Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The clock on the radio displayed 19:34. I The rain poured harder with every passing minute along with the howling wind. Temporarily, the flashing of lighting would make the world go still. Holding it prisoner in a white cell before thunder broke the world free. Dark eyes gazed on those unfortunate out on the street who would haste to find an escape from the storm. The gaze flickered to a man trying to shelter himself under a soaked newspaper while having to constantly tug at his dog's leash. Another man was chasing after his hat.

« -Marianne! »

The owner of the gaze registered her name and turned to meet a pair of baby blues, « Wha-oh! Sorry, Dawn. spaced out for a second there. «, « No duh, Marianne! » Marianne's little sister Dawn sure had the attitude for her teen years ready. What had Dawn been talking about? Marianne could recall it was something about her ballet classes. « I was trying to say that I've been picked to play the Princess in our next play! » Dawn let out a squeal of excitement. « Expected nothing less from my little girl! «, their father encouraged from his place at the driver's seat. » You think Mom will be excited? «.

The rest of the exchange tuned out from Marianne's ears. Mom. The reason they were having this road trip. It had been two years since she got the diagnose. Two years of being in and out of the hospital. Her mothers once sun-kissed skin now pale. Her beautiful hands any pianist would envy withered along with her strength. Her proud, blonde locks now gone. Her smile was the one thing that refused to let go. That smile always shined.

« -Fine, no kissing! » Dawn's sudden outburst snapped Marianne out of her thoughts. Marianne looked to her side and saw her sister with crossed arms and flushed cheeks, pouting. Dawn and their father clearly had 'The talk' again about 'No kissing before you're 21'. « You know, Dawn », Marianne started, « Kissing gives you green spots all over. » Her answer from Dawn was a scoff.

« What about the fever? »

« I'm not falling for that one again. »

« What about the swelling? » Marianne inquired.

Her sister went stiff and very still. «And the worts!», Dawn let out a horrified gasp. « Dad, make her stop! » Their father wasn't for much help. He was struggling to contain his laughter.

« You'll get worts all over. Here, there and even here! »

« Dad! »

After a tickle fight, the car engine rumbled softly as they waited for the street light. The clock showed 19.45. Marianne shifted her eyes from the clock to the bright street light glowing yellow. Distant car horns mixed with the sound of rain. Thunder rumbled as the light shifted to green. Her eyes caught sight of a bouquet getting tossed over the hood of their car by the wind. Frantic car horns suddenly blasted through the heavy beat of the rain. Both Marianne and Dawn got thrust forward in their seats as a mass of black dashed in front of them with the sound of thunder chasing after it.

« The nerve of those crazy bikers! », their father cursed. « You girls alright? », he asked, his wide eyes scanning the sisters. Other than their hearts racing, no harm had come to them. After a praise to the Gods escaped their fathers' lips, Dawn eased the tension with going back to her talk about ballet-avoiding the subject of boys, for now. Marianne admired her sisters' ability to pierce through even the thickest clouds making the world temporarily at peace. 

The radio displayed 19:55 when they arrived at their destination at the city's hospital. As they made their way to the hospital's entrance, they caught sight of a big motorcycle parked in front of the entrance almost blocking the doors. The freedom one most feel when riding that bike, Marianne admired. To her, it looked powerful and wild. Ready to take you anywhere. She would love to own a bike like that. Her daydream was interrupted by her father ranting about if he caught sight of anyone who resembled the owner of that «thing» he would personally hold them responsible. She wished mercy on whoever that would be. Her father was a kind man and so his passion for justice plowed through mountains.

While walking down the white hallways of the hospital Dawn did pirouettes to their father's slight horror. She had collided with two nurses so far and almost smacked into the elevator doors. A bruise most definitely would appear on her elbow from hitting it against a wall. Marianne couldn't blame her sisters excitement. She too was excited to see their mother again. To see her smile as they entered her room and hand her Sunflowers. Their mother would then warm-heartedly joke about how she would have a Sunflower field soon at the pace she received them. Then they would hug and talk about current events in their lives. 

