"It is my great pleasure," Nova Prime's voice echoed along the great hall as she spoke into the microphone. Her gloved hands gripped the sides of the wooden podium, decorated with the Nova Corps crest. "To present, Nova Corps' newest Commander, Ronan the Accuser."
A burst of applause rang out as Ronan stepped up from his idle position to stand beside Nova Prime. Behind them, Merry clapped along with the rest of the crowd and lovingly looked toward her husband. The Guardians stood beside her, also sharing in congratulations for their friend.
"Does this mean we can still fuck shit up?" Rocket asked, over the loud thunderous applaud.
"No!" Gamora scolded as Peter gave an enthusiastic, "Yes!"
Nova Prime placed a warm hand on Ronan's armored shoulder. "Ronan will ensure that justice is handed out swiftly and fairly." She gazed up at him. "He will protect all of us." She turned to Ronan and had him raise his right hand, swearing his allegiance to not only the Corps but to the people of Xandar, as well. After Ronan took his oath, two Nova Corps officers presented him with a newly crafted Universal Weapon. Ronan could not contain the look of pleasure that overtook his face.
"We figured you could use this, Commander." The younger officer said, holding out the staff for Ronan to take.
Once the weapon was in his hands, he felt Merry brush his side as she came up to stand next to him. "Oh!" She said with delight. "You have your weapon back." Pride and admiration shone in her green eyes.
"Not exactly the same." He pointed out, with a small grin. "But one can still do damage." His voice was teasing and Merry stuck her tongue out at him in jest.
"Alright, you two." Peter came up between them and threw his arms over their shoulders. "You are public figures now." He gave Ronan a knowing look. "So, no lovey stuff." Ronan rolled his eyes.
Rocket elbowed his way through their legs and stood in front of Peter. "Like Quill said," he began as he waved and winked at the audience. "Public figures now, so smile and wave!" He began laughing but then quieted down when Merry patted his head.
The induction ceremony ended soon after, with many Xandarians expressing their gratitude to Ronan. The Nova Corps had been able to keep Xandar safe but with Thanos on the run, the future was left unsure. Afterwards, a dinner was prepared for Ronan and Merry, the Guardians, Reddian, Theus, and the higher ranking members of the Nova Corps. They mingled and laughed while eating the finest foods the universe had the offer.
"Ughhh." Rocket moaned as he sat back in his chair, his small hand rubbing his bloated stomach. "My tongue says more but my body says no."
"I am Groot." Groot agreed.
Merry laughed at the pair but alas, felt the same way. She had never tasted so many delicious foods and deserts that it was hard to say no. She idly pushed some abandoned noodles around her plate, contemplating whether or not to finish them off. Her attention was diverted when she caught a quick glimpse of Reddian with Gamora.
"Hey." She whispered to Rocket.
"What?" He asked; a bit too loudly.
"Shhh!" She swatted her hand. "Look over there," she nodded toward the couple, who were now standing so close that a sheet of paper couldn't come between them.
"Uh." Rocket grumbled, not understanding what he was supposed to be looking at. His gaze settled on Reddian and Gamora. "You talking about green and blue?"
She gave him an annoyed look. "No, I'm talking about that guy next to them!"
"No need for sarcasm." He retorted. They both stared as Reddian wrapped his arm around her waist and bent his head to whisper something in Gamora's ear. "Do they think we can't see them?"
While the crowd was vast, it was not difficult to spot the young Kree warrior and the assassin that stood by his side. Merry knew that Reddian held some affection for Gamora, as he would glance her way often during gatherings and would casually bring her up in conversation when he and Merry were alone.
"Why so curious?" Merry teased him one night as she was preparing dinner.
Reddian's cheeks had heated and he cleared his throat. "I am simply wondering if she would be a good fit for the Nova Corps." Ronan had appointed Reddian his Lieutenant and asked if he had suggestions for recruitment.
Much like she had then, Merry found herself smiling at the two. Reddian looked flustered, as if he was nervous being so close to her in public. From experience, Merry knew that Kree men were hesitant with public displays of affection. However, Gamora seemed perfectly content being in such an intimate position.
"I am Groot." Groot sighed romantically, out of nowhere.
"Ahh, so you finally caught up with us!" Rocket scolded. "Always late to the party."
Merry quietly excused herself while Rocket and Groot bickered and sauntered through the crowd in search of her husband. She finally found him, surrounded by a small group of people; including a woman who was very touchy. A spark of anger filled her and waves of energy filled her veins and she felt her body temperature rise. Merry reined in her emotions, not wishing to cause anyone harm because of something as petty as jealously.
She watched Ronan as he took a step back from the beautiful Xandarian officer. His eyes met hers and he wore a startled expression. "Marita," he spoke strongly to the woman. "Meet my wife, Merry. " The woman reluctantly turned her head and gave a small, forced smile and stepped back from Ronan.
