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zi-i-think · 4 years ago

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15 | Wedding Crashers

Zuko x Ama (OC)

Word Count: 10,100+

.☽☼☾.

~ Ama ☾ ~

Marriage. Probably one of the most exciting and terrifying things in a person's life. It might take couple's years to finally come to the conclusion that they were ready for it. For some others it might take less time. It was a life changing decision. And then once you make that decision the planning starts.

It would be a stressful few months. The two main participants may be met with hesitation during the time or just the opposite. Their trust for their partner could get stronger. In the end, if the couple chooses to go through with the union, they'd spend the rest of their lives together.

They'd share incredible moments that they just couldn't do with family or friends. It was the married couple that would share that moment if or when they have a child. They'd share the joy of having a family. They'd live and grow old together.

Growing up in the patriarchal society of the Water Tribe, many of us women longed for marriage since we were little girls. We'd dream of falling in love and then having as many kids as we could. Mom used to tell Katara and I the story of how she met dad on repeat. She described her marriage ceremony as one of the most incredible moments of her life and that having us was the most fulfilling part of her life.

So as kids, my sister and I would plan our weddings. Talk about our dream guy and then describe what our dress would look like in detail. I'd even go as far and plan how I'd want the reception to go. We couldn't wait to find romance.

Years ago, when I was with Mulan, I gave up on the plan for marriage. Not because I wanted to, I just didn't think it would have been possible. It wasn't like the Earth Kingdom allowed same-sex couples to marry each other. So that huge ceremony and reception was going to be traded by buying our house. And having kids was to be traded with housing the rejected ones.

During those years with the gorgeous warrior bastard, I had an epiphany that younger me didn't understand. Marriage wasn't about the decorations or the dress. Not even about the people that were attending. It was about two people wedding each other. About declaring to each other and themselves that they were wholeheartedly given themselves to the other.

And that was what today meant for Katara and Aang.

With the wedding just a few short hours away, there wasn't a single person who wasn't tasked with something to do. Servants were running around with last minute touches and the chefs were already busy preparing the appetizers and dishes.

But the worst, most heartbreaking part of the morning of the wedding day, is that the bride and groom have to be separated; according to Aang and Katara. Those two were attached at the hip. I didn't know if it was just because I'd been gone for so long, but those two somehow became even clingier. In my mind it shouldn't have to be such a big deal. I mean, it was only a couple hours then they'd be together as a married couple. They've been apart for longer than that.

But they were in love. It was their day. Their moment. They had every right to feel however they wanted. And if I was being honest, I could use some of Aang's magic touch right about now. Because Katara was beyond jittery.

"Sis, you made sure that the dress was cleaned and everything?" She hustled across the bridal prep room with a brush in her hand. The room was extravagant. It was one of the very few things that Katara let Malina take care of. And my step-mother truly outdid herself.

The soft blue themed prep room was set in one of the guest bedrooms of the palace. Along one wall, a long table was set and multiple mirrors were placed across each of the six plush chair. The bridesmaids dresses were hung on a silver dress rack, whereas the bride's dress was hung in a separate rack more delicately.

Most of us bridesmaids were already prepared with our makeup and hair, since Katara's paranoid ass kept needing to check something, she ended up being the last one to get seated for her makeup.

I let out a soft sigh, letting my head fall into my hand. "For the tenth time today. Yes, Katara. You just need to relax."

My sister let out a peeved scoff, sitting in her chair for Ty Lee to style her hair. "Relax." She grumbled like that was an impossible task. "I'm very relaxed. Totally not like this is one of the most important days of my life and there's a large possibility that we might get attached by some psycho." Her nervous, forced laugh worried me.

"Katara, your aura is very, uh, dark blue. Are you sure you don't just need a breather before I start your hair?" Ty Lee gave my sister a concerned look through the mirror as she ran her hand through Katara's chocolate hair.

Katara tensed up and she already started to stand up. "Well if we're going to have a break then I'm going to go over the-"

"Nevermind." Ty Lee firmly seated Katara back down.

"Hey, Katara," Toph started to question as she nibbled on a cookie. "The kale cookies are great and all, but why couldn't we get some of that seal jerky as a pre-ceremony snack."

"Because they make your breath smell bad." Katara stated matter-of-factly.

"Aren't mints a thing?" Mai wondered. She sat at one of the makeup stations, fixing her eyeliner for the fifth time. Which made me realize that everyone was feeling some nerves for today. Because if Mai was putting so much detail into something so small, she was worrying about something.

Suki pointed at Mai in agreement. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."

"Oh, well I'm sorry if I decided that kale cookies were a better choice than seal jerky. It's not like I had a million other things on my mind." Katara snapped. Everyone's jaws dropped and Ty Lee paused with the hair.

"Okay." I mumbled softly to just myself. I set down my tiny glass of champagne and went over to my sister. "I think we need to have a quick chat." I grabbed my sister's hand and led her off the seat. Luckily Ty Lee had only been brushing her hair and didn't start on the actual hairstyle. I dragged Katara to the bathroom, which was conveniently attached to the room. "Need to vent?"

Katara closed her eyes, breathing in deeply and then letting it out. "I don't think I can do this." She said suddenly, leaning her body on the sink. She let her head hang slightly, making her hair hide her face.

My eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"I just." She groaned in frustration and balled her hands into fists. "There's other things to worry about, like Azula. And everyone else is pushing it under the rug like it isn't a big deal. Is it even right to be having a celebration when we're almost positive that she's planning something for tonight."

I grabbed my sister's straining fists and forced them open to hold her hands. "Katara, listen to me. If you call off the wedding, you're giving Azula the satisfaction." My sister turned her head to look at me. "She wants people to be scared. By going on with the wedding you're showing her that no matter what she throws, she can't shake you."

Katara kissed her teeth. "Well, I don't want her to think that she scares me." A light chuckled left our lips.

With a comforting smile, I continued to speak. "But it's also your day. If you want to have it without worrying about Azula, that is okay. But it's your choice."

Katara looked away in thought for a moment before shaking her head. "No. Aang and I decided together to go through with this. Azula or not. We love each other. And... I don't want to wait another day."

"Alright then." I nodded, pulling her off the sink counter by the hand. "Shall we finish getting ready?" I motioned back into the room.

Katara nodded with a thin smile and led the way back out. She went straight to the seat in front of Ty Lee. "Okay, ladies. Let's get a move on." Ty Lee grinned happily and immediately went back to work.

"And we," I pointed to the other three girls, cocking up an elated eyebrow. "Should get into our dresses."

Toph groaned loudly and threw her head back. "Already?" She asked, shuffling unenthusiastically to the dress rack.

"Yes, already." I responded in a mocking tone as I took my dress off the rack.

None of us girls felt uncomfortable getting undress and slipping on our formal apparel in the same room. But I still faced away from them. Despite knowing the group for so many years and fighting by their side, the last thing I wanted was to make any of them feel uncomfortable now that I was out.

My outfit was more proper than it was yesterday to greet our royal and close guests. My medium purple dress floated just barely above the floor with dainty, silver spiral stitchings on the skirt. The formal dress would eventually be paired with a traditional deep blue parka, just not to be worn inside do obvious reasons.

I gently smoothened the skirt, to busy myself for a moment. "Is it safe to turn around?" I wondered out loud, fixing my eyes on the wall.

"We're all dressed, if that's what you want to know." Suki responded. I nodded and finally turned around in a casual manner. My jaw almost dropped at how elegant and gorgeous they all looked.

Everyone wore respectable attire from their own nation. Katara didn't like the idea of having all of us in the same gowns. In fact, she despised it entirely. Instead, my sister found it more appealing to have everyone wear clothing from their own cultures to represent the harmony of all nations during this occasion.

"You know you didn't have to turn around, Ama." Suki claimed while she hustled to the makeup table where she had previously set her things down.

I shrugged and followed her halfway till I took a seat beside my sister. "I know, I just don't want anyone to feel awkward about it."

"I wouldn't mind if you checked me out, though." Toph smirked in all her self confidence. "I don't know what I look like, but I do know that I look good."

The room echoed our giggles and laughs. I shook my head at her with an amused grin. "I will say Toph, you are very good-looking." I told her. The earthbender shook her fist in the air proudly.

"Hey, Ama. Can you hold Katara's hair while I pin it?" Ty Lee asked me. The girl's attention was almost completely focused on Katara's hair as she finished the last touches on the bun. I nodded immediately and got up from my seat to assist her. "Right here." She instructed, and I held the braid that was wrapped around the tight bun.

Only the top half of Katara's hair was put up while the rest of it fell down freely in it's flowy curls. And in front of each of her shoulders rested segments of her hair with Water Tribe medallions tied near the bottom.

"Alright, done." Ty Lee grinned in satisfaction and took a gentle leap backwards.

Katara took a minute to stare at her hair in awe. "Ty Lee, this is beautiful." She expressed her appreciation quietly and her hand went up to cover her mouth. Her face already started to scrunch up as she was about to cry.

"Nuh uh, honey." I shook my head and pulled her out of her seat, deliberately ruining her touchy moment. "The waterworks are going to have to wait till later tonight." Katara nodded in response and looked up to keep the building tears from ruining her makeup.

"You haven't even put your dress on yet." Mai commented dryly.

"Which you should probably put on right now because we have a wedding ceremony to be at soon." I pointed out. My sister leveled her head back to laugh nervously.

In a hasty walk, I grabbed the bride's gown from the rack and brought it back to my sister, who'd stripped to her undergarments. We were quick but cautious when slipping on the white shirt and the silk blue accented top layer. The dressed hugged Katara around the waist and flared lightly at the skirt. Suki passed me the white, blue stitched parka and I helped Katara into it. I then went around back, laying out the short dress train on the floor behind her before standing to the side.

Katara smoothened out the few creases and then looked up to see herself in the full length mirror. This wasn't the first time she's seen herself in the dress, obviously. But given that it was the first time seeing herself being completely glammed up, she was likely to feel a bit emotional. Not to mention, she looked exactly like she was going to when she'd walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be-husband.

Katara let out a dreamy sigh and smiled in the mirror. I lightly bit my lip and stepped next to her, viewing the two grown sisters that stood in the reflection. "You look just like mom." I noted softly. Katara turned to look at me with her bright, but doleful smile. "She would have loved to be here."

With one swift movement, my sister pulled in into a hug. "But you're here." She whispered. I was left speechless for a second. Katara was always the one who was the most motherly. The caretaker. I regrettably, would spend less of my time helping around the village and more time getting into trouble. But it never occurred to me that even then, I was the older sister that Katara looked up to. I was the one who'd tell her not to let others push her around and to stand her ground no matter what. I had a different 'motherly' style that only Katara could understand.

I hugged her back even tighter. And when we let go, Katara leaned her head up, dabbing her fingers along the bottom of her eyes. I laughed at her loudly at her and shook my head.

"Hate to break up the very touchy sister moment, but we have a wedding to get to." Toph's assertive voice reminded us while she crossed her arms over her chest.

Katara exhaled shakily but smiled cheerfully. "Let's get me married." The room erupted in cheers before we all grabbed our fluffy coats and headed down to the carriage.

The entire ride there, Katara couldn't shake off her cheeky grin. Or her blush when we teased her about how she couldn't stop smiling. And for a moment, we forgot about Azula. We grinned and laughed while Katara probably felt a flood of nerves.

The wedding ceremony was taking place on one of the cliff sides. It had the perfect view of the ocean from one side and of the Water Tribe city from another. The ceremony was attended by no one other than Aang and Katara's closest friends and family. Everyone agreed that they didn't want any rushed portraits or questions from reporters or the loud crying from some aunties.

The carriage came to a stop a few feet from the entrance. The arched passageway was entirely made of ice with swirling carvings that made the sunlight reflect off of it divinely. There were guards on every corner, standing still and on high alert. The two groomsmen, Sokka and Haru, stood by the entrance eagerly along with dad and two of our little cousins, one held a tiny basket of rose petals and the other a small pillow with the rings, awaiting our arrival.

"Right on time." Sokka smoothly came over offering his hand to escort Katara down.

"Yeah, Ama didn't hold us up this time." Suki just had to bring that up as she slipped her hand into her boyfriend's to step down. Sokka pressed a gentle kiss on her hand before holding his hand out for me.

