Summary: For day 7 of @empyreanevents Dain Week! Dain blinked, making sure he wasn’t just imagining things, but it was real. Iris Riorson gave her very first smile to her Uncle Dain.
@violencelittlething look! I actually wrote fluff!
Title from Snow on the Beach
Word Count: 1030
As sunlight shone through the curtains of the nursery, Dain held Iris as he sat in an old rocking chair. Xaden was off making rounds throughout the kingdom with Garrick, leaving an exhausted Violet home in Aretia with their 6 week old daughter. Dain could see the bags under Violet’s eyes darkening as each day passed and the many tell-tale signs he’d learned over the years that her body was reaching its breaking point. He, Sloane, Imogen, and Bodhi had tried to coax Violet into slowing down, reminding her that one of the purposes of their communal living situation was to help each other, to be the village. Violet only shook her head, stubbornly insisting that she was fine and didn’t need anyone’s help. “I’m the Queen of Tyrrendor,” she said. “Xaden is going to have to be away from time to time and I am going to have to figure out how to take care of Iris without him. Plenty of mothers do this. I don’t need to rest.” Imogen made sure Violet kept up her protein intake, Sloane brought fresh towels and sheets each morning and watched Iris for the brief moments Violet allowed herself to shower while the baby napped, and Bodhi balanced keeping Violet updated on pertinent matters with making sure he wasn’t overwhelming her unnecessarily. But Dain had known Violet longer than any of them, had worked hard to get back to the point where she trusted him to help her. So, on the fourth day of Xaden’s trip, he tried again.
“Vi,” Dain said in a firm but kind tone. “You know your body is hurting. You are only six weeks postpartum and you’re still healing. You have to let us help you. There’s no shame in letting one of the many people who love Iris spend some time with her so you can rest.”
Again, Violet shook her head. “I’m fine. She can stay with me.”
“You’re not fine, Violet. If Xaden were here, he’d say the same thing.” Violet couldn’t argue with that. She knew Xaden wouldn’t be pleased with anyone if he heard she’d run herself into the ground in his absence.
“Vi, just give yourself an hour or two. You just fed her, so she’ll be fine. Take a nap. Your body needs it and Iris needs you at your best. I’ll take care of her.”
After a long pause, Violet sighed, placing Iris in Dain’s arms. “Go with Uncle Dain, angel,” she said to her daughter. “I’ll see you in just a little while.”
Before Violet could change her mind, Dain took Iris from the sitting room into her nursery, settling down with her in the rocking chair. “Uncle Dain’s got you, sweet girl,” he told Iris as she snuggled into his arms. Dain adored Iris. From the day she was born, Dain reveled in being her uncle. He knew how precipitously close he had come to never being allowed to know his best friend’s child; that alone made him cherish the time he spent with Iris. But it was more than that. Dain learned that he, unbeknownst to anyone in Riorson House, was a baby person. He loved holding Iris’ tiny, perpetually warm body on his chest. He loved seeing her take in the world around her and learn the voices of all her family members. He loved telling her stories, whispering to her in whatever language he happened to choose that day.
He knew Sloane wanted to wait a bit longer to have children. He wasn’t sure if she was clinging to some semblance of independence, if she genuinely just wanted time as a couple before parenthood, or if she still struggled with the idea of becoming a mother in a world where her parents and Liam no longer existed. Dain had a feeling it was a combination of all three.
“I love you, Iris,” Dain whispered as he felt her little fingers clutch his shirt. They rocked for a while longer and eventually Iris lifted her head off of Dain’s chest. Bracing herself on her hands, her little chest came up and Dain cooed with pride. “Such a good girl doing your tummy time. Yes, you are.” And then, it happened. Iris smiled. Her very first smile. Dain blinked, making sure he wasn’t just imagining things, but it was real. Iris Riorson gave her very first smile to her Uncle Dain.
“Look at your beautiful smile,” Dain praised, feeling a huge smile spread across his own face. “You’re such a happy girl and you make Uncle Dain so happy too.” Dain pressed a kiss to the top of Iris’ head. “You’re going to get anything you want from me for the rest of your life, sweetheart. Extra cake? All yours. Princess dresses? One in every color. I’m just wrapped around your little finger, babydoll. Now, let’s go tell Aunt Sloane what you did!”
Dain carried Iris down the corridors to his and Sloane’s wing of the house. “Sloane!” Dain called. “You have to see what our niece just did!”
Sloane stuck her head out from the closet where she’d been putting away clean laundry.. “What did she do?” Sloane’s eyes widened. “Dain. Is she… is she smiling?”
Dain nodded, beaming with pride. “She gave me her very first smile! Me, Sloane! Not Vi, not Xaden, not even Garrick. Me.”
“I can’t tell whose smile is bigger,” Sloane commented as she looked between her husband and their niece. “You deserve it, love. Really. But you do know Xaden’s going to kill you, right?”
“Yeah…” Dain’s brows furrowed.
“Don’t worry. I’m great at giving Xaden bad news. I’ll put on my sweet, innocent baby sister face and then cry when he threatens your life and it should all work out fine! Just, um, maybe hold the baby in front of you like a shield as often as you can for a few days. Yeah, that will work. I think.”
