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Stray: Part 1 The rain was tumbling down in heavy sheets as you made your way from the train to your apartment. By now you'd just about memorized how many steps were left from the soaked platform to your door. The thought depressed you a little, realizing how long you've felt stuck in this life; just another shop girl in the city, a uniform and an apron with a tired person behind it. As the cold water continued to hit you, you were glad to realize the number of steps to the lobby door was finally reaching single digits and picked up your pace in one last jolt of momentum.Then you heard it; an almost imperceptible mewling under the incessant drumming of the storm. You turned, following the faint noise until you reached the alley and the giant dumpsters housed there. The stench was awful. You held your soaked apron over your nose as you peaked into the crevice. Two of the biggest, most beautiful, aquamarine eyes stared back at you from a void of soaked black fur. It was a cat, and it was absolutely screaming now, realizing it had someone's attention.It's not like you'd never seen an alley cat before. There were swarms of them around, but there was just something about this one, something so desperately in need of love. The little guy seemed almost confused to be in this position whereas the other strays seemed to resign themselves to their shitty fate.You braced yourself; tried to talk yourself out of what you knew you were about to do and had never ever done before. It would be incredibly stupid. You weren't even allowed to have pets. You didn't even know if he was sick and you would never have the money to take him to the vet. Regardless, you sighed and scooped the pathetic little creature up, swaddling him in your apron, as you hurried toward the front door. Huffing, you warned him, “Okay buddy, but I swear to god, you better not have rabies.”-----Loki was glad to finally be out of the rain and stench, even if it was in a less than ideal form. Several hours earlier he had landed with a crash, cushioned by the heaps of debris. He scoffed realizing his neat black suit and tie and the crisp white shirt were now utterly ruined. His sunglasses were nowhere to be found. The money; all that money that came with him as he dove out of the plane was now safely magicked away, at least.He groaned pitifully. A fall like that coupled with a mid-air tussle with Thor was enough to floor the younger god, though he hated to admit it. And who was Thor to come after him anyway? This whole D.B. Cooper heist was his fault...all because of that idiotic bet. Loki probably would have laid there feeling very sorry for himself a good deal longer, but he heard the lonely patter of someone running toward him through the downpour. He had to admit he needed help, and it was time for some quick scheming to get it. Good thing this was always his forte.He had barely accustomed himself to his new feline form and begun mewling loudly when he heard your footfalls slow and watched your shadow move down the alley.Come on. He thought, imbuing it with the hint of an enchantment. Come find me, mortal.Loki was incredibly pleased with himself and, frankly, a bit surprised that his ploy worked so easily. Such dull creatures, mortals...such soft hearts., he mused as he dozed in your arms. He was already barely conscious when he heard you quip, “Okay buddy, but I swear to god, you better not have rabies.”Hey! Rude, he thought, attempting to give a menacing, insulted glare, but it only came out as a grimacing twitch of his whiskers and whining, grumpy, growl.The human smiled a reluctant little grin and tussled his fur saying, “It's a good thing you're adorable.”I'm not adorable! I am a god, you dull creature! , he screamed in his mind, but it only left his mouth as another pathetically cute whine.---In your bathroom you clipped your wet hair up one-handed and kept the little creature bundled against your chest. Once your hand was free you tested temperature of the bath with a wiggle of your fingers.Satisfied, you said, “Alright friend,” holding the cat under his armpits and meeting his eyes, as if you could appeal to his sense of logic. “You stink. I have to give you a bath. You can either except your fate with dignity or you can be a little shit and claw my eyes out. I beg you to accept your fate.”He thought to himself, Why wouldn't I want a bath? I love baths, you idiot. Now clean me, mortal. I tire of....“Mrewwoooow!” he screamed as soon as his paw hit the warm water. He surprised you and himself as you both flinched violently. Apparently Loki was unable to resist his new feline aversion to water. Okay...okay...this is new. He mused.“Okay....Christ! Listen here, you little shit! You can either deal with this while I scrub you down with some Herbal Essences, or you can smell like dumpster juice.”
