Cooking Club Meeting 7pm

Seven came too fast. She'd litterally been cooking all night and day to make sure that everything was done perfectly. While the pot roast had cooked in the oven, she had to mix the proper alcohol content with the right amount of blood to blend. Of course, she also had to find a way to infuse the blood with the blood orange, so it would be edible for a Vampire as well. But all in all, she'd managed to make an alcoholic blood drink, and a non-alcoholic drink.

Her white hair was still in a tight bun, loose strands hanging down. Her white apron with a red heart that said "Kiss the cook" on the front was stained in a lot of different places, red here from the blood, black here from chocolate. But that didn't matter. Her white shirt underneith was still white, her shorts still clean as well.

There were buckets of water in front of each stove, and despite the hot temperature in the kitchen, she was only a little uncomfortable. That's what the buckets of water were for. To help keep her cooler than the air around her. She smiled, moving to the dining hall. Barefoot and slightly wetfooted, she stood, hoping that she didn't cook all this food for no one.

Several dishes were laid out, everything on a different table. One table served as a small bar, with different wines and alcohols set out.


Potroast


Miso soup



Minestrone soup


Peach, Strawberry, and Banana Bruschetta



Cupcakes with cream-cheese icing



Chocolate Chunk Brownies



Blood Cocktail (Non-alcoholic)


Blood Cocktail (Alcoholic)

The first person to enter suprised her a little. It hadn't occured to her that a Vampire might be the first person in here. But then again, super human smell might lead him here. She only recently brought those drinks out, so it was rather funny that he'd found his way here so quickly. Or maybe he'd just seen the numerous flyers around the school that she'd posted.

And he was the only person who called her by her actual first name. Something that she felt like should bother her, strangely it didn't though. Everyone else called her Angelica, her middle name. She flashed him an excited smile and nodded, moving behind him. Once she was on the other side of the table, across from him she hoped she could catch his eye. Study him for just a moment more. "Oh Mikel...a pleasure to see you again." she gave him a slight curtsie. "Do you want alcoholic or non-alcoholic?" she gestured to the two different glasses.

"And I hope you don't mind, but you'll be the first person to try it..." she told him, a little cautious. Vampires could be dangerous...and she'd never seen one around blood before. She could really only hope that he wouldn't go into a blood rage and kill her along with other people, should they happen to enter.

The way he smiled and watched her. It almost felt like she was being hunted. She couldn't be sure but if felt that way for only a moment. And he used such endearing terms when he referred to her...but then again, she was sure he did that with everyone.

Her smile was simply too hard to remove, so why bother? She just stood quietly and waited for him to taste it. Her crystaline eyes were wide with hope and a little bit of child-like facination. He wasn't a crazy, blood thirsty creature, but a person. A normal person, with thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams. Although, just because he didn't seem that way now, Angelica was sure that he could be that blood thirsty monster if the situation was right.

The offer for somewhere to sit had her a little uneasy. She'd litterally been up cooking all night, with no sleep whatso ever, except for the few enegry inducing teas she'd made, and the little bit of food she'd made for herself this morning, that really was all. It occured to her that if she sat down, then she might not get back up. And of course, big events called for enegertic people.

However, resting for a moment would be nice. As long as it was only for that moment. She accepted his help, noting that when his hand touched hers, he felt slightly colder than herself. It made her smile, the observation. How strange it was to be the warmer one!

And she accepted his compliment gracefully with a slight bow of the head and a sweet smile. "Oh thank you very much. I hope everyone will like my dishes." she smiled. Oh, how good it felt to be off her bare feet. Idly she looked down to her feet. Pale and bare. She stretched slightly and wiggled her toes. "I've been up cooking all night." she said with a yawn.

Name the drink after her? She wrinkled her nose and looked over at him with a giggle. "That's an awefully long name for a drink. Hmm...how about just Demise?" she ask him with a smile.

He was extremely charming. She couldn't see how he didn't have every girl at school following behind him, like a puppy dog. But then again, she was sure part of his charm had to do with the Vampire side of him. Other women didn't seem to be any less interested in him though because of that. And Angelica did have to admit that he was attractive. He could probably make her swoon with no problem, so she would have to try extra hard to be a challenge for him, should he try that. And if not, then she would be a good friend to him.