At that moment, Dain didn’t even care. Iris’ love was boundless and the recipient of her first smile wasn’t actually a contest, but as Iris continued to coo, Dain still felt deep in his soul that he had won.
Summary: Dain and Sloane babysit Iris, prompting a conversation about the parent Dain wants to become.
Word Count: 1466
Warning: Implied past child abuse.
For @empyreanevents Slain Week Day 3 (parents)! This one was a long time coming.
@violencelittlething Iris is BACK and they're preparing for her to have friends/cousins!
Title from Family Line (Conan Gray)
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Dain Aetos hadn’t known much joy in the first 22 years of his life. There were fleeting moments — climbing trees with Violet, studying languages and tomes with Asher Sorrengail, his tryst with Amber Mavis his first year at Basgiath — but for one reason or another, that joy wasn’t sustained. It had to contend with disappointment, failure, insecurity, death, the Codex, and his father.
How different his life was now. He had his beautiful wife, who he still couldn’t believe chose him. He was part of a family, part of a city, part of a kingdom that stood for good. And there was Iris. Iris, his precious baby niece who was captivated by him. Her first smile was given to him and even though he felt a little bad that it wasn’t Violet or Xaden she first smiled at, Dain relished the moment. In fact, holding Iris for her first smile was the best moment of his life that didn’t involve Sloane. So it wasn’t shocking to anyone that when Violet, Xaden, and Bodhi had to take an overnight trip to Cordyn for trade discussions, Iris was left in the care of her Uncle Dain and Aunt Sloane.
“Don’t worry, we’re going to have the best time! Aren’t we, sweet girl?” Sloane cooed at her niece. “Say bye-bye to Mama, Dada, and Uncle Bodhi!” Sloane bounced Iris on her hip, lifting the 6 month old’s hand to wave to her parents and uncle.
“Are you sure you have everything?” Violet turned to Dain.
“Vi, go. We have everything we need and if we need anything, we’ll get it.”
“Come on, Violence. If we don’t leave now, I don’t think we’ll be able to drag Bodhi out of here.” Xaden gestured to his cousin who was covering Iris in kisses as she giggled. “We said our goodbyes, you convinced me to leave my heir with Dain, now let’s go so we can get this over with and come home.”
Twenty minutes later, Dain and Sloane were finally alone with Iris. “Alright, cutie pie, what should we do first? Gossip? Have some milk? Make footprint art?” Sloane ran some options by her niece. Iris babbled happily in response before reaching her chubby arms out for her uncle. Sloane feigned offense, but she was actually delighted. She and Iris loved each other and she knew they would have a lifetime of girl talk and shopping trips and rune making together, but she also knew Dain needed Iris in a way that she didn’t. Sloane could tell that Dain reveled in Iris’ affection for him, something he’d spent so much of his life being denied. Sloane loved her husband, was openly affectionate with him (or, as Garrick would say, engaged in way too much PDA with him), but she knew there was something different about the way he received Iris’ love and it made her cherish her niece even more.
Dain, naturally, chose reading and snacks as their first activity, settling Iris with her bottle on his lap as he read to her. He chose a book of fairytales, one he knew that Violet often read to her. His deep voice vibrated behind Iris’ head and she sighed contentedly as she listened to the story before falling asleep in Dain’s arms. “I know I should put her in her crib, but I can’t bring myself to,” Dain whispered.
Sloane smiled and shook her head softly. “You don’t need to. Xaden holds her for naps and even for hours at night whenever he can. Enjoy the baby snuggles, my love. You deserve them.”
Once Iris woke up and was changed and settled, they went outside. Dain nestled Iris into a baby wrap, facing her outward so she could see the grounds of Riorson House and the view of Aretia. They walked her through the vegetable garden Sloane occasionally tended to and the flower gardens that Bodhi and Violet took excellent care of. Thoirt and Cath flew down from the hatching grounds to meet them. Iris had been around dragons her whole life and her little eyes widened every time she saw one. Dain, Sloane, and Sawyer swore she looked the most excited when she saw red dragons, but everyone else argued that her favorite was the color of their dragon. They walked into the village, stopping at merchants’ stalls and shops. The Aretian citizens were thrilled to see their princess and many stopped to awe at her and tell her how well her parents were doing as reigning monarchs. Like any good aunt and uncle, Sloane and Dain took the opportunity to spoil Iris with new clothes, new books, and an intricately crocheted stuffed cat that they called Broccoli Jr. As the sun set, they walked back to Riorson House for Iris’ final feeding. Dain rocked Iris to sleep as Sloane sang her Tyrrish lullabies from her childhood. They successfully got Iris into her crib, which had been moved to their wing for the night, kissing her goodnight and wishing her the sweetest dreams before settling in their own bed.
“Did you ever expect that Xaden would be such a good dad?” Dain asked as he ran his fingers through his wife’s hair.
Sloane’s answer came without hesitation. “Absolutely yes. Xaden is a caretaker. He’s always looked after all the marked ones and Tyrrendor, of course. And he’s stepped up for me and for Bodhi more times than I can count when we needed someone to be there for us.The man was meant to be a dad.”