Merry returned the forced smile and burrowed herself into Ronan's side, placing a small hand on his wide chest. "Hello." Her usually warm voice was cool and even. Ronan fought the temptation to smile. A jealous Merry was a sight to behold, her body was so close and her hand kept kneading the fabric of his ceremonial uniform. She never once gazed upon him but was rather focused on Marita who gave a cold stare in return.
The two women stood in silence for a moment before Marita broke contact and leered at Ronan. "It was nice meeting you and I look forward to serving you." The last part of her statement came out as a purr and she fluttered her eyelashes and took her leave. Ronan tightened his arm around Merry when he felt her jerk in response to the woman's obvious double entendre. "Be still, wife." The blatant amusement in his voice was not lost on Merry.
"You think this funny?" She asked, huffing out a breath and crossing her arms over her chest.
His look was sly as he stood in front of her. "No, not funny but does wonders for my ego to see my little wife jealous." He tried to pry her arms away from her chest but Merry was stubborn and turned away from her husband. "Come on now, wife." He drawled as he wrapped his arm around her, hands settling on the swell of her stomach; feeling her melt under his embrace, she placed her hands over his.
They stayed like that, watching the commotion going on in the room. Rocket and Groot were still stuffing their faces and occasionally, Rocket's moans of pleasure and disgust will echo throughout the room. Peter was standing against the back wall, talking to a woman whose face was hidden from prying eyes. "Who is Peter speaking with?"
Now it was Ronan's turn to feel the sparks of jealously. "How about that, we were having a nice, quiet moment and you had to bring Quill into it."
She patted his hand. "Now, now." Her brow quirked as she studied the mystery woman. "She kind of looks like Nika."
"Perhaps." Was all Ronan said.
The conversation died but Merry couldn't help but be worried for both of her friends. While love was grand and she would be happy for them, both had emotional baggage and she wasn't sure if either one was ready for a relationship.
"Stop thinking." Ronan's deep voice cut through her thoughts. "Let them do what they wish and enjoy this new chapter of our lives."
As if agreeing with their father, the babe within Merry's womb decided to unleash a powerful kick. "Oh!" Merry exclaimed, surprised by the jolt.
"See?" Ronan chuckled. "The little one agrees with me."
Shaking her head in disbelief, Merry turned in her husband's arms. "Are you ready to retire?"
He nodded and grasped her hand. Tugging her along, he sought out Nova Prime. Once spotted, he approached her. "Nova Prime."
"Ronan." She smiled at the couple.
"My wife and I wish to retire, if you do not mind." Ronan was not used to asking permission but figured it would reflect well on his character to do so.
"Why, of course." She looked over to Merry. "Today has been a wear on us all and I cannot imagine how tired you must be."
Merry wanted to admit she wasn't but she let Nova Prime fuss.
"Thank you, Nova Prime." Ronan said and the two took off. Walking down the hallway, a thought struck Ronan. "Did you wish to say goodnight to our friends? Or invite them over?"
Merry smiled at his words. "No, Rocket and Groot are attempting death by overeating, Gamora is with Redidan, Drax is enjoying his drink, and Peter is doing what Peter does best." She cast him a shy glance. "I would rather just be with you all night." He gave her a heated glance and Merry felt excitement take over; what a night it would be.
Hours later, Merry lay sprawled on her husband's wide chest. She traced the lines of muscle and sighed contently. Ronan's hand lazily traced the line of her bare back, occasionally massaging the tried flesh. They had made love for hours, trying out new positions and exploring each other. Out of all of their passionate encounters, this was the most erotic and Merry felt herself blush as remembered the things she had done.
"We won't be able to do this when the child is born." Ronan reminded her in a soft voice.
She angled her head to look up at him. "Will you not want me anymore?" The hand that was stroking her stopped.
"Why wouldn't I want you?" He asked her gently.
She averted her eyes, feeling ridiculous. "Some men do not find their women attractive after they give birth."
Ronan sighed and begun stroking her back again. "Merry, that will never happen." His hand creeped lower and lower with each pass and soon he cupped her bottom and kneaded the soft flesh. Merry let out a small moan and straddle Ronan's thighs. She looked down into his handsome face as he hands caught her thighs and ran along the smooth skin.
"Are you happy, Ronan?" She asked as she skimmed her fingers down his strong forearms. "Truly happy?" So much has happened in the short span of the relationship that she needed confirmation.
Ronan looked up at Merry; in her naked state, she looked like a goddess with her full breasts, round hips, and silver hair gleaming. Her protruding stomach simply added more beauty to her already exquisite form. His strong hands dug into her soft flesh and made their way up and over her hips and back down to cup her buttocks. He thrust her body up so that her face hovered over his. "I can honestly say, Merry." His breath was warm against her cheek. "That I have never been so happy."
Cupping the back of her head, he lowered her lips to his and kissed her deeply. It was supposed to be a quick, passionate kiss to convey Ronan's feelings. However, it soon erupted into something more demanding. Their tongues clashed and the kiss went on and on as Ronan's hands dipped below the curve of her ass and gently ran his fingers along the seam of her sex.
