KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Flo & Santos – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi patted Nic's hand. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle," she teased him. She pulled out her phone and opened up the webpage to a clothing store she had in mind. "What is your usual style when it comes to formal or semi-formal events? Doesn't the hospital usually do doner nights or something like that?" She set her phone on the table between the two of them and flipped through some of the images.

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Caden

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Location: Driving ---> Marrakech– Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden laughed, the tension easing completely from his body. "I think I would rather like to see that." The image of someone being glitter bombed was hard to deny.

Caden pulled into a parking lot, the smile still on his face as he parked. The smell of herbs and citrus seemed to waft through the parking lot and into the car. Caden's mouth started to water, and the earlier annoyance of bad drivers seemed to disappate.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery quickly took half a step back, bracing himself for Kimiko's hug. His arms automatically wrapped around her and he held her close. Her sentiment eased any worry Avery had been feeling about the words he confessed to her. His heart soared even when she looked away from him to hide her embarrassment.

Avery rested his chin on her head, holding her closely. "At least we are in agreement about something," he teased her. Avery kissed the top of her head before relaxing his hold on her.

"Although, if you are wanting to spoil me today, we have to go back to Caden's. Bikes weren't designed to carry many things."

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Flo & Santos – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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"Mmm, no," Cassi said with a grin. "I want to put you in a few different things to see what looks best on you. I have a couple of dresses in mind for myself and they are different colours," she explained.

The cold water on her arm shocked her initially, but Cassi used her magic to cause the water to bead off her skin and fall onto the table. It was subtle, easy magic that no one else would notice.

"How do you feel about suspenders?" She wasn't sure how formal she wanted Nic dressed, but it would be fun to play dress-up with him today.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden slowed to create some space between him and the other drivers. He glanced at Nero, a smile playing on the corners of his lips. "And what little gift might that be?"

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery raised his eyebrows at Kimiko when she cut off her comment. He had a feeling what she was about to say, and his ego told him to demand she finish the statement, but Avery didn't want to get into another fight.

He had money and he had very little expenses since Caden took care of most things. She didn't need to worry about him spending all his money on her. What use did he have for it beyond that?

"You're winning because you are you, and you have given me more than I ever thought I would have." Avery looked away from Kimiko. He set her helmet on the seat before grabbing the one she had been using and strapped it down to the back of the bike. "I figured I would just follow along in Caden's shadow until I died. I never thought I would find a mate. After all, if it wasn't for Caden I wouldn't even be alive right now. But he showed up and gave me a purpose, and then you came along and gave me life again."

Avery looked back at Kimiko. The emotion was strong in eyes, and the tops of his cheeks had darkened from his slight blush. He wasn't sure what it was, but he felt he could express himself easily in the presence of Kimiko. His music had always done that for him with others, but with her, it was different.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Flo & Santos – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi smiled and thanked the server before turning her attention back to Nic. Her heart skipped a beat when he smiled like that, and she quickly captured his waiting hand in both of hers.

She grinned when he asked her to be his personal stylist. ”I think it would be easiest, especially if I want you to match me without revealing exactly what I'm wearing,” she said while tracing the love line on his hand.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden glanced at Nero briefly, not wanting to take his eyes off the road for long. He smiled tenderly and rubbed his thumb along their thigh.

”There seems to be more people driving recklessly today. It is rather annoying.”

As if on cue, a car that had been in the lane next to them served and cut Caden off. His hand twitched on Nero's leg and breathed heavily out his nose. Almost like an animal when they expressed annoyance.

Caden took the next exit he could and drove down some quieter side streets. This way, he could think more clearly about lunch.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery walked ahead of Kimiko, and had just set the bag down on the seat of the bike when she made her declaration. With his back to Kimiko, he tilted his head back and sighed heavily.

He turned around and gave Kimiko a look before he dug around in the bag. He pulled out one of her riding jackets and ripped off the price tags before handing her the jacket to put on.

”This isn't some competition, Kiki. All this stuff is to keep you protected. Besides, if it was a competition, you're winning already and you know it,” he said pointedly.

Avery pulled out Kimiko's new helmet and started taking off the protective stickers and things so she could wear it on the trip home.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: Foyer —> War Room – X-Mansion
Skills:

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As Antoinette entered the kitchen, Guin’s voice filled her head. She looked at the others, eyes widening to find Klara and Runa there with them. She headed out, sort of leading the others down to the basement and listened in to some of the conversation the others were having.

”Are you two here about Mary, too?” She looked at Runa and Klara as she asked. ”Jean and Scott are. She sent Gambit a letter stating she's in trouble and doesn't know how long she can hang on for. It is quite alarming,” she explained.

