Writer's note: I'm finally on my break, and can continue writing. I'm actually re-writing this writer's note because somehow blogger published an old version of my work, which is very disheartening. Luckily I have it saved elsewhere. Something's also wrong with my internet, I hope it won't affect my work and my holiday mood.
To read the other chapters, click the links below:
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures
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Flambéed Love
~Secrets~
Today, she's determined to visit them for some tea and catching up to do, and has arranged for the three to meet up later that afternoon at Iris' place as usual. Minori finished up her work much quicker than usual, and returned to her room to wash up before she makes her way towards Iris' establishment. She picked out one of her favourite dress, and complemented her outfit with a ribbon of the same colour around her hair. Not forgetting to take the cookies she has baked for the girls, she finally made her way down the mountains and into town.
...
As she finally arrived at Oak Tree Town's west residential area, she skipped towards the targeted premise and placed three light knocks before entering the establishment, when she found out that no one was tending to the antique shop on the ground floor. Mistel must be out somewhere...
"Iris?" Minori called out for the novelist, directing her voice upstairs towards her living area. "Are you home?"
Though her question was yet to be answered, Minori soon heard footsteps coming from the direction of the staircase on the level above her and she promptly assumed that Iris was home to greet Minori in person. Elated to finally see one of her best friends, she sped her way up the staircase, only to be greeted by someone else; a slightly larger and taller build, someone with a mixture of scent she was very familiar with.
"Klaus?"
"Good afternoon, Minori. How are you today?" Klaus greeted her politely and smiled.
His unexpected appearance surprised Minori a little and her eyes opened slightly larger as she looked up to meet the eyes of the tall figure. "I.. I'm good." Minori made a short pause. "I wasn't expecting you here, Klaus."
"I'm sorry, Minori." Iris' voice was suddenly heard, and Minori found her sitting on her bed side. "I've told him I'll be fine and yet he insisted on staying here until you've come." She proceeded to smile at Minori, followed with a pout towards Klaus.
"I just did not want anything to happen to you or our ..."
"Klaus." Iris interrupted, and gave him a stern look.
He sighed, and gained his composure back. "You're right, I apologise for my carelessness."
"What's going on?" Minori questioned, showing a look of confusion. "Iris, are you okay? You mentioned something about being fine before..." She expressed her concern, and slowly walked towards Iris.
"I'm perfectly fine, Minori." Iris smiled sweetly, after which Minori proceeded to take a seat next to her. "But thank you for worrying about me."
As Minori kept her look of confusion and delayed her response to process what was happening, Klaus took opportunity of the silence to excuse himself out of the establishment. "I apologise for my earlier intrusion, Iris, Minori. Please excuse myself now, I shall take my leave."
"Klaus, wait." Iris uttered.
He turned his attention back from the staircase towards Iris, and turned his body to face her before patiently waiting for her to continue.
Iris took a deep breath, and looked towards Minori nervously. "I was actually planning to tell both you and Agate today at the same time, but.. Agate called just earlier before you came that she won't be able to make it today because of an emergency at the safari." She paused. "...But since you've already heard a portion of what I was going to say, I figured that I.. no," she looked towards Klaus emotionally, and resumed, "..that we should explain to you what's been happening with us "
Catching on to her cue, Klaus walked towards Iris and stood next to her, gently placing his arm on her shoulder and began caressing it to show his support. Minori looked at the pair in anticipation, her heart beat starting to grow.
"Klaus and I... are expecting a baby." Iris finally declared, followed by a smile from Klaus as he squeezed her shoulder gently.
Dumbfounded, Minori could only stare back at the two and struggled to find the right words to say. Her pupils grew large, and she began stuttering, "Wh.. How.. when.. WOW!!!"
Iris chuckled at her reaction, and at the same time Klaus took a seat next to Iris' side, such that Minori was on her left while Klaus was on her right. "I know it's a little sudden.. but we wanted to share the news with you."
"Oh wow.." Minori expressed her amazement. "I really wasn't expecting that at all.. But congratulations, you two. I'm so happy for you!!" She exclaimed enthusiastically.
Iris smiled, and leaned her head against Klaus' shoulder as he gently placed his palm on her abdomen, and they both thanked Minori for her kind gesture. Klaus placed a kiss on top of her head, the woman he loved most, extremely grateful of what he has.
