Wednesday, 20 December 2017

Story of Seasons: Raeger Fanfiction Part 18

Writer's note: This chapter took me a while to write. Some scenes were very difficult to come up with, and I want to make it flow as naturally as I can. I hope you'll enjoy this one! :)

To read the other chapters, click the links below:

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures


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Flambéed Love

~Seeds~

Iris walked around her bedroom nervously, running through the script over and over again in her mind. Today, she wasn't like her usual calm self, but it was understandable given her circumstances. The novelist had planned something important that afternoon, but truthfully... the anticipation had become quite unbearable even for her. She needed complete privacy for this - and yes, an option was to use his place instead, but for some reason she couldn't explain, she needed the comfort of her own home today.

Looking back, there was just one problem.

Iris doesn't want Mistel to find out just yet - at least not until the issue has been resolved - and so she needed some way to get Mistel out of the house just for that afternoon until the following day. At first, she twisted her mind to find a good excuse, hoping that Mistel would somehow believe her... but Iris quickly reminded herself that her brother deserved no such treatment, and so she did what she thought seemed most reasonable at this point in time: simply tell her little brother that she needs to be alone today for a reason she will explain later. 

Thankfully, Mistel, being the mature young man that he is, immediately understood the situation, and packed his bag to spend the night at Marian's - a place he frequently visited throughout his childhood. He's now under the care of the town's capable doctor, or to put it more frankly, he's currently being pestered by the eccentric pink-haired man. 

Of course, so many things ran through his mind: What's happening with Iris? Why does she look so down? Will she be alright? Mistel thought. But not even once did he question her, because he knew that Iris must have her own reasons for not telling him now, and all Mistel wanted was for his sister to finally start feeling better. So with the house finally secured all to herself, Iris can now rest assured, knowing that her conversation with Klaus will be private.

Iris brought herself back to the present, and found herself staring by the window. It was the afternoon of Winter the 30th, and to Iris, it really signaled one thing: the year was coming really close to an end, and yet she still hasn't inform Klaus about her situation. Iris sighed.

She was never one who liked to leave matters unresolved, especially into the following year... but this was such a complicated issue, and it's not like she could bring it up so easily. She needed time to think, time to calm down. But with the approaching New Year's Celebration really closing in, she was prompted to have 'the talk' with Klaus, right here right now. Besides, Iris knew, that she'll have to do it sooner or later anyway... whether she likes it or not.

Iris continued looking out the window -deep in thoughts - until unknowingly the sun soon has begun to set, causing the room to develop a tinge of crimson. Her expression looked melancholic, as she remembered the times when the four of them were still together. The house used to be more lively... and certainly more full of love, until the accident took them away. Iris recalled how heartbroken she was at first, and how she promised herself to make the house still full of love, for her little brother Mistel, who was still so young at the time. She continued her train of memories, and took one single deep breath.

"Iris?"

Iris turned her head in the direction of the source - towards the staircase - upon hearing a voice she's all too familiar with.

"Klaus?" Iris called out gently. She remained calm, but was actually nervous that Klaus was finally here.

"I've let myself in as you suggested. You mentioned that there is something important you wanted to discuss?" Klaus asked as he continued taking the steps on the staircase. "Is everything alright?"

Iris looked at him worriedly, but strangely with relief as well. She was afraid of what Klaus might say in response, but she was excited thinking of the possibilities that might await. "Let's have a seat with me." Iris smiled ever so slightly and started approaching her bed, before finally sitting down on its side and motioned for Klaus to sit next to her.

Klaus began to feel that something was wrong and his face started to show a look of concern. But he kept his composure, and remained silent until he finally settled down next to Iris. Klaus kept his distance close, and started to comfort the woman he had known for more than a decade; holding her hand gently, giving it a little squeeze.

"You can tell me anything, Iris."

She turned her gaze towards him, and looked at the pair of gentle eyes that's treating her with so much love.

"I'm scared... I'm scared thinking of what you might say next, Klaus. What if this changes everything about us?" Iris questioned him anxiously. 

"A change is not necessarily bad." Klaus reminded her gently. "It might even be for the better." He smiled, then paused. "Iris, I don't know what it is that you wanted to say, but... you can rest assured, that I will always stay with you no matter what." 

She smiled, and felt such a sense of relief upon hearing his reassurances. Klaus has always been there for her through thick and thin, and she should believe that this time, he will do the same.

"Klaus."

"Yes?"

"You know how uhm... we've recently been spending more time together at your place, late at night?" Iris asked sheepishly. "...You know what I'm talking about."

Klaus was slightly taken aback by Iris' sudden remark, quickly realising that this was not just about Iris, but also about himself. 

"Yes?" His voice shook a little, but he still kept his usual composure.

"Well, uhm.." Iris paused. "I don't know how I should put this.. but..."

"I guess.. we got.. a little careless." Iris hinted subtly.

"Ca..careless? What do y.." Klaus suddenly stopped, and his eyes widened in shock. "You don't mean to say..."

"Uhm, yeah." She blushed. "I think you might've guessed it right." Iris looked at him shyly, while Klaus was still in a state of shock.

"I'm carrying your child, Klaus." 

Iris finally declared, now anxiously waiting for Klaus' reply.

