Thank you for the wait! Here's the next chapter!
Usual disclaimers are applied.
Thank you for everyone who has read this story! You're awesome!
"So, where to next?" Edelweiss asked as they stepped out of the bustling market one surprisingly sunny afternoon.
He'd just arrived yesterday and true to her words—not that he'd doubt her—Edelweiss had picked him up from the airport and had went straight back to her house, which was actually more of a small and historical manor if you'd ask him.
The place was impressive and very fancy-looking, a private place laden with historical paintings and priceless valuables, complete with an elaborate garden and a well-kept courtyard. Joichiro had honestly expected more of a modern taste for the green-eyed woman but considering that her family was basically ancient by itself, he should've expected she'd own something formidable as a manor.
It's not like he'd ever cared about what type of house she preferred. They could live in a cottage in the mountains for all that's worth.
Not that he'd been thinking about it.
Well.
He's been doing some pondering about... things but they were just idle thoughts, really. Besides, it was a bit too early to consider something as permanent as living together. He was getting ahead of himself when he hasn't even won the woman over yet.
Anyway, he could've gone to the market after resting yesterday but Edelweiss had strong-armed him into relaxing for the rest of the day, knowing that his long, long flight from the Philippines had been no easy feat. So he'd stayed put—while sulking, of course. He had been really eager to prove his prowess to the woman as early as possible—but took back his sullen countenance the moment he'd learned that the woman herself was going to cook them dinner.
It made him fall for her even more.
Joichiro peeked down at the package in his arm, thinking hard, before looking back to the woman beside him, "I think this is enough for what I've planned for tonight."
Edelweiss wiggled the parcel she was carrying to make a point, being careful not to jostle it around too much to avoid spilling, "It's actually a good thing I didn't stock my pantry that much aside from the basics."
"Hmm, I'll keep visiting the market though. This way I can pick out fresh produce if I'm going to keep on cooking you dinner," he teased as they walked down the alley.
"Oh, you don't have to do that," Edelweiss hastily replied, glancing up at him, "I'm sure you'd rather go about your day exploring the place rather than getting stuck on the house making me something."
Joichiro chuckled as he lightly bumped into her, "Don't worry about it, Edelweiss-chan. We can go around during daytime and get back home in time for dinner. Besides, I have to prove I'm better than Shinomiya-kun. The blasphemy!"
Edelweiss scoffed but genuinely replied, her eyes twinkling, "You and your ego. Absolutely looking forward to tasting the dinner you're going to make later then."
Joichiro winked at her and sang out, "I'm going to blow your min—Oh, look, strawberries. We should get one, Edelweiss-chan."
Edelweiss grunted but otherwise followed him, Joichiro already deciding which pack he should get.
They arrived back to the manor a little later, carefully setting down their groceries on the kitchen counter. Joichiro got out their purchases from the bag while Edelweiss went to the other side of the counter and sat down on one of the bar stools.
Edelweiss was observing him as he prepared everything and asked, "What are you going to make, by the way?"
"Beef wellington with some greens on the side and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Where's your apron? Oh, thanks," he said as she handed him one and tied it around his waist.
Her eyebrows were creased when she asked, a bit worried, "Sounds like you'll be getting your hands full. Do you want some help?"
Joichiro gave her a reassuring smile and replied, "I'll be fine, Edelweiss-chan. This'll be a piece of cake. You can sit there and just relax. Or you can do any unfinished business so you won't literally be drowning with work the moment you get back to your office. I know you took the week off for me, which I am very grateful, just so you know," he finished with a wink.
He was really moved when she'd told him she was. He'd hope she would but didn't expect too much since she'd just came back from Japan a few days ago. He was prepared to spend most of the days by himself, touring around and sampling delicacies that are native to the area, but was pleasantly happy that he could get her to himself for a week.
Her cheeks were tinged with red as she gave out a shrug, "I can't really leave you all alone, can I? You're my guest. All's fine with work too though. It's not the first time I've left work for so long. Besides, I dropped by the office before you arrived and brought home some work I could peruse later."
"If you want to do them now while I'm occupied with making dinner, you can leave me here and come back when I holler for dinner."
"Are you absolutely sure? I can do them later if you want some extra hands. Don't you want to spend time with me?" she asked as she leaned forward, making her eyes big and doleful as she puckered her lips.
Joichiro stared at her, amused shown through his eyes at her antics, "Don't tempt me too much."
Edelweiss fluttered her eyelashes, "Is tempting you too much bad though?"
Joichiro put down his knife and leaned forward over the kitchen counter, earnestly whispering, "Very. If you're going to be here, I probably won't get anything done and then we'll be short on dinner."
Edelweiss let out an audible huff in reply, pouting.
He let out a low chuckle and softly patted her cheeks, "Don't be too distracting. I'll have my time with you later." He gave her a wink that made her face flush prettily, "I'll be fine. I'm a chef so this won't take any longer than necessary. Go, do what you're supposed to do. Or are you scared I'll pilfer off your gaudy vases and run off with them?"
Edelweiss drily jabbed, "You may even want to start looking at things to pinch in the gallery if you want. I didn't know what my ancestors were thinking." She gestured a hand at the door and added, "I'll just be in my study then. Yell very loudly if you need anything."
