KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I snort at the meme. ”That's worse than a dad joke,” I declare. I lean forward on the bike, my hands on the handlebars and as soon as the race starts I push the right buttons. I squeal and laugh as I race against Nic, hitting him with my digital bike so I can stay ahead.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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I stand behind Nero and wrap my arms around Nero's waist. ”They're staying with me, but the room next to mine is there's for the time being. Henry probably put you on the ground floor then. Don't worry the house is soundproof,” I say with a wink.

I release Nero and walk back around. ”We're going to have to be strategic about the club. No one knows you here, Kiki I would like to use that to our advantage.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I got a card and put some tokens on it for all of us. I sit beside Nic on a bike and scan the card twice. ”Acoustic bike?” The only acoustic thing I knew was the acoustic guitar.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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I laugh and keep Nero close. ”We can talk about it over supper. We are going to the Osiris after supper if you'd like to join us. We are just going up to change. Avery will be coming with us. You can flirt with him there,” I say with a grin. Avery looks less enthused about the idea.

”I'm going to get ready,” he says and immediately leaves. I chuckle and look at Kiki.

”Where did Henry put you up?”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I grin. ”Can we do the bike racing one? And then when you and Jane get too competitive and forget about me and Kat, her and I will go play pinball or something.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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I grin when I see her. She hasn't changed one bit. She runs at me and I laugh, picking her up and spinning her around.

”I do only when it comes to family,” I squeeze her tight and set her down after kissing her cheeks. I take a step back and smile at Nero.

”Kiki, this is my partner, Nero,” I plant a kiss on Nero's head and pull them closer. ”And this brick wall is Avery. He's been a part of my security detail for about twenty years. The two of you met in passing.”

Avery eyes Kiki and gives a subtle nod. He's never been fond of new people in his, or rather our, territory. And wolves and foxes have a long history. Like Cass and demons.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I take Nick's hand happily, okay with the idea of being on a double date with him and his friends. We scan the area and I point up the stairs. ”There!” I call and excitedly lead the way. It isn't very big but it has an air hockey table, several pinball and other old school games. There's a bike racing game and some shooter games as well.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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I kiss Nero's hand before we park. Avery gets out and beats me to the door. I chuckle and wait for Nero before I escort them up the steps and into the house. I kiss Nero's hand again before I release them and turn. I look left and right before I head to the living room.

”Kiki, get your ass out here!” I call into the house. Thinking about it now, it had been at least ten years or so since I last saw her.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I try not to feel self-conscious with Nic's eyes one as I eat. I eventually finish my meal and sip my drink. I glance back at the trampolines and wonder if we're going to keep going or if that's it for the day. I wouldn't mind going either way. I'm sure it would be best to let the food digest a little.

”Is there an arcade here?” I ask. That would be fun and give some time for the food to digest.

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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”Ja. Her family has a long history with them.” I squeeze Nero's hand after they wrap their bare hand around it. I chuckle when they pout.

”Yes, but you might notice other things. Don't let that stop you, but also, you can have tonight. It isn't all work and no play,” I say and pull down the driveway.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I laughed, shaking my head in amusement. Werewolves were the only other creatures I knew who had a high protein diet. Of course, not every wolf was like Avery either. Some fed into their wolf side too much and we're rather wild and dangerous.

I shift focus from teasing Nic and eat my meal in a less animalistic way.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”In passing. Kimiko is a rather free spirit. She's never in one place for long,” I say. I glance down when Nero pulls on their gloves and I rest my hand on their lap, offering my hand to hold if they need it.

”Oh, is she the kitsune?” Avery asks.

”Yes, she didn't say why she was in town but I assume it has to do with something or someone she's hunting. Kimiko is part of the men of letters, or rather her father is. They are an organization in Europe that hunts supernatural creatures.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I smile and shake my head. ”Nope, if you have a place in mind that works for me,” I said. All the places I knew were supernatural friendly. It would good to know some other places as well.

I watch Nic eat with mild amusement. I lean towards the other two. ”Does he always eat like a wild animal?”

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Caden

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Location: Mobile Shop – Chicago, IL
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I laugh even more when Nero turns their wide eyes on Avery. He looks at me desperately and I just keep laughing. ”Oh fine,” he says caving.

”We'll take two cars, Avery. Then you can leave at any time if you want. It'll be okay. It's important to introduce ourselves to the community,” I add. I had been to the club several times already but Avery had not. He really tried to keep to himself, but it was only a matter of time before he needed to meet the wolves of Chicago.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I eat my tots and laugh from Jane's excitement. ”I'm sure we could go another double after Nic and I see if we can handle each other's company one on one,” I say.

Nic and I hadn't spent any time alone together. There were always some in the room or in the room next to us. We've talked on the phone once now and texted lots but, it would be nice to just spend a couple hours alone with him. Now that we both know we're interested.

”As for food, pizza would be a good second date meal.” Besides, Chicago was famous for their pizza.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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I look back at Avery who now looks worried since we both looked at him. I grin and laugh. ”Wenn der Welpe kommen möchte, wir ihn aber nicht zwingen können.” Having Avery there would be useful but if the other wolves are there it could also prove to be a rather interesting night.

Translations

If the puppy wants to come, but we can't force him.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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”I thought this was a date?” I say, sitting down at the table with the others. ”Wait, you're not keeping my food are you!?” I reach over and rescue my burrito from him. ”Never mess with a girl's food,” I warn Nic.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”I’m sure she would be interested in coming with us, but she doesn't have to,” I say and look at Nero. ”Es können nur du und ich sein,” I say. I speak in German for Nero's comfort more than anything. Avery I trust with my life. He isn't one to gossip or pass on information. His loyalty was all encompassing.

Translations

It can only be you and me.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park – Chicago, IL
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I don't swat his hand away this time. I look up at Nic smiling and nod. ”I'm glad we met, too.” It was under terrible circumstances and I remembered how angry and sad he was. I remembered wanting to help him more but also protect him. I still felt that way.

I felt like we were having a moment. My thoughts were tumbling in my head as I was watching Nic, my eyes flicking back and forth between his, not settling on one spot. Then there was a shout. Nic's order and mine were called. I stepped away from Nic, my face heating and I turned to grab my food.

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Caden

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Location: Mobile Shop – Chicago, IL
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”Yes. She'll be staying with us for the duration of her visit,” I tell Nero. ”You'll like her. She's has a bit of a temper but it makes her one hell of a firecracker.”