KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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

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Caden was watching Nero, waiting for their reply, so he caught the distant look his imp had after noting how intimidating meeting Caden’s family would be. Caden didn’t deny that they would pass judgment over his union with Nero, but his family also respected the right of choice and decisions made by the host and their dragon.

Nero pulled themself back to the present and confirmed they were ready, and rather than question them, Caden smiled and pulled Nero across the bridge and up the steps of the gazebo. It was finally time, and Caden couldn’t keep the grin off his face.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery grinned, the excitement of shifting with Kimiko now that they were bonded plain on his face. ”Indeed it would be. We’ll be connected mind-to-mind. We could hunt together, or we could play, or we could just talk in a way most don’t get to experience.”

The sound of Caden and Nero approaching reminded Avery tonight wasn’t for him and Kimiko. Avery finally walked up the steps and pulled Kimiko over to one side of the gazebo where they could sit while the ceremony started.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi settled her hands on the wooden altar, letting the earth pull her down and ground her. She banished all thoughts of ancestral ghosts and weddings from her mind, only inviting Caden’s family should they choose to be in the space, but she didn’t think they would be present today. A cool touch and kiss to her cheek brought Cassi back, and she looked at Nic.

Cassi smiled at Nic as he took a step back. ”Is tu mo ghràdh,” she replied. It was a little more than the usual ‘I love you,’ but Cassi felt it was needed at this moment, even if Nic might not fully understand. The sound of Caden’s shoes on the gazebo brought Cassi back to the task at hand.

She smiled at her oldest friend before looking at Nero and shared a friendly look with them.

”Usually this ceremony is done in Gaelic. The most important parts I will speak to invoke the magic, but I will translate as well.” Cassi knew Caden was teaching Nero some phrases as she was doing with Nic, but Avery wouldn’t know, and she wasn’t sure how up-to-date Kiki kept with her studies.

”I will have you two join hands and shut your eyes while I cleanse you and the space. Don’t worry, Nero. It’s not holy water,” she teased, wanting to bring humour into such a serious situation. Cassi grabbed the bowl of water and started walking around the pair of them, wiping the liquid on their hands and arms, as well as their faces and necks. As Cassi worked, she spoke words of honour and bravery and of unity and connection. She altered between Gaelic and English, ensuring everyone was included. The people supporting the bonding ceremony were just as important as the two being bonded.

Translations

If you want to convey the significance of someone in your life, this phrase beautifully translates to “You are my love.”

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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

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Caden set Nero back down before they needed to cross the bridge. His eyes remained on Nero, though, feeling compelled to keep his focus on them. "Germany would be nice...Maybe I could convince some of my family to join us," Caden mused.

Caden took Nero's hand in his and kissed the back of it. He finally broke his eye contact with Nero to look at the gazebo. Everything and everyone sat or stood on the other side, waiting for the two of them. Caden smiled before looking back at Nero.

"Ready?"

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi pouted but felt warmth on her cheeks. "Oh, fine. I'll just save that for another day." Cassi gathered her dress in one hand as she walked up the steps of the gazebo. She shook her dress out and released Nic from her hold before she approached the altar. She ran a hand over the leather bound book while she processed Nic's words.

There had been so much talk about their future and children, and of course Ren's teasing about marriage but the two had never really spoken about it. Cassiopeia felt her ears warm as she avoided looking at Nic.

"Depends on if you consider ghosts a part of the guest list," Cassi said. She glanced at Nic before looking away. Marrying a witch was no simple task. It also didn't occur very often. At least not in the context of what marriage was today.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery crossed the bridge with Kimiko, looking forward to spending a quiet night with her after the celebrations this evening. However, he could hear the little bit of anxiety in her voice even though she tried to hide it. Avery motioned for Kimiko to take the first step on the gazebo so they were closer in height. He stopped and brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

"I won't need to tonight, but I won't be able to resist the call tomorrow night," he told her. The moon never forced a werewolf to shift, but the compulsion to run under the glow of the moon was strong enough to not bother resisting her call.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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

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Warmth lit up Caden's eyes at Nero's comment, even if the imp was teasing him. ”Maybe you can wear white lingerie instead,” Caden whispered. He turned suddenly and picked Nero up, lifting them over a tiny creek of water that had formed in the ground. Nero was on track to stepping over it without a problem, but Caden simply wanted the excuse of picking Nero up.

”I suspect our wedding may be a destination wedding of some sort with both of our inputs. This one… I wanted to be intimate and special, but there are some ceremonial things that have to be executed in the right way for the bond to occur,” Caden briefly explained.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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”Business casual… so not short skirts with stockings?” Cassi flirted, referencing her outfit from the other day.

The tree line opened up to reveal a small, rounded bridge that crossed over a large stream where the gazebo rested on the other side. More fairy light with enclosed candles lit the space romantically. Flowers and vines wrapped around the bridge and the outer structure of the gazebo. Inside the gazebo were chairs with blankets and cushions framing the inside edge. The middle hosted a large empty space with only an altar taking up some room. On the altar rested a book, a bowl, and a ceremonial dagger.

