Ronan surveyed the transformed communication room as he followed Lea around. The seamstress was rolling out orders to the other crew members; they were scattered among the great hall. Some were scrubbing the place clean while others set up tables.
"The dinner is tonight and I fear we will not be ready." Lea fretted. For the past week the woman had been a tornado whipping through the Dark Aster. She painstaking sewed new luxurious tablecloths for the dinner; as well as little sleepers and other items of clothing for the newborn.
"Calm down." Ronan said, a bit irritated. He was not looking forward to this dinner. Merry's illness had not subsided and nothing Deedia prescribed her was helping, much to Ronan's ire. The healer had explained to him that some women had terrible sickness and nothing could be done but to wait it out. Ronan didn't care about other women, he cared about his wife. "It is merely a dinner. An unnecessary one at that."
She scowled at him. "Stop being such a downer." She turned and Ronan followed her brisk pace. "Merry deserves this. Not only has she been ill for weeks due to your spawn but she also," she rounded on him, "has to deal with you being, well, you."
Ronan frowned at the tiny woman. "If I would have known bearing my child would bring her so much grief, I would have made sure-"
"Oh, shut it!" Lea lightly slapped him on the arm, "You damn well know you couldn't keep your hands off her."
"Lea." Ronan mumbled his warning, a heat blossoming upon his cheeks.
Huffing, she placed her rounded fists on her hips. "And trust me, that woman would go through Hel if it meant bringing your child into this world." With that, Lea turned away from her commander and moved toward Prax, who was currently setting out drinking glasses and silverware.
Knowing he was not needed, Ronan took his leave and set his course for his bed chamber. As he walked, some of the men gave him sly looks while others boasted about his virility. Ronan felt uncomfortable with the knowledge that Merry's pregnancy was now concreate proof that they were sexually active. Scowling, he pushed onward; ignoring the looks and howls of his men.
Upon entering his bedroom Ronan was surprised to be hit in the face with soft fabric. Removing the object, he concluded that it was one of Merry's many dresses. He was hit once more with another item, only this time it landed on his foot. Cocking a brow, he turned his head and met another dress. From underneath the cloth he could hear his wife repeating the phrase "no."
"Merry?" Ronan asked as he picked up the clothing that was being tossed out from the closet. "What are you doing?"
Peaking her pretty head out from the doorway she gave him an annoyed glare. "I am trying to find something to wear but nothing is fighting right!"
"Well, you have gained weight." He said casually. He was reward with another dress to the face; however, this one was thrown with force. Ripping it off, he glared at his wife, "What was that for?"
"For pointing out my weight gain!"
Sighing, he walked towards her with the dresses in his hands. "You are with child, it is a natural occurrence. Besides," he gently laid her clothing on the small chair that sat in their closet, "the extra weight has made your hips more supple and your breasts now overfill my hands."
A delighted flush highlighted her cheeks as she crossed her arms, a failed attempt to look stern. "Still."
Letting a small chuckle escape he walked up behind her and cupped his large hands over the slight curve of her stomach. "How is the little one today?"
Merry smiled and leaned back against him. "Little one is fine."
Kissing the top of her head, he held her close. "And you?"
She hesitated and he gave her a squeeze. "Still sick but not as bad as it usually is."
He let out a deep breath that ruffled her hair. "We shall cancel this dinner party."
"No!" She twisted in his embrace and faced him. "Ronan, please."
"Why?" he asked. "You are ill and should not partake in extensive activities."
"Funny how you seem to think differently when it comes to carnal activities." She shot back, annoyed.
"That is different." He pointed out. "Making love to you has benefits. This dinner is going to do nothing but bring stress and cause you to have walk around and entertain." He stared down at her. "And who was it that has initiated the last few bouts of it? Certainly not me." he was being cheeky.
Merry couldn't stop the laugh that escaped. She took her husband's hands in hers and looked up at him. "Ronan, I know it will be tiring but I wish to celebrate with my friends and my new family. I promise that if I feel unwell I will take a moment but let me have this."
Ronan's stance softened as he looked at Merry's face. He knew she missed out on parties and other social gatherings growing up in her parents' home. A sigh escaped his lips, "If you promise to take breaks throughout the party and tell me if you are unwell…"
She let out an excited squeal and jumped up on her tip-toes and placed a kiss against Ronan's mouth. He caught her by the waist and lifted her off the floor. "We have hours until this dinner is supposed to happen, Merry." Ronan purred suggestively.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she nodded her agreement. "What are we to do to pass the time?"
Giving her a wolf's grin, he made his way to their bed and gently dropped her in the middle of it. Coming over her, he leaned down to kiss her. "I can think of a few ways."
Hours of passionate lovemaking with Ronan took its toll on Merry's already tired body. She yawned deeply and her head slowly began to nod to the side.