"Ronan." Merry mewled against his ravaging mouth. Merry's own hands explored the sinewy planes of his arms, chest, and lower to his defined abdomen. "I want you." She sighed and reached down and began stroking his erection. "Now."
Grunting, Ronan grabbed Merry's hips and swung her down onto the mattress and positioned himself over her. Her shapely legs wrapped around his hips as she thrust up, wanting contact. "What is the hurry?" He asked lazily, trailing a finger down from her clavicle to the valley between her breasts. He absently traced the faint blue veins and circled her puckered nipple.
"Ronan!" Merry growled in frustration. His rough kisses had wreaked havoc on her body; she felt hot and achy. "Please." She begged, lifting her lower body so the head of his cock nudged her taut clit. They both moaned at the contact.
He stayed still, letting out a groan when he felt Merry's hands run down his back, clawing at the hard muscle. His cock twitched at the stab of pleasure-pain as he lowered his head to capture a pink nipple between his lips. He tugged on the nipple, gently nipping it with his teeth as he suckled. Merry kept thrusting her hips against his, causing small pangs of pleasure to run through his body. Pinning her hips down, Ronan looked up at her. "Merry, if you keep that up I am going to lose it."
Reaching between their bodies, Merry's fingers grazed the damp tip of his erection. Feeling bold, she moved to her own body and starting rubbing her clit. Looking at Ronan, she watched his eyes go dark with lust as she touched herself.
Deciding to play her game, Ronan sat back and started stroking his cock. Pre cum leaked from the tip and coated his flesh, allowing for a sweeter friction. With every jerk of his hand, Merry followed suit on herself. They pleasured themselves by watching each other, each touch heightening the eroticism of the act.
"Touch yourself, Merry." He rasped out as he quickened his movement. His hips thrust with his own movements, on the edge of release but holding back. At her confused look, he gave a tight smile. "Deep inside, Merry. Put your fingers inside you." His jaw clenched. "Like I do to you."
Slowly, she placed two fingers inside her channel. Her walls clamped around them as she explored her hot depths. It felt good but not when Ronan touched her. Focusing her gaze, she watched Ronan as he touched himself in sync with her own caresses. His erection was strained and fluid leaked from the tip, she knew he had to be near the breaking point. She kept on pleasuring herself, rubbing her clit while thrusting a finger in and out. The beginning webs of pleasure began to weave and Merry felt her breath catch as she worked herself harder.
Ronan could barely breathe as he watched Merry bring herself toward the brink. She looked up at him with hooded eyes, glowing with lust, her full lips slightly parted; all his. A primal extinct kicked in and Ronan stroked himself faster, small bursts of semen coated Merry's stomach and she gasped in surprise.
"Ronan." She moaned pitifully as her orgasm hit her. She moved her hips along with her hand and rubbed her swollen nub as she watched Ronan jerk his hand along his hard shaft; his release decorating her body as he did so. Suddenly, Ronan jerked her body back and lifted her hips and thrust inside her. Moaning, Merry rutted against him. "You feel so good inside me." She whispered against his lips as they moved together.
He grunted and bit her sensitive neck, causing her to cry out. Their ministrations had lit a fire in his blood and while he loved watching Merry touch herself, it only fueled his desire to fuck her, mark her as his. Thrusting hard and fast, he could already feel her spasm around his cock. It only took two more powerful thrust before Merry was falling apart in his arms and he followed suit. He held her to his chest in the aftermath, stroking his hands down her long back.
He withdrew from her slowly and left Merry on the bed as he went to the washroom to gather up a damp wash rag. Coming back into the room, he found Merry in the middle of the large bed surrounded by a mess of blankets and pillows. Ronan kneeled on the bed next to her and ran the rag against the mess he made on her stomach; she jumped at the stark contact. He cleaned her thoroughly, much to her embarrassment.
"How can you be shy after what we just did?" He teased as he finished and begun washing the sticky semen from his own body.
"I don't have sense when we are loving." She murmured. "You make me too crazy."
"Just how I like you." He winked at her and went to toss the used rag. Coming back, he playfully jumped on the bed next to her.
"Well, look at you." She said with a brow raised at his demeanor.
Laughing, Ronan tugged her down to him. "Is this not how a man should act after he had an incredible night with his lovely wife?" He grinned at her blush and captured her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I hope now you have no doubts about my desire for you."
How could she? She thought as he kissed her flesh tenderly. "I don't, really." She reasoned. "You know how I am though…" she waved her free hand. "All these thoughts and doubts."
"I will cure those thoughts, Merry." He whispered tenderly. "Never doubt yourself in my presence or feel that you are never enough."
"As long as you do the same." She whispered back. "You have done so much for me, for your family, your people…"
He looked intently at her, "Because I had a reason to." He spoke so quietly, Merry barely heard what he said but even so the statement was profound and Merry felt her chest burst with love for her husband; shocking because she loved him so much already.