Cassi smiled when Nic spoke casually about what he pictured for his wedding. ”Is it a large outdoor wedding or smaller?” she asked him.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery looked at Kimiko suspiciously. ”Ya huh. You can just tell me later,” he decided before allowing her change of topic to take over.

The whole setting looked much better than it did while he was helping to set up. The atmosphere of the place had shifted now that everything had come together. The gazebo still looked rustic and overgrown with plant life, but the new additions made it feel more homey. The flowers added colour and texture, while the seating and blankets invited onlookers to enter and relax.

”Maybe we can come back after supper… The night sky should be clear, and with the full moon tomorrow it should be bright enough to see everything.”

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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

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”Hmm, maybe I should schedule ourselves a little honeymoon after. Then we can really hide away from the others,” Caden said.

He escorted Nero outside and followed the others at a respectable distance. From what he could hear, each couple was having their own little conversation as they made their way to the gazebo hidden away in the woods.

As they entered the woods, fairy lights hung from the trees, and random lamps sat along the path, guiding the way. About halfway from the location, flower petals littered the pathway, and the intensity of lights grew. The sun setting cast a fiery glow through the trees that brought the sense of a warm natural hearth to mind.

Caden looked at Nero, seeking their approval of the set-up.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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”More mature than her,” Cassi said matter-of-fact. Cassi flourished her dress as they walked along the lit path, smiling to herself. She has always loved natural weddings or ceremonies like these. Nic’s compliment brought her focus back, and she smiled at him.

”Only if you promise to dress like this for them,” she said and smoothed down his collar while they walked. ”I was going to go shopping for a nice dress for November. Do you want to come with me, or would you like to be surprised again?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery caught Kimiko staring at him, and it made him happier. He smiled softly, looking away from her to give her a moment and watched the ground for a moment. The path they walked was fairly smooth, but Avery guided Kimiko around any dips or rocks that might make her trip up.

”And why do the two of them need help moving along?” Cassi and Nic looked incredibly happy to him. Why was Kiki meddling?

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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

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Caden enveloped Nero in his arms, and pulled them closer, lifting them slightly off the ground. The dragon shifter was incredibly tempted to take Nero to the couch and banish any thoughts of doubt or worry from their mind.

”Well, if you are certain, then let’s go before I have to postpone this day. You are proving to be a dangerous distraction,” he said and kissed Nero’s cheek before leading them from the house.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi whipped her head around and stared daggers at Kimiko. ”Kiki! Seriously?!” Cassi’s face flushed, especially when Nic agreed with her. She pulled Nic forward, away from Kimiko and Avery, and from the others when they finally emerged from the house.

”Ignore her. She’s a child,” Cassi said, loud enough for Kimiko to hear. Cass wrapped her arm around Nic’s, taking a moment to compose herself while they walked towards the trees.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery stood a little straighter in response to Kimiko’s compliment on his appearance. It quickly shifted when Kimiko referred to Cassi’s breasts. He choked and coughed himself, trying to fade into the background, but it wasn’t very easy. When Cassiopeia pulled Nic away, Avery started to laugh.

”I can’t believe you said that,” he laughed.

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery smirked, glancing back at Caden and Nero before he led Kiki outside. As they walked, he leaned down to whisper into Kimiko’s ear. ”Tu es magnifique, petit renard.” His hand rested comfortably on Kimiko’s hip while he held the door open and followed her outside.

Avery always found it a bit better being around Kimiko, and he was still better when he touched her in some way. The physical connection reinforced the emotional and mental bond they shared.

”Caden wants us to go on ahead. I think Nero is feeling nervous.”

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Caden

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

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Caden ran their hands back down Nero’s arms while they talked. He nodded, attempting to understand Nero’s nerves. He picked up Nero’s hands and kissed each one in turn. ”I love you, Nero. More than anything in this world. I want to be bonded to you more than I’ve ever wanted anything—and I’ve wanted a lot of things. However, if you don’t want to do this anymore, just tell me, and we’ll take the getaway car.” The last thing Caden wanted was to force Nero into something they no longer desired.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassi’s eyes wandered down Nic’s arms and chest. She nodded her head from side to side in agreement with Nic.

”True, but I always think you look wow, even if I’ve seen you wear something already. And today, you look even more wow.” Her eyes made their way back up to Nic’s. ”Even with the wet hair.”

Avery’s voice announced the slight change of plans. Cassi kept her attention on Nic while she answered. ”Mmm, last-minute jitters, I suppose.” She ran a hand down Nic’s arm and intertwined their fingers together.

