Merry snuggled deeper into the plush, warm bed. Nuzzling her face against her pillow, she let out a content sigh. She felt Ronan lazily trace circles along her bare back as he lay next to her.
"Good morning." Ronan said softly, still running his fingers down her soft skin.
"Mmphff." Merry answered.
Ronan smiled at her grumblings. He glanced toward the large window in their bedroom and saw the glow of sunlight that tried to break through the dark curtains. "The sun wishes to great you."
Letting out a small laugh, Merry turned to face Ronan. "I do not wish to meet it." Laughing, Ronan tucked her closer to his body.
"We have a busy day ahead of us." He murmured as he leaned down to place a kiss on her shoulder.
"That we do." She sighed at the pressure of his lips. "We are moving your father into his new home."
"And getting Reddian settled." Ronan enjoyed having his younger brother around; however it was time for him to be on his own. The rest of the Kree who agreed to join Ronan have been adjusting to their new lives, some even obtained jobs and most of the Kree children enrolled in school.
Merry laid her hand on Ronan's strong chest. "Are you worried about your father?"
Shaking his head, Ronan grasped Merry's hand and brought it to his lips. "My father will do wonderful." His eyes sought hers. "I am more worried about you and this new found power."
Her face heated with embarrassment and she jerked her hand away but Ronan's grip tightened. "There is nothing to be ashamed of."
"I destroyed a house." Merry stated, sadly. "I was so angry at Nova Prime for keeping secrets." She focused her gaze on Rona's collar bone, idly tracing the protrusion with soft fingers. "I don't want to hurt someone."
"You won't." Ronan insisted.
"But what if I am so upset and I hurt our child?"
Shaking his head, Ronan caught her chin and lifted her face toward his. "You would never harm our child."
"Ronan-" Her words were cut off as Ronan cupped her jaw and caught her lips in a rough kiss, silencing her protests. She let out a small whimper and wrapped her arm around his shoulder, massaging the muscles under her palm. Merry sighed in pleasure as she felt Ronan's hands cup her buttocks and thrust his hips against hers.
"We really should be getting up." He said as he placed small kisses against her jawline, down her neck, and the tops of her shoulders.
Rocking her hips against Ronan's, Merry bit her lower lip as arousal bloomed between her legs. "Oh, I know…"
Growling, Ronan rolled them over until he was settled on top of Merry, hips nestled between her thighs. "It can wait." He murmured as his lips captured hers in a deep kiss.
Hours later, Merry was elbow deep in dirt and plants. Wiping stray hairs from her face, she placed a small cherry blossom tree in the hole she dug and began to pack the soil over the roots. Taking a deep breathe, she rubbed her aching lower back.
"Take a break, child." Theus chuckled from his spot on the small bench that was a few feet away. "Looking at you work is even making me tired."
Giving him a sly grin she eyed his glass of water with slices of lemon and limes submerged in its depths. "Oh, I am sure you are exhausted."
Taking large gulp, he nodded. "It's not easy at my age."
"Sitting?" She laughed as he gave her a wink and took another swig of his beverage. Letting out a low moan, Merry stood and walked over to her father-in-law. "Did you tell Ronan and Reddian how you wanted the furniture arranged?"
"I did." He gave her an amused look. "Knowing those two they will do otherwise and then fight over who has the best idea."
Chuckling, Merry sat next to him. "Were they rowdy children?"
He gave her a pointed look. "Rowdy doesn't even cover it. Three boys is just a recipe for trouble..." His voiced wavered a bit then trailed off into silence.
Taking his hand, Merry comforted Theus. "I am sorry about Kalen."
Releasing a breath, Theus spoke softly. "It is hard losing a child, something I hope you never have to go through." Shaking his head, he looked over to her. "I suppose I already lost him way beforehand."
"Are you angry that he was…" Merry tried to figure out how to ask such a sensitive question. "Killed by his brother?" She grimaced; not very tactful.
"He was going to kill your husband." Theus pointed out. "He did what he had to do. He not only betrayed me but was going to end his commanding officer's life."
A feeling of dread overtook Merry's body as she recalled how close Ronan was to losing his life. "Even so, it must be difficult." A comfortable silence fell over them as Theus looked out over the vast landscape given to them by Nova Prime. A gentle breeze ruffled the grass while the suns of Xandar warmed his skin. He closed his eyes in content and took in a deep breath.
Merry smiled at Theus' obvious delight; he deserved to bask in it. She glanced down at the dark trousers she wore. Picking at the fabric, she gave a slight scowl at the unfamiliar feeling of fabric being wrapped around her legs.
"Having trouble?" Theus joked, noticing her tiny frown.
"I don't know how Gamora wears these things." She murmured. "She insisted I wear this," she motioned down her body that was adorned by trousers and a loose shirt. "Apparently, my dresses are not appropriate for gardening."
"Well," Theus mused. "She isn't wrong."
In mock offense, Merry gasped. "Whose side are you on?"
"The side that gives refills." He lifted his glass and smiled. Laughing, Merry took the glass and leaned down to place a kiss on Theus' cheek.
"I am glad to be a part of your family." She said cheerfully as she started her way towards the house.
"Me, too, my dear." He responded after her. "Me too."
The day went by in a flash; Ronan and Reddian worked tirelessly to get their father's new home in order while Merry kept him company and tended to the garden. It was sunset when Theus was finally able to be left alone.
"Father seemed really happy." Reddian commented as they walked along the path that led from Theus' front porch.
"Indeed." Ronan answered simply. He felt Merry take his hand as she strolled beside him. Ronan felt a slight heat radiating from her palm and threaded his fingers into hers. "Are you alright?" He asked quietly.
