Chapter 9: A Blue Dress

Recommended listening: Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg

A month later

There was a medium sized box sitting on bed when Loki and I got back from the lab. I picked up the note sitting on the lid and opened it.

Dearest Darcy,

I thought it was about time that one of our "dates", as you call them, was out of the house. So I have a surprise for you. Even if you do not want to wear this, I would love to see you in it. Don't worry, it isn't green. I remember that conversation well. And I did get it- mostly- legally. Please do not ask for details.

-Loki

I lifted off the lid and opened the tissue paper. Then I pulled off my jeans and sweater and slipped into the dress. It was a dark blue, silky halter top that ended a little above my knees. I pulled my hair half up and put on a silver star necklace. Then I grabbed my silver wedges. One last touch of lip-gloss and I was done.

Cautiously, I poked my head into the living room. "Um… I saw the note and… I really love the dress."

Loki stood up. "May I see?"

"Oh my god… suit!" I stepped out from behind the door frame to get a closer look. "Wow. You should get dressed up more often."

"Thank you." his eyes skimmed over the dress, "I have to admit, I was not originally sure about the length, but look you beautiful."

I blushed. "Thanks."

He offered his arm. "Miss Lewis?"

I took it, trying not to giggle. "Lead the way."

We appeared on a city side street in a flash of green light. I staggered into his side, catching myself on his arm.

"Whoa… warn me next time?"

Loki grinned. "I apologize."

We started walking down the street.

"Going to tell me where we are?"

"The capital city of New Mexico."

I spun around. "We're in Albuquerque?"

"Is that how it is said? Anyway, there is a- what's the word- restaurant near here that seems very good by Midgard standards." he took my arm again, "and they have ice cream."

"You and your sweet tooth."

We walked in the door, laughing.

The hostess cleared her throat daintily. "May I help you?"

Loki fixed her with his best "mortal-how-dare-you-speak-to-me-as-an-equal" look. "I have a reservation under the name of Lewis."

She checked her list and nodded. "Right this way, please."

We followed the hostess to a table in one corner of the restaurant and sat down. I set my napkin on my lap when the hostess left.

"You really do look stunning."

"Thanks. Do I want to know how you got it?"

"Probably not."

"And the suit? Aren't you way too warm? It has to be at least eighty degrees out there."

"Darcy, I'm a Frost Giant."

"Right. So." I fidgeted. "This is the first time in ten years I've been in someplace like this."

"What was the last time?"

"My dad took me the last time I saw him. Moved to Boston and to work for some ginormus company and got remarried. Sends me a card every year on my birthday and on Christmas but that's it."

"I didn't know."

"I didn't expect you to. It's not like I've ever said anything. And it's really nice here."

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

I started to lean forward to kiss him, but the waitress chose that moment to get to the table.

"Hello, my name is Maria; I'll be serving you tonight. May I take your drink orders?"

"Oh! Ah, just a sec." I opened the menu and speed-read the list. "I'll have… err… Shirley temple?"

No alcohol for you tonight, Darce.

"Alright." She turned to Loki, "And what can I get for you?"

"Ahh…" he glanced at me. "Same."

The waitress smiled and walked away.

"Do you know what a Shirley Temple is, right? Ginger ale and cherries? Soda? Bubbly yummy stuff?"

"No, but I'm certain it will be enjoyable."

The waitress came back with out drinks, took our dinner orders, and left again, glancing back once.

Loki took a sip of his drink. A second later, his face screwed up in disgust and he pushed the cup away. "What… is that?"

"Shirley temple."

"It's vile!"

"Well, your sweet tooth can only go so far, I guess." I picked up the little sword-skewer with the cherries on it. "Watch this."

I bit off the cherry, swallowed, and then put the stem in my mouth. A second or two later, I spat it into the palm of my hand and held it up. It had been tied in a knot.

"You're not the only one with a talented tongue."

Loki smirked. "Miss Lewis, you have no idea."

Ooooohmygod.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Maybe. But I would like to have dinner first, if that isn't terribly inconvenient for you."

"No problem."

A/N: *eyebrow wiggle*

And the bit with the Shirley Temple. Basically, he was either going to end up ordering five, or hating it. And I don't know how to write a sugar-highed Loki. I just don't.

Okay, go ahead and read the next chapter now. I know you want to. }:-)