I sighed loudly and let him escort me down. "You guys aren't going to let this go anytime soon are you?"

"No, never." Sokka chirped. I kissed my teeth in annoyance and rolled my eyes.

"Milady." A voice surprised me, making me jump away slightly. I looked to the voice, seeing Haru hold out a bridesmaid bouquet to me.

I took it and gave him an awkward flat smile. "Thank you." As soon as I took it, I moved away. Haru was a nice person, it was just painfully awkward to be around him. We just never talked where we were younger, and now it was like there was no way we'd become close friends.

I spotted my dad a few feet away, dressed in his best head chieftain coat. I headed over to him, letting him embrace me in a hug. "You and your sister look stunning." he complimented me.

I huffed a laugh and pulled away. "Yes, well, despite it being Katara's day. I still outshine her with my beauty." I quipped with an overdone posh accent.

My dad laughed with me and then glanced at the aisle entrance. "Hopefully, your own wedding day won't be too far from now." He had a hint of hope in his eye. "I will gladly welcome any man or woman you bring into the family." My lips tugged into an appreciative smile. But, like many moments that day, it had to be ruined.

"Okay, people. Get into formation. It's a go on the wedding." Sokka directed with a grin. Katara came over to link her arm with dad while I took my maid of honor spot in front of her. My two little cousins skipped over to stand in front of me. And the rest of the group took their spots.

I looked back at Katara. Her smile, reasonably held many emotions. Anxiousness, joy, hope. The sound of music was my cue to look back in front of me. My friends walked down in pairs, pacing themselves and giving each other a good distance. All eyes were on us. Well, more eyes were on the tiny children who were in awe with throwing the rose petals and walked a bit slower than the others.

I giggled at them lightly while they unevenly scattered the red petals. When I looked up, I noticed Zuko standing beside Aang. The poor airbender was shifting anxiously, waiting for Katara to step into the aisle.

Zuko, well, he stood there calmly in all his Fire Lord glory. His smile widened a bit more seeing that I met his gaze. My heart sped up just a touch and I wasn't sure whether I was blushing or not.

Spirits, if I was blushing I hoped no one took notice.

Not that I had to worry about that for much longer. Because the second Katara stepped out in her magnificent gown and with her glowing complexion, she was the center of attention. Aang froze in his spot and his face softened. I swear I saw a tear in his eye. It was beautiful.

That was the story my mom would tell us. How all eyes were on her, but it felt like it was just her and dad. I wondered if that was how Katara was feeling. If that anxiety she was feeling vanished once seeing the love of her life standing at the altar.

.☽☼☾.

There was a momentary pause in the joyous feeling as the guests from the ceremony transferred to the reception. The venue was packed with extended family, village friends, reporters. Some kids were even running around in their little games of tag.

The place was absolutely gorgeous. The walls were decorated with traditional animal skins, the lanterns and tiny lights reflected off of the ice sculptures. The combination of the Water Tribe and Air Nomad culture into one place gave the room a unique feeling to it. It wasn't a bad feeling in the slightest. It was a more comforting and harmonious one.

My aunties immediately pulled me to the side to compliment my dress and hair. And then, of course, asked when my wedding would be. Interesting how they didn't ask Sokka these questions, but I just let it go.

"You are a beautiful, young lady Ama."

"And well over the age of 16, when will you allow one of these fine men to sweep you off your feet."

"Or that handsome Fire Lord. You two made such a good-looking couple."

I'd just laugh nervously and tell them that I just wasn't ready for any of it quite yet. I was starting to feel overwhelmed with the constant nagging and questions. I mean, what were they expecting me to say? That I was desperate to get married and just waiting for the perfect man? I was half tempted to tell them that I never planned to get married just to get them to stop. Sure they'd gossip, but I didn't want the conversation to continue.

I felt someone slide their hand on my upper back. The touch was so delicate that it was almost like a feather. Turning my head up to see who if was, I wasn't disappointed. Zuko stepped in, kindly smiling at all my aunts. "Pardon the interruption, ladies, but Ama and I are needed."

I nodded in agreement, remembering that he was talking about the married couple's arrival. "Of course, take her for as long as you need." Auntie Ashuna swat her hand for us to shoo and the other women giggled.

I sighed heavily as Zuko and I walked away from the table and towards the venue entrance. "Thank you." I chuckled.

"Why, of course." He gently bumped his shoulder to mine. "What kind of friend would I be if I let you continue getting tortured by overbearing aunts."

I smiled at him and leaned my back on the wall right beside the door, giving me a good view of the outside so that I'd be able to tell when Katara and Aang would be arriving. "Who's watching Suh?" I wondered, peering outside.

"Suki and Ty Lee." He glanced over to where they were seated. "So far, she hasn't been showing any signs of Azula's arrival."

"Right." My brows bounced in an unbelieving way. "The night of the bachelorette party she kept looking out the window. Has she not done anything like that?"

Zuko took a moment to think back. "She's been avoiding the appetizers like the plague." He said with a straight face, being completely serious.

"How helpful." I deadpanned and rolled my eyes. Zuko scrunched up his face when he looked at me. What an absolute buffoon. But an adorable buffoon. My brow cocked up and I crossed my arms. "Suh only eats meals, thought you'd notice that after 6 months. Keep thinking."

The firebender scoffed and vexingly shook his head at me. "You know, I don't see you keeping an eye on Suh. Why don't you look after her if you're so good at finding red flags."

"Don't know if you know this, Zuko. But my sister is got married tonight." My tone was expressionless and I kept my eyes on the outside. The sun was just starting to set, giving the sky an orange tint. "Besides, isn't she your girlfriend?"

I didn't see Zuko's facial reactions, but I heard his chuckle and I felt his hot breath right by my ear. "You're jealous." He teased in a low whisper. It almost sent shivers down my spine. But I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me bothered.

"Jealous?" I scoffed back and narrowed my eyes roughishy at him. "Please, the only thing I'm jealous about her are her lips. They're very full and pretty." That wasn't a lie, technically. Suh was a gorgeous woman, and her lips were definitely a beautiful feature.

"Maybe. But I think I'd prefer having your lips on mine than hers." Zuko smirked proudly at his smooth remark. And if I wasn't blushing before, I definitely was now. "Already got you blushing, love?" He was far too confident. All those years away must have really helped him grow away from that awkward teenage mentality.

I snapped my attention back on the outside, avoiding his gaze. "Let's just focus on Suh and Azula for now." Wow, I really was out of the loop on the whole flirting thing. Then I saw them. Katara and Aang flew down on Appa's saddle and settled into the snow. "They're here." My feet scurried to the drummer, signaling for him to declare the arrival.

He in turn raised his arm high up in the air before letting it fall on his instrument once. The low vibrations of it resonated throughout the large celebratory room. Then he banged the drum again. And by the third time, everyone's eyes were anxiously on the door.

When Katara and Aang walked with their arms linked, the room exploded in cheers and claps for the newlyweds. Katara blushed immediately and leaned into her husband. The two were glowing in jubilance.

Zuko and I approached them, taking their parka's off. "How do you feel?" I had to ask my overjoyed sister.

"Happy." She sighed dreamily in her confident response. Her eyes sparkled like a diamond.

Aang held his arm out to Katara once his coat was off. "Shall we?"

She in turn hooked her arm in his once again. "We shall." She giggled. They walked forward to the middle of the dance floor, where they'd have their first dance.

The band started the song softly. Aang held Katara close while he slowly spun her and swayed to the sides. Their focus was only on each other for the romantic song. Of course, the guests stood around the dance floor, giving them their space, while they awed and whispered about how perfect they looked.

My hand went over my heart as I smiled blissfully at the scene. Just this morning my sister was hustling from corner to corner, concerned about every tiny detail and was so close to canceling everything. And now here she was with a cheeky smile and looking into the eyes of the man she loves.

The celebration went on beautifully and so far without problems. The traditional katajjaq was performed by my aunts. The impressive throat-singers imitated the sounds of water and air with low humming and heavy breaths. Young waterbenders performed beautifully with a flowing dance.

During dinner, Zuko and I gave our toasts. Of course, the Fire Lord gave some emotional speech about how much he appreciated the airbender. How Aang was one of the first people to trust him to save the world together. Whereas Katara was the last person to trust him. The two balanced each other out and were perfect for one another.

My speech was a bit less formal than that. I couldn't pass up the chance of telling a short story about Katara's first crush, who I completely forgot was attending the reception. My sister's face turned scarlet red in embarrassment the entire time. But even I could get a few tears in when I expressed how glad I was that she found someone who could make her so happy.

Soon enough, the real party started. The music became more upbeat, more alcohol was being consumed, and the dance floor was packed. I stood off to the side, watching my friends dance in pairs. Toph jammed to the music with her just as rambunctious boyfriend, Kanto. Even Mai was having a good time being spun by Kei Lo.

I wasn’t really in the dancing mood. And it totally wasn’t because I didn't have anyone to dance with. Instead, I would occasionally do a perimeter check or quickly chat with one of the guards about anything suspicious. Anything to make myself feel useful.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my wrist to pull me onto the dance floor. I was taken by complete surprise when they spun me into them. But once seeing who it was, I just scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Sokka, you could have just asked for a dance.”

My brother just shrugged while he took my hand to lead me in a dance. “Yeah, but it’s funnier to see how your face scrunches up when caught off guard.” He laughed in amusement and I lightly punched his shoulder. “Have any of the guards seen anything?” His expression turned more serious, but he kept a smile on for the appearance.

“Nothing out of the ordinary.” I answered and as Sokka turned me, I took a peek in Zuko and Suh’s direction. They were having a normal conversation as they swayed side to side. Nothing about it looked malicious.

“It’s weird right?” Sokka asked me with a wry look.

“Huh?” My brows pinched together lightly and my head tilted in a questioning way.

My brother discreetly pointed his chin in the direction of Zuko and Suh. “Seeing Zuko act all in love with a girl he doesn’t even like. I mean, I’ve never even seen him dance before.”

I huffed a laugh but nodded in agreement. “I think the only time he danced was that one time with the dragons.”

“Not even with you?” Sokka was in shock, but I didn’t see how that was such a surprising thing. Zuko was a pretty awkward person as a teen. I mean, he wouldn’t even touch my boobs until months after we started dating. I just shook my head with a thin smile.

“I’m back.” Suki announced herself right beside us. I smiled at her and stepped away from my brother to let his girlfriend go back to dancing.

“I’m going to go look around again.” I pointed my thumb in a random direction away from the dance floor.

Sokka threw his head back and groaned loudly. “Ama, just dance for a bit. There’s a reason we got a bunch of guards around.”

“You’re brother is right, loosen up a bit.” Suki agreed with her boyfriend. Shaking my head, I started to back away from them, ignoring their judging looks.

“Ama!” I heard a young voice call out to me as I was making my way out. Curiously, I scanned my surroundings for the voice. “Ama!” They called again just closer. Then I spotted the source. Kiyi was maneuvering herself through the sea of people.

I grinned at her once she finally got to me. “Kiyi! What can I do for you?” I asked in a cheery tone.

The twelve year old smiled cheekily and grabbed my hand, pulling me back into the crowd. “Dance with me!”

I laughed and put my free hand over my heart. I adored Kiyi. And it made me glad that she still had that ecstatic personality with me, even though it's been years since seeing her. I even took notice of the woven bracelet she wore, which was the one I sent her and her mother years ago.

I gave in, following her willingly into the dancefloor again. The tween had a more flamboyant style to her dancing. She’d jump and bounce her head, absolutely ruining her pinned up hair. I moved my hands in a wave motion, bobbing my head to the beat. Occasionally I’d give Kiyi a little twirl.

I looked over at my friends closeby. Katara left Aang’s grip and danced over to us. Bopping her head and bouncing her shoulders. Kiyi let out a melody of a giggle, grabbing Katara’s hand and twirling herself.

I grinned widely at the moment, enjoying every moment. Looking to the side, I spotted Zuko looking over. He smiled at me and pointed at Kiyi with a questioning, yet amused, look. Her arms were flying all over the place and she jumped up into the air, incredibly off beat. But she had the attitude, which was what mattered most.

I turned my head, glancing through the crowd. My heart fell in moments. Just outside of the dancefloor, I saw him. His scar stuck out like a sore thumb. He was completely expressionless as he walked from one side to the other. But, the most chilling thing was that he was looking right at me. Our eyes locked for just one horrifying moment.

