Summary: (Y/N) and Ivar are happily married with three children. He never thought he could have a family. However, when he accidentally gets angry and yells at one of them, the bad thoughts come rushing back.

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Arguing

I cradled Turid in my arms as her brothers ran around the house, play fighting. Håkon and Leif were always full of energy, I was glad that they had each other to play with, especially since the birth of their sister. I used to run around with them all the time. They never left their father out of it either. Ivar may not be able to use his legs, that didn't stop him from spending time with his sons.

I laughed as they chased after each other. Turid was ready for her afternoon nap, only a few more minutes till she would fall asleep.

"Mother, when will father come home?" Håkon asked quietly. They knew not to be loud around Turid.

"I'm not sure. He is out training with your uncles, they could be back late." I smiled.

"When can we start training? I want to be ready for a fight." Leif started to punch the air.

"Not yet. You're only eight-"

"Father said we could start soon."

"Did he now?" I would be having words with my husband.

Just as I finished my sentence, the door opened, my husband crawling in. Our sons rushed over to him, throwing themselves at him as they hugged. I never grew tired of watching scenes like this in my life. I waited for him to approach me, crawling onto a stool beside me. We greeted with a kiss, the boys making disgusted sounds. Ivar held out his arms for his daughter, his grin becoming bigger as he looked down at her.

"Sorry, she's about to have her nap." I said, feeling guilty.

"That is fine. I like holding her as she sleeps."

"Father, when will you take us training? We're ready to fight the bad men and protect mother!" Håkon gripped his father's knees.

Ivar grinned. He knew his sons would be fierce warriors and admired their enthusiasm."Soon."

They groaned at his answer, making us laugh. They just wanted to be a great leader like their father. The boys ran off outside, continuing with their games. It was silent for the first time that day. I watched Ivar hold our daughter; it was strange to see such an intimidating, strong man become so soft and caring around a baby. It just made me happy. I could watch them like this forever.

However, the moment didn't last long today. As Ivar leaned back in his chair, I saw a grown appear.

"Ivar, what's wrong?" I asked, placing my hand over his.

"My brothers. As usual, they treat me as if I am beneath them." his tone had changed drastically.

I stood up to take Turid out of his arms. He had a short temper and could lose control. I knew he would never do anything to hurt her but accidents happened. Setting her down in her cot, I cautiously approached him, sitting on his lap. My hands trailed throug his hair before cupping his face, making him look up at me. I could tell that this not only angered him but also brought out his insecurities.

"What were they saying?" I kept my voice calm and low.

"They questioned my stances, my tactics, how I fought. Apparently I have been fighting wrong my whole life."

"How could you be wrong? You took an army to England and easily defeated that scum. You were in charge!"

"They are my brothers. They should support me!"

"Brothers fight, it's natural. Håkon and Leif do the same."

"I'll never be anything more than a cripple to them."

"Stop that!" I snapped."You know, we all know that you're more than your disability. That doesn't define you. It's an easy insult, my brother-in-laws aren't smart enough to come up with anything else."

"Still, they are grown men. They act like children most of the time."

I really tried to diffuse the situation."It was a bad day, that's all."

His voice was getting louder."No, (Y/N), it is not. I deserve respect, even my sons know that. One day they will look at me and won't be able to see past my legs."

"Ivar, it is all just too much. Your duties have brought forth a lot of stress, especially since we now have Turid to look after-"

"I will not have them treat me this way!" He slammed his fist on the table, making me jump slightly.

Before I could say anything else, Leif came running back inside."Father, can our uncles teach us to fight?"

Oh my beloved son, you had your moments.

"No!" he snapped."Your uncles will not reach you a thing."

Leif lowered his head slightly, his posture becoming softer."W-why father? They are good warriors too."

"Because I said so!" he pointed a finger at him."You need to learn how to speak to your father, boy. There will be consequences."

I couldn't believe how he was speaking to one of our children. Disgusted, I slid off his lap, hugging my son as he grew upset over his fathers words. Ivar's harsh glare became softer as he realised what he had done. He tried reaching out to Leif but flinched back when the boy cowered away. A small cry came from the crib, Turid was disturbed by the raised voices. After instructing Leif to go back outside with a kiss to his head, I shushed my baby as I held her again.

Ivar was in shock."I can't believe I just said that to him. I spoke to him as if he was a prisoner."

"No, me neither. You should be ashamed." I frowned.

"I don't know what came over me. That hurt to see his face like that."

"You need to apologise. Not now but definitely soon." Turid had stopped her crying, ready for her nap.

He kept on speaking as I put her down."Everyone in Kattegat is right. I am a monster."

Although I was slightly angry at him, he was still my husband."What do you mean?"

"They say I'm insane, that I do not have a good conscious. I knew that I didn't deserve any of this."

Kneeling in front of him, I held his hands again."Now you are speaking like an idiot. The Gods didn't give you legs because they knew that you were already very clever; they were scared to be overthrown. But oh how you have proved them wrong, just like you will for this town. You have given me love, a home, food on the table and three gorgeous children. How are you a monster?"

I saw the tiniest smile appear for a second. Knowing that I couldn't do anymore to console him, I went about making dinner, hoping that Leif would not be too upset by his father's words. During our meal, Leif would sit next to me, forcing his older brother to sit beside their father. Ivar slumped away as soon as he finished his food, making me huff in annoyance. This needed to be resolved.

After putting Turid in her cot in our room, I went to check on the boys. Peeking in silently, I saw Håkon already fast asleep though there was still some candle light. Peeking my head in further, I almost melted at the site of Ivar hugging his second son on the bed. It seemed that they had made up.

"I am so sorry Leif. Things get stressful for me, I get angry, but I should not aim it towards you, any of you." Ivar apologised.

"I forgive you father. I just really want to be like you when I grow up." Leif confessed.

Ivar let out a breathy laugh."No you don't."

"Yes I do! I want to lead a great army and take over lands, just as you did."

"First I must teach you how to wield a sword."

"I already know how to!"

"Then you will learn quickly."