KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Walking – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia laughed and looked up at Nic, noting how tall he was. She always forgot that, mainly because it didn't bother her. His height did suit him though, and his strength.

"I'll let him know that. He usually doesn't use a friend or family member's form without permission, though," she assured him. "And don't let them touch you at all. It doesn't have to be skin-to-skin. They are vulnerable to silver, so that would be a good way to tell what you are dealing with, but a lot of supernatural creatures are harmed by silver. In cameras though, their eyes will flare like they are reflecting the light."

Cassiopeia glanced behind them while they walked. She didn't believe they were being followed, but she wanted to make sure. She had done a lot of protection work on Nic's home to ensure the safety of him and Ren. She had even gone into the basement and made the building unplottable. If someone tried to do a location spell, they wouldn't be able to locate the building. In addition, Cassi had changed Nic's door handle to that of pure silver. It wasn't easy to get, but she wanted to ensure her new family was as safe as she could make them.

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden practically purred when Nero leaned against him. The easement he felt whenever Nero was near was always immediate. They calmed his mind and his soul in a way no other ever could. He chuckled when Nero draped their legs over his. Caden's hand automatically came to rest on their leg, and he brushed his thumb along their exposed skin.

Their appetizers arrived, bringing with them the pleasant scent of spices. Caden's mouth started to water, but he made sure he wasn't drooling to avoid any further teasing from Nero.

"One track minded as we both seem to be for the other, I am looking forward to this meal," Caden said. He leaned forward and dished out some of each appetizer onto the serving plates. He slid one closer to Nero before pulling one towards himself.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery found himself going still while Kimiko's eyes roamed. He enjoyed the way she looked him over, admiring what was hers. The hum of approval brought a smile to Avery's lips that remained even when she looked into his eyes again. He took another step closer, his legs hitting the edge of the mattress. He lifted his hand to hold her in place, but she already started to move on him.

"No," he said and reached out to stop her. He grabbed what he could reach first which happened to be the tie holding Kimiko's robe in place. He pulled on it to reveal what Kimiko wore underneath. He stared, feeling breathless.

"I'll um... I'll grab them." He took a reluctant step back, his eyes still on her body. Avery paused for a moment longer, torn between giving Kimiko space, and wanting to pin her to the bed. He felt his need for her grow and took another step back, shifting to block himself from her before he hurried into her bathroom.

Avery shut the door behind him and heaved a great sigh. "You are so fucked, Zain," he whispered to himself. Avery took several deep breaths to steady his pounding heart. Once he felt calm, he walked over to Kimiko's sink and splashed cold water on his face.

Due to recent events, Avery hadn't been intimate with Kimiko since that first time. It was understandable, and Avery had just been grateful that Kimiko allowed him back into her bedroom at night. He held her all night, and of course they kissed, but nothing beyond that had occured. It hadn't been that long since their first time, but that clearly didn't matter to Avery based on the way his body was reacting to her. Gods he wanted her.

Avery looked through Kimiko's oils and lotions, knowing where she kept everything and selected something that should have enough glide. He took another minute in the bathroom, reminding himself not to push Kimiko before walking back into the bedroom.

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Dining Pavillion ---> Roman Side - CHB
Skills:

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Meeting Thanatos tonight? Well, that was something at least. Zeke forced himself to eat the rest of his food, even though it tasted like ash to him. He finished his juice and wiped his mouth.

"The doors still won't appear until tomorrow or whatever, at least that's what we learned in Vegas, but if we can walk in more prepared after tonight, that should help our chances with getting Mads and Leda back," Zeke said in agreement with Kiera.

He overly didn't like the comment Alexios made about wanting a kiss and a hug from Zeke's boyfriend, but Zeke wasn't going to let the god get under his skin. Demi and Zeke had a good thing going and Zeke wasn't about to ruin that by punching the god in his face. Again. Or making Demetri mad because Zeke couldn't get along with the prick.

"I'm gonna go check in with Nanc. I'll let her know about meeting Thanatos. If you change your mind about sitting in on the trial, I'll be at the preator tent." Zeke spoke to Demi while a hand rested on his leg. He leaned in after he was done and kissed Demi's cheek.

"When I see you later, I'll make sure to help you forget about the party god," Zeke whispered into Demetri's ear before Zeke stood and left the pavillion.

Zeke walked through camp with a bit of a smug smile on his face. Deep down he knew he could lose Demetri, but Zeke was trying to live in the moment and be happy with being happy. Zeke greeted campers and waved as he walked through camp to where the Roman kids were set up. Once he was there, he looked around for Nancy or Niah while he made his way to the trial location.

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 pouted when Nic took the to-go containers from her. She watched him place them in the bag and walked out of the restaurant. She continued to eye the bag even after he had taken her hand.

"Mmm, technically you are a nurse for humans and not supernatural creatures," Cassi agreed. She reached around Nic and stole the bag of food from him. "But you are a good person, and I don't think you would let anyone who came into your ED suffer. At least not much."

She smiled up at him and released Nic's hand to wrap her arm around his. Her hand rested along his bicep while she walked, and matched his pace to keep from being jostled around.

"Shapeshifters learn to take different forms by touching their prey. So, if he had touched you even just once, he would be able to shift into you. On top of that, a shapeshifter can see your memories and know what you are thinking after they take your form and will be able to continue to do so as long as you live. Shifters are also inhumanely strong, fast, and agile," Cassi explained, giving Nic an impromptu lessons on the creatures. "But, Caden is different. He can't read your mind or anything like that if he decides to shift into you."

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Caden

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Location: Marrakech – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden grinned, his eyes watching Nero as they pulled themselves closer. Caden readjusted their seats to allow them to nearly be side by side. He rested his hand on the back of Nero's chair and topped off their wine.

"It isn't the only thing on my mine, but it is always there," he confessed.

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Avery Zain

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

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Avery didn't miss any of Kimiko's movements. He watched everything with rapt attention, from her finishing the strawberry and licking her lips to cleaning the chocolate off her hands, with her eyes on him. Avery felt his control waver and knew his eyes shifted from brown to gold.

He had been watching her hand and her mouth, stuck on thoughts that were better off left unspoken, when she finished. He looked up from her hand, meeting Kimiko's eyes. Avery pulled his muscle shirt off and dropped it on the floor.

"Do you have any massage oil?" His voice wavered as Avery fought to remain in control. He walked forward, closing the distance to Kimiko's bed. His eyes shifting to remain on hers while he moved closer.

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.