KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia was letting Wayland pick a couple of new toys when Nic made his comment. She looked up at him from where she crouched on the ground and smiled.

”You're really hooked on that conversation we had about kids the other day, aren't you?” She stood up, placing the toy Wayland wanted in the cart before she focused on Nic.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden grinned and wrapped his arms quickly around Nero from behind and placed a kiss on their cheek. ”And some people would say you're grooming me because you're so much older than I am. I was innocent before you found me and corrupted me,” he teased and placed another kiss on Nero's cheek from behind before he released them.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery widened his eyes in disbelief. He crossed his arms on the table and leaned against them. ”You can't be serious? There are many, many things you could do to retaliate. Looking at me for one, not letting me touch you is another. Asking me please while pushing your glasses back up your beautiful nose. Telling me not to follow you, so I have to watch you walk away. I could keep going,” Avery told her honestly.

No, Avery was and would forever be, bewitched by Kimiko.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia watched Wayland run away, shaking her head slightly when some of the patrons and staff members exclaimed about how cute and fluffy he was. Cassi started looking at some of the treats when Nic's comment made her pause.

She turned and smiled up at Nic when he looked at her. ”Well, he is one of our kids, so yes,” she teases him. ”Alright. Essentials first, litter box, litter, food and dishes,” she said and marched ahead.

Wayland periodically came back to check on their progress before scouting ahead.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”That's what I was hoping for,” Caden said, shutting the car off. He looked over at Nero, grinning cheekily.

”You're the only one here with first hand accounts of that time period. I wasn't even a figment of my parents imagination yet,” he said and hopped out of the car before Nero could accuse him of calling them old.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery raised his right hand and crossed his left over his heart, the grin still firmly in place.

”I swear to only use my powers for good.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia was more than happy to push the cart around, and did so happily. She gathered up nails and other supplies like that, while Nic loaded up the wood. At some point between gathering supplies and loading them in the SUV, Cassi realized she had a permanent smile on her face. There was something about running errands with Nic that was spectacularly normal that it made Cassi's heartache.

Once the supplies were loaded, she pulled Wayland out of her pocket and he meowed with relief.

”Alright little one. Time for your reward,” she said. She walked into the pet store before setting him down to run around.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden smiled softly while he drove. He squeezed Nero's leg before talking. ”There's something very soothing about when you do that,” he said, looking at Nero's hands.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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“Of course, love. Anything for putting up with him,” Leanne said before leaving the two of them.

Avery was smiling at Kimiko the entire time she teased him and spoke with Leanne. ”Anything and everything, hmm? I'll have to keep that in mind,” he said with a wide grin.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi pulled out a piece of paper from her other pocket and shook it open before she handed it to Nic. It was from the day she mapped up what they would do for Nic's terrace garden. It had a schematic along with the measurements of the whole thing. On the back was a list of materials they would need.

”All done,” she said proudly.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Both it is. Then supper after?” Caden asked, glancing periodically at Nero while he drove down the roads, and into Chicago.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Well, ya. The special was for you, unless you decide you want something else,” Avery said.

He waited for Kimiko to sit before he took his seat across from her. The usual waitress spotted him and marched over.

“And where have you two been? It's been weeks,” she said sounding offended.

Avery grinned up at the older woman.

”I'm sorry Leanne, what will it take for you to forgive me?” Avery asked, taking her hand and looked up at her with those puppy dog eyes he had perfected.

The woman scoffed and pulled her hand back. “Good luck with this one, love. He's a charmer. What'll it be?” she asked, ignoring Avery in favour of Kimiko.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi gave Wayland a bit of a pep talk, deciding to wait for Nic to open the door for her. She kissed Wayland's head before she got out of the car and popped him into her jacket pocket.

”Hardware store first. Then the pet store can be a sort of reward,” she said and scratched the top of Wayland's head before she reclaimed Nic's hand.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden grinned and kissed Nero's nose. ”You stole my line,” he said before shutting the door on the Aston Martin and walked around to get in on the driver's side.

He turned the car over and pulled out right away. It would probably be the last time Caden took the car. He usually stuck to driving one of the several SUVs he had during Fall and Winter.

”They have a Medieval Torture museum that could be interesting, but possibly triggering,” Caden said. He rested a hand on Nero's thigh, rubbing his fingers along the inside of their leg. ”Or we could start with the planetarium. Something light and fun,” he suggested, looking at Nero.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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A goofy grin broke across Avery's face as he witnessed Kimiko's reaction. He felt shy suddenly. Not only did it seem like their first date, but their first time doing anything. Avery was nervous. He didn't want to cross any lines with Kimiko, even though they had advanced their relationship much further than this already. He felt unsure of himself and what she might be okay with. Right now, he took the fact that she wasn't pushing him away as a good sign.

”Well, let's go find out what the special is today,” Avery captured Kiki's hand and led her inside, holding the door for her before he took her to his usual spot.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”And at least my stubbornness kept me from leaving of embarrassment.” Cassi had enjoyed her first date with Nic, even if it had a rocky start.

She unbuckled her seatbelt and booped Wayland's nose to wake him up. ”He can sit in my pocket at the hardware store. I'm not sure if they're a cat friendly place. For the pet store, he can wander around freely.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled, amused with Nero's behaviour. He stood up and scooped Nero into his arms.

”Alright, at least let me carry you to the car,” he said and kissed Nero once before heading into the house to get their jackets before he told Henry where they were going, and headed to the garage.

All the while, Caden held Nero, carrying them happily through the house and outside to the car.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House —> Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery grinned and took the backpack from Kimiko. He pulled out his wallet and shoved his jacket inside.

