[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I finish doing a shoulder roll when Avery comes out of the changing room. I pushed myself up and shook my head. ”Well, yes, but I had to clean all the machines down and then just decided to mess around. I wanted to walk you out but also see how the workout went for you,” I say.

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Caden

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

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I cock my head at Nero, thinking about their question. I turn around and look at where the door could be. I had a bookshelf there, but we could incorporate a door into it. ”I’ll have to talk to my contractor, but I don’t see why we couldn’t,” I said and looked back at Nero. I smiled at them and walked backwards to the bathroom. ”Are you going to join me in the shower?”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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“Oh! Well, thanks man.” I say with a smile. “I enjoyed the workout, actually. I haven’t had a trainer practically ever, unless you count the gym coach at my high school, so it was really nice to have someone helping me with my boxing.” I tell him genuinely.

I gesture to the door and start to lead the way back out of Caden’s place. “I’m sure once Kimiko gets the hang of it, it’ll be even better.”

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Nero

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

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“Ooh! Secret bookcase door! Those exist, right??” I say, wiggling before I scramble out of the bed at Caden’s question. “If I ever say no to that, just know it’s not really me.” I tell him with a cheeky grin.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I smile and nod. ”Of course. I enjoy training, so it was no problem. We’ll keep it up this week, and next week, we can switch it up and have some sparring after the weight training.”

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Caden

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

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I grin. ”Yes, I was thinking of a secret bookcase door as well,” I said.

I enter the bathroom just as Nero scrambles from the bed to follow me. I laugh at their statement and nod. ”I’ll remember that,” I said, turning on the shower. I wiggled out of my clothes while the water heated up.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I grin. “Well, I’m looking forward to it. You and Caden are much closer in height to me than my friends so it should be nicer on my back.” I mock stretch my back and groan with a wink. Truth be told, it had been Jane and Kat who’d sparred with me before and they were much more interested in goofing off than actually trying.

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Nero

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

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“You had better.” I say to Caden as I quickly discard my clothes and skip over to him. “Also, I hope we’re able to do the secret bookcase door.” I say, beaming up at Caden.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I chuckle and walk with Nic to the front door. ”We’ll make it challenging for you,” I promised. We reach the front door, and I turn to look at Nic.

”Oh, Nero wanted to know if you like them better now.”

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Caden

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

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”I’ll call my contractor right away and ask,” I said, and kissed Nero’s forehead before pulling them into the shower with me.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I blink, bemused for a moment at the question as we stop by the front door. “Oh, I didn’t think they would care what I thought of them to be honest.” I think back to the childlike behavior Nero put on display in the gym and how happy I caught Caden and them with each other in moments between sets.

“Nero’s a lot like a child - I don’t know what I was expecting a demon to be like, but, I mean, it’s kind of hard not to like them.” I say sheepishly. [color=F7941D]”Do most demons act like that?”[color]

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Nero

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

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I squeak as Caden pulls me into the shower. Once we’re all clean and free of the sweat from the morning workout, I shake my head to get rid of the water before I go and grab a towel.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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Freshly showered and changed, I leave my room to find something to do. When I hear Avery and Nic’s voices carry down the hall, I quickly hide so I don’t have to face Nic yet.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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”Ah, no. Nero’s kind of an anomaly. Most demons are brutal and care little for human life. Nero is different and actually wants to regain their humanity. I’m not sure if it is possible, but they aren’t your stereotypical demon.”

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Caden

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

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I linger in the shower just a little bit longer after Nero gets out. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the shower before I turn the tap to get some cold water. I always found it invigorating and refreshing after a good, hard workout to end my showers on cold. After that, I turned the water off and walked out to towel off and change into something comfortable for the day.

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I raise my eyebrows in surprise at this news. “Huh, well, I’m definitely not scared of them anymore after today and what you’ve just told me helps me feel even better about them.” I almost go in to hug Avery before I remember Cass’ warning and extend my hand to him instead.

“Well, I guess we’ll be seeing each other later, but seriously, thanks so much for agreeing to train me.”

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Nero

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

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Wrapped in a towel, I scamper off to the other room to change before I meet Caden back in his room - I mean our room. Still not quite used to it. I head into the bathroom to hang my towel back up and am awarded with a show. I smirk as I look at Caden. “We plan on just staying in today, right?”

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I’m only tucked away in the little transition hallway that leads into Caden’s side of the house, so I can clearly her Avery and Nic’s words. I smile despite everything - this was definitely a son raised by loving parents. His mother and sister are probably so proud of him.

Translations

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I shake Nic’s hand and nod before I open up the door for him. ”Hey, no problem at all. Like I said, I have fun training. We’ll see you and Cass later today,” I say with a smile and a nod.