Dain nodded slowly, considering her words. “I never thought I’d say this, but I want to be like him.”
Sloane’s blue eyes twinkled. “I’m so telling him you said that when he gets back. He’ll probably think you’re having a stroke and take you straight to Brennan,” she giggled.
Dain didn’t laugh. His brow furrowed, deep in thought. Sloane sighed, knowing he was thinking of his father. Sloane didn’t even like referring to General Aetos as a father; he was just someone who contributed sperm that happened to result in Dain.
Sloane sat up, tucking her legs underneath her and reaching up to cup Dain’s face. “Babe, you’re not him.” Sloane’s voice was almost impossibly soft, something she reserved for him alone.
“You don’t know that.”
“Have you seen yourself with Iris? It’s like the two of you are in your own little world. I watched you two together all day and I swear to the Gods, Dain, it was magical.”
“But –”
“No.” Sloane shook her head emphatically. “Can you ever imagine hurting that little girl? Can you imagine ever belittling her or denouncing her?”
“Never.” Dain looked pained at Sloane’s questions.
“Exactly. Because you, Dain Aetos-Mairi, are not your father. You are a protector. You are nothing but love. That’s what I see. That’s what Iris sees. And that is what our children will see.” Dain lifted Sloane onto his lap, needing her close.
“I never want to turn into him. I never want our children to grow up the way I did.”
“I don’t either, my love. And we won’t let that happen,” she said, meeting his eyes. “Why don’t you tell me more about the parent you want to be?”
Dain cocked his head to the side in thought. “I want to be a steady, consistent presence for our kids. I want them to know that they can talk to me about anything, that they can come to me when they’re in trouble. I want them to know in their bones that they can come to me when they’re feeling less than perfect, like if they’ve made a mistake or done something wrong or just feel like I’ll be disappointed. I want them to know that I love them and that they’re safe with me. I don’t want to just be Mr. Rules. Don’t look at me like that.”
Sloane put her hands in the air. “I said nothing. My face was frozen. Continue.”
“As I was saying, I don’t want to just be the person telling them what not to do. Yeah, I know I’ll have to do some of that, but I want to do it in a gentle, caring way. The opposite of what I had. I want them to be proud that I’m their dad.”
“They will be, love. They will be.” Sloane wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck, surrounding him with the love he never thought he’d be blessed enough to have. “I’m so proud of you. You work so hard. You’re the best husband and I know you’ll make the best dad.” She paused, her eyes meeting his and lighting up with mischief. “Want to go get Iris for more baby snuggles?”
Summary: Some Mother's Day fluff featuring Violet and her daughter Iris.
Tagging the other half of our shared braincell @violencelittlething. Thank you for letting me borrow Callista Mairi and helping me with the names for the other moms!
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“Go wake Mama,” Xaden stage whispers to 2 year-old Iris.
“Mama!” Little Iris’ sing-song voice called out. Violet could hear the smile in her little girl’s voice.
“Good morning, family.” Violet yawned as she stretched her arms and patted the space next to her on the bed, coaxing Iris to climb up. Iris scampered over and, with just the tiniest bit of aid from her dad’s shadows, got up onto the bed next to her mom.
“Okay! Blow out candles?” Iris cocks her head in question.
“Thank you, my darling girl,” Violet says, squeezing her daughter to her. “Yes, we can blow out some candles later if you’d like.”
“I don’t think that’s a Bodhi Durran sanctioned tradition for Mother’s Day, your majesty,” Xaden jokes. Bodhi had appointed himself the keeper of Tyrrish traditions, always making sure they carried a part of their past forward into their new family and reign. They all loved him for it, but also found themselves laughing at the scowl on his face when they’d forget or mix up customs.
“And what is, my King?”
“Breakfast in bed, cards and gifts from your amazing daughter and husband, a special surprise, family dinner, and…” Xaden leaned in close to Violet’s ear, breath brushing against her temple. “Practicing making another baby.”
All these years later and Xaden still knew how to make her blush.
“Dada, where is my card?” Iris’ voice rose an octave on the last word.
“I’ve got it right here, baby girl. Here,” he passed it to her. “Give it to Mama. I’ll be right back.”
“Here you go, Mama!”
Violet looked down at her lap to see parchment covered in her daughter’s colorful scribbles. She noticed that Iris – or Xaden – had chosen black, gold, navy blue, and purple for the color scheme, fitting for them of course. “Dear Mama, Happy Mother’s Day! You’re the best mom ever and I’m so lucky to have you. Love, Iris.” The card was of course in Xaden’s handwriting, and next to Iris’ name was a traced outline of her tiny hand.
“Thank you, sweet girl.” Violet gave Iris another hug, blinking back happy tears. “This is the prettiest card in the world. Let’s put it here on my bedside table so I can look at it every day.”
