Hi! I apologize if it took a couple of months for me to update but here we are. Just a heads-up, I had to change the rating from T to M because of some scenes.
Usual disclaimers are applied.
Thank you for everyone who has read this story! I hope you'll like this one! You're awesome! Stay safe!
Joichiro was currently in Scotland when he received a call from Edelweiss. It'd been quite some time since he got back after a long day's work and Joichiro had just finished taking a shower, washing away the grime and the heady, oily smell that usually came with his line of work.
A few weeks had passed after his escapades with Edelweiss in England. It had been fascinating―not that meeting people was anything knew to him―but they were Edelweiss's family, somewhat, and that made it more important. It had been nerve-wrecking but Joichiro was always up to the challenge to soothe people with his cooking and by the end of the night, Joichiro was glad to boast that he'd been successful.
Aside from the fact that they were now in a romantic relationship with each other, nothing had really changed that much between them either. They were clearly more affectionate with each other… as affectionate as they could get, of course. Joichiro was still trying to reel in his head that he was doing such a thing that was long distance relationship but Edelweiss was worth it and she still is.
He wasn't regretting a single damn thing.
Drying his hair, Joichiro picked up his ringing phone, glanced at the caller and accepted the call with a smile.
"Missing me already, Edelweiss?"
"Of course, Joichiro. I've missed you terribly I want to strangle the very life out of you when we see each other again."
"I didn't know you were so kinky, Edelweiss-chan, but that's disturbing as hell too."
Joichiro imagined the woman impertinently rolling her eyes as she responded, "Then don't ask obvious questions."
Joichiro snorted out a laugh, "True." He sat down at the edge of the bed and drawled, "So? How's your day been? Is that troublesome incident on the main company resolved now?"
The woman sighed, aggravated, "Damn, no. Today's been so long I feel like it's fucking draining my soul out of me. We feel like it's almost ever though, but we'll be checking in some things so we can wash our hands off of it."
"Please tell me you didn't punch someone today?"
Edelweiss scoffed, "Please… I have way more self-control than that. Draco might've been unbearable but that didn't warrant him a smack on his face."
Joichiro replied, sarcasm clearly heard from his voice, "I am so pleased you didn't start a brawl today, my dear."
"Thank you. I hope it'll stay that way tomorrow too. Wait a moment, Joichiro. Let me just… get this damn… thing. Alright. So, how's yours?"
Joichiro finished drying his hair and tossed the towel off to a nearby chair, "Same, same… We're trying that new dish I finished tweaking tomorrow and if it works, the restaurant will keep it as part of the selection for a few more weeks. I mean, they'd be absurd not to, but then again, it isn't my restaurant."
"You're so modest, darling," she drolled but then changed the tone of her voice as she added, reassuring, "Though I'm sure the other chefs had seen you work hard for it. It'll work. I could even drop by if you want."
Joichiro pulled on a face as he laid down in bed, "It'll be fine. It's nothing new I haven't done before. Besides, you're busy working out the mess you currently have in there so it's better if you focus more on that."
The woman on the other line snorted, "You're making it sound like I can't multitask. You're just in Scotland."
"I wasn't saying that," he countered back, "Still, I want you to focus on that thing that's giving you crazy headaches so you can get back to your charmingly annoying self."
"I dare you to say that to me in person."
"Hell, no. You're going to smack me for it. I just know it," Joichiro retorted as he stretched the rest of his limbs.
"I'm glad you know me so well."
"Exactly. Why do you think I'm saying it through the phone right now?" Joichiro groaned, positioning a hand underneath his head.
"A wise move. I commend you for it."
"All to keep you happy, love."
"Now, Joichiro…"
"Hmm?"
"Are you in bed?" the woman unexpectedly asked.
Joichiro frowned, oblivious, "Uhh, yes… Why?"
Edelweiss instantly changed the tone of her voice, a silken purr as if trying to enticing some poor, innocent soul with her wicked ways, "And are you wearing anything?"
Joichiro's blood started to boil, feeling an eager anticipation at the question as he couldn't help drawling back, "Hmm… Why do you ask, Edelweiss-chan? Do you maybe wanna do something naughty?"
"Well, we could…" she trailed off, inviting and deliberate, but then the act broke when she let out a yawn, "But I'm too knackered to really do anything."
Joichiro let out a belly laugh, "It's like you're implying it'll take me quite a long time to get you aroused, Edelweiss-chan, but since I'm so gracious tonight, I'll let you slide. This time."
"Hmm… I'll make it up to you tomorrow night if we can talk," Edelweiss let out another yawn before grumbling, "Well, I'll let us sleep for now. I just wanted to hear your voice. I'll text you tomorrow. You'll send me stupid pictures as a greeting early morning anyway."
"You sound like you hate that I keep doing it but I truly know you don't."
"I didn't say that," she disputed, "Alright. Talk to you tomorrow when we've both got the time. Goodnight, darling."
Joichiro let out a smile as he fondly replied, "Goodnight, Edelweiss. I miss you."
"Hmm, I miss you too."
