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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Cassiopeia started to smile when Nic took over and started packing up the food. It was a simple task, but it only served to further endear him to her. She watched him, admiring how efficiently he worked before she stood with his assistance.

”Nurse Wu, didn’t you swear some oath to help all people to the best of your ability regardless of race, creed, or if they tried to ask your current girlfriend out and failed horribly?” She stole a couple of the to-go containers from him and made her way to the front door. She quickly got the door before Nic could and held it open for him instead after she had walked through.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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The shift in Nero’s expressions had Caden’s shifting, as well. His fingers twitched with the need to touch Nero. Instead, he settled for wrapping his leg around theirs under the table.

Any talk of Hell had Caden possessively wanting to keep a hand on Nero, confident that if he was touching the imp, they would go together.

”Theoretically, yes. The mate bond has been known to transcend realms and the globe. However, it has been known to be different when it crosses species. It is odd what we have but not uncommon. When we bond, the connection will be greater than anything you may have experienced. It will be as if we become one, two halves of a whole. We will retain our own thoughts, emotions, and will, but all of those things will mingle as well. For instance, you will know mentally how much I crave you rather than just physically, or when I tell you. But we will also have a tether connecting us that will allow us to find the other even if we don't tell each other. I'll be privy to your thoughts and emotions as they come. Of course, we can learn to block each other if you desire it, but I hope you won't,” Caden said. He swirled the remaining wine in his glass, a slow smile curving his lips. ”I’ve also heard the sex is better between bonded pairs.” Caden finished off his wine without another word.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery grinned, feeling a small victory until he looked back at Kimiko. The way she sat on the bed and watched him had him fighting for air. The fact that she was eating another strawberry wasn’t helping either. Maybe he should just rip the robe off her and end this torture.

He licked his lips before speaking, needing the moisture. ”I was thinking a massage or at least a shoulder rub would be nice,” he said, watching her intently now.

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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”No, but I’d rather go if we can,” Cassi said, looking at Nic apologetically. ”He thinks his family runs Chicago because he is part of one of the controlling factions. He is arrogant and obnoxious. He asked me out when I first arrived in Chicago and didn’t take the hint until Caden showed up. I would have knocked him down a few pegs, but the police would have had a problem since I’m not actually a controlling party in Chicago. However, Caden has more sway.”

Cassi finished her drink and wiped her mouth with the napkin before she handed Nic back his jacket.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden chuckled, the laughter reaching his eyes. He smiled fondly at his imp and shook his head. ”Once we’re bonded, I’ll always find you. No matter how far apart we are or how hard you try to hide, I will always find you until you tell me to leave.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery watched Kimiko select the largest strawberry and take a bite from it. He had debated on whether he should have left that one out but ultimately decided to cover it in chocolate. Watching her devour the thing, he is glad he left it.

”Mmm, a bribe. Yes, that’s what it was.” His mind shifted and wandered to other things she could fit in her mouth, and what she kept hidden under that robe. Avery started to feel flushed and cleared his throat.

He looked away and took the room in once more. ”So, I was told I would be spoiled. Tell me, do I get a say in how I am to be spoiled or is it all up to you?”

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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Cassiopeia grinned, her eyes dancing with delight from Nic’s response. ”And I’ve cruelly taken you off the market. All those poor men and women,” Cassi said, sighing wistfully. She watched him take another large bite of his burger and shook her head.

She resumed eating her pizza, her good food dance still happening. After her third piece of pizza, the door to the pizzeria opened. The bell above the door jiggled happily, but the expression on Cassiopeia’s face soured. A gentleman with sharp facial features, soulful brown eyes, and brown hair that sported blonde highlights walked in. He glanced around the room like he was searching for someone specific. Cassi quickly turned her head, but she knew it was too late.

”Whatever you do, don’t let him touch you and don’t touch him,” Cassi told Nic quickly.

“Cassiopeia Alistair? As I live and breathe. My darling, where have you been hiding?” The man smiled widely, an air of mischief surrounded him.

