FIC: Evening (6/7 | The 13th Warrior AU)

[mlyn.livejournal.com]

Evening
Chapter 6/7
Chapter rated PG-13
Notes: Our complete cast of characters:


Ronild


Magnus


Edgar


Heath


Kjeld


Wendel


Bulwyf

*****

Herger dropped the car off at his garage and went up to his office to check in. Ronild was at his desk, and looked up when Herger opened the other door.

He had a light bruise and swelling on one side of his jaw, but otherwise he looked impeccable. Herger leaned a hip against his desk and sighed.

"I'm sorry."

Ronild looked back at his monitor. "Don't apologize. There's no need."

"No, there is. If I hadn't sent him away angry, then—"

"He would have been an asshole to someone else." Ronild stood and gathered some papers, laying them out individually. "I have some things for you to sign, and Herr Gilaksen wanted to see you."

"All right, point taken." Herger pulled out his pen and signed the lease renewals, then glanced toward Bulwyf's office. "Wish me luck?"

"Luck," Ronild said, and smiled.

Herger knocked on Bulwyf's door and waited until he heard Bulwyf's voice intone, "Enter." He went into the office and sat in one of the mod leather armchairs grouped around a coffee table. On the other side of the table, Bulwyf sat on a long sofa. He was looking over some spread out documents, but shuffled them together when Herger sat.

Bulwyf looked good; he had a deep tan, and it contrasted sharply with his pale green summer suit, hair so blond it was almost white, and sharp blue eyes. That gaze examined Herger for a moment, then the eyelids flicked down and Bulwyf sat back.

"I would like to meet on Friday to discuss new business. Numbers look good for this quarter but I'm concerned that they will start to slide before the holidays. We should talk to the shops about the Jul campaigns, and see what kind of events we can book."

Herger arranged his tie and crossed a leg over his knee. "That's all on our plate already, and I just signed a few lease agreements. No one has moved out, and Norli and Dale are coming in."

"Yes…congratulations on Dale, by the way."

"Thank you."

This was all a little odd. Bulwyf had always said he had faith in Herger's abilities, and had not discussed any concerns over a fall slump in probably seven years. But Herger waited patiently, knowing that Bulwyf would make his point. Even if it took waiting until Friday.

"So you're getting married."

"That is the plan, yes."

Bulwyf examined him carefully, not saying anything. His gaze was intense and searching. Herger bore the scrutiny for a full minute, and then Bulwyf finally continued.

"Are you happy?"

Herger considered, then answered as firmly as he could. "Yes."

Bulwyf arched a brow but said nothing.

"Look…you know me." Herger got up and started pacing the room, hands in his pockets. "Impetuous sometimes, yes, but also analytical. I know what I'm doing and I want to do it. How many men do you know who decide to get married on a whim?"

Bulwyf sat back on the couch and regarded him lazily. "So this is a whim?"

"…Not exactly." Herger stopped and jingled some change in his pocket. "You know I'm also protective of the things and people I care for. This thing with Wendel…I don't want to take any risks."

But of course Bulwyf didn't understand the reference to Wendel, so Herger explained everything: meeting Ahmed, giving him a place to stay, their relationship growing closer. He found himself speaking more slowly and haltingly as he went on, and realized it was because he was talking about how he went from finding Ahmed attractive to feeling fiercely protective. He even had to explain taking Ahmed away for a weekend together; that was, of course, how they had run into Wendel.

Bulwyf listened attentively until Herger finished, then rose and adjusted his cuffs. Herger stood too.

"I've known you long enough to understand what you're saying, probably better than you understand yourself." Bulwyf extended his hand to shake. "Congratulations. You've fallen in love again."

Herger laughed nervously, but took Bulwyf's hand, his words sinking in. By all evidence…he was right.



After leaving Bulwyf's office, Herger answered some emails and organized his desk. Then he talked to Ronild about who was handling the assault case at the local police station. Taking the officer's card, he left on foot to give his statement. After a fifteen-minute walk, he turned into a building behind a sign that read Politi.