=o=
Three days later, he was just walking on his way to work when he received another call from Edelweiss.
A bit baffled, he accepted the call and was greeted by a firm and tense voice from his lover, "Joichiro."
He replied, concerned, "Edelweiss... Is something wrong?"
"Uhh, no?"
"Then why do you sound like that?"
"Something's just happened, is all. But it's fine, just feeling a bit anxious. I'm calling to tell you that I'm going to be travelling for a few days and you might not be able to reach me. The place we're going is very rural and might not have a good reception."
Joichiro frowned, "Sounds like something bad is going on," then he paused and added, his voice incredulous and dare he say it―stressed, "Are you trying to give me a hint that you're breaking up with me?!―Wait, no. That's too intense. What was the term the kids use nowadays? Oh, Edelweiss! Are you trying to ghost me?!"
"What?! What are you even talking about?"
Joichiro tried to explain and soon realized that his accusation sounded ridiculous every word that came out of his mouth, "Ghosting! Haven't you heard of it? I think it means that couples or non-couples are gonna be okay in one minute and then they're suddenly not in the next. Like, one of them just disappears and never reach back… like a ghost. That's why it's called ghosting. Poof! You suddenly vanish without any trace."
Dubious silence and then there was painful screeching, "WHAT THE FUCKING HELL, JOICHIRO!?"
Joichiro was feeling extremely ashamed and chastised, "I'm sorry! It sounded suspiciously the same when Gin told me a story that one time about the woman he'd been seeing before!"
Edelweiss shrieked loudly, "Well, it's bloody not the same!"
"I know. I'm sorry for assuming," he replied, his voice timid.
Edelweiss huffed, "Gods, I don't know what other nonsensible things are running through your head but Merlin, you're so daft sometimes."
"In my defense, small and futile as it is, you sounded really mysterious. You didn't even tell me where you were gonna go."
"That's because I still don't know where I'm exactly going and I'm telling you what I can. Don't get any more stupid ideas. It's just something that suddenly came up and we're concerned about it. I'll be back in no time. But just in case, I'll be sending you Teddy's number. I could give you Draco's but you know how he is."
"Don't remind me," Joichiro grumbled, realizing he passed by a couple of steps from his workplace. Silently cursing, he turned and strode back, choosing to stand outside for a moment after checking he still had enough time.
Joichiro wasn't sure he was completely forgiven for his blunder but the snigger he heard somewhat relieved him, "I can't believe you're scared of Draco, love. He's years younger than you!"
Joichiro whined piteously, "I'm not but that kid can be intimidating as hell."
Edelweiss was still sniggering, evidently amused, "It's all part of being a businessman. He's actually mellowed down now. I suppose marriage and fatherhood were important factors for that change."
"But he's still an ass so he didn't change that much," he supplied but then came back to the matter at hand and said, "Alright, just take care out there and if you can, send me a message so I'll know you're still alive."
"Will do. Talk to you in a couple of days."
"Okay. Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid."
Edelweiss replied, sounding a little offended, "I won't. Take care of yourself too. Talk to you soon! I'll miss you!"
The call ended and with a new contact on his phone, Joichiro went to work uneasy and concerned.
=o=
One week had gone by without anything from Edelweiss and Joichiro can feel himself going crazy. He got accustomed to Edelweiss's presence so strongly that the silence was almost unbearable, the waiting equally excruciating.
He and Edelweiss definitely had a different opinion with what constitutes as 'few days' and he didn't want to come off as someone too clingy if he did call Teddy so he gave the damnable woman another five days before calling the godson.
He trusted Edelweiss and the silence might be a double-edged sword but he trusted Edelweiss to tell him if something had gone wrong.
So he was going to wait, even if it was slowly killing him.
Three more days passed by and one night, his phone vibrated from his pockets just as he went in and closed his apartment door shut.
Ardently thanking the gods above, he immediately accepted the call, carelessly tossing his bag on his bed as he agitatedly growled out, "I'm going to wring your neck the moment I see you, Edelweiss!"
The voice that answered sounded weary, "I didn't know you're into that kind of thing, Joichiro, but yeah, I got back in England a few hours ago. I had to drop by the office and talk to Draco about the business."
Joichiro flung his key onto the table as he plopped down his bed, his shoulders hunched and tense as he tried to contain his turbulent emotions, "I'm so mad with worry for you, you damn woman. You said you were going to be gone for just a few days. A week and a half doesn't exactly mean something as fucking 'few'!"
"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't know it would take that long, I swear. If I did, I would have told you," she replied, soft and contrite.
Joichiro ran a trembling hand through his hair and sighed deeply, allowing the tension and worry to leave his body and relish the fact that she was well and literally talking to him, "Apology accepted. The next time you go off on an adventure, just… please send me anything so I won't go insane thinking you're buried somewhere. I've been losing my mind thinking something bad had happened to you."
"I promise," she swore.
"So? Mind telling me now where you've been and what you've been up to?"