But as quickly as I saw him, he disappeared behind the crowd.

I stopped my dancing and was completely oblivious to the rest of my surroundings as I walked out into the sides of the crowded floor. The outside of the dance floor was pretty empty. There were the round tables where some of the guests were sitting and talking. So I should have been able to spot him quickly. But he was gone. My heartrate picked up and I started to breathe more heavily as I continued to walk further into the sea of tables.

Katara emerged from the crowd, looking at me with wide eyes. My eyes stayed glued on the direction he disappeared in as I walked towards her at a fast pace and shaking my head.

“Sis, what is it?” She demanded to know, gently placing her hand on my exposed shoulder.

“I thought I saw Mulan’s killer.” My tone was exasperated and breathy. “But he’s gone now.”

My sister immediately went on high alert and scanned the room. “Okay. I’m going to get Sokka and the others. You stay here and keep an eye out.” She promptly and hastily went back into the crowd to get the others.

Stay here. Keep and eye out. Control your breathing.

With a hard and dry gulp, I kept my eyes open and alert. I didn’t realize how dry my throat was until now. I knew that Katara told me to stay there, but if I walked around a bit then maybe I’d spot him again. Plus the bar wasn’t that far.

In a quick walk, I made my way to the tall bar. There was only was person working there, which was odd because there should have been at least two people at the bar at all times. I kept a wary look and approached it carefully. The man working had his back turned to me, but once I was close enough he turned around. His pitch black hair and devilish smirk made me step back quickly.

They weren't planning to just attack unannounced. They infiltrated the wedding. And now they weren’t even trying to hide anymore.

With wide eyes, I grabbed the skirt of my dress, pulling it up a bit to sprint back to where Katara said to wait. I needed to warn her. That was when everything went to chaos. The ice sculptures collapsed into water, the fire in the lanterns progressively got bigger and more frightening and a bolt of lightning was shot into the center of the room. It didn’t hit anything or anyone, it was just for the fear factor.

The venue erupted in screams and everyone immediately started to scatter to different directions. I kept my eyes peeled for any of my friends throughout the blur of people. The front doors shut loudly, preventing anyone from leaving.

I didn’t know what to do. So I pressed on towards the dance floor, since that’s where everyone was running from. “Ama!” A hand grabbed me and pulled me towards them. Okay, how many times is someone doing to grab my wrist and almost pull my arm off tonight?

Whoever grabbed me had armor under their clothing, because their chest was hard. I knew because I was pulled right into them. “Zuko!” I exclaimed in relief. “Where’s everyone else?”

He opened his mouth to respond but a flash of lightning made us both flinch back and cover our faces. The high-pitched screaming in the background wasn’t helping the building anxiety I was having.

I removed my hand from my face, and my jaw immediately clenched. Azula stode right to the opposite side of the now cleared dance floor. A vast majority of the guests quivered under the tables or were huddled together; the men typically stood on the outside to defend anyone.

Azula no longer looked like royalty. Her matted dark clothing made her look like she was just another criminal. The only thing that stood out about her attire was the bold red lipstick. But the way she moved and smirked villainously, it commanded for people to respect and listen to her.

Azula scanned the room with a scowl. “I must say I expected my entrance to be a bit more… dramatic.” She placed a hand on her hip and then her gold eyes locked onto mine. “Ama, you don’t look thrilled to see me.” She stated the obvious.

I didn’t realize how much my hatred for the woman had grown since our last encounter. Just the sight of her made my blood boil. She was the one behind my friend's deaths. She was behind Mulan’s death. And then threatened the people close to me. I was prepared to deal with whatever she had to throw at me; and prepared tot throw it back harder.

A malicious chuckled let her lips at my narrow glare. “Well, maybe you’re thrilled in a different way. In a more bloodthirsty way.” She was reading me like a book. But then again, she’s been manipulating me this entire time.

“Azula, please.” A pleading voice called from the sides. It grabbed everyone’s attention. Ursa stood a few feet away from us, her hands up to show that she was nonviolent. “I’m sorry for how I treated you as a child. Please don’t hurt anyone.”

The ex-princess rolled her eyes in irritation. “Well someone obviously thinks they’re the center of attention.” Azula motioned her hand like she was telling Ursa to shoo. “I have a goal in mind. And Ama, here,” She gave me an intentful smirk. “Is my ticket.”

“Not happening, Azula.” Zuko snarled at his sister and stepped in front of me in a protective manner.

“Must you make this harder, Zuzu?” Azula snapped her fingers and the two men, her henchmen perse, stepped forward to stand next to the villainous woman. The two were bending large chunks of rock beside then and their stances said that they had every intention to engage in a fight.

“Here’s your flaw, Azula.” Sokka’s confident and threatening tone joined in as he and the rest of Team Avatar stepped up next to Zuko and I. “It’s four of you against,” He paused his boast to start counting how many people were going to stand against Azula. But eventually he just shook his head. “Anyways, it’s four of you against a lot of us.”

“Where did you get the number four from?” Azula asked, but her eyes said that she already knew what we were talking about. Myself and the rest of the group stole unknowing glances. “Oh, you mean Suh?” Azula brought up.

I didn’t know where the spyful woman was, but I really don’t think she would have appreciated Azula ratting her out. She might be angry just at the fact that we’ve already known about her.

“And, it’s not just us. I have a team of my own.” Just when Azula revealed the information, people in dark clothing started to emerge from every corner of the room. And the guards were nowhere to be seen. “They have their reasons for being here and I have mine. Ama-”

I couldn’t take it anymore. The pressure on my chest was getting too much. The only thing that I was getting at the moment was that Azula murdered the people close to me before, and she’d do it again. Mulan died in my arms because of her! I didn’t want to have another person die in my arms tonight. Azula needed to go!

The moment she addressed my name to try and speak, I snapped. My arms beside my flew up, the fallen water from the ice sculptures following my lead to make a water jet. It was a forceful shot. Enough to throw Azula into the air and push her through the glass window.

My friends beside me flinched at my lack of patience and the lack or restraint I had. “Ama!” Katara exclaimed with her hand over her mouth.

“You guys protect the people in here. If Azula wants a fight, then that’s what she’s going to get.” My deep, brooding tone surprised even me. No one had a chance to object to my command, because I’d already created an ice slide to go over the heads of everyone in my way. I tuned out everyone’s calls for me to go back. My focus was Azula and keeping her away from everyone one.

The air was chilling and had already been giving me light goosebumps. When I landed on the snowy ground, Azula was just getting up, wiping the snow off of her clothing. The half moon and the lights from inside the venue illuminated our surroundings, so there was no problem with seeing. My hands were out beside me, waiting for her to respond in some sort of way.

The woman cocked her head to the side and had a satisfying smirk. “Well you responded better than I thought.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” I shouted. My voice cracked slightly. That probably should have been one indicator that I wasn’t exactly emotionally stable to fight. But I was craving a fight.

“Doesn’t matter.” She said it softly and etched with pain that she wanted to hide or ignore.

Azula acted first. A whip of bluefire came at me. I reacted quickly with a summersault over it. And once I landed my hands commanded the snow before Azula’s spike up into sharp icicles of ice. Azula jumped just in time to avoid it and landed to the side.

I manipulated the water to then strike Azula’s head, but she blocked it with a wall of fire, turning the water to steam. She manipulated the wall into a stream of fire towards me. I created a wall of ice in front of me and jumped to the side before the hot fire could melt the ice.

I shot water bullets at her. Not strong enough to kill her, but definitely enough to hurt or even to leave a bruise. Only one of two hit her before she put up another defensive fire wall. But then once the firewall was out, another jet of water hurdled at her, throwing her back several feet.

Azula rolled in the snow, her hands and knees on the ground, she looked up at me while I stomped towards her. “Oh please, Ama, that can’t possibly be all you have in you.” She egged me on. “I murdered the love of your life! How do you feel!?”

I feel like shutting you up for good.

My hand flickered, entrapping Azula’s hands and feet to the ground, and slowly, the ice crawled up her body. Azula’s eyes widened in surprise and in fear. She tried to move, but her body wouldn’t budge.

Then my arms stuck out to my sides, ice spears forming beside me. My hands came to my chest, palms facing her and I forcefully pushed them forward. Azula stared at the ice, ready to be penetrated with a narrow, dismal expression. But the spears were redirected and forced into the ground. Not by me, but by someone else.

Azula and I snapped out heads in the direction of the sound of crunching snow. I should’ve known it was Katara who had bent the ice. But she should've been inside, protecting the guests. I turned my head a little bit more, seeing that the venue now had a very large whole in it and some of my friends were now outside battling Azula’s misfits.

“Ama, this isn’t how we do things!” Katara shook her head in concern. Her brows pinched together and her lips slightly parted in a frown. “Remember what you promised me!”

“No, I’m protecting you all!” I shouted tensely, forcefully pointing at Azula. “Are you forgetting that she almost killed Aang, your husband? She is the reason that my friends are dead. She hasn’t and will not change, Katara.”

“If you kill her, you will change.” Katara strongly retorted. “I felt the same way with mom! I know it hurts, but you will regret it, Ama. You can’t kill her!”

There were pros and cons on both sides. Pros to killing her: Azula would no longer be a problem and I’d have my revenge for my friend’s deaths, for Mulan’s death. Cons: I’d break my promise to my sister and I could live the rest of my life in regret.

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out, I lowered my hands calmly. “You’re right.” I sighed. My sister smiled graciously, before a water tentacle unexpectedly wrapped around her waist and pulled her back towards their fight. “Katara!” I reached my arm out for her and was about to go after her. But the sound of shattering ice grabbed my attention.

Azula broke free from my ice, and stood up. Her hair was a mess and she darkly glared at me. “No more distractions!” She shouted. “Maybe you just need one more push!” Her arms made large arches as she generated lightning. “So many people to choose from. But which one of them would be strong enough to survive lightning?”

She aimed the lighting at my group of friends, who were outnumbered and too busy to take notice. It didn’t matter to me who she was aiming at. There were all my family, I couldn’t let her do anything.

“No!” My hands went out in front of me in desperation and before I knew it, Azula’s hands shot up, the lightning shooting up into the sky. The woman stood there bug-eyed and stiff like ice, except I didn’t shoot her with any ice. I didn't shoot anything at her.

“What the hell are you doing to me!?” She let out a horrified shout.

I sucked in a breath, realizing that I was bloodbending. I glanced at the moon, just to make sure it was a half-moon like I’d originally thought. And indeed it was.

I’m bloodbending? During the half moon?

I looked back at Azula’s scowling face and my jaw clenched. “You could have killed someone!” I shouted in fury, stepping forward and forcing her on her knees. “You are never going to change, are you?”

Azula nervously laughed at me. “I know I’ve done some terrible things, but I needed one more life to destroy before I’m gone.”

I scoffed, but then it all clicked in my mind. I shook my head in disgust; and in pity. “The only person you intended to have dead was yourself.” Azula kept silent, her way of agreeing with me. “And I was the way to do that.”

“You could have killed me in that battle years ago.” Azula recalled with a chuckle. “But you didn’t and that makes you have morals? No, Ama. You’re going to kill me and you’re going to like it. You loved the feeling a year ago. Why not really love it and in the process rid me of this world?”

My brows furrowed tightly and I grimaced. My fingers curled ever so slightly, just starting to press her body in on itself. Azula let out a small grunt of pain, but this was what she wanted. Right? Was this a part of her that was so evil she’d let herself die to hurt me? Or was this just a woman so regretful of the pain she’s caused in the past that she felt she needed to be gone. To rid herself of the burden she’s had to live with.

Azula was raised to be used as a weapon by her own father to fight for the Fire Nation. But the Fire Nation was no longer at war. This woman was practically shunned by her only family and given no new purpose in life. She was lost and alone.

“No!” I let go of mu hold on Azula completely and the girl grunted while she fell forward. Her hands kept her up as she knelt. “I refuse to believe that you want to die, Azula.” She kept her focus on the ground in front of her, refusing to show me any of her emotions. “You can have a life again, a purpose, maybe. You don’t need to live in your own regret.”

“You don’t know me.” She said through her bared teeth.

