Breaking the Heavens Vol 1

Family Dinner

44 Family Dinner

Gerald was grateful for his father. Allen had helped pack and get Gerald to the airport. Allen even flew overseas with Gerald. He not only wanted to be there for his son but thought it would be good to see Arryn.

The flight went smoothly, and Allen and Gerald could get caught up with what Castor had discovered. At the landing site, a car was waiting. Inside were Arryn and Castor, trying to figure out where In-Su and Henry should go once they were deemed healthy to travel.

Allen and Gerald slid into the Limo as staff loaded their belongings in the back. They were surprised that Arryn was there and Blake waiting at the manor.

Dinner was prepared and waiting in a smaller dining room in the manor. The smaller setup leads to a more casual and intimate experience,

Arryn and Castor were the first to arrive for dinner. They were seated next to each other, smiling and chatting, feeling relief that no lives were lost and those harmed were safe and recovering.

Arryn suddenly grinned mischievously and pulled Castor over on his lap. Castor was startled but relented when Arryn kissed him. There was still time before others arrived.

Melting into one another, they parted their lips to deepen the kiss. Their love eased their worries and ignited a fiery strength.

Lost in their embrace, Arryn and Castor Vaguely noticed anyone in the room. Allen stepped into the dining room a few steps ahead of Gerald, startled to see his nephew making out at the dinner table.

Clearing his throat loudly, Allen got Arryn and Castor's attention. Flushed, Arryn helped Castor slide back to his chair. Both gave each other a look before turning to face Allen and Gerald.

Gerald tried not to laugh, while Allen tried to act nonchalantly, sitting next to his nephew. Arryn and Castor gave each other sheepish looks and squeezed their hands under the table.

"All right, you two, we are at the dinner table," Allen playfully scolded his nephew and his nephew's boyfriend.

Gerald laughed under his breath, "I tried to warn you about these two, Dad."

Arryn scowled at his cousin, "Very funny, Ger."

Castor enjoyed watching this family interact with one another. Under the teasing, he sensed there was a lot of love.

Finally, Ava and Blake entered the room smiling and holding hands.

The room grew silent, surprised to see Ava and Blake so cozy. As they sat next to one another, Freya entered, followed by more staff carrying dinner.

They quietly placed down the entree and sides.

Castor was in awe at the food presented to them.

There were haggis, neeps and tatties, and mutton mince pies. The meal reminded Castor that he was indeed in Scotland. For dessert, there was shortbread and sticky toffee pudding. Of course, whisky was served to pair with the haggis. Everything smelled delicious, and Castor was eager to eat.

The food and conversation turned out to be a good time for everyone. Castor got to hear lots of stories about Arryn as everyone was reminiscing. East of feeling like an Outsider looking in, he felt welcomed into this family and group of friends.

The whiskey flowed, and the laughs kept coming. The stress, grief, and trauma they each experience felt far away. Even if this moment was brief, it was healing for all.

Arryn cleared his throat loudly, gaining the group's attention, "There are matters we need to discuss. I hate to ruin the fun we are having. Still, NOW that we are all in the same room, let's get down to business."

Staff came in and cleared the dishes. Freya served coffee and Cranachan to everyone and then quietly left the room. Cream and sugar had been left at the table for those who didn't want their coffee black.

Everyone settled in as Arryn began to explain what he needed of everyone. Castor lit a cigarette for Arryn and one for himself. It was going to be a long night, and the coffee kept flowing as was their chain-smoking.