Giving his statement as to what had happened in Lillehammer took about a half hour. He tried to be clear but thorough, giving some of his long history with Wendel so that the police understood how well Herger knew him. He made sure not to say anything that would make him sound like a spurned lover with a vendetta, and gave his words an air of credibility.

The police officer was difficult to read, but Herger left the station believing that he had been successful in his own goals for the meeting.

As he approached the pier, he checked his watch and then called Ahmed. It was time.

He got a car from the garage and picked Ahmed up at the Aftenposten offices, then set off through the city. "We're going to a byfogd, a city recorder, who will set this up for us. We're meeting a couple of friends there."

"Okay." Ahmed nodded and smoothed a hand down his chest. Herger realized he'd put on a tie, and the thoughtfulness made him smile.

They parked on a street in the old northern part of downtown Oslo and walked into one of the hundred-year-old stone administration buildings. Herger quickly found their way to the right office, where Kjeld's familiar shock of auburn hair shone under the lights in the hallway. They greeted each other and shook hands. Edgar was in the restroom, Kjeld explained.

Herger nodded, looking around with nervous energy. "Good, good. Kjeld, this is Ahmed."

Kjeld directed his attention at Ahmed and smiled warmly, a sight that Herger was glad to see. He was prone to being deeply serious, almost pessimistic, but nevertheless was an intelligent and steadfast friend. Kjeld shook Ahmed's hand firmly while Ahmed tried the pronunciation of his name, the "kj" making an odd "ch" sound.

Ahmed glanced down and said, "I like your tattoo." Kjeld's bare forearm, exposed by his rolled sleeves, was covered in a series of traditional Scandinavian characters. Kjeld nodded in thanks.

Edgar joined them then, and also exchanged a handshake of greeting with Ahmed. Then Edgar said, "Shall we?" and they stepped into the recorder's office.

There was one group ahead of them, and they were partway through the official ceremony. Herger looked at the two men discreetly holding hands as they answered the prepared text read by the recorder, and felt a shiver go up his spine. Nervousness suddenly made him feel nauseous.

"Normally we'd need to wait at least a week, if not a month," Kjeld whispered to the rest of their group. "But I drew up the necessary documents and got them notarized. You have your passports and birth certificates?"

Ahmed and Herger nodded, Herger's hand automatically going to his breast pocket and pulling out all their documents. The group before them was wrapping up the ceremony.

"Here we go," Edgar murmured.

The other group left and the recorder waved them forward. Kjeld drew out his documents and laid them out on the counter, explaining that he was the lawyer for Herr Torgudson and Herr Fahdlan, and that the two wished to enter a registered partnership.



It only took twenty minutes. Herger felt so sick with nerves that he forgot Ahmed was standing next to him until Ahmed touched his hand partway through, and Herger grabbed his hand and threaded their fingers together. Immediately after that, they both stated their willingness to be entered into a registered partnership with each other, and the recorder declared the partnership to be lawfully contracted.

Herger's knees were weak.

The recorder pulled out some more documents and quickly filled them out, then slid them across the counter. Herger pulled out his pen in an automatic movement, then looked at Ahmed.

"Second time we've done this, eh?"

Ahmed grinned and nodded. Looking at his happy, relaxed expression, Herger finally felt his nerves calm and a peace come over him. He took a breath and signed his name, followed by Ahmed, Edgar and Kjeld. The document confirmed registration of the partnership. As soon as it was signed, the recorder gave them another form: a certificate of domestic partnership.



"We'll meet Kjeld and Edgar back at the apartment tonight for a little party. If you're up to it, that is." He was married now; he had to think of his spouse's opinion.

"Yes, I'd like that." Ahmed seemed distracted, and tapped his fingers on his legs. Looking at his hands, Herger realized they hadn't even thought of rings.

"Will you tell your mother of this?"

The tapping slowed. "I haven't decided yet. It would make her happy to read the word ‘marriage,' but if I said that my spouse is a man…"

"I understand." Herger pulled away from a red light and tightened his grip on the wheel as the car went over cobblestones. "It is your decision of course, but let me know if—"

"Herger, there's the office."