"So, will you be sampling anything else?" she jumped up from the stool, her bare feet hitting the floor with a soft smacking noise. She turned to face him and pushed a few strands of white hair out of her face.

Her crystaline eyes opened wide when he grabbed her wrist. And while she knew it wasn't to hurt her, it was still suprising. She wasn't by any means used to people being so open about touching her. It wasn't easy to forget the way she was treated before.

She still had the grace to blush though, when he inspected her hands. The creep of red covered her cheeks, but she did smile. She shifted a little on her feet, and chewed on her lip. "I uhm, didn't know you were french..." she stammered quietly.

When he let go, her hand dropped to her side and she let out a soft sigh. But it was a contented sigh. This place that seemed so strange before, now felt like home. A flash of Nana and that understanding smile the woman always wore. She missed her. Nana would like it here too.

When he set the glass down, she seemed to snap out of a dream. She glanced around, and then back to the glass. "Oh Mikel, you should have another. I made plenty of it. There's more in the kitchen if you'd like me to get you some..." she told him in a cheerful voice.

Her child-like grin returned though when he started eating actual food. Feeling a little useless just standing there, she moved around, taking the empty glass from the bare table and refilling it from the smaller pitcher she'd left on the table. Child-like humor abound, she stifled a giggle at his last comment.

"Well, I'll be happy to cook for you anytime you want. Just make sure you let me know. I can even do special orders..." she grinned. It really was hard not to notice how attractive he was. Boyish good looks and a killer smile. She blushed just looking at him.

"Tell me more about you Mikel...I really don't know anything about you..." she hoped she wasn't being to forward with him, but she really just wanted to know more about him. Eventually, taking into account that she didn't offend him in any way with her never ending list of questions, she'd ask him about being a Vampire and what it was like. But for now, she'd settle for the basic's.

Celestine walked down the corridor to the kitchen and dining area dressed differently than his normal Librarian garb. He was more smartly dressed, if he said so himself - more like a waiter. His pants were black and matched with polished dress shoes with a anti-skid bottom. He wore a white undershirt with a white-button up long-sleeved dress shirt and a black apron with three pockets with an embroidered picture of the face of a kitty cat. Kitty-chan to be exact. It felt a little embarrassing to wear, but he knew someone would get a kick out of it.

He turned the corner and walked into the kitchen, his hand instantly in the air with a cheerful, "Top of the night to you, my fair lady." He called, and stopped a moment. She was immaculately adorable. "Kiss the Cook" indeed. She was covered in blood and chocolate. The way she was smiling at the first customer made his stomach tie up. Yet, he continued forward with a smile on his face.

"Sorry I'm late, Angelique. I just had to get changed. Maybe I could be a waiter since there's already a cook?" As long as the other guys didn't have to get her to smile. Celestine shook his head. He was being too protective.

He walked and stood next to Angelique, on her right side, his hand softly on her right shoulder. He faced Mikel and nodded his head. "Celestine Johan Ravnos, Librarian Extraordinaire."

He eyed the glass and noticed the color. His hand gripped on Angelique's shoulder, and his body leaned on her a little. God that blood thing. Meaning the kid was a vampire. He smiled a little wider, trying to hide his sudden nausea.

Everything was just happening so fast. In a blur of movement Mr. Ravnos was there. The smile that hadn't faded since Mikel had come into the room brightened. "Oh, Mr. Ravnos! A pleasure to see you." she gushed.

Her crystal eyes shifted back to Mikel and she nodded, listening to the introductions. Mr. Ravnos seemed to be okay with his own introductions. She looked between the two men, watching them. No fights between anyone she prayed to Gaia.

The slight squeeze on her shoulder made her look to him with serious eyes. It was like she could feel his fear, seeping through his hand and into her. But she quelled it quickly. No reason to be afraid.

"Why don't you have a drink Mr. Ravnos...is there something that I can make for you? Maybe a glass of wine or perhaps you'd prefer tea or water?" she smiled at him, a reassuring smile. Her crystal eyes brightened again, and she nodded her head.

She glanced back at Mikel, his demeanor seemed to have changed. Surely he would notice the slight change in Mr. Ravnos, but she hoped dearly that he wouldn't take offense. It was hardly anyones fault the man was afraid. But if anything, it should be a compliment, rather than an insult. Mr. Ravnos was smart enough to fear what could well kill him, instead of foolishly provoking what lurked inside a person. Someone was to blame though for taking a blank slate and instilling fear, but Mikel was not the Vampire who did that, and so none of the fault was his.