She was the one who gave out a deep and loud sigh this time, "It's a long story, one I'd rather tell you when I feel normal and lucid. I'm too exhausted to honestly think about it right now. I just wanted to let you know I'm back and that all of my limbs are still intact," she yawned and supplied, her tone hopeful, "And that I'll pay you a visit in a week wherever you are right now."
"I'm still in Edinburgh, Edelweiss."
"Oh, you are? Good, good. Less time for me to travel. I'll be there in a week… at most. You're not going somewhere within that span of time, are you?"
Joichiro grunted, "I'm not. I haven't changed any of my plans so I'll still be here for a few more weeks. You honestly sound so funny right now I think you should get yourself to bed before you fall over."
"Yeah, my week hasn't been good. At all. I really fucking loathe camping," she let out another yawn, "Gods, I really missed your voice. I missed you too but I missed hearing you talk."
Joichiro suddenly felt light and warm like he was being basked with the refreshing sunlight on an early sunny morning, making the last string of anxiety fall and vanish away completely. Edelweiss still had some explaining to do, but he could wait for a few days more.
Smirking, he answered, "Stop being so cute. Just because you missed my wonderful self doesn't mean you're getting out of the lecture I'm going to give you tomorrow. Get some sleep."
"It's just nice to hear you before I go to sleep. Won't you tell me you missed me too?" she griped, sounding petulant.
His lips stretched into a more genuine smile as he caved in, his voice full of affection, "I missed you so damn much I want to see you personally and not just talk to you through the phone. I got so used to your presence it was agonizing not to hear something from you. I can't wait to see you in a week."
"Likewise, love, likewise. I shouldn't keep you any longer then. You should get some sleep too."
Joichiro sat up and replied, shrugging off his jacket, "I will, after I have my shower. I just got back from work."
"Oh, yeah. Alright. Talk to you tomorrow?"
"Of course. Goodnight, Edelweiss. I'm glad your back safe."
She sighed and answered, voice gentle and adoring, "I am too. Goodnight, darling. Thank you for being patient."
=o=
"I might not sound like it on the phone but hell, I missed you a lot," Joichiro panted in between kisses, heated and passionate as he poured all his feelings for the woman in his arms.
Edelweiss moaned and pushed herself further in his embrace, grinding her hips against his, feeling his clothed, hard cock against the flimsy material of her knickers, "Gods, Joichiro… You're making it very… difficult for me to let you go."
He grunted, thrusting against her faster, sparse thoughts about propriety and taking it slow flung right out the window the moment the woman arrived on his doorstep.
He'd been very careful, but what was he to do when the woman of his affections was being deviously beguiling?
He ducked forward, licking the perky nipples he had exposed earlier, his hand sensually slithering down her hips and under her skirt, leaving fiery caresses on her skin before shifting her underwear aside to stroke her already damp clit.
She cried out and slightly pulled back, her eyes closed and her spine forming an exquisite arch as she further presented her supple breasts like an offering waiting to be thoroughly enjoyed. And Joichiro was determined to enjoy himself until the very end.
"Who said anything about letting me go, darling?" Joichiro hoarsely rumbled against her breasts, his finger sliding into her moist folds.
Edelweiss opened her eyes and looked at him, her pussy gushing even more at seeing him lusciously disheveled, her green eyes pleading as she whimpered, "Joichiro, please…"
"Please what, Edelweiss?"
"More… More, please!"
Joichiro licked his way up into her neck and seized her mouth with a searing kiss, plunging his fingers faster and finding that sensitive bundle of nerves that made her sob with intense pleasure, her cunt tightening selfishly around his long, dexterous fingers.
"Joichiro, Joichiro, Joichiro…" Edelweiss breathlessly chanted as she bore down on him, a relentless drive to achieve that delicious pinnacle of satisfaction.
"That's it, love. Gods, you're so gorgeous," he breathed out.
She tossed back her head with a loud moan, continuously gyrating her hips in such a dirty way that almost made him come undone.
"Joichiro… Close…" she panted.
With renewed determination to see her come, he worked his fingers inside her, pumping three fingers harder while his other hand fondled her breasts one after the other, furiously rolling her nipples in between fingers, the pain and intense pleasure driving her closer to the brink of completion.
"Come, Edelweiss. I know you want to," Joichiro hissed against her ear before sinking his teeth into her neck, knowing she was close by the quiver of muscles constricting around his fingers.
A few more thrusts and Edelweiss cried out her release, a gush of wetness coating his fingers as she clamped down, her heated core sucking his fingers.
Edelweiss sagged into his arms as she tried to catch her breath, letting out a faint sound as he pulled out. Her breath caught once more as she watched him bring his coated fingers into his mouth, his gaze bold as it held hers while he tasted her.
A promise that there was more to come, to which she responded with a fervent kiss when he finished licking his fingers clean.
Edelweiss hummed, dazed and satiated, and mumbled, "What about you?"
Joichiro shrugged, unbothered, his hands running through her hair, "Eh, it's fine. I wanted to make you feel good. I'll take care of it when I shower in a moment."
Edelweiss gave him a look before she started swiveling her hips, "Why would you need your fingers when I'm here?" she slid down her knees and began unbuckling his jeans.