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Caden

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

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I look at Nero and grin while they stare at me. I walk into my closet and pull on some casual clothes for the day. ”Yes, I think so. Unless there is something you would like to do.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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I smile back and wave before I head towards the SUV. I send a quick text to Cass as I walk. I’m leaving Caden’s now - what would you like for drinks?

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Nero

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

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I follow Caden into the closet and shake my head. “No, staying in sounds good to me.” I can’t believe I used to put so much effort into dressing up and going places before when I now just enjoy being comfortable with Caden. “You never did show me where your t-shirts are.” I say impishly.

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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When I hear the front door close, I round the corner to poke my head in. “So, did he say anything about me?” I ask Avery.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I wave Nic off and close the front door. I turned around to see Kimiko sneaking into the room and smirked. ”What, you didn’t hear while you were eavesdropping?” I joke.

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Caden

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

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I grinned, slipping my hands into the pockets of my trousers, and looked down at Nero. ”Why do you want to see my t-shirt collection so badly?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I heard my phone go off finally, and I launched myself across the room to grab it. I quickly read Nic’s message and reread it before replying. Chai latte works for me… Can we stop at my shop before heading out?

I really want to ask him how the conversation with Kiki went, but I restrain myself. He’ll be here soon, and I’ll see how it went for myself.

[Donut Look Now]

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I stick my tongue out at Avery. “I wasn’t eavesdropping!” I say defensively before adding, “I just didn’t want to be seen by Nic yet.” I chew on my lip and look away, embarrassed. “Besides, all I overheard was you two talking about Nero.”

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Nero

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

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“Because I’m convinced you don’t own any.” I say, looking up at him defiantly before I end up mirroring his grin. “Kiki made sure to get a lot of oversized hoodies and sweaters and t-shirts for me, so I’ll need you to smother them in your scent as soon as possible.”

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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

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Got it! And we can totally stop at your shop :) I look up directions to somewhere that would have chai lattes and be on the way to Cass’. Once I found one that looks decent enough, I punch in the address and start the drive. I want to talk to her about the weird things with Kimiko, but I also don’t want to text and drive or be distracted talking on the phone. I’m going to see her soon, I can be patient.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I smirked and started walking towards the back of the house. ”He didn’t bring you up. We just spoke about the workout, and Nero asked me to see how Nic was warming up to them,” I told her.

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Caden

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

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I chuckle, shaking my head and walk into the bathroom. I return a few seconds later with my cologne. I mist myself before I hand the bottle to Nero. ”There, smoother until your heart's content,” I tell them.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Okay… Safe travels <3 I set my phone down and start fiddling with my hair while I bounce my leg up and down. I need to find another task to do to keep myself busy until Nic gets here.

[Donut Look Now]

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I narrow my eyes suspiciously at Avery, but I believe him. “Who knew a demon would care about what a mere mortal thinks of them.” I say with a shake of my head as I follow Avery towards the back of the house. I’m not meaning to actually go in the same direction as him - honestly I meant to go to the kitchen for a snack, but I found myself wanting to talk to him more.

Wait what?

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Nero

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

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I level a glare up at him and pout. “This is not the same thing.” I tell him, but I still tuck the cologne into my pocket to use later. “Also, I knew you didn’t own any t-shirts.” I shake my head in mock disappointment.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Driving - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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<3 This time, I can’t help but speed on my way to Cass. I rush through picking up the chai latte for Cass and get a raspberry tea for myself, inspired by her drink choice yesterday. When I arrive at her place, I don’t bother sending a text, instead jumping out of the SUV to knock on her door.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I walked to the back door and opened it, only to find that Kimiko was still following me. I stopped and turned around to face her. ”Well, I believe Nero is wanting to become more human. Traditionally speaking, being human comes with social anxieties of needing to feel accepted. Now, as much as I would enjoy company in my shower, I don’t think you want a second shower.” I look Kimiko up and down before I speak again. ”Do you own leather?” I ask before I even think about what I’m asking.

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Caden

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

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I take Nero’s hand when they continue to declare I don’t own t-shirts and lead them into the closet. I take them over to one of my drawers and open it up to reveal t-shirts of every colour. ”Polos, cotton, nylon. All sorts. Now, which ones are you going to steal from me?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Nic doesn’t even get a full knock on the door before I throw my front door open and wrap my arms around his neck. ”Are you okay? What did Kimiko say? I told her not to bombard you with information or questions. Did she bombard you, did she freak you out, are you okay?”

I slid my arms back to place my hands on Nic’s face as I talked. I search his face for my answers, making sure he is both okay emotionally as well as physically. It didn’t look like he did any sparring with Avery or Caden.