Dawn had kept up practicing her pirouettes down the hallway and was now a good distance ahead. « Dawn, sweety! Please, stay- » Too late. The blonde spun around the corner at the end of the hallway. Their father turned a look at Marianne for strength. « Yeah, we better catch up before she breaks someone's knee. « Marianne's comment made his face twist in more horror. They sped up their pace. Luckily, Dawn hadn't made it far ahead. Her interest had been piqued by a wall painting picturing horses. Pleading baby blues met her father's own green eyes.

« Absolutely not. » He deadpanned.

«I promise to take good care of it! «

« Sweety- «

« I promise to feed it and love it and-and it can live in the yard! « Dawn kept pleading.

« Sounds like how you took care of our hamster. « Marianne butted in. Dawn had taken their previous hamster out in the yard. They've never seen it since. Dawns face flushed red in embarrassment. 

«Girls, that's enough of that. Now - « The sister's father got cut off short. His attention was abruptly drawn to a pair sitting further down the hallway beside a vending machine. More precisely he was drawn to a bikers helmet laying by a pair of booted feet. « Now, you girls be good and stay here. Dad'll be right back. » He finished before starting his stride towards the owner of the helmet.

As he got closer to the pair, he distinguished the owner of the helmet as a fairly young man. Despite the man's sharp features adding some years to his appearance, he could be no older than eighteen. Typical of rebellious youths to have no regard for others, he thought.  Pulling stunts like blocking doors. Dark, auburn hair stuck to the boy's wet scalp. A few stubborn waves poked out. The boy held his gaze ahead. He must've seen the other approaching but made no attempt to stand up or even challenge a staring contest. On an even closer inspection, the boy looked like a lifeless statue, unmoving and pale. Water trailed down his brow, passing a unblinking eye on its way down. A woman clutched around the boy like a child would to a precious toy after a nightmare. Her whole, petite stature spasmed with her sobs. 

He kept his green eyes forward and stride confident. A few more steps and he stood in front of the vending machine, fed it some change and made his way back to his girls.

« You bought chocolate! Thank you, daddy! « Dawn broke into a huge smile at the sight of the candy. Marianne caught her father's emerald eyes and saw they were glazed. « Let's go say hi to Mom, yeah? « He said, taking hold of the sister's hands. Together they walked to the girl's mother's room. As they entered her hospital room they were greeted by her warm smile shining on them. Marianne placed Sunflowers on her mother's nightstand. « Anymore and I'll have a field to take care of «, her mother warm-heartedly joked. Marianne and Dawn squeezed their mother in a tight embrace. Their father gave her temple a sweet peck. 

« So, Dagda, what adventures have you and the girls had this week? « 

Chapter Text

She needed this. She god damned deserved this. It had been almost a year since the embarrassment and fiasco on what should have been the happiest day of her life. She had caught him in a heated makeout session with another brunette. Marianne had frozen at first when she had caught them. Her blood had turned to ice and she couldn't move. Couldn't speak. Couldn't react. She could only look in disbelief. His hands were fumbling under the woman's skirt while she moaned and dug her nails into his shoulders. The woman in Marianne's fiancées' arms had let out a horrified gasp as she spotted the bride watching them. Roland had quickly tried to collect his composure by tucking in his shirt and trying to comb back his hair.

"Buttercup!", Marianne had fled before Roland could speak another word. Her veil got tossed on the floor on her way out.

After that day Marianne's father had been almost on his knees begging her to reconsider taking Roland back. "It just one big misunderstanding!", her father would say, "Roland only cares for you", "Haven't you received all his calls and gifts?" Was her father crazy? Was he in so much denial? How could he not believe her? Their relationship had grown distant and tense after that. Their conversations would always circle back on how depressed Marianne seemed and how happy she had been with Roland. If Roland wasn't the one then there had to be someone else to make her happy, her father would insist. Marianne knew her father's concern came from the right place but she could not stand his nagging.