Iris beamed with pride, happy that she had made her mom’s day. Iris was a daddy’s girl, but she absolutely adored Violet. Violet had worried that she would struggle with motherhood – and pregnancy was certainly a challenge for her, physically and mentally – but she was a natural mother, caring and nurturing and absolutely in love with her daughter. And while Xaden’s joke about practicing making a baby was well-received, their plan was to enjoy life with Iris for another couple of years before deciding if they truly wanted to try for another baby.
Xaden returned carrying a breakfast tray with coffee, fruit, and pastries for Violet. Next to Violet’s coffee cup was a smaller one, filled with apple juice for Iris. “She wants to be just like you.” Xaden’s eyes were full of adoration for his wife and little girl, everything he’d ever wanted and never thought he would have.
After breakfast, Xaden and Iris presented Violet with her gifts. Fancy chocolates, a stunning flower arrangement from Tyrrendor’s best florist, an emerald bracelet that matched her wedding ring, and several books Violet had mentioned wanting to read over the previous few months. Then, it was time for their big surprise.
“Come on, Mama!” Iris cried as she toddled down one of Riorson House’s many corridors. “This way to the surprise!” Xaden used his shadows to cover Violet’s eyes, leading her by the hand to the library. Xaden removed his hand from Violet’s and flung open the doors to the library. “Okay, Violence, you can open your eyes now.”
Violet squealed with delight. Xaden and Iris had created a mother-daughter reading nook in the library. While the usual shelves remained, there was now a smaller, toddler-level shelf filled with some of Iris’ favorite stories. There was a plush rug, two large stuffed dragons, and a matching set of ruby velvet arm chairs, one adult-sized and one kid-sized. Violet felt her eyes prick with happy tears once again, overwhelmed by how loved she felt. “Did you help Daddy make this, sweetheart?”
Iris nodded. “She helped pick out the stuffed dragons and the color for the chairs. She has excellent design skills,” Xaden noted. “And she picked most of her books. Dain helped me with some of the others, all those Krovlish fables he tells her that I have no clue about.”
Violet knelt down next to Iris and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, sweetheart. How would you like me to read to you?” Iris clapped her hands and pulled a book off her shelf, handing it to her mom to read. Violet read to Iris until the toddler nodded off, settling Iris in her armchair and draping a blanket over her. This really was the perfect gift.
That evening, they joined Imogen and Garrick, Dain and Sloane, and Bodhi for family dinner. As the permanent residents of Riorson House, they made it a point to eat dinner together most nights of the week, often joined by Ridoc, Brennan, or the others who had all settled in Aretia. Iris sat in her booster seat, flanked on either side by Violet and Dain, Xaden next to Violet at the head of the table.
Xaden cleared his throat to begin the Mother’s Day tribute to the moms who were no longer with them: Tracila Cardulo, Elin Durran, Callista Mairi, and Josephine Tavis. Dain didn’t speak of his mother and Violet knew it was not the audience in front of which to discuss Lilith Sorrengail so the focus was kept on those who had died for Tyrrendor. “Before we eat, let’s raise a glass to our moms. Traclia, Aunt Elin, Callie, and Josie were wonderful women who loved their children immensely. They’d be so proud of where we are today. To them.” Xaden looked at each person around the table as he said their mother’s name, silently acknowledging the emotions that came with the day.
“To our moms,” they chorused.
“But not Talia,” Garrick quipped. “Seriously, fuck her.” Imogen elbowed him. “Oh, sorry Vi, Iris. I don’t know a kid-friendly way to edit that.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Bodhi says, downing his glass of wine.
“I mean, yeah she was an awful mom, but do you all remember the chocolate cake in Hedotis?” Everyone groaned.
“Chocolate cake?” Iris perked up, hoping it was about to be served, eyes wide as saucers.
“After dinner, angel,” Xaden told his daughter. He raised his glass again. “To Violet, the best mother I know. Happy Mother’s Day, love.” Everyone happily raised their glasses, toasting the woman who gave them their sweet niece. Iris clinked her cup of water with her mom.
As the evening wound down, Xaden reached for the navy blue thread in his mind. Happy Mother’s Day, Sgaeyl. The reply came instantly. Thank you, my boy.
Summary: My contribution to Bodhi Week, day 6 (soft)! Bodhi meets his niece Iris and promises her he’ll be her safe place. Background Imrrick, Riorgail, and Slain!
Thank you, @violencelittlething for letting me borrow the Tyrrish custom of only women being allowed in the birthing room. If you haven’t read her amazing fic The Best Thing That’s Ever Been Mine, you need to.
@empyreanevents
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On the day that Iris Riorson was born, her uncle Bodhi waited impatiently to hold her. Imogen and Sloane had been by Violet’s side as she labored, getting the earliest looks at their niece. Xaden paced outside the birthing room for hours, adhering to Tyrrish tradition of the birthing room being a space for women only. When Sloane came to announce that the baby girl had arrived and was healthy, Garrick whooped and jumped in the air, shaking the whole fortress on his landing. Xaden visibly relaxed as he hugged Sloane before making his way to his wife and daughter. Ridoc hugged Sawyer and Rhiannon so tightly it looked painful, glee in his eyes. Dain pulled Sloane onto his lap and kissed her like they were the ones who had just had a baby. Brennan pulled Imogen aside, asking questions Bodhi assumed were meant to gauge Violet’s need for mending. As for Bodhi, he exchanged smiles with everyone and then began pacing, retracing his cousin’s footsteps.