After she entered the War Room, Antoinette went to stand with Guin and Pietro. It seemed to make more sense since the three of them had a certain amount of information, plus they were dressed similarly in workout gear.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Flo & Santos – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Mmm, we could still order it. We could bring the rest back to your dad. I was thinking about getting some minestrone and the Buffalo Bill’s pizza.” She tucked the menu aside when the server came over and smiled. She ordered for herself, plus something else to drink.

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden breathed through his nose and settled his nerves. He reached his hand over and rested it on Nero’s thigh. ”I’m trying to decide if it should be something simple or some Moroccan or Indian.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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The look Kimiko gave Avery had his eyes flicking to her lips. He groaned and rolled his head back. ”Damn you and your eyes and you playing on my protective nature.” He tugged Kimiko into the store, ignoring her question for now.

Avery took Kimiko through the store and guided her through the process. They also had help from a store attendant, but Avery wanted to be involved. He ensured she got a helmet that fit snug enough to not allow for extra movement but enough to slide a finger in at the front of the helmet. There were dozens of colours to choose from, so once they found a style Kimiko liked, she was free to pick whatever colour.

The riding jacket had just as much freedom, if not more, for Kimiko. The attendant explained that Kimiko would want something that allowed for movement and probably something that had venting in it to keep her cool on the hot, sunnier days. They showed her leather jackets and textile ones, ones with venting and ones without, plus ones with liners for waterproofing. Avery offered to buy her two jackets to keep them from being too bulky on her frame and give her a bit more style choice.

”I have several jackets,” he explained, encouraging her that it was okay to get a second jacket if she wanted it.

The pants Avery insisted Kimiko get a few pairs. There were jeans she could wear or leathers she could pull on over her clothes like she had been doing. Avery wanted to give her as many options as possible so she was comfortable. The jeans were all lined with a type of material that would prevent sheering if they ever crashed. Of course, they were supernatural creatures that would heal quickly, but it would be painful and still take time.

Avery had no problem telling Kiki when she looked good in a pair of jeans simply because he got to stare at her ass without being penalized for it.

For riding gloves, she didn’t need such a high grade as Avery had unless she desired to learn how to drive. The shoes likewise followed the same example. She could get riding boots if she wanted or just make sure she had a sturdy shoe for riding. If she wanted something open-toed, she would just have to pack them into a riding bag.

Avery stood at the front counter, watching everything being packed up after he had paid for Kimiko’s items. In hindsight, they probably should have driven the SUV, but Avery had carried several items like this on his bike before. It was doable.

Motorbike Gear

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi took a moment before clearing her throat and looked at Nic.

”What are you getting?” She took a sip of water from her glass, and glanced around the pizzeria. Her attention quickly drifted back to Nic, unable to keep her focus off him.

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Caden

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Location: Planetarium – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Pity. You are going to make me decide then?” Caden backed out of the parking spot before he put the car in drive, and took to the busy Chicago roads.

Traffic was thick with the noon time rush, and there were several locations where Caden's quick reflexes paid off. After the last close call though, Caden's hand tightened on the gear shift.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery wrapped his arms around Kimiko's waist once she was free from all her gear. He smiled down at her. There was a slight height difference between the two of them, one Avery enjoyed. Although, if she had been his exact height or even taller, he wouldn't have overly minded. .

”Your safety is more important to me than if you ‘look cute.’ But yes, I will tell you if it looks bad. Promise,” he said, with a peck to Kimiko's lips before releasing her.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi nodded her head, better understanding Nic's intention. She continued to hunt for her meal while she spoke.

”Well, put Italy as number one on that list. I'll think and pick the other two and let you know… Deal?” She glanced up from the menu to find Nic watching her. Her cheeks warmed, and her eyes flicked back to the menu even though she had already decided on what she wanted.

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Caden

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Location: Planetarium – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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A soft smile looped across Caden's face, and he leaned down to kiss Nero's lips. His kiss started lightly, a soft melding of lips until he kissed them a second time.

Caden pushed the melding of their lips to deepening, following the speed of his heart as it picked up from the kiss. He brushed his tongue briefly along Nero's lower lip when Caden's hand itched to touch Nero, only, he had no free hand, so Caden had to pull back.

He released the kiss, turning his head slightly to whisper teasingly. ”You're welcome and thank you.” He pulled away completely and shut Nero's car door.

After Caden placed the bag he carried into the trunk of the car, he got into the driver's seat and turned the car on. ”Do you have any preferences for lunch?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery killed the engine once he parked, and pulled the helmet off his head. He grabbed a towel from the bag Kimiko had and ran it over his scalp. Due to the longer ride he had sweat slightly, but not a significant amount. He rested the towel on his handlebars, looking at Kimiko and smiled.

