Warnings: slightly ooc writing, my timeline is all mixed up with the shows.
Author’s note: Coming back from a second, long hiatus. This story ended up having way more parts than I thought it would. I’m timing the next two parts to be released weekly and “A Proposal” will be updated on Wednesdays ! If you want to be taken off of the taglist just shoot me a message.
Summary: An old face brings back heartbreak and the hope of success to avenge Ragnar.
Masterlist
Pt 1 // Pt 2
“Everyone. Please, meet my lovely wife—“ as her face came into view Ivar whispered her name at the same time that Earl Erik shouted it to the room “Y/N”
A huge smile was planted on Y/N's face, as she looked around at the surprised brothers who all in turn looked toward Ivar. Her eyes followed theirs and landed on the last man she thought she would ever see again. She had heard whispers here and there, but none that were anything concrete. Yet, there he was, sitting down, eyes pointed at her, lips parted, staring as if she was an illusion that would disappear if he blinked. Erik grabbed her hand in his and pulled her closer to the table, their thrall trailing a bit far behind her, before finding an empty seat not too far away from where they now stood. “You all know Y/N” he chuckled, as his arm settled softly around her waist. The brothers all cautiously nodded, eyes still glued on Ivar, who hadn’t said a word. This would explain all the glances at Ivar from Erik throughout the evening, even when he wasn’t talking. They had all assumed Ivar’s big mouth had just made the man dislike him. The tense shoulders and pointed looks however must have been because he knew of Ivar and Y/N, it made sense to the brothers now.
“Y/N” Ivar finally muttered again after some time of them just staring at each other. The name felt so foreign on his tongue, he hadn’t spoken it in so long, finally having accepted that he would never see her again and yet, there she was, finally within his reach again.
“You’re alive” She half laughed to herself, still not quite believing he was there. She had never kept her love for Ivar a secret from her husband. She had told him all about their friendship that blossomed into love. She had also told him of his choice to leave her and of his untimely death. She turned in Erik’s arm and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. “Why don’t you go get your wife something to drink, hm?” she smiled at him, love evident in her eyes. Ivar felt his jaw clench and his hand gripped his mug so tight, his knuckles began to lose color. That kiss should have been his, that smile for him and the child that was in the arms of the thrall should have been theirs.
Erik grabbed her head affectionately and pulled her in, to place his lips on the top of her head “Whatever my wife wants.” He playfully bowed at the brothers and made his way to find mead for her. They had both heard the rumors that spread. The cripple son was alive, but Y/N had convinced herself and Erik that there was no way it could be true, Aslaug was never wrong. The saxons had killed Ragnar, why would they spare Ivar? Erik had prepared himself, for if the rumors were true, he wasn’t sure what it could mean for his marriage when his wife saw her first love again. He knew that the request for drink was really her asking to be alone with him and he couldn’t deny his wife that. If his first wife had suddenly appeared before him, he’d be very conflicted on what to do, a feeling he wouldn’t wish on anyone and yet here was his Y/N faced with an impossible choice. He truly did love her and he knew he could never be angry at her if she chose to leave him for the man she thought was dead who was now sitting in front of them clearly still as in love with her as before.
Ubbe let out a cough, trying his best to ease some of the tension that was clearly building. “You look really good,” he smiled as he stood up and pulled her in for a hug. She hugged him back, but her eyes still kept making their way to Ivar, who hadn’t moved.
“Definitely not just an ordinary woman huh Ivar” Hvitserk teased as his elbow dug into Ivar’s side, his eyes looking her up and down.
“Shut it” Ivar growled for only Hvitserk to hear. Hvitserk simply chuckled and shook his head as he stood, making his way over to Y/N.
“My, how you’ve….” his eyes roamed her body once more “changed” She let out a small laugh at his observation before she pulled him in for a hug as well.
“I’ve missed all you idiots.” She hadn’t in fact changed much, except maybe the length of her hair. She had been surrounded by beautiful princesses and thralls and exotic slaves her whole life with the Ragnar sons; her confidence hadn’t always been as strong as she let on. She’d wear looser dresses, hair just pulled back simply, most skin hidden from the world. Her dresses were more fitted now, her shoulders out, her hair in intricate braids. Erik had slowly pulled her out of her mind, showing her how beautiful she truly was, he made her feel all the time what Ivar made her feel when they were together. She hadn’t realized how much her confidence could change how people saw her on the outside and for that she was grateful to Erik.
“You missed one more than the rest of us though, right?” Hvitserk teased, but before she could respond Sigurd ran over from somewhere behind her and lifted her by the waist. She gasped as he yelled her name, spinning her around. When he finally put her down he pulled her into a tight hug and began asking her a plethora of questions of where she had been, how she met Erik, how she suddenly looked so different etc. Bjorn had never been around much for him to feel anything about her return. However, he knew this could put a damper in his plans; she was, after all, the one that got away for Ivar. He saw as she excused herself from the brothers, to make her way to Ivar.
“Hi” she whispered, eyes on him.