Merry gave him a surprised look, "Yes." She answered softly. Her gaze settled on the smooth pathway that lay in front of them and focused on it. Throughout the day, Merry's anxiety about Theus and Reddian being on their own had grew and apparently awakened the stone's power.
Ronan looked at his wife suspiciously. His fingers contracted against hers. "Reddian, will you be fine on your own tonight?"
Reddian glowered at his older brother. "I am not a child."
"I know." Ronan retorted. "However, that doesn't mean I can't assure you're well-being."
"Save your father speeches, Ronan." Reddian said. At Ronan's frown, he gave a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine."
"You'll be alone." Ronan muttered.
"Oh, Ronan." Merry interrupted the brother's bickering. "I'm sure Reddian will have company." She winked at Reddian, knowing that he and Gamora had been getting quite close. Reddian flushed and kept staring straight ahead. Ronan cast Merry a confused look. They walked in silence until the pathway branched off toward another small house.
"Have a good night, Reddian." Merry said as she hugged him. He wished her a goodnight as well and with a nod to Ronan, took his leave. The couple watched as he made his way to his new home and closed the door behind him.
Tugging on Merry's hand, Ronan pulled her against his body. "Are you sure you are alright." He traced her palm with his thumb. "I felt heat when I held your hand."
"Um." She licked her lips. "Maybe I just have sweaty hands." She cringed at her own excuse.
He gave her a bemused look and then a soft smile graced his lips. "You can tell me, Merry."
Sighing, Merry cleared her throat. "I am nervous for your father and Reddian." She looked at their clasped hands. "Apparently, it has awakened whatever it is inside me."
A frown formed between Ronan's brows as a thought struck him. Reaching out, his hand molded against Merry's protruding stomach. "When you get these feelings, does it disturb the child?" At her confused stare, Ronan continued. "More movement?"
"Yes." She said cautiously, not knowing Ronan's thought process.
"What if…" His voice trailed off, as if unsure. "What if the Stone's power wasn't absorbed by you but rather our child…"
"And when I get upset, the child does, as well." Merry finished.
"This leads to power being unleashed." Ronan's final statement was followed by a wall of silence. Both Merry's hands covered her stomach, as if to protect her unborn child.
"Do you know what this means?" Her voice was high with emotion as she looked up at her husband. "If anyone found out, they may hurt him!"
"I'm not sure about that." Ronan said, trying to soothe her. "If anything, he would be feared."
"Ronan!" She growled. "You're not helping!" She crossed her arms and turned her back to him. A flurry of emotions danced within her and she willed herself to calm down.
"Perhaps, I am wrong." He said as she walked up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he cupped her tummy. "Maybe we should make an appointment to confirm or deny our suspicions."
"No." Her voice was firm. "I don't want our little one to be experimented on." She turned in his arms. "Please, Ronan. Let us handle this ourselves. You're strong enough if it really is the case." She buried her face in his chest and tightened her arms around him.
He kissed the top her head. "Okay, Merry." He felt the energy racing through her body and he held her tighter. "Please, calm down." His voice was soft as he watched her take a deep breath and felt the tension leaving her body.
"What if our child does have this power?" She asked worriedly.
"We will guide them." He answered; cupping her face he brought her mouth under his. "Perhaps this is a blessing. The Kree will need a strong leader to carry on after I am gone."
"But that won't be for a while."
He chuckled at her determination. "Yes, for a long while. At least I hope." He let out a small gasp, as Merry grabbed the front of his tunic and pulled his mouth down to hers. Taking advantage of his surprise, she thrust her tongue into his mouth and kissed him deep. He broke the kiss, his breathing ragged. "That is if you don't kill me with these damned kisses."
"Oh, but what a way to go." She smiled, relaxing into humor. She gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I love you." She blushed after she said it, not because she was embarrassed, but because she still couldn't believe this big, strong warrior was hers.
"I love you, too." He whispered against her lips. "Those words will only ever be for you."
"Odin's beard." A deep voice cut through their romantic reverie. Both Ronan and Merry's heads swiftly turned toward the source of the intrusion and Reddian stood there with a smug look on his face. "Don't worry, Ronan." He said as he walked up to his brother and clapped him on the back. "I won't tell a soul a word that passed your lips." He winked at Merry but then sobered up. "Seriously, though are you two alright because you have been out here for a while."
"Yes." Ronan ground out. "We are fine, just talking and got held up."
"Mhmm." Reddian was obviously amused.
"Well, we better be on our way." Ronan took Merry's hand and let her away. Giving a wave, Merry smiled to herself. "My brother is a nuisance." Ronan said when Reddian was out of earshot.
Laughing, Merry shook her head. "He will be a wonderful uncle." Ronan let out a frustrated groan at the thought while Merry kept on laughing.
They made it back to their home and Ronan secured the premises before leading Merry to the stairs that would lead the way to their bedroom. "We really need to decorate." Merry commented as she looked over the bare walls. "It seems so…sterile."
Ronan looked around, as well and shrugged. "It looks clean."
"It is clean." She agreed. "But it doesn't look lived in."
"Well, we have only been living her for a few weeks." He returned jokingly. Once they made it to the top of the stairs, Ronan scooped Merrry up into his arms. "Let us go to bed, wife." She hummed her agreement and kissed her husband.
"Again, with these deadly kisses." Ronan murmured.
"Let us die together, then." She whispered back and kissed him deeply as Ronan carried her off toward their bedroom. It was going to be a long night.
Author's note:
Hello! Thank you for reading my story. I know my updates have been sporadic but life has been stressful. However, if you are interested in outtakes and other one shots from this universe, I have written "A Dose of the Cure" and all stories that do not fit into the main narrative of "I Will Cure It" will go there. The first is already up - Ronan and Merry's wedding. :) I hope you enjoy.