“You okay, Bodhi?” Imogen asked.
“Never better. Just wanting my baby snuggles.”
“Baby snuggles are the best,” Sloane said, still sitting on Dain’s lap. “I’d have a hundred kids just for the baby snuggles.” Dain leaned down to whisper something in his wife’s ear. Sloane’s reply was hushed but Bodhi could have sworn he heard her say “not now, we’ll lose our place in line.”
An hour or so later, Xaden’s voice came from the doorway. “Bodhi. Come meet your niece.”
Bodhi didn’t have to be told twice. He entered the room, seeing a dark haired little girl wrapped in a traditional Tyrrish receiving blanket lying on Violet’s chest. “Congratulations, Vi. How are you feeling?” he asked, bending down to kiss her forehead.
“I’m okay. It was hard on my body, but Imogen and Sloane were great supports.” Violet shifted the bundle in her arms, turning to face Bodhi. “Bodhi, this is Iris. Iris, meet your uncle Bodhi.”
Bodhi carefully lifted Iris from Violet’s arms, noticing how tiny she was. She couldn’t have weighed more than 6 pounds. Her eyes were closed, allowing Bodhi to see her long, dark eyelashes. He cradled her in his arms, breathing in her intoxicating newborn scent. Calm immediately washed over his body as he soaked in the baby snuggles.
“Hey, sweet girl. I’m Uncle Bodhi. Welcome to Riorson House. Your dad and I grew up here and it’s so cool that you’re going to grow up here now. I live here too, along with your Uncle Garrick, Aunt Imogen, Aunt Sloane, and Uncle Dain. You have a bunch of other aunts and uncles who live close to us, too. So many people love you already, sweetheart. We’ve waited a long time for you. You and I are going to have so much fun together. I have a green dragon, Cuir, who is the most awesome dragon you’ll ever see. I can’t wait til I can put you in some baby flight goggles and bring you along for a ride.” Bodhi swore he saw Iris’ perfect rosebud lips twitch with happiness. “I can teach you all about Tyrrish customs and traditions. That’s kind of my thing around here, princess. And we can plant flowers together in the garden with your mom. Let me tell you, you have amazing parents. They love you so much.” Xaden smiled, delighting in hearing his cousin’s words to his daughter.
Bodhi lowered his voice, wanting only Iris to hear his next words. “I know there’s a whole bunch of people wanting their turn to hold you, so I’ll just say one more thing. I’ll always be your safe place, my sweet girl. You can always come to me for anything. If you’re sad or scared or need a hug or just want someone to listen to you, I’ll be there no matter what and I’ll never judge. You’ll always be safe with me, physically and emotionally. I promise. I love you, Iris. I love you so much.” Blinking back joyful tears, Bodhi passed Iris back to Xaden.
When Dain and Sloane’s son was born years later, Bodhi snuggled his nephew close and spoke the same words to him. He did the same with Imogen and Garrick’s daughter and the rest of his many nieces and nephews as they came into the world, each of them knowing from day one that Bodhi would always have their backs. And he made good on his promise to be a safe place. He tended to skinned knees and broken hearts, soothed tears and hurt feelings, and was the go-to confidant for anything that they thought would get them in trouble with their parents. He was known for giving the best cuddles. On stormy nights when the kids were little, they would file in one by one to Bodhi’s room, knowing he’d never turn them away or tell them to just go back to sleep. The next morning, their parents would find them piled up on Bodhi’s bed, sound asleep and content in their safe place with their uncle.
Bodhi had spent so much of his life wondering what his true purpose was, who he was other than Xaden’s cousin. As he held Iris, he knew. This was what he was made for.
Summary: Xaden Riorson's daughter is having a tea party and Dain Aetos is invited. Background/mentioned Riorgail and Slain.
A/N: This is my very first fic, but it's something cute I just couldn't get out of my head! Thanks @intairnwetrust for making me think about Dain being the favorite uncle to Xaden's kids and @garricks4thwingqueen for the name inspo. Title from "Anti-Hero."
Iris Riorson was having a tea party. The adorable 4 year old girl with her mother’s eyes and her father’s dark hair had planned this special day thoroughly. She set her toddler-size table with plates, cups, and saucers from her tea set, each piece covered in pink flowers. Three chairs were arranged around the table, awaiting her guests. With her mom’s help, she had invited two of her favorite people in the world: her dad and her uncle Dain.
Xaden Riorson was sitting at a tea party with Dain Aetos. Never in his life did he think he would say that sentence. He’d come around to Aetos over the years, he supposed. The ice started thawing — at a pace slower than molasses — when Dain helped free Violet from Varrish and came to Aretia with many other Fourth Wing riders. Quest Squad passed without a major incident between the two of them. Then Dain and Sloane got together. Xaden wasn’t exactly thrilled to hear about the couple, but he realized as Sloane trembled with anxiety in front of him that he no longer hated Violet’s childhood best friend. Xaden walked Sloane down the aisle on her wedding day, trying to stand in for his foster brother, and the look on Dain’s face as he waited to be joined by his bride had Xaden almost willing to bestow the “brother-in-law” title on the man. Almost.
