Verdant Skies

Cuddled up against Koumei's side, Iris was looking over the list they'd made of everything that needed to be done before the actual ceremony which was slated for two days from now. Looking up at Kouen as he stood up from his desk, she called out, "So the food has been decided, the colors are a mix between both of yours with a dash of mine added in, the musicians and music have been decided, Mei has figured out where in the palace we should have the ceremony, and..." She glanced back down at the last, "The legalities have been tied up, right?"

Nodding as he walked over to the bed, Kouen settled down on her other side, "Mei finished everything up yesterday though we'll all have paperwork to sign tomorrow," Iris groaned softly and gave Koumei a look, "It's not too much. Just a few signatures, Iris."

"Fine," Iris kissed Kouen's cheek while marking things off on the list, "You took care of security?"

"No one we don't want at the wedding will be there," Kouen confirmed with a smirk, "I've also taken the liberty of writing certain letters that won't be sent out until after we're due to leave for the Summit,"

Snorting softly as she shook her head, Iris gave Kouen a look of amusement, "You just want the chance to fuck with Sinbad if he tries to press his luck, don't you?"

"Of course," Kouen wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Arashi?"

"Eager especially since the rest of his relatives that you want him to meet will be arriving tomorrow," Iris shifted so that she could settle a bit more firmly between the two, "I still can't believe it's taken everyone so long to arrive,"

Making a noise of amusement, Koumei shook his head as Kouen began tracing circles along her arm. Looking away from the list, he murmured, "Even with the distance from the Medium battle, Kou would have still faced certain problems. Hakuei and the others have likely been doing damage control since Gyokuen wouldn't care enough to," She snorted softly, "Now," He looked back at the list, "The florist will be coming by to set up the flower arrangements. Iris, will you be able to oversee it? En and I have to deal with a few meetings that will clash with their arrival. And with our siblings, we have no idea when they'll be arriving."

"No problem," Iris shrugged her shoulders, "Though remember we all have to do our final fittings tomorrow, I've got mine pretty early on,"

"That's right," Koumei wrote something down on the list, "We're getting ours done in the afternoon. That explains the one free block," He rubbed at his face and Iris reached out to touch his cheek with a small frown, "I'm fine just a bit tired. Between planning our wedding, working around En's incoming guests, and the Summit alongside my regular workload, I'm just a bit more tired than normal,"

Frowning softly, Iris shared a small glance with Kouen before gently tugging the list from Koumei's hands. As he made a noise of confusion, Iris shifted to settle herself in his lap. Her arms wrapped around his neck, she kissed him softly as his eyes widened before closing. Pushing him to lean back against the pillows, she murmured, "Mei, the wedding's just about planned out, we only have a few more things to actually worry about before the day comes. Even then, it's little things that I can deal with," She pressed a kiss to his cheek, "As for the brat, his household, and Muu? I can help with that if you just tell me what you need. I might not know much about Alibaba's household, but I spent practically an entire year around him, and Muu's one of my best friends."

His eyes softened as he looked at her, Koumei let his body relax into the pillows, "Alright, Iris," She smiled gently and cupped his face in her hands, "Sometimes, I forget that you're capable of actually assisting me just as much as my assistance or Chu'un."

Giggling softly, Iris kissed Koumei on the nose, "That's because you overwork yourself, Darling," She looked at Kouen, "And that goes for you too, En. I am fully capable of helping you both out. You just need to help me understand what the problem is."

Kissing her cheek, Kouen chuckled as he murmured, "Of course," Iris felt satisfied for all of a second, "After all, we need to start including you in the more day-to-day decisions being made. You will be Empress once we finally send Gyokuen packing."

Unable to help it as she hadn't been thinking about that part, Iris muttered, "Oh shit."

Despite agreeing to marry Kouen and Koumei, Iris hadn't exactly considered what that would mean for her in the future. As the realization of her future role as the Empress of Kou sank in, Iris couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Shifting about in Koumei's lap, she found her gaze darting between Koumei's and Kouen's as her fingers flexed against the younger redhead's face. Despite the apprehension running through her, Kouen's expression was filled with reassurance and understanding.