Ivar responded softly “That’s all you have to say? Hi?” his voice getting a bit louder with each word.
“I don’t know what to say, Ivar. I--” He could see the tears in her eyes and how she tried to fight them back, he instantly softened, leaning forward and resting his hands on the table between them.
“Say that he’s lying. That you’re not married. That you waited for me or that he forced you into marriage and that you’re here for my help” he pleaded softly with her, trying to keep the conversation low enough that his nosy brothers couldn’t hear everything. Bjorn however, was paying very close attention to them. He could not let this reunion ruin his plan to get Erik's army.
She opened her mouth once and then quickly closed it as her hand reached up to wipe a tear that had fallen. “I thought you were dead” she managed to squeak out. She moved forward some more and let her hand rest on his “I thought I had lost you forever. Your mother, she had a vision--” she stopped talking when she felt Ivar pull away at the mention of his mother. “I’m- really sorry about the loss of your mother”
“Murder” Ivar spat out “the murder of my mother.” Y/N simply nodded, not wanting to anger him further.
All those nights she spent talking to the stars, in the hope that her voice would reach Ivar in Valhalla. All the nights she spent crying and mourning his loss. They were all for nothing because Ivar was alive. The love of her life was sitting in front of her and she still couldn’t believe it. “Can we talk? Away from all of this? Please” as she mumbled toward him, her thrall came toward her with a crying toddler. Y/N quickly took him and rocked him while softly singing him a song. He settled quickly in her embrace and Ivar stared at them with both anger and awe.
“You always wanted to be a mother” He chuckled dryly, “guess you wasted no time in starting a family huh” he shook his head as he downed the rest of the mead in his mug. At this point the brothers had all scattered, not wanting any part in whatever blow out was about to happen, all the brothers except Bjorn.
She went from smiling at the baby in her arms to frowning at Ivar. “You left me. You don’t get to be angry. You chose” she tried to keep her voice low and away from the thrall who didn’t need to know her business, but she let her anger get the best of her and knew she had been louder than intended. Placing a kiss on the child’s forehead she handed him back to the thrall. “You two can retire for the night and please put him to bed, I won’t be long.” Once she had made sure the thrall had made it out she turned back to Ivar. There were no words to explain all the emotions that were swirling inside of her. Ivar had been her first love, her true love; she had thought she lost him and that he was gone forever. She had found love in Erik and his son and they had been so happy and now that was all crashing down. All she could think was how the gods must be very bored that they are playing jokes on her here in Midgard. They were mocking her and she was at a loss at what their plans for her were. She had caught Bjorn staring as she looked around the hall and he hadn’t looked away, there was no shame, on the contrary; it felt like he wanted her to know that he was listening. She had also locked eyes with Erik briefly who was standing on the opposite side of the room now, speaking with someone, she could see he was trying to give her privacy but his worried eyes would look every now and then to make sure she was okay. Finally her eyes found Ivar’s full of both hate and love, she had known him long enough that she could feel every emotion that he denied himself. “You’re right.” She made her way around the table, plopping herself on the chair that Hvisterk had occupied not too long ago. She made a point of turning her chair to face him, much closer to him now. Her hands rested on her laps, playing with her skirt nervously. She couldn’t believe that after everything they had been through he still made her feel so nervous. He stared at her hands for a second before looking up at her face which was down turned as she stared at her hands “I did always want children and a husband. A family to call my own. If I recall correctly I begged you to provide it for me and you,” she let her eyes move over his face and look into his eyes “you left.”
“You know why I had to-“
“I know” she let out a breathy laugh. “I know why you left Ivar, you don’t need to remind me.” His hands found their way into hers, fingers filling the spaces between hers, hidden by the table in front of them.
“I would raise him, you know.” He squeezed her hand and she looked at him a bit confused before realizing what he meant. He thought the child was hers. Did men not use their brains? The child was just a bit too grown to fit into the timeline he had forged in his mind.
“You mean Erik’s son?” Her eyebrow raised and she smiled
“Your son. If you came back to me I would treat him like my own, we’ll give him many siblings.” He squeezed her hands with excitement written on his face as he forgot the world around him.
“Ivar. He’s not my son. He is Erik’s son.” She kissed his hands before letting them go. “I have missed your half thought out plans though” she muttered as she felt herself relaxing in his presence once more. “His mother, Erik’s first wife, died in childbirth. They were all alone until I came into their lives.” Ivar couldn’t help but feel happiness surge through him. If they didn’t have a child together then there was nothing tying her to Erik. She could leave him, return to Kattegat and they could forget all about the lost time between them.
“So, how is it you came across beloved Erik there and gained yourself such a reputation?” He leaned in closer to her, his hand on her knee as she told him things that had happened to her from the day she left until now. She kept it mostly short and didn’t go into too much detail , but he stared at her in horror and awe nonetheless, listening to the hardships she endured and his heart grew softer for her every time she mentioned how she would talk to him when she felt all alone. The look in Ivar’s eyes, it was the look that meant he was going to do something ridiculous, something that would definitely get the attention of those around him and Bjorn knew exactly what that was as Ivar grabbed her arm and attempted to pull her closer to lay his lips on hers. Before he could advance far enough in his plan, Bjorn was standing behind him, one hand firmly on Ivar’s shoulder, squeezing.