“I don’t think you do either.” It was silent. But the sound of the battle my friends were in was still in the background. I was waiting for Azula to respond in any way. I was prepared to either keep fighting, or to stand with her in having her thugs stand down.

I wasn’t paying attention, though. I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t know who did it or if it was serious. I knew one thing only. I felt a sudden, stinging pain in my upper abdomen. A loud, sharp gasp was sucked into my lips. It took me a moment to process and in shock I slowly lowered my head. The sharp tip of the bloody sword stuck out through my front.

I hissed at the stinging pain as whoever just struck me through abruptly pulled the sword back through. My body collapsed, suddenly feeling too weak.

“Ama!” A distant shout reached my ears.

My body laid on it's side. The only person I could see was Azula. Her jaw was dropped and her eyes were open wide in complete shock. Whoever slayed me walked around my body and stood over Azula.

“We need to go! Now!” Suh shouted in a seething tone. But the firebender stayed put, shutting her eyes tightly in a pained expression. “Azula!” Suh glanced over to the separate battle. And with a grumbling curse, she bolted away. Leaving my dying body and the overwhelmed Azula.

I felt somebody skid beside me and pick up the top of my body. Sitting me upright. It was Zuko. Terror had overtaken his face as he looked at my pale face. “Shit, Ama.” An exasperated grumble slipped his lips. The man frantically grabbed the end of his royal cape, pressing it onto the backside of my wound and pressing his hand onto the front of it in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

“Z-zuko…” His name came out in a strutter.

“I’m right here. Hold on.” He begged me, pathetically trying to be calm for my sake. He turned his head to the side. “Katara!” His blood curdling shout called for my sister.

A light chuck left my lips. “Zuko, your girlfriend is insane. Kinda like an unstable… ostrich horse.” My brain wasn’t exactly thinking correctly. My thoughts felt like they were scattering and jumping from one corner of my brain to another. Even my jokes weren’t making sense.

My body suddenly cringed in a rush of cold. “I’m c-c-cold.” I shivered, leaning further into him. At each passing moment, I would feel weaker and less aware of everything happening.

Zuko’s pressed a firm kiss on top of my head. “I know, waterlily. I’ll keep you warm.” He assured me. But it wasn’t the South Pole’s frigid air that left me shivering.

A couple tears streamed down my cheek and I had to force myself to gulp, clearing my throat. “I don’t want to die, Zuko.” I managed a whisper.

“You’re not going to die, Ama. Katara is on her way.” He pressed hard on my wounds. But the blood was still seeping out, only reddening his cape more and blooding his hands. His voice was fading in and out, like he was getting further away or I was listening from under the water

“I’m so sorry.” I wanted to speak a little bit louder but my body could only allow a raspy whisper. Slowly and stagerdly with the little energy I had, my hand dragged up and over his bloody one.

Zuko furrowed his brow and shook his head. “Sorry? For what?”

I’m sorry for leaving. I’m sorry for barely visiting. For not thinking things through like I should. “Everything.” My eyelids started to get heavier. But I fought against it for just another moment. One more chance to say “I love you.”

“Ama!?” He shouted, but I barely heard it. And a second later I just saw his lips moving with no words coming out. It felt like a rush of cold air raked through my body. A bright, white light clouded my vision. It was just starting out as a tiny dot in the distance, and gradually got bigger until it was all I saw.

The blinding light turned softer moments later. My brows furrowed in confusion as I took in my new surroundings. I spun in circles and I looked up, down, left, right. It was like an endless room of just, white. I wasn’t in my bloodied dress anymore. Instead I was clothed in a silk, cream colored dress that ended at my ankles. And I wasn’t wearing any shoes. I was grateful that I wasn’t still in my previous clothes, because the blood was getting sticky on my skin, but cream wasn’t exactly my color.

If this was the afterlife how do I make a complaint about how boring it is...? Spirits, Ama. You’re dead and thinking about the color of your dress?

“Ama.” An angelic, soft voice said from behind me. It was so familiar, like it was from a distant memory. Yet despite not being able to recall it, it made me feel safe and warm.

Turning around stagarly, my hands immediately went up to cover my mouth with one palm. “Mom!” With an exasperated sigh, I ran towards her. Immediately being engulfed in a hug. Our arms wrapped around each other tightly after thirteen years.

My family and friends always gave me wonderful hugs. But nothing could compare to the comforting warmth of a mother’s hug. It was the kind of hug that told me everything was alright, that she was here with me now and was always with me.

Pulling away, my mom cupped my cheeks to look at me. “You’re so grown up.” She said emotionally while she studied my face. She hasn’t changed in how she looked at all. Her eyes still held that glimmer and her soft face didn’t have a single wrinkle. Well, I supposed that everyone looked young in the afterlife.

Her thumbs rubbed my cheeks soothingly as she exhaled a pent up breath. “I am so proud of you.”

I huffed a disagreeing laugh and looked down at my bare feet. “I almost killed a woman today.” I told her, despite her probably knowing that. “How can you be proud of me if I almost did something like that?”

My mother smacked her lips and placed her hand under my chin to lift my head up. Her kind blue eyes held no judgment for me. Her parted lips smiled at me with pride. “Because, it’s what you did in the end that mattered. You gave that woman hope to be a better person. No mother can ask for a better daughter.”

I wondered if I did help Azula. If she’d try to do better tomorrow or if she’d continue to let her own guilt consume her until she couldn’t just wait for someone to kill her. I wanted to think she’d somehow try to make amends with her family and redeem herself. Would the others even give her a chance to do that?

“You don’t think it’s too late for her?” I wondered out loud. My mom was always a caretaker. She saw the good in anyone, but she never gave someone the benefit of the doubt. If anyone would know whether Azula could change, it was her.

“Of course not.” She assured me.

I sighed in relief. “Thank you, mom.” I didn’t forgive Azula for what she’d done. Intentionally or not. And I don’t think I would forgive her for a while. I mean, I had an eternity to do that now. But maybe, just maybe, she’d find her peace. And we’d be able to talk about things if we met in the afterlife.

My eyes darted around the white space and my lips curved into an unimpressed grimace. “Is this what death is like?”

My mom giggled at my expression, rubbing her thumb on my cheek. “No, snowflake. It’s much more lively than this.” It almost made me feel like a kid again when she called me by my old nickname. Kind of ironic considering I was dead. “Someone is going to be leading you to the afterlife.”

My head tilted curiously. “You?” She shook her head ‘no’ and removed her hands from my face. Her eyes left mine to focus on something, or someone, behind me. With a timid yet poised turn, I looked to see who’d be my guide into the rest of eternity. Taking a sharp intake of breath, my eyes widened with contentment.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Mulan. Sending her a emotional smile, I took soft steps towards her.

It was comforting to see her clothed in clean, light clothing in contrast to the usual dirty and heavy clothing we’d use as the bastards. There wasn’t a hair out of place in her exquisite updo. But while she looked different and graceful, there was one thing that was missing. Her smile. The one that made me fall in love with her.

My mother was delighted to finally see me. But Mulan was crestfallen. With her brow pinched upwards and her cheerless frown, the tall woman licked her lips to speak. “It wasn’t supposed to be your time yet.” Her honeyed voice said quietly.

With a thin smile and a light shrug, I took my final step to stand in front of her. “Yeah, I always thought I’d die while doing something stupid with Taon.” I quipped with a gentle snicker.

“Like surfing during a hurricane.” She cocked an accusatory brow at me. She reminded me of the one time there was a hurricane while we traveled to some islands.

“I’m a waterbender, I would have survived.” I claimed, throwing my hands up beside me.

Mulan scoffed and rolled her eyes amusingly at me. She bit her lip lightly while her green eyes scanned my face. “He’s still waiting for you to wake up.” She informed me and my smile fell a tinge. “They all are waiting for you to wake up.”

“But I’m dead. They can’t keep waiting forever.” I gulped and shifted my weight to my left leg uncomfortably. My hand went up to wipe underneath my eye, expecting a teardrop of two. Expect there was no water leaking from my eyes. My face twisted in confusion.

“You can’t cry in the afterlife.’ Mulan pointed out with an awkward tone.

I groaned in frustration and shut my eyes tightly. “Ugh. I hate it here!” I exclaimed as I ran my hand through my hair. “I don’t want to be dead, Mulan. I want to be with my family.”

“And with Zuko.” She added simply. I paused at the addition and avoided eye contact. Mulan chuckled at me, catching me off guard. “Ama, I know you still love him. There’s no hiding that.”

“I’m sorry.” I mumbled.

“Don’t apologize.” She smiled. “You should be there with him.”

“Well, his psychopathic girlfriend stabbed me. Can’t exactly survive that.” I reminded her.

“You can wait for them all here.” She extended her hand out for me to take. To lead me to the rest of death. I stared at her soft pale hand. They were no longer calloused from the years of wielding her weapons.

I guess I didn’t exactly have a choice. I’d have to wait for them. But they wouldn’t wait for me. They had to move on with their lives. Zuko would fall in love with someone else. Katara and Aang would have kids together. I wouldn't be around for any one it. But we’d have a lot to talk about.

Daintily and nervously, I started to reach for her hand. The light behind her continuously got brighter and brighter the closer my hand was to hers.

I’d wait for them. However long it took them.

.☽☼☾.

Two announcements!

One. I'm starting college tomorrow. I wanted to get a little more ahead before I'd start, but I couldn't. That being said, updates will be once a week. I will try and post every sunday, I plan on posting my writing schedule eventually (on tumblr).

Two. I plan on posting little oneshots for Ama and Zuko! So if you have any requests, I would love that. I want to interact with my readers and ask and answer questions. It'll be fun!

Hang loose, amigos 🤙🏼

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gustafsnightangel · 4 years ago

Text

Shattered Lives Ch 20 Pt 1

She woke with a start to Gustaf’s lips kissing the nape of her neck that hovered between arousal and tickle. His scent wrapping itself around her, that comfort and calm she’d missed. Those strong but gentle hands fanning out over her body, his touch always alluring.

“Time to get up and dress for work love.” He murmured, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, the kiss finding that sport just below it that always had the arousal warm through her. “The kids are up and ready, I let you sleep late.” It was the least he could do after keeping her up well past 1 am.

She turned in his arms and looked at him. “What’s the time?” She asked scrubbing her hand over her face to dislodge the last cobwebs of sleep.

“Seven. You have time for a shower, to dress, eat, and go. The kids are ready and if you want I can take them to school in your car and you can go to work in mine if that works better.” He’d do anything to smooth it all over, to take that pain he’d caused her away.

“You... I... I’ll drop them off.” She said slightly taken back.

“You needed sleep before court and I kept you up late last night.” He shrugged and kissed her sweetly.

“Thank you.” She took his face in her hands and pulled him in further for a blazing lip lock.

“Go shower.” His voice husky as he let her go. “And Sildie?” He said as she sat up.

“Yeah?” She turned to look at him as he sat on the end of the bed, those shoulders slightly slumped.

“I should be on my knees kissing your feet for pulling me back from the brink.” He choked, he should be groveling at her feet begging for forgiveness he thought.

She smiled and leaned back to kiss him. “You are my everything Gustaf.” She whispered. “I’ll pull you back from the brink again and again if that’s what you need.”

He nodded. “Thank you.” He breathed and kissed her with all the love he’d buried deep down inside him. He let it out for her, let her see it, feel it.

“Anytime love, you know that. You’ve done the same for me time and time again.” She whispered and had to pull away or she’d be kissing him on an entirely different level and be very late for court.

“Go shower.” He chuckled at her unsteady breathing.

He sat with Brendan while Sildie got ready. The boy was reserved this morning at seeing him here and Gustaf knew he had to make it right between them. This would only escalate if he didn’t come clean today and he didn’t want to be walking on eggshells around the kids either.

“Brendan can we talk this afternoon?” He asked softly and watched the kid carefully. He didn’t want him imploding right before school. “I need to chat with you about some stuff.”

“Am I in trouble?” Brendan asked and his face fell.

“No, I just need a man to man chat with you about something.” No, the kid wasn’t in trouble, he was. He’d let Brendan down, he’d let Sildie down and put her in the crappy position of lying to the kid to save their bond. Why did he let it get that bad he wondered, why had he let Ana get the upper hand? He couldn’t let that happen again.

