KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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Caden’s phone buzzes again, and he reads Nic’s message.

You underestimate how long Cass can hold a grudge.”

Caden knew it wasn’t as simple as that, but he missed his best friend. However, he wasn’t going to push because he knew her.

Nero rejoined them, and Caden smiled. ”Ready to go to the top?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery stuffed the thing inside the bag and zipped it up before it could fall out. He gave Kimiko a look while he put on his leather jacket. ”I’m making a mental catalogue of better names,” he said.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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I make no promises about that. Good night, Nic <3

Cassi turned on some soft Lo-Fi music after plugging her phone in and finished up her after-shower routine. Not feeling quite tired yet, despite the long day, Cassi pulls out one of her sketchbooks and sits on the floor, leaning against the bed, and she sketches out some things for Nic and his dad.

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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Like the doting boyfriend he is, Caden happily follows along behind his imp. He looks over some of the exhibits, refreshing is memory of them before continuing on. His phone buzzes, and Caden pulls it out to make sure it isn’t anything important.

He sees it’s Nic and opens the message, briefly worried until he reads it. Caden chuckled and texted Nic back.

”Is it the bed that is comfortable or the person you’re sharing it with?

Caden looked up when Nero skipped over, and smiled. ”Then let’s keep going.” He led them to the elevator without a line again.

This one moved a little, but it still had thirty-some-odd floors to climb. The elevator doors opened to reveal another exhibit but with a more modern, pop-culture collection.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Kimiko’s words work at clearing any lingering feelings of worry about her or them, and Avery grins. ”Good.” He pecked her lips before he held his hand out for her stuffed animal.

”Tell mini me goodnight. We have to stuff it in the bag,” Avery said. Now that the riding gear was out of the bag, it was empty, aside from Avery’s wallet and phone.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia wrapped herself in her towel and added some oils to her hair. She then twisted it up and wrapped her hair in a bun so that in the morning, when she let it go, it would be nice and wavy and frizzy-free. Hopeful Nic wouldn’t tease her then.

She walked back into her bedroom to see Max lounging by her phone. She scratched her familiar’s head before picking up her phone. She flushed almost immediately but happily texted Nic back.

I wouldn’t say no to that.

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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Caden grinned and happily followed Nero along while they took their fill of the little exhibit. ”We have all the time in the world, my little imp.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery heard Kimiko exit the bathroom before she reached him. He looked her up and down to make sure she was unharmed. Her hand connected with his shoulder, and Avery visibly sagged, the tension leaving his body. He hadn’t realized he was that wound up.

Avery set their helmets down and opened up the bag to pull out Kiki’s leathers for her. ”Ya… Ya, I’m okay. I think it’s just going to take me a while not to be on high alert when it comes to you,” Avery said.

He looked at Kimiko and switched the gear into one hand so he could caress her face. ”Did you have fun tonight at least?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia greeted all of her cats. Gathering all three into her arms and squeezed them. She kissed their heads, cooing to them before setting them down. Max sauntered off, waiting to be feed, while Wayland ran off and Calypso wound herself around Cassi’s legs.

Eventually Cassi managed to feed the cats, and gave them a little cat nip before heading upstairs. Max followed along behind her, hopping onto the bed and sat there watching her while Cassi prepared for her own shower.

She smiled at her phone and texted Nic back.

I enjoyed what happened today…Despite all the interruptions ;)

She tossed her phone on the bed before going into the bathroom to shower. Cassi wanted to make sure Nic knew she was enjoying when their relationship was going physically as much as she enjoyed it mentally and emotionally.

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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”This building is one hundred and three floors. I believe there are multiple elevators to the top due to the height. With a combination of the weight and cables it can’t make it all the way to the top. Plus there are exhibits on some of the floors.” As if on cue, the elevator doors open up to one of the floors to reveal a historical exhibit of the Empire State Building. ”We can wonder through or go to the next elevator,” Caden said.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery returned to the little hallway outside of the washrooms where he left Kimiko. He is half tempted to walk into the woman’s washroom to make sure is okay and still there. Instead, he settles for standing outside the woman’s washroom.

”Kiki? I’m just outside when you’re ready,” he said. He spoke a little above a normal volume, but didn’t feel the need to shout knowing Kimiko would be able to hear him just fine.