"Merry! Wake up! Jesus, what the hell did you do to make your so tired?" Peter asked as he gently tugged at her hair that was bundled in his hand. "How am I supposed to do a French braid with you going every which way?"
"Sorry, Peter." She said sleepily.
"It's okay, we can make it work."
Merry watched as Peter worked her hair, moving sections in different directions. "How did a man learn how to plait?"
"Plait?" He asked, blinking. "Is everyone outside of Terra a damn thesaurus?"
"You're ignoring the question." Merry accused.
"No, I am simply stating that you can dial it back on the fancy talk." His voice was defensive.
Peter went back to braiding Merry's hair and a silence fell over them. Merry picked at her dress and waited for him to break through the stillness. She felt him lightly tug on her hair and he made his way down the long tresses, pulling them into an intricate design. "There." He said proudly as he tired the end off with a black band.
Merry looked into her vanity mirror and admired her friend's work. Not a single hair was out of place and the style made her look more mature; it was more fitting for the wife of a powerful warrior. "Thank you, Peter." Merry said gladly as she reached up and hugged him. Pulling back she gave him a teasing grin. "Seriously, how did you lean to plait?"
"I learned to impress girls." He admitted. "The more attentive I am to them, the more attentive they are to me. You feel me?" He wiggled his eyebrows and Merry gave his shoulder a light punch.
"How admirable." A gruff voice rang out.
Both of them turned to the doorway, where Ronan stood. He eyed Peter suspiciously and his gaze fell to their close bodies. His purple eyes narrowed hotly.
Sighing, Peter stepped away from Merry and looked at Ronan. "You seriously can't still be jealous." When Ronan didn't answer him, Peter looked at Merry. "I will see you at the party." He made his way towards the door, raising his arms above his head when he got close to Ronan. The bigger man stepped aside so he could leave the room.
"Ronan." Merry said his name softly. She came up and wrapped her arms around his and laid her cheek against his triceps. "There is no need to be jealous, I only have eyes for you." She moved to stand in front of him and he stared down at her.
"It is not right for you to be alone with another man in our bedroom." His voice was stern.
Merry's face flushed with embarrassment. Her husband was right in that it wasn't proper but Peter was a friend. "He was doing my hair." She turned a bit to show him the woven strands that fell down her back.
"What man knows how to do such work?"
"Apparently Peter." Merry felt a bit anxious over Ronan's reaction to her and Peter's friendship. She didn't want it to ruin the relationship she and Ronan had built. "If you want me…" her voice trailed off. "If you want me to end my friendship with Peter, then I will." A familiar twang of pain began to seep into her veins; a loneliness she felt on Xandar. She didn't want to lose Ronan but didn't want to sacrifice her only friend.
Ronan closed his eyes and willed himself make sense. Merry wasn't interested in Peter, that he knew, but the irrational jealously still festered. They were able to talk and laugh so easily about a number of topics. Truthfully, Ronan knew that kind of connection is what Merry needed but he was scared that she would soon find him useless – unable to speak to him about the things that ran through her mind.
"I am not your master, Merry." Ronan began, "I will not and cannot command you to do such a thing. You need friendship and if Peter is the one to fill that void then so be it." He circled his arms around her and his hands landed on the small of her back. "I can't promise I won't feel jealously."
Merry shook her head but smiled at her husband. "There is no need to feel threatened, my love. You are all I could ever want and all I need." She reared up and gave Ronan a kiss. His hand traveled up to cup the back of her head as he deepened the kiss.
Tentatively, he broke the kiss and lowered his forehead to hers. "For you, I will burn out suns and break worlds…" He whispered.
Merry's heart skipped a beat. She knew Ronan was capable of such power; warmth spread through her.
"Are you still feeling well enough to go to the dinner?" He asked, rubbing his hands along her arms. They were covered in a fine, lilac silk and the material matched the rest of her outfit. The dress was gauzy and flowy. She reminded me of a fairy.
Lacing her fingers with Ronan's, Merry smiled up at him and nodded. He motioned for her to walk before him and he followed her out of the room. As they walked down the long hallway, Ronan could hear the low rumble of the dinner patrons. It wasn't a large affair; only the crew and the Guardians were invited to attend. Merry even invited Nika and her husband but her friend never got back to her.
The commander and his wife made their entrance into the large hall and an applause broke out, along with some whistling and other noises. Ronan lifted his arm and the chatter died down to a screeching silence. Turning his gaze to Merry he smile and then looked back to the crowd. "I thank all of you for taking the time to attend tonight's festivities."
"Hey there is free booze! Of course we came!" A loud voice echoed through the hall. A hushed 'Rocket!' and 'I am Groot!' soon followed after, then some cackling.
Ronan rolled his eyes and continued. "As I was saying, I wish to thank you all for coming together to not only celebrate a new life but also to formally welcome my wife." His arm wrapped around Merry's waist and the guests clapped and shouted out their encouragement.
