[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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My broomstick is in the shop getting a few upgrades actually. Should I call them and ask for a second seat so you can join me? I find a Hocus Pocus gif from the Sanderson sisters and send it along with my message.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I shake my head as I chuckle at her message and the Hocus Pocus gif. I call dibs on the vacuum cleaner ;) I start pacing around my room. I know the car will be here on time and everything, but this is the first official date we’re about to go on and I’m starting to feel some of the jitters.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I laugh and shake my head. I check the time before I reply. But in all actuality, I cannot fly.

Waiting has never been my strong suit, but I am trying to be patient while I wait. There is still time, so I keep scratching Wayland and glancing around my house, thinking about little projects I could start.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Nic's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I pull up to Nic’s place and double check the address, even though I’ve been here, before I head up and ring his apartment.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I jump immediately when the doorbell rings, making it to my door in a few easy strides and opening it. ”Avery! Nice to see you.” I say as I grab my sling and make sure I have my wallet in my pocket before I grab my keys. I motion for him to come inside if he wants to.

”Do you need water or anything?” I ask as I send a text to Cass.

Truly a tragedy :’(

[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Nic’s Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Hey Nic. No, I’m okay.” I hand him the keys. ”It’s got a full tank of gas. Don’t worry about filling it up after. We have fuel cards, so we get fuel for cheaper. Do you want to keep it for the night? I can come back tomorrow,” I offer.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I close my door behind me and lock up, taking the keys from Avery. “Oh, uh, I actually don’t know what the plan is, we’re kind of just winging it tomorrow.” I rub the back of my neck awkwardly.

“I could bring it back tomorrow if we keep it for the night - maybe that’ll be a good time to start training with you and Caden?” I don’t want to assume they both have clear schedules tomorrow. I resist asking for pointers on how to woo Cass, not wanting to betray her trust by doing that.

[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Nic’s Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I lead the way down the steps and nod. ”Yes, I was going to ask if you were ready to start training. Tomorrow would be best. I need to get Caden back on a routine as well. What time works best for you?” I ask and stop beside the SUV Nic will be taking.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Another question I don’t really have an answer for. “Depends on how early the two of want to get up. I tell him honestly.

“I start back at the hospital next week and my hours are supposed to resemble a regular nine to five. It’d be easier to do training before work.” I tell him. “I’m going to try not to be a workaholic anymore, but hours tend to bleed more into my evenings than my mornings.” I hope that made sense.

[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Nic’s Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Six am then? I’m sure Caden would rather have the early mornings as well. We can start off doing three times a week to get you conditioned. Then we can move up to five times a week if you want. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays?”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I grin. ”Sounds good to me. Thank you again for taking me on.” I say, holding my hand out for a handshake. He doesn’t seem like the hugging type. Not yet at least.

[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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Location: Outside Nic’s Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Of course,” I say and shake his hand. ”Be prepared to work hard. I don’t go easy, even on newcomers. Oh, and have fun with Cassi.” I give Nic a nod before I go and hop into the other SUV and we drive off.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Nic’s Apartment - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I chuckle as he leaves. Yeah I’ll definitely make him a hugger by the end of training. I tell myself before I hop into the SUV they left. I have to adjust the seat and mirrors a little, but I manage to get everything set and send Cass a message letting her know I’m on my way before I set the phone down and start the car.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Finally. I smile and kiss Wayland’s head before I get up and go to the bathroom. I apply some perfume and examine myself in the mirror. I fix my shirt and adjust my necklace and earrings. I sigh. I look fine, I remind myself. Still, I’m starting to feel incredibly nervous. Yesterday was one thing; at least there was a group of us, but today, it’s just Nic and I.

I shake out my hands and run on the spot for a second. I take a few deep breaths before I head for the front door, put on my jacket, and grab my bag.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Driving- Chicago, IL
Skills:

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It’s been awhile since I last drove a car, but it felt as easy to get back in the groove of it all as I make my way to Cass’. As much as I want to get there as quickly as possible, I make sure to drive safely. I knew all too well what could happen to a mere human caught in an accident.

Luckily, I have a pretty decent memory for places I’ve been to before and I make it to her place in decent time. Putting the car in park, I hop out to greet her at the door. I know she probably didn’t need another one, but I had stopped on my way home last night and picked up a plant to give her. I didn’t want to get her a bouquet that would die, but I also didn’t want to show up empty handed.

Shaking out the jitters and nerves, I knock lightly on her front door.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I jump when I hear the knock on my door. Max meows in response, and I swear it’s a laugh. I glare at my companion before I open up the door. I beam when I see Nic, but my eyes drift down to the green thing in his hands. I bit my bottom lip and looked from the plant to Nic and the plant again.

”Did you get that for me?” A loud meow sounds from the kitchen, and Wayland comes bounding to the front door. He places his paws on Nic’s leg and looks up at him expectantly.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Driving- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I smile sheepishly. “I made sure it wasn’t toxic to cats and I know you probably have more than enough of your own, but I didn’t want to bring you something that would die.” I trail off, noticing Wayland and saying hello to him with some head scratches.

“I’m just now realizing that you might have been able to keep them alive if I had…” Instead of rambling, I grin lopsidedly and hold the plant out to her while I scoop up Wayland with my other hand.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I take the plant from Nic’s hands while he rambles and picks up Wayland. ”It’s fine, Nic. He’s perfect,” I say and examine the plant, feeling a strong energy from him. I step into my house and glance around. I start walking and follow my feet to where it wants to go. I smile as I get led to the bedroom and find my bookshelf. I open up the curtains wider so the plant can get some sun, but it’s a low light plant. He’ll be happy here.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Driving- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Stepping inside, I tilt my head as I watch her and scratch Wayland. “He?” I ask, intrigued. She wanders a little while she decides where to put it and I smile.

“Your mom’s adorable.” I whisper to Wayland.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I watch the plant for a moment before I nod and exit the bedroom. I smile at Nic and Wayland cuddling before I answer Nic’s question. ”Every living thing carries an essence, like how you have a soul, growing things are the same. The plant you brought me has a masculine essence, very gentle and peaceful,” I explain.

I walk closer to Nic and scratch Wayland’s head. He purrs loudly in response, happy to be the centre of attention and in Nic’s arms.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Driving- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I watch her, fascinated. “Do they also have names? Or do you name them?” I give Wayland a little smooch before another question comes to mind.

“Wait, do they talk? Sorry, I’m just so amazed by you.”