"Oye! Takk." He hadn't been paying attention. He screeched to a halt and pulled out of the lane and into a loading zone. Ahmed opened the door, and oddly this felt like a reprise of what they'd done just a few hours prior, when Herger had dropped Ahmed off for work. Except now they were married.

"I'll be…home in a few hours," Ahmed said, leaning back in the open door. Herger nodded. Ahmed seemed to think of something for a moment, then decided, and leaned in closer to Herger. Herger met his kiss and smiled, holding up his hand in a wave as Ahmed closed the door.

Now he had just one more thing to do. He drove to the local police office.



Herger spoke with the desk sergeant about the charges against Wendel and Wendel's counter charges. They agreed that the two parties needed to have their lawyers communicate with the district attorney. Wendel should not see him without attorneys present.

Herger went into a private call room and pulled out his cell phone, calling the district attorney's office. He got a secretary and introduced himself, and was asked to wait on the line while she rang the attorney at his desk.

"Herr Torgudson, thank you for calling."

"Of course. Regarding this situation with Wendel Rasmusson…"

"I'm sure you want it to go away."

"Yes."

"Have you had an estimate of the damage done to your office?"

"I heard a figure…I'm not sure I—"

"If it's under one thousand kroner, I would recommend that you drop all charges. Rasmusson would likely then drop the charges against Herr Fahdlan. No guarantees, of course."

Herger rubbed his beard. He didn't want to do this without talking to Ronild, since Ronild was the victim; but he also believed he knew what Ronild would say. Although he wanted retribution for what Wendel had done, Ronild would want business—life—to return to normal. He would probably agree to drop the charges. But Herger hated to let Wendel get away with the crimes in this way.

Before he could decide, the attorney spoke again.

"I would suggest a compromise."

"I'd like to hear it," Herger replied, relieved.

"I could charge Rasmusson with destructive mischief. It would be a fine, nothing more. I can't guarantee that this would take the wind of out his sails, but—"

"That sounds reasonable. We can't speak to what Wendel will or won't do."

"Indeed."

"So that's settled. Thank you for—"

"One more thing, Herr Torgudson."

The hair stood up on Herger's neck. "Ja?"

"I can't wave away these charges against Herr Fahdlan without looking into them, taking a statement from each side, et cetera. If Rasmusson decides to pursue them, I will need to see Herr Fahdlan. I understand he is an immigrant living with you, correct?"

"Not any longer." Herger felt deep satisfaction at the words he spoke next. "He's my registered partner."

There was a long pause, and then the attorney cleared his throat. "I see. Based on what Rasmusson said…well, that changes things somewhat. I will take it into consideration."

"Yes. Thank you for your time."

Herger blew out a breath as he ended the call. He'd done what he could. Now only time would tell if it had been enough.


Herger went back to work, but the moment he walked into the office he realized he'd be useless. Ronild wasn't at his desk—in the apartment upstairs, Herger realized—and Bulwyf had gone out again. There was a few other staff members around, but with management out (and out of his mind), it was clearly going to be a day when no new business happened.

Herger went up to the apartment.

Ronild was chewing his lip over the arrangement of vases in the living room. When he saw Herger standing in the entranceway, a smile bloomed across his face.

"The groom is home."

"Oh god." Herger put a hand to his head. "Are people going to call me that?"

"You or Ahmed. More likely, they'll call you the bride. I didn't, because I value my job."

"Smart man." Herger gestured at the vases. "Are you moonlighting in interior design?"

"You're right, this is the specialty of the homosexual. I'll leave you to it." Ronild went into the kitchen while Herger chuckled. "Canapés are in the refrigerator, as well as the champagne. The catering company lent us some buckets for the bottles, and there's plenty of ice in the freezer. Napkins and plates are on the counter, as you see. Anything I've forgotten?"

