It was nearly midnight when I had finally finished my report for the mission I had finished that same day. It was a tedious if not a tiresome task, yet it had to be done for this specific mission I had. And submitted it I have to the Doctor himself just an hour before midnight.

-Thank you for your swiftness Tacet, I actually expected you to finish later than this.

-It's alright my good Doctor, I didn't want to waste no more time than I had to on it either.

-You will find the report comprehensive and to the point.

-I thank you again, I know it is late. But doctor Kal'tsit requested the information regarding your last mission, and I must agree with her this time.

-I understand Doctor. I'm just glad we got everybody back alive.

-It is a victory in itself every time all our operators come back.

-Indeed... it is, my good Doctor. Has anybody else submitted their reports?

-No, you are the first to have finished.

-Are you going to remain much longer at your post Doctor?

-I must until all the senior members of your team give in their reports at least.

-I see. Well then, I shall take my leave now.

-Goodnight Tacet, you've done well.

I strolled out of the Doctor's office, taking in the silence of the deserted hall. Only faintly I could still hear signs of life coming from an office here and there. People working to finish the last reports and tasks of this gruelling day.

I was tired, though my last coffee had still kept me very much up and going. But once I would hit the bed I would sleep like a rock. As I left the office section I passed by the Auxiliary Kitchen and stopped in my tracks. I realised how hungry I was, having eaten only a light breakfast at an ungodly early hour this morning. And since then I had only a few energy bars to keep me going throughout the day. And after the mission I had I was actually so famished that even the coffee I had could only hide it so much from me.

I decided to enter. My ID had quite a high clearance by now on Rhodes Island, and I was granted access as I swiped it against the reader besides the door. I entered, and it was dark further in front of me except for a few green exit emergency lights. The illumination of the corridor that was flooding meagerly inside through the windows made the large room seem more eery than it was.

I flipped a few switches nearby and the cafeteria lit up. It was much smaller but better furnished than the main one. I went inside the kitchen and lit the place up. Taking out the Presence & Use register I noted down the time and date of my entry and usage of this facility. I pulled out my portable music player and plugged it into the audio system of the room. A fine tune started with my chosen album compiled of music from the current age, and I was ready to start.

''Now, what to cook myself.''

The possibilities were endless. The pantries and fridges were filled with fresh ingredients.

''Maybe pasta with a generous amount of meat.'' I thought.

It would be filling and light enough for such a late hour. Of course with a good bottle of wine besides it. ''Heck, maybe a pizza too.'' I thought, but I realised that was just my hunger influencing me. However, a fresh pizza to have in the morning for the next day wouldn't hurt.

I was thus decided. I would first start with making myself a large pizza to have for the next day. While that was in the oven I would then start to make the pasta. All while putting aside a bottle of wine to wait in the cooler. I went first to choose the drink. Aiming straight to the finer selection of Siracusan wines.

Expensive, and it would burn my wallet a bit. But I was a man of who also enjoyed the finer tastes, at least when they were available to me. And I could afford it. I was undecided between four bottles of the finer red wines. In the end I decided to take all four and put them in the cooler. Whichever I would choose to open I would then put the unopened ones back. I had gathered the ingredients for both dishes I had in mind and decided to gather some extra to make crêpe pancakes for desert as well.

I realised my hunger was getting the best of me but nevertheless I carried on. I had more than I needed but a strange feeling, or rather... a premonition, prompted me to continue anyway. I chose to start the preparation of a spicy pizza Diavola. I had a jar of black, seedless olives, mozzarella, a few hot peppers, a generous amount of spicy salami, a good brand of tomato sauce and some superior flour for the dough along some other miscellaneous ingredients.

I set my coat on a hanger then proceeded to wash my hands thoroughly. I then began by combining some flour, salt and yeast in a bowl and stirred it well. I also added some water and olive oil, stirring until it was getting the consistency I wanted. I then turned the dough onto a floured surface and kneaded it well into a ball. It was stretchy and smooth, the way it had to be. It was a lot of dough since I decided it would be an extra large pizza if there ever was one like this. I divided the dough into four balls and set each one onto a floured surface and dabbed the dough with a bit of olive oil.

