They'd had nowhere to go when the war was over, despite Jaffar's assertion that he and Nino should live together, so Lady Eleanora had insisted they stay at Castle Pherae until they found a house of their own. It had been an interesting experience, but quite awkward; living with nobility chafed Jaffar, while Nino feared becoming a burden on Lady Eleanora and Lord Eliwood.

Six months later, they'd finally found the perfect place. Small and affordable, but big enough for any family they might want to start in the future. It looked like something out of a storybook, complete with a white picket fence.

Jaffar smiled slightly. He still didn't quite understand the whole domestic bliss business, it was still weird to imagine himself settling down. All he knew was that he loved Nino, and he wanted her to be happy above all else.

With a sigh, he set their packs down beside the fence. What was it about a bunch of wooden sticks that made such a difference? Aside from providing extra protection, it didn't seem to serve any purpose.

"Here we are," he said as Nino caught up to him, shifting her smaller pack higher up on her shoulders. She put it down next to the other two, and leaned against the fence with a happy sigh.

"I can't believe it's really ours at last!" she squealed. "Isn't it perfect?"

"It's very nice," Jaffar said quietly. "I'm glad you like it so much."

"Do iyou/i like it, though?" Nino asked. "I mean, I hope you didn't pick it out just for me, we're both going to be living here the rest of our lives!"

"Of course I do," he said. "We'll be living together, won't we?"

"But-"

"Nino." He kissed her softly. "It's perfect. Because you're here."

"Oh, Jaffar..."

"Hang on." He grabbed the packs and hefted them over the fence, then scooped Nino up in his arms, just like he'd seen Lord Eliwood do with Ninian as they left the Dragon's Gate. Nino gave a yelp of surprise as she grabbed onto the fabric of his shirt.

"I-I can walk!" she giggled.

"I know. But this is what you do, right? House with a white picket fence, carrying the bride over the threshold?"

"B-but we're not-" Her eyes widened. "Jaffar? Are you..."

He nodded.

"Well?"

"Of course I will!"

He kissed her again, and carried her to the door of their new home. Maybe there was something magic about that bundle of painted wood.

Maybe this domestic bliss thing wasn't going to be so hard after all.