“That’s quite a life you’ve lived Y/N.” Ivar grunted at his brother's voice. He had clearly been eavesdropping on their conversation. “Seems like you owe Erik quite a lot for all he’s done for you.” His attempt to remind her of her husband was not subtle in the least bit and Y/N could tell that Bjorn didn’t like her much, but she said nothing in that regard. He made sure his voice was loud, trying to assert some weird authority over her. She noticed Ivar glare behind her as well, before she could question what he was staring at, she heard him.
“That’s where you have it wrong Bjorn.” Erik’s gruff voice echoed as he approached them. He stood beside his wife now and Ivar recoiled from her further. “It is I who owes this woman my life.” Y/N smiled and rolled her eyes playfully at the sound of Erik getting closer to her.
“And why’s that?” She questioned, knowing very well what he was going to respond.
“You saved me from loneliness wife. You stand by my side and that of my son and my people. You foolishly agreed to marry me.” Her body was now fully turned to his, admiration for him on her face. She never thought she’d feel this happy with someone who wasn’t Ivar and yet, as she stood before both of them, she felt immense love toward them both. In this moment all she could concentrate on was Erik and how scratchy his beard felt on her skin as his lips quickly met hers for a kiss.
Ivar grumbled some excuse and all but shoved his brother away as he dragged himself out of the dining hall. Y/N wanted to chase after him but she knew she shouldn’t. He needed time to adjust to the reality that was their life now and she needed to figure out why Bjorn disliked her so much, when he didn’t even know her.
Author’s Note: Last part will be out next week ! Thank you for sticking with me through this story. I hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it <3
Summary: Ubbe is more observant than people think and y/n is given a choice.
Masterlist
Pt 1 // Pt 2 // Pt 3
The walk back to the dining hall was quiet as Ubbe and Y/N walked hand in hand. He breathed out her name softly and she let out a “hmm?” As she looked up at him. Her cheeks felt warm and she couldn’t help but smile. There was no way she had mistaken what Ivar said. He loved her, but if that was true, then why was he acting like an idiot? Why was he pushing her away, why did he sleep with Margarethe, why would Sigurd tell her all those things about Ivar? She hadn’t been listening to a word Ubbe had said, but the bruises on his neck did catch her attention and without even realizing she was interrupting him mid sentence, asking about them. It was Ubbe’s turn to feel his cheeks warm “they’re uh…” he cleared his throat and looked away from her “well they’re…”
Y/N couldn’t help but to let out a small giggle, Ubbe looked at her confused “I know what they are Ubbe,” she shook her head. She might not have done things like that, but she wasn’t naive. She knew exactly how those marks got to his neck and who most likely put them there. It wasn’t that she wasn’t bothered by it, but there was no jealousy or possessiveness because there was no real love between them. Ubbe gave her comfort and she was sure Ubbe only cared to sleep with her. Regardless of their reasons for marriage, it’s what they were going to be: married. She refused to be seen as disposable by the world, she wouldn’t stand for whispers behind her back of her husband’s infidelities. If they were going to do this, all she wanted was a chance for love to grow between them. “You’re going to have to do better at coming up with lies husband, what if your mother had asked?” Ubbe was definitely confused now, if she knew what they were, why wasn’t she upset? “I’m not stupid Ubbe. I see the way Margarethe stares at you and you at her. I just ask that you respect me as a wife and don’t sneak behind my back. If we’re going to do this, I want to do it right. There might not be love involved, but there should be mutual respect at the very least” She saw Aslaug walking out of the great hall and hugged Ubbe’s arm, leaning her head on his bicep as they walked further into the center of town together. And once again Y/N had left Ubbe speechless, no wonder Ivar loved her. She was something alright. She always put her happiness aside if it meant making others happy. She really would make an amazing wife and mother to their children, but he just couldn’t let her suffer in silence like that could he? Maybe it was time someone put her happiness front and center. Aslaug had caught up to them, chatted with Y/N about the wedding preparations and eyed Ubbe’s neck. She knew it couldn’t have been Y/N who did it, but I was highly unlikely, it would have been too out of character for her. Perhaps the girl hadn’t noticed the love bites and so Aslaug said nothing about it as to not cause any unnecessary strain to the couple.
•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•
Aslaug did not plan on bringing up the marks on her son's neck, but she should have known that one of her sons would. The dinner had been happening fairly quiet, no one really said much aside from the occasional compliment to Y/N from Ubbe or a comment on the wedding planning from Aslaug. Quiet wasn’t their style though. Ivar had been avoiding looking over at the couple, embarrassed. He didn’t even want to come to the dinner but his mother had insisted and he couldn’t turn her down. Sigurd sat pouting and had not stopped drinking since arriving, glaring at Ubbe. He cleared his throat as he grabbed a piece of meat from his plate and pointed it toward Ubbe as he spoke before taking a bite out of it “those look like bruises on your neck brother, should we be concerned?” Aslaug immediately looked up at Sigurd wide eyed, sternly muttering his name to quit it.