''Oh yeah boy!'' I was enjoying my progress.

I had covered each of the four balls of dough with a lightly damp towel, leaving them to rise from the room temperature while I prepared the other ingredients. Next was the preparation of the sauce. I took aside the salt, the bottle of olive oil, some dried oregano, garlic cloves and three cans of fire roasted tomatoes.

Oh Lordy, those cans would cost me a bit as well. Despite it, I would not relent to give myself to using any lesser ingredients than what was truly intended for such dishes. The roasted tomatoes and its juice would add a fittingly sweet and subtly smoky taste to the dish. I first peeled and then minced the garlic with a portable blender. Then mixing the garlic with the fire roasted tomatoes first, then adding the olive oil, the oregano and some salt. I blended them until they were finely mixed. The taste was that which I was aiming for. The mozzarella was next, cutting it into little finer pieces than chunkier ones. Normally they would have been too watery and would have required to sit them in a paper towel, however I had chosen a mozzarella packet with less than the usual moisture, saving me some time. I then sliced the olives in half as well as a few chilli peppers in very thin slices and the spicy salami after.

I decided that I would add just a bit less spicy peppers than a normal diavola. I wanted to enjoy a spicy pizza yes, but not to have my mouth on fire. As much as I would enjoy putting that fire out each time with a cold glass of fine wine. Fortunately this kitchen had a pizza peel. I used that special pizza shovel with semolina flour and stretched the dough into a nice circle. I then shoved the peel under the flattened dough and started laying the prepared ingredients. First the thin layer of pizza sauce followed by the mozzarella cheese, the salami slices, the olives and the peppers.

The oven was already set, and I was about to make the mother of all Diavolas. I slipped that bad girl inside, setting it for ten minutes. I then prepared the start for a dish of simple Pasta Carbonara as well as preparing the mix for the crêpes to have ready in the meantime.

But before continuing first a drink was needed. Choosing to prepare myself a Negroni.

''Let's see. One part Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, a part Campari, three thin slices of orange and two small ice cubes.''

-''Tacet?'' Spoke a confident voice that I well knew.

I turned around to regard that alluring dark haired lupa.

-''Finally finished with your report Texas?'' I asked with a light good mood in my voice.

-Yes, finally. I thought I smelled something I haven't in some time. And I was surprised to see the canteen open at such a late hour.

-I'm sorry to have barged in on you, I-

-You can stay, I'm making a large Diavola. Care for a Negroni in the meantime?

She seamed a bit thoughtful, but she didn't take long to make up her mind.

-Yes, I'd actually like one.

I thus made two Negronis and served her with a glass while I held mine.

-Cheers. For another successful mission, squad leader.

-''Thanks.'' Texas replied in a good mood herself.

We lightly hit our glasses and sipped our fine drinks. Texas was already smiling and seeming in a better frame of mind even after all the hardship's of the day and the past mission.

-I see you were about to prepare something more.

-Yes, some pasta carbonara and some crêpes for desert.

-Want some help to speed things on?

-I wouldn't mind.

-''Well, what do we have here!?'' Another voice sounded suddenly, and Texas's smile seamed to have vanished.

-''Two lone wolves preparing a midnight dinner and having a drink?'' Said Lappland.

''Did this lupo ever stopped stalking Texas?'' I wondered. Of course she must have known our mission was over, and that we were just late in the office writing our reports. She probably was just waiting somewhere nearby to intercept her.

-''Hungry Lappi?'' I asked.

-Now that you mention it, I sort of am. What are you making?

-Diavola, and Carbonara with some crêpes for desert.

-''Don't mind if I join in as a third wheel?'' Lappland asked mischievously.

-''As long as you promise not to tease Texas too much, do I ask for a lot?'' I asked with a light but serious tone.

-I can behave for a little while, as long as you can deliver proper Siracusan food.

-You will be the judge of that then.

-Hey I'd like to order- oh...

Provence had barged in the kitchen herself, probably thinking it was open at this late hour. Last I knew she was on a mission as a catastrophe messenger. It seamed she returned and was reporting in at that time. Personally I was more than glad to see her again, too often and too long she would be gone far away on the tasks of her wearisome trade.

