Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was not their choice that Edward couldn’t attend their wedding. To their disappointment, he was still at sea. It had, however been his choice not to leave the Navy after the war, and though they would have preferred to have their entire family in attendance, it was quite a difficult task to get a weekend away from Timbuktu. So the wedding proceeded with Edward’s heartfelt consent, of course.

Siegfried had met him the Christmas of 1945, when nearly all soldiers and sailors went home to be with their loved ones as they deserved. That Christmas hadn't been without its chaotic moments, some of which his now-wife still reminded him of frequently. One in particular, though she couldn’t tease him about because it had ended rather well for her.

The family never remarked on her mishap with the sprouts that Edward liked, but loved to recall the tale of Rosie and Jimmy coming back just in time for the Christmas Eve party covered in all manner of muck because Uncle Siegfried had promised to take them out and see if it would snow. There was no snow, just big mud puddles left from where the previous week's snow had melted, and of course, the next best thing to a snowball fight was getting as muddy as possible. That story would be told for many years to come by godparents, parents, and children alike. One that perhaps went slightly unnoticed by the other residents of Skeldale, both Audrey and Siegfried remembered quite well.

For most of the house, Christmas day had started as usual, presents under the tree followed by a big breakfast. Edward had arrived the previous night just in time to see his mother in one of her best dresses mopping up muddy footprints and to hear giggles and splashing from above. It had been good to see his Ma in the home that he had helped to build. Very different from the one of his childhood. He could see the joy radiating off of her, and he knew that she was exactly where she belonged. It reminded him of the feeling he got being at sea, like he didn’t want to be anywhere but where he was just then.

He also was blessed with his mother's sharp eye, and although it was subtle, he knew that Siegfried, “her employer” as she had once referred to him in her letters, was more than her employer. He had suspected before he had even entered the house, and shook hands with the man. Throughout the war, his Ma's letters had transitioned from calling him Mr. Farnon to Siegfried, to finally, in the last few months, he was just S. Someone so integral to her life that her son would know who she was talking about just from one single letter.

Their greeting had confirmed it. Not the one between him and his mother. They had seen each other a few times during the war, but it was much easier for her to come to him most times. This would be his first time stepping into her world, which he had heard so much about. Their greeting had been quite as expected: hugs, a few tears, and a cup of tea in the kitchen to catch up over.

When the older vet had entered the kitchen, his mother's back was to the door, but she had stopped mid-sentence like she knew it was him approaching, and turned to offer him a smile. “This is Edward,” she said with a soft touch to his forearm and with a tone as if she were introducing him to a newborn baby. Turning back to him then, “ Edward, this is my … Siegfried.”

He tried to keep his eyebrows from raising too high. He stood, a bit of his military training kicked in, a response to combat the slight tension that seemed to fill the kitchen. He extended his hand towards the man, which was taken in kind but with a sweaty nervousness when he said, “Farnon Siegfried. Don't Ask.”, something rehearsed for new acquaintances it seemed because there was a quick look between the two of them where he seemed to say I've messed it up already and she said he already knows your name.

“It's very nice to meet you.” Their clasped hands parted then and he wiped his on the front of his damp trousers. On closer inspection Edward wondered was he wet everywhere? “Ma’s told me so much about everyone in her letters, so it's nice to put faces to names.” Perhaps a bit of reassurance about the name debacle would calm some nerves. He was good at that, and there was a smile beginning to turn the corners of the vet's mouth.

“Quite right! You're always welcome here.” Looking down at himself, he continued in a rushed breath, “I must apologize for my appearance. My god children got into a bit of a mess today, so it was my responsibility to clean them up, and they so love a good splash in the tub.” He was grinning like a fool then, but looking at his Ma, she was not so pleased. Best leave that alone.

“It’s no bother. I'm quite used to waves catching you when you least expect them.” A bit of a dark joke, but paired with his wry smile, it seemed not to bother the older army man. He didn't dare look at his Ma.

“Of course. Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We want you to feel like this is your home, too. I have no doubt Audrey will already have everything ready.” He looked at her a bit gently, then “I best get myself cleaned up, but I wanted to greet you before the house descends into chaos. I'm sure we’ll catch up later.”

Almost as quickly as he had come in with nervous uncertainty, he left with a whistle to the wind that they could both hear as he departed.

He took his seat again and waited to see if she would say anything about whatever that was.

She didn't.

“He seems a bit different.” She turned her attention to him then the crease in her brow softening a bit “Than your other employers, I mean.”

“Oh yes, he’s a bit different, alright. I’ll not argue with you on that point.” There was something in her voice that alluded to things that had gone on earlier in the day. Perhaps to do with the children, but none of his business.

They resumed their casual conversation from earlier, but bits of the interaction with her employer still stuck in his head as he helped her finish the final preparations before the guests began to arrive.