”I'm happy. I'm on a date with my girlfriend at one of my favourite places,” he said and leaned over to kiss her softly. He lingered for a minute before he pulled back and rubbed his face.

”So, what do you want for breakfast?”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House ---> Errands – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia coughed and cleared her throat before looking out her window. ”Yes, well, I guess I should be thankful that you were more stubborn than I was in that case,” she said, fiddling with her hair again.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden laughed both from Nero's reaction to Caden's touch and how they liked to be carried.

”That is true. The view from your height is rather limiting,” he teased them. ”Alright, let's go to a museum, and although it would be inappropriate to carry you, I'll do so for some of the tour,” he compromised.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House —> Diner – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Ah, is this finally the date where I get wined and dined?” Avery patted Kimiko's leg before he drove the bike out of the garage.

Like the last time, Avery took the journey slowly. He didn't speed like he normally would, wanting Kimiko to enjoy the ride rather than fear it.

The drive relaxed Avery, and he sighed happily, a smile on his face even though no one could see it. Driving his bike with Kimiko behind him felt right, and it restored a feeling of completeness in Avery that had been missing since he fought with her.

He parked the bike outside the diner, shutting the bike off before he got off and removed his helmet. The smile from earlier still on Avery's face. He unzipped his jacket, looking at the diner, and inhaled the delicious smell of bacon grease and pancake mix.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia watched Wayland sleep with a fond expression. ”I'm just glad he feels comfortable enough. It's always a telling sign of if a cat feels comfortable or if a person is safe. If the cat likes them, it's always a good sign,” she said and smiled at Nic.

Familiar's, of course, were different. They had one person and that was it. They could certainly accept another human or animal into their person's life. But there wouldn't be that same connection with the others.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I'm asking if you'd like to go. I'm perfectly content staying in and taking you back to the bedroom to keep you naked for the rest of the day,” Caden said, sliding his hand up Nero's leg suggestively. He stopped just before his fingers could brush their groin. ”But, if you'd like to go, then we can.”

Caden smiled wickedly while he watched Nero for their reaction. He had to laugh though, when Nero challenged him. ”You want me to carry you around the museum?” he asked.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery pouted before he put his helmet on. He wondered how long Kimiko would punish him, but he knew he had no right to ask.

”We could go today if you want. It would be good to have a partner to ride with again.” He missed riding with Sarah, as well. She was a good friend to have.

Avery handed Kimiko his backpack to put on once she was properly dressed and he got on his bike, waiting for her to climb onto the back.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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"Mmm, something semi-formal at least. It isn't a wedding, but it is kind of like one. A bonding ceremony is usually a big deal and a large party usually follows, but since it is just the six of us, and maybe a few members of Caden's staff, it'll be low key. Still, it's a good excuse to dress up."

Cassiopeia stared out the windows while she spoke, looking from the windshield to her window to remain focused on the task at hand. Nic's fingers slipping under her stocking had her anticipating the moment he just decided to push it down, and the thought set her heart racing.

"Oh! We could definitely go shopping if you like, but I think that would be too long in the car for Wayland. I know we can take him into the pet store, we might get away with it in the hardware store. He can sit in my pocket, but I think the clothing stores will be pushing it." She looked at the cat in question, who was fully asleep on Nic's arm.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled and kissed the top of Nero's head. "It is heated, it just can't sustain the cold temperatures and freezing of Chicago's winters."

It was the beginnings of Fall in Chicago, which meant a mixture of cold and warm days that were never consistent. Plus wind and some rain as the seasons started to turn.

Caden tried to think of something else they could do, but he couldn't think of anything else. "We could go visit one of the museums if you want," he offered. There were dozens of museums, but a few of interest were the Medieval Torture Museum, the art institute, and the planetarium.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Sara shook her head, amused by Kimiko and waved her off before returning to her breakfast.

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Meanwhile, Avery had got his bike running and was changing into his gear when Kimiko finally arrived.

"There you are. I was wondering if you ran away on me to get out of going on the bike," he teased her. He knew the bike wasn't Kimiko's favourite mode of transportation, but he appreciated how she was still willing to ride with him. He liked having her close on the bike, but he also liked sharing one of his passions with her. It was one of the reasons why Avery was going to buy that run down mustang he told Kimiko about when they first got together.

He was going to restore it over the winter, perhaps with her help, but he wanted to have it done by the summer. That way he could take her on dates with that, and reserve the bike for when he had time to himself or Kimiko wanted to go.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi smiled, scooting closer to Nic, so he didn't have to reach so much. Wayland hopped up on the centre console and laid out on Nic's arm, closing his eyes shortly after.

"I'm good. Yes, we tend to have busy schedules these days don't we? I appreciate the morning and good night texts, though," she said, and held his hand in a way that left it in contact with her leg still. "The shop has been extra busy. I lost some new clients, but my old ones are keeping me as busy as ever. Had to place an order to have some things brought in from out of state which is exciting. And planning Nero and Caden's bonding ceremony. You're still coming to that, right?"

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled, settling his arms around them, and his chin on the top of their head. "You know me. I never do anything half assed."

Caden already had a plan in his head for what he wanted to do. This question was just confirmation that he could use the ring he bought in New York for this purpose.

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Staff Housing

"Well, you only come around when you need my gear," she pointed out to Kimiko. She opened up her simple bedroom, a room she shared with another girl, and opened up the wardrobe. She dug out her leathers and handed them to Kimiko.

"It'll be good to have your own. They'll fit you better and then I can tag along for a ride from time to time." She hadn't had a riding buddy since Kimiko came along, which was fine, but it was nice to go as a group as well.

"Oh, well Avery should have a good few stores for you two to go and check out," Sarah said, resting her hands on her hips. "Why? Do you not want to go with him?"