Merry looked around the room and not only saw but felt their acceptance. Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled and waved. Ronan nodded to her and motioned for her to step forward and into the crowd. As she made her way through, a small gathering of women walked up and began to engage with her.
Ensuring she was going along nicely, Ronan slipped over to the refreshment table. He graciously took a mug of ale that was offered to him and downed it quickly.
"Don't drink too much. We don't want you rowdy." A voice teased him from behind. Turning, his eyes landed on Gamora and he lifted his empty mug towards her. She lifted her brow and used her index finger to draw an imaginary circle in the air. "You aren't wearing your normal armor and paint."
Ronan shifted, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Even though Merry enjoyed seeming him in his full Kree uniform, she longed to see him in more casual wear. This night he obliged and wore a black tunic with gold trim and matching trousers. His face was washed clean and he wore no headdress. "Yes, I figured for a relaxed setting…"
"Uh-huh." Gamora interrupted. She gave him a knowing look and Ronan understood she knew the real reason for the change. It was always for Merry and he couldn't deny her. Gamora reached around Ronan and grabbed a mug of ale for herself and stood with him, happily watching the other warriors, their wives, and children gather around Merry.
As he watched, Ronan felt a smile break out across his face. His wife was clearly enjoying herself. She was in the midst of a sea of the Kree people; a pale gem in an ocean of blue skin. They all laughed and carried on. What seemed like hours of happiness was shattered within a single second.
A loud crash rang throughout the Dark Aster followed by the sound of consistent shots. They were being fired at. The ship shook and the tables and decorations were beginning to fall due to the force of the blasts.
"Merry!" Ronan shouted. He was at her side the second after the first hit, he then grabbed her wrist.
"Ronan what is happening?" She asked as another quake shook the Aster. The explosions rang in her ears.
"I NEED EVERY MAN READY TO FIGHT!" Prax ordered as he rushed throughout the frazzled crowd.
Merry looked around the chaos. Mothers gathered up their children quickly and ran for the heavily protected living quarters. Men stayed behind and gathered up their various weapons that were peppered throughout the ship. Fear gripped her and she looked up to Ronan. His face was drawn tight and he wore an alert expression. "What do you need me to do?"
He frowned and shook his head. "Nothing, you go back to our bed chamber."
Shaking her head, Merry stood her ground. "No! These are my people too."
"Merry." Ronan warned. "You are not a warrior. There is nothing you can do." He yelled. "Now. Go. Back. To. The. Bed. Chamber." His voice was cold and his expression was fierce.
She stepped back and a few tears escaped her eyes. Not only was he calling her useless but his tone and demeanor scared her. Ronan had never spoken to her in such a way. Ripping her hand from his, she gathered up her skirts and quickly ran away, dodging the heavily armed men that were gearing up to fight.
Ronan knew the moment the words left his mouth that he was too harsh. He needed to tell her she wasn't useless, that he only wanted to protect her. Ronan took a step forward before Peter stopped him.
"Ronan, there is massive damage to the East Wing of the ship." Peter said. Behind him was his group of misfits: Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot. They all wore serious expressions.
"What else?" Ronan prompted. There had to be more, there always was.
Gamora spoke up, "It seems to be the work of Thanos."
Merry wiped the fresh tears that dropped from her eyes as she hurried to her bed chamber. She knew Ronan was right. There was nothing she could do; she had no powers, no skills. Taking a deep breath, she remembered Ronan's tone and it made her chest ache. Reaching the chamber, she pushed open the door and stepped inside the room. She willed herself to remember that Ronan was trying to keep her from harm. She wrangled her hands nervously and hoped he wouldn't be too long. She needed to talk to him.
She took a step toward the direction of her vanity when a dark shadow came behind her. Blue and silver flashed before her eyes and her body was slammed against a hard female body. One of her intruder's hands painfully grasped Merry's arm and while the other held a small dagger against her stomach. "Say anything and I will cut that abomination from your womb."
Merry froze instantly at the threat. Through her fear she tried to recognize the voice. It was someone she had met before, someone she knew… Her eyes widened as she realize who it was.
Nebula kicked Merry's shins, ordering her to move. As she guided Merry out of the room, she transmitted a message. "Thanos. I have what we need."
"What do you mean we are going after Thanos' thugs?!" Rocket exclaimed as they all stood in a circle. "Do you know what he will do to us?!"
"I am Groot." The tall tree scolded to his furry friend.
"I don't care if it is for the greater good!" Rocket raised his short arms in the air and clenched his fist then rubbed them against his face in annoyance. "Can we for once just let things go?"