Meeting the family as they had slowly descended from above had been chaotic, never mind meeting more or less the whole town. Siegfried had been right, of course. Once the first guest arrived, the house became a din of mayhem and joy. No one asked who he was; either they already knew or didn’t much care, and they welcomed him into the celebrations like one of their own. Not so different from the sailors on leave, these people did not shy away from a drink. He had sworn off the stuff but was happy to see others enjoying themselves; they all deserved it after soldiering through the war in many ways, supporting his efforts at sea and the other servicemen on the front. He knew most of them would've been touched intimately by the past six years, so what if they had a bit too much whiskey at Christmas, it was the least they deserved.

The night proceeded in due course. At one point, there was a semblance of a nativity scene, luckily early enough in the night, no one was too far gone to heckle the children, although he suspected those who would were already in the pub he spotted across the way. At some point, there was a Father Christmas who appeared to the children's delight and a few kisses under the mistletoe, along with a bit of sloppy dancing that got shut down by his Ma.

As it got closer to midnight, the parents with children began to say their goodbyes, but there were still quite a few who appeared to have life left in them. He had done his best to help his Ma keep things under control, which he felt he had managed quite well. However, with the remaining guests scattered around the house, he was feeling a bit overwhelmed, so he ducked out into the back garden that he had seen when his mother had taken him through to the kitchen earlier.

He knew smoking was another habit he should break, but it calmed his nerves, and really, he could stop whenever he wanted. So he pulled his cigarette case out of his pocket and found his matches. He was just about to light the one between his lips when Father Christmas stumbled into the garden, closing the door behind him a little less quietly than Edward had. With his beard pulled down, it revealed another one that was slightly ginger, touched with bits of white.

“Ah, Edward. I was hoping to catch you at some point tonight,” he ambled across the garden and made room for himself next to Edward. He began erratically patting his pockets. “Damn and blast. Audrey always knows where I’ve misplaced the bloody thing but can’t go asking her now that I’ve promised to quit.”

He was quite an amusing fellow. If Edward weren't so suspicious of his motives toward his Ma, he might have even chuckled out loud at the cursing Father Christmas in front of him.

“What are you looking for?”

“My blasted pipe. Seems I’ve done quite a good job at hiding it from myself.”

“You're more than welcome to a cigarette. Not quite the same, I know.”

“You won't tell your mother?”

“Everybody knows drunk cigarettes don't count anyway.”

With a lopsided smile on his face, Siegfried took the offered cigarette. They took turns with the box of matches so both of their cigarettes were lit, and they sat there for a while in companionable silence. It wasn’t until they each had their second cigarette that someone spoke.

“I need to ask you something. You need to be honest.”

No response but an affirmative nod from Father Christmas allowed him to proceed.

“What happened between you and Ma?”

“Oh, she's probably just cross with me because I took the children out today and they got a bit muddy. Well, they got very muddy and it's my fault, but she told me …”

“No, no, I don't mean muddy children,” he interrupted, “maybe in your state I should've been clearer. What are your intentions toward my mother, because earlier was bloody awkward as hell.”

“You caught that, did you. Should've known you’re her son after all.” He avoided eye contact while Edwards' matching blue irises mimicked his mother's steely glare. “Well, I wish this all could go a bit differently, but since you've asked,” He took a deep, sobering breath and looked at Edward seriously, “I love her. I'm in love with her, and she knows it. We’ve talked, but now I need to ask you something.”

Edwards' eyes never left his, but he moved a bit closer and crossed his arms in preparation for the question. “Go on.”

“I’d very much like to marry your mother if you'll allow it.” Edward could see the tears collecting in the corners of the older man's eyes, but he still wasn't sure about the idea entirely. How could he be sure this man wasn't conning his mother into a marriage just so he didn't have to pay her wages, and he could reap other benefits of marriage?

“Why?”

“I just told you! I’m in love with her! Probably longer than I've known, and she loves me back. I'm sure there are millions of reasons why we shouldn’t, but this is all second to the one reason we should. There is no one else on this earthly plane I could ever love but her!” He had stood then, apparently, the cigarettes and booze still flowing through his blood were causing him to be a bit agitated. Edward knew the signs well. The hairs on his neck began to prickle, and his senses began to sharpen. Unknowingly, he had set up the perfect test to see what kind of man Siegfried Farnon was, and now he was expecting the worst.

It didn't come. Nothing was thrown or smashed. No one was hit or cursed at. Instead, once he was through pacing a few laps in the garden, during which Edward was fairly certain he was listening to a grown man still dressed as Father Christmas cry over his Ma, that same man turned and took up the same post next to him.

“I know it's not easy to believe, and we have sprung this on you. Well, I have. I haven't even asked her yet since I knew you were coming.” he was still sniffling a bit as he spoke. “ What do I need to do to prove to you I’m serious. I'm quite certain I'll do anything for her.”