Joichiro replied, "I'll yell when it's time for dinner. Now, go. Shoo."
Edelweiss gave him a salute and went out of the kitchen to do her own thing. In the meantime, he has a beef and pastry to work into.
=o=
Dinner had been a while ago and the pair decided to linger on the balcony for the evening, bringing with them their dessert and wine, intent on enjoying the rare clear night sky.
Edelweiss sat down on the couch, placing the tray that had their dessert on the table in front of it. Joichiro followed with the bottle of wine in his hands, kept chilled inside a handy container. He set it down next to the tray and took a seat right next to her, indulging in a little bit of comfortable silence as he savored an exquisite Cabernet from her extensive cellar.
The two of them were content to look at the vast silhouettes of the green woodland in front of them, a cool gust of wind rustling the greeneries that sounded a bit haunting, dark because of the absence of light, but Joichiro wasn't at all intimidated and was instead interested in what lied ahead the forestry.
Perhaps he could take a stroll tomorrow, he idly thought, his eyes taking in the glittering stars from above before turning to the woman beside him, but tonight…
He crossed a leg on top of the other and spoke, his voice teasing, "So, Edelweiss, what's the verdict?"
Edelweiss angled her head towards him, her voice resigned yet fond, "I will gladly say without shame that yours is now better than Shinomiya-san's."
Joichiro chuckled and winked, "I'm glad you liked it."
Edelweiss slightly raised her glass of wine and sarcastically uttered, "Congratulations." She took a dainty sip of her wine before continuing, her soft voice clear and honest, "It was a really spectacular dinner, though I am unsurprised and a little bit more enlightened. It definitely showed you've come a long way, your ingenious style of cooking and the way it ornately blended with your experience. But there's still a whiff of thirstiness to be better, soaked with flavors that are impressive itself but could definitely still be improved… if one actually knows where to look.
All ikn all, I was captivated," she let out breathlessly, her green eyes trained on him. Joichiro sat still, his own yellow eyes wide with interest and equally captivated that he had to focus before he lost himself. Edelweiss continued, unknowing of her effect on him, "It felt like I was enchanted by an ever growing foliage, succulent and lush. As if I could really touch it and would become addicted to it. Everything on that plate was a delight I couldn't resist and I wouldn't have wanted to. It was that good. It tasted like... like what I thought you would have been, if I got a taste of you."
Joichiro felt his breath catch, the beating of his heart picking up and loudly ringing on his ears, not believing that something so... profoundly intimate would come out of her mouth. The woman blinked a few times before her eyes grew wide with chagrin and disbelief, her whole face glowing red as she realized what she had just said.
"I… I didn't mean… That was…" she stuttered out, terribly mortified.
Hands surprisingly steady, Joichiro laid down his wine glass on top of the table and did the same with hers, holding her wrist on one hand as he scooted closer, his grasp tight just in case she was deciding on running away. But she wasn't, the woman frozen still as he leaned into her, Joichiro laying a gentle hand on her chin and lifting it slightly. He felt her breath hitch, her eyes still wide and painted with wondrous attentiveness and impassioned heat, further pulling him in and slowly losing a part of himself.
Most likely his wild heart.
Joichiro was tremendously entranced.
"Will you mind terribly if I kiss you right now, Edelweiss?" Joichiro rasped, his voice coming out rough and hoarse.
Edelweiss glanced at his lips and visibly gulped before gasping out, her bold green eyes staring right back at him, "I don't mind."
Joichiro ducked his head and tenderly locked his lips with hers. Edelweiss's lips were soft and a bit chapped, tasting a bit of wine that they had been consuming but Joichiro didn't at all care. His attention was solely on her and the feel of her lips against his. He twisted himself more comfortably, laying one leg on top of the couch as he splayed his hands on her cheeks, pulling back a little and gazing at the woman. Edelweiss hazily opened her eyes, deeply breathing out, and Joichiro fervently rushed and seized her lips once more. She let out a soft sound of gasp and his tongue immediately lapped into her mouth, coaxing hers in a familiar dance as Edelweiss let out a moan that further blazed fire within his body.
Her hands were tangled into his hair, pulling him closer, her hands never staying put in one place, her touch leaving a searing sensation on his body and making his cock grow painfully hard. Joichiro groaned as he wove his own hands into her smooth, wild hair and teasingly nipped her lower lip before surging back for another kiss, pulling her astride into his lap for a much better access, demanding and giving all at once, never wanting to stop.
Joichiro felt he honestly didn't want to stop. Edelweiss was a craving he didn't want to stop indulging.
But he pulled back, his breaths heavy as well as hers, dizzy and drunk with emotions he couldn't suppress. He gave her lower lip another gentle nip before sensually laving his tongue against it, completely withdrawing to look at her, his hands framing her face.
Edelweiss's eyes fluttered open and he let out another groan before pressing his forehead against hers, his voice husky and his throat feeling parched, "I'm only a man, Edelweiss. You should stop looking at me like that."
She breathed out, her hands distractedly caressing the back of his sensitive neck that sent pleasurable shivers down his body, "Looking at you like what?"