Avery stood in the hallway, looking towards the exit and fidgited with the straps of his bag, worry etched into every line of his body.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Bus Stop —> Cassi’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I will,” Cassi said with a smile. She stepped onto the bus and scanned her card before taking a seat near the middle, by the window so she could wave goodbye to Nic as the bus pulled away.

Once she was alone with her thoughts she flopped against the seat and sighed. She stared up at the roof of the bus, wondering why she didn’t just bring Nic home with her. She lived alone. They could do whatever they wanted without interruptions at her place.

She shifted her focus and looked out the window, watching downtown Chicago go by. She eventually had to switch busses, but the longer she travelled the more relaxed and settled she became.

Cassi got off the bus down the street from her house and walked to the park. She slipped off her shoes and walked in the grass. The cool grass tickled her feet, and she sighed. Her mind drifted back to Nic and she turned around to look at the tall buildings of Chicago behind her. The feeling of his touch lingered on her skin, and she could still feel his hair tickling her. Cassi bit her bottom lip, pulling her focus from what she left and moved ahead.

Once she was inside she texted Nic. Home, safe and sound.

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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”We would be here for a very long time if that happened. There are three elevators needed to get to the top,” Caden explained, wrapping his arm around Nero’s shoulders.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I won’t be long,” he promised. Avery walked over to the washrooms with Kimiko, holding her close until they got there. He let her go, sliding his arm across her lower back to capture her hand. He bent over her hand, kissing the back of it before he released her. ”Don’t miss me too much,” he said, gently teasing her.

Avery glanced around to make sure there wasn’t anyone lurking or watching them before he left to retrieve their jackets, helmets, and his bag.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Bus Stop – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia blushed from the thought of Nic kicking his dad out of the house for a night. She stepped up to Nic, and looked up at him. ”I wouldn’t say no to the idea,” she said and leaned up to kiss Nic.

She heard the bus pull up and took a step back from Nic. ”I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, grabbing her bus pass.

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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After spending nearly every waking and non-waking moment with Nero, Caden easily read the unspoken thoughts going through Nero’s head. Caden chuckled and squeezed Nero into his side, kissing the top of his head.

”Go on. The elevator is programmed to only stop on one floor. Too many people with chaotic imp energy like you,” Caden teased and nudged Nero towards the elevator buttons.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery’s arm tightened around Kimiko, and he lifted her off the railing. He kept her close, resting his forehead on her the top of her head. She wasn’t that much shorter than he was, well she was, but Avery never really noticed.

Her hand on his chest was comforting, and Avery didn’t want to pull away because that meant she’d stop touching him. He took a deep breath in, inhaling her scent, and sighed. Avery lifted his head and looked around.

”I’ll go get our stuff. Why don’t you go the washroom, and I’ll come to you, so you can put on your leathers and things there,” Avery suggested. That would also give Kiki a few more minutes to steady herself.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Bus Stop – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia squeezed Nic’s hand and laughed. ”Maybe. Or maybe they’d let us go for a year before we came back,” she suggested.

They reached the bus stop, and Cassi checked her phone to make sure it was running on time. She tucked it away and looked back at Nic. ”Maybe we could plan a date night for next weekend?”

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Caden

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Location: Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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A smile tugs on the corner of Caden’s lips as he watches Nero bounce out of the car. He chuckled too himself before he slid out of the vehicle and stood behind Nero. Caden placed his hands on their hips and looked up at the skyscraper.

”The area is fenced in at the top to prevent people from jumping or damaging the building. But it’s still an incredible view,” Caden told them. He moved to take Nero’s hand and led them inside the building. There was a large lineup for the elevator, the building being rather popular at night, but Caden bypassed the line to a second elevator. He handed the person standing there a couple of tickets. Once they were scanned, they were immediately let onto the first of three elevators needed to get to the top of the building.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery’s heart breaks when Kimiko apologises. He shakes his head repeatedly, using his free hand to wipe some of her tears away. ”Never apologize for your trauma.”

The faded bruises Kimiko had managed to cover up start to come through, and Avery is filled with a slow-burning rage that sits in the bit of his stomach. It doesn’t let it out. This isn’t about his pain; it’s about hers. Instead, Avery closes his eyes and presses a gentle kiss to the fading bruise, willing it to fade faster for Kimiko’s sake.

