[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: SUV – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

I nod and settle inside for the drive to the pizza place. I look over the menu on my phone to see what other sorts of things they have. Nic and I fall into a brief silence while he drives, which I don’t mind. The museum turned out to be a little more intense than I think either of us thought it would be.

I want to know more about his mom and sister and what they were like. I want to hear stories that he was told about life in China and Canada, but I don’t want to be too pushy, either.

It’s strange. I never typically worry about asking too many questions or too many personal questions. Like with Nero, I just keep pushing and pushing. However, with Nic, I don’t want to push him away with being so forward.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”Oh, no. I spoke with Bran and met Levi when I first arrived here five months ago. This conversation, I’m sure, will be more about him being upset by you and Avery. It would be best if you just stayed out of it. I’ll bring Avery with me, though. I need him to relax while we are here. He’s protective, but I can’t have him being overprotective. It’ll influence how long I can stay here if he doesn’t relax.” I sigh and pick up my drink.

”Aside from everything, it’s good to see you, Kiki. You know I worry when I don’t hear from you for months on end.”

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

Location: Caden’s House - Pool – Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I laugh and swim around Nero lazily. ”Do what you must,” I tell them. I’m not worried about Caden getting jealous or retaliating. I know what Nero is to them, and I would never do anything to jeopardize it. However, I like Nero, and if they’re going to prank me, it seems only fair that I retaliate a little.

I stop swimming when they mention Kimiko. I roll my eyes. ”Of course. I should have known. Maybe I should go shake off in her room like the dog she thinks I am and use her sheets as a towel,” I say, slightly bitter.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Driving - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

It’s not that long of a drive before we arrive at the pizza place and head inside. I grin as nostalgia fully envelops me. As a kid, I loved eating here and could deal with the lactose intolerance just fine, but nowadays I try to be more careful with what I eat. So I ordered myself the salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

”What are you thinking of getting?” I ask Cass.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I wave off Caden’s concern. “You know my dad would be calling you right away if anything ever happened to me.” Nowadays, the old man was pretty content just staying at home with my stepmother, but I know he has people virtually everywhere to check on me.

“I’m a big girl, I can handle myself fine.” Except when it comes to Avery, but I don’t say it out loud.

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I raise a brow at Avery’s suggestion. “I want to say yes, let’s do that, but you two already walk on each other’s cookies enough as it is. I don’t think Caden would like you killing one another.” I tilt my head the other way as I watch Avery.

”What’s with you two anyway?”

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: SUV —> Uncle Jerry’s – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

”Mmm, the sweet sting sounds delicious,” I say and got myself a large one, so I’d have leftovers. Leftover pizza in the morning was the best breakfast as far as I was concerned.

We got our drinks and found a table to sit at while we waited for our pizza. I tap my fingers on the table and finally ask Nic a question, unable to hold back anymore.

”Tell me about your mom,” I say. ”I mean you don’t have to I’d just like to know more about her but you don’t have to talk about her if you don’t want to.” I ramble quickly.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”I know you’re more than capable, Kiki. I still worry,” I say and wrap my arm around her shoulders. ”That being said, today, while I’m gone, feel free to roam around the house, or you can take one of the motorbikes or cars into town if you want to travel around and see Chicago. Cassi’s busy today, but I’m sure she’d love to see you.”

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

Location: Caden’s House - Pool – Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I furrow my brow but smile at Nero. ”Cookies? I question them, holding back a laugh. They ask me about Kimiko, and I shrug. ”I don’t know. It’s nothing and everything, I guess. She’s loud and has no sense of boundaries, and she doesn’t seem very responsible or happy to be here. And, well, foxes and wolves don’t get along. Foxes are always invading wolves' territories and causing trouble. They are crafty and sly and untrustworthy. It’s hard to separate the human mind from the wolf’s,” I explain to Nero. I roll onto my back again, floating on the water as I stare up at the blue sky. ”Werewolves are one and the same with their wolf brother or sister. It is hard to separate one from the other. If we as a human feel frustrated, our wolf feels rage and wants to solve the problem so there is balance again. It’s difficult and exhausting to balance both sides.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I reach across the table and grab one of her hands, squeezing it gently so she wouldn’t ramble more. I give Cass a smile as I try to form the right words. “She was… A lot sometimes.” I finally say. “The queen of multitasking and she always seemed to have at least 3 projects going on at once.” Chuckling, I remember some of the more memorable moments.

