(no subject)

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

Characters: Tyr and Sif, Guest-starring Tina Shin
Date/Time: Friday, July 22th, starting around 7 p.m.
Location: Frosted Fancies, Chicago
Rating: TBD, but probably no more than PG.
Warnings: Possible eye-rolling cuteness.
Summary: Tyr and his daughter, Tina, go visit Sif over the weekend.


Kevin had to admit he was anxious as they got closer and closer to their destination.

His ever perceptive daughter caught on quick. "Are you sweating, Daddy?

"What? Oh yeah, a little, hon. I'm just a little hot."

"But you have the air conditioner on." She seemed to think a minute. "Are you worried about seeing your friend?"

Sometimes she could be way too perceptive. He sighs. "Yeah, honey. I am a little."

Again she seemed to think. "Is she your girlfriend?"

Kevin nearly coughed in surprise. "What? No, Tina. Amber is an old friend who I haven't had a chance to sit down and talk with for awhile, that's all."

Tina raised a screwed-up eyebrow at him, totally not convinced.

Comments

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

By the time Tyr and his daughter arrived, Sif was just getting the bakery closed up for the night. She was expecting them, though, so she kept the door unlocked. She beamed at them both when they walked in.

"Kevin! You made it!" she said, rushing up to give him a warm hug in greeting. She then smiled at Tina. "And you must be Tina. Your daddy's told me a lot about you. Including that you happen to like cookies. Well, it just so happens, I have some just for you behind the counter. Would you like one? Assuming it's okay with you dad, first."

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

Tina's eyes widened like saucers. She didn't know the lady well, but she was making a good first impression.

Yes I do, Miss. Can I Daddy?" She proceeded to pout.

Kevin rolled his eyes before nodding an affirmative.

"Yay! Cookies!"

Kevin shakes his head with a smile as his daughter darts behind the counter. He looks at Amber. "You have no idea what you've unleashed." He calls out to Tina. "Be respectful young lady, this is Miss Wheatley's property after all."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"Oh, you can call me Amber. It's okay," Sif said kindly.

"Don't worry about trying to eat them all in one sitting. I can put them in a box for you, if need be," she offered.

She looked to Tyr. "Have you two had dinner or found a place to stay yet here in town?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

"Um, you sure Ms. Wheatly?" She mumbles this with mouth full of cookie.

Kevin places his hand on his mouth, trying to keep from laughing at the look on her face.

When he calms himself he turns back to Sif. "Um," he awkwardly pulls out a pamphlet with several hotels. "To be honest I really didn't know which would be best." He whispers a bit. "I'm a little short of money right now, I don't want Tina to worry. Do you which would be cheapest but still classy?"

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"Of course I'm sure," Sif said warmly.

"Well, if you haven't found a place yet, then you're more than welcome to stay with me. I insist. I've got a guest room that doesn't see nearly enough guests. And, if you haven't eaten yet, I'll be more than happy to cook for you. It's much more fun cooking for a group than for just me."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"All right, then." Sif poured a tall glass of milk for Tina, and fetched two pops from her fridge in the garage.

"Okay, everyone, dig in!"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

And they did. After a nice meal and pleasant conversation, it was time to put Tina to bed. Kevin took the pill bottle from his pocket. Tina already had a glass of water ready as she took the tablet. Kevin guided her to the room, kissed her goodnight, and when he was certain she was asleep, came back down stairs.

"She really likes you," he stated upon seeing Sif.

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"I'm glad. She seems like a wonderful little girl," Sif said as she picked up the dishes. "Did she settle in okay?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

"Yeah, she's okay. She gets..nightmares sometimes. They scare her. She says it helps if I stay until she falls asleep."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

Sif laughed and guided him back over to the mixing bowl.
"All that's left are the lingonberries. I've got a cup of them right here, and we just need to pour them in, and then fold them into the batter," she said. "Like this." She took his hand, and demonstrated the motion.

"Then we fill the muffin cups, only about 2/3 full, and we bake them. Simple, see?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

It was quite a contrast to the last time she took his hand. Where he had been anxious before, now he just felt contentment. Still, she was trying to teach him something, best to pay attention.

"Well it LOOKS simple enough," he teased a little as he tried to mimic the motions "Okay, I think I'm getting the hang of it."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"You're doing just fine," Sif assured him, and then she stuck the pan in the hot oven. "Now, we just bake for twenty minutes. I suppose I could make some lingonberry butter to go with it, but that'll only take five minutes..."

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

He was quiet a moment. "Well, we could always talk some more if you want or..tv, yeah there's tv," he said trying to keep his mind from thinking of what they could do.

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"All right. If you're sure." Sif gently caressed his cheek, and went to fetch some pillows, sheets, and a light quilt.

"Here we go. The couch is pretty comfortable, but this will make it sort of like a daybed." She smiled at him. "If you change your mind, or decide you need anything, I'll be right upstairs, ok?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

"I'll let you know, Sif. Thank you for understanding."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"Of course. Goodnight, sweetheart. I'll see you in the morning," she said, and lightly kissed him on the cheek before disappearing upstairs.

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

He watched her leave and groaned as he set the couch up. That image was going to be with him all night.

"Good luck getting any sleep," Tyr shook his head to himself before laying down, hoping to at least get a few hours in.

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"Don't you worry, Tina. They'll be sweet and good. You'll see," Sif promised.

"Now, why don't we all get ready for the day, and I'll pack us a lovely picnic, okay?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

She seems to debate the idea of fruit being sweet and good, but eventually gives a resigned "Okay."

Tyr just smiles. "Just tell me what you need me to do."

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"You can help me make sandwiches after you've both gotten dressed," Sif said.

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

He noticed he was still in his nightclothes.

"Yes, well.." he sticks his tongue out teasingly. He takes Tina's hand. "Come along dear, let's go get changed. Because apparently Ms. Wheatley can't abide bedclothes while making sandwiches."

Tina giggled as she let her daddy lead her to their suitcase.

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

"Excellent, sweetheart! You look ready," Sif said, with an approving smile. "Let's get the picnic basket in the car, and have some fun!"

With everyone packed in, Sif led them to a delightful afternoon looking at the zoo and then a pleasant picnic in the park.

"So, tell me, Tina. Do you like stories?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

"Yeah, I like stories.. Why? Do you know some stories, Ms. Amber?"

Tyr sat quietly as his two favorite woman spoke. He wouldn't admit it, but he felt a bit of a nervous twitch. He knew where Sif was headed with this.

[amberwaveograin.insanejournal.com]

Sif smiled.
"When I was little, my grandmother used to tell me stories on picnics just like this. She's Norwegian, so a lot of her stories were of the old Norse gods and heroes. Have you ever heard any of those? About the mighty Thor, or clever Loki or wise Odin?"

[lefthandofwar.insanejournal.com]

Tina thought for a moment until her eyes beamed.

"Oh! You mean the people in the comic books?"