Joichiro retracted his hands from her face and spread his hands under her thighs, just a tad shy away from her ass, whispering as he gave out a squeeze that made her give out a tiny squeal, "Looking at me like you want to do more than kissing."
Her heated green eyes dilated, sitting still for a quick moment before whispering back, her hands sensually caressing his chest, "Would that be bad though?"
Joichiro groaned and took her lips into another hard kiss that made her breathless before saying, "I actually want to take my time with you, you tempting minx, and you're making it very difficult."
"Oh," she let out as she tucked her head into his neck, breathing in deeply before faintly nuzzling her nose, his skin becoming more sensitive at the light touch and sending another rush of warmth into his hard cock. He warningly bucked at her, letting her feel what she was doing to him and he heard her breath hitch as she let out another, "Oh."
Joichiro let out a strained chuckle, "Yes. Oh."
Edelweiss pulled back and intensely stared at him before giving him a chaste kiss, and another, and another one that left him chuckling once again.
He pulled her lower lip in between his teeth before releasing and lapping it with his tongue, "Do you want to sit back down on the couch?"
Edelweiss vehemently shook her head and answered, "No. I'm good here."
"But what about the cheesecake?" he asked, comfortably laying his back against the couch as he languidly kneaded her thighs.
"I'll have it tomorrow," she simply answered as she laid her head against his chest.
"Is that so?"
He felt her nod, "Uh-huh. I don't really want to move right now."
"Okay," he rumbled, feeling a bit lethargic, as he serenely stroked her back.
The couple were silent for a moment, Joichiro content on just caressing the woman but not a little did his already apparent desire lessen. It was so surreal, he amusedly thought, he'd been holding back for so long for this woman but just a mere remark from her and he was undone.
"Joichiro?" Edelweiss started as she pulled back and looked him in the eye, her own serious but with a hint of uncertainty.
Joichiro tenderly tucked a wayward strand behind her ear as he replied, "Yes?"
Edelweiss bit her lip, unsure, but spoke out, "You do know that I am very fond of you, right?"
"Hmm," he intoned, amused clearly heard from his voice, "Are you really?"
Edelweiss pursed her lips together, immediately knowing what he was playing at, and grinded her hips against his that made him groan in pleasure before saying, "You were saying?"
"Minx," he hissed, his hands on her waist to stop her from moving and dearly tempting more of his control, "I was just clarifying, you temptress."
She tilted her head to the side, her green eyes alight with wickedness, as she made another attempt of grinding down his hard cock, "Oh, is that so?"
"Gods, woman," he growled out as he tried to even his breaths, his hands tightening their hold on her, "Yes, I do know now."
Edelweiss halted her movement, her attention currently occupied as she ran her hands through his hair, trying to sweep away a strand that fell on his face but was unsuccessful.
She let out a huff but then smiled when she gazed back at him, her eyes affectionate and warm, "I have very strong feelings for you, Joichiro. Just to clarify if you're still confused." She stroked his brow and added, her voice playful, "Though I'm sure I've made it clear to you before too."
Joichiro casually shrugged as he moved back his hands on her thighs, her skin feeling hot and exposed as the hem of the dark blue dress moved dangerously close to the uppermost of her thighs, almost on the verge of hiding nothing from his eyes and his touch. His thumbs moved through her skin, making her shudder, and answered, "Your feelings might've changed and I wouldn't know a single thing about it."
Edelweiss arched an eyebrow, "Well, it didn't."
"Then I'm ecstatic to know that it didn't," he said, then answered on a much softer and fonder voice, "And you know I'm very fond of you as well."
She gave him another kiss on the lips, "That's good to know."
He also raised a brow, incredulous, "I've been blatant and vocal about my affections for you from the start. How dare you, Edelweiss-chan."
"For all I know your feelings might've changed since you haven't exactly seen me in months."
Joichiro imperiously sniffed and replied, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
She touched his cheeks, eyes earnest, and acquiesced, "That's true. I missed you terribly."
He smiled and gave her a quick yet hard kiss, "That's good to know," then gave her another kiss, this one soft and tender, "I missed you too."
Edelweiss gave him a light smack and ducked her head into his chest. She was quiet for a minute before she mumbled, "I've always been cynical about long distance relationships, but I guess I'll make an exception for you. I won't stop you from travelling if it's something you're worried about."
Joichiro curiously looked down at the woman and squeezed her thigh when she wouldn't look back. When she raised her eyes to meet his after he made another squeeze, he asked, "What do you mean?"
"If you still want to travel and learn many more culinary experiences, then I won't stop you from going. I know you're passionate about discovering new things and that makes you happy, so I'm not going to take that away from you." She pursed her lips and added, expression sheepish, "I don't exactly stay on the same place for too long anyway."
Joichiro faintly chuckled and commented, "Yes, because only work has tied you down to your desk so far."
"Of course."
"Hmm," Joichiro intoned as he raised a hand and caressed her cheek, "That's nice to know though. Thank you, Edelweiss. I wasn't actually planning on anything yet this week but you just made it very hard for me not to kiss you."
She snuggled her face on to his palm as she answered, looking coy, "I'm irresistible, aren't I?"
