Casimir was slow to give Daciana back her freedom after the Sulani stunt. She had lived on plasma packs and denied contact with her friends. Casimir knew what Daciana had done to Layton in a public setting. Daciana lacked remorse for her actions, blaming her inherent blood lust on a life she did not choose. He asked her to prove herself amongst her family, to spend one evening with Luliana. The twin sister was the one person who still believed Daciana to be good. She trusted Daciana would never harm her because of their bond. Casimir knew, but he prayed on some level that Luliana would prove him wrong. He wanted her to show him there was hope for vampires like Daciana, like him.
Daciana waited. The smell of Patrick’s cooking filled the open-plan kitchen and living area. She felt both happy and sad as the aroma surrounded her. Patrick busied himself, adding streaky bacon to the pan. It sizzled, giving the air a smokey flavour. He tossed in onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, with rosemary fresh from the garden. Daciana scanned the remaining ingredients. There was beef, tomatoes, and chillies. He would add milk to give the sauce a creamy texture, thickening the sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies and wine enhanced the flavour. While porcini mushrooms brought an earthiness, a sprinkling of sugar balanced the dish. Soon, a pan of boiling water and olive oil would welcome the pasta. She missed these flavour profiles. Daciana missed her dad.
Patrick did not meet her gaze. Silence had sat with them since Daciana arrived. They could hear the giggling of Luliana in the next room. Her boyfriend Boston whispered to her, kissing her cheek and lips. Patrick felt uncomfortable with the vampire company. But his mind was on the boy behaving too friendly with his daughter in the next room. He imagined Boston’s inappropriate intentions. The broken heart he would need to repair when he left Luliana. Daciana wondered if Patrick worried about her in that way. She wanted to know. Would he protect her from boys who took advantage?
As Daciana opened her mouth, Luliana interrupted, wondering how long dinner would be. Boston hovered close behind her, a grin stretched across his face. He had appeared nervous at their door, rushing out his greeting. It was clear Boston was desperate to impress Patrick. Their father had been warm and welcomed him into the house. He shooed Daciana into the kitchen to give the young couple space. She knew it was to stop her from getting close to their visitor. Boston smelled nice, but all she wanted was another taste of Koa.
Daciana slumped on the faux leather seats, her teeth clenched. Patrick told her plasma packs were inappropriate at the dinner table. He seemed concerned about sharing her position as a local vampire with Boston. If he were to marry Luliana, it would be obvious Daciana was different. Luliana tormented Daciana further. She informed Boston how Daciana did not like eating with other people. Boston raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his face. He caught Daciana’s eye, and the hair on the back of his neck chilled. Boston took a forkful of spaghetti bolognese. The delicious flavours drew his attention from the cold, darkening gaze of the evil twin.
Boston and Luliana: https://www.patreon.com/posts/98627817
Daciana: https://simfil.es/4437911/
By the Grace of Sim Gods 