“Meow”
“Yeah. I know...I know it's not the right thing for cats. I know I should take you to the vet first. I know this is not fucking ideal. I'm...I'm doing my best,” you said, with an unexpected hitch in your throat and slightly-welling eyes, as suddenly you both realized you weren't just talking about the bath anymore.Loki felt an emotion he couldn't quite categorize; one he seldom felt, one others might call sympathy. So he fought his instinct with all his might and remained quiet and while you carefully washed and rinsed his fur. You smiled as your careful hands cleaned every last patch. “Thank you,” you said softly.My pleasure, he thought, and meant it. It actually did feel very nice to be clean, and if felt even better when you dried him, and wrapped him in a warm towel in front of the space heater, with one bowl of water, and one of tuna. By the time you had showered and settled next to him on the floor in your pajamas, he already had a full belly and was drifting off again in the pleasant warmth. You sipped your tea and stroked his now very glossy and soft black fur.“See! You're such a handsome boy now that you don't look and smell like wet trash bag. That wasn't so bad, was it?”From where his head rested on his delicately crossed paws he lazily opened one stunning eye to glare at you menacingly, but it only made you chuckle.As you laughed and smiled down at him, stroking his fur, he felt something else he couldn't quite name; gratitude, certainly, but also something else...something like wanting desperately to see you smile as much as possible...something like hoping that sorrow he saw a glimpse of before wouldn't eat you alive...something like just wanting you to be okay regardless of the benefit to himself.The next time he half-awoke in the night, you were gone and the lights were out, though you had left the space-heater on for him. With his now-amplified hearing, he listened for you, anxious to know you were still there. Only once he heard the gentle undulation of your sleeping breath could he relax into dreams again and wonder what tomorrow would bring.
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Stray: Part 2 While the human was away, Loki sprawled out his long Asgardian body across your floor, passing the time with your extensive collection of books. It felt good to him, having arms and legs to stretch again, and opposable thumbs to turn the pages. Staying in a conjured form for too long could be taxing, and the breaks would be welcome, especially since he couldn't be sure how long this little arrangement might continue.The god of mischief smiled a bit to himself, recalling how you had bustled around in your little uniform, getting ready for your day. You were obviously in a hurry, but you still took the time to stroke his fur and scratch under his chin while you talked to him.“Good morning, little guy. I left some food out for you and the heater on. I'll be home late...hopefully with all the stuff you might need. Please don't pee in my shoes.”Suddenly you stopped and rolled your eyes, raising up again to hurry out the door. “Jesus Christ, I'm talking to the cat again.”Loki chuckled at that (well, meowed with amusement) and found, to his horror, that he was actually sad to lose your company for the day. He found he was becoming very curious about you.Well, come on, he told himself, it's just that you're naturally curious and it's not like you have much else to occupy your time for now. Might as well observe the mortal. Satisfied with his rationalization, he listened for the door to click shut and your heels to click down the hall. Once he was sure you were gone he returned to his usual body, and busied himself with your bookshelf, running his pale graceful fingers over the spines with delight.She certainly has eclectic taste, he mused. The little apartment was crowded with books of all kinds; everything from Shakespeare to comic books, and where there weren't books, there were tidy stacks of records (again, a very eclectic assortment). His took it all in with gusto, fascinated by his choices of entertainment.He blazed through several mystery novels (which were underwhelming as he was always well ahead of the reveal). Seeking the next read, his perceptive eyes landed on an antique volume, Norse Mythology. He smirked as he slid the book into his palm.
Now this should be interesting.
In a predictably self-indulgent move, he looked for an entry about himself, landing unfortunately on a beautifully illustrated page about Thor. He crinkled his nose in disgust and let the book drop to the floor, but as the tome landed with a thunk, it dropped open to the chapter with his name as the title. He lowered himself to the floor, laying on his belly as he read about his glorious self.The description wasn't the most flattering. It painted the trickster god as a cruel and violent nuisance, but he had to admit that wasn't entirely inaccurate. There was, however, a glorious illustration in the style of an illuminated manuscript. Green and gold calligraphy snaked out the letters of his name and below it was a very handsome illustration highlighting his bright kaleidoscopic eyes and sharp rakish face (although they always got the hair wrong by painting it a garish shade of red). Oh well, what could one expect from foolish mortals.His musing was suddenly interrupted by the sound of heels clicking down the hallway. In a panic he looked outside and realized it was already dusk. He had lost track of the time. As he heard your jostling and struggling to unlock the door one-handed, he quickly changed back to his feline form. Loki realized, a moment too late, that he hadn't had time to put the books back from where they laid sprawled out on the floor where he had been reading.You finally shouldered your way inside, huffing and puffing, arms loaded with a heavy shopping bag. You set it down carefully and kicked your heels off forcefully, feeling weirdly satisfied that they smacked against the wall. (You always hated the damn things, and tended to punish them like this for the pain inflicted on your feet each day).You smiled to where the sleek black cat was laying with his paws crossed delicately over the pages of a book, tail flicking lazily as if this wasn't at all odd. Loki noticed the quizzical expression on your face as you noticed the books on the floor. “Hey, buddy,” you chirped sweetly, “How the hell did you knock these off?”“Mrrow,” the cat grumbled.“Okay, okay. Keep your secrets you little magician,” you said, joining him on the floor and collecting the books. When you came to the volume under his paws, he refused to move them. He thought indignantly, I'm not done reading this! Though he was well aware he wouldn't be getting his way.“Hrmmm,” you hummed, “Loki, the trickster...” as you traced your hand over the gold script. “He was always my favorite of the Norse gods, you know?”“Meow?”“Yeah! The tricksters always make life interesting, right?”“Meroww.”“See. I knew you'd agree with me.” You put a pensive finger to your lips. “He'd probably be a good namesake for your, huh, you mischievous scamp? I guess it's better than calling you “buddy” or “little guy” all the time.”