He let out a wide grin and touched her lower lip with his thumb, "Absolutely."
The green-eyed beauty on his lap giggled and pressed a kiss on his palm before asking, her voice filled with serene curiosity, "Now that we're here, what are your plans though? Aside from travelling still?"
"Hmm," Joichiro perpetually let out for a long time, thinking hard.
"Are you ever going to say something other than making that sound?" Edelweiss asked, straightfaced, continuously poking his chest.
Joichiro grabbed her hand and interlaced their fingers as he crouched forward to get his glass of wine, "I'm going to continue travelling and then you can meet me somewhere when you're not infested with work. I don't have plans on going back to Japan and meet Soma agai—Oh, which reminds me. We'll have to stop by the bank tomorrow before we go somewhere. I forgot to send Soma's allowance this week."
"What the hell, Joichiro?!" she asked in disbelief.
He took a calm sip on his wine and answered, "He'll be fine. Soma's very resourceful so he'll get by somehow."
"That's not the point!"
He laid down his glass back on the table, making sure that the woman on his lap wouldn't fall down, and insisted, "He'll be fine. Really. The dorm he's staying at is very self-sufficient and has like, a big garden where the students can cultivate things. Last time I was there, they were growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables that were so well-maintained I would've cried if I was that emotional about plants."
"You chefs and your penchant for looking very good produce."
"Of course we need to have a good eye on those kinds of things, Edelweiss. How else are we going to get our money's worth back if we buy substandard products? Though any excellent chef would know exactly what to do if they're faced with such... trials, but if you're near a market, why not invest on some good things?"
Edelweiss let out a huff, "That's somewhat true, but I bet you can make anything better with your magic hands. Who forgets to send their son their weekly allowance anyway?"
Joichiro ran a hand through his hair, "Me, apparently." He tugged on her hair and added, "I'm really happy you don't mind that I've been married before and that I have a son. Some women don't really like it when the man they're currently interested in have a few baggage."
Edelweiss refuted, her expression offended, "Well, I'm not like some women."
Joichiro leaned forward and placed a kiss on her nose, "I'm really glad you aren't."
"It honestly didn't bother me at all when you mentioned it on that first date we had," Edelweiss said, serious as she kept her gaze at him, "It might put off other women but I like you too much to suddenly let go just because of that. I just hope that if our relationship will progress into something more… permanent, your son will actually like me and not see me as someone who wants to replace his mother and her memories. And Joichiro, I'm not going to replace your late wife's memories. They're precious to you and to your son and I respect you for that. All I ask is that you'll let me make and add more new memories with you."
Joichiro pulled her closer and wrapped his arms tight around her, feeling overwhelmed with his affection for this sweet and beautiful woman. He breathed in through her hair, inhaling the distinct smell of flowers that he had learned to associate with Edelweiss.
He had found the woman to devote all his cooking with Tamako. He'd been happy and still would've been if his wife hadn't died from heart disease, but she did and he'd lost that important piece of his life, terrified for himself and for his son. He might have managed to recover but he was resigned to be left wandering around, cooking, while waiting for his son to finally surpass him. It had been a great plan, but that aching hole in his heart would never be filled again.
But there was Edelweiss and Joichiro felt like he could once again dedicate his cooking for someone.
After years and years of constant travelling, finding something he wasn't sure of ever finding.
He tightened his arms around her and whispered, his voice thick, "Thank you, Edelweiss."
Her arms were stroking his back as she answered, "You're welcome."
Joichiro kissed her hair before pulling back, "Soma will like you though. I did tell you he was cool about me finding someone again. He's only thinking about inheriting the diner but he's still not quite there yet so I have to let him sweat for it a little bit."
"You're horrible."
"The competition's good for the kid, trust me. And Gin will like you too. I'm worried about meeting your godson though. And your friends. And that other friend's family."
Edelweiss frowned and said, "Why? They're not really frightening. They might say something about my life most of the time but they leave me alone to make my own decisions. And Teddy will be fine. I told him about you and didn't really say anything other than congratulating me. Didn't I mention it to you before?"
"Yeah, but there's something daunting about meeting your girlfriend's family. Gods, I'm so old I don't think girlfriend would be the right term for you."
"Your lover then?" she saucily asked as she wiggled her eyebrows.
Joichiro grimaced, "It sounds like I'm sneaking my way with you and debauching your innocence, which I'm totally not. I want to do this properly and sneaking around isn't the ideal way to do it."
She fluttered her eyelashes and asked, "But you're totally not averse to sneaking into alleys for a quick kiss, are you?"
Joichiro snorted and pinched her thighs, "I doubt we'll only be doing kissing, my dear. How can you limit yourself to that?"
Edelweiss poked his side that made him squirm a bit.
He held both of her hands and said, "Okay, so maybe you can coerce me into some sneaking, you devious woman."
"That's the spirit!" she cheerfully exclaimed as she wiggled her hands away from his grasp and looped her arms around his neck.
Joichiro let out a resigned grunt and settled back his hands on her waist, "But, really though. I won't pressure you or anything but I hope I'll get to meet your important people one day and they'll like me. I really want this to work, this… thing between us."