Ubbe felt Y/N squeeze his hand on the table and she simply let out a small laugh. “I don’t like to talk about my private life, but I may have gotten a bit overzealous last night while we were planning our future.” She covered for him, why? He brought her hand up to his lips and left a small kiss there. Aslaug looked between them surprised but smiled and clapped her hands. She knew they would make a good match. It seemed everyone knew where they really came from except Aslaug. The brothers just stared at Y/N in disbelief. Why was she lying? Hvitserk nodded and laughed softly into his food in approval. Sigurd muttered something unintelligible under his breath but dropped the subject all together. He had hoped to stir trouble between the couple, he should have known better. Again Ubbe was getting away with whatever he wanted. Ivar just stared silently at her, sadness in his eyes. Was this going to be her life? Covering for Ubbe’s infidelities for the rest of her life?
The rest of the dinner was pretty uneventful. Plans for the sacrifice at the wedding, questions of their plans for after. Ubbe spoke of children and a farm, Y/N agreed, she wanted a lot of little ones running around and wanted the comfort of a farm as well. She had always assumed that her little ones would have blue eyes and brown hair like those of Ivar’s; that she would be in a constant state of pride and worry as the man she always imagined being her husband was a viking that loved exploring and conquering, it was getting a little harder and more real to replace who she always thought would be Ivar in her future with Ubbe. “I say we start tonight on trying to make those dreams come true” Ubbe chuckled as he leaned into her neck. She stiffened just a bit as she let out a nervous laugh, playfully shoving his chest. Ivar couldn’t stand to see any more, he didn’t even say goodbye as he stormed off, clearly upset. Y/N reached her hand out to stop him but moved it back remembering that he was no longer her concern, no matter how hard her heart screamed for him, she was too be married soon. This internal struggle didn’t go unnoticed by Ubbe.
The night continued and Ubbe pulled her aside, away from the eyes of his brothers and mother. He placed a hand on either side of her face and crouched down slightly to look in her eyes. “What are you doing?” She asked with a raised brow as she placed her hands over his. “Ubbe?”
He took a deep breath and smiled “are you happy? Like really. The thought of being my wife and having children together. Does that make you happy?”
“A family is all I’ve ever wanted Ubbe”
“A family yes, but when you picture your husband holding you at night, when you picture growing old with someone, is it me?” She didn’t respond so he continued “Could it ever be me?” She opened her mouth to say something but immediately closed it when she realized he wasn’t done “or is it Ivar?” She stood a little taller at the mention of his name and Ubbe nodded. “Y/N. You are beautiful you know that? And I don’t just mean the way your hair frames your features, I don’t mean the color of your eyes, but you. You are so kind and giving and everything about you radiates joy. I cannot be the man that dims that light. I refuse to watch the happiness fade from your life. So I give you the option, if you wish to marry me, I would treasure you with my life; no other women, no secrets, we would be inseparable.” He dropped his hands from her face and she smiled up at him. “But, if your heart truly belongs to Ivar, I will not get in the way. I will step aside”
“But your mother,”
“Don’t worry about my mother. I’ll deal with her if you choose to no longer go through with this marriage.” She looked at the ground. She knew two things, Ivar loved her and Ubbe was an amazing man. She didn’t know what to do, she was lost in a fog. A servant came running into the dining hall catching both their attentions, she was teary eyed and frantic
“P-p-prince Ivar he…”
Aslaug moved to the servant quickly “spit it out child. Is he hurt?!”
“He..” she was visibly shaken “he’s very angry. I heard something crash so I went in to check on him and he was on the floor, I think he must have fallen because there was blood. I tried to help him but he yelled at me to leave.”
Y/N looked at Ubbe, and he knew her answer. He simply placed a kiss on her cheek and nodded. “Go,” he whispered as he softly pushed her in the right direction. He made his way to Aslaug who was all but running to check on her son “Leave it mother. He’s in good hands”
Warnings: Short NSFW scene in the beginning, cheating, lowkey stalking? maybe a curse word
Word Count: 4.6k
Author’s note: Thank you guys for being patient with me. I am working on my other fics I promise, I’ve just had some writers block and I finally managed to finish this one ! Let me know if you like it !
Summary: What happens when Bjorn breaks your heart for the last time?
Masterlist
“Bjorn Ironside, if you don’t control yourself..” her voice slowly faded into a giggle as her boyfriend's hand rested on her thigh, slowly moving up while they were at a feast with his family to celebrate his return from a raid.
“You’ll what?” He asked with a chuckle as his nose pressed to the side of her cheek, his fingers tracing the inside of her thigh. Before she could answer, they heard someone clear their throat as they called his name. “Hmm?” He pulled his face away from hers, but his hand stayed where it was.