-Hey Provence. I'm glad to see you're back with us. Hungry?

-You bet!

-We'll have some Diavola and Carbonara with some crêpes.

-Pizza will be ready soon so you two can take a seat in the mess hall.

-''Why just the two of us?'' Asked Lappland, eyebrow raised in an implying manner.

-''Texas will help me speed things up a little, so we won't have to wait much.'' I spoke before offering.

-Would you girls like a Negroni apéritif?

-''Are you always so brazenly trying to seduce lupo's with Siracusan drinks, Tacet?'' Joked Lappland teasingly.

-I believe sharing an apéritif in Siracusa is just the same as greeting one another.

-''Smooth. Fine, I'll let myself indulged by you.'' Said Lappland as if admitting me winning this small game of words this time.

-''I would like one too!'' Provence beamed up, a little amused by our conversation.

I quickly made two more drinks and handed them to the new came lupas. We gathered all four and touched our glasses in a cheer before all taking a good sip.

-''Nice flavour. If you can make the food as good as you can make this authentic Siracusan drink I'll be impressed Tacet!'' Said Provence.

-''Unless he cheats by using Texas as a culinary guide.'' Spoke Lappland.

-''I am only going to help Tacet, not interfere with his way of making the dish.'' Said Texas, more relaxed now even with Lappland's presence.

-Yes, now please get out of my kitchen. There is passionate work to be done here!

-''As long as its only work, and not other heated passions.'' Teased Lappland as she looked both at me and Texas.

''Oh she was good!'' I admitted to myself with her retort.

Provence blushed and seamed amused at the same time. But Texas remained cool and undisturbed. Soon they left the kitchen. Well then, I had paused enough from my work, time I resumed. I gave my personal instructions to Texas on how I wanted the mix for the crêpes made, and she started on it. The pizza would be enough, but now I had to prepare more pasta than I anticipated. I brought over a large pot and filled it with water. As the flames brushed the bottom of it I added a measure of salt and had put the lid on. I quickly finished cutting the Siracusan pancetta and went straight to finely grating some cheese when Provence came again in the kitchen.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

-Hey Tacet, we have three more guests, just so you know.

-Who is joining us?

-Doctor, Amiya and Kal'tsit.

I guessed that they had finally finished their work for the night. Now that I looked at the time it was actually a few minutes before midnight. I had to quickly redo my measurements for the ingredients if there was to be enough for everyone. I quickly cut some more pancetta and grated some extra cheese. I then whisked some egg yolks and some whole eggs in a bowl until no streaks remained. Stirring in some grated cheese and adding some pepper as well. I then brought a Dutch like pot on the fire, adding a few spoons of oil in it. I threw in the meat and started cooking it, stirring it now and then until the crisp was forming around the edges. For the next step I had removed the pot from the heating eye and used a wooden spoon to fish all the pancetta into a bowl, adding just the right amount of fat over.

I then counted the right amount of pasta necessary and had put it in the boiling water. The oven clicked and gave two notifications before it went silent. And that was already fifteen minutes ago. The pizza was ready. The oven had set itself on a warm, stand by temperature. So the pizza would be kept at the best temperature to be served. Smart construction. Texas was herself finishing the crêpe pancakes. Having laid them one over another and deposited them in an oven to keep them warm.

-The pancakes are done. All that's left is just to lay the sweets on them.

-I'll get on them soon enough. Thank you for your help, we timed it well.

She nodded with a smile as a reply. I could notice she enjoyed our swift and efficient team work. I quickly prepared three more Negronis and pulled the pizza out on the largest tray available. On the drink tray I added two large bottles of carbonated water along with some glasses. I then also pulled out two bottles of the red wine from the cooler. I stirred the pasta once more in the boiling water before serving the first meal.

-Could you get the drinks, and I'll handle the Diavola?

-Of course. But tell me Tacet, were you expecting to have guests when you made the pizza?

-No, I thought I'd make it for myself and eat it for several days actually.

-''Sorry we ruined your plans.'' She spoke a smile imbued with a good humour.

-It is well worth it with the right company by your side.

-''Are we that company?'' She asked with an air that made me think there was more interest in the answer than I would have first thought.

