A/N: Had a choice between shoehorning my thoughts about the current pandemic (as a doctor of medicine with a small background in public health, and a master of business administration) vs writing escapist shiz; decided to continue writing escapist shiz.
The world could honestly do with more cheer and only harmless stupidity, so hope y'all enjoy this one~
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A Powerful Bond
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"Excuse me?"
"You heard us correctly, Captain Commander."
Scott frowned. "I very much doubt that." He glanced at the Quiet Council— his gaze lingering pointedly at both Jean and Emma. Their countenance was unreadable. "Are you all sure this is for the best?"
"All of us? No." Xavier began in a placating tone. "But our vote has been cast."
Scott closed his eyes in thought.
And Jean and Emma remained silent.
Opening his eyes, he addressed the council. "First, why now?"
"They have suffered a string of catastrophic losses." Erik said. "Their numbers have dwindled, their empire is lost, and their allies are few. Still, they are strong."
"Secondly, why us?"
"Because the Avengers have lost their clout." En Sabah Nur explained. "And Krakoa is stronger."
"Lastly, why me?"
"Because you hold sufficient power in our nation but hold no seat in our council. You do not have the power to govern." Jean clarified. Opposite her, Emma folded her arms unhappily. "Will you do as your council demands you, Captain Commander?"
Scott's lips flattened and he gave her a curt nod. "If this is the council's will."
"Very well." Xavier smiled. "Send a message to the Inhumans. Tell them we accept their terms for a union if they accept ours."
"With your leave." Scott nodded.
He turned on his heel and made his way out of the council room.
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Scott's heart stilled as a very familiar mane of red exited the gateway, accompanied by her guards Karnak and Lockjaw, and her escort Wolverine.
Sensing his apprehension, Emma snaked her hand into his and gave him a gentle squeeze. "Darling, just remember. A Queen of no land she may be, but she is still ruler to her people."
He felt Emma rest her head against his shoulder, and Scott wordlessly pressed his lips against her crown in gratitude.
It was clear he wasn't the only one with misgivings about this entire situation. Old grudges were truly difficult to silence.
"I see they chose to forego bringing Black Bolt." Emma pointed out mirthfully, clearly trying to find some way to lighten the mood.
It worked, and Scott found himself smiling. "Now that would be in bad taste."
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"Queen Medusa."
"Captain Commander."
"This is… a surprise."
"How so?"
"Aren't you married to Black Bolt?"
"Not anymore. And I know what you expected—but my younger sister is to renew her union with Pietro so that our bond with the Avengers remains." Medusa graciously explained. It was her turn, however, to cast him a suspicious glance. "As you have broached the topic of a significant other…"
Scott shrugged. "It's complicated."
"I see." Medusa took the hint. Deciding to change the subject, she glanced up at him. "You are looking well. Last we met you were…"
"Killed?"
"Dead, yes." Medusa didn't rise to the bait.
"I was. But I got better." Scott found his shoulders relaxing.
The small exchange made it clear to him that Medusa was, at least, sincere about the Inhuman's offer.
"Evidently."
"Listen, let's disperse with these pleasantries." Scott told her. "Your people gassed my species and threatened to drive us into extinction."
"And yours attacked ours while threatening our source of power."
"Right." Scott ran a hand through his hair to disperse his exasperation. "We both messed up."
"Indeed." Medusa stared at him. "And are you truly so willing to let our bloody history go?"
"To be perfectly honest? No. And I'm not foolish enough to believe everyone here is willing, too." Scott said, and then sighed. "But I got better. We got better. So… marriage?" He offered her an arm.
Medusa nodded, holding onto his elbow. "Only for so long as this alliance lasts."
"Great." Scott sighed. "Then let me give you a brief tour. Welcome to Krakoa. I hope you'll survive this experience."
The Queen of the Inhumans arched an eyebrow at him. "I should hope you would keep me safe, husband. Especially in your land."
Scott scratched the back of his head. "Right. Sorry. It was an inside joke—and a poor one at that, given our current circumstance."
"It was." Medusa smiled, taking the apology. "Though I suppose I shouldn't be so sensitive, too. I shall be living in this nation for the foreseeable future, after all."
It was brief, but Scott saw her cast a longing gaze towards the skies. Clearly, she already missed being amongst the stars.
He could fix that.
To this, Scott smiled. "Well, before your Island tour, what say we help you settle in to my place? And you can freshen up."
"I would very much like that." Medusa smiled back.
As they made their way back to the gate, Scott couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief.
Neither of them had caused a diplomatic incident, yet, so maybe there was hope for this alliance, after all.
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A/N: And now, a short omake:
"Surely, you realize an heir is needed to solidify a political union, right?" Jean folded her arms. "I am here to confirm your union. Simple as that."
"I do." Medusa, clad in her ceremonial garb, glared. "But I do not intend to make a show of our wedding night!"
Jean tilted her head. "It's not something I haven't seen before, though. And here in Krakoa-"
"Yes, I know, but just because I am tolerant to yours and my husband's proclivities, does not mean I intend to participate!" Medusa whirled towards her friend and husband. "Scott, surely you are not comfortable with this arrangement, either?"
"Jean, maybe we can compromise, just this once?"
"If you need help, I can oblige…" Jean suggested.
"No!" Medusa crossed her arms.
Scott shook his head. "That wasn't what I had in mind. Look, we all had a busy day, today. And I do still intend to fulfill this task of our union- if you are willing, too, my wife?"
"I am." Medusa nodded. "Just not with a voyeur."
"Now that is uncalled for." Jean quickly defended. "I am here representing the coun-"
"Jean." Scott pleaded.
"Oh, fine." Jean clearly was unhappy. "If your new wife has performance anxiety when someone else is watching-"
"-it's not about anxiety! This is an intimate moment!"
"-then I shall see myself out the door. But I will be in the next room."
The newly married couple wordlessly watched as Jean made her way out and closed the door behind her.
Medusa turned to her new husband. "Finally. After all that, she finally left us alone." She sighed, and her wild red hair seemed to relax, as well. She turned towards Scott, whose lips had flattened. "Husband? Is anything wrong?"
'Just rip her clothes off and ravish her, Scott!' Jean commanded in his mind, seeing Medusa through his eyes.
"Nothing, darling." Scott said. "But it might take some time to get back into the mood."
'I can flip your switch, if you want.' Jean happily suggested. 'I can even flip hers, too.'
Scott inwardly grimaced. Maybe Medusa had it right in calling Jean a voyeur.
'I never denied the accusation, you know.'
Oh, great.
This was going to be a very long and rather embarrassing wedding night.
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A/N: Mainstream comic book industry is now in a coma. I feel so sorry for the mom-and-pop comic book shops. At least they have toilet paper, I suppose /s
Anyways, enough of my whinging.
Didn't really have much of a plan for this piece—it's mostly just here to stir the ol' brain's creative juices after a month of focusing on things and tasks that actually matter. As such, I'm not too happy how this turned out, so I might revisit the idea or explore it with omakes some-when down the road.
If you liked this, awesome—and consider dropping a review. In any case, keep safe and I'll see y'all in the next piece.