Edward didn't need anything more. Siegfried Farnon had no idea that he had just passed the test with flying colors. Yet Edward couldn't waste a good opportunity to make the night more memorable. There were not to be many opportunities where he had the upperhand with this man he could tell. Besides he needed a good story for when he got back on the ship and this was to be his step-father after all the man did say he would do anything.

“Perhaps there is one thing. It’s an old Navy tradition, and I suppose you could back out, but it would make me feel like you were part of me and Ma’s family.”

“Go on, I’m listening.”

“Well, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I've got this earring. In the Navy, an earring can mean lots of things. For myself, I got it after the Repulse. A few of the survivors did it all together, sort of in memory of what we made it out of and those who didn't.”

A quizzical brow was quirked at the mention of the earring, but sobered by the memory of the Repulse. Siegfried's eyes maintained contact, not shying away from the difficult topic. Edward decided right then that he liked that about the man and continued with the second, less true part of his proposition.

“Now, not all sailors survive a shipwreck or sinking, or even are part of one, so there is another part of the tradition where some of them pierce their ear as a sign of dedication. For them, it's a symbol of their commitment to the sea and their service.”

He could see the wheels slowly turning behind Siegfried's eyes, and he left him sitting there for a moment, processing and perhaps deciding.

“Alright.” He said finally, “If that's what it takes, just a silly earring to prove to you my commitment to your mother, I'll do it. I was quite worried you were going to say tattoo.”

Edward smirked. Now that was an idea. Perhaps after their first big fight, a tattoo to make up for it was something Edward could arrange. It was only now, after the agreement to go through with the act, that they both realized they weren’t quite prepared for the execution of it. One of them had just stepped into the house for the first time hours ago, and the other was still a bit tipsy from the party so the next best thing was to sort it out later.

“I think we'd better turn in for the night. It seems everyone has left.” Siegfried nodded in agreement. “But you're not off the hook, I’ll get everything in order, and before the new year, you'll either have my blessing or you won’t.”

“Yes, I understand,” came Siegfried's reply as he held the door open for Edward to follow into the now quiet house.

Chapter Text

Siegfried suspected that Audrey had seen them outside talking and did not want to disturb them. He did one last check around the house, making sure doors were locked and things were in their proper place for the morning. He heard Edwards' steps retreat up the stairs, but as he was making his way up to bed, they ran into each other on the landing.

“It's your lucky day, old man. I remembered I went to visit my old Navy pal in Skipton before coming here, and he had kindly gifted me a new earring. I’m not keen on taking the one I have out, so this one is all yours. ”

Siegfried was nowhere near drunk enough for this, and he was starting to suspect Edward wasn't being as forthcoming as possible. He had raised Tristan after all, and he knew when a man was behaving a bit too much like a boy. Yet he still indulged Edward.

“I suppose it's now or never, young Edward.” He said as they descended the stairs. He wouldn't let Edward get away with calling him an old man so easily. “Plenty of needles in the exam room and good lighting, too. Let me just get myself a glass first.” Siegfried nipped into the living room and poured himself two fingers of whisky, which he downed while Edward stood awkwardly in the entryway.

Crossing in front of him, Siegfried opened the door to Exam Room #1, letting Edward in behind him as he turned on the light.

“I'm sure this is a simple procedure. Needle in. Needle out. Earring in and done.” He turned and looked at Edward. “You have done this before, haven’t you?”

“Well, not exactly, but like you said, fairly simple. Shouldn't feel a thing.”

Siegfried chuckled a bit, the whiskey helping him to feel relaxed, and discarded his Christmas hat and beard on the exam table as he leaned against it. “Alrighty then, let's get this over with.” He looked at Edward expectantly.

“Needle?”

“Ah, yes, needle, of course.” He turned to the cupboard and grabbed one he felt would be appropriate to serve the purpose. At least he knew it was clean and handed it to Edward.

With the needle in his hand, Edward turned pale, then a bit green as he approached Siegfried, who had resumed his position casually leaning against the exam table to remain steady.

“Please tell me you're not afraid of needles. You can’t be scared of the thing you're about to pierce my ear with!”

“I'm not sacred, so to speak, we're just not the best of friends anymore, me and needles. So stop the blithering and let's get this over with.”

“Ahh, just like your mother.”

“And what's that supposed to mean?” Edward had pulled back just before committing to completing the job.

“Oh, nothing. We’ll talk about it more once we get this over with, as you say.”

Siegfried felt the needle pierce his ear with probably more force than necessary, then quickly retract and be replaced with the cool ring of gold that Edward had retrieved from his pocket.

“All done, Mr. Farnon.” Edward smiled, the color returning to his face. “Might need a bit of gauze for the blood, but you should live.”

