[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I glance at Nic when he places a hand back on my thigh under the table. Mhmm, can’t stop touching me, I knew he wouldn’t have been able to do it if I had said otherwise.

While Nic’s dad tries to visualize the painting, I get up from the table to grab my phone from my bag where I left it by the couch. I open up my photo album and find the picture of the painting I took. I come back to the table and set the phone down for Mr. Wu — Ren — to see.

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Caden

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

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”He did it in a round-about way. He asked to borrow a vehicle from me for today.” I glance at my watch, noting the time. ”And I haven’t heard from Cassiopeia all day, so I am assuming it is still happening and is going well.”

I finish up my meal, debating on seconds when Avery stands for thirds. I rest a hand on Nero’s leg, leaning back in my chair, grinning at them.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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When my dad looks at Cass’ phone, I see tears prick his eyes. “Yes, this is the one.” He smiles sadly at it before handing the phone back to Cass. “It’s makes me so happy that they still have it on display - it had meant so much to your mother.” He says to me. I reach out and place my left hand on my dad’s, patting it.

“It was great seeing it today.” I tell him, nodding in agreement that it is nice the museum still had it on display.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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”Well, I can’t wait to meet him.” I say, finishing my plate before I pick up my drink to sip.

Nero turns to Caden, mouth not quite as full of food this time. “Will I need to hide again?” They ask. I cock my head to the side in a silent question to Caden.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Do you know much about the painting, Ren? Like if it’s a landscape from Canada or China? Or when your wife and daughter were working on it?” I ask curiously.

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Caden

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

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I smile and pat Nero’s knee. ”Not anymore, mein kleiner Kobold, but I wouldn’t do any pranks or intentionally try to frighten the man,” I say and look back at Kimiko. ”When we met Nic, we were hunting down a Chimera that had attacked the city. Cassi decided to do a locator spell by using the last victim the Chimera had killed. Nic caught us and Nero was there. Needless to say, hearing Cassiopeia was a sorcerer, I a shapeshifter, and then Nero a demon was a bit too much for Nic to handle. After that, Nero continued to unsettle Nic with their imp, childlike qualities, despite being one of the more terrifying things in hell, so we asked Nero to stay away when we had Nic over to explain the supernatural world of Chicago to him. But, with mine and Nero’s relationship having progressed so quickly, I don’t want them hiding anymore.”

I explain all of this to Kimiko, but my focus remains mainly on Nero, with my attention shifting to Kimiko only a couple of times.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I smile gratefully at Cass for her help before I watch my dad. “It’s China, Canada, and Chicago. Lì’s mother started it based off a location in China. When we lived in Canada, Lì found a park or something that was similar enough. Then your mother and Kiki found a place around here that they used to finish it.”

“I think I remember that park - it was one of the only time mom would carry the canvas instead of making me.” I laugh lightly. “Why she would let a five-year-old carry the art supplies in the first place is beyond me.”

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Nero

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

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I beam up at Caden as he talks and keeps looking at me. “Don’t worry, I won’t pull a prank. I just want to watch the sparring part.” I say with a grin.

“I understand, little demon.” Kiki says with a smile, sighing wistfully before sipping her drink. Nodding in agreement with Kiki, I look back at Caden.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smile back at Nic when he smiles at me before I focus back on Ren. ”All three locations?” I look down at my phone. I have a whole new appreciation for the piece now. The blending work to make everything dynamic and cohesive was incredible.

I look back at Nic when he wonders why his mother would let him carry expensive art supplies. ”She wanted you to feel included, and a part of the journey,” I said matter-of-factly.

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Caden

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

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”Ah, so you do want to see Caden and I half-naked. I knew it,” Avery chimes in, commenting after Kimiko. I laugh and sip my drink.

”Well, we’ll see if there will be any sparring tomorrow. That is up to the trainer,” I say, tipping my glass towards Avery before taking a sip.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Cass’ observation makes me grin and my dad even agrees with a nod. “She also really hoped you would pick up painting like she did with her mom.” My dad says.

“Well, would you like to go to Cary with us next time to see it again, dad?” I ask him.

“I would love that.” He says with a smile to me before he turns to Cass. “And thank you for taking a picture for me, Cass. Best future daughter-in-law I’ve ever had.”

I choke on my water and end up coughing, I have to beat on my chest a couple of times before I can breathe normally again. “Dad, I said to cool it with those jokes.” I say with an awkward laugh.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I flip Avery off, letting Caden finish before I speak. “I grew up watching boxing matches you perv.” I tell him with a glare.

“Half naked men is just a plus.” Nero taunts.

I chug the rest of my drink as my ears burn. [color=“I don’t think I like any of your company.”[/color]

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I beam from the praise and close up my phone, blushing slightly from the other comment. Nic suddenly chokes on his water and I look over at him. I smirk, a mischievous glint in my eyes. ”I don’t know. Future daughter-in-law has a nice ring to it,” I say and look back at Ren. ”How many grandchildren are you expecting, Ren?”

