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Klein hummed in the silence of his room. He had successfully convinced Melissa to buy a new set of tableware, with the help of Benson. Persuading the girl wasn’t easy, but after mentioning the possibility of hosting Klein’s new colleagues and finding a lovely, not too expensive set, she eventually crumbled. Well, she did admit that she didn’t fall for the social status and engagement excuses, but hey! The Moretti brothers succeeded! And who knows, what if Klein’s colleagues were going to come over? It’d be a shame if they ate off of chipped porcelain on Winterfest!
“Inviting the Nighthawks over…” Klein muttered under his breath. Although he had only been a part of the Tingen Nighthawks for a month, they had already integrated themselves significantly in his life. It wouldn’t hurt to show some appreciation, would it? Klein sat on the edge of his bed thoughtfully. Hmm… “Ah!” His eyes lit up. “That’s it!”
—
“A… Potluck?” Seeka raised her brow. Sitting in the recreation room, the staff of the Blackthorn Security Company listened to Klein’s proposal. Minus Frye, who was guarding Chanis Gate, and Dunn, who was doing paperwork.
“Wouldn’t it be nice? We’ve hardly had any missions recently, we could pass the time and get to know each other through food.” Klein smiled, but was met with confused expressions. What is this!? Why are they all just staring!? Are potlucks taboo? I’ve already faced enough social death! Klein twitched as he went through his self-depricating thoughts. This was just too awkward!
Back home, at the company Klein— Er, Zhou Mingrui worked at, potlucks were quite common, especially during the holidays. He recalled making zongzi and sharing them with his favorite coworkers, which weren’t many people, seeing as he was one of the few actually capable workers there. The rest were truly curly haired bamboons... He couldn’t help but lampoon.
“Potluck… This must be a term from Roselle? I’ve never heard of it.” Leonard spoke up, attempting to rid the uncomfortable mood. “Me neither. But if there’s food, I’m probably in!” Kenley smiled, and Rozanne nodded in agreement. The other Nighthawks agreed, attempting to comfort the brunette, who had begun to pick up a light sweat.
So it’s just that potlucks haven’t been introduced here. Thank goddess I can just have that plagiarizer cover me! Klein cleared his throat, crossing his legs. “Yes, a potluck. They’re common in Intis, uhm. Basically, we all make a dish of our own and instead of having boxed lunches, we can all gather and eat each other's cooking instead,” Looking around the room, his eyes landed on Leonard. “…Of course, you can also buy something if you’re not confident in your cooking skills.” The poet let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Rozanne stood up from a nearby armchair, smiling brightly. “That’s a wonderful idea! Oh, I already know what I’m going to make.” Old Neil chimed in as well, chuckling. “I’m not the best cook, but I’m certain I have my wife’s cook book lying around in my house somewhere. Let me tell you young folks, her cooking was not to be compared with!” The group laughed, and Royale picked up a notepad and pen.
With a thoughtful expression, she spoke up. “To organize such an event, it’s best we figure out what we’re bringing and when.” The staff nodded in agreement. “How about Friday? That gives us ample time to buy ingredients and prepare our dishes.”
Seeka sighed. “Darn, I’m on duty for lunch then… Ah, oh well! I have paperwork to catch up on anyway.” Kenley frowned. “We’ll definitely save food for you! And we can go down to the guard room to keep you company too!” Everyone responded similarly, wiping Seeka’s grimace off her face. “I’m still definitely bringing something!”
Royale scribbled down everyone’s ideas as they all discussed what they wanted to bring. She questioned as she recorded everyone’s words, “Should we invite the other civilian staff too?” Rozanne looked up at the ceiling in thought. “I’ll ask madam Orianna. Bredt is out on Friday, and Cesare usually prefers to eat lunch with his wife at the nearby cafe.”
Leonard added on, “I’ll ask Dunn and Frye later if they’d like to join and bring anything too,” He paused and turned to his colleague. “What a wonderful idea, Klein!”
“Indeed!” Old Neil praised the young beyonder. The others agreed. Soon, the day came to an end and they all dispersed, returning to their homes.