When Iris was born, the first baby of the squad, everyone immediately fell in love with her. Her aunts and uncles all showered her with affection and gifts and sweet Iris rewarded them with coos and snuggles. But it was Dain who was holding her the first time she smiled. From then on, Iris had Dain, the strict, disciplined former wingleader, wrapped around her little finger.
As she grew, Iris’ preference for Dain never wavered. When Violet would ask who she wanted to sit next to at a gathering, Iris would always answer “Uncle Dain.” In a room full of family, she’d launch herself into Dain’s arms, content to stay there for hours. Xaden had hoped her favorite uncle would be Garrick or Bodhi; hell, even Ridoc would have been preferable, but Dain it was. And don’t even get Xaden started on the smugness on Sloane’s face anytime Iris ran to hug Dain before any of her other relatives. He sometimes wondered if Sloane had bribed Iris.
So it shouldn’t have been shocking to Xaden when the third seat at Iris’ tea party wasn’t for his wife, but for Dain. “My favorite boys,” Iris announced, clapping her hands with glee. And that’s how Xaden ended up in a chair that was comically tiny for his large frame, holding a miniature teacup with his pinky up, next to a tiara-clad Dain Aetos. Dain, too, was struggling in the pint-sized chair but no inconvenience could wipe the smile off his face that his niece — the most precious thing in the world to him besides Sloane — wanted him at her tea party.
Maybe it shouldn’t have, but Iris’ approval and preference meant the world to him. While he’d worked hard to regain Violet’s trust and earn the respect of her and Xaden’s friends, he still felt like somewhat of an outsider in their group. But Iris didn’t know any of that. Iris didn’t know that he’d once been blamed for Liam’s death, that he’d struggled to learn the difference between protecting someone and stifling their growth, that everyone in their group had been petrified that he’d touch them, steal their memories, and reveal their secrets. Iris saw Dain just as she saw Bodhi, Garrick, Imogen, Brennan, and the rest of them — as family, as someone she loved, as someone who loved her and would do anything to protect her and make her smile. The fact that she always wanted to be next to him, to sit in his lap, to give him hugs, and draw him pictures made it even sweeter. He’d wear that pink tiara like the badge of honor it was.
“More tea, Uncle Dain?” Iris asked.
“Yes, my princess.” Xaden’s eyes narrowed at Dain.
”More tea, Daddy?”
“Yes, my princess.”
“Silly, Daddy, I’m both of your princess! And I’m Mommy’s and Aunt Sloane’s and Uncle Gare’s and Aunt Rhi’s and Uncle Sawyer’s and Uncle Brennan’s and…” Iris skipped around the table, tending to her dolls’ teacups as she listed off her aunts and uncles. She was right, of course, she was everyone’s little princess. And Xaden and Dain realized that they were lucky to share her.
“Hey, Aetos.”
“Hm?” Dain looked up from his tea to meet Xaden’s eyes, finding they had softened a bit.
Xaden took a deep breath before speaking. “Thanks for coming for Iris. Thanks for being her uncle.”
Dain’s eyes crinkled as he looked between his niece and her father. “I’ll be at every tea party for the rest of her life if she’ll have me.” And he was.
In honor of the one year anniverary of my first fic, here is Iris' first birthday! It's a little unhinged and a lot chaotic, but full of love, just like I imagine this family. Tagging @violencelittlething as always!
Summary: In the lead up to Iris Riorson’s first birthday, her whole family has ideas about how to celebrate.
Word count: 2232
When Violet and Xaden fell in love, got married, and had a baby, they anticipated some potentially spirited discussions about what traditions they’d want to include for their family. She grew up in Navarre, he was the ruler of Tyrrendor, of course they had been raised differently. What they hadn’t counted on – and, really, they should have – was that those spirited discussions would involve their entire family, whether they liked it or not.
“We don’t have pinatas in Tyrrendor, Ridoc!” Imogen shouted.
“Not sure we have them in Navarre either,” Sawyer grumbled.
“And? Isn’t the whole point that we get to create our own traditions? Keeping the old that was good and embracing the new? Bodhi? Xaden? Help me out here,” Ridoc argued.
“You’re not getting help on this from me, man,” Bodhi answered. “But if you want to team up with me to fight for traditional Tyrrish musicians playing as Iris is carried into the party, just say the word.”
“Not if the party doesn’t involve a pinata!”
“What the actual fuck even is a pinata?” Garrick demanded as he entered the conversation. Everyone groaned.
“A pinata is something that you fill with candy and hang from a string. You can make it look like whatever you want. Ridoc here is suggesting a replica of Aotrom. Then the kids try to break the pinata and get the candy. Apparently he learned about it in Zehyllna,” Dain explained.
“Sounds fun. I’m in.” Both Imogen and Xaden rolled their eyes at Garrick as he and Ridoc high-fived.