”Cordell.” Cassi drank some of her water before she spoke again. ”Nicholas, this is Cordell Jones. His father is the head of the shapeshifter faction in Chicago. And yes, he knows, so don’t even try it,” Cass said, glaring at Cordell.

Cordell laughed, and every head in the place turned to look at them. He had this charismatic way about him that made it hard for people not to gravitate towards him. Cassi could see some of the women and even men staring moony-eyed at the shifter.

“Oh Cassi, you never did play fair. Alright, fine. Tell Caden I want a meeting. He’s been ignoring my phone calls. My father is starting to lose patience.”

”I’ll pass along the message, but if he’s ignoring you, it’s for a good reason.”

“Probably, but with the missing werewolf faction, there is a large amount of territory up for grabs. If he doesn’t meet with us, I’m afraid the rest of us will start to take matters into their own hands.” Cordell’s grin was laced with promises. He glanced at Nic. “Enjoy your date.” He sauntered off, joining a table of other shifters.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”I have. It’s below Spain, so I took Kiki there briefly for the animals and to follow up on some business, but I had been there before. I was curious about the African culture, and wanted to explore more of it. I own and fund several archaeological sites within Africa. North Africa, however, is friendlier than Southern Africa. I’d like to return and discover more of the southern countries and tribes.” He swirled his wine around his glass, comparing the colour to blood briefly before he focused his attention back on Nero.

”I don’t think they would know what to do with you if you showed up. I would never lose you, though. You’d stand out like a beacon,” he teased. Nero’s porcelain white skin was even an eye-catcher here in America.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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At the last minute, Avery redirected himself to the kitchen. Sometimes, when he returned late from working for Caden, Avery would make a batch of chocolate-covered strawberries. The task of melting chocolate and washing strawberries helped him wind down. There was now a healthy supply in one of the freezers for emergencies of occasions like this. He grabbed a plate full of the chocolate confections before making his way to Kimiko’s room.

Avery knocked on the door, pausing to be admitted in before he opened the door. Avery paused, his eyes on Kimiko as she lay across her bed. His eyes wandered to the stockings she wore before they continued around the room. The romantic scene she had made for them warmed him but also had him smiling lazily.

”I’m sorry, I think I have the wrong room. Do you know where Kimiko Voss is?” He shut the door behind him and locked it for good measure -- not that anyone went wandering into bedrooms around here.

Avery grabbed a strawberry off the plate before he set it down on the bed for Kimiko. "Surprise," he smiled down at her before eating the strawberry he took.

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 laughed, needing to cover her mouth to quiet herself. Many people's heads had already turned to stare at them because both of them were laughing so loudly.

”I couldn't resist,” she said, smiling innocently.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Alright, then I'll order for us both,” he offered. Caden didn't mind ordering for Nero. In fact, it pleased him to do so. When the server returned, Caden ordered a plate of seafood pastilla and mama dolma for their appetizers. In addition, Caden ordered a bowl of Marrakech Harira and menara tagine for himself, and Marrakech Tagine for Nero. It was a crispy chicken dish with several different flavours. Caden surmised that if Nero didn't like anything else, the chicken would at least be satisfactory since it was fried.

Caden handed the menus over to the server. He grabbed his wine after, and leaned back in his chair. "There, I'm sure there will be something you enjoy out of all that," he declared.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery removed his helmet after shutting off his bike. He watched Kimiko get off the bike and remove her gear. He smirked at her comment and managed to pat her butt before she got out of reach.

”Don't start without me,” he joked. Avery tucked away the helmets and Kimiko's new jackets and gloves. He left the riding pants in the bag, assuming Kimiko would want those in her room to change into.

Avery made his way back to staff housing where he returned Sarah's gear to her. He talked to her for a few minutes, trying to plan a ride before the weather got much colder. He could have talked to her longer but he had to get back to Kimiko. Avery missed his friends on the staff. Maybe he could convince Kimiko to have supper with everyone one night.