His fingers gently traced patterns along her back, Koumei spoke softly, "It's not something you need to worry about immediately, Iris. There is a lot to do before we even get to the point where you can officially be designated as Empress, the main thing will be ensuring Gyokuen is dealt with and En's throne is secured."

Sucking in a deep breath, Iris took what comfort Kouen and Koumei were offering. She dropped her hands to Koumei's shoulders while speaking. Her voice was soft with the uncertainty she felt, the slight wavering of it almost made her cringe, "I-I know. It's just," She swallowed and looked away from the two, "I've always been an assassin, a painter, a smith, or some other simple thing. Not something like big like-" She waved a hand being careful to avoid hitting Koumei in the face and Kouen grabbed her hand, "It's one thing to help you two out, but being Empress? It feels like a whole different level."

"We aren't expecting you to handle it all at once," Kouen twined their fingers together and she bit her bottom lip while glancing at him, "And we aren't about to drop all those duties on you or expect perfection. Mei and I will ensure you're okay every step of the way when we finally get to that point. And we'll ensure there are properly trained staff ready to assist you,"

"I'll personally pick them out," Koumei assured her.

Letting out a soft laugh, Iris felt like a small weight was lifted from her shoulders though admitted it still felt like a lot. She murmured, "It still feels like a lot, but..." She looked at them with a small smile, "Marrying you two is worth it. And I'm holding you to that promise of helping me out, I will do the work as best I can, but I wasn't raised to run a fucking country."

Loud chuckles left the two, Koumei twisted them around until Iris was lying beneath him earning a soft yelp from her. Hovering over her with a warm look in his eyes, Koumei kissed her softly, "We're well aware of that, Sweetheart. Any challenges that come your way will be faced together, we'll support you just as you'll support us."

Letting out a low sigh, Iris shifted to kiss him back, "Love you, Mei. Love you, En."

As the two murmured their replies, Iris relaxed into the bed feeling contentment. While she was still uncertain about becoming Empress, she knew she'd warm up to the idea eventually especially with Kouen and Koumei backing her.

The great hall buzzed with activity as servants hurriedly worked to set up the decorations for the upcoming wedding ceremony. Standing amid the chaos, Iris was directing the servants with more confidence than she normally would have. The colors of the room were a unique blend of dark crimson and navy blue, accented by subtle hints of verdant green. There were softer bursts of color via flowers brought by the florist, a touch of pinks, whites, and purples.

There was an air of anticipation and excitement as preparations for the wedding were in full swing, Iris looked over the plans she'd drawn up with Koumei the night before and occasionally shifted things around. There were soft gasps from the doorway, she turned as a small grin stretched across her lips, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, Kougyoku, and Judar were standing in the doorway with wide-eyed looks. Letting out a soft laugh, she called out, "Hey, it's about time you guys showed up."

"Dragon," Judar broke from the shock first and started towards her with a shake of his head as a cocky smile curled across his painted lips, "The fuck is all this?"

"The fuck does it look like, Peach-boy?" Iris countered with a raised eyebrow.

Opening his mouth, Judar went to speak as a servant rushed up to Iris with a worried expression on his face. He cleared his throat, "Princess," She saw Judar's eyes widen, "We seem to have run out of the crimson-colored ribbons that you wanted for the western side of the room."

Part of her jolted at the term, Iris was still getting used to being called a princess even if Kouen and Koumei had been insisting that the servants start referring to her by that title for the past few weeks. Clearing her throat with a soft hum, she turned to the man, "Do we still have the navy blue or the lighter red?"

"Yes, M'lady," The man nodded softly, "We have the navy blue and verdant green. The lighter red is currently being used for the eastern side of the room,"

"Start using the navy blue though add in some of the verdant green as well," Iris decided after a moment of thought, "Just try to keep it to the pattern as best you can. I'll be over in a little bit to see if I can't help out, alright?"

Bowing lightly, the man smiled in relief, "Thank you, Princess."