"Of course not." Ronild nodded and headed for the door, but Herger held up a hand to stop him. "Ronild…you're indispensible, you know that?"

Ronild regarded him somberly. "Yes."

Herger grinned. "Then I guess no amount of thanks is enough."

"None needed." Ronild held out a hand, and Herger shook it firmly. Ronild smiled, dropping some of his usual somber business attitude. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. One more thing."

Ronild waited silently.

"I just spoke with the district attorney. We discussed lowering the charges to destructive mischief." Herger watched him closely as he said this.

Ronild nodded, with no apparent disappointment or anger. "That sounds reasonable."

Herger nodded and smiled, feeling another bit of tension slide off his shoulders. "We'll see what happens now. And for tonight, will you—"

"Yes, I'll come. I have some things to wrap up downstairs, first, as it is—" Ronild checked his watch, "a quarter past two p.m., and therefore not yet the end of the business day. Go soak your head or something."

"Gladly." Herger left Ronild to see himself out, and headed into the bedroom.

He occupied himself with putting together the best suit he could; not an easy task, since he was trying to find a balance between due formality, joyful celebration, and chic trends. In the end he chose a pale tan pair of slacks, the cuffs rolled a half inch, and sea foam green shirt with no tie. He wore his new pair of Italian leather loafers without socks, as a nod to the fashion plates of the summer in Milan. With all the light colors, he'd be sure to attract the bride jokes.

He checked his watch. Three p.m. Still a few hours before Ahmed would get home, and more hours beyond that before people would start to arrive. He was going to go fucking stir-crazy.

Recalling what Ronild had joked about soaking his head, Herger went into the bathroom and turned on the taps in his big Jacuzzi tub.



He soaked himself until he was nodding with drowsiness, then got out, dried quickly, and crawled onto his bed for a quick nap. He was awakened by the front door closing. Ahmed appeared in the doorway a minute later.

He paused and took in the view of Herger lying on top of the covers, naked. Herger grinned sleepily and rolled over onto his back, stretching. "I took a bath."

"Really." Ahmed stepped into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "Do you always do this after baths?"

Herger shrugged and closed his eyes. "I can't say I have a habit."

A hand on his stomach surprised him. Ahmed stroked up his chest, his fingers teasing one nipple. Herger made a sound that Ahmed chuckled at. "Maybe you should make it a habit."

The hand lifted. Herger opened his eyes.

"After tonight," Ahmed added. He glanced around Herger's room and saw the clothes laid out over a chair. "I see you're ready for the ball."

"Of course, being the belle." They shared a grin. Herger sat up. "Guess I should get dressed."

"Yes, I'd rather I be the only one to see you like this." Ahmed smacked his bare ass as he walked by. Herger clicked his tongue and wiggled his butt as he got out a fresh pair of boxers from his dresser. Underneath his calm exterior, he wanted to yell with joy. After two months, Ahmed had gone from being nearly mute with reserve and fear to being playful and affectionate.

Ahmed took a shower while Herger dressed, and then Herger weighed in on what tie Ahmed should wear—he wanted to look more polished when meeting many of Herger's friends for the first time. Herger then wandered out to the living room and started going through his music collection on his iPod, trying to pick out appropriate music. He got a playlist going and then went into the kitchen to nibble on hors d'oeuvres and put the champagne into the ice buckets.

Promptly at seven there was a knock on the door, and Herger went to open it. Magnus Svinø stood there.

Herger felt himself break out in a sweat even while he put on a smile and extended a hand for Magnus to shake. He'd had no idea Ahmed had invited his boss. "Magnus, good to see you."

"Congratulations on the happy occasion." Magnus, very tall, husky, red-faced and sharp-eyed, entered the apartment and looked around. "Ahmed isn't here?"

"He'll be out in a moment. Can I fix you something to drink? I thought I'd wait to open the champagne—"

"Akervit's fine, if you have it."

Herger pulled out the good stuff from his freezer and poured a generous shot glass. As he handed it over to Magnus, he heard a knock on the open door and Kjeld calling "Hallo?"