“People, people! Let’s focus on something important. The cake!” Sloane exclaimed. “Violet, have you come to your senses yet?” Cake, especially for a child’s first birthday, was a big deal in Tyrrendor. Sloane and Bodhi had found dozens of handwritten recipes for so many of their childhood favorite dishes. Bodhi's mother’s recipe box had been largely intact, and Sloane remembered her parents patiently teaching her how to make many of the Mairi family classics. The traditional Tyrrish first birthday cake was a lemon-blueberry cake, filled with homemade lemon curd and homegrown blueberries, and topped with a lemon buttercream frosting. It was the perfect blend of tart and sweet, but not so sweet that it would overwhelm a child who likely hadn't eaten much sugar. To Sloane and the other Tyrrish members of the family, serving it was an obvious choice. Xaden, as usual, was staying out of the squabbling, but he had suggested more than once to Violet that she acquiesce to Sloane.
Violet, however, wanted the birthday cake she remembered from her childhood. Lilith Sorrengail was no baker, but Asher knew how to purchase a good cake. Violet remembered her father arriving home on birthdays with a big bakery box containing a giant confection with layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake topped with white chocolate frosting. Sloane could make it. She even thought it sounded delicious, but she insisted it was absolutely improper for Iris’ first birthday. The result was a standoff. Violet wouldn't budge and neither would Sloane. Dain tried to lobby Sloane. “Iris is Violet’s daughter, Sloane. You can't just bully her into choosing the cake you want! You can make the lemon-blueberry cake for our future children’s first birthdays” She just dug her heels in more. Dain appealed to Sloane's compassionate side. “You know, that cake is one of my only happy childhood memories.” For approximately ten seconds, Sloane appeared to be reconsidering, before proclaiming “We'll make you new happy memories. With Tyrrish cake. You and Iris can experience them together.” And then she slammed the door in his face.
Violet and Xaden also shouldn't have been surprised that the dragons had opinions about the celebration. Tairn and Sgaeyl had been cross with each other for weeks, locked in a war over which of them would bear Iris for her birthday flight. Andarna played referee – which really looked more like her egging each of them on. Of course, Iris had flown on both dragons multiple times. But the birthday flight was special. It took Xaden threatening to let Iris’ birthday flight take place with Bodhi on Cuir to get the mates to finally give the fighting a rest.
The truth was, Iris was a collective baby. Yes, Violet and Xaden were her parents, but as the first baby born into the squad – be that Iron Squad, Quest Squad, or the Marked Ones – she was essentially treated as if she belonged to every single one of them. Each adult was a doting aunt or uncle, regardless of whether they shared a single drop of blood or were married into either the Sorrengail or Riorson lines. They'd been there when Iris was born, held her within hours of her birth, and shared special moments with her. Dain had been given her first smile, her first laugh was at Ridoc, Imogen and Garrick had been right next to Xaden and Violet as Iris crawled to her parents for the very first time. From dinners to outings to playtime to babysitting, they were all deeply involved in the life of the little girl they loved more than anything. And even though the arguing was close to making Xaden throw each and every one of them out of his house, everyone just wanted Iris’ special day to truly be the best day.
_______
Iris woke up on her first birthday in her mother’s arms. Violet crept into Iris’ nursery just before she'd normally wake, lifted her out of her crib, and settled in the rocking chair. As she waited for Iris to stir, she looked at Iris' sweet little face. She remembered the moment her midwife had placed Iris in her arms exactly a year prior. Iris had grown and changed so much, but in that moment Violet swore she looked just like a newborn. When Iris opened her eyes and saw Violet, she lit up. Just weeks before, she'd said her first three words in fairly quick succession: “Mama,” “Dada,” and “Bobo” for Bodhi.
“Mama!” Iris said happily as she beamed.
“Good morning, sweet pea. Happy Birthday! Today is a special day where we all celebrate you.” Iris babbled excitedly in response to her mother's words. “You were born one year ago today,” Violet continued. “You changed all of our lives. I'm so lucky to be your mom. We love you so much, Iris.”
“That we do,” Xaden said as he entered the nursery.
“Dada! Dada!” Iris reached for her dad.
“Stay with Mama for a little, baby girl,” Xaden said after pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Birthdays are special for mamas.” Violet caught the slightest flash of grief as Xaden spoke, as he was reminded of how his own mother left him on his birthday. “You're our brightest light, little one. You bring us so much joy and you are so loved.”
______
After an easy early morning with her parents, Iris was dressed in her baby flight leathers. As soon as they stepped out of their wing, they found Garrick waiting for them. “Uncle Garrick reporting for birthday duty,” he said, saluting Iris. Iris giggled, which was pretty much her immediate response any time she saw Garrick. Garrick lifted her out of Violet’s arms and held her up high, holding her torso so she could spread her arms out like wings. “It's the flying baby! Iris, the most fearless, amazing baby niece!” This was their special game, one Garrick started playing with her as soon as she could hold up her own head.
“Couldn't wait til the party, Tavis?” Xaden smirked at his best friend.
“You're lucky I waited at all. I've been out here for an hour. I almost barged into the room at least three times. I had to see my favorite niece and she needed to see her favorite uncle.”