Turning back to Judar, Iris saw the stunned look on his face which was mirrored on Kouen and Koumei's siblings. Clearing her throat with a slight flush coating her cheeks, she rubbed the back of her neck, "If it hasn't been made clear with that little interaction," She gestured about herself, "Mei, En, and I are getting married."

After another moment of stunned silence, Judar burst out laughing and shook his head, "Holy fucking shit! I knew you three were fucking in some way, but not like this," He approached her with an exaggerated swagger and grinned, "So married? Huh, I never thought that was going to happen especially with the cranky fucker being a sullen bastard."

Rolling her eyes, Iris remarked, "Shit happens," She saw Hakuei approach and smiled at the princess as a flicker of nervousness went through her, "Hakuei."

"Iris," Hakuei stopped not far away with an unreadable look on her face, "You're marrying both Kouen and Koumei?"

Nodding firmly as she turned to face the princess, Iris smiled softly, "We love each other and have agreed it's something we all want."

Her expression never flickered for even a moment as she silently stared at Iris, Hakuei sighed deeply, "While I can't in good conscience say I truly approve of it, I somehow knew this would eventually happen. After all, they always had this look about them when it came to you even when you'd left Kou," She finally gifted her a smile, "I'm sure there is a lot we haven't heard about this and I'm eager to learn it. However, I also know you have a little one running about. Where is he?"

"Arashi is currently out exploring Balbadd with Seishuu. You'll get to meet him at Dinner," Iris promised Hakuei with a soft smile before turning to Kougyoku and Hakuryuu, "Kougyoku, Hakuryuu-"

Grunting softly as Kougyoku slammed into her chest, Iris had to bite back the instinctive urge to pull out a dagger at someone bigger than Arashi slamming into her. She hugged the pink-haired princess back as the girl murmured, "Iris, I'm so happy for you. I'd hoped that you three might get together, but never dreamed that this might happen."

Smiling softly, Iris shook her head, "Trust me, I thought it was just a dream, but En and Mei decided to make it a reality."

As Kougyoku pulled away, Hakuryuu commented, "So how is even going to work? With both of them?"

Rubbing the back of her neck as Kougyoku swatted at Hakuryuu and tried to scold him, Iris admitted, "On paperwork where most people can find it, En and I will be shown as married. Everywhere it actually matters though? All three of us will be married," She saw a look of confusion on Hakuryuu's face, "Mei found a few back-dated laws that are still technically active and we're using them to our advantage. Granted, they were mainly for men to have multiple wives..."

Letting out another laugh, Judar threw his arm around Iris, "Oh this is fucking hilarious, the old assholes back in Kou are going to throw a fit when they realize what the hell is going on."

"Which is another benefit of us getting married like this," Iris admitted with a light grin, "En, Mei, and I really do enjoy giving certain factions the middle finger and watching as they run about like chickens with their heads cut off unable to do anything about it," She spotted Chu'un walking in, "Chu'un! Is Mei done with his meeting?"

"He is," Chu'un smiled at her as he walked over, "He sent me down to see if his siblings and Judar had all arrived. He is having tea brought upstairs,"

"Oh that sounds lovely," Kougyoku moved towards the door.

Shrugging off Judar's arm, Iris snorted at his playful scowl, "Go see Mei, I've got to finish up here or it won't be done in time for the ceremony."

There was a grumble from Judar that petered off as Kouha popped his head in, the magi immediately bolted for the teen earning an exasperated sigh from Hakuei. The princess offered Iris a small smile before moving to follow Chu'un and Kougyoku with Hakuryuu. Turning back to the preparations with a shake of her head, she smiled lightly. Things would be interesting for however long the dungeon-capturing Ren siblings were all together, she knew it would be fun though.

"Mama, you should've gone out with us today," Arashi grinned at her as they walked towards the dining room.

Smiling lightly at her son, Iris shook her head softly, "If it weren't for all these wedding preparations, I would've, Hatchling. But you are keeping track of all the cool places, right?"

Nodding his head rapidly as Scarlet barked in agreement from his shoulder, Arashi promised her, "Of course, Mama. Seishuu even has them written on a list."

