AStoryForOne
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Chapter 554
🕑 Added 2025-04-28 14:59:38 +0000 UTCDinner had ended without further incident, which was frankly a miracle given the company involved.
Odin still gave me a firm look whenever my eyes turned his way. However, Thor and Frigga were…much more accepting at a glance.
Perhaps they didn’t particularly like me the same way they liked Jeanne, but they weren’t ready to take their spear out if the situation called for it.
Jeanne was…out of commission.
I didn’t want to call her a lightweight when it came to drinking, but she most certainly wasn’t used to this level of alcohol. Her face was flushed, and she was nearly falling asleep on my shoulder.
The dinner had obviously reached its conclusion as people came out to grab plates and dishes and carry them off for cleaning.
“Do you want to keep her here tonight, or should I bring her home?” I asked, looking at Frigga.
“I most certainly wouldn’t reject having her stay overnight.” Frigga’s eyes sparkled, and Odin didn’t say anything either.
Despite my dislike of this Odin, I knew that there wouldn’t be a problem with Jeanne staying here. I knew she would be safe, and I knew that Odin would protect her if anything happened.
“Is there a room I should put her in for the night?”
“She already has one prepared.” Frigga stood up. “I’ll bring you there.”
“Alrighty.” I scooted out of Jeanne’s embrace, just enough so I could get up without her falling over herself. “Up we go.” I unceremoniously scooped her up into my arms as she let out a cute little noise.
Frigga led us through the palace towards a more private area. She didn’t need to really introduce it, as it seemed rather obvious where we were.
The Royal Quarters, or whatever they called it. The private part of the palace where very few people were allowed to tread.
Frigga stopped at presumably Jeanne’s room; a large wooden door opened up with but a slight touch, revealing a nearly untouched bedroom.
Jeanne wasn’t quite out yet, as she was still giggling and wiggling in my arms. But she was very clearly not in her right mind either.
I just shook my head as I gently laid her on the bed.
“Alright, do you want to sleep in your dress, or do you want me to help you take it off?” I knew she could hear me.
Jeanne held her arms up. “Help me take it off.” She smiled brightly. “Please! But you’re not allowed to look.”
“Not even a little bit?”
“Well…okay, you can look a little.” Jeanne relented without any hesitation despite her words. “But no touching! Um……actually, a little touching is okay; I don’t mind.” She said as she covered her face.
I just chuckled and started helping her get out of her dress. It was not something one person could do by themselves, in all honesty. It was a beautifully seamed dress, but it’s a bit of an older style that required ladies-in-waiting, from what I could tell.
I was also rather careful not to damage it. I know Jeanne absolutely loves the dress, more than just it being beautiful.
So with a bit of effort, I managed to shimmy her out of it, leaving her in just her undergarments.
In any other situation, I would have enjoyed the sight, but I would save it for when Jeanne was fully aware of what was going on. Not that I didn’t etch the sight into memory, but I didn’t take advantage of her either.
“Alright, let’s get you tucked in.” I almost felt like a parent as I held her to get comfortable.
“Are you going to ravage me now?” She whispered.
“.....I wasn’t planning on it.” I was genuinely surprised she just blurted that out.
“Lady Gabriel said I need to be careful and that I can’t let you ravage me until we’re married.” Jeanne pulled the blanket up a little bit. “But I told her that I trusted you. But I also said I didn’t mind if you did either~.” She completely hid herself under the blanket, and I could hear her giggling.
She’s making it really hard not to.
“Do you want a goodnight kiss?” I offered.
“Yes.” She popped her head back out, seemingly overcoming a lot of her normal shyness.
I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, much to her joy, and touched her storage bracelet before taking out her Kaleidophone. “Get some good sleep, okay? And you can play here as long as you want; I’ll always be here when you’re ready to go home.” I gently ran a hand through her hair as she seemed to drift off to sleep.
Seeing that she wasn’t moving anymore, I got up, gave her another gentle kiss on the forehead, and started playing with her phone. Specifically, I was messing with her contacts and making sure each one now had a picture attached to it.
