This is all about us [Hakon]

Hakon is working on a special project this afternoon, just something small because he likes to make things with his hands and he loves working in his forge. He spent the morning putting the finishing touches on a sword, and the buyer had been delighted when he picked it up just before lunch. Hakon always liked when his work was appreciated, partly because he took such pride in it, and partly because pleased customers paid better. He'd considered making a necklace, but he's no jeweler, and his tools aren't quite small enough for the delicate work that would require. Brooches are about the most delicate thing he can make, but today he's trying something entirely different. He much prefers steel to silver, but he sucks it up. He heats the silver and gets to work.

A few hours later, he has to admit it isn't his finest work, but he thinks Freyja will like it anyway. It's a thin cuff to slip around her wrist, composed of two silver bands twisted together. He knows she works with her hands, and so he knows it might not be something she wears every day, but he doesn't care. He wants her to have it, just in case she ever wants to wear it. So she can look at it and know he crafted it just for her, that he poured all his focus and all his love into its making. Hakon may not be very good at expressing himself with words, but forging is a way of expression to him, one that he's eloquent in. He lips the small little bracelet into his pocket, banks the fire in the forge, and locks his shop for the day. He isn't expecting any more customers for the day, and he wants to surprise Freyja by having dinner started by the time she arrives. He's happy as he walks across the yard between his forge and the house.

He pushes open the door, and isn't surprised to be greeted by a happily yipping puppy. Rane follows Freyja here most nights, and while sometimes the sight of him makes his heart ache, generally he's glad to have him around. He hasn't even really looked down at the puppy, because Freyja immediately says "surprise" and his brow wrinkles in confusion. She's here a bit earlier than normal, but then she speaks again and he realizes the surprise isn't her. It's the puppy. He sinks down to his knees and holds his hands out to the wriggling little fur ball, and now that he's actually looking at the puppy, it's obvious it isn't Rane. "Well then what's his name?" His voice is light and curious, and he grins up at her from where he's crouching on the floor. The puppy chooses that moment to jump up and plant his paws on Hakon's chest, and the man simply sprawls back on the floor as if the light jump has knocked him over. He's laughing as the dog covers his face in energetic licks, and he reaches into his pocket and waves the twisted silver bracelet in the air. He assumes Freyja is still watching him. "I made this for you today."

When he'd buried Fenrir, Hakon had thought he wouldn't want another dog for a long time, possibly not ever again. The old dog had been his constant companion through everything, a reminder of the wild-eyed, scrawny boy who strolled into Vidar's forge and demanded to be taught his craft. Fenrir had been with him as he learned his craft, when Vidar died, and when he opened his own forge and moved into his own house. Fenrir had been there as Hakon slowly changed from troublesome, angry youth into a calm, steady, hardworking man. He's leapt about his feet as he delivered finished projects, accompanied to the docks to visit Freyja, and napped in the forge while Hakon was working. The two had been nearly inseparable, and Hakon was still certain he would never recover from his loss. But looking up at the new puppy playfully licking him, feeling the grin on his own face, he knew he was wrong. He would always carry Fenrir's memory, but that doesn't mean he would have to mourn him forever.

He laughs at Freyja's shock over having to name a boy. He reaches up to ruffle the puppy's fur, considering her suggestion. Draken. It's perfect. He raises his head to look over the wriggling fluff ball on his chest at Freyja, grinning. "Perfect! I knew you could name a boy." He reaches into his pocket to wave the bracelet at her, even as he's being licked half to death and loving it. He rubs Draken's ears after Freyja takes the bracelet, making the little puppy sigh in contentment and immediately flop over lazily. Hakon scoops him up into his arms and lunges up into a sitting position as Freyja speaks, crossing his legs and settling Draken in his lap, where he's content to gnaw lightly on one of Hakon's fingers.

They're fully settled just after Freyja says she doesn't want to interrupt, and Hakon grins mischievously at her, sitting across from him on the floor. He watches her play with the bracelet, and although he was fairly certain she would like it, watching her adjust it and hearing her thank him for it relaxes him. There was still part of him that worried she would just ask him why he made it for her, like she did with the knife. He's glad she seems to have come to terms with the fact that sometimes he's just going to make her things. "Not busy anymore." He tells her cheekily, scooting closer to her. The puppy sighs in mild protest as Hakon leans over to capture her mouth in a kiss. He playfully sucks on her bottom lip for a moment before he pulls back enough to nod. "Very good surprise. Thank you, Freyja." He leans closer again, nuzzling his face against the crook of her neck before planting a soft kiss there. He pauses there to breathe in her scent before he sits back up. "Excellent, I'm starved." That's something that wouldn't be a surprise, at least. Hakon has a very healthy appetite.