She drily replied, "So romantic." She planted a kiss on his lips and supplied, "I want to make this work too so don't worry about it. They'll love you, you'll see. Any other plans on how we're doing this relationship?"
"Hmm, that's all for now. Sounds romantic, being able to travel together."
"I know. Now shut up so that I can kiss you properly again."
=o=
"You need to come to Hawthorn Manor for dinner the day after tomorrow," she grandly announced as she went inside Draco's office and plopped herself on the vacant chair across him.
The man didn't even bat an eyelash as she invaded his office and just asked as he kept reading some important document, "And why would I go all the way to Birmingham just for dinner when I can have my own scrumptious dinner at the Manor?"
She crossed her legs and answered, nonplussed, "Don't be such a bore. Malfoy Manor's in Wiltshire and you don't even complain about it. And because my boyfriend wants to meet you and the gang." She grimaced and let out, "How nauseatingly juvenile that actually sounded coming out from my mouth."
Draco angled his head to bore his grey eyes at her, "Boyfriend? When did that happen?"
"Last Monday."
"Are we talking about the Muggle chef you've been pining for these past months?"
Edelweiss wryly answered, "Yes, Draco. I've only been interested in one man for months and it's the Muggle chef who, by the way, is very exceptional at what he does and wants to cook you lot dinner."
His face twisted into something revolting as he feigned a shudder, "There's no need to elaborate, Edelweiss. No matter how much you love to gossip with my wife and the Weaslette, I have no need for a word by word update on your love life."
She pretentiously checked her nails like a perfect Pureblood princess, intoning, "You asked, I answered."
He heavily sighed and proceeded to sign a paper as he asked, "And who's exactly going to be there?"
She distractedly answered as she peered at the document he had pushed aside, "You, Hermione, your kids, Ron and Teddy."
Draco pushed the document further aside when she tried to grab it, his voice annoyingly chastising, "You'll see these after I'm through with them. Why are you even here?"
"I just told you."
Draco rolled his eyes and waved a hand, "Merlin, you could've just sent a bloody Patronus or an owl, but you're here, instead of spending time with your new beau after haggling me for another week to take off from work when you just had a bloody month-long vacation."
Edelweiss let out an imperious sniff, "I just thought it would be nice to tell you in person."
"In person, my arse," Draco infuriatingly replied, "So, have you told Teddy and the Weasel yet?"
"I dropped by the Ministry to tell Ron about it and he'll be there. I tried dropping by Hermione's office too but she was in a very important meeting and I didn't want to leave it as a message to her secretary. Ministry people still love to gossip, you know. I haven't told Teddy yet. I don't know where he's currently at but I think he's doing a bit of office work in Gringotts for now. I can't exactly drop by the bank to tell him about dinner. Do you want the goblins to chew me off?"
"Yes but then I won't be there to see you getting harangued so not overly so," he drawled out, derisive, "I'll tell Hermione about dinner and we'll definitely be bringing the children with us. Mother is currently vacationing in Austria and I loathe to even think about leaving the children with the House Elves. I want to get home with the Manor still standing, thank you very much."
"House Elves being indulgent with the kids?"
"When did it ever stop?"
"That's because you spoil them too much."
"First daughter in the Malfoy line for over a century."
"Ugh, fine. You always bring that up."
"That's because you always ask stupid questions. Shall I bring a bottle of wine then?"
Edelweiss waved a frivolous hand, dismissing the thought, "Just bring yourself. And the kids. The wine cellar's stocked and some of the bottles have aged beautifully. I don't know what he'll be making but you can choose from the cellars since you're such an expert at it."
"Fine," then he stared at her appraisingly and said, "I didn't think you'd want to be in a relationship with a Muggle."
Hackles raised, Edelweiss shot him a glare and demanded, "Why?"
His full attention now at her, he looked at her, grave and serious, and stated, "Because it just spells complex and trouble. And now you're inviting us for dinner. A bit fast when your relationship's just a few days old, isn't it?"
"Sod off," she bit out but then slouched into her seat, feeling tired all of a sudden, and broodingly looked at him, "Well, you're right, of course—"
"I'm always right," he contemptuously interjected.
Edelweiss continued as if she didn't hear him, "—and this could potentially blow up in my face but I just can't say no and ignore my feelings when he's so easily there, you know—"
"No, I do not know and I do not want to know," he straight-faced replied.
"But," she fiercely spoke, "It's still here, we just started this and I'll cross that damn bridge when I get there, which hopefully won't be in a matter of days because Merlin knows my luck is close to nonexistent."
"It's refreshing to know you're still you when you unequivocally head into something without a plan, Edelweiss. Well done," he droned out.
Edelweiss scowled at him and shot back, "Yes, because your plan on running away to France after you declared your feelings to Hermione worked so well, ferret. Thought you could get away easily, didn't you?"
His face reddened at that particular memory and he exclaimed, his expression accusatory, "You swore you weren't going to mention that one ever again!"
She huffed and petulantly crossed her arms, boldly giving him a look.
Draco ran a hand through his hair and sighed, "Listen, Edelweiss. Your way of going about it is ridiculously courageous I still don't understand how you keep it up but it works for you and that's that. As your friend—"
"Wow, you actually said the word friend. I'm deeply impressed."
