Her Viking 2

Chapter 10: A Bit Messy

The pregnant lady smiles as she opens her third kvikk lunsj of the day. As days pass her stomach shows a bit more. The front door opens revealing a sweaty Kage wearing a tank top and fitted jeans riding low. Her eyes bulge as she knows who it is but won't turn around.

"Hey Mariana," he says with a soft smile.

Mariana freezes and stays still. "Just because you're frozen doesn't mean I don't see you."

Quickly swallowing the piece in her mouth, she turns around smiling innocently, "Hey babe..."

"Are you eating chocolate again?"

"...No."

"Really?"

"I know I just- I just keep craving it."

"I understand but you have to try to eat healthier. You and the baby need nutrients."

"I will."

"Good. I have something for you."

"What is it?"

"I ordered a few things and figured you would like them. Thought it would brighten your day."

"Thank you. You bought me gifts," she gushes. "Where did my big, mean Viking go, huh?"

He chuckles. "I've never given you a gift so..."

"What did you get?"

Kage sets the bag on the couch and takes out each one. "I got you this pillow that says just one more chapter, a pair of socks that say book lover, and this fancy pen."

"I love it!" He breathes out a smile in relief.

"I'm going to wash up. Be back." He jogs up the stairs and rushes to wash up.

He wore loose jeans and a fitted button-up. He brushes his hair into a bun, front pieces naturally falling forward. The large man runs out of the room and down the stairs. Mariana looks back with a questioning look. Kage clears his throat before kneeling in front of her.

"Why are you dressed up?" She asks shyly.

"Nothing."

"Hmm... What do you want for dinner?"

"Nothing."

"Huh?"

"Not that hungry."

"Oh, okay. I can still make something for later or save it for lunch tomorrow."

"How about you take a shower and put a dress on?"

"Why?"

"Just do it."

She was about to question him until she saw his eyebrow raise. Once out of sight, Kage rushed to try to make something for the picnic he planned. Mariana has no clue about it. It was a last-minute idea. Searching through the kitchen, he settled on making sandwiches and cauliflower salad. He knew Mariana will not take long to get dressed so he shouted for her to take a bath.

He quickly gathers all the ingredients and supplies. He clumsily gets to work and by the time he finishes, Mariana is standing at the bottom of the staring with her mouth agape. A mess lay within the clean kitchen she knew only 15 minutes ago. Lettuce, bread crumbs, and more are scattered on the counter. Mayo is smeared on the floor and a slice of ham is on the kitchen cabinet.

"I don't know if I want to ask," she states trying to hold back a small laugh.

"I um- thought it would be nice to make something. Yeah... Let's get going."

"Wouldn't you want to clean up first?"

"Of course. Give me a moment."

She patiently waits as he rushes to clean up. Even he is confused as to how the ham ended up there. He wipes his hands dry and pulls out a small basket, placing the covered food inside.

"You missed a spot?" She giggles.

"Huh?"

Mariana takes a small tissue out of her purse and wipes his nose. "You had mayo."

Kage chuckles and thanks her. The tissue is tossed in the trash can. Gently holding his significant's hand, he guides them out of the house into the truck. She didn't recognize the route they had been driving on for a while. Kage decided to take a long way to let Mariana have a different sight and not recognize their destination.

After some time a similar path appears. It took a moment before she recognized it as his secret spot. Everything was so lush and green. Flowers scattered here and there. It was as beautiful as the first time she saw it. Soon they pulled up to the opening and Kage had Marianna wait in the car covering his eyes. She hears various noises but kept her eyes closed.

Opening the car door, Kage says, "You can come out now."

"Can I look now?"

"No, I will help you." He picks her up, sets her on the ground, and directs her forward. "Now look."

In front of her lays a picnic. The basket of food, a vase of flowers, and two pillows rest on top of the plaid blanket. The scenery around makes it even more special. It feels like a scene she's read in a novel.

"I should have had this already set up but I didn't have time. I'm sorry."

"No, no. I love it." Mariana turns around smiling. "Thank you."

Kage's lips turn upward. He gestures for them to sit.

"This is very sweet," Mariana beams.

Kage clears his throat as his cheeks are painted a light red. "Glad you like it."

"What made you do this?"

"I don't know. I thought about how I haven't treated you much." Mariana pecks his lips softly. "Oh, here."

Kage accidentally knows over the vase of flowers and knocks the basket on its side. Water soaking the blank. Mariana laughs as she watches Kage try to pick up, muttering a string of curse words.

"I'm sorry." he sighs. "I was trying to give you food."

"It's okay."

Kage looks up and his frustration melts at the look of love on Mariana's face. "I love you."

"I love you too," she reciprocates.

The rest of the afternoon passes by fast. They talked and laughed for hours. Mariana coming up with random questions. She made jokes and even tried a few pick-up lines on him. Kage laughed throughout it. They pack up and walk over to the truck.

"Okay, okay. One more." Mariana giggles. "Aren't you tired? Cause you've been running in my mind all day!"

Kage couldn't hold it in and cracked up. "That's a good one."

. . . . .

The sun starts to set as they pull into the driveway. They both get out of the truck as Kadlin and her kids walk out the front door. Mariana looks at them in confusion. They smile and silently walk away.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing." Kage holds in a smile.

He walks them through the house to the backyard. Mariana follows quietly. Jean and Lyting can smile at them as they leave, rounding the corner of the house. A sharp breath of air is heard once their focus turns to the yard. Fairylight are glowing a soft golden hue. A little table is set between two lounge chairs. Popcorn and soda are on top while blankets and pillows decorate the sitting. Mini lanterns and plants are placed around on the ground. Across lies a projector and screen ready to play a movie.

"You did this?" A soft voice asks.

"Well I thought of this but they helped build this."

She turns around and hugs him. "Thank you."

Kage melts and kisses the top of her head gently. "Anything for you, kjaere."

They relax and watch a movie. The entire time, he never let go of her hand. Something about having her by his side set his heart at ease. Once the film ended, he turned to her.

"I love you," he whispers.

She turns and whispers, "I love you too."