Heart pounding with anticipation, Joichiro still tried to dissuade her, "I'm fine, Edelweiss. You don't ha―"
"I want to," Edelweiss replied firmly, her hands already wrapped around his cock.
He threw his head back in surrender and groaned.
"If you want to stop, just say so and we will," he insisted.
He growled when Edelweiss squeezed his cock tighter, "Just lay back and enjoy, love."
And Joichiro did enjoy being played with Edelweiss's brilliant hands and talented mouth for a few more moments before coming in her mouth, a tantalizing image that would be forever seared in his brain.
"You're seriously going to be late for work now."
Joichiro glanced at the wall clock and answered, his hands idly weaving through her hair, "Still have plenty of time. Do you have plans on where you're planning to go while you're here?"
Edelweiss extended her hands and tenderly caressed his face, vaguely saying, "I'm not sure yet. I could just laze around your apartment. Or I could visit some friends who live around here. Depends on the mood."
"No proper plans at all?"
"Nuh-uh."
Joichiro smugly smirked, "Did I tire you out, love?"
She plonked down her hands and grunted, turning her head to the side to snuggle on his stomach, igniting another flash of arousal from him that he immediately tamped down.
If they start another round, then he's seriously going to be late for work, he thought, mournful and dejected.
Getting his mind out of the gutter, Joichiro let out an amused chuckle and asked, "Then want to go on a date tomorrow?"
Edelweiss inquisitively peered at him, "Why aren't you going to work tomorrow?"
"I want to spend time with my lover of course," he readily answered, lightly tugging on her hair before smoothing it down.
"Are you sure you're not just trying to skive off from work?" she quipped.
"How rude! I requested for this day off days ago. And what's wrong with wanting to spend a rest day with my lover, eh?"
Edelweiss laughed and turned back her head to look up at him, "Nothing! I'm a bit stunned, is all. And flattered. I just wanted to spend time with you so I didn't really make any plans aside from coming here and seeing you."
Joichiro bent down, pressing a chaste kiss on her lips before pulling back, asking, "So, what do you say about my plan?"
Edelweiss pulled him back down, seizing his mouth into a searing kiss, her tongue sensually laving his bottom lip before slightly pulling back, "A brilliant idea, love."
"Great," he whispered, his eyes glittering, dark and suggestive, "But if you're planning on teasing me any further, then I'll totally be late for work."
"That's too bad," Edelweiss pouted and with another chuckle, Joichiro stood up to get ready for work, thinking exactly the same thing.
=o=
"Hokkaido? What are you going to do there?" Edelweiss asked, absentmindedly fiddling her empty teacup before pouring another round of tea.
A few weeks have passed since her satisfying trip in Scotland and Edelweiss has been stuck in London after that to do more of the work she left behind, a daunting tower of portfolios that immediately welcomed her the moment she stepped foot inside her office.
Now she was spending the day in Potter Manor, leisurely taking a break with Teddy―who was also on his day off after being in Egypt for weeks doing Merlin knows what―when Joichiro called and told her about his sudden trip all the way to the North of Japan.
Joichiro sighed, "It's a long story but to make it short, I heard that one of my kouhai has been making some drastic developments in the culinary world and went back to Totsuki Academy to overwrite the whole school curriculum. There was a... rebellion and the students are currently having competitions all the way to Hokkaido for the final showdown."
"Oh? Is that your inconspicuous way of saying your son was the one who started the coup? Such a dauntless thing to do," she commented, "So what's your role in all of that drama?"
"Soma didn't start the coup, he's just doing a little bit of... mutiny. With all their futures at stake," he sheepishly replied, "And well, I'm partly at fault on why this is happening so I'm planning on meeting and helping out the kids before they reach Hokkaido."
"That's basically the same thing," Edelweiss drolled before making a wondrous sound, catching Teddy's attention who gave her a curious look, "But a mutiny! Sounds fun! Count me in!"
Teddy gave her a dubious look when he heard the magic word that she only responded with a wink.
Joichiro answered, an amused lilt on his voice, "Why do I have a feeling you're thinking about hand-to-hand combats and pitching high kicks? They're still culinary battles, you know, just in case you forgot."
Edelweiss scowled, sipping her tea, "I-I know that! I won't turn down food if you're going to offer it to me so freely. And what do you exactly mean when you said it was partly your fault? Did you get into a fight with another chef when I left you there alone in Edinburgh?"
"Of course not! I'm hurt, Edelweiss. You know I don't condone violence and yet you assume anyway," he said, sounding petulant, before adding, a bit more serious and pensive, "I'm not sure yet but I'll be talking to Gin about it later."
"Sounds mysterious, but alright."
"I'm finishing my business here and then I'll come get you in London. We can take a flight to Japan together."
"Want me to book us the tickets?"
"Don't worry. I'll do it. Just pack enough clothes to keep you warm. Hokkaido's kinda cold."
"Okay. Anything else?"
Joichiro hummed in thought before eventually saying, "None so far. I'll ring you again when I'm free after this. I'm sure you have other things to do today too."