[Donut Look Now]

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I’m already feeling warm in my cheeks and ears from Avery’s comment about enjoying company in the shower, but his next question makes me sputter. “I-I’m sorry, what?” I ask him, eyebrows furrowed and face surely as red as a strawberry. I try to find a reason for him to ask that and come up blank, so I just continue to stare at him, frozen in place. What the fuck??

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Nero

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

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I grin widely up at Caden once he shows me the drawer of shirts. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.” I say. I really thought he might not own any since I’d never seen him in one. “When do you actually wear these? Cause you dress like this, I gesture to his ensemble with my free hand. “For staying in and wear nothing to sleep.” I tilt my head to peer up at him.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Cass’ Townhome - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I luckily stabilize myself when Cass throws her arms on me, grateful we didn’t tumble down the walkway and that I left our drinks in the SUV. “Easy, girl.” I say with a chuckle, running a hand down her back to soothe her. “But now that you’ve told me you told her not to bombard me, her reactions today make much more sense.” I say, shaking a little with laughter before I kiss Cass’ head.

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I grin and walk through the threshold and into the backyard. ”I was going to go for a ride on one of Caden’s motorcycles after and get something to eat. If you want to come, wearing leather is better for your safety. If you don’t, I think Sarah is your size, and she’d let you borrow what she has.”

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Caden

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

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”That’s for me to know and for you to find out,” I state, throwing Nero’s statement back at them. I lean in and kiss Nero’s lips. I pull back with a smile and lead Nero out of the closet. ”Are you hungry? I’m going to have breakfast brought to your room while I call the contractor,” I explained.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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”Her reactions? What reactions, what did she do?” I asked, frowning. ”Kiki’s an old friend, but she’s abrasive and doesn’t think before she speaks. I didn’t want her treating you like some pawn on her way to her mother. Not with everything you’ve gone through,” I said and buried my head in Nic’s chest.

[Donut Look Now]

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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My jaw drops at the absolute audacity of this man. “You absolutely did that on purpose!” I accuse, almost following him outside before I stop myself. “Also who is Sarah??” I had my own leather pants and jacket to wear, but honestly I’m still in shock from what just happened. Wait - is he asking me out on a date?

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Nero

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

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I stick my tongue out at Caden with a roll of my eyes, but beam happily when he kisses me. “Ooh, can I have those potato things, hashtags? And eggs? Over-simple?” I ask excitedly, already wiggling as Caden leads me. “I didn’t get any of those words right, did I?”

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Cass’ Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I pause, having to get used to hearing someone else referred to as Kiki, but that’s quickly forgotten as Cass goes on before burying her head in my chest. Despite everything, I can’t help but grin as I hold her close. “So, the only thing we talked about was that she’s part fox-spirit, because I asked her what she was. I started to tell her about the stories my mom used to tell me and Kiki- my Kiki - growing up.” I kiss her head again, finding Cass’ protectiveness of me endearing.

“One of those stories was how we’re blessed by the fox and Kimiko said something odd like she was insinuating my family is no longer blessed. Then she looked like a deer caught in headlights and Avery came over to join us then. She started acting very chipper towards Avery in an attempt for me not to ask any follow-up questions.” I chuckled at how awkward that moment had been.

I grab Cass’ face gently and tilt it up so she can look at me. ”Caden invited us to join him for dinner tonight, is that okay with you?”

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[KazAlkemi]

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Avery Zain

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

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I smirked when Kimiko went to follow me again but stopped herself. I ignore her first statement in favour of answering her question.

”Sarah works for Caden. She rides, so sometimes we’ll take the bikes out. I just thought I would offer since I was already going,” I restated.

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Caden

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

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I tried not to, but I couldn’t help it. I laughed at Nero when he used the wrong words. I shook my head and kissed their forehead. ”Hashbrowns with eggs over-easy,” I correct.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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My heart breaks when Nic uses the same nickname we have for Kimiko to refer to his sister. Caden and I always called Kimiko Kiki. I looked up into his eyes when he asked about dinner.

”She offered the same on the phone. It’s fine with me. Nic…I’m so sorry about the nickname. That was insensitive of me.”

[Donut Look Now]

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Kimiko “Kiki” Voss

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

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I still regard Avery dubiously, but my stomach growls at just the thought of food. “I’m only agreeing because I’m hungry.” I tell Avery. “And I have my own leather, so Sarah doesn’t have to lend me anything.” Okay, so not a date, but am I jealous of Sarah?

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Nero

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

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“So I was close at least.” I say with a sheepish look, ears warming at how he laughed at me. “Kids these days with their fancy words.” I shake my head in mock disappointment.

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Nicholas “Nic” Wu

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Location: Cass’ Home - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I shake my head. “Don’t be sorry - two people can have the same nickname.” I tell her, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“It’s not insensitive of you at all. It definitely took me by surprise when Nero called Kimiko that, but nothing you should be apologizing for.” I lean down to kiss her forehead.

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