“Do you plan on going back?” Ubbe repeated his question with a smirk, seeing his brother’s hand nowhere in sight and his girlfriend squirming. Her face was flushed and she tried to drink from her cup but gasped softly as Bjorn got closer up. Everyone turned to look in her direction and her cheeks got even more red.
“Excuse me. I’m not feeling too well” she stood up and smoothed out her dress. She departed with a smile, clearly embarrassed. After responding to his brother’s question, he wiped his mouth and stood up “I better go check on her. Make sure she’s okay”
Hvitserk laughed “Please don’t keep us up all night !” He yelled after his brother who winked at him and ran out.
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
Bjorn walked into his home, seeing the beautiful blue dress he loved on the floor, along with the shoes Y/N had been wearing and the door to his bedroom opened. He called her name slowly, like a predator after his prey, he tried to stay quiet as he slowly peeked into his room. Not seeing her he stepped fully in calling her name again, a bit more confused now. Once fully in the room, he turned and saw her running toward him in one of his tunics. He opened his arms and picked her up by the back of her thighs, holding her close. Her lips were on his in a matter of seconds “I take it you missed me” he teased her through kisses. She just smiled and started pulling at his clothes. He stopped her from pulling his shirt off and she groaned. “Tell me you missed me.” He teased her some more, knowing how impatient she could be.
She dropped her legs from his waist and stood in front of him with her arms crossed. “Of course I missed you.” She lifted the long tunic off of her body and dropped it to the floor. “Are you going to let me show you how much I missed you?” Her fingers made quick work of his belt and pulled down his pants. That’s all it took to awaken the heathen in Bjorn. He lifted her once more and threw her on the bed, his lips attaching to her neck and his hands caressing every inch of skin he could touch. In a breathy moan Y/N muttered “I thought it was me who needed to show you how much I missed you.” Before he could say anything she had managed to flip them over and trapped him under and between her legs. She could feel his excitement against her and she couldn’t wait to be with him after being apart for six months, but she needed to see all of him. “Take off your shirt” she demanded and Bjorn happily obeyed, now completely naked under her. His hands reached up her waist to her breast but she stopped him. “What’s this?” She pointed to a couple of small round bruises on his collarbone.
“Probably from battle.” He muttered, trying to pull her from the negative thoughts he knew she was having.
“Bjorn I know these marks. I’ve given you marks like this before” he could feel her trying to lift herself off of him and he held her in place by her hips
“You’re being paranoid Y/N. They are bruises from battle. Or have you forgotten what it’s like to raid?” He saw her face begin to ease and she muttered an apology. He almost felt bad that she so easily chose to believe him. Not bad enough to tell her the truth of the shieldmaiden that had kept his bed warm while they were away however. “Don’t let those thoughts ruin our first night together” he flipped her back on the bed and moved his lips over her jaw and neck and down her chest. Y/N let herself get lost in the feelings of his lips on her, and his fingers kneading her skin and between her folds. Bjorn kissed back up her body and stared into her eyes as he aligned himself at her entrance and slowly pushed his way in. Her eyes shut and her mouth opened in a gasp. Bjorn’s lips muffled her moans and her lips softened his grunts. Her legs wrapped around him, trying to feel him as deep as she could get him. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his cheek against hers, nipping at her skin. Her hands went from gripping the sheets to his back. Her nails trying to dig into his skin, only to be met with healing scratches following the same path she was about to set. She tried to push the bad thoughts away and remind herself that he had been in multiple battles and they could just be healing wounds from then.
Y/N wasn’t stupid. She knew of his colorful history with women, but he had promised that this time was different and she had been naive enough to believe him. “Stop” she moaned softly, her body betraying her. Bjorn continued his merciless thrusting into her until he felt her tears against his cheek. He moved his face up and away from her, with a sudden panic he stopped his movement.
“Hey, hey why are you crying beautiful? Did I hurt you?” He was worried that he had been too rough with her, not imagining that the next words out of her mouth would be
“Who is she?” Her voice faltered and she reached up to wipe her tears.
Bjorn pulled himself out of her and laid on his elbow beside her. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play stupid with me Ironside” She had never felt so naked before, she pulled the furs over her body trying to hide from Bjorn, trying to feel less vulnerable.
With a groan he laid on his back “It doesn’t matter. That was then. You’re here now. I don’t need her anymore” his arm was over his eyes as he tried to stop being annoyed for having to stop midway.
“You’re not even going to try and deny it?” She stood up and hit his chest “I thought you loved me” with a scoff she stood up and went for her clothes.
Bjorn followed her “It would be insulting to deny it. You clearly already know.” He sighed and grabbed her arm as she tried to put her shoes on “I do love you. She was just a warm cunt to keep me company while you were far from me. I’m sure you laid with another man while I was away”
Fighting to get her arm out of his grip she yelled at him “Do you think so little of me? I promised myself to you and I’ve kept my word. We’re only as honorable as our word and you Bjorn Ironside are clearly not an honorable man”
He didn’t see how he had done anything wrong. He did love her, he didn’t love the shieldmaiden he had laid with. His heart had stayed true to her. “Oh come on Y/N. Would it make you feel better if you laid with another man? To even things out” He expected her to agree and continue writhing beneath him. The last thing he expected was to feel the sting of her small hand as she slapped his face.