I should damn well think so, madam.
Loki watched curiously as you rose you to your feet, digging something out of your kitchen junk drawer. “Aha!” you exclaimed as you pulled out a green leather watchband (the clock was broken then lost long ago). Pulling out a marker you carefully wrote the name “Loki” in clear block letters on the tattered leather, then gently fastened the band around his neck. Smiling and stroking his fur with your warm hand you said, “Okay, Loki. You look very handsome,” you declared massaging his velvety cheeks with your thumbs. In return, you introduced yourself, saying your name and shaking his paw. “Nice to meet you, Loki.”Loki wanted to protest this patronization, but your affection felt so pleasant, and it gave him a warm feeling to hear you call him “handsome”.“Oh! I have...uh...stuff. I think this is the right stuff...Here, look, I've got a litter box and a little bed for you and I got a few different kinds of food. I'm not sure which one you might like best.”You stopped abruptly, saying once again under your breath, “Jesus Christ...talking to the cat again, you lonely weirdo.”Loki shot a paw out, tapping your arm and then nuzzling into it. And although you knew it couldn't be more than an animal trying to use you as a heating pad, it seemed like he was trying to say thank you, trying to say that he liked you talking to him and doting on him...and that he wanted to be held.
Crazy...I'm going crazy. I'm a crazy lonely cat lady, and I'm gonna die alone here someday and this cat is going to eat my eyeballs.
Still, it tugged your heartstrings as the little tomcat reached out its paws to your shoulders meowing and purring gently as it attempted to climb into your arms...and who were you to deny him?Hesitantly, you reached out and held him against you, stroking gently and nuzzling your face against him.You said quietly with a note of grateful awe, “Awww. I didn't expect you to be such an affectionate little guy.”Neither did I. Loki thought, even more surprised than you were.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stray: Part 3
Loki was beginning to fall into a pleasant sort of routine with the human. He enjoyed the soapy smell of your freshly showered skin as you cuddled him against yourself each morning before rushing out the door. No matter how tired or stressed or how much of a hurry you were in, you never failed to tell him good morning and hug him goodbye, and it thawed his icy heart. It seemed so strange to him; that a being would simply selflessly care for a creature who could offer nothing at all in return except companionship...and yet you did.He noticed other things about you; that you had scuffed up one specific patch of the wall from grumpily kicking your shoes off each day (the closest to angry he ever saw you), that when you came home you always made a cup of coffee and curled up with a book, that you'd put a record on and hum along as you made dinner and did the dishes, that you especially liked The Velvet Underground, that you winced whenever the phone rang but, without fail, spoke so kindly to whoever was on the other side, that you'd go to see movies by yourself and stack the little ticket stub into a tidy collection as you gave him your film review. He learned that your favorite color was purple, that you would buy little bundles of fresh herbs and set them out in makeshift jam-jar vases just to smell them and enjoy the little pops of color in a gray world. All of these things gave him an irrepressible fizzle of warm feelings for you...feelings he couldn't quite define.I'm...used to her? I find her pleasant? She...doesn't bother me...not like Thor and Odin do, anyway. He thought to himself, uncertain of how else to explain it.On more than one occasion when you left for work, Loki would transform himself back into his smart black suit with the crisp white shirt. He would straighten his tie and check his slicked-back hair in the mirror as he summoned up the green glow of his magic, preparing to transport himself away to the next step of his fugitive journey. And yet...each time he stood there, staring at his perfectly polished shoes, simply unable to make the feet within them move. He couldn't leave when he thought of how sweet and sad and panicked you would be, calling his name over and over in vain, holding the little green makeshift collar, totally devastated. It wasn't like him to stagnate like this, and the fact that he was getting comfortable was...well...uncomfortable. Each time he was ready to go he would turn the little leather band in his large palm, reading his name in your handwriting over and over again. With a sigh of resignation, Loki would finally loosen his tie, sit back down, and settle into being your house guest for a little longer. Just a few more days, he kept telling himself.Life sailed along this way until one day you seemed markedly...different. As your heels clicked down the hall and Loki transformed back into a cat, he happily anticipated curling up in your lap as you'd stroke his back aimlessly while reading. He wanted more than anything to enjoy your humming to your records and the savory smell your cooking, but today wouldn't go that way.As you came in the door you slammed it shut behind you, and this time when you kick your shoes off you cursed loudly and etched a darker scuff in the wall. Loki's eyes wondered to your face and he was distressed to see your eyes wet and red-ringed. You had obviously been sobbing hard. You dropped your things and made your way straight for the couch, flopping down with the palms of your hands against your eyes, weeping inconsolably.Loki was alarmed, having never seen you so upset. He was afraid to come near you in this unpredictable state, but he longed to be close to you so much more than he was afraid of you. Slinking carefully, he made his way to lay on your stomach. Gingerly settling and watching your face, he waited patiently for you to move your hands and meet his eyes. When you noticed him your angry demeanor immediately melted away as you gave him a pacifying stroke along his spine.“Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry,” you said, gravely-voiced and sniffing. “I didn't mean to scare you,” you soothed. He purred, trying to let you know that he was fine and comfortable, as long as he was with you. You gave a comprehending wan smile, looking into the jewels of his irises as your fingertips combed through his fur. As your breath stilled you said, “Loki, you know, sometimes I think I'm going crazy because I could swear you understand me...that we're having conversations...that you follow along when I read to you. Insane, right? Totally insane.”You chuckled, saddened yet amused by the absurdity of life and human emotions. Loki, however, was shocked at how close you came to the truth, and that you seemed to have connected more than he planned. He desperately wanted to know what was going on to upset his 'dear mortal' so much (this is how he designated you in his own mind) and it frustrated him more than ever that he couldn't simply talk to you and ask.Loki had an idea. He could enchant you and use his power to see inside your mind for himself. You would be none the wiser, but he was still reluctant to invade your privacy. In the end, curiosity got the better of the cat and he gave in. Of course...curiosity...that's all it is, he told himself again.-----He reached into your mind, traveling with you as you stepped into a large building with the sign saying Mullen Department Store. It was interesting to him, seeing what you did all day (endlessly stocking shelves, dealing with customers, cleaning the shop, preparing the products). He began to wonder if they ever let you sit down.Around noon, a coworker approached you saying, “Hey, good luck with that interview with Mr. Mullen! This could be your big break!”. You thanked them and trudged up to the office on the top floor.Before you knew it you were handing a paper to a balding man behind a large tacky desk. Loki felt his heart ache seeing that your hands were shaking. His darling mortal was so nervous! This must be important to her, he thought.“...so as you can see here, Mr. Mullen. I have my Master's degree, fluency in three languages, and background in academic writing and journalism. I think I'd be a perfect writer and translator for the office team. I work very thoroughly and...”The older man huffed, “Let me stop you right there, sweetheart. I'm sorry but we really don't need some dame doing that kind of work.”“Excuse me?”“Don't get me wrong, on paper you're impressive, but we have a...professional image...here. Our ladies in the workforce have to look the part.” He shrugged, “Now, if you worked on your appearance a little, maybe lost a few pounds or wore a bit more makeup you could be be Johnny's secretary. Do you make a good pot of coffee?” He said the last part with a chuckle, clearly pleased with the pitiful thing that passed for his sense of humor.Your voice rose. “Excuse me, but I fail to see what my appearance has to do with my competence. You have plenty of men as writers on staff who were hired without being told to lose a few pounds first. This is absurd! It's 1971, Mr. Mullen, not 1950!”He stared you down with his beady little eyes, “Now listen here, young lady, don't give me that feminist horse shit. You are very very lucky to have the job you do have with this company! I wouldn't expect you to understand the standards we have up here, and that just goes to show you're not what we're looking for.” He checked his watch with a sigh, “That's all the time I have today, and you need to be back on the sales floor.” He dismissed you, not even with a handshake, but by simply waving his hand toward the door and using his other one to crumple your resume and drop it in the trashcan.You didn't say a word, too stunned and disappointed to react to this rejection. Loki felt the sting of your thoughts as they churned around in your head the rest of the day. I'm never going to go farther. This is my life now...my stupid fucking life....not even pretty enough to type or pour coffee for a living...Jesus Christ...I wanted so much more than this. I worked so hard to have more than this. I wanted to see the world. I wanted to learn so much. I barely even have friends.” Loki thought to himself, and wished he could tell you, oh darling, how dare he make you feel this way! You're so clever and unique and kind....and beautiful. Sweet moral, I think you're the most beautiful creature I've ever met. He floated back out of your mind then, shocked by the return to reality and to his sudden swell of feelings for you. The god of mischief realized in that moment that he wanted something he had never wanted for another person before. He wanted you to get all the good things you deserved even if he had