"No!" Said Peter, Gamora, and Drax at the same time. The Guardians were still inside the now destroyed communications room. The tables were trashed and the decorations were torn and tattered, the ground was wet from the ale. After they shared their suspicion of Thanos' involvement, Ronan requested they aid him in a counter attack.
"Where is Ronan, anyway?" Rocket asked. He was pacing up and down, not wanting to admit his anxiety over going head to head with Thanos' clan.
Just then, Ronan reappeared. He was clad in his armor and headdress, the blank paint was back and the expression he wore was full of anger. In his hand he carried the orb.
"Ronan!" Gamora bit out. "What do you think you are going to do with that?"
"Isn't obvious?" His tone was slightly mocking. Gamora opened her mouth in retort when a loud noise erupted.
"What the hell?" Peter asked, surprised.
"It is a transmission." Gamora stated, nodding towards the black wall that was slowly fading into grey, then suddenly Thanos' face appeared.
"I certainly hope my intrusion didn't cause too much trouble." His voice was cool and even.
Ronan squared his shoulders and looked up into the screen. "You know very well what you have caused. Tell me, why?" His eyes sparked with anger.
"You have something I want." The Titan's eyes narrowed onto the orb that was housed in Ronan's hand. "Let's make a deal."
"You have nothing I want." Ronan snapped back. "Even if you did, it doesn't justify me giving you this stone."
Thanos gave the warrior a slow, slick smile. "Trust me, boy. I have something you want. Or should I say someone?"
"Everyone on the Aster is accounted for." Ronan said, "The Kree will not diminished so easily this time."
"Oh, but the one I have is not Kree."
A cold sweat broke out along Ronan's body as his heart rate quickened. A ball of dread sat in the bit of his stomach as Thanos went on.
"I have your wife." Thanos stated simply, as if he were discussing a trivial matter. "You give me the orb, boy, you get your wife back. She is currently reunited with her parents, I'm sure you know of them." His smile turned sadistic. "They have many plans for her if you refuse. Trust me, boy, I will make sure she begs for death. Killing not only herself but that unborn parasite."
An anger Ronan had never felt bubbled in his veins. His teeth were clenched so hard he was sure he would break them. His breathing was rapid and his fists contracted, cracking the orb slightly. He stood proudly in front of Thanos and gave a slight growl.
"You call me boy?!" Ronan yelled. "You touch Merry and I'll unfurl one thousand years of Kree justice on Xandar AND BURN IT TO ITS CORE!" His voice was roar. "Then, Thanos, I'm coming for you!"
A satisfied smile marked Thano's otherwise still face. "I welcome it."
The transmission was lost and Ronan stood still. Anger was radiating off him in waves. He needed to get to Merry, he had to save his wife and child. He turned to make his way to the commanding bridge.
"Ronan!" Peter yelled as he stood in front of the warrior. He held out his arms and tried to push him back when Ronan moved on him. "You need to think this out, you are too angry!"
Ronan reached out and grabbed Peter by the throat and lifted him off the floor. Peter's hands clawed at Ronan's as he made choking noises. "Of course I am angry! He took my wife! My child…" His voice broke slightly at the last.
"Then let us help you, Ronan." Gamora frantically offered, resting her hand on Ronan's outstretched arm. "Merry wouldn't want you to rush in like this."
Letting go of Peter, he crumpled to the floor; as he gasped for breath Ronan looked to Gamora. "What do you supposed I do?"
"We use the Infinity Stone." Rocket suggested. "Ronan should be strong enough to wield it."
Staring into Ronan's eyes, Gamora raised a brow. "Are you strong enough?"
Ronan knew Gamora was really asking if he could avoid using the stone to destroy Xandar. While the prospect was tempting, Ronan just wanted Merry and his child back safely. "Yes."
"Okay." She nodded, pleased with his answer. She gave a look to the rest of the Guardians. "We need a plan."
"I got this." Peter mustered up, voice dry and harsh. "We ring up Thanos and tell him we want to make the deal." He nodded to everyone. "We combine Ronan's weapon with the orb and when we begin to trade Merry for the orb, Rocket," he looked at the raccoon, "you shoot at the hammer, breaking it, thus freeing the stone."
"What shall we do with the stone once it is free from its confine?" Ronan asked.
"Ah." Peter patted his chest. "Leave that to me. Although it should be obvious from my out of this world good looks, I am not pure Terran. My father is something very ancient or whatever."
"So you can hold the stone long enough to hold off its power and then conceal it once more." Ronan concluded.
Winking at Ronan, Peter nodded. "Exactly."
Ronan didn't want to admit that Peter's plan was solid and had a high chance of succeeding. He looked at his comrades. "Are we ready?"
"Always." Peter said
Author's Note:
I used the idea for Peter being able to French braid from an interview with Chris Pratt who braided his interviewer's hair.
Ronan's line of "For you, I will burn out suns and break worlds…" is something he had said in comic canon