-You are.

I picked the tray and went into the mess hall followed by Texas. The music device I had connected to the kitchen speakers was also playing in the mess hall. And I noticed it helped the ambience and the mood of the guests. It was a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere after this long day.

-''There it comes!'' Said an eager Amiya!

-''That's quite a big one!'' Exclaimed the Doctor.

Except for the Doctor and Kal'tsit they all looked at me like hungry wolves, even the bunny girl. I laid down the pizza and cut it swiftly and evenly with the rotating knife. While Texas was settling the glasses and some saucers. Also serving the apéritif drinks to the last three newcomers. I cork screwed open the two wine bottles and served with Texas a glass for each.

-''Aren't you going to join us?'' Asked Amiya.

-''The chef has to finish his mission first.'' I said as I took a glass of wine with me, ready to head back.

-''Here, take at least one for yourself before it's all gone.'' Texas spoke as she offered me a slice on a saucer.

-''Thanks, I'm off now.'' I winked at her as I went back inside the kitchen.

I quickly returned to stir the pasta in the boiling pot. I was expecting possibly a few more guests to stumble by and had made a little more in quantity. But I hadn't expected them to come again directly into my kitchen. However, my keen eye caught a red flicker in the corner of my vision. I then spoke softly and composed.

-You can come out Red, I know you are here.

-Tacet is very sharp.

-Are you hungry, lone lupa?

She nodded.

-Something smelled good.

-Go in the mess hall with the others and have some pizza.

-... no.

-Why not?

-... I would only make the other lupos panic. They look relaxed and happy. Red doesn't want to ruin that.

I had to admit it was a sad truth, but one that Red could comprehend and accept. I decided not to insult her with pity and do the next most natural thing.

-''Have a seat here.'' I said as I pulled a chair to the table reserved for the chefs. Where the glass of wine and my pizza slice were. Also bringing a carbonated water bottle and a glass.

-Come on Red, sit here and enjoy some yourself.

-It's your slice though.

-I actually want pasta more, so have at it.

-I just don't know how you handle your alcohol. So I'll leave you a bottle of water as well just in case.

-You're mindful, thank you.

Red then sat down. Just as she grabbed the slice of pizza and brought it close to expose her deadly canines she saw me getting back to work.

-''Does Tacet need help?'' She asked somewhat embarrassed at having went almost straight to eating.

-Not at all, I can handle it myself, so enjoy your meal Red.

That brushed aside any hesitations she might have had left, and I saw her happily munching on her Diavola. Back to my pasta I then scooped a large cup of the cooking water and added it to the Dutch bowl, bringing it to a boil. I then drained the pasta and poured it into the Dutch bowl. I started cooking the pasta, stirring it until the water was reduced to a measure I found correct and removed it from the heating. I whisked about a quarter of a filled cup of pasta water with an egg mixture. Slowly streaming it into the Dutch bowl, the cheese slowly melted, and the egg thickened to form a nice, glossy sauce. I seasoned it with a bit of salt. I thinned the sauce a bit with the remaining pasta water I had, a tablespoonful at a time until it had the consistency of a cream. Finally, I prepared the individual dishes and then spread a generous amount of pancetta on every dish. Topping it after with pepper and then the reserve cheese.

I first picked up one of the dishes, filling it. Then taking it along with a fork and a spoon I walked towards Red. She was already looking at me expectantly, her tail wagging in anticipation. It was clear that the one slice was a mere snack, an apéritif for this hungry wolf.

-''Here you go Red, relax and enjoy it while I go serve the others.'' I said as I quickly swapped the empty plate with the Carbonara one.

-''Thank you.'' She replied in turn, and as I turned around I could hear her quickly digging in.

Now I had no way to carry myself seven dishes plus the extra drinks, so I pulled out the use of a metal cart. On it I laid the dishes along with three more bottles of sparkly water and the last two bottles of red wine that I had in the cooler. I pushed the cart into the mess hall and just about everyone cheered. Texas again came up to help me spread the food and drinks swiftly, and soon they were all ready to almost jump into it.

-''Another two bottles Tacet? Are you planning on getting a lupa drunk and bedded tonight?'' Teased Lappland.

