Flambéed Love (Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon Fanfiction)

Chapter 18: Seeds

Iris walked around her bedroom nervously, running through the script over and over again in her mind. Today, she wasn't like her usual calm self, but it was understandable given her circumstances. The novelist had planned something important that afternoon, but truthfully... the anticipation had become quite unbearable even for her. She needed complete privacy for this - and yes, an option was to use his place instead, but for some reason she couldn't explain, she needed the comfort of her own home today.

Looking back, there was just one problem.

Iris doesn't want Mistel to find out just yet - at least not until the issue has been resolved - and so she needed some way to get Mistel out of the house just for that afternoon until the following day. At first, she twisted her mind to find a good excuse, hoping that Mistel would somehow believe her... but Iris quickly reminded herself that her brother deserved no such treatment, and so she did what she thought seemed most reasonable at this point in time: simply tell her little brother that she needs to be alone today for a reason she will explain later. 

Thankfully, Mistel, being the mature young man that he is, immediately understood the situation, and packed his bag to spend the night at Marian's - a place he frequently visited throughout his childhood. He's now under the care of the town's capable doctor, or to put it more frankly, he's currently being pestered by the eccentric pink-haired man. 

Of course, so many things ran through his mind: What's happening with Iris? Why does she look so down? Will she be alright? Mistel thought. But not even once did he question her, because he knew that Iris must have her own reasons for not telling him now, and all Mistel wanted was for his sister to finally start feeling better. So with the house finally secured all to herself, Iris can now rest assured, knowing that her conversation with Klaus will be private.

Iris brought herself back to the present, and found herself staring by the window. It was the afternoon of Winter the 30th, and to Iris, it really signaled one thing: the year was coming really close to an end, and yet she still hasn't inform Klaus about her situation. Iris sighed.

She was never one who liked to leave matters unresolved, especially into the following year... but this was such a complicated issue, and it's not like she could bring it up so easily. She needed time to think, time to calm down. But with the approaching New Year's Celebration really closing in, she was prompted to have 'the talk' with Klaus, right here right now. Besides, Iris knew, that she'll have to do it sooner or later anyway... whether she likes it or not.

Iris continued looking out the window -deep in thoughts - until unknowingly the sun soon has begun to set, causing the room to develop a tinge of crimson. Her expression looked melancholic, as she remembered the times when the four of them were still together. The house used to be more lively... and certainly more full of love, until the accident took them away. Iris recalled how heartbroken she was at first, and how she promised herself to make the house still full of love, for her little brother Mistel, who was still so young at the time. She continued her train of memories, and took one single deep breath.

"Iris?"

Iris turned her head in the direction of the source - towards the staircase - upon hearing a voice she's all too familiar with.

"Klaus?" Iris called out gently. She remained calm, but was actually nervous that Klaus was finally here.

"I've let myself in as you suggested. You mentioned that there is something important you wanted to discuss?" Klaus asked as he continued taking the steps on the staircase. "Is everything alright?"