"—as your friend," he stoutly enunciated, choosing not to mind how warm his cheeks have become, "I will, of course, have my opinions that you might or might not like but you're mature enough to know what you want for yourself. If he makes you happy, then so be it. If it won't work in the long run," he let out a small and secretive smile at her, "We'll open up another bottle of Firewhiskey."
Touched, she let out an actual sniffle and croaked out, "It'll probably take quite a few bottles but thanks, Draco."
"You're welcome," he effortlessly answered, but then frowned and added, "It'll have to be at your place though, because Hermione still hasn't completely forgiven me for trashing her garden the last time we got really pissed in the Manor."
Edelweiss couldn't help but let out a snicker even when she was on the verge of spilling some tears, "Still giving you a difficult time then?"
"She's still bringing it up every now and then. You know how she is."
She gave out a laugh and acquiesced, "Sure. Potter Manor it is then, for future references." She casted a Charm to look at the time and stood up, "I need to get back to Hawthorn. Joichiro should be back from the market by now and he's been making me dinner as a kind of statement and it's been bloody awesome your Pureblood palate might not be able to handle it."
Draco murmured as he piled up some papers, "Pureblood palate… How did you get here? And how's it going in Hawthorn Manor?"
"I drove the car and left it somewhere and then Apparated in Diagon. It's been good so far. Hawthorn Manor was well-kept so I just needed to add some small touches in the place. Not entirely a full Muggle place but the magic's not glaringly intense either. I'll sort out the Manor again when we leave. You are coming for dinner, right? Because you'll have to play Muggle for a night if you are."
Draco rolled his eyes and answered, "Of course we'll be there. Is Flooing or Apparating going to be a problem then?"
"Nah, you can Floo directly into my study or Apparate outside the wards, but it's a bit of a walk so I'd suggest using the Floo." She gave him an even look and supplied, her voice teasing, "Don't worry about sullying your clothes. The House Elves have been keeping it clean."
"It better be. Take these with you and check it out when you have the time," he said as he handed her a bunch of documents.
Edelweiss groaned and petulantly said, "I thought I was on a week-long vacation?"
"It's your fault for dropping by. Now, you take home some work."
"Slave driver," she shot back without heat as she accepted the documents and turned to the door, "Dinner's at seven, Draco. Don't forget to bring the kids."
"I got three bloody kids. Salazar, how could I even forget about that?" he grumbled, exasperated.
She waved the documents as she opened the door and went out, "We never know, Draco. Give my love to the kids!"
She closed the door behind her before she could hear his reply.
=o=
"I'm just going to take out the silverwa—Oh, they're here," Edelweiss spoke out as she straightened up and laid down the set of plates on the kitchen counter.
Joichiro, who was placing the Brussels sprouts into a serving dish, perked up and intriguingly eyed the woman, "How did you know that? I didn't hear anything."
Edelweiss scooted closer and conspiratorially whispered, "I have superpowers." She gave him a wink and cried out while ambling out of the kitchen, "I'll be back in a few!"
Joichiro just shook his head at his lover's eccentricities and went back to plating the other vegetables.
Lover, he fondly thought. They've had weird conversations about what they should call themselves and so far she was sticking with the aforementioned term. He wasn't opposed to it though. He honestly felt the terms the young ones use nowadays just wasn't proper, also considering that his age was far beyond the teenage years.
Meeting Edelweiss's friends was a new development too. He didn't precisely remember how the idea came to be but he at least remembered jesting about meeting her inner circle of friends first before slowly making his way towards the entire clan of redheads—because he certainly did remember her saying about a surrogate family full of redheads—and Edelweiss had that distinct look in her eye and agreed, saying it was good practice.
He didn't mind though, because it showed Edelweiss wanted what they have to really work well, even when he still knew that the woman was still as secretive as when they had first met—which he still didn't mind. He had a lot of time to give to Edelweiss if she was trying to find the courage to tell him. They've covered the important bits that mattered. If it was some very serious matter, then he can't really force her to tell unless he wanted to drive her away from him.
Which was just so counterproductive of what he'd been trying to do.
Edelweiss strolled back in and informed him, "Draco's gone directly to the cellar for the wine but the rest are in the parlor. Do you have a minute or are there still some major things to do before dinner?"
Joichiro assessed the array of dishes before giving her a smile, untying his apron, "It's all good so far. Let's go."
Edelweiss beamed at him and made their way out of the kitchen. Feeling nervous all of a sudden, he ran a hand through his hair as he tried to look down his clothes to see if he was presentable enough. An arm looped around his, halting his anxious movements, and Joichiro peered at the woman beside him, a comforting smile displayed on her face.
"There's no need to worry, darling. You look fine. They'll love you. Hermione's going to be a bit of a work though. She's not outright rude but she's a bit reserved about the thought of you and I dating no matter how hard I've assured her," Edelweiss whispered as she cheekily pinched his arm.
Joichiro tensely whispered back, "Because I might hurt you in the end?"
She nodded, "Among other things but that's a front runner too. I told her it goes both ways, you know."