-If you get drunk from just this small amount of fine wine then I'm afraid your bed will remain empty of any self-respecting man.

About everybody at the table chuckled or laughed outright, but Lappland didn't take it ill. It was a game of words now and then, with victories back and forth. And none of us ever took it personally. At least I thought she didn't. Everybody was on a low level of energy this late into the night, but they were all cheerful and in a good mood with such good food at their table. I was glad that everything was coming up as I wished it to be. I could see that each and every one of them were savouring the pasta I made. Even doctor Kal'tsit seamed in a relaxed mood, enjoying her pasta with a visible delight along with the good Doctor by her side.

-''I must say, this is quite an authentic Siracusan Carbonara if I ever tasted one.'' Spoke Texas.

-''I agree. I never tasted your cooking, but I have to say you are quite a distinguished chef.'' Provence said gratifyingly.

-''It was delicious I have to admit, and you should be grateful.'' Declared Lappland.

-''How so?'' I asked, curious at what she might come up to say.

-I killed chefs for their mockery of Siracusan food in the past.

-You could have left a complaint and no tip.

-''That too... have you ever been to Siracusa, Tacet?''

-''Wouldn't you like to know where my life's road took me Lappy?'' I said teasingly before taking a sip of my wine.

-''Maybe you should work as a part-time chef on Rhodes Island.'' Suggested Amiya.

-Perhaps, cooking is enjoyable.

-''You could do more than that, operator Tacet.'' Kal'tsit added.

-''Perhaps, but for tonight this is enough.'' I said that last sentence looking around the table and then again at Kal'tsit.

Everyone was getting along and cheerful. Forgetting their woes and their tiredness for just this stretching moment. Kal'tsit looked, saw and understood. A subtle, approving smile appeared on her face, conveyed at me.

-''It is.'' Kal'tsit said finally as she took a sip of her own glass of wine.

She was getting along, exchanging a few words here and there with everyone but mostly to Amiya, the Doctor and Provence. Amiya herself was cheerful if not a bit buzzed, talking to everyone. As well was the good Doctor who found common ground to talk with everyone present at the table.

Lappland seamed a bit more mellowed in her obsession with Texas. And Texas seamed just a bit more tolerating of Lappland tonight. But the catalyst that seamed to appease both lupos and make the connection between them was Provence. All in all everyone was having a good time. It was a strange sight, but a gratifying one. And it pleased me to see the higher ups who were so full of their burdens managing to relax for a while. It was also enjoyable simply seeing these lupo girls unwind and get along. I got up and Texas helped me swipe all the used cutlery and saucers back on the tray. She then made a move to come with me.

-Oh it's alright, I'll handle the crêpes quickly.

She nodded and sat down. I went back into the kitchen and Red was still there. I pulled the laid crêpes out of the oven and was preparing the sweets to lay on them.

-''Tacet want any help?'' Red asked.

-Maybe, you can help me lay the sweets on the crêpes and roll them.

-Red can do that.

I had gathered a jar and a tablet of chocolate spread, a few jars with different jams along with some of the actual fruits. Together we quickly filled and folded the crêpes, preparing seven dishes with three crêpes each. Adding a decorated touch with fruits and chocolate squares that pointed at the content within. I gave my plate to Red.

-''This is for your help Red, enjoy it.'' I said, and Red beamed up at the sweet desert I presented her with.

I then went back to the mess hall where I spread the plates.

-''You were quite quick.'' Said Texas.

-''It was an easy thing.'' I said nonchalantly, not wishing to disturb anyone by leaking about Red's presence.

They soon started relishing themselves with the desert and I cunningly took a bit more time to pour myself another glass of wine before finally sitting down. In a pose and mood that seemed unfazed as I sipped my drink. Trying not to make it too obvious the fact that I was missing my own plate, the one I gave to Red. Suddenly, I found myself with a cut piece of crêpe on a fork right in front of me.

-''You like the chocolate ones most, don't you?'' Provence offered, holding the fork close to me.

-''I do.'' I said with a smile before gently grasping the soft hand that held fork. Guiding it to me before eating the chocolate piece of pancake.

