A Collection of Odds & Ends

Two Strangers : Coffee & Cuddles (Ivar - Vikings)

The house was lit as the morning light came through a few slatted blinds, dim from the clouds which covered the sun, but light enough to comfortably leave most lights off. Feet on the wood floor, your toes scrunched against the glossy boards wishing you'd put socks on. Following the short path from the bedroom to the kitchen, you inhaled the fresh aroma of coffee brewing.

In the kitchen, Ivar stood, in last night's jeans, gazing out the window. Bare chested with his hair loose, he yawned and stretched his shoulders up to loosen the tension in his back. Sleeping with someone else in his bed had been nice, a bit nerve wracking, but nice.

"Good morning, gorgeous." He broke the silence, not turning to look, the steps were far too delicate for it to be Ubbe.

"Good morning," You blushed faintly at his greeting.

"I'm glad you stayed here last night," Ivar pointed to the window. "You may have never got out of the hotel, today."

Outside the window there was more snow piling on top of the dusting that had been there all week. The sky was gray and pink in the morning, a few stray flakes continuing to tumble to the ground. Shivering at the sight, you wrap your arms around your self, bringing the warm house coat closer to you. Ivar's scent was woven into the fleece material, bringing a small smile to your face. The soft sandalwood and citrus scent was intoxicating.

"Thank you," Your voice is low, you hadn't realized how sleepy you would sound, "by the way, for letting me stay. It's been really nice of you and Ubbe to let me crash here."

Ivar nodded and smiled, he had no problems with your presence as you were fully aware. Ubbe had insisted, several times, it was more than fine with him as well, but you felt like you were putting him out somehow. When you made it back to your hotel, tonight, you would make sure to leave some cash behind as a thank you to Ubbe.

"I like having you here," Ivar spoke, his crutches softly thumping against the kitchen floor. Steadying himself, he reached up and dug around a cupboard. "It's nice to have someone other than Ubbe to talk to in the morning." He finished with a soft grunt, his arm stretched overhead Ivar's face lit up when he found what he had been looking for.

"Do you need any help, Ivar?" You questioned leaning against the kitchen table feeling a little useless for not offering to help.

Ivar wouldn't have taken it anyway, he had made it very clear that you were here as a guest. Last night when you'd tried to help clean up after dinner, Ivar had practically requested someone sit on you to keep you from doing dishes. Had you not willingly given in, opting to talk with Bjorn's wife; Torvi, you felt as though one of the Lothbrok's would have complied happily.

"Nope, I'm good." Ivar answered placing a large glass bowl on the counter top.

You were impressed at how well he got around, but seeing him at home was even more impressive. Ivar had explained that he'd designed the entire floor plan of the house, drawing it to suit both him and Ubbe. A family friend, a skilled builder and sort of Ivar's boss, had helped bring Ivar's ideas to life. Whether he was using his crutches or wheelchair, there was nothing out of bounds for Ivar in his own space.

This morning Ivar wanted to be Ivar, a normal (if that were possible for a Lothbrok) 23 year old, who was trying to impress the girl he adored. He had big plans to have breakfast ready before you woke, but had overslept and only managed to get into the kitchen a handful of minutes before you. Coffee had barely began to brew when you'd stepped into the spacious kitchen.

"Do you want chocolate chip or banana waffles?"

Slouching into the robe a little further, you lulled your head to the side, a playfulness on your sleepy face. "Surprise me?"