”Let me take you back. I’m getting a little tired of all the noise and lights anyways,” Avery said. It was half true. Being a supernatural creature with enhanced eyesight and hearing, did cause him to become overstimulated easily. ”We can watch a movie. Find a new favourite,” Avery suggested, wanting Kimiko to know he wasn’t ready for the night to end despite what had just happened.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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She laughed, shaking her head when Nic brought up being the perfect boyfriend again. He really was, and she didn’t mind him saying it over and over again. Cassi reached out and took his hand, leaning into him a little while they walked.

She had been to Montana before. Caden had property there with a barn full of horses. She missed riding. Maybe Caden would let them stay there, but then again, he had staff to look after the property and the animals. Nic and Cassi wouldn’t be alone, and Cassi really like the idea of it just being the two of them somewhere. Maybe she could find them a cabin to stay in.

Cassiopeia pulled herself from her thoughts and mulled over Nic’s opinion on the American healthcare system. ”Would you ever want to work somewhere else? Like Canada, or somewhere in Europe? France as a good system, Germany, and Switzerland too.”

Cassi was a wandering by nature. She didn’t often remain tied down in a place for more than five years at a time, but she could see herself making an exception for Nic.

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Caden

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Location: Driving —> Empire State Building – New York City, New York
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled, his lips still on Nero’s neck. He moved them up to whisper in Nero’s ear. ”You are my weak spot,” he whispered. Caden’s hand squeezed Nero’s thigh, before he pulled back. They were getting close to their next location and Caden didn’t want to start something he wouldn’t be able to finish.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery frowned when Kimiko mentioned ‘Terry’. Bastard, he thought. Avery was starting to do well when he heard Kimiko’s breathing change. He turned his head in time to see her fall to the floor.

Avery spun around, hitting the ground next to her with his knees and placed his hands on her face. ”Kiki? Kiki, you’re okay. You’re safe,” he reminded her, his voice full of concern. He looked around before he scooped Kimiko up in one arm, grabbing the stuffed animal with his free hand, and moved off to a quieter part of the arcade. He set her down on the edge of a railing, his arm secured around her so she wouldn’t fall and placed the stuff animal on her lap.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia smiled happily, listening to Nic geek out and get excited about the conference. She stood in front of him while he leaned against the back of the elevator, her hands clasped together in front of her.

”Do I get to go to the panels as well? And why wouldn’t they buy the new equipment? It’ll be so outdated and useless by that point won’t it?” Of course, Cassi was content helping people with their ailments with herbs. Medicine that was thousands of years old, but for Westernized medicine, it made more sense to have the best equipment.

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Caden

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Location: Death & Co —> Driving – New York City, Manhattan Island New York
Skills:
Fit

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Caden rests a hand on Nero’s thigh when they reclaim his lap as their seat. ”Yes, my little imp. The Empire State Building,” he said and kissed Nero’s cheek, and then the soft spot below their ear.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Yes, but you don’t. So it would be better,” Avery said, managing to get a bonus ball before he looses it and starts again. ”How about Larry?” Avery joked, just saying the first thing that came to his mind.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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

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Cassiopeia smiled softly, her fingers twitching to touch Nic’s face. He stood, and she took his hand to stand as well. ”I would like that very much,” Cassi said, resting his hands on Nic’s chest.

It was hard not wanting to be close to him. To not touch him. They had so little time together, it seemed, but really, they had seen each other several times this week, what with Nic moving and Cass helping out as much as she good. Maybe this conference in November would be a good thing.

Cassi turned away from Nic to gather her things before they headed out to the bus stop. ”So, what happens at a medical conference?” Cassi asked as they walked.

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Caden

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Location: Death & Co —> Driving – New York City, Manhattan Island New York
Skills:
Fit

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The car is already outside, waiting for the couple as they leave the bar. Caden slides into the vehicle after Nero and smiles. ”Something outside, and very high up.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Emporium Arcade and Bar – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”If you’re insisting on naming it after me, why not use my last name?” Avery suggested. He really didn’t want a stuffed animal to be named Avery or Avery jr. Or little Avery. It was just…weird.

Avery found a pinball machine that looked cool near Kimiko and started playing.