-How did you know?

Provence gave me a sweet look and winked before answering.

-I guess I just felt it.

This violet lupa was quite enchanting. She came closer and shared her plate, content with the fruity blueberry one's while leaving me the chocolate crêpe.

-''My favourite ones are with blueberry.'' Provence said conversationally to me.

-''Is that why you're violet?'' I jested, and she gave a sweet laughter.

-''It's been a very long time since I've tasted cloudberry crêpes, but why am I the only who has them?'' Lappland asked me.

-You complained about missing it one time on a mission.

-''However I don't think I've ever complained about missing blackberry. So how did you know that these were my favourite?'' Asked Texas in turn.

-I once saw Exusiai buying some apple and blackberry cakes. It was easy to deduce from there.

-''I don't think it's quite fair Tacet. You seem to know a lot about us while we know little about you.'' Said Lappland.

-''You now know I like chocolate.'' I answered with a bit of smug as I bit another piece of Provence's chocolate crêpe.

-''You smug rogue.'' Retorted an amused Lappland.

It was a most enjoyable midnight group rendezvous I had to admit. Though I noticed that while the Doctor, Amiya, Kal'tsit and myself all consumed one bottle of wine together, the other three lupos basically chugged down all three bottles left like it was water. Leaving the actual water mostly untouched. And while I knew this wouldn't be enough to get these Siracusan lupos completely drunk it had got them nicely buzzed, some more than the others.

I could quickly tell out that the weakest one was Provence, as she seamed the most daring in approaching me. Already she pulled her chair a little closer beside mine and her long fluffy tail was wrapping slowly and discreetly around one of my legs under the table. And I couldn't tell if it was a conscious or unconscious thing from her part. She was chatting with me and the others happily. She was still in control, but she was the closest to becoming drunk if there was anything more to drink.

And I have to admit I felt really strange. It was a clash of emotions. On one side it was all the innate survival instincts a man could have alerting me that a deadly inhuman monster with a human face was too close and too deadly. And there were three of them around me!

But on the other side I felt my desire for her warmth, and attraction towards these gorgeous lupas. I longed to grasp such a lupa. To feel and pet her fluffy ears, to touch and caress her tail, to lay one in my bed and love her until I made her mine. My mind was rushing and trying to manage these two great conflicting sides. However, on the surface I forced myself to keep my cool and calm demeanour. My poker face was well-trained. Nobody suspected my ease going, after-work attitude as I sipped my wine.

I was sensing that there was a certain vibe in the air. These lupas... they were happily buzzed and seemed just a bit more approachable. Or rather, they were approaching me. But subtly. They still had control of their faculties. It was only their inhibitions that were mellowed.

-''You should cook for us more often Tacet. I will admit, I enjoyed the results of your Siracusan culinary know-how.'' Said Lappland.

-''Tacet's not employed to be your cook.'' Said Texas.

-''Is that a subtle way of saying you didn't like the food Texas?'' Asked Lappland.

-''No! That's not it!'' Replied Texas a bit flustered before addressing me.

-The food you made was delicious Tacet. I wouldn't mind tasting it now and then again.

-''Just don't let yourself carried away helping him Texas. We don't want the wrong thing baking in the wrong oven now after a few Negronis.'' Teased Lappland.

At this Texas suddenly blushed heavily, and was seemingly undecided between covering her face or striking her down. Then relenting and choosing the first option in order to not cause a scene. Provence for her part was close to me, laughing at the whole matter while holding onto my arm.

''Wait, when did she sneak in hugging my arm so closely?'' I thought.

Oh boy, things were heating up just a bit. And the clash inside me was getting fiercer though I felt the side of my desire getting the upper hand.

-''Calm down, both of you.'' I demanded in a relaxed manner and continued.

-It's alright that we joke about one thing or another.

-However Lappland, you seem to be hitting with a lot of innuendos. Are you trying to imply something?

-Maybe I'm Texas's wing man, and I'm trying to help her out.

-''Like Hell you are!'' Protested Texas before addressing me again.

-Don't mind her Tacet!

-''The old Texas would have been more forthcoming with what she wanted.'' Said Lappland.