“I don't see Dain anywhere,” Xaden teased.
“Not funny.” Garrick scowled at Xaden. “Not funny at all. You know my heart is still hurting over that.”
“You'll get over it. Now if you'll excuse us, this little baby needs to have her birthday flight.”
Violet and Xaden walked Iris down to the flight field, where both Tairn and Sgaeyl waited. Though Sgaeyl would grumble and grouse, Violet had decided that Iris’ birthday flight would take place on Tairn. Xaden and Sgaeyl would fly next to them and it would be a family experience, but Violet used Bodhi’s lessons on Tyrrish tradition to her advantage. According to Xaden's history buff cousin, in the case that both parents were riders there were no hard and fast rules but the child typically would ride with their mother. Tairn, of course, could not have been more pleased. Andarna was in her harness, and Iris was so excited to see them all. She loved the dragons as much as her parents.
________
While the Riorsons enjoyed the birthday flight, chaos ensued back at the fortress as the others prepared for Iris’ party. Sloane took over the kitchen, threatening more than once to hit Bodhi, Ridoc, and Garrick with heavy frying pans if they wouldn't stay out of her kitchen. Dain knew better than to try to sneak snacks, so he instead argued with Imogen and Brennan about the color scheme for the balloons and streamers and the ideal location of Iris’ present pile. Sawyer and Jesinia were placing tiny birthday hats on each of Iris’ stuffed animals – mostly dragons and bunnies – so that they could be part of the celebration. There was a sense of restlessness in the air, each of them anxious to hold the birthday girl and shower her with gifts.
Finally, Iris arrived in her pink and sparkly party dress, fresh from a nap and ready for fun. Violet placed her gently on the carpet and, as expected, she immediately crawled to Dain.
“Happy Birthday, angel,” he said as he lifted her into his arms. “My girl is already 1! Still the prettiest girl in the world and the sweetest too. Look at this dress! Sloane! You have to see the dress.”
“What the hell is this?” Xaden’s voice boomed. Everyone reluctantly turned away from Iris and Dain to look at Xaden, who was staring at an ice sculpture. A very odd, dripping ice sculpture. “Gamlyn, explain.”
“So, after many of you dismissed my idea of a pinata –”
“You mean all of us,” Imogen interjected.
“Garrick was on my side!”
“Doesn't count. You said the word candy. You know how he is when there's food.”
“Fine. As I was saying before I was so rudely and factually incorrectly interrupted, after my spectacular idea of a pinata was dismissed, I moved on to my next festive idea.”
“This? This was your festive idea?” Xaden growled. Violet burst out laughing. Bodhi nearly fell to the ground. Sawyer hid his face in his hands.
“Yes.”
“It’s. Me.”
“Of course it is!”
“Why? Why is it me?”
“When a mom and a dad love each other way too much and lightning strikes, Baby Iris is made. So this is me celebrating her parents!”
“Gamlyn. It's just me. There's no Violet. It's just a very disturbingly real-looking ice sculpture of me with confetti thrown over it and wearing my fucking leather jacket.”
“I…ran out of time?”
“Violence, please let me hurt him,” Xaden begged his wife.
“Not on Iris’ special day, my love,” Violet managed between giggles. “You'll have to wait until tomorrow.”
“Dada ice?” Iris asked as she noticed what all the grown-ups were paying attention to.
Ridoc took his opportunity to enchant Iris and use her as a shield. “That's right, Iris. Uncle Ridoc made you a sculpture of Daddy. Come see it with me.” Iris reached out to grab the ice sculpture’s nose. “Dada!”
“See, she likes it,” Ridoc cooed.
Xaden breathed in sharply through his nose. “That thing will be gone by the time Iris goes to bed or you will never return. And you’ll clean my leather jacket.”
_____
The party kicked off without further incident. They played with Iris’ toys, sang her favorite songs, and watched with awe as she took in all the decorations and her stuffed animals’ party hats. Violet and Xaden helped her open presents. There were traditional first birthday gifts: a rocking horse that had once been Xaden and Bodhi’s, blocks, books of fairytales in various languages, and a blanket woven with runes. There were toys, three more stuffed dragons, hair bows, dresses, and a personalized toddler-sized apron so she could join Sloane in the kitchen.
Then it was time for Sloane to bring out the cake. No one knew whether she’d decided to follow Violet’s wishes or if she was just going to make the Tyrrish cake. She’d kept everyone out of the kitchen all day, and everyone else was kept in suspense. Sloane wheeled out a serving cart with two cakes: one the traditional Tyrrish lemon-blueberry and the other Sloane’s recreation of the neapolitan cake from Violet’s childhood.
“Cake time, princess!” Sloane squealed. Iris clapped her hands.
Violet and Xaden held Iris between them as everyone sang Happy Birthday. Then at once, Violet fed her a bite of the neapolitan cake and Xaden fed her a bite of the lemon-blueberry cake. Their little Iris, the brightest light in the room, a perfect mixture of her parents who made her and the family members who loved her - Tyrrish, Navarrian, and absolutely perfect.