Probably something I should have done sooner, but hindsight is twenty-twenty, it seems.
Looking around, I also put out a second set of clothes next to her dress for her. I didn’t know if it would be ‘appropriate’ for her to wear her dress again or wear what she had been wearing beforehand.
And it’s not like I rifled through her storage bracelet; I just took the phone, and that was that. So I didn’t see if she kept a lot of clothes inside.
It's best to just err on the side of caution.
Once everything was settled, I admit I stood there and watched her for a couple of minutes before smiling and finally leaving the room.
However, it wasn’t Frigga waiting there, but Odin.
“Come, I shall walk you to the Bifrost.” He stated, leaving no room for argument.
@***@
Initially, I had thought it was one of those ‘You’re leaving now’ kinds of deals, but Odin personally leading me to the Bifrost was more a…well, I’d call it a proper sign of respect. Like seeing a guest off to the door kind of thing.
Besides, he knew I was leaving, I knew he wanted me to leave, and there was no point in playing those games now.
Why leave the night on such a dour note?
“She will be safe here.” Odin spoke as if knowing some of my concerns.
“I know.” I said simply.
I did; I knew that. I knew that earlier too. I just…worry. I’m a worrier. I worry about all my girls. Hell, I worry about Meridia, and she could snap me out of existence along with a planet.
But if I didn’t worry about the people I cared about, I would no longer be myself.
Still, it was awkward.
“It was not…terrible company.” Odin seemed to force it out.
“What an astounding endorsement from the King of Asgard.” My lips twitched, trying not to laugh.
God, what even was today? Such a strange day it’s been.
I need a drink.
Another drink, many more drinks.
Fuck it, I’m getting drunk tonight. It’s been a while anyway, and in fact, this gave me a wonderful idea.
“.....safe travels.” He stopped at the entrance to the Bifrost.
“I….” I paused briefly because it took me some effort to respond. “I hope you find your son soon.”
It wasn’t for Loki’s sake.
Despite the disagreements I had with Odin and anything else that goes along with that, Odin is a father that cared about his son.
For Odin’s sake, as a worried parent, I hoped he found his son.
Even still, I won’t apologize for what happened.
Was it a contradiction? Probably, but then again, that’s something that just keeps me human.
He gave me a curt nod. I think he relaxed ever so slightly in my presence because of what I said.
“Heimdal, good evening.” I greeted the Watcher God as I went into the big room.
“Good evening to you as well.” He kept a respectful tone.
“The Bifrost is certainly a magnificent creation; I would have loved to inspect it in more detail.” I hummed. “It seems it’s fixed now? I thought Thor said it wouldn’t be fixed until the morning or tomorrow, or whatever.” I vaguely recall what he said at best.
“Its normal operation still requires maintenance. However, with the effort of the All-Father and myself, it is operable.” Heimdal revealed.
Ah, I understand now.
“Alas, I don’t think I’ll have time to study the Bifrost in detail.” I shrugged helplessly. “Say, you can see all of Midgard, can’t you?”
“That is within my ability, yes.” Heimdal nodded, not at all put off by my conversation, nor was Odin sort of pushing me along.
“Know any good pubs you can drop me off at?” I would kill for a few pints…or more, probably a lot more.
Heimdal raised an eyebrow. “Do you simply care for a drink, or something more entertaining?”
I opened my mouth to answer but stopped myself and instead changed my question. “You know, I was going to ask for details, but you know what? Let’s go with something more entertaining, and let’s let it be a surprise.”
The All-Father approached, and Heimdal seemed to insert his sword into the mechanism for the Bifrost.
I didn’t get to see much after that, as the Rainbow Light took me as both gods released a bit of strength to activate it.
The same as before, the light whisked me across the universe, stars and galaxies passing in the blink of an eye until I hit the ground back on earth.
Not soft ground, concrete.
Ah, the smell of the big city.
Where was I? Well, a quick Shunpo onto the nearby building told me I was in New York, based on the Statue of Liberty.
At least, I hope it’s New York, considering I can see the Statue of Liberty.
I glanced across the street and saw a pub with a bunch of red lights decorating the outside.