“Am I just a fuckhole to you? Actually, don’t answer that” with a final scoff she turned back toward the door “We’re done Bjorn. Now all of Kattegat can warm your bed if you please”
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
It had been two weeks since their fight and Bjorn had tried to win her back once, but she had thrown the necklace he had brought for her, right at him. Ubbe had laughed at him and patted his back “You really messed up this time brother.” Bjorn’s eyes however, had already begun to wander to other women. Ubbe noticing Bjorn’s eyes set on a blonde shook his head “Mind if I give her a go?” Bjorn only half listening as the woman smiled at him
“Sure sure” he downed the rest of his drink and went to talk with his new eye candy.
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
Four months later and Bjorn had bedded what felt like half of Kattegat. He would see Y/N in the market from time to time but she always pretended she didn’t see him and while it hurt his ego, he let her be. She would sometimes mutter a hello to him but not much else. He always saw her when she was alone and knew it would take her time to move on from him. He thought she would probably be alone for much longer after his betrayal.
That is, until during a feast he had turned a corner and came face to face with her, her hair messy and her dress slightly askew. “Hi” he muttered awkwardly, lifting the sleeve of her dress for her. “What were you doi—“ Before he finished his sentence he saw his younger brother come from the same direction she had, adjusting his belt, slightly sweaty. He had never felt anger like that moment “or who is the better question” his eyes narrowed as he stared at Ubbe who was taken back when he saw Bjorn and Y/N standing there.
Y/N’s eyes looked everywhere but at Bjorn. “I was just going to get something to eat” she ran her fingers through her hair
“Didn’t stuff your mouth enough already?” Bjorn spat out before thinking. Her eyes shot up at him in hurt and anger.
Ubbe quickly stepped in front of her “Hey. That’s uncalled for Bjorn”
“What do you care? I don’t belong to you” she spoke up as she peeked over Ubbe. “I can stuff my mouth with what and whoever I want” She was never the type to stand down and this wouldn’t be the exception. She had cried enough tears for Bjorn. Instead of apologizing to her, he had pretended like she didn’t exist and flaunted all his new women in front of her.
“My brother? Really?” He shook his head and then looked at Ubbe “and you” he shoved him back “How dare you try to steal her from me?”
Before Ubbe could say anything Y/N side stepped him and stood directly in front of Bjorn. She tried to look intimidating but because she had to strain her neck to look up at him, she looked as scary as a child with their parent. “Your BROTHER was there for me. He comforted me when I was hurt. He doesn’t promise me things he can’t keep. He can keep his cock in his pants. HE can actually satisfy me.” The longer she looked at Bjorn the harder it was to keep herself from crying. She needed to get out of there. She grabbed a hold of Ubbe’s hand and intertwined their fingers. “Come on Ubbe. Let’s find somewhere else we can fuck like rabbits” she left Bjorn calling out her name and furiously wiped the tears from her cheeks.
When they were out of the great hall, Ubbe squeezed her hand before letting go. “Why did you let him think we had sex?”
“Because— I don’t know Ubbe. I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair to you, I just— he infuriates me. Did you not hear how possessive he sounded? When he’s the one that ended us? When he’s the one that moved on so quickly and left me behind?” She felt Ubbe pull her in and she cried into his chest, like she had many times in the last four months that they had become friends.
“I mean, I know how to make you not a liar” he teased her, combing her hair back and looking down at her face.
She enjoyed feeling Ubbe’s warmth against her, he was sweet. He was the best parts of Bjorn, the best parts of the Lothbrok genes. As his thumb wiped at her wet and reddened cheeks, she shook her head “Trust me Ubbe. You don’t want to be with me. I’m a mess”
“Then let me help you straighten out.” This wasn’t the first time Ubbe had tried to kiss her, but it was the first time she had let him, the first time she kissed him back.
When she pulled away she bit her lip, trying to hold back a smile. “I can’t believe you saved me from two different men, on the same night” she shook her head and stood on her tiptoes to get close to his face again “Thank you.” Peck “for fighting that creep in the great hall” another one “and then standing up for me to your brother” with that last sentence she wrapped her arms around his neck and hummed happily into their kiss.
Seven months. Bjorn had ignored her for seven months after their breakup. She had seen him a handful of times in those seven months, all sporadic and accidental. In the last month that she had finally accepted Ubbe’s advances, she suddenly saw Bjorn all the time. It’s like he was purposely looking for her, he always knew where to find her. Whether it was in the great hall, the market, the docks or with Torvi.