Liam crawled into Gustaf’s lap and hugged him tightly as Sildie came out of the bedroom. She took his breath away, in a dark navy suit with pale blue pinstripes, a dusty blue silk shirt that when she moved he could see the black lace under it whisper to him seductively. Her hair up in that blasted clip, light makeup, and a beaming smile as Lily wobbled and walked to her for her morning hug. How could he have been so fucking stupid to shut her out, he thought? Push her so far away she had to verbally beat him over the head to get him to talk, to realize that she was nothing like Ana.

“You ok little man?” He asked quietly as the kid stayed attached to him.

He nodded. “Better now you’re back. Don’t go away like that again.” He said and hugged Gustaf tighter.

“I won’t, I promise.” And he wouldn’t, he couldn’t go through that again, the thought of losing all this was unbearable. “Up you hop and let me get some breakfast for Ama.” The kid jumped down and Gustaf headed to the kitchen to cook the pancakes he’d already got a head start on earlier.

“Already done love.” He chuckled as she went to start making the kids lunches as Gustaf cooked.

“You already made their lunches?” Her hand dropped to the bench as the words sunk in, she wasn’t fully awake yet.

“Yeah.” He smiled at her shocked expression. “Eat.” He said handing her a pancake.

She took it and sniffed it before shooting him a smirk as she bit into it. “Thank you for this morning.”

“You needed your minimum six hours. I think I got you five. I’m sorry.” He brushed a knuckle down her cheek before his kiss stole her breath.

“I’m ok, with the extra sleep in I’ll be ok. It’s a shorter day in court and the first section of this hearing should be done at the end of next week if things go the way they’re going, maybe sooner if we get lucky. I’ll be fine.” She took another bite and watched as he cooked. Her man was still hurting but he seemed more relaxed than the past few weeks, and at least he was here, talking to her, engaged not retreating inward.

“What’s your plan for today?” She asked, taking another pancake from the stack. She was a little apprehensive at leaving him alone today after last nights emotional rollercoaster.

“I am going to make plans for our getaway. Do some stuff around the house and then talk to Brendan after school. I have some shit to sort out with him.” He looked at her and saw the slight smile of approval.

“You’re a good man Gustaf.” She kissed him tenderly. “Don’t forget that love.”

“I’m trying to be better.” He murmured, his kiss lingering softly.

“I just want you love.” She smiled as she sipped the tea that had been cooling on the counter. “Just you, as you are.”

“You deserve me to be better, they deserve me to be better.” He stole another kiss before turning back to the pancakes. “I need to be better for them, for you, for myself.”

“Then you will be love. You’re stronger than your demons.” She kissed him and chuckled as the kids did their usual eww and gross.

“Ok, get your stuff kids.” Sildie called and Gustaf found he suddenly didn’t want her to leave. He couldn’t be clingy or needy, they had lives and she had a career, but he wanted her here with him today. To touch, to hold, to mend the rift.

“See you tonight?” She asked and watched him carefully. She was trying to take it slow, give him breathing room, but in all honesty she just wanted things to go back to normal right this instant. It was like walking on eggshells, the pain still clearly reflected in those ocean blue eyes.

“I’ll be here when you get home. Usual time or you working late?” He asked and could see the dark circles under her eyes regardless of makeup. It made his heart ache knowing he was responsible for them.

“Usual time.” She stood on her threshold and rested her hand on his chest. “Call me, text me if you need to today, ok? I’ll have time at lunch.” She didn’t want to leave him like this. She knew all too well the toll of the emotional upheaval took on body and mind. “I’ll check my phone every chance I get.”

“I’ll be ok.” He kissed her sweetly. “But I’ll text you.” He kissed her hard as the elevator dinged.

“I’d like that.” She kissed him quickly and stepped in the elevator. She gave him a smoldering look from under her lashes, heard the thump of his head against the door as he groaned. The slight bite of her bottom lip earning her a wicked smile and a faint “one day love” as the doors closed. He was coming back to her slowly.

She dropped the kids off and headed to the courthouse, thoughts of the case running through her head. She stopped dead in the office they’d been assigned and smiled at the huge bouquet of yellow gerberas and white daisies. The guy moved fast she thought. She set her bag down and plucked the card stuck to the vase.

You mean the world to me love. I’m sorry.

She choked back a sob, his sweetness undid her at the oddest moments. Maybe things were getting back to normal, time, she thought, time would see their world right itself. She sent him a quick text as her client entered the room. Putting her phone on silent she stuffed it into her bag and got down to the business of the day.

He smiled as her text came in.

You are my everything Gustaf. You are enough.

He spent the day cleaning his apartment, cleaning Sildie’s, grocery shopping, which was expensive with four kids he noted. He needed the physical tasks as well as the mental ones today. He’d not felt this fragile in a long time and he didn’t like it, the vulnerability, the fear of losing her, losing himself. The meltdown with Sildie last night had cleansed him further but he felt shattered with little hope of piecing himself back together.

He would though, he’d pull it all together, for himself, for Sildie, for the kids. She would bend, she would listen, she would support, she would be understanding, but she wouldn’t tolerate shitty behavior. He’d been a prick to her these past few weeks and it had been unnecessary. He should have just talked to her, next time he would. He would be better for all of them.

He texted her so she’d know he was ok, he knew, could see, that she was concerned about him this morning, something else he was kicking himself for. He had no right to worry her like that. Put that god awful fear into her, her grief for her brother was bad enough.

He sat at his desk and started to plan their weekend away. He would mend the rift between them, he would say those three little words and be the man she deserved.

He called Alice and she agreed to watch the kids. The girl was amazing and he would make make sure that her Christmas stocking had a substantial bonus. He’d found a secluded cabin in the mountains. He wanted Sildie alone in the snow, naked in front of a fire. He’d make it up to her, with romance, with love, with everything he was.

With all that out the way he tidied up and went to work the bag. It felt different strapping his hands, pulling on the gloves. He smiled at the memory of making love to her on the mat under his bag last night. That gorgeous woman saving him from himself, again.

Even with his first swing he found his head was clearer. Thoughts of Ana flittered in and out but it wasn’t soul destroying like it had been. He’d moved past it, let it go. As fist met bag thoughts of Sildie and their future drifted into his head and made him smile.

His workout had changed from a desperate search for answers, a purge of the poison that was Ana, to being one of intense reflection. A meditation in its own right. Instead of his emotionally charged sessions that resulted in dealing with trauma it became time to hone skills and focus on his future with four kids and the only woman that had ever made him feel completely at ease, loved, a sense of belonging.

“Time.” He breathed and smiled. “Give it time.” That smiled turned to a grin. “I’m going to marry her one day.” He breathed quietly. “Have kids of our own. Well maybe.” That was a huge maybe and he knew it. His body flexed as he worked the remainder of the past few weeks out of his system.

He finished up sweaty, achy, and happy. After he showered he sat to meditate and checked his phone smiling at her text.

The flowers are beautiful.

And so are you my love.

He texted back. He had enough time for a quick meditation before he had to be back in her apartment, he wanted to be there when they all got home, family, together. He breathed deeply and settled letting the quiet of his apartment clear his mind.

Once his emotions were dampened and under control he let the night with Liam bubble up. “You’re the only dad I’ve got left.” He murmured repeating what the kid had said. In the kids mind he probably was.

He blew out a breath at what that statement actually meant. “I’m not replacing you Quinn. That was all Liam.” He said softly. “I promised you I’d take care of them and I will. I’ll do the best I can. Help Sildie, work with her to be the best parent like person to them as I can. But what Liam said was all him. I’m ok if that’s what he wants but just don’t hate me for ok?”

Liam didn’t worry him as much as Brendan. He knew it was going to hurt the teen when he spoke with him tonight. “I fucked up with Brendan and I’ll set it straight. I broke my promise to him, was responsible for Sildie lying to save my sorry ass. She did that to preserve our relationship and I’m in her debt for that but I need to make it right. I’m sorry Quinn, I fucked up and I’m sorry.” He breathed and let the anxiety bubble up and dissipate, the calm following. He needed that calm to talk to Brendan, he couldn’t have a fucking panic attack while trying to apologize to the kid. He knew he had to straighten out that mess, he just had no clue how to go about it, how much to divulge to him. How did he explain that an ex girlfriend got in his head again and fucked with him?

“Just tell it to him straight.” He muttered. “He’s a straight shooter like Sildie. Talk to him like the man he almost is. He deserves your honesty, your respect.” He breathed out. “He’s going to be so fucking angry and disappointed.” He sighed. “And he has every right to be, you fucked up and it upset him. Coming clean will hurt him.” He sat for another fifteen minutes formulating in his head what he was going to say and how he was going to say it. As his alarm sounded he got to his feet and went to collect some clothes before heading to Sildie’s.

He made a pot of tea, sat at the table, and pulled out the leather bound notebook. He smiled at the photos, the pressed daisy in the back and began to write about the good things in his life. Sildie, the kids, his work, his family, little things that made him smile. The way Sildie made him feel as if he was the only man in the world for her. It was so different, this feeling of belonging, of family, their family, or at least the family they were becoming.

He thought about the Christmas present he had started working on for Sildie and the kids and hoped the plan wouldn’t backfire, especially after the past few weeks. Even with the logical and realistic nature of it he was still concerned she’d balk and run in the opposite direction. And if he was being honest and logical, she’d had a perfect opportunity to run like the wind because of his behavior and yet she stayed. She decided to stay, fight for their relationship, fight for him, and she was right, he’d fight for it too. Deep down he’d fight for it, for her, for the kids, he wanted it all. He was reading through a script when he heard the key in the door and the kids outside it laughing.

They came flooding through the open door and he suddenly felt overwhelmed with the amount of love they all carried with them, for each other, for him. Brendan with the high five, the twins with bear hugs, and little Lily who wobbled as she walked to him with a screeching dad dad.

His heart swelled to bursting at her words, and her tiny face lighting up on seeing him. He pulled the little lady into his arms and kissed her until she was giggling. He looked at Sildie, tired and slightly frazzled, the love of his life, that gorgeous woman standing in the doorway smiling yet weighed down. He’d been too caught up in his own head to see it. Weighed down with her own grief, and now with all his shit he’d just dumped on her without a care for her emotional state. He’d been an asshole to her.

They both needed time, this getaway to relax and reconnect, he’d make sure it was perfect. He went to her and lifted the messenger bag off her shoulder onto his, gripped her behind the neck and kissed her like it was his last.

“Hi.” She said breathlessly, her head was still spinning as he let her up for air. The guy could kiss like no other.

“Hi back.” He growled softly, that low rumble that did things to her.

“That’s some welcome home kiss.” Her voice soft but he could hear the tiredness.

“Want another?” His grin was wicked.

“Wouldn’t say no.” She shrugged and bit her bottom lip. He kissed her again and the usual chorus of thats disgusting drifted around the apartment which had them both grinning. “One day love.” He murmured in that low timbre that made her instantly wet.

“Thank you for the flowers.” She said holding them up. “The note made me cry.” She tweaked his nose playfully. “Right before court.” She chuckled and her smile lit up his world.

“Good day then?” He asked, placing her bag on the table and heading to the kitchen to find a vase for the flowers.

“It was ok. The case will adjourn for discovery Tuesday. Vase? Bottom left cupboard.” She said seeing his silent question. “When we resume is anyone’s guess.”

“Keep the weekend of December 6 through 9 open. We leave Friday, back Monday.” He said as he filled the vase and placed the flowers in it all while trying to keep Lily’s hands out of them. “It’s in a couple of weeks. I’ve put it in our calendar.” He would try to keep that updated. He’d also given Daisy access to it so she could change his work schedule when needed.

“Where are we going?” She asked cheekily knowing full well he wouldn’t tell her. He was trying she thought, he was trying so hard to make it right.

“Away.” He growled and kissed her brow. “And that’s all you need to know for now.” He’d say those three little words, with all the love and romance she deserved from him. “Now, I need you to take Lily for a moment. I have to chat with Brendan after I see how much homework he has before I go ruining his evening.” He was nervous, and the anxiety was starting to surface. He knew this could potentially be worse than last night. Their entire relationship was suddenly very fragile and he needed to remember that.

“It’ll be fine love. Be straight with him, he’ll understand.” She kissed him tenderly. “Come here Lily bear lets get dinner started and make our shopping list.” She bundled Lily to her and Gustaf smirked as he walked to Brendan’s room. She’d realize soon enough he’d already beaten her to the punch with groceries.