Ah, that must be the place.
Thankfully, Heimdal was good at his job and plopped me into a back alley, so it didn’t really show much.
For normal people, the rainbow lights would look like a trick of the eye as they came and went so fast.
I sat on the rooftop and took my phone out, sending a quick message, humming to myself under the light of the stars. Or I believed so. In the middle of New York, it was hard to see much of the starry sky due to the light pollution.
A few moments later, I got a message back and smiled happily before opening a portal.
“My friend!” Thorum came walking out and grabbed me for a big hug.
“Thorum!” I was just as happy to see him.
He was my best friend, and it felt like we hadn’t seen each other in forever. Not since the whole Ragnarok business.
“Is there a foe that needs slaying? My sword is always ready to aid you!” Thorum puffed up proudly.
“Actually…I just wanted to hang out and get some drinks.” I scratched my cheek a little awkwardly.
Thorum blinked but still showed that big, goofy smile of his. “That is a wonderful way to spend time as well!” He laughed.
Ah, good old Thorum, he just brightens the mood when he’s around.
“Right, first…. Uh, do you mind changing into some clothes I have for you?” Because he was wearing armor.
“Aye, does my attire not suit the location?” Thorum seemed to take in the surroundings properly. “Tis a strange sight indeed, as well as the smells.”
“You get used to it.” I can’t say I particularly enjoy the smell of the big city either. “I got some local clothes here.” I searched my ring and found a set of things to hand to him. “These should fit you.”
Like with Jeanne, I generally keep a large assortment of such things in my ring. You never know when someone somewhere is going to need some clothes.
Thorum shrugged, wasting no time just stripping off his armor and normal attire right there before putting on a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt.
He tugged on his pants a few times. “It is strange, but not in a bad way.”
“You look good.” I shot him a thumbs-up.
“Do I look from around here now?” He looked himself over. “I like it, my friend!”
Well, he most certainly won’t stick out like a sore thumb now. They don’t need police called because they see a Nord running around with a sword on his back and wearing armor.
“Come on, let’s go get a drink.” I pat his shoulder before hopping off the building and landing on the street.
He followed me easily, barely any effort in his own jump.
“I see you’ve gotten stronger.” I spoke as we walked towards the bar at the end of the street.
“Aye, I have felled a dragon or two in our time apart.” Thorum nodded. “Scarce they have become; I have begun searching them out as Whiterun appears safe in my absence.”
“Hmm, that speaks of a combined effort on their end, don’t you think?” As we walked up to the doors, there were a bunch of people standing out. Not upcoming for bars, but they stared at us rather…aggressively. However, I noticed the peculiarities immediately, and the way Thorum shot me a look, it was clear he noticed the oddities with them as well.
When he looked to me for direction, I merely shot him a grin, and he adopted his own smile as if knowing exactly what I was thinking.
“They believe thus as well.” Thorum answered as I held the door open for him to enter. “I admit, I am not the best at deciphering such situations; I believe many are better at predicting their movements and actions.”
“Well, it’s good to know where your strengths lie.” We walked inside, and it was about what you would expect, a bar—maybe a bit grimy, in a good way. Like the type of place that would have a great food specialty and some good bands that play every so often. “Personally, I’m pants at being a leader. Don’t ask me to lead people or be responsible for them.”
Thorum swept his head around; I’m sure the music and the lights were a bit disorienting, but he kept his cool.
And the dozens of eyes that landed on us as we walked in.
Well, more like stared at us with every step we took.
“There is no shame in such an admittance. I too do not like being a leader.” Thorum followed my lead as we took seats at the bar, sliding onto them rather smoothly. “A strong arm is what I am best at.”
The bartender came over to our corner, looking at us strangely as he leaned on the bar. “...what do you want to drink?”
“Do you mind if I order for you?” I looked at Thorum.
“Go ahead, my friend; you must know what I will enjoy.”
Anything.
Thorum would probably enjoy any alcoholic drink.