“She’s a school teacher or was a teacher. She taught Mandarin and ran the drama club at a middle school for as long as I can remember.” I smile as I think of how she would make costumes for students who weren’t able to get their own.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I lean into him as he talks, both understanding his concern and hating it. ”You just let me know what I can do to help while I’m here.” I say. I’m thinking I’ll just lounge about today, play more cello and maybe do some reading. “Maybe I’ll steal your imp and go terrorize the town.”

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“It’s a German thing - stepping on someone’s cookie or cake means they’re annoying.” I listen to what he has to say about Kiki and how she’s affecting him just with her presence.

When he’s done, I think about his words. “Sounds like angels versus demons.” I finally say. “By nature, we hate each other and mix as well as oil and water.” I let myself float onto my back as I speak, remembering some of the instances where I would come across one. “But in a lot of ways, we’re just two sides of the same coin. Maybe you two are more alike than you think.”

Of course, I got a lot of information last night at dinner regarding Kiki and how Caden met her and everything, so I knew why Caden put his trust in her. I don’t know if he’ll listen to words regarding that though, it’s sounded like most of the problem between the two is their animals sides having too much control over their emotions.

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

I take Nic's hand and both of mine, grateful he doesn't mind my rambling, but also knows how to get me to shut up. ”I bet that's why you're head of the ER. I'm sure it can get crazy in there and you need to be able to keep all the patients straight,” I said with a smile. ”Is there anything creative you like to do?” I remove one of my hands from Nic's to take a sip of my drink.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”May God help the people of Chicago,” I tease when Kiki mentions taking Nero into town. ”I will need more help finding who’s or rather what is responsible for the recent string of kills,” I tell them.

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

Location: Caden’s House - Pool – Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I float around Nero, listening to everything they say. I sigh. Maybe I am being a bit of an ogre towards Kiki, but she gets under my skin so easily and asks pretty invasive questions right away. Even Cassiopeia wasn't that bad.

I sigh and tread water again. ”Maybe,” I respond. I splash Nero lightly and make for the stairs out of the pool. ”I should go change. I'm getting all pruney. Did she seriously take all the towels from around the pool?” I ask Nero.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Art & History Museum - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I nod in response, agreeing with her observation about the ER. I take a moment to try and thinking of what I do that might be considered creative. “I like cooking and baking? And gardening.” I say with a small shrug. “I don’t know if you’d count that… I did try painting with my mom before I ruined half her brushes, she stopped trying to teach me.” I laugh sheepishly.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

“Do you need me to pretend not to know you still? I feel like people will make the connection if I go out in public with the little thing after the display you two put on last night.” I don’t know if I’ve seen that side of Caden before. Of course, there’s a twinge of jealousy that I feel, but I remind myself that we’re much better as friends.

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I grin widely, following him. “No,” I say innocently. “I did.” I send a splash at his back with a laugh before we both climb out of the pool.

“They used to call me the Jester Demon and I take that title very seriously, so let me know whenever you’d like to get back at Kiki.” I tell him with an innocent smile before I shake my head like a dog and flick water all over the place. I wiggling with energy, so I start doing cartwheels and tumbles to help dry off a little in the sun.

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's PizzaSUV —> Uncle Jerry’s– Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

”Baking and cooking? Hmm, a man after my own heart,” I say, smiling. I could cook, as was evident when I made breakfast for Nic and his dad, but if someone else offered to cook or liked it, I was not one to turn down a free meal.