He had a feeling she was enjoying herself more and more with each ride, and the close proximity even had Avery's heart racing slightly. He was certain if Kimiko listened hard enough she would be able to hear it.

”So, do you want to take a walk about the store first, or do you want me to talk to a store attendant right away to get you setup?” Avery climbed off his bike while he spoke to Kimiko, hanging his helmet off the other handlebar, and stripped off his jacket.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassi shook her head at Nic and resumed looking at her menu. ”I like food, but that doesn't mean I need all the food I've had in other countries. The food was what made some of the countries fun. Having the good food I had in France or Italy wouldn't be the same here anyways.”

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Caden

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Location: Planetarium – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Aliens could have been a plausible explanation for many earthbound things that were otherwise unexplainable. It was definitely an interesting theory, but Caden wasn't completely sold on it.

He smiled at Nero, thinking of all the conversations they've had before answering. ”It's free-flowing, ever changing, and moving. One thought or idea never seems enough. There's so much wonder and curiosity for this world and what lays beyond, despite the atrocities you have seen. It's a wonder to behold, and I feel privileged to have you share it with me.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The God's —> Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Kimiko's comment coaxed a chuckle from Avery. He patted her hands that rested on him and turned his head to talk.

”Not to worry, my fox. I plan on working on the Mustang over the winter. By spring or early summer you can wear whatever you like in the car.”

Avery turned the bike over and backed it up before rolling forward and headed into Chicago. He took the country roads faster, and when he hit the freeway, he slowed enough to match traffic. Periodically Avery would pat Kimiko's hands or squeeze her leg, reminding her she was safe, and that he would look after her.

Once he exited the freeway, Avery slowed right down. He took the city streets slow, making his way to the motorcycle shop.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia took Nic's jacket happily. She couldn't resist inhaling the scent of his jacket before she laid it across her lap. She didn't really need it but she wasn't going to deny Nic's jacket or his kind gesture. He may be younger than her but his chivalry and kindness was that of some men who were from her time period.

His teasing made her blush but she shook her head again. ”Choosing food would be like you asking me to choose which cat to save. Impossible.”

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Caden

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Location: Planetarium – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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A wide grin shifted across Caden's face, the idea of Nero singing to him brought a pleasant image to mind, and he hoped Nero wasn't teasing him.

Caden gently guided Nero to the check-out counter while they filled him in on their thoughts about space. Caden nodded, knowing the facts of this.

”It is possible. Or some other secondary hand involvement. Maybe angelic. Maybe Hubble was a supernatural creature himself. Or time travelled.”

Caden set his and Nero's wares on the counter to pay for them. He took the bag once everything was packed, thanked the attendant, and led Nero from the building. He opened up the car door for Nero and watched them.

”I love how your mind works.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The God's – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery smirked when Kimiko couldn't come up with anything. He may have teased her a lot, but his need to make good on his word always won out. He pulled on his jacket and grabbed his helmet.

Avery paused before he looked at Kimiko. There was a slight look of disbelief on his face.

”Fashion isn't as important as your safety,” he said and pulled on his helmet. ”But no one looks bad in leather.” He gave Kimiko a very purposeful look from her toes to her head before he winked at her and got on his bike.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Nic&Ren's Apartment – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”We can most certainly do that,” Cassiopeia agreed. She would love to travel the world with Nic, especially before they were ready to settle down. Besides, if he truly wanted to return to Scotland with her, she had to go first to make sure she was okay being there.

Cassi followed Nic, sensing he had a spot picked out. She smiled shyly when he led her to a quiet spot that was set aside. He pulled her chair out for her, smiling that perfect smile for her. Cassi squeezed his arm before she took her seat. She slid off her jacket, sitting on the majority of it to keep her legs from getting cold, and pulled out the menu to look over. Cassi paused in her hunt for the perfect pizza when Nic asked her to pick one food.

”That's impossible,” she declared, completely serious.

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Caden

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Location: Planetarium – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden couldn't deny Nero's position on them falling. The image Caden conjured in his head was rather adorable, especially since he was there to catch Nero anyways.

They stopped in front of the rows of books and Caden started scanning. He found one about the planets and all the facts on them that he grabbed before Nero spotted one that spoke on the creation and formation of space. Caden grabbed the text as well and scanned it, a slight smirk on his face.

”Will you read me a chapter every night before bed?” Caden asked, humour twinkling in his eyes.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The God's – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery stood after her and paused. He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. ”I'm the tease? I've followed up on every move or innuendo I've given you,” he determined.