"Iris has been feeling rather unwell recently from her nauseousness, which is the reason why I did not want to leave her alone." Klaus explained, and sighed. "Pardon me, Iris, but I do not wish for the same incident at the Starlight Gala to happen again."
"I told you I'll be fine on my own today, Klaus. I'll only be alone for a short while, and I've made sure to take the supplements so I won't be anaemic again." Iris protested.
"I can't risk it." Klaus stated firmly.
"But.."
"Iris," Klaus interrupted. "I love you. Please at least let me do this."
Taken aback, Iris stopped her protest. She can't complain against that, not when Klaus had just boldly stated his love and care for her. She blushed, and sheepishly sounded her approval for his request. Minori smiled sweetly at the pair, touched by Klaus and Iris' love for each other. The whole scene reminded her of Raeger, how she's missed spending time with him especially in recent days when they were both too busy with work. Klaus, suddenly remembering the presence of Minori in the room again, immediately cleared his throat and apologised to Minori for showing something rather personal, to which Minori quickly brushed off as something not to worry about.
"So I can't help but wonder.." Minori began, "Who else knew about this?"
"Well, so far it's you.. I plan to tell Agate the next time we meet, and Marian, who naturally became our doctor for my pregnancy's regular check up." Iris replied as her pupils looked up to see if she's missed anyone else in her statement. "I think that should be everyone."
"Wow, I can already imagine what Marian's reaction was when he heard about the news." Minori chuckled, followed by Iris'.
Klaus pressed his thumb and middle finger against his forehead as he recall their previous event, and uttered grudgingly, "You won't believe what happened, Minori." Klaus began his unusual complaint. "He would not stop screaming and dancing around his room! He has not changed since the first time we met at the lab." He sighed, and shook his head. "My apologies. I should not be complaining in front of a lady."
Minori continued her laughter, when Iris suddenly added, "Feel free to tell Raeger but we'd like to keep it down from the rest of the villagers for the moment". Minori nodded in agreement, respecting her request.
"Do you know when the baby is due?" Minori further enquired. "I'm so excited!!" She exclaimed, impatient for the arrival of her best friend's little one.
"It will be sometime in autumn." Iris responded as she gazed into her belly, and chuckled. "Klaus and I are very excited for his or her arrival too." She smiled gently, slowly rubbing her stomach.
"And have you planned any name for the baby yet?" Minori continued her list of questions, her eyes shining from the excitement.
"Well.." Iris turned her gaze towards Klaus. "We were just discussing this the other day and we decided on Lucina if it's a girl.. but we couldn't agree what to name our child if it's a boy."
"It's true." Klaus joined in. "Iris and I could not reach a conclusion. Perhaps you would be so kind as to help us come up with a few names, Minori?" Klaus asked politely.
"Really??" Minori exclaimed happily. "I'd love to!!!" She beamed.
"I like the idea." Iris smiled. "Just let us know any name that comes across your mind."
"Okay...hmm." Minori started thinking.
"Richmond?"
"No... " Iris frowned slightly. "Not Richmond"
"Okay.. what about Albert?"
"I like Albert, but Klaus doesn't" Iris pouted and looked over to Klaus, and Klaus could only give her an apologetic look.
"Hhm.." Minori kept brainstorming. "I saw this movie once, and one of the main characters has this name that I really like. I'm not sure if you'll like it too but... it was Conrad."
"Oh?" Klaus and Iris uttered at the same time, both their eyes subtly gleaming from the hopeful discovery.
"I like that name.." Iris smiled gently, and averted her gaze towards Klaus. "What about you, Klaus?"
"I like it too." He replied huskily, and smiled lovingly. "Iris, have we finally found a name?"
She blushed, and smiled even more. "Conrad huh.. Conrad Regenstein, I like the sound of it "
"Iris."
Klaus declared sternly, and looked at her in disbelief. Her eyes opened wide, and she instinctively covered her mouth with both of her hands.
"Oh no.. Klaus, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to.."
"Regenstein?" Minori uttered softly. "Regenstein... as in the House of Regenstein?" Minori asked in disbelief.
Klaus sighed, and Iris looked towards his eyes apologetically, and with concern. He rubbed her back to reaffirm his love towards her, and gazed gently into her eyes, reminding her that his feelings for her will never change no matter what.
"It's okay." He whispered softly. "It's time."
"Klaus?" Minori questioned. "Is that your full name? You're the heir to the Regenstein household?"
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