to forgo some for himself. He wanted to avenge and defend you, putting the fear of God (or rather, a god) into the idiotic and insulting little man. Most of all, he just wanted you to be okay, and safe...and loved. Loved...he finally allowed himself to think the word.He watched your lovely face as you began to nod off. Your wet lashes closed, and your brow furrowed with worry, even as you drifted off holding him against your heart. He could feel it pulsing in your chest, and sense the slowing of your breath. He finally dared to admit that he wanted to give you love...all the love everyone else wasn't giving you but you so sorely deserved. Loki darted out his little pink tongue to lick your arm where it rested around him. He tried to say, sweet dreams, little mortal. Just rest. We'll find a way. And though it only came out as a contented purr, he was surprised to hear you murmur “thank you,” in return, as you sank further into dreams.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stray: Part 4
After the poor human cried herself to sleep, she fidgeted restlessly as she napped. Somewhere in the fog of your stress dreams you heard the most beautiful voice; deep and silky and soothing. It said, “Oh darling, how dare he make you feel this way! You're so clever and unique and kind....and beautiful. Sweet mortal, I think you're the most beautiful creature I've ever met. Sweet dreams, little mortal. Just rest. We'll find a way.”Loki was shocked when you said “thank you” as if you had heard him. He was certain his words only came out as a purr. Realizing this potential for communication, the great schemer of Asgard began to hatch plans as you rested; a plan to know you better and a plan to help you. But for now the little cat just grabbed the throw blanket (a difficult task when done with teeth rather than hands), dragging it up around you to keep you warm in the autumn chill. He summoned his magic with a green glow of his paw and rested it on your temple. Loki decided it was time for you to meet his true form; even if it would only be in dreams.You had never had a lucid dream before, and the novelty of it stunned you. The storm clouds of your nightmares parted, giving way to a bright scene. An ornate bed cradled you in some kind of ancient palace. Everything felt so real; the sensation of your bare feet on the chilly marble floor, the warm sunshine and spring breeze fluttering in from the balcony doors, the shuffling of silk sheets as you rose to observe your surrounding. You walked gingerly towards the balcony and saw a lovely statuesque man with sleek black hair standing there, looking out over the landscape. His long green cloak billowed in the wind as he turned his broad shoulders to face you with a fond knowing smirk.You had the vague sense that this man could be very dangerous if he wanted to be, and yet you didn't feel fear, especially when he smiled with a kindness that reached his large aquamarine eyes. Those preternatural eyes...they seemed so familiar but in your dreamy state of mind, you couldn't quiet place them.“Hello, darling mortal,” he said in that alluring baritone.“Your...your voice. I just heard it before. Didn't I?” you said, drowsily, not in full control of you mental capacities.“Yes,” he said with an amused smile, and you could swear his paper-pale skin was blushing. This man who looked like a prince from a fantasy novel seemed nervous around you. You thought to yourself that that absolutely must be some dream logic at work.You glanced around in disbelief, “I know this is a dream, but damn...my brain is really doing something strange here, conjuring you up, Prince Charming.” You reached up to touch his cheek as if not quite sure such a beautiful man could exist, even in a dream. Exploring, you stroked your fingers over the contours of his face, eyes wide with awe. He looked utterly shocked by your touch on his skin. Loki didn't expect that schoolboy giddiness to bubble up within him. You had stroked his fur so many times, but never his true face and the intimacy of it was overwhelming. He never wanted you to stop. He wanted that small hand warming his cold cheek forever.You, however, saw the shock in his eyes and jumped back, putting your hands up in surrender. “Sorry! Sorry! That was rude. I didn't mean to scare you...” Then you huffed out a breath and put your hands on your hips, mumbling, “I'm going crazy. I'm apologizing to a gorgeous figment of my imagination.”Loki smiled his most stunning broad smile and chuckled a deep velvety laugh of pure amusement. He stepped closer saying, “Oh you are even more delightful this way...but, pardon me, where are my manners? I am Loki, Prince of Asgard,” he said kissing your hand. Those exquisite eyes never lost contact with your own as if, of all the beauty in this room, you were the most fascinating thing.“L...Loki...Loki as in, the Norse god of mischief...”“Brother of Thor, son of Odin and Frigga. The very same, dear lady.”“Wow...” you said in an awed whisper, “Look at you! You're...gorgeous. You're like a sculpture.”He laughed at that. “Thank you, darling. You are so adorable when you're in a state of abject wonder. This is a new side of you and I quite like it,” he declared as he stroked his long cool fingers through your sleep tousled hair.Just that small touch felt so pleasant that it nearly derailed your entire train of thought, and his. “Wait...wait...a new side? Do we know each other, uh...Your Highness. Is that what I should call you?”