The nagging had only gotten worse after she had gotten a total makeover. She had tossed away all her clothes in pastels and whites, her high heels and laced lingerie got burned in her fireplace along with every remembrance she had of Roland. Her engagement ring laid now on the bottom of a river. Her closet was now filled with tight leggings, ripped jeans, boots, purples, and black. Marianne also started to wear bold and dark makeup in contrast to her previous natural look. She even got several ear piercings that had freaked her father out. Marianne remembered how pale he had turned the time he caught her discussing tattoo ideas with her sister Dawn. Tonight, just for tonight, she wanted all those feelings and memories drowned in something bitter with alcohol.

She had never been a heavy drinker but being cooped up in your apartment for almost a year doing nothing much else besides hitting the gym, watching horrible TV, reading a few bikers magazines and listening to constant, antagonizing nagging from your father and concerns from Dawn did nothing good for you. She needed space and an escape. Just for one night, she needed to be far away. One of many of Dawn's concerns was that Marianne needed to get out there and maybe even meet actual human beings. Marianne did not see the problem in finding good company in her three cats but apparently, that wasn't good enough to ease Dawn's worries. That's why Marianne decided to visit this place. A small, rustic bar outside of town.

The small building looked welcoming even on a night in unfamiliar parts. The building reminded her of an old, lumber cabin. Warm, orange light illuminated from the small windows. Just a few streetlights gave light to the walk to the stairs leading up to the bar's entrance. The bar also had a small parking. That's where Marianne's heart skipped a beat. Right there, in the spotlight of a streetlight, stood a beast. A beautiful, big and wild beast - a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Now that was something that could take her away from all her problems. Marianne had only imagined the feeling of riding one of those ever since she was a teen. It must be so freeing having something that can carry you away to anywhere while feeling the wind hit your skin. To leave all your problems behind. It had always been just a dream. The temptation became too much, Marianne had to take a closer look - Just a quick peek.

Looking at the bike up close only made her drown in more admiration. It seemed the Harley had lived through some rough years but had been kept in good shape. It was painted all black and the leather seat seemed sleek, comfortable and dangerously tempting to test out. Tho Marianne wasn't sure she would be able to ever get on top of it by herself. The bike was huge. She circled the vehicle then crouched down to inspect the wheels and engine. This was the first time she had got a good look at a Harley up this close. Marianne didn't know an awful lot about motorcycles but she was still mesmerized.

Her father had never approved of things such as motorcycles, tattoos, concerts, loud music or anything he related to "gangs". People in these gangs were unpredictable, hot-headed brutes and drunks with no respect for others or the law, he put it. They were not to be trusted. They were dangerous. But a little danger made things all the more exciting, Marianne thought. She remembered that time her father had lost it one night he had caught her sneaking back home from a local concert. It was enough for him that Dawn kept sneaking off to parties and flirting with wild strangers. He expected more from his oldest daughter, apparently. Marianne gritted her teeth by that memory. Did he think he could keep her on a leash for the rest of his life? Not gonna happen, dad, Marianne bitterly thought. And by the way, the concert was filled with drunks, drugs, and rock - and it was awesome! Just what -

"The fuck ye' think yer' doin'?", a thick brogue demanded, cutting a knife through Marianne's thoughts.

She felt needles sting under her skin - Shit. Out of old habit, she quickly started to stutter an apology. « I – Uhm – well - », but she cut herself off short. What exactly was she going to apologize for? She hadn't even touched the bike. It was only a peek. That wasn't a crime. She'd done nothing wrong. The stinging under her skin slowly got replaced by a growing heat. Of all nights an asshole just had to show up. The petite brunette turned to face the owner of the brogue that had snuck up behind her. What she first laid eyes on in the shadows was a pair of leather boots. As her eyes continued their path over the dark figure in front of her, she trailed over a pair of washed-out jeans on a pair of ridiculous long legs. The jeans stopped at a narrow hip. From there, her eyes flickered over the figures torso and wide shoulders before meeting eyes of stone shadowed by a pair of thick brows.

