Wherever you go, I will follow

6

// sorry for the delay in posting, you guys! but the 6th part is here now – enjoy! it is the last one. i hope you will like it. don't forget to leave some marks; let me know if you liked the story and tell me why, and explain why you didn't like it if that's the case. it was fun writing it! thank you for being here. enjoy! // 

...

Athelstan quickly proves to be a handy addition to the Lothbrok family and house: he cleans, cooks, washes and tidies without asking him to do so. Ragnar suspects it might be because he feels like he has to in exchange for living here for free. He waits a week (because it actually feels pretty nice) before reassuring Athelstan that it isn't so, but the man just smiles and replies: "I like to participate in chores and live in a clean environment if I can." Ragnar leaves it at that. After all, it does feel nice.

The three of them develop a routine of some sort because, it turns out, their lives fit together smoothly like puzzle pieces; Ragnar and Athelstan spend most of their time with each other while Lagertha is at work at daytime, and when she gets home, occasionally they take a bath together in the huge tub, and/or they have sex, or they just cuddle in bed and watch a movie.

All his sons have met Athelstan by now, and even though they seemingly think he's a bit weird, they make nice. Mostly they're just happy to see their father happy. However, Rollo and Floki haven't been over here since. When Ragnar asks, Björn mentions something along the lines of telling them about his father's new boyfriend and them not being very thrilled. Ragnar decides that in this case it's not him who has to make an effort, so he just waits for them to show up.

It happens after about a month of Athelstan's arrival. Rollo and Floki appear in the living room as per usual, very naturally, sit down after all the introductions, and all of them chit-chat for a while like it's no big deal. Then they take their leave early, and that's it.

Nothing happened, really, but Ragnar feels uneasy afterwards. Maybe now it's time for him to make an effort.

The next day he goes to visit Floki at the port first. Climbing onto the deck, he finds a scantily-clad Helga with her nipples poking through her see-through robe, and a dazed and very much naked Floki lying on the wood, looking up at the sky.

"Look, I wanted to talk to you about Athelstan... Floki, what are you doing?"

"We're looking at the sky."

"I can see that. Why are you looking at the sky?"

"The clouds are pretty!" Floki exclaims like a little girl, and Helga nods with a big smile.

Ragnar turns to look at the sky. There are no clouds.

He rubs his face with his palm, realizing they are high, and walks away after a "Get dressed, you'll get cold!" which the couple probably didn't hear. At least he tried.

"The one time I actually want to talk..." he mumbles with annoyance as he leaves the old-fashioned ship. Oh well.

Next he goes over to Rollo's. He's not the one to beat around the bush so he starts right after entering the apartment and closing the door behind himself.

"What's your problem?"

Rollo scoffs, and Ragnar realizes his question might have been too vague. Even beside the few he actually admits, his brother has many problems.

"Do you have a problem with Athelstan?"

Rollo shakes his head in disbelief and throws himself down to the couch. The drink in the glass he's holding forms heavy waves. He takes a sip.