I laugh when Nic talks about destroying his mother’s paintbrushes. ”Your poor mother. Did you tease her a lot like you do me?” I ask curiously.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I chuckle, not feeling embarrassed by it, but I’m sure we turned quite a few heads, especially when we disappeared into the back room and didn’t reemerge. ”Ah, no. I just needed that for last night. I’m really rather quite bewitched by them,” I confess.

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

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

---

---

I look at them and shake my head, chuckling. ”Of course it was you petit démon. Well, I can’t go shake off in the boss man’s bed, but I’ll keep that in mind about getting Kimiko back,” I say and walk towards the staff housing. I glance behind me to see Nero doing cartwheels and running around in the sun to dry off. I chuckle again before heading into the staff housing to clean up.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

”No, that was reserved for my sister.” I show Cass a wicked grin. “I was a total momma’s boy so everything I could do to impress her or win her praise as I was growing up.” I don’t know how how, but talking about my mom like this felt therapeutic. It was getting easier to talk about her without feeling like my world will fall apart.

But I change the subject anyway. “But yeah, if you tell me your favorites, I might just make some treats just for you. I’ll even avoid using tomatoes.” I smirk.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I tilt my head just a tiny bit as I appraise Caden with a smirk. “The world must be ending.” I say before I prop my head up on my elbow. “How truly dismayed your fans will be when they hear of this.”

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

I laugh at Nic’s confession, but I feel a tingle down my spine from the look he gives. I look away, take a sip of my drink and glance up at the front. My pizza should nearly be ready, and a good thing, too. I was getting rather hungry.

I look back at Nic when he suggests I give him a list. I point a warning finger. ”If you put whole tomatoes in anything…I will throw it in your face.” I could do tomato sauce (obviously since pizza), paste, or even salsa, but whole tomatoes were disgusting.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I laugh and rub the side of my neck, and nod. ”I know, it seems like it would be so strange for me to be okay with this, but it’s not. I’m thrilled, really.” I smile to myself, staring at nothing as my mind drifts to last night and how we told each other we loved the other.

[Donut Look Now]

4

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I chuckle as her pizza and my salad arrive. I pick up one of the grape tomatoes in my food and hold it up. “How do you feel about these ones?” I ask, showing it to her.

To be honest, I hate grape tomatoes more than regular ones, but that’s a pure texture thing. I don’t like the juice popping in my mouth. Using a knife, I start cutting the grape tomatoes in half.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I’m shocked at the expression Caden’s wearing, looking like he’s daydreaming. “I guess that it would have happen eventually - 300 years of being a playboy seems a bit too much.” I tease with a wink before picking up my drink and finishing it.

“I’ll go ahead and take your little imp downtown with me - is there anything she - I mean they - should get while out? I might even be convinced to use my own money for some of the shopping.”

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

I screw up my face and stick my tongue out at it, and Nic. ”Gross,” I declare. I look down at my pizza and lick my lips. ”This, on the other hand, is a masterpiece.” I inhale the smell of it and practically moan. I pick up a piece, testing the heat level, but decide to risk it. I take a small bite to avoid burning my tongue.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I look at Kimiko, pulling myself out of my daydreams and smile. I rest a hand on her leg and give it a squeeze. ”We went out the other day to get them some clothes; you could see if they want more. Nero has a townhouse; you could see if they want to swing by and check on things or bring some stuff over. Take the SUV just in case,” I say and pull out my wallet. I hand Kimiko one of the credit cards. ”Don’t spend it all,” I tease.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I laugh at Cass’ reaction, watching her act like a child despite her age is endearing to me. I can’t wait to have the same reaction when I make her food. “I’ll be honest, that pizza definitely tempted me. Sweet and spicy, especially involving honey, is one of my favorite flavor combinations.” I say.

I finish cutting all the grape tomatoes in half and mix them into the salad before I pour the dressing on. I then carefully pick at the salad so that most of my bites will have a little bit of everything.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

“I’ll do you a favour and not take that as a challenge.” I say with a grin as I take the card from him and tuck it into the waistband of my leggings. Looks like another outfit change is needed after all.