"I'm sorry", Marianne breathed.

"Did ye' touch 'im ?", the man demanded more than asked again as he stepped into the light.

Marianne's nostrils started to burn with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes. The stranger reeked of it. In more clear lighting, she spotted something wet trailing down the man's worn leather jacket. His white shirt looked wet stained, too. Same with his hair the way it stuck to his scalp.

"Simple question, Princess", his last word was spat out like a curse. 

"No, I didn't touch him – it!", Marianne shot back. She had to strain her neck to pierce the strangers' glare. This man was a giant. An angry, likely drunk giant.

"But ye' were gonna", the stranger gave her a quick once-over. Almost as if challenging her.

"No! Listen – you know what -", Marianne's nails dug into her palms, " I just came here for a drink".

From the way the man's brows knitted together, he didn't believe her. His lips twisted into a snarl and it looked as if he was about to make a new off-mark statement. If this asshole wants a fight I'll - Mariannes's thoughts were suddenly abrupted by the bar doors blasting open.

Stumbling out of the bar came to figures. Both of them looked around wide-eyed and panicked as if searching for something. Their heads turned to where she and the man were standing. "Found 'im!", one of them called out. One of the figures managed to trip while running down the stairs leading up to the bar's entrance which made them both come crashing down. With curses and a lot of frantic stumbling, the two figures got up and back to racing towards Marianne and the other man.

Marianne's attention got brought back to the giant by his low growl. His face was twisted in a grimace that gave off the vibe off an annoyed teenager who had been caught being naughty by their parents. Marianne almost felt sorry for him. Just almost as she knew that feeling all too well but he deserved everything coming at him at this point. Marianne just wanted to get away from this whole situation and get that god damn drink. But his obvious discomfort did put a smirk on her face.

"You're just a freaking handful aren't you, Mister Sun-", Marianne was cut off by suddenly finding the man's face inches from hers. For a split second, she felt trapped beneath those cold, hard sapphires staring down at her.

"Stay out of my way, Princess!", the giant threatened through gritted teeth before pushing passed her and mounting his bike.

Marianne's blood reached its boiling point. "Who pissed in your cereal, asshole!", the only answer she got was the sound of the man's bike rumbling like a thunderstorm. She had to cover her ears as he sped off. That son of a -

From behind her, Marianne heard breathless curses. It was the two figures who had stumbled down the stairs. One of them was a stubby woman who clearly had a lot of strength in her. The other was a skinny, shorter man. He looked about to either pass out or throw up while gulping for air.

"We're so sorry, miss!", the woman apologized while jumping on her bike. "He is a nice guy, really!", the man butted in as he scrambled on top of his own bike, thin limbs and all, and just like that - the pair raced down the same direction as the angry giant.

Marianne could only stand and watch as they drove off. The sounds of their bikes getting weaker by the second. What just happened? This was just - Why? Who the - Shit. She should totally have decked that giant asshole! Right in his sharp chin!. Now she definitely deserved that drink for one; self-control and second; for a shitty start on her first night out in a long time.

Free from the weight of cold sapphires and snarling, finally, Marianne could step through the entrance of the bar with a relieved sigh. That drink that she'd been yearning all night was so close. Now there were no giant assholes in here way, no Roland and no nagging from her dad and sister. It was just gonna be her, pretzels from a shady bowl and one big glass of - what the actual hell? 

Inside the bar, tables and chairs were either trashed around or in pieces, broken glass and drinks spilled the floor - wait, was that blood? Was that a tooth?!. There were also dart arrows sticking to the walls and a smashed mirror in one of the corners. By the bar counter stood a couple of guys trying to patch themselves up. More people were slumped over in chairs that were still intact. In the distant, Marianne heard sirens.