"You mean, after you talk to your friend but it's alright. I can wait," Edelweiss eyed the scones and tarts in front of her and replied, "I'm just at home with Teddy keeping me company. You know I've been trapped inside my office so I needed the break, which was actually a good thing for me to do since I'll be on another trip soon."
Teddy perked up beside her when she mentioned his name, Edelweiss giving her godson a shake on the head while gesturing to the phone.
"Oh, okay. Give my regards to Teddy, will you? I'm going to get back to work too. I'll talk to you again tonight."
"Okay, enjoy the rest of your day."
"Miss you. I'll see you soon."
"Likewise, love. I miss you too."
She placed her phone aside, swishing her wand to reheat her cool tea before taking a bite on her scone.
"So, am I right to assume that you're going back to Japan with your boyfriend?" Teddy casually asked, before he pulled on a face and reproachfully supplied, "You're not planning on eloping with Joichiro, are you?"
Edelweiss snorted, "Of course not. We weren't even talking anything close to marriage for Godric's sake! I'm just taking a quick trip with him, that's all."
Teddy replied, relief on his face and voice, "That's good. Because let me tell you how that's going to stir everyone into a frenzy if you do that." He paused, and with a thoughtful look on his face, expressed, "I'll be quite furious too, Aunt Vee. You can't get married without me."
Edelweiss gave her godson a fond smile and a reassuring pat on his head, "Of course I'm not getting married without you to walk me down the aisle, Teddy. You're still my cute little wolf."
Teddy frowned, "I'm taller than you."
"Doesn't matter when I cleaned your dirty arse and changed your diapers."
Her godson sagged in resignation, "Point."
Edelweiss chuckled as she pulled back her hand and took a sip on her tea, "We're just going to Hokkaido, is all. We never had the chance to go there, did we?" Teddy shook his head and she continued, "I thought so. Joichiro mentioned something about meeting his son halfway so he asked me if I wanted to come along."
"And you said yes?" came Teddy's question, something indecipherable flickering through his green eyes.
"Of course I did," she eagerly replied, giving her godson a humorous look, "Did you know that his son and his friends started a mutiny against his school?"
Teddy gave his godmother an even, knowing look, "Sounds like someone I know."
Edelweiss let out an imperious huff, "It wasn't really a resistance kind of group, you know."
Teddy snorted, "I bet if I ask Aunt Hermione about it, she won't say the same."
Edelweiss threw her hands up in surrender, "Fine, it was!"
Teddy chuckled, amused and resigned.
She piped out, remembering what her lover said, "He sends his regards, by the way."
Teddy blinked a few times before saying, "That's nice of him. Tell him I'm doing alright and that I miss his cooking. Is he still in Scotland?"
Edelweiss nodded in affirmation, "He's going to meet me here in London sometime this week and then we'll be off to Japan. I don't know how long I'll be gone, probably a week or two, but it won't take more than two months. I think."
Teddy hummed and mused, "You should tell Draco about your sudden plans or you won't be able to enjoy your vacation if he'll know about it a little too late."
Edelweiss griped, a grimace on her face, "He always sends me a little bit of work wherever I go anyway, so it's something I'm used to. Neither work nor Draco Malfoy will ruin this incoming trip for me."
Teddy didn't make any further comment, choosing to ask another one that's been in his mind instead, "Say, Aunt Vee…"
Edelweiss regarded her godson with a curious look, "Hmm?"
Teddy curiously asked, his green eyes looking straight at her, "Have you thought about getting married to Joichiro?"
Edelweiss blinked at him in surprise before her lips made a quirk upwards, admitting, "Of course I do, ever since the dinner in Hawthorn Manor in fact. Joichiro is an exceptional man, sincere and honest, and he got along with everyone too. It's everything I could've hoped for."
Teddy levelled his godmother a perceptive look, "But you're holding back."
Edelweiss hesitated before nodding.
Teddy lifted an eyebrow at her, "Why?"
Edelweiss let out a sigh, her eyes downcast, "Just… thinking about the usual hurdles. Joichiro is a simple man with simple needs, and magic isn't exactly something uncomplicated. I don't think he'd want to be conscientiously involved with something as complex as this." She gave him a small, weak smile, "And even if I do, somehow, have the chance to tell him this early, I'm quite scared of being left behind. It's one of the drawbacks of being in love, I suppose."
"But, Aunt Vee," Teddy said, earnest and encouraging, "You can't think about that on behalf of Joichiro. All of those are legitimate concerns but they're from your own perspective and you can't just assume Joichiro's going to think the same."
"I… suppose you're right…"
"I am right," Teddy firmly stated, "And you won't know unless you tell him."
Edelweiss frowned, "But I told you, we haven't even talked about marriage yet."