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Caden

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

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I laugh from Kimiko’s comment and Avery just grins as he finishes up his third plate of food. Around that time, the kitchen staff came back outside to deliver us dessert.

”Well, whatever you get out of it, clever fox, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the show if we spar,” I state.

”It just won’t be tomorrow. We have to get you and Nic on a routine, and Caden back into a routine. Then if you want to talk to Nic tomorrow, we have to leave time for that,” Avery adds.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I put my head in my hands, shaking it while doing so. “Dad, please don-

“Any number of grandchildren would be most welcome.” My dad says diplomatically. “Or adopted grandchildren - I know the kids these days are big on that.”

I blink in surprise at that answer, not really expecting my dad to be chill about number of grandchildren. Growing up, he and mom had been so pushy on both me and my sister to get married and have kids of our own. As welcome as the change is, it concerns me a little that it’s only changed now.

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Nero

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

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I pout. “No fair.” I mumble before I get distracted by dessert.

“Lemon and blueberry tarts.” Kiki announces before I can guess. I greedily try mine and grin at the nice balance of sweet and tart the dessert has.

I peer at the werewolf as I nibble. ”Avery, if you were to give me an exercise routine, what would it be?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smile at how understanding Nic’s father is. At one point and time, I wanted many children (as was expected of me) but after everything that happened, I didn’t want any for a long time. Sometimes I wished though to have one or two, to pass on knowledge and traditions.

I look over at Nic, whose head is now in his hands, and pat the top of his head. ”Sounds reasonable,” I say to Ren.

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Avery Zain

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

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I glance at Kimiko, helping myself to five tarts and shrug as I work on freeing one from it’s container. ”Depends on if you want an exercise routine where we’re naked or remain fully clothed,” I say with a cheeky grin.

Caden laughs, tears nearly in his eyes I think, as he tries to compose himself. I smirk and eat the tart merrily. I drink some water before I give Kimiko a serious answer.

”You’re speed, but you also need endurance, so I would focus on that more than brute strength, but you need to bulk up a bit in order to have enough fuel to get you from point a to b and c without tiring. It’ll be a step by step process that will change over time,” I tell her simply. I can’t give her every single detail because I need to see how she performs first.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I peer at Cass when she pts my head and give her a playful glare for egging this conversation on. My dad doesn’t miss a thing though. “Wait, don’t tell me you two are dating now.” He grins widely like the Cheshire Cat.

I check my watch. “One hour and 8 minutes.” I say to Cass with a chuckle. That seems like a good enough answer for my dad who gets up to hug Cass happily.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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My face burns at Avery’s comment, but Caden’s laugh sends me over the edge. I plant my head on the table. “I want to die.” I mumble before Avery gives me a real answer.

“Do me, do me!” Nero practically jumps in their chair while looking at Avery.

I’m glad they took the attention away - gave me time to refill my drink and chug a good portion of it before I even made it back to my seat.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I match Nic’s glare, momentarily forgetting Ren is in the room until he finally asks if we are dating. Nic checks his watch and I laugh. Definitely longer than five minutes.

I’m surprised when Ren hugs me, but I quickly return the hug, making a mental note of the strength in his hug to see if he truly is okay. I hug Ren a little tighter before I release him. I'm thankful we got to him in time. That we got him out.

”Your son was quite persistent,” I joke, looking back at Nic. ”Seems it runs in the family.”

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Avery Zain

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

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I grin, thoroughly enjoying Kimiko’s discomfort. Nero pulls the attention away from her for the time being, and I cock my head to the side. ”I’m not sure how Caden would feel if I did you,” I state.

Caden chuckles again and shakes his head. ”Nero is very much off the market, as it were. And you don’t need a work-out routine, little imp. You are likely stronger than all of us combined,” Caden says, taking Nero’s hand into his.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I start gathering up the dirty dishes and taking them to the sink to rinse them. “Well, someone told me to start doing things that made me truly happy.” I say cheekily, kissing Cass’ cheek on the way.

“So was today a date for the two of you then?” I hear my dad ask.

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Nero

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

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“Aw drats.” I tease as I happily wiggle in my seat from Caden’s declaration.

“But I was seeing if Avery had an exercise that would keep me entertained, otherwise I will spam his phone with the Ticky tocks” I grab more of the lemon tarts to nibble.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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My cheek warms where Nic kissed it, and I watch him go. Ren pulls me from my thoughts and I nod.

”It was our second date if one wants to be technical,” I informed Nic's dad.

I want to help Nic clean up, but I'm also enjoying talking with his father. I know he hasn't talked to Nic much about what happened, and I feel having me around helps Ren process things or at the very least know he's not alone.

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Avery Zain

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

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”TikTok, love,” Caden corrects.

I pause and ponder over Nero's dilemma. ”I could try, I suppose. But you have a lot more unchecked energy than I'm used to working with. I think you'll get bored easily and I won't be able to switch it up enough for you,” I tell Nero honestly.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I smile as I listen and wash the dishes. “When was the first date?” My dad asks excitedly. I don’t think he was expecting to find out we were dating let alone that it was our second date. “Come, let’s sit on the couch and talk.” He starts leading her out of the kitchen and to my couch.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“What did I say?” Nero asks Caden before Avery gets their attention.