The house gently woke up in its usual order to a brisk morning, and the cobbles outside the house boasted no snow. When he woke up, he could just barely hear movement downstairs over the pounding headache. He knew if he didn’t get some coffee, it would stick around for the whole day as soon as the children woke and saw the presents under the tree.

Even though no one could hear him, he grumbled as he rolled out of bed and threw on his dressing gown. It was Christmas, after all; there was no reason to get dressed up. A day in his pajamas sounded just the ticket after swaying to an upright position, feeling like the polar express ran him over. Twice. After managing a trip to the bathroom where he almost fell asleep halfway through his tasks, he finally ambled down the stairs in the direction of the delightful smells already seeping into the house.

“Good Morning, my dear.” He moved to greet her where her back was to him at the sink—gently wrapping his arms around her middle and squeezing. “Happy Christmas.” She hummed in appreciation, continuing her work.

“Happy Christmas, Siegfried.” They continued to stand this way for a few moments, just soaking in the quiet together before the busyness of the day took hold. “There’s coffee on the stove.” She said, finally breaking the silence.

“Thank you.” He held her a few moments longer, but with a final squeeze and a kiss to her temple, he released her to continue her task and moved to the stove to pour himself a cup and sit at the table.

“Did you enjoy yourself last night?”

“Oh yes. Perhaps a bit too much.” They both chuckled at that. “I hope Edward had a good time. I have a feeling he didn’t quite know what he was signing up for coming here.”
“As opposed to a ship full of rowdy men?” He could feel her smirk even though he couldn’t see it. “I saw you two talking in the garden.” It hung in the air for a moment.

“Yes, I figured you had.” he paused, trying to remember the conversation, but only bits and pieces came back to him. “I’m ashamed to say, my dear, I’m not entirely sure what we talked about.”

“Siegfried!” She said it scornfully with a bit of playfulness laced through it and turned to look at him. Immediately, her sparkling eyes changed, and her face was consumed with a look of disbelief. “Siegfried! Donald! Farnon! What have you done to yourself?” She walked towards him to complete a further inspection. He looked at her like a puppy who had tipped a water bowl and had no clue why that was wrong.

“Audrey? What?” she tugged his ear, then, and a bit of pain sparked the memory of him and Edward from the night before. This would not go over well.

“Do I even want to know?” There was a look that both chastised and excited him at the same time.

“I suppose it's your Christmas present.” There was a grin on his face. She was not smiling. “It’s proof that Edward and I got along smashingly well last night.” That was not the right thing to say; from the look on her face, he had begun to dig a hole. “ It wasn’t my idea! He suggested it! I just agreed.” I mean, why put down the shovel once you have picked it up?

“Edward! When I get my hands on the pair of you!” With nearly perfect timing, Edward appeared in the doorway. He gave Siegfried a look, still skeptical, especially with his mother being upset on Christmas morning.

“Is everything alright, Ma?” Her attention turned to him.

“Not exactly. Do you at least remember last night?”

“Of course! Ma!”

“Well then, perhaps you can explain in great detail exactly how he came to have that ring in his ear!” She noticed for the first time that Edward had a matching piece of jewelry. “ For that matter, did you both decide to poke holes in each other last night?”

“No! Ma! It's a navy tradition, I did it after … Well, you know!” he couldn't speak to her about it, but her face softened.

“Well, that explains you, but what about him. What exactly happened after I went to bed last night?”

“Well, we talked and he asked…” Siegfried shot him daggers from his position behind Audrey at the table. “Well, I can’t say exactly what he asked, but the only answer was the earring. It’s for you.”

“Yes, I've heard as much.” She turned to cast a look in his direction, and he tried to remain calm. “As yet, I still can’t connect the dots between the events of last night and myself.”

“I’m sure it will be clear soon, Ma. Especially after I tell Siegfried what I came to say this morning.”

“Which is?” It was clear she was getting fed up with trying to work out just exactly what all this was.

“It’s quite simple.” He turned to address Sigfried then. “I just needed to tell you yes.” Siegfried's heart jumped in his chest, and joy flooded into the very tips of his fingers.

“You’re sure? Don't answer that you've said it, so you can’t take it back now.” Siegfried bounded toward him, and there was an awkward moment where it seemed he wanted to hug the boy but wasn’t sure it was appropriate. Still unable to contain himself, he took Edwards' head between his hands and bent it down to place a kiss on the top of it. “Thank you, my boy! I promise you won't regret it,” he bounded off down the hall to prepare himself for what he suspected would be the best Christmas yet. Leaving the two Halls stood in the kitchen staring at each other in disbelief. It wasn’t a few moments before they heard the thundering sound of little feet on the stairs and the squeals of delight at the presents under the tree. Christmas had well and truly begun.