Teddy shrugged and finished the rest of his tea, "And I'm not rushing you… or forcing you. I can see that you're happy with what you have now and that's alright. You might want to make it legal on the paper and get married or you might not and just be the free-spirited couple that you are now. That's all up to you. I just don't want you to be taken completely by surprise when you're forced to spill all your secrets one day just because you kept stalling." He regarded her with a thoughtful look and added, "And I don't think you have to worry too much about Joichiro's side on your relationship."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're going on a trip with him and his son. Don't you think that's a good enough indication that he's also been thinking about long-term plans regarding the both of you?"
Edelweiss sat up straight, stunned.
She'd only been thinking about getting out of England that she didn't realize she'd finally get to meet his son. A significant decision Joichiro had made and to think that she'd been so blasé when she enthusiastically agreed.
Teddy was right and Edelweiss slumped on her seat, fiddling her teacup as she said in defeat, "You have a point."
Teddy stood up and tousled her hair, "I always have a point. I knew you'd miss out that imperative, tiny detail, because you're way more focused on getting out of the country again. On a trip. Together with your paramour. I'm the voice of reason in this house."
"Yes, yes, I know," Edelweiss mumbled before peering up at him, sounding hopeful, "Does that mean you're going to help me with my herb garden today?"
"Will I get something out of it for doing such a tedious work on one of my rare free days?" Teddy countered.
Edelweiss mulled about it for a moment before saying, "Fine, I'll make you a chocolate cake after."
=o=
Like father, like son indeed, Edelweiss exasperatedly thought as she continued to observe the tense exchange between four distressed-looking students, a spry, elderly man, an extremely pale middle-aged man and of course, her ridiculous, good-looking lover.
Who was also putting his career and family restaurant as part of a wager for a cooking competition.
Edelweiss once again released a sigh.
She didn't think he'd gamble away his precious career like that so easily, but she supposed she understood why he'd offer such a severe proposition. The future of their culinary world was at stake after all.
The pale man clearly agreed, and quite eagerly too, for he turned around and hopped in his helicopter and flew away with a flair like a proper villain. Nevertheless, Edelweiss stayed back as Joichiro turned around and informed the students about commencing a special training to properly take on a group of elite students.
Edelweiss was content to just observe but Joichiro caught her gaze and beckoned her to come closer, the rest of the group diverting their attention on her as she sauntered towards them with a smile.
She halted right next to her lover, who began introducing her to everyone one by one.
She bowed and greeted her replies before turning to the sole redhead among them, saying, "It's nice to finally meet you, Soma-kun, though I understand we could've met at a more pleasant time," she gave Joichiro an acerbic look, "And not when all of your future is literally on the line."
Joichiro nonchalantly shrugged, "He never would've agreed so I had to ante the stakes somehow."
Edelweiss countered back, her gaze sharp, "Yes, because I had considered the possibility that this… whole affair was entirely because of you."
Joichiro stilled and averted her gaze, proving her point.
And while the rest had recognized the implication, his son however, did not.
"Woah, dad," Soma exclaimed in wonder, "Where'd you find a fine-looking woman like Potter-san? Have you totally been around the world?"
Joichiro scowled at his son, "Did you think I was kidding?"
"Well, kinda."
"You brat…"
Edelweiss took hold of his arm before he could lunge at his son, "You flatter me, Soma-kun, but well, we met in Paris at first but he was too shy to come forward. He was brave enough to enjoy a spot of tea with me in London, I suppose, and he hasn't given me a moment of peace ever since."
Joichiro let out a huff, affronted.
Edelweiss carried on, a smile on her face, "I know we've all just been introduced but I hope you won't mind too much if I tag along. I don't know anything intricate about cooking except for anything homemade so rest assured I won't disturb you on your training."
Joichiro slid an arm around her waist and lightly rebuked, "Don't sell yourself too short. You helped Shinomiya-kun out of his funk and look at where he's now."
"Is that so?" Nakiri Senzaemon mused aloud, as the students unnervingly gaped at her.
"She did!" Joichiro gleefully cheeped, "We had dinner in his restaurant when we were in Paris and she told me his food were bland and uninteresting."
Edelweiss glared at him and disproved, a hint of red on her cheeks, "I did no such thing! And I didn't even say anything to him even when he got out of his previous disposition!"
"Yeah, well, he still double-checked that one time you dined at his restaurant in Tokyo during his soft opening. He thought he was being too subtle, the sly brat," Joichiro disputed, smirking haughtily, before directing his next words to the rest, "You can even ask him about it later but I bet he'll be too shy to say it out loud."
Edelweiss scowled and chose not to say anything else.
The crew got back on the train and without further ruckus, continued on their journey, travelling across freezing snow lands that made Edelweiss grateful she did some research beforehand, likewise feeling appreciative of the comfortable and warm ride they were in.
Trust Joichiro to say Hokkaido was just sort of cold when it was all fucking ice and snow outside.
She was finally introduced to Dojima Gin, who wasn't at all stunned to see an unfamiliar face among their not-so secret group, and was instead amiable and pleasant when they greeted each other. Edelweiss settled down beside Joichiro as he and Dojima explained the premise of Team Shokugeki, a cup of lovely hot tea on her hands as she watched, entertained, Joichiro's frivolous attitude clash on Dojima's meticulous plans, impressively ruffling the latter's nerves.