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery stood near the door, watching Kimiko walk up to him. He took his time admiring her, grateful to have this incredible creature in his life, and relieved that she gave him a second chance. Avery raised his eyebrows at her news and wrapped Kimiko in his arms. His scent engulfed hers, and he had a brief image of picking her up and whisking her away to the bedroom. He shared this image with Kimiko.

”Did he? Want me to beat him up?”

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Caden

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

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Caden laughed. ”Not until after the ceremony, Zain. I don’t want to get blood on my shirt.” Caden looked at Nero and chuckled.

”And the same goes for you. There will be no skipping out of the ceremony.” Caden wrapped an arm securely around Nero. ”You two go on ahead with Nic and Cassi. We’ll follow,” he told Avery and Kiki. Once they left, Caden looked down at Nero.

”You’re nervous, still. Is there anything I can do to help ease that?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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Cassiopeia beamed at Nic when he looked her up and down. Kiki’s words were strong in her ears about Nic stealing her away and about her boobs looking good. She twirled around for Nic to see every angle before she assessed her boyfriend for herself.

”You look wow yourself,” Cassi said. She closed the distance and rested her hands on his arms. She smiled up at Nic, silent while she watched him. Her mind wandered to how much she loved this man, and how she wanted to spend the rest of time with him. Cassi lifted her hand and ran her fingers through his still-damp hair.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit Hair Make-up

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”I should hope so. We’ve taken to teasing each other more and more. The tension is nearly unbearable. We still haven’t had sex. We’ve done other things but never seem to have more than an hour to ourselves. I’m tempted just to book a hotel and tell the hospital Nic is dead,” Cassi joked poorly.

She sighed and adjusted her hair over one shoulder. ”Alright, let’s go. You look stunning,” Cassi complimented. She led Kimiko to the living room. They met up with Caden and Nero shortly after.

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Caden

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

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Caden laughed. ”Well, maybe I am a little nervous but mostly excited,” he admitted. Caden led Nero down the stairs, where they met Kimiko and Cassi in the living room. Caden grinned when he saw both women looking exceptional.

The house had grown quiet for the time being, the area around the gazebo having been set up for their little ceremony in the garden. While they were gone, the staff would set the table with an elaborate meal.

”I do love that I have chosen to surround myself with such beautiful things,” Caden said, grinning at the women in his life.

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes and hugged Caden tightly. ”Things? I’m not so sure.” She turned her attention to Nero. ”Deiseil?”

Translations

Scottish - ready?

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery checked his watch and shook his head. ”By the time we cross the yard, they should be with Caden and Nero in the living room. We can escort them from there.” Avery ran off of punctuality. It was important with his job not only as a chauffeur but also as a bodyguard.

Once the two of them were ready, Avery walked with Nic across the yard. Avery asked Nic about work and how he was finding their training. It was small talk, but it was also common ground between the two of them. Avery admired and respected Nic's work at the hospital, and the more Avery learned, the more his respect grew.

They reached the back pad, and Avery paused. Kimiko was hugging Caden, and Avery couldn’t help but admire her. She looked like the night sky, and his fire for her burned bright in his chest. He caught a flash of red and saw the back door opening. Cassiopeia walked out in a stunning red dress that had Avery looking at Nic. Avery patted Nic’s shoulder before he walked past.

”You’re going to give the man a heart attack,” he teased.

Cassiopeia smirked. ”That’s entirely the point.” Avery laughed at that before he walked inside. His eyes reclaimed Kimiko as his focus, and he smiled.

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Roman Side - CHB
Skills:

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Ezekiel met his sister’s eyes for as long as she looked at him. He still saw a kinship there, but there was also distance. Zeke looked down at his feet until the trial was called to order. He shifted nervously in his seat, tapping his fingers against his leg in a silent rhythm. Zeke was sure this trial was going to be heated. He wasn’t sure how long it would go for without Leandra being able to speak, but he didn’t really know.

Ezekiel watched the senate members take their place and talk while the trial started. Of course, Leandra pleaded not guilty. Zeke’s eyes shifted to look at Nancy again. Stay calm, Nanc. Ripping her in half in front of everyone won’t win you any favours, even though it might feel good. He knew Nancy couldn’t hear him in his head, but it made Zeke feel better about being utterly useless.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: Botanical Gardens — New Orleans
Skills:
Fit

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Antoinette shifted the straps of her backpack on her shoulders. She had Arnold sitting on her shoulder, and the two of them looked this way and that at all the flowers in the garden. Antoinette wanted to sketch and paint all the different blooms, but that’s not what they were here for. She couldn’t help but stop and smell the flowers, though. She bent over, finding a particularly bright bloom for her and Arnold to sniff.

The wind shifted, and Antoinette looked up to see two more superpowered humans land in the gardens. She hooked her thumbs under the straps of her backpack and bounced over to Edus’s side. Even though they were here for a serious situation, Antoinette was quite happy to be outside, around such colourful things.

”Mary called for help. She might be overwhelmed to see all of us, but I think she will be pleased to see us here for her,” Antoinette said confidently.