She had lived in Bjorns chambers while they were together and so when she walked away from him, she found herself with nowhere to live. That had been the first time Ubbe had come to her rescue, well Torvi really. She had offered her, her floor until Ubbe found her a new hut she could stay at. Torvi had quickly become one of her closest friends. She understood what it was like to be burned by Bjorn. She too had thought they would last forever and now well, now the two women had each other for comfort.
Ubbe had seen how uncomfortable Y/N had gotten with going to the market, in fear of seeing Bjorn and having to go out of her way to avoid him. So he went and bought her enough supplies to feed her and keep her busy for weeks. He had promised that he would hunt for her and bring her fresh meat instead of the salted meats she always bought.
“He asked about you again” Ubbe grumbled as he sat down to eat with Y/N.
“What did you tell him?” She asked as she set the food down in front of him. She was a little wary of dating another Ragnarsson, but Ubbe was different. He was sweet, he was kind and thoughtful. He was everything Y/N thought and had wished Bjorn was. She thought she had been happy with Bjorn but it didn’t compare with how Ubbe made her feel.
“I told him that you weren’t his concern anymore” he angrily stuffed his mouth and she just laughed.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. You’re mine now” he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, not looking up from his bowl, worried he had sounded like Bjorn that night at the great hall. All he heard was a hum of approval followed by chewing. He took a deep breath and continued eating, not saying anything else.
After eating in silence for a couple of minutes, her voice broke it “I think I quite like that”
“Like what?”
“Being yours” the bowl scraped across the table and she leaned closer to him, holding his hand in hers. “Thank you Ubbe. For being there when I needed you. Thank you for protecting me. Thank you for —“ her next words lost when Ubbe pulled her onto his lap in a deep kiss.
“I love you” he mumbled into her lips. When she pulled back and stared at him, he felt his face heat up “I didn’t mean— I mean I do but— you don’t have to” he groaned and threw his head on her shoulder. He felt her body shake with laughter and he looked up at her
“I love...when you get nervous” she teased him, her thumb running up and down his beard. “I love...when you protect me” she locked her arms around his neck “and most of all, do you know what I love?” Ubbe shook his head, embarrassed that he had just blurted out his feelings for her so quickly “I love you” she didn’t give him time to process her words before standing from his lap, to properly straddle him and letting her lips find his again.
Ubbe had been the best thing to happen to her. She didn’t know what she did to deserve him or what she did to deserve Torvi. “He came for you again” she muttered to Y/N as they trained together. “Don’t worry. I told him to go away” Y/N got the upper hand and pinned Torvi down, blade against her neck
“Thank you” she breathed out harshly. She helped Torvi up and shook her head. “I don’t know why he suddenly wants my forgiveness.” She set her sword down and sat on the ground, face in her hands.
“He says he loves you” Torvi sat beside her. “Got into a huge argument with Ubbe. Accused Ubbe of sabotaging your relationship and told him that he wants you back”
“If he had fought for me that hard when we first broke up, we would still be together. He’s the one that pushed me away in the first place.” She felt Torvi stroke her back, an attempt at comforting her.
“I mean, maybe it’s true. Maybe Bjorn has changed and-- I don’t know Y/N. Would you take him back?” Unbeknownst to the two women, Ubbe had begun walking toward them and could hear them chatting. Did she want his brother back? Would she run back to him after everything? He heard her laugh and saw her stand shaking her head.
“He doesn’t love me Torvi. He’s obsessed. Obsession isn’t love. Besides, even if it was love..” As she turned to face Torvi, she caught sight of Ubbe who waved in their direction, pretending to not have heard anything, “I found my happy ending. I have no plan on letting it go” she mumbled the last sentence before walking over to Ubbe and planting a kiss on his cheek.
She couldn’t hide forever, she knew that. If she ran into Bjorn then so be it. But she missed her friends at the stalls and so she went back and spoke with some, bought some things, caught up on everything happening in Kattegat. She had confided in one of her friends where she had been residing, a little hut outside of the city, and told her to come by some time for supper. Oh how she wished she hadn’t told her. She didn’t know it was going to come back and bite her in the ass. It was the middle of the afternoon, she was making dinner and heard pounding on the door. That’s weird, she thought, Ubbe has the key, he never knocks. She went to open the door and there stood Bjorn, eyes red and flowers in hand “Bjorn. What..what are you doing here? How did you find me?”
“Your friend, Agatha told me.” He chuckled at the memory of earlier in the day when he had stopped by her stall and sweet talked her until she gave up any information she had. “Can we talk?”
Y/N nodded and moved aside, letting him come in. He pushed the flowers in her direction and she grabbed them with a small smile. “Thank you Bjorn. You didn’t have to.” He sat down at the table and looked around. “Why are you here Bjorn?” she set the flowers down on the table and sat across from him.
“I love you” he began and she scoffed, but he continued “I made a mistake, several mistakes. I see that now. You’re the only thing on my mind Y/N. We are meant to be, why can’t you see that? We always work out our problems, why is this time any different?”
