Heaven Sent (Loki/Asgard Fanfiction - Aislinn's Story)

Chapter Thirty-One

For Aislinn, who'd never attended any Midgardian school, the cafeteria at Somerset Valley was interesting, for lack of a better word. It was beyond noisy, with so many students there at the same time, and she never would have expected to find the menu selections they offered.

But what struck her even more was the number of people who greeted Steve, by first name, as Coach, as well as Mr. Molinaro. He was just as popular a teacher as she thought he must be, judging by the number of students who shouted out, "Hey, Coach! What're you doing here?"

"I take it you don't venture in here all that often?"

He shook his head as he grabbed a tray and handed it to her. "Not usually. I tend to stay in my office, where there's always enough paperwork to keep me out of trouble."

She stared down at the orange tray in her hands, not exactly certain what to do. Steve smiled and winked as he led her along the line. "It's school food, but it's not the worst thing you can eat. Just stay away from the tuna. That never smells right."

She stared at the selections--there were wraps and pasta, chicken and pizza, an assortment of fruits and vegetables. Steve selected two chicken wraps, a banana, and a small bag of popcorn, while she opted for a cheeseburger, fries, and chips. He grinned as she grabbed a bottle of water as well.

"What's so funny?"

He took out his school ID and to the cashier said, "This and hers."

"Of course, Mr. Molinaro." The cashier smiled at him as she rang everything up and he dug his wallet from his back pocket.

"What's so funny? You choosing a cheeseburger and fries and a water." He tucked his wallet back and gestured for her to follow him as he picked up his tray. "It's like ordering a Big Mac and a Diet Coke."

"What's a Big Mac?"

He led her back out into the noisy cafeteria, and across to a door marked Faculty Dining. "Are you kidding me, Ash? You've never had a Big Mac?"

She shook her head as he held the door for her. "Sorry. Should I--" Her voice trailed off as she found herself being stared at by what had to be at least twenty faculty members. Her face grew warm a she forced a smile to her lips. "Hi."

Steve let the door close and said, "How's it going?" to no one in particular. To Aislinn, he said, "There's a table in the corner, by the windows."

She wove through the tables, trying hard to pay little attention to the curious stares. As she passed other teachers, her hello, was returned with a warm, if curious smile.

Sunlight bathed the room, but the table Steve pointed out was partially shaded by the tree just beyond the windows, and she sank into that chair, her voice low as she said, "Are they still staring at me?"

"Yeah. But, you know, you're hot, so..."

She shot him a look. "Steve."

"Do you want me to take a poll?"

"Steve!" She couldn't keep the laugh from her voice.

He smiled as he settled across from her and set down his tray. "They'll get bored with you in a minute." He propped his chin on his fist to give her a long look. "You've really never had a Big Mac?"

"I've never really had a Big Mac." She unfolded her napkin and peeled back the bun. "I grew up in Asgard, Steve. We don't have Big Macs in Asgard. I don't know what it is, but I know we don't have them."

"It's fast food and absolutely terrible for you, but damn... they taste so good..."

She smiled at the moany quality of his voice. "You know, that's almost exactly how you sound when you see me naked."