11 Companions

There was no chapter yesterday because I was busy. There will probably be more days that the same thing happens, I can't have every night off. Also, if I go on vacation some week, don't be scared. I'm not going to drop this fic, nor am I going to start a new one before I finish it.

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Chapter 11: Companions

Klein knocked on the door. Benson and Melissa, his siblings, were standing behind him looking nervous. The sister particularly looked like she was taking her brother to a job interview.

The door opened, and the Moretti family found themselves face to face with Old Neil.

"Sorry, I hope we're not too late." Klein doffed his hat in greeting.

"No problem, William is still preparing the food." Old Neil waved his hand for them to enter.

Klein quickly took the lead as his siblings timidly followed behind. The house was slightly traditional in style, similar to what you would expect to see in your grandparents' house. Still, it was pretty well lit and neither too big nor too small, giving it a homey feel.

There was a good smell in the air. Klein, who was a good cook, could tell that William had quite a bit of skill in the kitchen. The smell was accentuated when they arrived in the living room. Just at that moment, the owner of the house had placed a pot in the middle of the table.

"You are just in time." William smiled at them. "Please sit down and let's eat. Klein, can you introduce me to your siblings in the meantime?"

"Sure." The Morettis and Old Neil happily pulled up a chair and sat down. William started to serve the food, and Old Neil, Benson, and Melissa couldn't take their eyes off the plate. Only Klein seemed used to this food, and he looked carefully at William for a couple of seconds. "This guy is my older brother, Benson. He's always been looking out for us, though sometimes he has a hard time taking care of himself."

Benson laughed nervously as Melissa nodded in agreement with Klein.

"This is my little sister, Melissa. I hope you will help me explain to her that I have not been involved in any illegal or dangerous acts, she does not believe me."

The girl looked at him with piercing eyes, making the others laugh a little. However, Klein seemed to be quite serious about it, which made William purse his lips a bit. After all, being a Nighthawk was dangerous. He decided to introduce himself next.

"My name is William Hastur and I am a co-worker of your brother's." He paused a moment to look at Melissa. "Don't worry, our job is that of a security company."

Melissa listened to his explanation and in the end, she wanted to say that a security company had some danger involved, but she finally didn't say anything.

The last to introduce himself was Old Neil. Wherever he went he would draw attention due to the classic robes he wore.

"I'm Neil Townsend, although everyone calls me Old Neil." He paused for a moment as if considering various things. "I mean, I know I'm old, but people keep reminding me. I wish they'd call me Young Neil."

The two Nighthawks laughed alongside the old man, hinting to the others that it was a joke. They laughed a little awkwardly because they weren't familiar with these colleagues of their brother yet.

'They both seem to be good people.' They both thought, though.

"Okay! Let's not wait any longer or the stew will get cold." William clapped his hands together and got everyone's attention.

So, they tried the dish and quickly fell in love with it.

"Wow, this is delicious!" Benson exclaimed as he devoured the stew.

"Don't talk while you eat." Klein scolded his older brother that he wasn't used to common manners because he never had the time since he was too busy taking care of his family. "But seriously, this is really good. Where did you learn this recipe?"

His words contained something hidden, and William somehow noticed it. This dish was very common in his home country, in his previous life.

"If you stay a little longer, I can give you the recipe. I learned it from my grandmother." Klein nodded at his answer and did not refuse.

They both had their suspicions about the other ever since they met. That was because their situations seemed too similar, and they both could see something about each other that other people didn't even notice. Of course, Klein was even more suspicious since he had already read part of Roselle's diary. He had a faint premonition with this sword-wielding companion of his.

After this brief interaction, they continued eating. William had a habit of spending more than necessary to ensure the quality of the ingredients when he cooked, even though he then had to cut back on the money spent on other things he wanted to do. At the very least, this helped make the food he prepared delicious, along with his experience of living alone.

Old Neil captivated Benson and Melissa, thanks to his great sense of humor, and William also left a very good impression on them because of the food.

'After all, these two know how to please people. One makes them laugh while the other fills their stomachs. They look like villains leading people to their side.' Klein inwardly satirized them, although he got on very well with both of them.

"Fuah, thanks for the food." Benson let out a satisfied sigh, earning a disapproving look from his sister.

"My brother is right, thank you for sharing such a delicious meal with us." She repeated the same thing, but in a much more polite way. "At least you've convinced me that Klein isn't doing anything illegal."

Klein heaved an exasperated sigh while Old Neil and William burst out laughing.

"It is good to hear." While he was still chuckling, William stood up. "I will remember to invite you all again in the future."

"Next time, I'll invite you to make it up to you. I also have some cooking skills." Klein accompanied him, and soon everyone was at the door.

Old Neil thanked him too and was the first to leave.

"That old man is really shameless." William's comment made the Morettis laugh. "Okay, I'll see you guys later. And see you tomorrow, Klein."

The three nodded and prepared to leave. However, at the last moment, Klein turned around and said something.

"Internet."

William's pupils contracted, and his body tensed, but he quickly regained control and nodded.

"And Wi-Fi." His reply came with a smile.