Once he reached his room, Avery quickly changed his clothes. He threw on a black muscle shirt and a pair of black Adidas pants with the white stripes. He pulled his white high tops on, and made his way back to Kimiko's room.

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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Cassiopeia took a couple bites of her pizza, wiggling in her seat happily, and hummed a little song of contentment before she answered Nic.

”Ah, it's all a part of my plan you know. Get you close and trust me, lure you in with kind gestures and a house key, then I'll start to let the evil crazy out, and before you know it, I've taken over the world,” Cassi said, smiling proudly. She took a sip of her drink, smirking at the bite Nic took of his burger.

”You must have been a hit with all the boys, weren't you?” she teased him.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”On the contrary, you may eat as you wish. I simply want to give you more options,” Caden said, taking another sip of his wine.

”Mmm, I could order for you. I'm going to get a couple of appetizers for us to share. Is there anything that is catching your attention?” He looked up from his menu to watch Nero.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping —> Driving —> Caden's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery laughed, having heard Kimiko even though she mumbled and wore a helmet. Her speeding heart made him smile, only because he was the same.

”I love you, too,” he said and tapped the top Kimiko's helmet before he put the backpack on her.

He geared up before getting up on the bike, and took off once Kimiko was behind him. True to his word, Avery did not speed on the way home, although he was incredibly tempted.

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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Cassiopeia laughed and pulled her hands back as their food arrived. ”You're probably right, but how fun would it be? You could tell the donors about the archaic equipment you have and how overworked your staff is, and I could sneak around slipping things into people's drinks that briefly has them experiencing heart palpitations, but because your hospital is lacking funding you won't be able to help them.” Cassi pulled her pizza closer and picked up a slice. ”Are you sure you don't want me there?”

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”The flavours they use are rather strong. I'm certain you'll be able to taste it better, like you can with sugar and trans fats.” The wine arrived and was served. Caden inhaled the scent and took a sip. ”And alcohol,” he said with a smile.

He held his glass up, towards Nero for a toast. ”To space and it's terrifying black holes. And to you, reading to me every night about space.” He clinked his glass to Nero's once they were ready and took a sip. Caden sighed happily, feeling much more relaxed now that he wasn't on the road. He flipped through the menu, looking to find something he wanted.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery chuckled, waiting for Kimiko to look at him. When she finally did, he removed one of his hands from her hips, and brushed his thumb along her cheek.

”As long as you are the one haunting me, I'll manage,” he said and tilted her chin down to kiss her forehead. He let her go and turned to the bike.

”Don't worry, I'll drive us home safely. You have me curious,” he said. He looked sideways at Kimiko, a massive grin on his face.

Once he was done teasing Kimiko, Avery grabbed his jacket from the backpack before he tucked the bag of gear inside. It was a tight squeeze but he managed to get it to fit.

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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Cassiopeia smiled at Nic before looking back at her phone. Nic's attitude towards the doners at his hospital didn't surprise her in the least. Modern medicine had its advantages but the cost was astronomical. In Cassi's earlier days, barter and trade was the way of goods and services. Cass very rarely got actual money for the services she provided.

”Why does that not surprise me? Of course you'd rather remain in the background where the real work is done. But we have to go once. I want to see you feisty,” she declared.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden laughed and turned off the car. He examined himself in the mirror but he was fine. ”It’s Moroccan. The food is typically heavy on herbs and flavours. You might like it more because of that,” Caden said.

He exited the vehicle and walked around to escort Nero into the building. They were guided to a table along the edge of the restaurant. Caden pulled out Nero's chair and pushed them in before he took his seat and ordered a bottle of red wine for the table.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Shopping - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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The smile on Avery's face shifted from Kimiko's statement. He had been amused by how she wasn't letting him go, but that amusement shifted to being stunned from her words. Avery swallowed, his thoughts drifting and he shifted his feet.

”How can you say that to me now? You can't expect me not to speed home,” he said and kissed the top of Kimiko's head. His hands shifted to rest on her hips, twitching with effort to keep from sliding them under her jacket.

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.