Ahmed came out of the back rooms after a few minutes and greeted Magnus and Kjeld warmly, then got himself a tall glass of water. Herger knew the feeling of nervous dry mouth.

Guests arrived in a steady stream. Around half before eight, most of them had arrived, so Herger opened the first bottle of champagne. Herger and Ahmed passed around glasses, and then Kjeld lifted his and cleared his throat.

"As Herger's attorney…" he started. He smiled at the laughter that followed. "I believe you could also say I was his best man. Bulwyf reserves the honor of having given him away, at least in spirit." He nodded at Bulwyf standing at the edge of the assembled group while the others laughed again. "Anyway, I want to say a few words."

While Kjeld went on, Herger looked around and saw Ahmed standing next to Heath. Their eyes met and he beamed, feeling as though his face would crack. Ahmed's teeth flashed in a broad grin he couldn't hold back.

"To Herger and Ahmed," Kjeld finished, raising his glass. The others drank to the toast. Herger took a sip of his champagne and then caught Kjeld's extended hand in a firm grip as Kjeld walked past him.

"If I may have a few words…" The clink of silver on glass caught everyone's attention. Bulwyf put the spread knife back on the bar when all eyes were on him.

"Most of you know that Herger and I have worked together some fifteen years, shortly after he was fired from his second job for kissing the mail boy during work hours."

The group laughed. Herger shook his head at Bulwyf and refilled his glass of champagne.

"Not much has changed," Bulwyf intoned, to another round of chuckles. "Another aspect of Herger that hasn't changed is his dedication to every aspect of his life—his friends, his work, and, hopefully now, his family." Bulwyf lifted his glass to Ahmed. "To honor that, and because I'm everything the local business community accuses me of being, I'm opening a new branch of Bryggedrift AS in Kristiansand. Operations of Aker Brygge will shift completely to Herger, as I am promoting him to Co-Operator."

There was a collective gasp and murmur. Herger put his glass down on the bar before he dropped it.

Bulwyf lifted his glass to Herger now. "To my future of beaches, and to your future of tourists."

His head spinning, Herger walked the few steps to Bulwyf. His old friend embraced him tightly, murmuring words of congratulations in Herger's ear while applause thundered around them.



The party continued smoothly, although Herger was in a daze after Bulwyf's announcement. He introduced Ahmed to new people, then got pulled away into other conversations. But pretty soon he noticed that Ahmed had quite the group gathered around him, with hardly anyone else not listening in on whatever he was saying. Herger fixed himself a small plate of canapés and walked over.

Ahmed was relating how they had met on the plane, much to the fascination of everyone. When Heath saw Herger standing next to Ronild, he interrupted and joked, "So Herger initiated you into the Mile High Club?"

Ahmed's face burned with an endearing blush. Herger scowled at Heath. "I'm a gentleman, you son of a bitch."

"Yeah, right," Edgar drawled. The group laughed.

"So, Herger," Ronild broke in, "did you marry Ahmed to make him legal?"

Herger smiled, although he was aware of how the group quieted at the question. "Marrying him made him a citizen. That's all I will say."

The next question came from Sofie, the company accountant. She tucked her long blonde hair behind one ear and smiled shyly at Ahmed. "What I would like to know is, when did you know you were in love with Herger?"

The group of men aww'd theatrically, but Sofie and Ahmed ignored them.

"I remember it clearly. I came home from work one day and Herger was in his bedroom."

"I don't know if I want to hear this," Magnus grumbled, inciting another round of laughter.

Ahmed smiled. "Don't worry. Anyway, I could tell something was wrong. Herger was almost in a fetal position, all his clothes on, on top of the covers. I asked him what was wrong and he said he had a headache."

Ronild nodded knowingly, understanding that this had been just the week prior.

"I sat down with him and put my hand in his, and he took it. He didn't push me away or ask me to leave. When I saw how much he trusted me in his most vulnerable moment, that's when I fell for him."

Sofie smiled.

"To migraines." Heath lifted his glass, and the group drank.