Turning into the dining room, Iris giggled softly, "Well, I'll have to take a look at that list sometime and see where I'd like to start."

"Start what?" Kouha popped his head up from where he'd been talking with Judar.

"Oh, Arashi's been compiling a list of all the places he's been going around to with Seishuu and Scarlet. Since I haven't been tagging along, he wants to keep track of the most interesting places to bring me to," Iris felt Arashi grab her hand though he didn't immediately hide behind her, "Looks like the only ones missing are En and Mei,"

Which didn't surprise her, Kouen likely had a meeting that was running long while Koumei probably lost track of time finishing up his paperwork. If it got too long into dinner, she'd send a message to Koumei if Kouen didn't drag him downstairs. She looked down at Arashi as he pressed closer to her only to see his head pop up as Kougyoku called out, "Arashi, it's good to see you again."

"Aunt Yoku?" Arashi's expression brightened and he slowly released her hand, "When did you get here?"

"This afternoon, you were apparently wandering around," Kougyoku pushed away from the table and walked over to Arashi with a light smile, "How are you doing, Little Ember? Causing trouble for the local merchants here like in Reim or for your mother?"

"Only slightly," Arashi giggled as he rushed over to hug Kougyoku, "I learned some new spells and Daddy Kouen's been teaching me new stuff with my weapons!"

Her eyes widened as silence fell over the room from those who hadn't known that specific information, Kougyoku looked at Iris for a small moment. Even if she'd told Kougyoku about Arashi's parentage before, the teen likely wasn't sure how her older brothers had taken things. Smiling softly, she nodded, "En's been enjoying it even if Arashi's been putting him through the wringer. Mei and I have a betting pool about how long his patience is going to last. So far we're pretty much tied."

Letting out a soft giggle, Kougyoku shook her head, "Well, I hope you're not being too hard on him, Little Ember. Kouen's got a lot going on," Arashi pouted at Kougyoku, "Iris," She looked at the teen curiously, "Arashi's grown quite a bit since I last saw him. What have you been feeding him?"

Chest puffing up, Arashi proudly admitted, "I've been eating my nasty veggies 'cause Daddy Koumei told me to."

As Judar snorted loudly and Hakuei choked on her wine, Iris covered her mouth with a giggle. She glanced back as footsteps sounded and spotted Kouen walking into the room with Koumei in tow. Raising an eyebrow at the two, Koumei looked away from her with a light flush on his cheeks which told her he'd gotten distracted by his paperwork. She focused on Kougyoku as the teen giggled, "Well, I think that proves Koumei's advice is paying off, no?"

"What advice?" Koumei looked at Kougyoku in confusion.

"Oh, the advice you gave Arashi about eating his vegetables rather than being a brat and not touching them," Iris walked over to Koumei and kissed his cheek, "Got distracted by paperwork, Darling?"

"It was somewhat important," Koumei kissed her softly, "The preparations?"

"Everything is all set up and ready for our big day," Iris promised him earning a soft sigh of relief, "Now how about we eat dinner? I don't know about anyone else, but I'm starving,"

There was some laughter as everyone got settled at the table, Iris saw Hakuei glance between Kouen, Koumei, and Arashi for a long moment before the princess shook her head. Conversation was light and teasing during dinner, she knew that the minute Arashi was gone Hakuei would likely start asking the harder question. She took a long sip from her drink as Hakuei asked, "So how exactly did you all decide Arashi's schooling?"

"Oh!" Arashi bounced in his seat, "Mama teaches me magic, Daddy Kouen teaches me about weaponry and strategy, and Daddy Koumei has tutors help with my schooling," He pouted a bit, "I don't like the tutors too much. They're stuffy,"

Giggling as she ruffled Arashi's hair and pulling her hand away as he swatted at it, Iris reminded him, "You have to have a well-rounded education, Hatchling. Magic and combat can't be the only things in your head, you need to know at least the basics of academics as well."

"I wish it wasn't so boring though," Arashi complained with a pout.

"Maybe once you get a bit further it won't be so boring," Iris offered though admitted she likely wasn't the best person to offer advice on the subject.