He tapped on Brendan’s door and waited for the kid to look at him. “Got a moment or are you neck deep in homework?” He asked gently, those long fingers twitching nervously.

“Kinda neck deep.” Brendan said quietly.

“Talk when you’re done?”

“Sure.” The kid hesitated. “You sure I’m not in trouble?” He asked.

“You’re not, but I maybe. Come get me when you’re done?”

“Yeah sure.” The kid was puzzled now but Gustaf wouldn’t keep him thinking he’d done something wrong.

He came back into the kitchen with Sildie tending to dinner, Lily sitting on the counter beside her helping stir and empty pot.

“Don’t think for a moment I didn’t notice you went grocery shopping.” She said irritably. He knew how she felt about him spending money on them.

He snaked an arm around her and held her close, Lily chattering to him. “I’m eating and sleeping here Sildie my turn for groceries. You’ve spent the past month feeding me.” He kissed the nape of her neck and Lily squealed and clapped her hands together. “Please don’t be mad at me for helping out. I’ll buy food for this month, you can do the next month.”

“Fine.” She conceeded, their agreement was food and presents were off limits but he was meeting her half way and she had to suck that up. “It’s just... you know how I feel about it.”

“I know, and I’m trying not to just pay for it all, but I can’t ask you to feed me on top of everything else you have to take care of.” He could have just bullied her into letting him buy the groceries every month as per their agreement but he knew there was a line and he was wasn’t going to cross it, not after last night. “That smells really good.” He said and kissed the spot below her ear. “You smell better.” He growled. Her chuckle was wicked as she turned to face him.

“You’ll just have to cool your jets there love.” She purred and kissed him sinfully.

“Illegal.” He groaned.

“Still gonna do it.” She quipped and turned back to the pan.

“Fuck I hope so.” His tone equally playful.

“Can you clear and set the table?”

“I can, right after I kiss you some more. I’ve missed you.” He murmured and ghosted the nape of her neck with his lips causing her to shiver. His low throaty chuckle making her pussy tingle.

“Go. Set the table.” She laughed as he pulled his hand away from her waist, touching her seductively along the way.

“Come on Lily, come and help. You need to start pulling your weight around here missy.” He said playfully as Lily squealed at him. He set the table and got Lily in her chair before calling the kids for dinner. They sat and ate as a family unit and it felt right he thought. Something for him had clicked into place. Maybe Sildie unleashing on him last night was what he needed. Maybe he’d needed to almost lose this to realize he needed it so much.

The kids cleared the table and Brendan took care of the dishes as it was his turn this week while Sildie started on her reading. With Lily snuggled in his arms he set the kettle onto boil for tea.

“I’m done with homework so when you’re done with tea we can talk if you still need to.” He said to Gustaf a little hesitantly. The kid looked slightly terrified.

“Cool, I’ll get a tea for Sildie and we can chat.” He said quietly. “You’re not in trouble B.” Gustaf found he was incredibly nervous. Maybe that was because he knew this could blow up in his face and fuck up their entire relationship. And not just Brendan, what would Sildie do if things went to shit with the boy? He couldn’t think on that just now, one clusterfuck at a time.

He made the tea and sat it on the table with two cups. Brushing his finger against her cheek he waited until she came back to him from lawyer land.

“Tea steeping for you. I’ll be back in a little while, I’m going to talk with Brendan.” He murmured and squeezed her shoulder as he kissed her hair breathing in her scent to calm him.

He passed Lily to her and the little lady snuggled into her with a mum mum. “You gonna help me little lady?” He heard her say as they went to Brendan’s room and shut the door. Mainly for privacy but he wanted the kid on his turf where he was in control.

“So I’m really not in trouble?” He asked sitting on the bed while Gustaf sat in his desk chair and leaned forward resting his massive frame on his knees with his elbows.

“No you’re not in any trouble B.” He rubbed his hands together and chose his words carefully. “I need to be honest with you about something and would like you to just hear me out fully before you decide to get angry or be upset with me ok?”

“Ok.” The kid agreed, not really sure what else to do.

“I fucked up yesterday with your hockey game.” He said evenly and looked at the kid, eye contact was important. There was no room for error or bullshit with this. He needed to get it out, come clean, and do it calmly which was a mission because he wanted to throw his dinner up the anxiety was so high. “The past few weeks I’ve been going through some emotional shit. An ex girlfriend of mine messed me up and I’ve been trying, and failing, to get that sorted out and move past it for Sildie, and for all of you. It beat me up pretty good and I completely forgot I had promised you I’d be there at your game and to bring you home. My mind hasn’t really been focused on anything outside of what I’ve been dealing with.”

He breathed out carefully finding the calm and burying the emotion from last night. “I only remembered when Sildie came over to my apartment last night and ripped into me. She told me how you’d called her in tears because you thought something had happened to me and for that I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am that I put you through it. I feel like shit for it B. She also told me that you had a shutout and was devastated I wasn’t there to see it and I’m sorry for that too.”

He paused and chose his next words with care and tact. “Sildie also told me that she lied to you, told you I was in the stands and I’d just forgotten to pick you up. Now before you get angry at her for lying to you please let me explain why.” He said quickly, seeing the flash of anger bristle in the kid. “She lied to protect you and also to protect the bond that you and I are still working on, still forming. She didn’t want to see you hurting and if you want to be angry at her for that it’s misdirected. I’m the one that fucked up Brendan. If you need to be angry at anyone it should be me, I’m the one who put her in that position.”

“I can’t turn back time to make it right. I can only ask that you accept my apology and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I broke my promise to you and that was a shitty move on my part. I’m sorry, there aren’t enough words to tell you how sorry I am. I’d really like another chance to try again at being the bigger brother you deserve.” He let out a slow steady breath and waited, he could see the kid was chewing over his words, the anger settling with his explanation. So much like Sildie he thought and probably so much like his father.

“I knew there was something going on with you.” Brendan said softly. “Something had changed, you weren’t your usual goofy self.” His huffed chuckle set Gustaf at ease. “Ama was really mad yesterday.”

“Oh believe me kid, I know exactly how mad. She had every right to say what she said last night and kick my ass to the curb and back again.” He said and looked at the teen. “I hurt her B and I promised I wouldn’t. I’m doing everything I can to make it up to her.”

“Did you sleep with your ex?” The teen asked not really sure if he should be asking but he knew of dads that did and he didn’t like the thought of his aunt being hurt like that.

“No. I haven’t seen my ex in over a year and god willing never will. I would never cheat on Sildie. I’ve been cheated on B, know how that feels and I don’t want to ever do that to someone I love. My actions hurt her enough, I shut her out, didn’t talk to her about what was upsetting me. It all goes back to the emotional crap my ex put me through and that’s no excuse for being a complete prick to her.” He saw the kid nod as if he were connecting the dots.

“I was scared something had happened to you, like mum and dad.” His voice was quiet as a mouse.

“I’m sorry B, I never meant to freak you out like that and I can’t begin to explain how shitty I feel about it.” He did, the kids grief was bad enough he didn’t need that on top of it.

“I’ve lost my dad, I can’t lose you too.” His voice choked but he didn’t break. “You’re the only dad we have now.”

His words hit Gustaf like a brick to the side of the head making a sob catch in his throat. First Liam now Brendan he thought, the kids had been talking. “You know I love you guys like you’re my own.” He smiled and let the tears fall with a huffed laugh. “I’m still learning all this stuff B, I don’t know if I can be half the man your father was.”

“You can’t.” He said simply, shaking his head looking at Gustaf. “Because you’re not him. You’re you.” He smiled. “We love you, just as you are, the goofier the better.” He smirked as Gustaf looked at the kid a little dumbstruck.

“Are you and Ama ok?” He asked as his fingers fidgeted in his lap.

“We will be. I’m not proud of it Brendan, I hurt her and fuck I...” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I never wanted this part of my life to touch her, to touch you guys.”

“You’re not splitting up are you?” The teen held his breath, Gustaf could see it.

“No.” He shook his head and the kid sprung off the bed and hugged him tightly.

“Good.” He sniffed. Gustaf closed his eyes and hugged him. The teen had been worried they would split and he wouldn’t be in their lives anymore. He let the quiet sigh of relief out as the kid let go.

“No were not splitting up. I can’t lose her.” He said as the kid sat back down. “I can’t lose her because I think it would actually kill me. I’m a wreck without her Brendan.”

“She’s been really upset and stressed. Especially when you weren’t sleepinghere. I could hear her crying at night.” He said softly. “Don’t tell her I told you though. She’ll be mad.”

“What we say in here is just between us.” Gustaf said and the teen nodded in understanding. “Are we ok Brendan? You and me?” He asked gently, fully prepared for the kid to tell him to fuck off.

“Yeah we’re ok. On one condition though.” He said and Gustaf could see that same steel that Sildie had in her last night creep into the kid. “Don’t make her cry like that again.”

Gustaf was proud of him. It took balls to say that to an adult in that tone. A tone that clearly said don’t fuck with her.

“I have no intention of making her cry ever again unless it’s happy tears. I really fucked up Brendan and I know my promises don’t mean shit to you right now but I promise you I’ll make it up to her. Let me make it better?” Gustaf held his breath, this would make or break them.

He nodded and seemed to relax. “I just don’t want to see her hurt again.” He said softly.

“Me either B.” Gustaf breathed out gently. “We ok?”

“Yeah.” The kid smiled and Gustaf could feel the tension leave the room. “Can you come next week?” Brendan asked hesitantly.

“I’ll check my calendar but if I’m open, I’m there.” He said gently. “Work trip coming up.”

“Ok.” His smile beamed. “If you can’t I get it.”

“I’ll certainly try though. Thanks for hearing me out.” Gustaf said honestly. He feared there would be more anger and tears from the kid toward him.

“Thanks for being straight with me.” He shot back.

“You are more like Sildie than you think.” He chuckled. “And I would assume more like your dad considering they were twins.”

“I guess.” He shrugged with a smile.

“Homework done?” He asked heading for the door.

“Yeah I’m gonna take a shower and curl up to finish my book.”

“Good plan.” He nodded. “Night B and thanks.”

“Night and no problem.” He grinned.

Gustaf came out to see Sildie busy taking notes and her tea still sitting there, probably stone cold by now, he thought with a smile. He stood behind her, rested his hands on her shoulders gently and kissed her head breathing in that scent that made his world function right side up. He felt the tears prickle his eyes, tears of relief more than anything else.

“You ok love?” She asked as she continued to write.

“You talked to him didn’t you?” He murmured into her hair as he got his emotions under control and massaged the rocks that had taken up residence in her shoulders.

“Yes.” She said gently, as he kissed her head and sat down to look at her. “I didn’t do it for you.” Her eyes came up off her paper to lock onto his over the top of her reading glasses. “I did it for him. He needs you Gustaf and I couldn’t have that fragile bond broken and in turn break that kids heart, again. Breaking it was bad enough the first time around with his parents.” She could see her words had made their point. He’d done the right thing, it was time to move on. “Everything go ok?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” He scrubbed a hand over his face and drank his cold tea. He hadn’t thought about the repercussions of shutting her out, they spread further than he’d realized. “What did you say to him?”

“I told him you were going through some grief of your own, different to ours but grief all the same. I asked him to hear you out and to think about everything you said before getting upset or angry. I basically asked him to keep and open mind and not be judgmental. We all grieve differently, for different things.”

“I guess I owe you for that one too.” He said quietly. How was he ever going to make this right he wondered?

“No, you just paid in full. You righted the wrong and it’s done. We don’t hang past deeds over peoples heads for leverage in this house. Never have and we’re not about to start that bullshit now.” She knew where his mind was going and had read in the few pages of his notebook that Ana had done exactly that. He looked at her and saw the lawyer sitting before him, and she was scary as fuck when she pulled it out.

“Thank you.” He murmured and brushed a knuckle against her hand as she started writing.

She hooked her finger in his. “It’s done now love. We move on, we move forward, we move past this.” She tugged his fingers for him to move closer to her, he was still so fragile. Those fingers gripped his chin gently and his eyes looked into hers. “Together, you and me.” Her voice gentle. She kissed him, that loving kiss that filled his soul.

“I know.” He whispered as she got back to work with a smile. “Can I sit here with you and read?”

