I have a feeling we haven't even taken off the first layer yet, and I'm worried how everything else will reveal itself.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Caden's House– Chicago, IL
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I can't help but accelerate after I pull into the driveway. The sooner I get her out of this car the sooner I can leave. I park along the side, leaving the front open for Caden to park when he returns. I park the SUV and toss the keys to Kimiko.

”If Caden asks, I went for a run,” I state and make my way to the woods. I strip off my shirt, tossing it away as I go. I start unbuttoning my pants as well, kicking them off before I hit the tree line. Caden pays me well but I still don't like destroying clothes. I pull off my socks and shoes before I step on the other side of the trees and make my shift. It's painful. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. I can pull on the pack magic Caden and I share to make the shift easier, but I leave well enough alone. As it is, the shift is fast since my wolf is so close to the surface.

Once the shift is complete I shake myself out and dig at the ground to mark it before I howl into the night. Freedom. I bolt into a run, chasing nothing other than the wind.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
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Nicholas Wu, you complete tease! I'm going to sleep. I declare, but I have no idea how I'm supposed to sleep now. I roll away from Wayland, feeling flushed and irritated. Asshole.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I unwrap one arm so I can hold Caden’s hand that’s resting on the center console. “Maybe next time there’s a lull in between cases, we can dedicate a day to it.” I offer. Even though he’s putting on a good front, I can catch the tiniest of signs that he’s worried about me. Which makes sense, I’m worried about me.

“There’s been a few times in the past couple of days where I’ve suppressed a memory resurfacing… so I know there’s some that if I just don’t fight it, they should easily unlock… I just don’t want to be in the middle of the police station screaming because I’m reliving something horrible.” I shudder, thinking of the memory with my hand. My eyes close as I try not to relive it again. I don’t want to think about what could have happened if Caden hadn’t just gotten home in time for that.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
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I blink in surprise, naturally catching the keys with ease, but still thrown off by this man. My eyes follow him as he starts to strip and I flush when I don’t look away after he kicks his pants off. Get a grip, Kiki. I smack myself in the face and make a beeline for the room I’m staying in, grabbing some sleepwear and heading into the bathroom to wash off the night. And the stinking perfume.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
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I smother my laugh by burying my face in my pillow. How had I gotten her reaction perfectly right? Good night, my little tomato. See you tomorrow <3 I send in response. The smile stays on my face as I roll over and quickly fall asleep, phone still in my hand.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I kiss Nero's hand, leaving it there for a minute while I listen to them. ”I don't have to take every case. Cassi can lead them just as well,” I say and look at Nero. ”You don't need to go through this alone.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Woods behind Caden's House– Chicago, IL
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I push myself to run at my full speed. The exertion burns my lungs and I keep going until I naturally start to slow. I settle down by a small creek and watch the water, my wolf content. The animal has taken over.

I have some mental facilities but they are primarily animalistic. I can smell the rabbit den nearby. I can hear the birds and bats in the nearby trees, competing for bugs. The sounds of nature is soothing and I find myself dozing off.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
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”Such an asshole,” I mutter. I replay the video over and over, definitely more than I should. The last time I play it, I'm not as hot and bothered, but I'm smiling. For some reason this man likes me and wants to be with me. I'll get to have those hands on me tomorrow in some capacity and I'll get to see those brown eyes in person. I sigh and set my phone away. Max joins me on my other side and I pet him until I fall asleep.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I open my eyes and look at Caden. “Good, because I really don’t want to go through it alone.” I tell him honestly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Hey, I’m-“ My voice cracks and I clear my throat. “I’m glad I met you.” There’s more I want to say, but I don’t know how to put it into words, instead I just squeeze his hand three times and close my eyes again. I’m not tired, but I also don’t want to just stare at Caden all the way home… Okay I do want to stare, but I don’t want to come off as freakish.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s House - Chicago, IL
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Right as I’m about to step into the shower, my phone goes off. I pick it up and see a little reminder pop up with just a brain emoji in its contents. I groan in frustration, stomping my foot. This would be my fucking luck. I march out of the bathroom and back into my room, grabbing a robe and putting it on, leaving everything else in my room.

I find my way into Caden’s office and find some paper and a pen, writing a simple message for him and leaving it on my door. Your asshole of a driver ‘went for a run’. I need a snack, so I am also ‘going for a run’. XX

Hopefully Caden has some wild animals with juicy pituitary glands in the forest that is his ‘backyard’. I fumble around to find my way outdoors and head for the woods opposite of where Avery had gone. Once in the tree-line, I hang my robe on a tree, out of reach for most animals, and let myself shift.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I chuckle, glancing at Nero. Their eyes are closed now so I give their hand another kiss. ”I am very glad to have met you as well. Maybe we should have kept the Chimera alive and thanked them for terrorizing people,” I joke.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
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I snort, opening one eye to look at him and roll it. “No thank you.” I say, but my lips twitch in a small smirk.