After all, she hadn't been the best student, Iris had practically skipped most of her classes when they got to be too boring. Or the teacher turned out to be a bitch, she inwardly winced as the back of her left hand itched where the long faded scars left by Umbridge's 'detention' had been. Shaking those thoughts from her mind, she glanced at Koumei as he told Arashi, "And if you're struggling with anything, I'd be happy to help. And I'm sure your mother will be as well."

"I will do my best," Iris promised as there were certain subjects that she only had the vaguest of understandings of.

Gaining a thoughtful expression, Arashi looked at Iris, "Mama, what's your favorite subject? You never really talk about your school years."

Letting out a sheepish laugh as she shared a look with Kouen and Koumei, Iris admitted, "That's because my school years aren't something meant for little ears, Dragonling," The curious look Arashi gifted her said he'd be trying to grill her about them soon enough, "Now you have to remember thanks to how my old world was, I had two different types of schooling. I didn't have a favorite one for my non-magical studies though," She saw Arashi nod, "But for my magical one? Well, if you'd asked me years ago, I'd probably say our Defensive magical studies. Now though? Potions which is honestly surprising."

"How come? You use it a lot," Kougyoku pointed out.

"Well, the teacher I had was a dick and..." Iris hesitated while glancing toward Arashi, "Let's just say the relationship he had with my parents was very complicated, it made it so he couldn't treat me with neutrality during our lessons," She shook her head with a sigh, "He chose to take certain things out on me one moment and overcompensating for other things the next. It made my potions class and times where I ran into him outside of it hell," She saw the frown on Arashi's face and quickly assured him, "Don't worry too much, Hatchling. It's all in the past, and I've found a passion for a subject that was honestly hard for me to deal with in the past,"

Grasping her hand in his, Kouen spoke softly as he leaned over to press a kiss to her cheek, "If anyone from your old world ever manages to find their way here and that asshole is one of them, I won't hesitate to end him."

Her lips pulled into a soft smile at that, Iris shook her head at him before looking at Arashi, "So trust me when I say you'll eventually find something you like about each subject that seems boring right now, alright? It just might take a while."

"Alright, Mama," Arashi smiled at her.

Walking into the sitting room that Kouen and Koumei had directed everyone into, Iris dropped onto the couch between Kouen and Koumei. She took the glass of wine that Kouen offered her as Koumei asked, "Arashi asleep?"

Letting out a soft sigh as she leaned back against the couch, Iris nodded, "After much persuasion and an extra lullaby, the brat had more energy than usual today," She took a sip of her wine, "Though given the circumstance, I can't say I'm too surprised."

Chuckling as he draped his arm across the back of the couch, Kouen pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Neither am I."

"Wait, you sing?" Judar asked with a raised eyebrow.

Rolling her eyes, Iris nodded, "Only to my son and on occasion these two," She gestured to Kouen and Koumei, "I'm no songbird."

"Oh c'mon, Iris," Kouha mock pouted at her as he leaned forward, "Can't you give us a taste? It's not fair that En and Mei are the only ones besides Arashi who have heard you sing,"

Snorting at the teen, Iris shook her head at him, "You do realize they've only heard me sing because they walked into the room at the right time, right? I've never actually sung for them on purpose," Kouha looked stunned while Judar started to crack up, "I don't really sing that often unless it's for Arashi and that's only when he won't fall asleep."

As Judar continued to laugh, Kouha shook his head with an amused smile, "Well, that's disappointing. I was hoping you could serenade us at some point tonight."

"You're barking up the wrong tree with that one, Pretty boy," Iris snorted at him.

"Though Iris does have a lovely singing voice," Koumei spoke up and Iris's cheeks flushed, "It's very calming and pleasant, especially after a long day,"

Lightly swatting at his shoulder, Iris murmured, "You are just biased."

"Perhaps though that doesn't mean we don't enjoy every moment of it," Kouen grinned at her.

Shaking her head at him, Iris glanced at Kougyoku as the teen suggested, "Perhaps you could sing for us sometimes, it would be nice to see if they're right."