“Of course.” She said absently.

“Lily go down ok?” He asked softly.

“She did. A few dad dads later.” She smirked and he smiled to himself as he went to make a fresh pot of tea.

She was stronger than she gave herself credit for and took no shit either, he thought as he watched her from the kitchen. He was grateful that she was a straight shooter, called it how she saw it. It was what captured his mind the first time they really spoke over their Friday tea dates. Maybe it was time they started having those tea dates again he mused. They were the reason they’d become so close in the beginning, it might help to bring them closer together again and heal the wound he’d inflicted on her.

With a fresh, hot, pot of tea he sat with her and read his script. He absently poured her a cup, chewing over the characters and plot line in his head. Brushing a finger against her pen arm she eventually stilled and came up for air.

“Fresh tea, drink love.” He said still reading, a slight smirk tugging those talented lips.

She looked at him, then the tea and smiled. He was so good to her. She would have been in lawyer land until she fell asleep mid sentence had he not pulled her back to reality every now and then. She sipped her tea and watched him over the rim of her teacup.

He was fragile, she could see it just below the surface, a brittleness that’s threatened to shatter him if she pushed. The past few weeks had torn him apart and he was struggling to pick up those pieces. Maybe it was a good thing they were having a few days away together to reconnect. He would heal though, she’d see to it, tend him like he’d done for her. She she would stitch that kind generous heart back together a kiss at a time.

She tidied her work and stacked it at the end of the table for the morning. She really did need an office but Lily needed a bedroom before that. After Christmas she’d have enough saved to section off part of the living area into a small bedroom. Time, she thought, all in good time.

With her tea half finished she got up and took the teapot over to rinse out for the morning. He was still lost in his script when she let her hands rest on his shoulders and drift over his chest. She kissed his temple and waited. That hand soon left the paper and rested over hers.

“I’m done for the night.” She whispered. “My brain is over lawyered and I need sleep.” She kissed him again.

“Go shower I’ll be there in a minute, I want to finish this scene.” His hand snaked around her neck and he craned his head back to kiss her sweetly. “Then I’ll come snuggle with you.”

“See that you do.” She kissed him, that sinful promise on her lips.

“Illegal.” He choked with a grin.

“I think I can swindle a deal to get us out of trouble.” She smirked and headed for a shower. “Or into more depending.” He watched her walk to her room, those hips sashaying, her curves beckoning. He felt his cock twitch and groaned softly.

He finished his scene, made his notes, and tidied his work up at the end of the table with Sildies. He smiled at their bags nestled together and felt his heart flutter, normal, their normal. He checked the front door was locked and turned the lights off before pulling a daisy from the vase and bringing it with him.

He found her naked and barely covered by the bedsheet. Those curves enticing him. He placed the flower on the bed and stripped. Twirling the daisy between his fingers so it spun he grinned and climbed in beside her kissing her shoulder. He trailed the petals down her side and watched as her body shivered.

She was squirming by the time he brushed it over her hip. “That’s tickles.” She giggled quietly.

“Does it now?” He kissed her neck and nipped her jaw as she rolled slightly to look at him.

“Yes.” She breathed out as he gently bit down on the spot below her ear.

He lazily stroked her body with the flower, kissing a trail lightly over spots he knew made her lose control. He left her comfortable on her side as he dipped lower and lower with each pass of the petals over her curves.

Gently he straddled her lower leg and rested the other on his hip. He tormented her inner thighs with flower and finger, and groaned as he brushed her heat finding her soaked for him. He gripped her by the ankle and brought it up to rest on his shoulder opening her wide. His fingers destroyed her system as they caressed the length of her leg, lips kissing her calf.

Her hand gripped his thigh as he took hold of her ass and hip gently pulling her to him. She could feel his cock pressed against her entrance, the hardness and heat causing her to softly whimper for him. She’d never been taken in this position and knew the change in angle would likely send her over the edge quickly.

He toyed with her, brushing his engorged head over her clit, circling it around her entrance. She whimpered into the pillow as he slid his tip in and rested there. No words were needed, the pleasure was written all over her body, hands already fisting in sheet and pillow.

With a slow thrust he inched inside her, his hands pulling her onto his cock until he bottomed out.

“Sildie.” He breathed, as he sheathed himself deeply.

Her fingers dug into his thigh as he found that slow torturous rhythm. He felt like he’d stretched her beyond anything she’d ever felt before, his girth erotically destroying her. That thickness and length caressing every secret spot inside her.

He watched as she fell apart at his touch, gave herself to him, to the pleasure. Her body trembling deliciously as he thrust harder. Her muffled whimper into the pillow made him smile as he slipped a finger over her clit and felt her tense, her fingers digging into his thigh as she fought to control her climax.

With a cry her body spasmed, shaking and writhing as his cock continued it pleasurable assault as she came. Leaning forward slightly on his knees he quickened his pace, hips pistoning.

“Gustaf.” She whimpered as her second orgasm crested so quickly her body shook violently, hands frantic as the euphoria took her. It crashed through her and his groan only made her third build quicker.

He looked down at her as he took her. Curves trembling, hands scrambling for purchase, body writhing. The feel of her tight pussy squeezing him, pulsing around him had his release crest. He felt her tense, the soft cry and whisper as she begged him to tip her over the edge.

“Go over love, take me with you.” He growled gently.

His fingers gripped her and flicked her clit, destroying her system with an overload of stimuli. She screamed into the pillow as she shattered around him. Her pussy clamped down on his cock hard and he erupted. He pounded into her, enjoying her tightness, drawing out their pleasure.

Slowing to a stop, panting hard, his release making him see stars, he pulled out of her gently and eased her leg down massaging her hip. He lay beside her and spooned her as their heart rates came down from the high.

“Now you’ll sleep well.” He snickered playfully.

“No doubt.” Her giggle equally mischievous. She rolled over in his arms and kissed him. “That was some position.”

“You like that one?” He kissed her, tongue teasing, tasting.

“I do. I like all of them but that might be a new favorite.” She grinned.

“I’ll remember that.” He murmured and kissed her sweetly.

“I do have to sleep now though.” Her pout made him groan before he kissed her roughly. She filed that reaction away for later, she was learning what made him tick, what could possibly make him lose control.

“Yes you do. Court tomorrow, you need to be sharp.” He couldn’t keep her up any later tonight, not after yesterday.

“You doing ok?” She asked gently, her finger trailing his scruff as she snuggled against him.

“I’m doing better. Still have some shit to sort out but it’s not as bad.” He kissed her with that love he had buried deep. “You’re the light in my darkness Sildie, you burn so brightly love.”

“And you’re mine.” Her kiss was long and sweet.

“Sleep now. Don’t want my lawyer all grumpy and not at her best.” He curled her in and brushed the flower petals against her cheek which made her laugh softly.

“They smell pretty.” She sighed.

“So do you love.” Kissing her head he lay the flower on the nightstand and breathed her in.

He felt her drift and then plummet into sleep, her entire body going lax almost instantly. He smiled and kissed her head as he lay there thinking. Things were better and would continue to get better, he’d work on it. He would do better for her, for the kids.

“You’re my home.” He whispered.

***********************************************

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acediian · 5 years ago

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—𝓉𝑜𝓋𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓃'𝓈 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑔𝒾𝒻𝓉 (𝓋𝒾.)

thanos x original character fanfiction | pre-infinity war | 3.6k words +

a/n: wedding day!!! it’s here!!! and they’re both miserable! wedding of the century! :p

chapters i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Amidst a flurry of individuals around her, Aerendis stared straight ahead at the reflection in the mirror. What she saw was a great Tovarion beauty staring back at her. One whose silvery skin glittered in the late afternoon sunlight, its luminescence only enhanced by an elegant sheen of soft makeup. Her long, dark hair was draped elegantly over her shoulders, half of it braided away from her face and held back with a glittering silver tiara. She looked every bit a Tovarion bride, but there was a solemnity in her eyes that no bride should ever have on her wedding day.

A soft voice in her ear pulled Aerendis from her distant thoughts and back into the frenetic atmosphere of the room once again.

“Aerendis, your dress.”

The dressmaker, Olerys, had finally arrived - nearly too late by the queen’s account - trailed by a group of four handmaidens who held his creation delicately in their hands. He stopped before his princess and greeted her with a deep, flourishing bow. He seemed exhausted, and there was a tension in his smile that gave away his certain displeasure at having to deliver such an important gown on such short notice.

“What do you think, your highness?” he asked, gesturing to her dress.

Aerendis rose from her seat, reaching out to take a bit of the silken fabric between her fingers. “I cannot believe you’ve done this in a day,” she remarked, making an effort to flash a smile at the clearly relieved Olerys. “You have truly outdone yourself, my lord. It’s beautiful. Better than I could have imagined.”

It really was the most fabulous gown Olerys had ever made for her. Perfectly complementary to her elegant style while incorporating the colors and symbols of the royal family. It was a celebration of her and of Tovarion. All she wished was that she could have worn it on a day when her heart fluttered with happiness at marrying the one she loved instead of sunk with dread.

Olerys seemed floored. “Thank you, princess,” he gasped, bowing once again. “Thank you.” He required a moment to compose himself. “Shall… shall we see how it looks on you?”

“Please. Though I suppose I don’t have much of a choice, now, do I?” Aerendis gestured for the handmaidens to bring the flowing garment closer. Illaria, who had been among them, assisted her in removing her robe so the others could help her step into the gown.

Aerendis was breathless as they did up the buttons and she got her first glimpse at herself in the dress. It hugged her body perfectly from neck to hips, where it gave way to a waterfall of silver fabric that glittered with thousands of tiny jewels. Its bodice emulated traditional Tovari armor, with a silver breastplate that was intricately carved with images of the planet’s beautiful flora and fauna. Even its billowing sleeves, shoulderless and decorated with royal blue threading, flowed perfectly down to her wrists. There was not a single element of it that was not beautiful to her.

In the mirror, Aerendis could see the queen’s eyes welling with tears.

“Ama...”

Aredhyn stepped behind her daughter, gently placing her hands on her shoulders. There was a warmth and a sadness in her eyes that elicited a flutter in her daughter’s heart. “You look so beautiful, my darling.” One of her hands lifted to caress Aerendis’ cheek.

“Thank you, Ama,” she replied with a smile.

“I only wish that your father was here to see you.”

Aerendis found no joy or anticipation in her wedding day, but she, too, felt the void left behind by her father. True, his spirit surrounded them, but still she longed for his embrace, his presence, and his counsel on such an important day in her life. Her heart was truly heavy, for far more than one reason.

“Do you really think he would have approved of my husband to be?” the princess asked, raising a brow.

Aredhyn chuckled, moving around to her daughter’s front. “Decidedly not.” A hand lovingly moved a strand of her hair from behind her shoulder, letting it brush against the dress’ shining breastplate. “But he would have been proud of you. Of your choice, of your sacrifice. Devastated to see you leave, yes. But so proud nonetheless.” A warm, yet wistful glance passed between them. “I am, too. As your queen and your mother.”

“Thank you, Ama.”

Their preparations continued with a custom that all Tovari brides partook in on their wedding day: the sharing of blessings from every woman in her household. Starting with the queen, each woman who had attended the princess presented her with a different Tovari flower. Aerendis sat as, one by one, they placed each bloom in her lap. From her mother, the flower that symbolized love. From her aunt, one that would bless her with strength. Then flowers for prosperity, fertility, wisdom, faith, and happiness. All represented a pillar of marriage on Tovarion. Aerendis would carry them with her into the temple and emerge with their blessings to guide her in her wedded life.

Trembling fingers clutched the bouquet as Aerendis stared out of the carriage that ushered her and her mother through the sprawling city streets and to the temple. All of Tovarion, it seemed, had gathered for the occasion. No doubt, they had heard of what their princess had done for them and flocked to her side on the day of her wedding to the one she had stopped from decimating their entire planet. They cheered as she passed, tossing flowers in the wake of her carriage and making declarations of gratitude that caused her heart to soar and sink all at once.

Aerendis drank in the sight of them. Every face both young and old reminded her of why she had so confidently made such an impossible decision. Tovarion would endure. Tovarion would thrive.

“Our people will never forget this, Aerendis,” the queen said, her eyes also watching the faces of those they passed on the cobbled streets of the city.