“Get us both a pint of Guinness, please.” I told the bartender as he grunted and moved towards the taps. “But that’s also why we have people with us, isn’t it? Artoria, Yasaka, and everyone else, they’re so much better at that kind of thing than me.” I continued the conversation with Thorum.
“It’s true, it’s true.” Thorum nodded along, as if every person in the bar wasn’t staring at the back of our heads. “Serana often knows and tells me where I should point my sword.”
My lips curled up. “Is that a euphemism?”
Thorum let out a bark of laughter. “I assure you, my friend, I need no help knowing where to point that sword!” He slapped my shoulder.
I chuckled along with him as the bartender put the two pints in front of us.
It was good, the Guinness, that is. Well, it was alright, nothing to write home about. Maybe if we were across the pond, we could have a better local Guinness. But it was nostalgic for me, and it was better than a lot of mainstream beers around these parts.
Thorum seemed to like it as well.
“Can we help you?” I quirked an eyebrow, staring at the bartender over my cup as he leaned on the bar right in front of us.
The bartender didn’t immediately respond, but he snapped his fingers and the music shut up abruptly, making for a rather ominous atmosphere as everyone in the bar got up at once.
And one of them walked over and closed the curtains before locking the door.
“Here’s the deal, boys.” The bartender started. “I hate to say it, but you came to the wrong neighborhood.”
“That’s racist.” I responded. “Just because I’m Asian….”
That seemed to take him off guard, because whatever spiel he was about to go off with, it caused him to go silent as if not knowing how to respond. “It’s not because you’re Asian.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Well, alrighty then.” At least it wasn’t because I’m Asian. “Is it because Thorum here makes you question your masculinity?”
“It’s not—” The bartender blinked. “What?”
“I mean, look at him. If I were insecure about myself that way, well…”
“I apologize if that is the case.” Thorum, he said politely. “You need not feel threatened by me; I’m sure you have a great many traits that make you desirable.” He did his best to appease him.
“...no, it’s not because he’s…” The bartender didn’t seem to know the right way to phrase it, so I decided to help him out.
“Beefcake?”
“.....”
It took a moment, but Thorum and I started giggling, much to the chagrin of the bartender.
The bartender slammed his palm onto the counter, cracking it with a resounding thump. Not only that, but his eyes turned a bright red, and his lips pulled back to reveal fangs, and he hissed angrily. “You don’t realize the situation you’re in!”
Both Thorum and I quieted.
“Now, as I was saying.” He sneered. “You came to the wrong neighborhood, kids.” Everyone else in the room had glowing red eyes as well. “I was going to make it painless, even offer you to join, but now I’m pissed, so we’re going to play a game.”
“I choose Monopoly.”
He slapped the table again. “You’re not choosing the game; I am. You both are going to play “I Hav’e.”
“...I have never heard of this game before.” Thorum responded, and there was another beat that passed as we both started giggling again stupidly.
“You must think this is still a joke.” The bartender ripped off a metal piece connected to the back of the bar and twisted it into a pretzel as if to show off, dropping it onto the counter in front of us. “You're both going to play a game.” He said, leaving no room for argument. “The game is called ‘I Have.’ Each of you will take a turn saying something you have done or possess; it can either be a truth or a lie. The next person repeats it and adds another line onto it. You can call out the other person in their lie, and if it’s proven false, then the liar loses.”
I don't know why he's being so forceful about a 'game.' Shouldn't he just go with wanting to be a vampire and do vampire things? Maybe this is just a way they entertain themselves at the expense of their meals?
I raised my hand.
“What?” He seemed to be losing his patience.
“What’s the prize?”
“The prize…is that you don’t get eaten.” He revealed his fangs again. “But you’re still not walking out of here a daywalker any longer.”
“Well, let’s play, Thorum. Should I start off?” I asked.
“By all means.”
I cleared my throat. “I have had sex with my grandmother.”
Silence then filled the room.
“...there’s no point in making up ridiculous nonsense like that; he can just call you out on the lie, and you lose.” The bartender pointed at Thorum.
There was another beat of silence.
“Well…call him a liar.” He gestured for Thorum to continue.
“Nay, I know he speaks the truth. I have met his grandmother, and it is no secret.” Thorum responded.
