Inspired by the song "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett

Vikings AU

"Bjorn, I don't see why I need to be here for this." Ivar hissed following his eldest brother into his newest venture a nightclub in Kattegat that he had opened with Ubbe and Torvi. Ubbe and Hvitserk were already sitting in the VIP section that had a view of the stage along with Bjorn's wife, Gunnhild. The club was already busy and loud which was beginning to piss off Ivar.

The past year had been the messiest of his life. The spiral started when he cheated on his fiancee with their wedding planner. Ivar shook his head trying not to think of the venomous Inga who ruined his life. Inga was the opposite of his Liv. Originally Ivar thought her boldness was attractive at but it quickly led to deceit. Two months after Liv found them in bed and called off the wedding Inga announced she was pregnant. Ivar was quick to move her into his large house and cater to her needs even though his family wanted proof the pregnancy was real and he was the father of her unborn baby.

"Ivar, you are my brother and I want you to see this. We have a special guest performing tonight. The club has been a success and has already made back everything it took to build it and so we are making a profit. Even Hvitserk came back from his travels to celebrate." Bjorn's statement drew Ivar out of his dark thoughts and he scowled as he settled into a sofa as a waitress came over with a round of beers.

"Ubbe, where is Torvi?" Ivar said noticing his brother's wife strangely absent as she was always at Ubbe's side.

"She is here. Just in the office and will be joining us shortly." Ubbe said trying not to smirk looking at Bjorn.

"Ivar, no new women in your life?" Gunnhild asked sipping her drink.

"No, I have decided to take a break. As you know Inga made a mess of things." Ivar said as Hvitserk snickered. "Hvitserk, I am surprised you returned from your travels." Ivar spat.

"I have enjoyed seeing the word and I have met someone. She'll be joining us later."

Ivar frowned not liking the idea that he would be the only one without a woman on his arm, he cursed the day he took Inga to his bed and ruined things with Liv. Liv was his only childhood friend the only person who saw him as more than a cripple, as more than Ubbe and Hvitserk and Sigurd's brother, as more than Ragnar's and Aslaug's angry son. The lights on stage flickered as Torvi walked on stage and the loud music stopped.

"As you all know tonight we have a special guest here. Many of you will know her and remember seeing her sing here in Kattegat before she became famous. Give a warm welcome to Liv."

Ivar's jaw dropped as Bjorn, Ubbe, and Hvitserk watched his reaction.

Liv looked the same but was dressed very glamorous. Torvi rejoined the group as the crowds applause finally died down.

"Kattegat, it's been awhile. I've missed my home and my friends. When I heard that Bjorn, Ubbe, and Torvi were opening this club I knew I would need to make an appearance. Bjorn and Ubbe are like my big brothers. Torvi is my best friend."

Liv played a few of her upbeat songs dancing around the stage as the crowd sang and cheered, Gunnhild and Torvi were singing and dancing around the VIP section. Ivar caught Ubbe, Hvitserk, and Bjorn tapping their feet and singing along a few times. Ivar kept his eyes glued on her and the few times she glanced in that direction her eyes didn't land on him, almost like she was avoiding him.

"Kattegat, now I'm going to sing one last song for you. This one goes out to anyone who has ever had their heart ripped out of their chest, who has ever been hurt by that person who they thought loved them, and if you've ever been cheated on and came out a better person this one is for you. I wrote this one at a dark time and if you've ever been through this it gets better. This is my latest single I Hope."

The crowd roared their approval and Liv's eyes finally locked on Ivar's as she began to sing. Ivar felt his heart thudding in his chest and the words cut deep. He had heard this song on the radio and didn't realize it was Liv. The crowd was clapping and singing along and Ivar felt his heart breaking as he felt everything that Liv went through because of him. When the song ended the crowd roared their approval. Liv bowed and waved before making her way to the VIP section sipping a bottle of water.

"You were amazing." Torvi said hugging her and the Gunnhild and then Ubbe, Bjorn, and Hvitserk who seemed to linger. Hvitserk ushered Liv to sit next to him as Ivar scowled.

"Ivar." Liv said narrowing her eyes.

"Liv, it's good to see you." Ivar said his eyes raking over her as Liv sighed.

"So I heard that Inga chewed you up and spit you out. How did it feel?" Ivar felt like he was slapped but what was he expecting? He narrowed his eyes seeing Hvitserk's hand on her knee.

"Liv, it's so good to see you. It has been far to long." Bjorn said as the others agreed.

"Well, I have been traveling the world and making music. People can really relate to those songs about a broken heart." Ivar launched himself to his feet as he saw Hvitserk squeeze her knee.

"Are you fucking him?" Ivar spat.

"Like that is your business. You lost the right to ask those questions a long time ago!" Hvitserk said standing up and blocking Ivar's view of Liz.

"Calm down." Bjorn said getting between them and forcing Ivar to sit down. Ivar glanced Liv grabbing Hvitserk's hand as he sat down too.

"So it's true. You're fucking my brother." Ivar said putting his head in his hands.

"I picked the wrong brother all those years ago. I thought you had a heart and weren't cold like everyone thought you were but I was wrong. You have no heart Ivar and think only of yourself. You never cared about me or anyone but yourself and now you are all alone." Ivar glanced up to see his brothers watching his reaction.

"I don't need any of you." He spat before making his way out of the club.

"Do you feel better?" Hvitserk asked kissing Liv's cheek.

"Yes, I needed to say that. It felt good."