The room fell silent, only greeted by the glistening yet diminishing sun ray. He closed his eyes, and although subtle, Iris could see a small frown painted on his forehead. It was a sign that he was in deep thought.. and Iris knew - she'd known him for far too long not to understand the subtleties and meanings behind his actions. But Klaus is a complicated man, and she could never guess what goes through behind his calm pretense. All she knew was that Klaus is thinking... thinking hard. She tried to be patient - and she tried hard, but she couldn't. She couldn't help but feel tense, and her heart started beating irregularly. 'Why hasn't he said anything yet?' Iris slowly closed her eyes and looked away. It was almost like what she had expected, and so her concerns grew; but she held on to his words, and a tiny voice inside her heart told her to believe him.

'I will always stay with you no matter what.'

Iris recalled, and smiled sweetly with both eyes still closed.

"How long?"

'Huh?' She made a little jump from the surprise call, and her eyes quickly opened wide, turning to face him.

"How long.. have you known?" Klaus asked in a deep, husky voice.

Her pupils grew. She was stunned at the very question, but nevertheless, she tried to answer it as naturally as she can, "Since.. a little after the middle of Winter." She answered honestly.

"And you only told me now?" He squinted his eyes slightly and faced her direction, showing his disapproval.

"I.. I didn't know what to do, or how to address it to you." Her head hung low, and her voice began to tremble. "I'm sorry, Klaus. I never meant to keep you in the dark like that. Really." She closed her eyes once again, unable to face him.

But before tears could leave her eyes, Klaus quickly but gently pulled her into his embrace, letting her rest against his chest. In return, he placed his chin on top of her, gently smelling her hair while he tightened his grip around her.

"Did you think I was going to leave you... and the baby?" He asked softly, but Iris finally broke into the tears she'd long held.

"I.. I didn't want to believe that." She stuttered from her uncontrollable breathing. "B.. but I didn't know what to do, and.. I.. I couldn't help but think of the other possibilities!!" She cried harder in his embrace.

"Iris.." Klaus kissed the top of her head. "I wish you'd tell me sooner so you didn't have to suffer with those thoughts at all. I wish... you'd tell me sooner so that we can work this out... together." Klaus began.

"Iris, you have no clue how important you are to me. You treated me equally since the beginning, and you were the only one who was there for me when I left home." Klaus spoke in a deep, low voice, and started caressing her hair. "I'm happiest when you're around, believe me, no matter how much I tease you." He chuckled.

"But, I've always told myself that I should... suppress the feelings I have for you."

Iris was shocked upon hearing his subtle confession, and she pulled away a little from his embrace to get a proper look at his face. His cheeks was rosy, but he displayed a sad smile on his face.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because I do not think that I am worthy of you, or of love at all. You know my past, you would understand."

"What? That's utter nonsense!" Iris protested. "Your past has nothing to do with that! Besides, it was never your fault, Klaus." Iris looked at him gently. "Klaus, you are worthy of love.. you should never say otherwise." Iris continued. "If anything, I thought you were too good for me.. that I was out of your league.." she spoke quietly. "Well, until the girls scolded me about it." She chuckled this time.

"Have you not seen the looks you received from those travellers around the area, Iris? They want you." Klaus replied grudgingly as he thought of those impolite looks. "Iris, you're the finest woman I've ever known.. considering how I've personally met plenty of ladies - from my customers - you can vouch my word on it." Klaus explained reluctantly, slightly looking away to avoid direct eye contact and embarassment, earning a smile from Iris.

"What I would like to say is... I was already very happy to have you by my side, Iris." He gave her a little squeeze. "As for what has been happening lately, please do not think that I was just using you. I have... really been holding myself back for all these years. Nevertheless, I'm still ashamed of myself for losing control over my own body." He frowned, disappointed in himself.

"But when you told me about the new life we've formed together." Klaus cleared his throat. "I could not help but feel incredibly happy." He smiled widely, looking into her eyes lovingly.

"Klaus..." Iris uttered. Her eyes glistened, partly from her previous tears, but mostly due to her new happiness. "Does that mean.."

"Iris, it would be an honour if you would let me raise this child together with you. Of course I'll stay by your side and give all my support."

"Oh, Klaus." Iris giggled, snuggling in his embrace. "I've been very silly to think otherwise."

He chuckled, "I'll take care of you from now on, okay. You don't have to worry anymore, I promise."

"Okay." Iris smiled gently. "But Klaus, aren't you chatty today?" She teased.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He grumbled. "I just wanted to make sure I get all of my points across and leave no misunderstanding behind." He returned to his serious self.

"I know.. I know." She giggled lightly, eventually feeling more relaxed. She leaned her back against his chest, and he placed his considerably larger hand on her stomach, gently caressing it, until a thought crossed his mind.

"Iris."

"Yes, Klaus?" She turned her view towards him.

"I know we may have gotten the order wrong, but I promise I'll properly make you mine soon." He smiled lovingly.

"What do you mean by that?" She asked.

"You'll just have to wait and find out soon." He replied almost immediately. 

"Very soon." He beamed in confidence, and the pair spent the rest of the night in each other's warmth, intimately discussing the future that awaits them.

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