“I know.” The princess turned her gaze to the great temple that rose high above the city skyline; a rectangular silver structure whose tall pillars reflected every hue of the sky above. Hundreds waited inside to watch their princess marry. Of course, the Mad Titan waited, too.

In her peripheral vision, Aerendis saw her mother remove something from around her neck. “Aerendis,” she said, extending a hand. The princess turned to see her mother’s amulet, its black stone catching the warmth of the setting sun in its many facets. “Take it.”

“But… that is the key to the vault.”

“And you have seen how to open the door,” the queen replied, pressing it into her daughter’s palm. “You are the one who extended this offer to Thanos. You must be the one to give him the stone.”

“You are certain?”Aerendis asked, and her mother nodded silently in response. She stared, agape, at the necklace for a long moment before placing it around her own neck. “I will.”

A softness came to the queen’s eyes. “It looks beautiful on you.”

“You think everything does, Ama.”

“Of course I do.” Aredhyn leaned forward to kiss her daughter’s forehead. “You are my daughter.”

The carriage slowed to a stop and one of the queensguard opened the door to assist his queen in exiting. Aerendis heard a roar of applause for her mother from those who waited outside of the temple. The queen had never been anything but loved by those that she served so faithfully.

“Princess?” the queensguard offered his hand to the princess this time, which she took.

Cradling the small bunch of flowers in the crook of her other arm, she carefully stepped out of the carriage and into the large square that lay before the temple. As her gown billowed around her, she was met with a wall of sound. Cheers erupted from the people of Tovarion, flowers landed at her feet, words of blessings met her ears.

A smile came and went as she moved towards the temple steps, where the high priestess Meylla awaited her arrival. Thanos stood by her side, clad in all his golden armor but his helm.

The priestess bowed deeply before her queen and princess. “Your highnesses.”

Aredhyn cupped her daughter’s cheek one last time, naught but love in her eyes as she withdrew to make her way up the temple steps. Erodhil waited for his mother at the top, and the two soon disappeared into the towering structure arm in arm.

“Princess,” Priestess Meylla continued with a kindly smile. “Take the arm of your betrothed and enter the house of the gods.”

Meeting Thanos’ gaze briefly, Aerendis did just so, lacing a hand around his forearm and placing her fingers delicately on the back of his hand. This was the way that all Tovari couples passed through the doors to the temple on their wedding day; two souls entwined that would depart again as one.

With him on the left and her on the right, they ascended the stairs. Aerendis held her head high despite the turmoil she felt inside; she was at peace with her choice, yet terrified all the same. On Tovarion, marriage was the most sacred of all promises that two individuals could make to one another. The sanctity of it was surely lost on him, an offworlder. This was merely another delay that separated him from the thing he had come to Tovarion to collect.

As the two of them reached the temple doors, the high priestess blessed them both using a branch of the Elder Tree. It was a symbol of life and faith for the Tovari people, having existed since the earliest days of their civilization. Many believed that it had originally sprouted from the soil that the gods had first touched after creating Tovarion. The sweet aroma of its white leaves filled Aerendis’ nose as Priestess Meylla touched it to her head, and then did the same to Thanos.

“With this blessing, the gods shall watch over you as leave behind your lives as individuals and take your first steps together,” the high priestess said, gesturing for them to proceed into the temple.

The woodsy smell of incense flooded over them as they passed through the stone doors and into the expansive house of the Tovari gods. Its pillars extended hundreds of feet upwards, meeting in a buttressed ceiling that bore statues depicting the four gods in each of its corners. Between each pillar, paneled windows allowed the evening sunlight to stream into the temple and bathe all present in its warm glow. At night, the same windows gave those at prayer an uninhibited view of the starlit sky above.

The temple was a familiar sight to Aerendis, who had spent a good portion of her life inside its walls. As a young girl, she had received several scoldings from her mother after chasing her brother around the atrium. As she emerged into adulthood, she had made her official dedication to the gods before all the priestesses and priests in the temple. Now, no longer a girl or young woman, she had come to make her most sacred promise of all.

Lining either side of the aisle that led to the silver altar stood hundreds of onlookers - nobles, royals, commoners, members of Thanos’ army. Aerendis felt every pair of eyes following them as they passed. The temple would have been all but silent if not for the soft, lulling music that accompanied their ascent to the altar.

It was likely the first time two souls had entered the temple to marry with no desire to do so. Something beyond nervousness twisted inside of Aerendis’ stomach. On the outside, however, she was a picture of grace and nobility.

Her silver dress flowed behind her as the two of them walked up the steps to the altar. The Priestess Meylla followed, beginning the prayer that opened every Tovari wedding ceremony. Sung in the planet’s native tongue, it was a prayer that invoked the gods to make holy this day in the lives of the two who had come to be wed. The high priestess also called upon them for their protection of Tovarion and to ensure its continued prosperity.

With the conclusion of the opening prayer, Priestess Meylla clasped her hands together. “Here we stand,” she continued in the common tongue, her voice echoing throughout the temple. “In the sight of gods and men, to witness the union of wife and husband. Aerendis, Princess Royal of Tovarion, and Thanos of Titan have come together before the gods to enter into the fellowship of marriage.”

Aerendis let out a soft sigh, her eyes falling shut for a brief moment. That knotting feeling only grew tighter.

“The princess will now present her husband with her bridegift.”

It was common for both halves of a Tovari couple to present the other with a gift - typically a family heirloom or some other item of sentimental value. Of course, Thanos was no Tovari and, as such, had surely prepared no gift for Aerendis. She supposed, however, that his gift had already come in the form of salvation for her people.

Erodhil stepped forward, delicately balancing a shining greatsword across both of his hands. He exchanged the heavy weapon for the flowers that his sister was carrying. As the sword settled into Aerendis’ hands, she ran a thumb against the intricately-carved blade. A lump formed in her throat.

“The sword of her father, King Erborg,” Priestess Meylla said, gesturing for the princess to transfer it to Thanos. “A symbol of strength and protection to guide you both in your years together.”

The greatsword was dwarfed in the Titan’s hands. It had seemed an imposing weapon in Aerendis’ youth, when she would see it on her father’s hip during every formal occasion. The first time he had let her hold it, she nearly fell over under its weight. Pure Tovari silver, nigh indestructible. It was a weapon fit for a king. Now it sat at her husband’s side, as it would for the rest of their days together.

Another prayer in Tovari followed, one that Aerendis dreaded to hear but knew must be included in every wedding ritual. A blessing on her father’s sword that they would one day pass it to their child. Her eyes flitted to Thanos, deeply thankful that he did not speak their language.

The presentation of the bridegift complete, Priestess Meylla stepped closer to them with her arms outstretched. “Take one another by the hand.”

Thanos offered his hand first. The princess took it, placing her own hand gently atop his open palm. As his long fingers closed entirely around it, the high priestess began to tightly encircle their joined hands in a piece of silk.

“May the fabric of your marriage go forever unbroken,” she said as she tied the silk into a knot. “May the gods’ watchful eyes never close on you. May you become one heart from this day until the end of time. What the gods have joined together, let no being, creature, or force seek to tear asunder.” She untied the ribbon, leaving their hands still holding the other and the blessing brought to fruition.

The soft music that had guided them to the altar continued, filing the silence in this, the sacred moment when wife and husband were joined together. All the while, Aerendis kept her hand inside of Thanos’.

“Now you shall make your vows to one another, here before your witnesses both mortal and divine,” Priestess Meylla eventually continued. “Turn and face one another.”

Both Aerendis and Thanos were equally expressionless as they turned and met the other’s eyes. They must have seemed laughably uncomfortable to all those who watched them. The people of Tovarion had never seen such a somber pair agree to join together in matrimony.

“Thanos of Titan, please speak these words to your bride,” the priestess said to him. “I take you as my wife, vowing to cherish and protect you.”

Aerendis saw his jaw tighten. “I take you as my wife, vowing to cherish and protect you,” he repeated flatly.

“In times of good fortune and in times of adversity,” she continued.

“In times of good fortune and in times of adversity.”

“I will honor you and be faithful to you from now until my final day.”

He drew in a deep breath. “I will honor you and be faithful to you from now until my final day.”

Priestess Meylla turned to her princess next. “Aerendis of Tovarion, please speak these words to your groom: I take you as my husband, vowing to cherish and protect you.”

Aerendis knew these vows meant nothing to Thanos, but in the eyes of her gods, they were as sacred as any prayer. She felt her mouth go dry. “I take you as my husband, vowing to cherish and protect you.”

“In times of good fortune and in times of adversity.”

“In times of good fortune and in times of adversity.” She was breathless as her heart pounded against her chest.

“I will honor you and be faithful to you from now until my final day.”

“I will honor you,” Aerendis took a breath, “and be faithful to you from now until my final day.”

Priestess Meylla turned to the altar, retrieving a large silver goblet bearing a dark red Tovari wine. “From this cup shall wife and husband drink,” she said, clasping it tightly in both hands. “This cup that I bless in the name of the gods, that they may, in turn, bless you in your everlasting union.”

She handed the goblet to Aerendis first. As the princess took a sip from it, she continued: “From this moment forth, you shall share everything in life. You shall double the other’s joys and halve the other’s sorrows.” Priestess Meylla watched the princess hand the cup to Thanos, who also drank from it. “You shall bear the burdens of the other and exalt their triumphs. Together you shall live in harmony, sharing in all things equally.”

Placing the cup aside, the priestess brought their hands together once again. Her next prayer was for only them, a wish for the newly married couple that only they would hear. Aerendis had bore witness to countless weddings in her life and always wondered what the priestess whispered to those who stood at the altar. A secret, personal thing meant for those who had pledged their lives to one another. The moment seemed decidedly less romantic and intimate now that she was the one to marry.

“Now you shall feel no storm, for you will be the other’s shelter,” Priestess Meylla began, her eyes closed and her voice soft. “You shall feel no cold, for you will be the other’s warmth. There shall be no loneliness, for you will be the other’s companion. There shall be no sorrow, for you will be the other’s comfort.”

Aerendis saw Thanos glance at her from the corner of her eye. Did he find these words as hollow as she?

“You have come as two souls, but there is only one life before you. You will share this life together, as the gods have intended for you. May happiness always be your companion and your days together be good and long.”

“Thank you,” Aerendis breathed, though her words hardly brought her the joy that she should have felt on what was supposed to have been such a happy day.

“Here, under the ever-watchful eyes of the gods,” Priestess Meylla said, addressing all in attendance once again. “Have these two individuals dedicated their lives to one another. From this day until the day they join their ancestors in the realm beyond. Look upon one another, now, as husband and wife, and seal your vows with a kiss.”

Priestess Meylla looked to the princess almost apologetically, but Aerendis knew it had been coming. No Tovari wedding ended without the couple displaying one final act of their dedication to one another through a kiss before the altar of the gods.

Aerendis, whose hand was still clasped in Thanos’ grasp, turned her eyes upward once again. The Tovari were by no means a small people, but his stature far surpassed her own. Almost comically so.

There was a distinct silence in the temple as all those present waited for the newly wed couple to come together in their first kiss. Aerendis watched as Thanos dropped to one knee before her, bringing him to just above her own height. His eyes were blue, something she had not noticed before. Eyes that had seen much conquest and destruction over the years. Eyes that closed along with her own as the two of them drew closer.

Her lips met his in a gentle whisper of a kiss, though there was no closeness or affection between them. There was, however, a softness in his lips that Aerendis did not expect. A softness no doubt brought upon by the timidness and brevity of the kiss. As both quickly pulled away again and he rose back to his full height, their guests erupted into applause.

“With the gods’ favor, I hereby pronounce you wife and husband - and shall be forever more,” Priestess Meylla concluded.

Aerendis felt a weight lift from her shoulders now that it was over. But she had no newlywed glow about her as the applause from all those in attendance continued. She exchanged a swift glance with her now husband. If there was one thing that they could agree upon, it was that they both wanted this ordeal to end sooner rather than later. But the sun had only just set and night was still so very young.

Tagging: @kurochan3 (let me know if you’d also like to be tagged in future chapters!)

#thanos imagine #thanos fic #thanos x oc #thanos x original character #marvel #marvel fic #marvel imagine #marvel fanfic #marvel fanfiction #mcu #mcu fic #mcu fanfic #mcu imagine #f: tovarion

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