Weekend Dinner

Throughout the rest of the week, Aiden went over to visit Yuki everyday after school without fail. He had heard from him what the punishments were given to the people who hurt Yuki and, although he wanted them to suffer a lot more than they had, he accepted the outcome since Yuki said he was fine with how things turned out.

During one of Aiden's many visit's, he finally met Yuki's step-brother, Mikael. He couldn't help but notice that their relationship appeared to be strained but Aiden could tell that they both really cared for each other. He didn't want to pry into their affairs so he acted oblivious to the obvious tension whenever the two of them were in the same room. Things were bound to sort themselves out in the end.

After dinner one evening, Derek suddenly remembered and told Aiden that his grandfather invited him to dinner on the weekend and that he'd send a car to pick him up. With the expression on Derek's face, it was clear he didn't want Aiden to go but didn't have a choice but to tell him. Aiden didn't understand why he had been invited in the first place since they were practically strangers but he didn't voice his confusion or unwillingness to go. He didn't want Derek to worry anymore than he already was.

So, the day finally came when Aiden was to attend the dinner. According to Mr. Montgomery's assistant, the dress code was business casual. Derek was even more confused when he heard that since, to his knowledge, his grandfather never held any kind of gathering that was less than semi-formal. Nevertheless, Aiden prepared appropriately for the evening.

He left his white hair slightly wavy like usual. Then, he put on a white shirt that looked like it could be from the renaissance. It had loose long sleeves that tightened around his wrists and a loose v-neckline. He tucked it into waist high black skinny dress pants and wore black high heeled shoes. He also chose to wear long dangling silver earrings and a simple thin black choker necklace.

Just as he finished getting ready, Mrs. Hudson called up to him that the car Mr. Montgomery sent had arrived. Aiden picked up his phone, checked his appearance one last time in the mirror, and went downstairs. Derek was already waiting for him by the door. When Adian reached the spot next to him, Derek reached out and held one of Aiden's arms.

"You don't have to stay there long if you don't want to. Just eat the meal and leave. If for some reason that sly old man refuses to have someone drive you back, just send for Milo or call me directly. Also, I don't know who else he invited but you don't need to be overly friendly. If anyone does or says something you don't like, don't hold back. I'll take responsibility for anything that happens. And also…"

"Derek!" Aiden placed a hand over Derek's mouth, silencing him. "Relax. Everything will be fine. I know the situation is a bit odd but there's no need to be so worried. Whatever it is, I'm confident I can handle it and if I can't, I'll call. Okay?" Derek nodded and Aiden removed his hand. He teasingly smiled at Derek. "Also, I think that's the most I've ever heard you say in one go."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm over reacting, I get it. Just," Derek furrowed his brows and set a hand on top of Aiden's head. "Be careful, okay?" He might've felt more relaxed if he knew who else was going to attend but of course his grandfather didn't mention it.

"I will, I promise." After that, Derek opened the door for Aiden and watched as he walked down the front path and entered the car his grandfather sent. He only closed the door again when the car was no longer in sight.

The drive to the Montgomery's mansion took just as long as Aiden remembered. The driver, unlike Milo, was very reserved and formal, which made the drive a little awkward and very boring. When they pulled up to the mansion, the driver got out and opened the car door for him.

As soon as Aiden reached the top of the steps, one of the large front doors was opened and a smiling butler greeted him with a slight bow.

"Welcome, Mr. Hale. Mr. Montgomery has been expecting you." After ushering him into the entry hall, the butler motioned in another direction. "If you'll please follow me? This evening's dinner will be held in the conservatory." Aiden obediently followed the butler through the large building. He passed so many paintings, statues, vases, and other expensive looking decorations that he lost count. He couldn't help but wonder if there was really a need for so much stuff. Dusting must be a nightmare for the staff.

A short time later, Aiden was guided to two large glass doors. The butler opened one of them, bowed, and motioned for him to enter. When he did, the door closed behind him. He took a quick look around and saw dozens of beautiful potted plants. Vines from some of them climbed the walls or metal trellises and others hung elegantly from the glass ceiling. Aiden walked further into the plant filled conservatory and was soon greeted by the host.

"Aiden! There you are. Come over here and I'll introduce everyone!" Mr. Montgomery waved him over to a table that was set up in the middle of the room. Three other men were already seated around it. Aiden did as he was told and walked over to them.

"Hello, Mr. Montgomery. Thank you for the invitation today." Aiden smiled. Mr. Montgomery waved a hand dismissively.

"No need for formalities. Just call me William. Now," William placed a hand gently behind Aiden's shoulder and pushed him forwards, closer to the table. Then, he introduced the other gentlemen one by one. The first was a man around William's age. He wore glasses and looked like the laid back type. "This is Dean Willaby. He's an old friend of mine and a retired lawyer."

"Nice to meet you." Mr. Wallaby nodded to Aiden, who returned it in kind.

"This," William motioned to the man next to Mr. Willaby. "...is Jason Buckley. He's Dean's nephew and a judge. And finally, this…" he indicated the last person at the table. "...is Issac Atwood. He's…well he does a lot." William chuckled. "You can sit down over there next to Issac." Aiden went over and sat in his designated seat.

The man next to him, Issac, gave a curt nod as acknowledgement and then looked away. Mr. Atwood had raven black, slicked back hair and bright azure blue eyes. The stark contrast between the two only added to his handsome features. If Aiden had to guess, he was most likely in his early forties.

The atmosphere during the meal was relaxed as William chatted with Dean and Jason. Sometimes, he'd ask Aiden what he thought about one topic or another. Issac spoke least of all, only occasionally giving short answers to direct questions. Throughout the evening, Aiden couldn't get any clues as to why he was even invited in the first place.

After dinner, they all moved to a study room. There was a large oak desk and bookshelves built into the wall. There was also a fireplace with comfy looking arm chairs to sit in. They sat there and continued to talk while the three adults had an alcoholic drink and Aiden drank tea. He was originally offered coffee but, when he said he didn't really like it and asked for tea instead, the butler was happy to oblige. For a split second, Issac made a strange expression when Aiden said he didn't like coffee but Aiden didn't see it.

After a while, Aiden stifled a yawn and, noticing that he was getting tired, William summoned a car to come and take him back home. Moments later, the butler came and informed him that the car was ready.

"It's late. You should get home and rest," William said. Aiden agreed and said his goodbyes.

"Then, I'll get going now. Thank you again for inviting me." William nodded. "And it was nice meeting you all." The other's replied and then the butler led Aiden back to the front door and out to the car. Aiden thanked him and the car drove off into the night.

Back in the study, a more serious atmosphere settled over the four men. All of them seemed to be hesitant to break the silence but William was the first to speak.

"So, Issac, what do you think?" Issac leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and interlocked his fingers.After a moment of silence, the man looked up at the other's with a complicated expression.

"He looks exactly like his mother. Except…" William, Dean and Jason all finished his sentence simultaneously.

"He's got your eyes."