And then all of the sudden, there was another person here. She really didn't notice the girl until she pounced on Mikel. Angelica held herself back from laughing. Perhaps a kindred soul was here afterall. She watched the girl closely, and idly wondered what was so different about her? She looked fairly normal as far as Angelica was concerned.

She gave her a sweet smile and listened to her introduction. "Oh...I'm so sorry. I suppose I did do most of the cooking myself didn't I? Perhaps another time then? I'd love a cooking partner!" she told the girl, seeming to forget the other two guests. She watched her with child-like facination. She truely was sweet, at least, her demeanor told her so. Looks could be decieving though.

"Please, everyone help yourselves to whatever you'd like. I think I made enough for an army, so eat up." she told the three of them. Even if no one else showed up, she'd at least met one person she didn't already know. And she'd never seen the girl in any classes. "Please excuse me. I've become parched. I need a drink. Would anyone like anything from the kitchen?" she said. She bowed slightly and excused herself from the group.

The tension between the men wasn't thick, but existed as a thin film that separated the two as if it were a weather front. Celestine kept his smile, being polite. He had the immaculate feeling that the vampire had somehow heard of him, but then that wasn't the issue. That damn mental image. Having realized what was happening, Celestine mentally told himself that Mikel was merely drinking a Bloody Marry. Indeed. It wasn't anything Celestine himself couldn't drink. While the original thought of drinking blood lingered in the back of his mind, Celestine managed to hold down his nausea and keep up appearances.

Celestine turned to his dear Angelique and figuring something strong was the best way to start the night, he replied upon her request. "A long island ice tea, if you please. I think a stiff drink is a nice way to start such wonderful meetings." Well it would at least help him relax and be more open. Perhaps he could strike up a conversation with Mikel.

The hunter-turned-librarian turned his gaze as a new person came into the room. He knew he had seen the woman before, but then she had acted in a way that was most unexpected. She literally glomped the vampire, causing Celestine to raise his eyebrows in interest and surprise. As fast as the event happened, the woman backed off with a sheepish grin or so he perceived it. "Terrence Hunni Genova?" He said the name aloud to get a feel for it. He nodded his head back and introduced himself. "Celestine Johan Ravnos. I think I've seen you around on occasion."

Celestine took a small bown and dipped himself some Minestrone soup. A good starter for the evening as he waited for a drink. Well, that is if Angelique knew how to make it. Otherwise, he'd just have to teach her. He smiled genetly and looked between the two others as he sampled his soup with pleasing results. "So, how do you two know each other?" A simple question that would hopefully take off with delightful conversation.

Angelica's eyes lit up at the mention of a carnival. She had followed the conversation that far at least, sort of drifting in and out. Maybe she was more exhausted than she'd thought. Next time, she really would have to enlist the help of someone.

She nodded to Mr. Ravnos and gave him a sweet smile. A long island iced tea it was then! She remembered her Mother drinking them...but that seemed like it was so long ago. Mother had taught her how to make them, as well as a variety of other drinks. Even as an adult though, Angelica had never drank before. There hadn't been time to drink when she lived with Nana, and the woman hadn't kept an ounce of liquor in the house. Now could be a good time though...

She glanced at Mikel, crystal eyes watchful, that sweet smile seemed frozen on her lips. It felt so nice to be surrounded by friends like this, everyone smiling, having a good time. This is what she'd wanted more than anything.

After another moment of analyzing, she shifted out of Mr. Ravnos' hold, and moved toward the make shift bar she'd setup and started making Mr. Ravnos's Long Island iced tea. She poured all the mixing components in, stirred it and smiled. Mother would be so proud. She grinned and headed back over to Mr. Ravnos. She reached to hand Mr. Ravnos the glass, no ice. Once he'd taken it, she'd press a finger to the glass and it would immeaditely frost over a little, becoming colder to the touch. A wave of her hand over the top and 4 icecubes would drop into the liquid.