Face flushing softly, Iris shook her head, "I-yeah-no," She heard Kouha and Judar start to cackle like hyenas which made her scowl, "I'd rather not."

Taking a long drink from her glass of wine, Iris glanced at Hakuei as the woman spoke up for the first time since she'd entered the room, "Iris, I have a question. Admittedly, you might not wish to answer it and that's fine, but I'm honestly curious."

Sitting up slightly as Kouen and Koumei both stiffened, Iris looked at Hakuei with a curious look, "What's up?"

Hesitating for a long moment as her gaze flickered between the three of them, Hakuei finally asked, "Who is Arashi's father? He has called both Kouen and Koumei 'Daddy' with them simply accepting it. You also seem to encourage it. No one in the palace seems to find it odd. So..."

Feeling Kouen and Koumei stiffen, Iris quickly shifted about to settle against them. When they looked at her, she smiled warmly at them before looking at Hakuei. Speaking softly, she told the woman, "To put it simply, they both are," Hakuei looked at her in confusion, "At the time he was conceived, the three of us were sleeping together more often than not. And given the fact that not even I know the full extent of how my magic works, both of them may be his father."

"And you two are okay with this?" Hakuei asked in a soft tone.

Despite the pang of hurt that rang through her chest, Iris understood why Hakuei was trying to be cautious. Kouen nodded as he wrapped his arm around Iris's waist, "We are."

After a long moment, Hakuei finally smiled, "While part of me is reluctant to fully accept it, I can see that Arashi is loved. The fact he even exists speaks volumes," She sighed softly, "I'm happy for you three."

"Thank you," Koumei replied.

The former light air returned as Kougyoku and Kouha dragged the conversation towards Iris possibly teaching them to paint again. While she engaged in the conversation, she could tell that Hakuei still had more to say and wondered just what the princess was holding back on. It wasn't until everyone save for Kouen, Koumei, herself and Hakuei had departed for their beds that the princess finally spoke up. Her gaze was somewhat distant as she stood by the window, she held a wine glass in hand as she asked, "What are your plans? I know you're getting married, but what then?"

Exchanging a glance with Kouen and Koumei, Iris wasn't quite sure what to say. Kouen set down his almost empty glass of wine as he spoke up, "After we deal with the Summit that Sinbad has decided that we need to have, we'll deal with securing the throne out from underneath Gyokuen. I am going to be blunt, Hakuei," He gifted his adoptive sister with a stern look, "When that happens, we will be doing a thorough investigation with the end goal being either throwing her out of Kou or worse. Gyokuen has long since lost any trust."

Her expression was unreadable, Iris could see a glimmer of sadness in Hakuei's eyes. The princess murmured, "I had figured that would be your plan when the time came, Kouen. As much as I'd like to believe otherwise, Mother has overstepped far too much in the past. And with Father gone...She's gone too far," She shook her head, "I will do my best to support you and ensure Hakuryuu does the same though somehow I doubt it will be a problem, "A small frown curled at the edges of Hakuei's lips, "If Iris is going to be your wife, she's to be Empress. Iris, have you considered the challenges that will come with becoming Empress?"

Her stomach twisted a bit, Iris was still uneasy at the thought. She nodded, "Kouen and Koumei have ensured I'm aware. Mei's going to ensure I'll have proper staff to support me when the time comes. They're also going to start having me assist with the day-to-day stuff," She saw Hakuei nod slowly, "It's a lot, but I trust them."

"That's good," Hakuei released a soft sigh, "You are a brave one especially given the fact that you're not someone that coming from a noble background," Iris didn't feel even a lick of shame, "I will do my best to assist where I can,"

"Much appreciated," Iris smiled warmly at Hakuei.

Waking up behind Iris as she peered down at the city below, Kouen set his hands on her hips and let his head rest on her shoulder. She spoke softly with a slight smile curling at the edge of her lips, "This time tomorrow, we'll be married. It's almost unbelievable despite the work we've all put in."