I look back at Caden. “I know you’re basically saying to do whatever Nero wants, but I was asking if you wanted anything specific.” I stick my tongue out at him. ”How long do you think this meeting with the wolves will last?”

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

Once the pizza cools, I inhale two pieces. I take a break to have something to drink before I start on my third. ”You can have some of my pizza when we get back to Chicago if you want to risk it,” I offer them. At least if we’re in Chicago, he won’t have to wait an hour to potentially die in the bathroom.

”What’s your all time favourite meal?” I ask Nic.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

”Maybe a few more outfits to go out in? And something casual. They have a thing for my clothes for casual wear, but Nero needs something for themselves,” I say with a chuckle. ”Feel free to get yourself some things as well.” I told Kimiko.

I pull my phone out and message Avery to get ready to leave to meet the pack. I set it back down and looked at Kimiko. I sigh and lean back on the couch. ”Hopefully, no more than an hour or two. Levi has a bit of a reputation and takes offence easily, so it’ll take some finessing.”

---

---

Avery Zain

---

---

Location: Staff House - Caden’s Property – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I get out of the shower and check my phone to see a message from Caden. I groan and toss the phone back onto my bed. The last thing I need is to get reprimanded by the Chicago pack alpha. Honestly, his pack had it coming, and Levi was a bit of a dick anyways.

The Chicago pack had a bit of a reputation and was in trouble with Bran often, but they were an important part of the packs in America. I pull on some light brown slacks with a black belt, black loafers, and a green button-up. I tuck the shirt in before rolling the sleeves up. I normally stick with black, but maybe a little colour today will make me look more approachable with the Chicago pack.

I slip on a silver chain bracelet, grab my cell phone, and head to the garage to get one of Caden’s cars.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I’m grateful for her offer, but I’m definitely going to wait awhile before ingesting any dairy near her. “My favorite meal? Um… Not to be stereotypical, but I love the simplicity of a bowl of rice with just a little bit of salt on it. Maybe some dried seaweed if I’m feeling frisky.” It was something I ate anything I felt to sick to eat anything else and it’s easy to make.

“That probably doesn’t count, but what’s your favorite meal?”

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

“That’s the whole point of having a boyfriend though - to steal his clothes.” I tell Caden with a small laugh before I really think about it. “Oh my gods, they probably drown in your clothes, don’t they?”

I pull out my own phone to make a note of the things Caden wants for Nero so I don’t forget as Caden tells me the timeframe. “And you’re taking the brick wall to try and do that?” I ask before I roll my eyes. “Sorry, force of habit, I’ll try to be nicer.” I say sheepishly.

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

As much as I wanted to eavesdrop on Caden and Kiki, I went straight to Caden’s room once I wasn’t a sopping wet mess to take a shower. I want to wash the chlorine off of me and also any sulfur smell that might linger from using my power earlier to teleport.

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

”Comfort meals count, regardless of the simplicity,” I assure Nic. I eat another piece of pizza, contemplating his question.

”I'd kill for a good grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup. Have you ever had homemade chicken noodle soup with dumplings? It's orgasmic,” I say seriously.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I laugh and nod in agreement. ”They do. Nero usually just walks around in my shirts because they are still covered. Not that I mind,” I say, nudging Kimiko and winking.

I pat her leg and stand. ”He is a brick wall, it's a good assessment, but brick walls can crumble. I'll talk to Avery and let Nero know about your plan. Let the cook know what you may want for supper tonight before leaving so they have enough time to prepare,” I add. I lean down and kiss Kimiko's forehead. ”Anata ga koko ni ite kurete ureshīdesu.” I leave the room and head back to mine.

I walk into my room and shut the door behind me. The shower is on and I resist the urge to join Nero. I already showered this morning anyway. Instead, I head into my closet to get dressed.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

My ears burn after she says ‘orgasmic’ as my thoughts go to other things before I’m concentrated back on Cass. ”I do like soup and dumplings, but grilled cheese with chicken soup? I feel like I need to secretly feed you tomatoes now.” I chuckle a shake my head in mock disappointment.