-''Stop implying things you don't know about, you Lappdumb!'' Lashed Texas at Lappland.

-''I'm not implying that much... not as hard as Provence is trying.'' Said Lappland grinningly.

-''What? Me?'' Provence said nonchalantly, but not backing away from me nor releasing her grasp of my arm. Nor the grasp of her tail around my leg.

-''Ehem.'' Kal'tsit cleared her throat smoothly, catching our attention before she spoke.

-It will soon be two in the morning. As pleasant as this midnight rendezvous was I suggest we begin ending it and go to our well deserved rest.

-Thank you all who stayed late to finish your tasks. I think we all deserved this small get together.

We all were in agreement and prepared to leave the auxiliary mess hall.

-''I'll stay and help you clean things up.'' Offered Texas.

-''It's alright, I'm just going to put a few things away and deal with it later today.'' I told Texas.

-''Smooth Texas.'' Implied Lappland.

-''You certainly tease Texas a lot Lappy, perhaps it is you who wants a bit of attention?'' I said.

Lappland seamed a bit surprised and taken aback. I think I actually hit something without intending to. But I tried to swipe it quickly away as not to gather attention onto her.

-There is something you could take care for me though.

-''Of course, what is it?'' Asked Texas.

-Please make sure Provence gets back safely to her dorm.

-''Hey, I'm fine Tacet, I swear, heheh~.'' Said a giggling and happily buzzed Provence.

She wasn't far from drunk, and she was well buzzed. I knew I could rely on a responsible Texas to make sure Provence would get back to her room without incidents.

-No problem. Come Provence, let's go together.

-Goodnight girls.

She nodded at me with a smile before gently grabbing Provence's hand and going together. Provence gave me a wink when she thought nobody else was looking.

-''Bye, bye Tacet.'' Said Provence still beaming with joy.

-''See you around maestro di cucina.'' Saluted Lappland before going her own way.

Last to say goodbye to was the Doctor carrying a tired Amiya that was falling asleep as well as doctor Kal'tsit.

-I hope there wasn't anything inconvenient.

-''Do not worry Tacet, this night was actually quite enjoyable.'' Spoke Kal'tsit.

-''Indeed, you had a good initiative after you submitted your report.'' The Doctor added.

-''We... we should do this a bit more often. It's nice seeing everyone unwind... after so much conflict.'' Said a drowsy Amiya as she was falling asleep.

-''Perhaps Amiya, perhaps we should.'' I said looking at her, and with her last strength she recognised my words and my presence. And then fell asleep in Doctor's arms.

-Please go ahead and take her to her dorm Doctor, I will catch up in just a minute.

-''Of course Kal'tsit.'' Replied the Doctor on a soft tone to her before he left. After we were alone Kal'tsit spoke to me.

-Thank you for including Red. Even if it was separate, I appreciate your effort.

She somehow knew Red was in the kitchen all this time.

-I tried to convince her to join us at the table. But she made the conscious decision to stay where she was rather than terrify her kindred at the table.

-Conscious you say... that is good to hear. I shall go now, I bid you a restful sleep Tacet.

And finally Kal'tsit left. I went back into the kitchen. I knew I left Projekt Red alone for too long. To my surprise she was still there. I have had a suspicion that she might have left, but she apparently didn't. I also noticed that almost all of the utensils and pots used were already left in water filled sinks or just filled to soak over the morning.

-Thank you for the help Red, you shouldn't have.

-No, I thank you. You were nice to Red tonight.

She then approached me closer and to my surprise gave me a kiss on my cheek. I noticed her own cheeks were a bit red, and she smelled of wine. She was buzzed as well but still seeming very much functional. I wouldn't have to worry about her finding her own way to her room. She then took her leave. Having most of the chores settled I took back my music device, switched off everything and closed the kitchen.

My bed was heavenly when I finally landed on it. Next day I expected that at least half of my entire salary to have been erased. To my surprise I found that everyone had chipped in so much that I actually had two salaries extra. By the time the cost of my Master Chef session from yesterday was calculated I had to run even more calculus to return what each had paid me overboard.

Still, it was nice to see their appreciation this way. But the experience was one that I enjoyed and valued more.