It was getting more rowdy and she was considering about breaking them up especially when they were close enough in giving out punches―she could totally just leave them but Edelweiss was a proper lady and letting them brawl in front of high school students wasn't exactly a good example for the youth―when the adults marched towards the adjoining carriage and interrupted the Nakiris, the students trailing after them like cute ducklings.
Edelweiss snorted, deeply amused, as she took a careful sip on her tea, happy that she got to see Joichiro interact with the people close to him, carefree and laidback like he always was. But no matter how charming and distracting he was, she didn't forget about the deduction she brought up earlier, and Edelweiss knew there was a particular story behind that, most likely concerning about the man's strong proclivity to drift about places.
"Edelweiss!" Joichiro suddenly called out, breaking her out of her thoughts.
"Hmm?" she let out, curious, as he strode towards her.
"We're having a match, me against Gin, so you have to be there and see who's the real man," Joichiro declared as he urged her to stand up, feeling brisk and lively, his gold eyes bright with determination to carry out the challenge.
Edelweiss chuckled and stood up, "Alright. You don't have to pu―careful with my tea, you ridiculous oaf! I've only taken one sip on that!"
Joichiro continued to push her faster towards the kitchen, "I'll brew you an even more magnificent pot when we're done."
"You don't need to! I already have this one! Gods, you're like a kid being offered his very first lolly," she retorted, minding her cup, feeling marginally irritated but at the same time understanding his eagerness.
"I'll show you how I devour my lollipop when I have you for myself later," he whispered hotly.
Taken by surprise, Edelweiss took the bait and gave him a sultry glance as she purred back, "Not if I eat you up first."
"Oh?" he drawled before pressing himself on her, Edelweiss feeling his hardening cock through the layers of their clothes, "Now I'm fired up for another challenge."
Her face grew hot and red, aroused, the warmth on her stomach surging throughout her body as she hissed, "You're shameless!"
Joichiro smirked, smug, but didn't say anything as they've arrived in the kitchen, the rest of the wayward group already waiting for them along with the train conductor and his staff.
"A-Are you alright, Edelweiss-san? You look a bit flushed. Oh no! Do you have a fever?" sweet and gentle Megumi asked, concerned.
Edelweiss glared at Joichiro when he answered, situating her beside the official chef of the train before taking his place with his son and Erina, his voice cheery and carefree, "She's fine, Megumi-chan. You know how Brits are with their tea."
Edelweiss glowered at her lover, "You owe me a pot."
"Scary," was his teasing reply before Senzaemon obtained all of their attention.
With the rules set and the dish chosen, Dojima and Joichiro began to prepare their own version of Hachis Permentier, each profoundly confident on their own skills. Edelweiss couldn't help but exhale a resigned breath when Joichiro broke the rules first as he picked a fight with his son, already discerning that he would before the competition even started.
She knew such constraint normally wouldn't have deterred him but Yukihira Soma was his father's son, a fledgling yet equally obstinate and assertive, and Joichiro had no choice but to balance and temper his son's eccentricities with his own.
Similarly, the lack of verbal communication was leaving the students tremendously bewildered and hesitant when the adults began to divert from the customary recipe but they were adaptable and perceptive, as they should be, and was eventually able to pull through and do their own share of work when they finally deduced what the competition was all about.
Edelweiss closed her eyes, savouring the delectable fusion of aromas saturating around the kitchen, immensely looking forward to tasting their dishes.
Fifty minutes passed by quickly and with the two dishes done, it was time for judging.
Senzaemon was saying something about the students tasting and being their own judge when Dojima and Joichiro moved closer to them, both men offering for their lot to try their food.
"Here, Edelweiss," Joichiro said as he handed her a fork and passing around the food for everyone to share.
She cut a small size, getting everything she could on Team Joichiro's unconventional yet beautiful Hachis Permentier, and took the piece into her mouth, savouring the exquisite taste of the cubed meat melding seamlessly well with Soma's pommes purée, the delicate texture of the crêpe holding them all together giving them a single piece of treasure.
It was artistically divine but Edelweiss didn't expect any less from Joichiro.
"So, how is it?" Joichiro coyly inquired, swinging the plate in front of her, taunting her for another bite.
Edelweiss scoffed but good-humouredly said, "It's very good, of course, but you already know that."
Joichiro petulantly replied, "You're so stingy with your remarks."
Edelweiss rolled her eyes and admitted, "It's spectacular, my love. It's something I would love and enjoy to have again."
"That's good," Joichiro gave her a playful wink, "I needed to hear you say it to boost my ego."
Edelweiss tried not to roll her eyes the second time, stopping herself from making a lewd reply especially with a couple of people in close vicinity.
Dojima drew closer and presented his team's dish with a dashing smile, "How about you try my dish, madam?"
Edelweiss gave Joichiro a provocative glance before turning to Dojima, a sweet smile on her face, "Certainly, monsieur."
