Donut Look Now

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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I grab his hand back and gently, but firmly, pull him down a little so I can give him a kiss back. “Thank you.” I say, looking him in the eyes so he can see I’m being genuine before I release him.

”I’m guessing I shouldn’t cannonball into the tub, right?” I give him an impish grin and wink before I start undressing again to climb into his tub.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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“Raccoons are natural, aren’t they?” I tell him, sticking my tongue out at him before I run off to clean my face.

Most of the makeup on my eyelashes had been cried off, so it was just my skin that needed cleaning. I almost leave the red lipstick on because of Caden’s comment, but end up wiping that off too. I dig through the drawers and pull out the same tools Caden had used just the other day, combing my hair through. I give myself a once-over before I run back to Caden’s room.

“Do I shut and lock the door or is that going to impede the hot chocolate?” I ask as I traipse into the bathroom.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

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

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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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
Skills:

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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.

Chicago After Hours

Nero

Location: In the Car - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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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
Skills:

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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
Skills:

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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.