Her smile seemed to brighten though with each action. Her crystal eyes focused entirely on the motions. It was so much fun to use this gift for such pruposes. Perhaps a job in the hospitality or restaurant business would be where she could excell. After all, how awesome would it be to have an instantly cold glass at the touch of someone's finger tips? "There you are Mr. Ravnos, as cold as I can get it without freezing it."

A look over to her new friend made her blush slightly. Surely the girl could have guessed what she was. Panic rose in her for a moment. This girl wouldn't be offended by this strange gift, would she? She squashed the fear quickly though. Freaky though the gift was, Hunni wouldn't take offense.

"Want to see how I use the kitchen Hunni?" the question, though oddly phrased, could be easily answered by a look. The various buckets of water all around, and the few bowls of water Angelica had used to keep herself cook, despite the hot temperature in the kitchen.

Carnival, huh? I'll need to go be a child again sometime. He listened to the story. Always someone saving someone else. It was as the old saying went. Something about the bonds formed on the battle field being the strongest. It'd been a while since he fought on the battlefield with anyone. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself and listened well.

He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to a returned Angelique and a glass. He smiled and gave a word of thanks before taking the warm drink. No, wait, it was suddenly colder. He grinned. "Oh, I see what you did there." He laughed and took a sip, barely tasting the alcohol, which was just the way he liked it. He felt the tequila from the drink warm him slightly and kept that grin on his face. Tonight was a time to do well. "Thank you so much, Angelique. It's perfect!"

And yet as good as the drink, he suddenly felt the sweet and sour mix taste bitter. Hunting...monsters... "What is this about hunting monsters?"

Angelica was quick to return though, with a brand new glass for Mikel. She wouldn't let him worry about his drink being empty, especailly since she was happy to play hostess. For just tonight she could pretend that this was her kitchen, in her house, and that these people were all here to see her. She held in a giggle and simply smiled at Mikel. Her own little secret!

Crystal eyes moved around the room again, from Mikel to Hunni, then Mr. Ravnos, and then back to Mikel. She shifted again, watching. Just because she wasn't really particpating in the conversation much didn't mean that she couldn't take the free time to observe her friends. She could revel in the laughs and smiles of these people. And she and Hunni could surely become good friends.

After just a moment of observation though, she polietly stepped away from the conversation and over to the small bar she'd set up. A soft red wine would do for tonight. And since this was her first time drinking, she'd prefer it to be something gentle on her senses. She grabbed one of the elobarate wine glasses and poured a little into the glass. A delicate hand picked up the glass and swirled the red liquid around and then took a sip. She giggled a little, and then turned a little and leaned aganist the countertop bar.

From here she could better observe everyone, a little distance did wonders for perspective. It was a little silly to stand across the room, away from her patrons, but it gave her a private moment to digest everything. She'd been working so hard the last day and a half, cooking and worrying that things wouldn't turn out well, and here things had turned out fine...well, so far. She was sure that everyone hadn't tasted all her dishes.

Her eyes moved around the room again, taking in the whole effect.

Being away from the conversation helped her to decompress everything now. Although she'd had almost 2 days to decompress everything, she still felt like she was strung out, very tight. After another deep breath, she sipped her wine again, and let out a deep breath.

In the past two days she'd expierenced so much dismay and happiness over this whole social gathering that she'd hardly had any time to really understand the idea behind this. To bring people together over food that comforted them.

A moment of private observation now. There was Mr. Ravnos, whose only real fear in life, was someone drinking blood. And he was standing right in front of Mikel, who was doing exactly that, and no one seemed to be bothered by his actions. Mr. Ravnos was laughing and smiling, watching with glee as Hunni explained about her pet.

Mikel, Angelica suspected, just wanted to be accepted by modern society. Sure he smiled and even laughed, but when he wasn't paying attention, if you looked close enough, one could see the pain there. If someone treated him differently because of what he was, and that was a pain that she could share. People had treated her differently because of what she was.

And then her crystal eyes fell upon Hunni. What a sweet girl! And so curious! Of course, it was hard to say what Hunni wanted...maybe she was just like herself, and just wanted as many friends as possible. She grinned and took another sip of her wine.

And the girl was piling treats up for Mikel. She laughed a little and moved back over to the bar and poured herself a little more wine. After just another moment of perspective, she rejoined the conversation.

"Oh? I'm excited now...where is he?" she ask anxiously, looking around a little, like she expected him to pop out of the woodwork.