“You, my dear, should just use my name. I love the sound of it from your lips. In a sense, we do know each other, but that will all become clear in time. Please, trust me.”“The God of Lies is asking me to trust him?,” you said with a skeptical arch of your eyebrow.He laughed. “I assure you, darling, the irony isn't lost on me.”“This...this is too much...I feel so foggy. What is this? This is a dream, right? You're not real. Why does it feel so real? What...”Hearing the mounting distress in your voice, he placed the pad of his finger lightly against your lips, and whispered, “Shhh, shhhh, Shhh, darling, all in good time. There's nothing to worry about. Come here.”He gestured his lovely hand for you to come closer, close enough to hold. You hesitated. You'd never been a hugger, but perhaps the buffer of dreaming allowed you to feel comfortable with and hungry for touch..especially from him. He wrapped an arm around you and urged you to put your tired head on his shoulder as a deeper haze enveloped you. As he enchanted you into a deeper restful state you could smell his alluring scent of mint and pine, feel the swell of his breathing and the strength of his muscle supporting you, the rumble of his voice as he spoke. It all felt so real.Loki loved the feeling of holding you up as you drifted. As your eyes closed you mumbled in your sleep, “You know, I named my cat after you.”The god laughed a full breathy musical laugh and the memory of the sound lingered with you as you awoke on your own couch and stretched, rubbing your bleary eyes. Once reality settled back in, you noticed Loki (the feline) was watching you intently from the arm of the sofa. You stroked him softly saying, “Hey, lovie. I just had the strangest dream about your namesake. I think I feel a little better now. Let's fix us some dinner, huh? You hungry?”“Meow.”“I thought so,” you said scooping him into your arms as you went to the kitchen. “Chicken or fish today?”Chicken “Mrowow.”“Chicken it is, friend,” you said, then stopped in your tracks, wondering how you knew. Finally, you just shrugged your shoulders, assuming it was your imagination as you reached for the can opener.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stray: Part 5
The next morning Loki put his plan into action. After his breakfast and cuddle and a fond goodbye from the human, the younger prince returned to his usual form. He stood for a long while in front of the mirror, magicking different outfits and disguises until he finally settled on a perfect one.He wore a neat blue sweater, a black pea coat, and gray trousers; everything crisp and expensive enough to be impressive and tasteful, but not flashy. Loki noted with satisfaction that the outfit hugged his long athletic body to perfection. He still had to make some concessions to his vanity, after all. He was satisfied, however, it was unnerving to see his face so changed. He labored extensively to perfect a look that would spark familiarity but not give him away, so he settled on his usual face but changed the tone of his skin from alabaster white to a healthy tan. He morphed his longer slicked black hair into butterscotch-golden curls, cut short and styled impeccably into a soft swoop of volume at the top. Although he was still afraid that it might expose him, he kept his Cheshire cat grin and his piercing eyes.I want that part to be real. I want her to look into my eyes without illusions or deception, he reasoned. Then, with one final adjustment of his watch, a swipe over his jacket and a check of his hair, he magicked himself into the hallway and began the journey to your place of employment...that hideous building with the orange and brown sign reading Mullen's Department Store. Of course, Loki could have simply magically transported himself there, but he chose to walk for some time in the brisk November air and took pleasure in stretching his real legs. The icy bite of a snowy December would be close on the heels of autumn. He could tell somehow. He always loved the ice and snow and was never quite sure why. The prince thought of winter in this realm with giddy anticipation, mostly because of you. With a smile, Loki thought about how you were always a little chilly, and perhaps this winter he would have the privilege of keeping you warm.As his long graceful legs waltzed over the pavement of downtown, through the late morning crowds, he realized the novelty of this whole experience. He had never been very nervous before in matters of romance (his charm going a very long way and letting him glide through a vapid love life with ease) but none of it meant anything. None of it was real. Everything was fleeting; just how he liked it so he would never be too bored. He felt a pang of remorse which had never pricked him before, considering that his sweet moral would never treat people as disposable entertainment the way he had.His feet slowed to a stop under the hulking department store's shadow as the thought needled him; What if I don't deserve her?Nonetheless, he carried on. He had a plan after all, and there was no time to ruminate. As he parted the glass double doors, a hideous stretch of polished tiles sprawled out before him in display after display of appliances and apparel.
What a horrible soulless place. My poor little mortal is subjected to this each day? I have to find her.