“......”
“...seriously?” The bartender asked with clear incredulousness in his voice.
“Aye.”
I nodded.
“What’s wrong with you?” The bartender looked at me.
“A lot of things.” I admitted with a sigh. “Would it help things if I said that my grandmother is a busty MILF?”
“......”
Huh, actually, I think that just made it even weirder.
“Well played, my friend.” Thorum patted my shoulder.
“Best of three?” I offered.
Thorum’s eyes lit up. “Very well, but you cannot repeat the same thing.”
“Fair enough, why don’t you start?”
“I have…a sword.” Thorum smiled.
“I have a sword. And…I have a bow.”
“I have a sword, I have a bow, and I have a great friend!”
Aw, shucks. “I have a sword, I have a bow, I have a great friend, and I have killed a great many vampires.”
It took a moment before the ones in the room seemed to realize what I just said.
“I have a sword, I have a bow, I have a great friend, and I have also killed a great many vampires!” Thorum grinned happily. “And I will have my sword run a vampire through the heart within the next…would you say ten minutes, my friend?”
“I think that’s being generous.”
The bartender’s eyes narrowed. “You really don’t seem to understand—“
Thorum had Gram appear in his hand and threw it across the room, impaling a vampire through the heart, nailing him to the wall.
I picked up my Guinness, taking another drink.
Usually, it’s me doing the opening move to start the chaos, but I suppose I could let Thorum have it this time.
But I could at least add to the ambiance.
I flicked my finger, and the jukebox in the corner of the room turned back on; then all chaos broke loose.
Killing vampires with my best friend—it’s certainly a way to turn a bad day around.
@***@
A/N
Thorum and Wilhelm are causing problems. It’s been a while since Wilhelm and Thorum had just been stupid together, so it felt like a good time. And what better way to hang out than to drink and go vampire hunting?
Sorry for the late chapter; for those that don’t know, I severely burned my hand the other day, and I’ve been taking some pain meds to deal with it since. I’ve said it before, but pain meds make me super drowsy, and I’ve basically been sleeping the past few days as I’ve gotten through this. The snippets from hours ago were something that was already almost done that I just spent an hour or two finishing.
Comments
striker James
Wow 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆 🤣
Prince Agyekum
Guys think about it. If it were Will, Thorum and Dante from DMC. How hilarious would that be?
Trebor Alexander
Bit of a missed opportunity to pull a Devil May Cry 3.
The alchemist Orlandez
I was wondering will Will ever go to the Chainsaw Man universe and if he did would he somehow become the Anti Christ Devil. I ask because devil contract in Chainsaw Man are overpowered those contracts can do anything
Ricardo Torres II
He should go to sinner vampire movie universe
Gary Eslicjk
You just couldn't help yourself could you
ninjagutyt23
i hope you get well
TCGM
Get well soon! And slow down when you're using your hand as a girlfriend, getting friction burn that bad is never fun!
MKJ
Thorum leading the chaos is great. Nice to see how they’re on the same wavelength. Also, isn’t Coulson around here?
MKJ
For an injury like a burn, your writing pace is still amazing. Take some time to rest and heal if you need. No shame in that. We’ll be waiting.
D
After they do that - Sheogorath: "Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?"
D
Drunk Jeanne is cute Jeanne
Eldr_Itch
Sorry to hear about your hand, hope it heals quick! Love this chapter, definitely the highlight for me would be the end. Was not expecting vampires but it was a pleasant surprise, as was Thorum since I forgot you had mentioned he'd be making an appearance this chapter. Thanks, as always.
Bole
Hope your hand gets better soon. Also thanks for the chap.
Duc Truong
I hope you get better soon!
Kz3838
Thank you for the great chapter, love Thorum and Wilhelm getting to kill some vampires together. I am sorry to hear about your hand, please take all the time you need to feel better. Stay safe out there and keep up the good work!
Pure Dingo
He should have pulled out his phone and showed him a picture of Venelana, then told him, "My father fuck my mom, so I fucked his." Also, you should have Blade rock up as they are killing them.
