Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Please don't sue me I'm poor.
Six weeks later and Athelstan had become one of the newest and most wanted models. He was so demanded by the public that Haraldson had no choice but to make him a full time model. During the six weeks Athelstan had been Ragnar's apprentice and Ragnar had taught him everything there was about being a model, from walking and acting to posing and dressing.
Eventually Athelstan had moved out of his crappy apartment into a nice posh one that was only a short walk away from Ragnar's home. Athelstan was grateful for all of Ragnar's help and wished he could pay him back somehow, he mentioned it to Ragnar but Ragnar just laughed and said 'You've already paid me back buy modelling and saving the magazine' Athelstan guessed that was true in a way but it didn't feel like it was enough for him.
As Athelstan sat in his apartment a knock on the door pulled him out of his chair. He knew who was on the other side and was happy to open the door for them.
"Ragnar, Lagertha" Athelstan said happily "How are you?" he asked.
"We are well mouse" Lagertha replied.
"Athelstan!" Gyda said happily and hugged him.
"Hello sweet heart" Athelstan said hugging her back. Letting her go he stepped inside to let the family in.
"Dad says you got a game console now" Bjorn said.
Athelstan rolled his eyes and replied "Yes Bjorn I got a game console just for you, so you won't get bored"
"Finally" Bjorn said.
Athelstan knew Bjorn was grateful and knew he meant well, he just showed it differently. He let Bjorn set up the console and games while Gyda pulled out the board games. He was pulled into a strong hug by Ragnar almost knocking the wind out of him. He was used to such rough treatment from Ragnar and his friends, but he enjoyed it none the less.
"So mouse are you well?" Ragnar asked.
"Before or after I couldn't breathe?" Athelstan replied playfully.
Ragnar let out a loud laugh and let Athelstan go "I forget about how slender you are"
Athelstan laughed with him and said "I am alright"
"Good then let's play some games" Ragnar put his arm around Athelstan's shoulder and took him to the table.
Lagertha had always been known for being sharp minded and for noticing the little details and today was no different. She knew there was something bothering Athelstan. His posture was stiff and his eyes were tired, there was something bothering him. She sat at the table and took her game piece. As the game went on she kept an eye on Athelstan who kept showing signs of being on edge. After a while she couldn't take it anymore and decided to talk to him alone.
"Athelstan, shall we make some drinks?" She asked.
"Oh, sure" Athelstan replied.
The two got up and went into the kitchen. Out of ear shot from the others Lagertha asked Athelstan what was wrong.
"What do you mean?" Athelstan said acting innocent.
"I know something is wrong, don't hide it from me" she spoke, talking to him like she would her children.
Athelstan flinched internally, he knew there was no arguing with her "W-Well...I-I've been getting phone calls from other magazines wanting me to join up with them"
"They are bothering you?" She asked.
"Yes and no. Some have stopped calling me but there is one that just won't stop" Athelstan told her.
"Who is it?" Ragnar asked steeping into the kitchen.
"It is Ecbert from the magazine Wessex Bodies. He called me thirty times in three days last week and it's starting to creep me out" Athelstan said.
"The Wessex? Isn't that the semi-x-rated magazine?" Lagertha asked.
"Yes" Ragnar replied through clenched teeth "Can't you block his number?" he asked.
"I have but he keeps using a new one" Athelstan replied.
"I can see when you would be annoyed at him constantly calling you. But why does it creep you out?" Lagertha asked.
"When he calls me he keeps telling me how he would want me to pose in his magazine. The way he says these things is creepy and then he suggested a more...private photo shoot for himself" Athelstan visible shivered as he remembered the lust in Ecbert's voice.
Ragnar clenched his fist and said "You don't have to do anything he says"
"I know that. I will never pose for someone like him. I just don't know how to get him to stop" Athelstan said.
"We will take care of it, don't worry" Ragnar said.
"You will? How?" Athelstan asked.
"We have are ways" Lagertha replied smirking.
Athelstan knew she would not tell him her methods but he trusted her, he trusted them "Thank you"
The Lothbrok's and Athelstan spent the day playing games, watching television and telling stories. Ragnar and his family left at ten O'clock, bidding Athelstan farewell.
Athelstan looked around his empty apartment and felt a pang of loneliness. He always thought how lucky Ragnar was to have a family. He briefly wondered if he should find someone to settle down with. He pushed the thought away when he remembered how inexperienced he was with such things as dating and the opposite sex and sex in general. Sighing to himself he picked up the dirty dishes and started to wash them.
*RING, RING*
When he heard his phone ring he dried his hands and picked it up "Hello?" he said.
"Hello Athelstan" a cheery voice replied.
Athelstan quickly hung up and unplugged the phone. It was Ecbert again. Athelstan didn't want to know what that man wanted him to do, so he went back to his dishes. He hoped whatever Ragnar and Lagertha had panned would work and get Ecbert off his back.
When Ragnar and Lagertha got home they put their children to bed and sat at the computer desk.
"So what's the plan then?" Ragnar asked.
"I'll send Ecbert a photo of himself in a rather compromising position and warn him to stay away from Athelstan" she replied. She attached the photo to an E-mail and clicked send "There if he doesn't want this photo to become public he'll leave Athelstan alone"
Ragnar kissed his wife roughly on the lips and said "God I love you. You and that big brain of yours"
Lagertha chuckled and agreed. She took Ragnar by the hand and went to bed. In the middle of their love making she asked "When are we going to invite Athelstan to join us?"
"I don't know" Ragnar replied.
"We both like him and we both want him. Why haven't we said?" Lagertha asked.
"He's shy and a bit insecure. Give him time" Ragnar replied.
"I know but just thinking about him being alone breaks my heart" Lagertha said.
"It does mine as well. Maybe I could start giving him hints or make a few passes" Ragnar suggested.
"As long as you don't scare him, like Ecbert"
"Don't compare me to him" Ragnar hissed.
Lagertha smirked and said "Fine, make your passes just take it steady"
"I will" Ragnar replied with a kiss.