"She's just worried about you, that's all. Feeling very nervous, now that you've said it."
She stretched a bit upwards to press a kiss on the corner of his mouth, "I didn't want you to worry but I also want to give you a heads-up just in case. Don't worry though. You're wonderful and you'll charm her quite easily."
"You're a bit biased, my dear."
"It's still true though. You look gorgeous," and then she took in a deep breath, "Smells delicious too."
He reached an arm across and pinched her cheek, "That's just the hungriness talking."
Her mouth puckered into a pout, "I can't help it. You've been cooking for most of the afternoon and the smell was just… appetizing."
Joichiro didn't realize that they'd arrived in the parlor until someone piped out, teasing and definitely male, "I hope you're talking about food, Vee, because there are children present."
Edelweiss grimaced and shot back, "Get your mind out of the gutter, Ron."
Joichiro straightened up and looked at the people present inside the room.
Edelweiss first gesticulated to the tall redhead by the large window, "Joichiro, meet my coven—I'm kidding, I'm kidding. The tall redhead's Ronald Weasley, one of the members from the family of redheads."
"Nice to meet you, mate," Ron greeted with a wide smile as they shook hands, "You don't know half of the things this woman had babbled about you."
Joichiro gave out a easy grin, "All good things, I hope."
"She's been waxing poetic about you. That should at least give you an idea," the redhead laughed.
Edelweiss pulled him away before he could reply, "Alright! I can see you're going to get along splendidly. You can continue your manly chat later. This lady here is Hermione Granger-Malfoy, she's the one who birthed the three blonde brats scampering around—Children, please mind that you don't break the dreadful-looking vases!"
"Don't be gross, Vee," the brown-haired woman chided as she shook his hands, her smile cool and detached, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Yukihira."
Joichiro tried not to show how anxious he was and reciprocated with a smile, "Joichiro, please. It's nice to meet you too."
"Isn't he adorable, Hermione?" Edelweiss cooed as she sidled closer to him.
Hermione rolled her eyes at her and replied, her voice playful, "I don't think adorable is the right word for Joichiro, Vee," then she looked back at him and offered him the same concession about first names.
The three children were next, all of them with astonishing silver-blonde hair and peering up at him with various levels of interest, looking charming and proper with how they were sophisticatedly dressed.
Edelweiss gestured to the tallest blonde, who looked way too solemn for a child's age, and said, "The oldest one is Scorpius. He's ten years old and very responsible."
Joichiro looked at the kid, intrigued, as he held out a hand for the child to shake, "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise, Mr. Yukihira."
"Joichiro's just fine."
Scorpius peered up at him with calculating grey eyes, "Then you may call me Scorpius. Aunt Vee rarely lets us meet her suitor so perhaps you'll be sticking with us for a long time."
"Scorpius!" Hermione cried out from the couch, mortified, while Ron let out a loud laugh.
Edelweiss snickered beside him and then mumbled back to the kid, "That won't be too bad, wouldn't it?"
Scorpius let out a sniff as he replied, "We'll see, Aunt Vee."
"You're such a delight when you're like this, Scor," Edelweiss amusedly commented but then moved on the other two, "And these are the twins. The boy's named Cepheus while this one's Elara."
"A pleasure to meet you," the twins chorused.
"Er, nice to meet you too."
"Father said you're a chef, Uncle Joichiro," Cepheus began, his child-like voice serious even when said child botched his name a little bit.
Joichiro looked at him and nodded, "Yes, why do you ask?"
"May I ask what's for dessert?" Cepheus asked, his brown eyes peering up at him, probably trying to gauge his entire worth by how good his dessert will be.
He probably really is, he drolly thought.
He gave the kid a wink and answered, "That's a secret for now. How else are you going to be surprised if I tell you?"
"Hmph, fine. I hope it'll be delicious. You can call me Cepheus and you can call her Elara," he loftily answered. He turned to his twin sister and grabbed her hand, "Come on, El!"
And away they went.
"The kitchen is still off limits!" Edelweiss called out after them as she turned around looking for someone, "Where's Teddy?"
"Here, Aunt Vee. Just took a quick detour to the loo," a young man spoke as he stepped out from one of the doors.
Edelweiss introduced him as the man went closer, "And he's my godson, Teddy Lupin. Teddy, this is Joichiro Yukihira."
The sandy brown-haired man held out his hands and said, "I'd prefer it if you'll call me Teddy too. Mr. Lupin's too formal."
Joichiro shook his hands and offered the same. Teddy winked at him and added, "I'm frankly looking forward to dinner. I've received a very long message from this woman, preaching about how good her dinners had been as of late."
Joichiro gave him another smile and replied, "I hope you'll like it too then."
Edelweiss spoke up, "Well, that's almost everyone. Draco's probably already sampling the wine he got from the cellar but we aren't exactly short on bottles so that's alright. We have juice for the children though, so don't worry about that bit, Hermione."
Hermione replied with a much friendlier smile, "Thanks. Do you want any more help from the kitchen?"
Edelweiss shook her head as she tugged him back towards the kitchen, "Oh, no. The turkey breasts are already resting so it's just the table setting for now. We'll call you when it's time to eat."