His eyes picked out the soft lights of the bustling city below them, Iris's words hung in the air. His chest thrummed with pleasure and excitement, he nuzzled against her neck and felt Iris shiver. Pressing a soft kiss to the warm skin, he murmured, "Nervous, My dear?"

Releasing a sigh as she leaned back against him, Iris tilted her head to give him more room. Voice soft, she kept her gaze on the city below, "Not nervous...I think it's just starting to sink in that we're getting married tomorrow..." She hesitated for a moment and he felt only the slightest bit of worry that she was starting to feel some regrets, "En, my friends won't be there...Nev won't be there tomorrow."

Even if it wasn't a regret, Kouen still felt a pang at the fact those who were basically Iris's family would not be there to see them wed. Tightening his grip on her, he pressed a kiss to her skin, "I wish there was a way that we could have them brought here, Iris. I really do."

"I know," Iris turned in his arms to smile sadly up at him, "Part of me is hoping that Luna will have them all show up at random tomorrow right before the ceremony even begins,"

Offering her a soft look, Kouen kissed her cheek, "If there is one thing I've learned about your friends, it's that Luna will likely do what you least expect of her."

Giggling softly, Iris kissed him in return, "Hopefully we're both right."

About to kiss Iris again, Kouen turned his head as the door opened and Koumei walked in. His younger brother raised an eyebrow with a light smile, Koumei asked them, "Am I interrupting?"

"En's just helping me with some nerves," Iris smiled at Koumei and held a hand out to him, "So did Arashi enjoy having you put him to bed?"

"It was interesting though I think he prefers you," Koumei took Iris's hand as he walked over, "Nerves?"

"I'm missing Luna and the others. Knowing that they likely won't be there tomorrow even with the letters I've sent to them, it hurts," Iris threaded her fingers together with Koumei's, "They're my family. I mean, Ron and Hermione are too, but I'm not inviting them because of the purple-haired jackass. But-"

"No need to explain yourself," Koumei gently tugged Iris out of Kouen's grip and kissed her, "They're the only family you have in this world-Well, I can't say that seeing as you'll be part of our family as of tomorrow,"

"Which is still kind of crazy to think of," Iris let Koumei guide her to the couch with Kouen moving towards the decanter, "I mean the only family I've had were either killed, my relatives who hated me, my godfather who was on the run from my countries law enforcement, and some distant cousins I never knew about until Neville mentioned it after we arrived here,"

Pouring them all a glass of wine, Kouen joined Iris and Koumei on the couch. Handing out the glasses, Kouen took a sip of his own as Koumei shook his head, "As you've no doubt figured it out, Family is a very complex thing even when blood isn't involved," He smiled at Iris, "Chosen family is sometimes much better than blood family even if it's no less chaotic."

"Damn straight," Iris snorted with a light smile and took a sip of her wine, "En," Kouen hummed as he sipped his wine, "Are you still sure about doing the thing with Arashi tomorrow?"

Setting his glass down, Kouen reached out to cup Iris's cheek, "I want to, Iris. Naming Arashi as my son and heir is something I've been wanting to do since the day we found out about him," She leaned into his touch with a soft look in her eyes, "It's not only important to me, Iris. I know it's important to Koumei as well even if he'll only be claiming Arashi via certain paperwork. We want Arashi to be known as part of our family in the eyes of everyone not just in our hearts. He's our son and we're so fucking proud of that."

Her eyes shimmering with warmth, Iris set down her wine glass and touched his cheek with her now empty hand, "En..."

Leaning in as his fingers tightened around Iris's, Koumei spoke softly, "Iris, we are doing this not just because it will provide him with protection. We're doing this because he is our son and we want him to be officially recognized as such."

Her gaze flickered between them for a long moment, Iris finally nodded with a long sigh. Kouen knew she still had certain reservations mostly due to Gyokuen. With a weak smile curling across her lips, she murmured, "While I admit to still having certain fears, I trust you both and I know that Arashi will love it. And...it feels right that we include him in some way tomorrow."

Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, Kouen chuckled, "That's also why I wanted to do it tomorrow."

Kissing him softly, Iris murmured, "Love you both."