Nero taps their chin in thought, their head tilted. “You might have a point.” They say with a sheepish grin.

“Maybe you can hide all the towels in the gym from Avery.” I suggest to Nero with a smirk.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smile and nod, standing up with Ren to walk to the living room. I glance back at Nic, hoping he's okay with being saddled with the dishes. I take a seat next to Ran on the couch, watching Nic for a minute longer before I refocus my attention on Ren.

”Yesterday. We went on a group date with Jane and Kat. Although, when they showed up, I wasn't sure if I was on a date with Nic anymore,” I confessed to Ren.

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Avery Zain

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

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”That's fine. I'll just use your bedsheets to towel off,” I threaten Kimiko.

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Caden

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

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I grin at Nero when they ask me what they had said, but they get distracted and I let them. While Avery is teasing Kimiko again, I reach over and pluck Nero from their seat and set them on my lap.

I nuzzle their neck and whisper in their ear. ”Bha mi gad ionndrainn.” I nip Nero's ear after I whisper that I missed them in Gaelic before I pick up my drink.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I chuckle to myself, still amazed that Cass had been that off on my relationship to both of them. ”She thought I was dating one or both of them, dad.” I call from the kitchen. Once I’ve got the dishes rinsed, I start loading them into the dishwasher.

“Oh,” My dad laughs at this piece of information. “It took us awhile before we realized that Jane and Nic weren’t dating each other or going to date each other. Except for Kiki - she knew they were just friends somehow.”

”That’s cause Jane outright told Kiki she was gay. She didn’t know how you or mom would react though.” I start the dishwasher as I put the tea and water in the fridge before I get to work on cleaning the wok pan and cutting boards by hand.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“I’m going to start locking my door.” I turn to ask Caden if I can have a key, but I notice he and Nero are having a moment. I smile before giving Avery a knowing glance and a slight shake of my head.

“You do anything to my sheets and I’ll kill you myself.” I threaten him lightly.

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Nero

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

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I manage to stop the squeak that threatens to escape when Caden pulls me into his lap and then later when he nips my ear. Face red, I playfully glare at him before I whisper back. “Was that Gaelic? What did it mean?” I silently try to mouth the words he said.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”They are so close! You can't really be sure about anything. So once that was cleared up, it made things a bit easier,” I explained.

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Avery Zain

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

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I smile at the affection happening at the other end of the table. Caden's had many trysts since I've known him, so nothing really bothers me.

Kimiko tries to threaten me and I just chuckle. ”Then who would train you and let you oggle them all day?”

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Caden

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

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”Mhmm, I said I missed you,” I told them. I resist the urge to move Nero's hair and kiss the back of their neck. Instead, I just wrap one arm around their waist and rest my hand on their thigh.

”Supper was good?” I asked.

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I set the cutting boards to dry and season the wok pan before I go to join my dad and Cass in the other room. “We went to that trampoline park.” I tell my dad as I sit in the armchair.

“I remember - you’ve been wanting to try that place out for awhile, right?”

I nod. “I think we had a lot of fun.” I look at Cass with a smile.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I smirk. “I’m sure I can find someone suitable to replace you.” I don’t think it possible. It might take two different people just to make up one Avery,

With a glance at the two cuddling together, I smile and sip my drink. How I ever thought the Nero could be a threat now seems incredibly stupid.

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Nero

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

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I shift so I can lean back against Caden, very content. “I liked it a lot - it had a lot of flavor.” I reach to grab another tart to snack on.

“How can you miss me when I’m right here though?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I smile when Nic joins us back in the living room. I nod when he talks about having fun.

”I'm not very good at bouncing, but it was a lot of fun all the same,” I agreed.

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Avery Zain

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

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I clutch my heart and look at Kimiko with hurt in my eyes. ”You wound me madam.” I open up another tart and eat it happily but I still look at Kimiko with sadness in my eyes.

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Caden

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

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”I know, but you were over there. Now you're right here,” I say with a smile. I look back down the table and see Avery looking sadly at Kimiko. I chuckle and look at Kimiko.

”Did you break my werewolf?”

[Donut Look Now]

Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I run a hand down my jaw, ears burning, as I refrain from making a crude joke about Cass bouncing in front of my dad. “You got better at it after a bit, but your true skills were displayed in the arcade.” I flash a grin.

“I remember when you begged us to get you that play box thing when you were a kid.”

I chuckle with a roll of my eyes. “I might have beaten Cass more if you had indulged me.”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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“He deserved it, I promise.” I say with a growing smirk. I glance sidelong at the sad puppy eyes Avery is showcasing and shake my head with a small laugh. “I’m sure nothing I do could truly wound him though.” I drink the last of my gin.

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Nero

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

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I lean my head back to look up at Caden as he speaks, smiling. I bounce my head a little back and forth. The little rivalry between the fox and the hound is proving to be entertaining. Maybe watching the two tomorrow morning will keep me from boredom.