Marcus H Stoen
Seconded
Markus Antonius
Hell yeah! Also looks like Blade will finally get some help with all the Vampires lmao
Rake1810
Good chapter but the most important thing here was that these vampires do not appear to be Mobius type vampires Also feel better, burns suck
Codeninja676 (Brian)
Y'know an interesting curve ball as a side story would be Wil and Thorum ending up in the Oblivion crisis via accidentally slipping in the calcs for Kaleidoscope or by someone messing with it, we know Daedric Princes could potentially do it so it would be an interesting bit of conflict by having two people that should not exist in that time being there for the crisis.
savitar
If you stop to think about it, Marvel has a lot of good things going for it. Cutting-edge technology to acquire, rich kids who need their credibility toned down, Nazis to kill, idiot vampires to kill. In short, it's like the gift that never ends.
xerxes33311
Bro is having a lot of R&R in the MCU sandbox lol!
CkLance
Damn. Wishing your hand a speedy recovery!
Genocidecles
And think about it, the vampire killing was Heimdal's idea. William asks for an interesting bar to visit and Heimdal suddenly remembers a den of vampires he saw once and decides to be a bit proactive and toss a devil at them!
KingOfR3aper
Blade
Suika Nine
I am sorry about your hand. Hopefully you get well soon. You don't have to push yourself. Take your time writing updates.
krn
MORE THORUM
Nazarickk
Thanks for the chapter
The Renrag
I’m hoping for Ballroom Blitz myself.
Khai Odie
10/10 chapter wrap up
Iori Daemona Angel
It's been a while since we had a slice of life chapter.
LuciferDFallN1
There is no better bromance time than drinking with your bro and then go vampire hunting with him
Ravioli Stromboli
The best bond of bros ever. Wilhelm needs more bro friends
Magnus
Never actually burned my hand, but once when I was in middle school I got stung by wasps on three separate fingers of one hand. At the same time. Had to be excused from class because I couldn't write for three days.
Nick Wen
Jackpot
Orchamus
Shit, sorry bout yourr hand Story, kinda funny since I did the same last week😅😓 But nice to see Wil not leave MCU Asgard on a sour note, even if Loki had it coming. Also good to see him simply get up to shenanigans with Thorum again😲😁
Belly
I can imagine Heimdall and Odin still peaking in on thrm when Wil wad playing the game lol
Scott
Fun chapter, glad to see the two hanging out and having fun
Jeffrey Rubin
From the jukebox “ cause I’m having a good time, having a good time”
:Dan the archer
Can't wait for the next part
Hiram
I feel like one of those "I have" was different than the rest.
Nisiris
Well, at least they weren't racist? 🤣 Why did this remind me of Buffy so much... It corroded through entire vampire verse in my head...
William Neill
Yep burning your hands sucks hope you have a quick recovery also sounds like Will and Thorum are having a grand night out
Johny5
What an awesome way to have a nice after dinner with your best friend!
Selacha
I forgot how much I missed Thorum. He's such a fun guy.
Cobalt
I give it 20 minutes before either blade or morbing time shows up
Erick Myrthil
i'd still love to see you continue Kunou's adventures.
LazyBlackberry
Every bar fight needs the right ambience, even supernatural ones Hence, the jukebox, its a small detail, but I appreciate it
Vicente Huerta
Good ol thorum
Doliliisgamming
I hope the jukebox was playing free bird
Son-Of-Scorn
Damn that was good, really happy to see a bit of Wil and Thorum hijinks
ZaWarudoOH
So Sanguine and Sheogorath are coming soon? 😂😂😂
Monzter E
Lets gooo
mohamad houmani
I love the idea behind this is that Heimdall’s like he looks like he needs to blow off some stress oh, he look a bunch of vampires. Yeah they’re definitely not threat to him. He should have some fun ripping through them because to Asgardians that is probably being a nice friend. ‘Hey, you guys wanna go out for some drinks and kill some monsters?’
Wolf lord 0100
For some reason reading the end of the chapter I could hear dropkick Murphys in the background
eevin1
nice
Ivan Jerčinović
First