"Are you sure?" Hermione pressed on with furrowed brows.
"Yup! It's all good. You can fetch your husband from the cellar though. He's probably drowned himself in there."
"Alright."
They went out of the parlor but not before they heard Ron say something about fetching Draco himself so he could also sample the wine.
"Well, that was a bit intense," Joichiro humorously commented as they walked farther away from the parlor, stretching his arms up to alleviate the tenseness around his shoulders.
Edelweiss let out a soft chuckle and lightly bumped into him.
Joichiro placed an arm across her shoulders as he continued, "The kids are something else though. Are they always so serious?"
Edelweiss wrapped her arm around his waist as they continued towards the kitchen, "Not really, but their father's family has always been the aristocratic sort so he's passing some of those etiquette lessons onto his kids. Not that they mind though. Scorpius has always been a quiet kid. He got most of his looks from his dad but his personality's more like his mother's. It's also their first time meeting you so they're trying to decide how they're going to interact with you."
Joichiro hummed and nodded, "Makes sense."
The moment they arrived in the kitchen, Edelweiss went on and continued to get the plates and silverwares from the cabinets as he began transferring all the roasted vegetables on the plates, along with the generous amount of blueberry romaine salad into two big wide bowls. Edelweiss had just come back from the dining room and she went back out again carrying the vegetables. When he finished plating the cranberry stuffing into another bowl, he went on and sliced the turkey breasts into nice, clean cuts and arranged them into a big plate.
He was pouring the gravy into the gravy boats when Edelweiss went back in and remarked, "It's starting to look like a small feast in there. We'll probably have a lot of leftovers but that also depends on how well Ron's going to wipe out the meals. He's got a big appetite."
Joichiro straightened up and carried some of the gravy boats, prompting Edelweiss to do the same, "It'll be fine. Besides, I'm trying to impress your friends."
Edelweiss leaned towards him and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips when he crouched down. She pulled back and looked at him, eyes gleaming with tender affection, "You aren't required to, but thank you for the wonderful dinner."
Joichiro warmly smiled and gave her another kiss before replying, "You're welcome."
"Mum, Uncle Joichiro and Aunt Vee are snogging in the kitchen!" came a high-pitched scream from the archway.
Stifling a yell, he and Edelweiss jolted upright and almost simultaneously looked at the little figure of Elara, who was sporting a large smile on her face, her expression proud.
Joichiro muffled a chuckle as Edelweiss made a tutting sound and mildly reproached, "It is unbecoming of a lady to scream, Elara. What will your great father say?"
Elara immediately looked chastised as she ducked her head, "Uncle Ron made do it."
"Oh, really?" Edelweiss asked with gritted teeth as all of them went out of the kitchen and made their way towards the dining room, "We're going to have a talk with Uncle Ron, shall we?"
Elara shot the black-haired woman an apprehensive look and asked, "Is Uncle Ron going to be in trouble, Aunt Vee?"
"We'll see, little dove. Why don't you call everybody and tell them dinner's ready?" Edelweiss asked as they reached into the dining room.
Elara nodded and ran out in another ear-splitting yell, "Mum, Father! Aunt Vee said dinner's ready! Cepheus!"
Edelweiss let out a wince as Joichiro chuckled, setting down the gravy boats on the table, "Gods, that girl has a good pair of lungs."
"You have no idea. She was always the vocal one between the twins. Cepheus was quieter when he was still a baby but I guess he learned to be a bit more verbose as he grew up by watching his twin make demands left and right," she said with a sigh.
"A princess then."
"Hermione and Draco are still trying to talk her out of the habit but it's going to take a while."
"She certainly got that attitude from her mother. I was never that raucous when I was young," a blonde-haired man stepped into the dining room, a bottle of wine inside a small bucket.
Edelweiss rolled her eyes and jabbed, "Yes, because you were just a pompous git when we were children, snubbing everything that didn't quite meet your taste. Joichiro, meet Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is Joichiro Yukihira. Be nice."
Draco sniffed, feigning an affronted look, "I can be nice." He turned his grey eyes at him and held out his hand, "A pleasure, Mr. Yukihira."
Joichiro could definitely feel the air of haughtiness and superiority surrounding this pale man, a telling characteristic of an upper-class, and he could immediately discern why this man and Edelweiss didn't get along on the first place.
Joichiro firmly shook his hands and said, "Likewise. Please, just call me Joichiro."
Draco slightly narrowed his eyes before he drawled out, pulling back his hand, "Draco, then." He regarded the dining table and commented, "This looks like a nice spread. Hmm, the Pinot Noir I found from your cellar will pair well with the turkey. I gave the other bottles to Teddy though."
Edelweiss grimaced and gave Draco a dark look as they all took their seats, "I hope they haven't drunk all of it. We haven't even started dinner yet."
Draco waved his hand in an unconcerned manner, "You're far from running out of wines, Edelweiss. We'll survive this dinner with a few opened bottles. So, Joichiro... Edelweiss mentioned you're a travelling chef. How did that come to be?"
Joichiro took a quick glance at Edelweiss, who had a hard scowl painted on her face, and inwardly groaned.
It was going to be a long and interesting dinner.