She moved the hair from her face nervously and took a deep breath. “I’m with Ubbe now Bjorn and I’m happy. Why can’t you understand that? You and I? We’re over and we’re not getting back together. You hurt me far too much. Did you think I would just wait around forever for you?” Without thinking he said yes and instantly regretted it as he saw the anger in her eyes. “Of course you did. You’ve never stopped to think about how I felt, what I sacrificed to be with you. Look,” she took another deep breath as she stood and walked closer to him “I’m happy now, with Ubbe. Will it last forever? I don’t know, but I hope it does. I love him and you’re not going to change that.”
“Then I’ll wait” he smiled, standing as well, his fingers softly caressing her cheek. “I’m a patient man Y/N. I’ll wait for you to realize that Ubbe isn’t the man for you, I’ll wait for you to realize that I am who you are meant to grow old with. Because I love you.” She didn’t know what to say. She knew this wasn’t love, it couldn’t be, but even if he did love her like he claimed, she had moved on and she was happy with her choice.
“Bjorn you’re not listen--” She reached up for his hand and heard Ubbe walk in talking about something that had happened in the great hall today, but his smile quickly faded when he took in the scene before him. Bjorn smirked at him and Y/N moved away from Bjorn and toward Ubbe. She greeted him with a kiss to the cheek and Ubbe looked down at her. He trusted her, he did, but Bjorn just got under his skin.
“What is he doing here?” His jaw was clenched and the two brothers stared each other down intently. “You joining us for dinner brother?” His arm wrapped around Y/N protectively and let his hand rest on her hip. Bjorn’s eyes followed Ubbe’s hand and he felt the anger boil inside of him. How dare his brother touch what properly belonged to him?
“Bjorn was just leaving,” she spoke up before things could get any more tense. The last thing she wanted to do was get between two brothers. They were family and they were acting far from it. Right on cue Bjorn let his shoulders drop and he smiled at her, asking her to walk him out. She nodded and left the comfort of Ubbe’s arms to follow Bjorn out.
Bjorn knew Ubbe was staring them down, so before walking out of the door he turned to say goodbye and he bent down to place a lingering kiss on her cheek “Remember, whenever you’re ready to accept fate, I’ll be waiting for you. He isn’t right for you and you know it.” She tried to hush him and usher him out the door but he was intent on having the last word. “I know he can’t satisfy you the way I can” Another quick kiss to her other cheek, a bit too close to her lips for Ubbe’s comfort as he stormed forward and pushed his brother out the door before slamming it.
“What was he doing here?” He shouted, not at Y/N, he was just frustrated, and scared of losing her to his brother. The only other man she had ever been with, her first love. Y/N was still in a bit of shock at what had just happened. That had been everything she wanted when they broke up. For him to tell her he had made a mistake, that he wanted her and no one else, yet, she didn’t feel the satisfaction she thought she would. Ubbe called her name, to get her attention and she shook her head and walked back to the food she was making before it burned.
“You know why he was here” she sighed loudly. At least the food was fine. She moved to get plates, but Ubbe stopped her. He grabbed her hands and pulled her focus to him. “He asked me to go back to him” she shrugged, not really knowing what else to say.
“And are you?”
“And am I what Ubbe?” she looked at him confused, not sure exactly what he was asking her.
“Are you going back to him? Look I understand if you need time to think about it, I know how important he was to you.” He was trying to be okay with the situation, but she could hear the sorrow laced in his voice.
“Yes, he was” she began and moved out of Ubbe’s grip. He flinched slightly as she pulled away, this was it. He was going to lose her. “Was, as in past tense.” He perked up slightly as she continued talking. “Ubbe Lothbrok, son of Ragnar, I am not going anywhere. I love you and only you.” She saw a smile quickly replace the scowl on his face “But if you let the food burn, I will leave you” He chuckled and nodded, grabbing the plates for her.
“So we’re okay?” he mumbled as he sat down at the table. She placed both plates down and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend from behind. Her lips found their way to his shoulder, neck and jaw as she hummed in agreement. “You made my favorite” he observed, “and you smell of my favorite oils,” she giggled beside him and sat down to eat saying nothing “you’re wearing the necklace my mother gave us for protection for if we decide to start a family…” She eyed him cautiously, waiting for him to put it together. “Wait..are you..” She nodded quickly and she had never seen him move so quickly as he picked her up from her spot and twirled her before putting her down looking scared “Oh gods, did I hurt you? I’m sorry” she laughed again and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“So you’re happy?” she asked. She had been afraid to tell him, they had after all not been together for long.
“Are you kidding me? The gods have given us a child!” He exclaimed loudly, proud “I was worried you were going to leave me..” he admitted as he looked down at her features and she looked back at him shocked.
“Leave you? Why would I leave you? I love you Ubbe. Nothing can change that and now, we’re going to have a little one running around. Are you sure this is what you want? Because I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t ready or if you needed time to think--” All her insecurities suddenly surfaced as she rambled, but they were forgotten when she felt his warm and rough lips on hers.
“I’m going to be a father” he laughed again, still in disbelief. “I promise to always protect you, both of you. I can’t wait to fill you with many more.”