---

---

Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

Location: Caden’s Home- Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

Ears red, I wave Caden off, not one to get lost in sappy moments or feelings. As he leaves to go to his room, I head to the kitchen next to see what kind of meals I might enjoy.

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

I turn the water off after I hear someone enter the bedroom. I peek my head through the doorframe to Caden’s closet and grin. “Avery manhandled me” I tell him with a fake pout before I realize he’s getting changed.

“Where are you going?” I ask curiously.

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

”Don’t you dare,” I say, glaring at Nic. ”I'll make you homemade chicken noodle soup with grilled cheese one day and you'll see what I'm talking about. Don't worry, I'll find some good cheese that is lactose free.” I return back to my pizza, wiggling happily in my seat. I hum a happy little tune while I look about the shop.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I'm tucking in my shirt when I hear Nero enter. I chuckle and glance over at Nero. ”Do you want me to break his hands?” I ask before looking away. I button my sleeves before grabbing my jacket and slip it on.

”Avery and I have to go speak with the alpha of the Chicago pack. Seems Avery and Kiki got into a fight with the wolves at the bar last night. I have to go try and smooth things over. Kimiko wants to take you out though, a sort of girls day. Is that okay?” I turn to look at Nero while fixing the collar of my jacket and shirt.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

I laugh and shake my head. “Alright, I’ll at least try it.” I’ve never been one to say no to trying something new. ”Also, goat cheese is a good alternative.” My ears burn as I watch her happily dance in her seat. Too cute. I think to myself as I eat more of my salad, enjoying being in her presence.

---

---

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“Very much so.” I say jokingly, enthusiastically nodding before I go and grab a towel so I’m not tracking water everywhere when I enter Caden’s closet. I tilt my head as I listen to what he says. “I must confess, I have no idea what a ‘girl’s day’ means, but I’m sure I won’t be bored.”

I prance over to him with a bright grin. “And this time I can text you!” I say gleefully before I take in his outfit. “Must you look good in everything?” I play with the bottom hem of his jacket.

[KazAlkemi]

---

---

Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

---

---

Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

---

---

I make a mental note of goat cheese and finish my slice of people. I make a decent dent in my pizza but save five pieces for later. I finish my drink and pat my stomach, feeling full and content.

”I'm glad we decided to go to another place this afternoon. The walk will help me digest the mountain of pizza I just ate,” I say with a laugh.

---

---

Caden

---

---

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

---

---

I shake my head when Nero agrees with me breaking Avery’s wrists. I grin when Nero plays with the hem of my jacket. I look down at them, watching closely. ”Must you look good wearing nothing?” I ask and tug on the towel, threatening to pull it loose.

”Kimiko is going to take you clothes shopping. Feel free to send me as many photos as you want if you want my opinion on anything. I told her you might want to go to your place if you need to pick anything up. I’d strongly consider letting that place go if you really don’t need it.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

Location: Uncle Jerry’s - Cary, IL
Skills:
Fit

---

---

”I’ve always enjoyed a nice walk after a meal.” I say, agreeing with her. Quickly, I pick up the trash from our lunch and go to counter to ask for a box for the remainder of Cass’ pizza while I throw it away.

I make it back to our table with the box and hand it to Cass. “I hope it’s as good later as it was here.” I tell her with a grin as I imagine her little happy dance.

---

---

---

---

Nero

Location: Caden’s Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:

---

---

“I did put on the towel for your benefit since you have somewhere to go.” I tell Caden cheekily. I listen to him as he tells me the plan with Kiki but I tilt my head when he mentions my house.

“Where would I hoard all my things then?” I ask. Truthfully, it would be useful to have someone with Caden’s vast amount of knowledge what should be kept and what should go, but I also worry that this might make things too obvious with Hell. Sure, I don’t think Crowley will give a flying shit what I do topside, especially with his favorite pair of hunters, but that’s not who I’m really worried about.