She sliced through the elegant, little thing and revelled the silky pommes purée as it enhanced the essence of the ground meat, the anchoïade sauce and parmesan cheese on top creating a harmonious unification for the compact flavour of the elements below.
Edelweiss swept her tongue inside her mouth, the lingering taste of the meat sauce undeniably still caught on her taste buds, and wasn't at all hesitant to inform Dojima exactly what she thought about when he asked about his dish.
Now that she thought about it… Edelweiss made a passing glance at Nakiri Erina, keen and aware.
=o=
Joichiro groaned, naked and lying spread wide in bed as Edelweiss lathered her tongue on his hard, stiff cock. A bead of precome leaked out of the slit, to which she immediately swiped, the light coming from the bedside lamp giving him a glimpse of the pearly string of come she'd made before breaking it, her emerald orbs heatedly trained on his as she went back to slobbering his shaft as if it was a candy.
It was a suggestion he pointed out earlier but Joichiro didn't think the tables would turn around so quickly and that he was the one currently being splayed open, the look on his lover's face completely ravenous for more.
Edelweiss licked her way down to his balls, sucking them hard that certainly earned her another raspy groan, before making her way up again. A swirl of her lovely tongue and the temptress took his entire length into her mouth and Joichiro almost blacked out at how wonderfully delicious it felt, her mouth snug and hot as he felt himself going deeper than what she'd done before.
His balled hands went from the bed and into her hair, fisting her already tousled hair, wasn't sure if he wanted to push her even deeper or pull her back to allow him a bit of a reprieve.
She made the decision for him anyway and with a wicked glint on her eyes, leaned forward and took him even further, Joichiro choking out a breath and tightening his hold on her hair when the black-haired woman began to suck hard.
"It's so good… So good…" Joichiro couldn't help but groan out.
She pulled back but not entirely detaching her mouth from her prize, her tongue curling around the tip of his cock before sucking him back inside, her hands occupied as she grasped his balls, squeezing it just how he liked it before going down and lightly caressing the sensitive skin of his perineum.
He didn't even know that such an act would feel so good until Edelweiss decided to do it for him the first time she took him in her mouth.
She continued on her ministrations, his groans and grunts prompting her and letting her know she was doing the right thing, but Joichiro subconsciously knew she already knew what he liked. After all, the woman had been unwavering when she took it upon herself to explore what he liked to do in bed―or not in bed, whichever surfaces they prefer really―and Edelweiss had been one observant woman, more than enough to excel in this particular matter.
"Keep going… Gods, keep going, Edelweiss. I'm going to come," he hissed out, feeling himself ready to burst at any given moment.
Urged, Edelweiss sucked even harder, her eyes red and moist as her hands eagerly flitting and clasping his heavy balls and in one sly move, slid her hand further back into his back entrance and rubbed it nice and hard.
Joichiro came with a shout, spending all of his come into her awaiting mouth and not wasting a single drop as she swallowed. Before he could fully recover, Edelweiss sat up and in one hurried move, tugged her knickers off of her and straddled him astride, her hands rubbing her breasts, gyrating her wet cunt against his slick cock, sliding in a tantalizing sort of way, her movements fast and delirious as she used him to make herself come.
Joichiro didn't hesitate and pressed his hand into her clit, working his fingers hard and fast. She must've been so aroused already, he pondered, because it didn't take too long for her to arch her back, her body shaking violently as she cried out her release, Joichiro never halting his actions until she took hold of his hand.
Edelweiss slumped on top of him, struggling to catch her breath, and Joichiro let her be, choosing to try to smooth down her hair instead but also knowing it's a lost cause for a bedhead such as hers.
"Well…" she sighed after she got her breath under control, "That was… fun."
Joichiro chuckled fondly before pressing a kiss on top of her head, "I was going to blame it on the food but I'm positive I didn't put anything strange in there."
Edelweiss hummed, musing aloud, "Must be the dried sardines… Or the anchovies."
He placed one hand across her back and the other continued its path through her hair, twirling a strand every now and then as he answered, his voice feigning innocence, "Hmm, it doesn't have anything to do with how Erina-chan's been looking at me, does it?"
Joichiro didn't miss the tiniest bit of stillness she made when he went straight to the point.
There we are, he triumphantly thought.
Joichiro gave her a nudge, Edelweiss eventually lifting her head to take a look at him, her expression sulking, and Joichiro couldn't help but give her a kiss.
"You have nothing to worry about," he whispered.
"I'm not. Worried, that is," she mumbled on lips.
Joichiro tutted reprovingly, "Honesty is the best policy." He pressed another kiss, "But you are, which is cute because you've never been jealous before. And gods, Erina-chan's a little girl. How could you think about that?"
He let out a shiver. He might act ridiculous sometimes, but he wasn't oblivious about the admiring looks the teenager kept on giving him, though he was sure it was more of an admiration for his talent as a chef and not… something else. He didn't even want to think too much about it anymore.
Edelweiss let out a haughty huff before tucking her head on his shoulder, nuzzling her face on his neck.
Joichiro let out an amused chuckle and went back to running his hand through her hair, "You're so precious, Edelweiss."