“If I’m being totally honest, I would have loved to dissect it to see how it was made. I was a little sad when it just turned to ash.” I tell him. Although I haven’t had the urge since I met Caden, I used to take things apart often just to see if I could put them back together again.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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I chuckle, and turn into our driveway. I slow down a bit and release Nero's hand. ”Yes, unfortunately anytime there's a Greek legend at play, once they are killed they turn to ash. Makes for a better clean-up but there is no way to study them or no where they came from,” I said, not concerned about Nero's wish to dissect things.

I see Avery parked the SUV near the house. I text him quickly to let him know Nic wants the vehicle before I forget. I get out of the vehicle after turning it off and pick Nero up out of their seat.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
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I don’t even question it when Caden picks me up again, I just curl into him and wrap my arms around him for support. “Caden,” I start with a small voice. “Are we staying up for a bit or do you want to sleep right away?” I ask.

I don’t want to approach the subject while he’s still carrying me, but I want to know more about his scars and if he ever forgot how they happened. Did he have someone help him as he relived those memories? Either way, I want to make sure he gets the sleep he needs first.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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I carry Nero into the house, noticing Avery's discarded shirt as I pass but I say nothing as I walk into the house.

”Oh, I think I'll be up for a couple hours yet. Can I run you a bath?” I offer.

As I go to pass the foyer I see a note on the table and pick it up. I smirk and set it back down.

”Seems our resident fox and the big bad wolf needed to go for a run to blow off some steam. If you hear any howling close to the house, it's just Avery.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
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I want to say I’m envious that they have an outlet for their stress, but I also would not like the pain that comes with shifting. Instead, I opt for a soft chuckle to Caden’s warning about howling. “How big is your bathtub?” I ask with warm ears. “I’ve become quite co-dependent on you.” I admit, cheeks now joining the ears with a blush.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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I make my way up the stairs grinning and chuckling. I nuzzle into Nero with a smile.

”It's big,” I assure them. I walk into the bedroom and set them down on the carpeted floor. I kiss their cheek and step towards the bathroom.

”Why don't you get changed and pour yourself a drink. If you want something warmer, I can get someone to make us tea or hot chocolate.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
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Changing does sound nice… and so does hot chocolate. I’m finding that I really enjoy sweets in almost any form. I never really experimented with food on any of my other trips topside, so it’s been nice to experience it now.

“Can we get hot chocolate please?” I ask, plopping myself on the floor to take my shoes off first. I’m glad Caden had carried me in because I’m only just realizing how heavy the shoes are compared to myself. Not that I’m lacking in strength. I briefly wonder if regaining my humanity will make me weaker.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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”We definitely can,” I say. I take my jacket from Nero and fish out my phone. I walk into the bathroom while I message one of the kitchen attendants and ask for some hot chocolate and a bit of whatever is in the fridge. I add in Avery and Kiki are out in the woods running around. Avery was always ravenous after a shift. Kimiko might be the same even with hunting her own kills.

I set my phone on the counter and lean over the in ground tub and get the hot water running. I add in some smelling salts and a bit of herbs Cassi made for me to help with soreness and relaxation. Next I go in search of candles to set around the room and light.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
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I finally kick off the shoes and get started on the socks, stockings, and tights I’m wearing. I’ll admit that the overall look had been great, but there’s a lot of steps in undressing it now. Fumbling with everything, I bring my shoes and stockings into Caden’s closet and go digging to find his silk pajama shirt to wear before I fully undress and change. I poke my head into the bathroom.

”Is this chute thing in your closet for dirty clothes or for trash?” I ask, not wanting to mix them up and end up throwing the clothes Caden bought me away.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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I chuckle and set down a candle I lit. I pick up another and set it on the corner of the tub. ”It's for dirty clothes, little imp.” I look over, smiling when I see them in my silk pyjamas again.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
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Ears warm, I smile sheepishly. I don’t think I could put into words how much I love his nickname for me. “Thank you.” I squeak out before nearly running to the chute and throwing my clothes in. I can’t deny that the atmosphere Caden is preparing in the bathroom looks like the most relaxing thing I have ever laid eyes on.

Catching my reflection in the mirror however reminded me that I still look like a raccoon. Remembering some of the toiletries I saw in the other bathroom, I poke my head back in.

“I’m going to try and fix this masterpiece real quick.” I gesture vaguely to my face.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home– Chicago, IL
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I nod in understanding, lighting the last of the candles before I check the water temperature.

”I like the all natural look anyways. But you could keep the red lips if you want. Especially if you want evidence on how you ravish me later,” I tease and wink at Nero.