Klein hung his top hat on the rack next to the doorway and began to take off his shoes. “Benson, Melissa! I’m home!” Klein had spent the carriage ride and short walk home pondering about his contribution. He settled on a Chinese inspired beef stir fry. He doubted that there would be any similar seasonings that he could use to actually recreate the dish, and something too ‘foreign’ might draw out confusion from the Nighthawks. Writing down a simple shopping list, he smiled with excitement to cook for his fellow teammates.
—
Friday morning, Klein carefully carried a large, covered dish inside the recreational room. Hopefully the packaging would be enough to keep it warm until lunchtime. Although the room was empty, he already saw other platters on the table, covered and labeled with their respective names.
Lemon Raspberry Rolls - Rozanne
Meat Pie - Old Neil
Timbale - Dunn
Grilled Cod, Pasta Salad - Frye
Klein set his dish to the others on the table. The aromas were already enough to make him drool. Food truly was something to be appreciated!
The sound of the door opening behind him made Klein shake his hungry expression off his face. “Wow, everything looks delicious…” Leonard walked up to the table with his own tray. “I feel bad for not making something homemade.”
Klein glanced at what the Poet had decided to bring. “You still brought something. Even if it’s from the bakery, it’s better than nothing— or something inedible.” Leonard chuckled in response.
“Indeed, partner.” He set down the tray labeled Bread Pudding - Leonard, which was written rather messily.
“I have to finish some reports on that last case. See you at the potluck.” With that, the sleepless turned with a wink and walked back out into the hallway. Klein waved him goodbye lazily with a judgmental look on his face. So gay!
—
The Nighthawks gathered around in the recreation room, taking servings from each plate. Chatting lively and drinking sweet iced tea, they savored the dishes that everyone presented.
“Klein, who knew you were such a great cook!” Rozanne spoke while wiping sauce off the side of her mouth, smiling. “Your future wife is way too lucky!” Klein laughed awkwardly.
“It’s really just a hobby..” He replied humbly, picking his fork up.
“Klein, this was a wonderful proposal. Let’s do this again some time.” Dunn smiled gently at the seer, fluffing his hair. Klein looked away, embarrassed. “Thanks, captain…”
Was it really appropriate to treat him like a child in front of all his coworkers? Really captain, you’re like a chiding father!
Kenley nodded in agreement. “This is amazing! I never knew you all had such great taste!” He took another bite of some meat pie, letting out an audible noise of delight.
“Heheh, it’s nowhere as good as the original.” Old Neil smiled melancholicly. Leonard patted the elder’s shoulder. “Regardless, it’s very delicious. My favorite has to be Klein’s. The depth of flavor is outstanding, I could write a poem!”
“You’re over exaggerating.” Klein flushed.
“No, I agree. It’s very unique, too.” Royale took a bite of the stir fry, chewing the succulent meat. “Where did you learn such a recipe?"
Klein paused. “It’s a family recipe.” He said with a slight wistful tone.
“You’re an astounding cook.” Frye responded bleakly, but his expression was one of warmth, even if it wasn’t obvious. He knew that Klein had lost his parents, and not wanting the mood to sour, he spoke up.
“Don’t just mention me. Everyone’s meals were delicious.”
The luncheon carried on, filled with chatter and laughter. The staff thoroughly cleaned their plates, appreciating all of the food.
Old Neil set his plate down on the side table beside the sofa he was sitting on. He raised his glass of tea and cleared his throat. “To Klein’s wonderful idea, and many more potlucks to come!”
Dunn followed suit. “To Klein.”
“To Klein!” The phrase echoed in the room, with everyone raising their glasses. Klein blushed and smiled contentedly.
“May we be blessed with more happy days. Praise the lady!”
“Praise the lady!”
The potluck came to a close, everyone being full and satisfied. Klein collected the silverware, shining with the bright sun’s light.
Setting the metals on the table besides the stacked glasses, he turned and saw the Tingen Nighthawks beaming and joyfully conversing.
Perhaps I’m closer to home than I thought.