Prince wondered for a moment, when it had become his mortal, his human...not simply the. He was assuming you were already his, but really, he was already yours.He marinated in these thoughts as he searched for you until he heard the sweet syllables of your name called by a young lady in a uniform identical to yours. Loki watched as the frazzled girl asked you a panicked question about the hulking machine in front of her. He watched, rapt, as you soothed, “Hey, Janet. It's okay. Stop calling yourself stupid. You're not stupid. You're just still learning. I had the same problem at first. Here, I'll show you a trick.” You softly put your hand on her shoulder as you explained patiently. A drawer full of cash slid open with a click and Janet's face lit up with relief as you said, “See! I knew you could do it. Keep going and call me if you need anything else. I'm right here.”Loki's heart turned absolutely molten as he watched. You had just shown more patience and compassion in a matter of minutes than he had probably shown in several hundred years. He swallowed a little nervous gulp, took a deep breath, and approached you with what he hoped was a casual stride and a friendly smile.“Hello...Miss?” he said, bending down to catch your eye from where you were restocking gift boxes. When you glanced over, your eyes went wide and several items tumbled out of you arms. With the quickest reflexes you'd ever seen, the handsome stranger reached out his long arms to catch them.You breathed a deep sigh of relief and then chuckled. “Oh, sir, I'm so sorry! You snuck up on me, there. Thanks for the save. There's glass in these. Would have been a real mess and...” you stroked a hand through your hair and blushed, trailing off. Then you really observed his face and immediately lost your train of thought. He was absurdly handsome and oddly familiar, in a combination that left you very shy and very frazzled.Finding words after a beat, you said, “Sorry! Rambling...What can I help you with?”“I'm...um...terribly sorry to trouble you. I seem to have strayed a bit. I'm looking for the menswear department.” He paused to peak his eyebrows sweetly and put his hands in his pockets, stepping ever so slightly closer to you while holding your gaze in a vice grip, “and I'm afraid I need a lady's help to pick out a suitable tie. Would you be so kind as to assist me?”You just stood there a moment, eyes wide and mouth open like a fish. You shook your head and came back to your senses. “Oh...oh! Menswear is just one floor up and to the left. I'm afraid that's not my department.” You laughed nervously, cheeks aching from your awkward smile, “I wouldn't know the first thing about men's fashion, but Tammy works of there. She's lovely and knows absolutely everything about putting suits together...really good taste...”. You paused your torrent of words to shake your head and still your wildly gesticulating hands. The stranger just listened intently while flashing a stunning, amused grin. He was watching you as if you were the most fascinating creature he had ever met. “Sorry...I'm rambling again. I don't mean to be too nosy, but have we met before? You seem incredibly familiar. Shopped here before maybe?”Loki quickly realized you were putting it all together. Soon it would dawn on you. His eyes must have given him away, but he saw a solution and said smoothly, “Oh...yes. Yes, I've been by here a few times. I'm sure we've passed each other. You look familiar as well. I never forget a lovely face.”A pleasant fragrance of mint and pine struck you with a lightning bolt of comprehension, but being a generally sane person you found a logical explanation.
Of course! I was reading that page about Loki. I saw this man around here, and it must have all just seeped into my subconscious...got into my dreams. I guess I ought to thank my brain, because he is stunning. Jesus Christ, how could I forget him? I guess I even remembered his cologne. He seems a little too charming to trust though. Probably complimenting me to get something out of me.
He blinked and looked down at his perfectly polished shoes, setting one finger pensively against his lips. He nodded thoughtfully and said, “Right...One floor up to the left?”“Yes, sir. And Tammy will be the one to help you.”Loki immediately discovered that you calling him “sir” had a very particular effect on him, but he decided to tuck that thought away for much much later. The charmer began to feel a little fizzle of panic as you began to turn back to your work. Wasting this chance would devastate him.“Tammy...right,” he said flatly. “Thank you for your help,” he said with a smooth grin. “Oh...and...one more thing.”“Yes?”“Would you be so kind as to join me for lunch?”You just stared, utterly baffled, for a long moment. Trying to process that this had actually just happened. (In fact, about half a dozen of your coworkers were doing the same thing, rubbernecking this train wreck of your social skills with their mouths agape).You shook off the impulse to follow this man literally anywhere he asked and switched to a more sensible tactic. You asked skeptically, “Forgive me for being blunt...but you don't need a tie, do you?”He threw his hands up in a gleeful and mischievous expression and declared, “Guilty as charged.”You giggled at his shamelessness then advised, “Well if you're looking for what I think you're looking for, there are much prettier and more socially graceful shop girls than me around, but I'm very flattered. Don't get me wrong.”His eyes shot wide open and he put his hands up saying, “Oh no no! Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not that kind of man. I just find you interesting. I promise you, I'd just like to chat. Cafe next door? 12:30?”Thinking of your pitiful bank account you excused yourself saying, “I'm sorry, but I really can't. I only have 30 minutes and...”He winked. Jesus...he winked and it made you absolutely melt into putty in his elegant hands. Lowering his voice to a delicious whisper he said, “Come on...my treat. Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?”Very uncharacteristically and with complete abandon, you answered, “Okay...okay,” grinning and nodding over and over in a cloud of delirious infatuation that carried you through the morning and into your much-anticipated lunch date.-------While you worked as best you could, floating around with hearts in your eyes, Loki was putting his own enamored giddiness on the back burner for the time being. The god of mischief still had work to do and he needed ice in his veins. As he strode off the elevator and into the hallway of the top floor, he was back in his black suit and tie and white shirt, pitch black hair perfectly slicked back; every strand in its right place. He let out a derisive little bark of laughter at Mr. Mullen's locked office door, and the note stuck to it that said “Out of office. Back in one hour.”Loki effortlessly drifted through the door in a glow of green smoke and settled in; somehow dominating the vast room with his singular presence. He sat, relaxed, biding his time with a tumbler of Mr. Mullen's fine Scotch whiskey. As the morning sun glared through the windows, the trickster donned his sunglasses and summoned an elaborate and very lethal switchblade. He gave a sideways smirk as he flicked it open with a satisfying click and began twirling it in his nimble hand, watching the glimmer of it in the sunshine. The god of mischief despised tedium more than nearly anything, but he was no stranger to patience in the service of a cunning plan. And this...oh this would be a worth waiting for, he mused as he coolly sipped the amber liquid and flipped his gleaming blade.The door unlocked and a red-faced, balding man shuffled through the door. He squealed and flinched, seeing the tall dark stranger sitting with his legs crossed and feet resting on his gaudy desk. Loki swung his legs down lazily and sat up straight, saying crisply, “Mr. Mullen, I presume?”“Who...who the fuck are you? This...this door was locked!”Loki slid off his sunglasses and peaked an eyebrow haughtily in Mullen's direction. Arctic irises skewered the pitiful man as he quipped, “Hah...please. And you, Mr. Mullen, have not earned the pleasure of knowing my name. All you need to know...” he said leaning forward to carefully place his scotch on the desk, and swing his switchblade deftly in his direction, like a conductor's wand, “..is that I am someone very very dangerous. Now...have a seat.”Mullen, red and shaking, did has he was told and Loki smiled wickedly. Oh, he had missed these kinds of games. It felt strangely righteous to be so wicked, but for such a good reason. He was so pleased to make this man cower in the same chair where he had made his precious mortal feel small and worthless. He had to admit, it felt good to be in his element again, and to use what he knew best.Loki knew, for example, that nothing makes people squirm and break more easily than keeping them wondering. Often, the longer he stayed cool and silent, the more his opponent's imagination would fill in the gaps of assumption, volunteering their most heinous secrets in desperation. And just as he predicted, the businessman folded easily, jumping quickly upon his own dagger of dread.The businessman sputtered out, “What are you? FBI...CIA...I was wondering when you men in black would start crawling out of the woodwork to bother me.”Loki glared, lowering his voice. “Worse, I'm afraid.”Mullen's mouth dropped open and his beady eyes shone with terror, “My god...you're one of Vinny's men aren't you? I...I told him I was good for it. I'm counting on him for this whole operation...I wouldn't betray...”Loki tutted and scolded, “Good heavens, no wonder this city is in turmoil! With such abuse of power...dehumanizing people different from yourselves, squashing them under your expensive designer shoes while they toil away...what else could you expect? Narrow-minded idiots...the lot of you.”The trapped man whimpered and sweated through his suit in ugly patches. He began to blubber something incomprehensible.The god stood up and stalked towards his victim, knife held deftly up to his lips in a silencing gesture. “Shh. Shh. Shhhh. I'm not here to hear you talk. I am here to tell you what to do. Is that clear?”The man said nothing, only trembled. Loki brought the blade closer to Mullen's face. “I said, is that clear?”“Yes...y...yess.”“Alright.” He smiled maniacally. “See? That wasn't so hard. Now...listen. There was a very clever young lady who came to you yesterday, politely asking for a chance to advance her career and you shooed her away like a stray animal,” he said, growling the last few words.Loki came closer, propping the knife under his chin and forcing Mullen's eyes to meet his own. “Rude, Mr. Mullen. Inexcusably rude...and it has drawn the attention of an entity you very much do not want to agitate. So, if you would like exit this room intact, you will do the following: you will apologize properly to that young lady, you will give her the chance she very much deserves, and you will not say a word about this meeting to anyone. If you dare to, I will do terrible, awful things to you. Do you understand? Do we have an agreement?”“Y...ye...yes.”“Good. Now,” Loki said crisply, then glanced at his watch, “my time is very precious Mr. Mullen, especially today, and I've already wasted too much on you. Maybe if you had given her the time she deserved we wouldn't have to deal with this little inconvenience. Have a nice day,” he said with a wide, menacing smile (more of a showing of teeth than a sign of happiness), as he swanned out of the room.Now, Loki thought as he walked down the hall with a spring in his step and a smirk on his lips, I have a date.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stray: Part 6
Loki waited patiently in the sepia and golden glow of the cozy little cafe, then jumped to his feet as he saw you walk in. He stood up, waving and smiling eagerly, welcoming you to a little table for two where candles had been lit and the steaming food had just arrived.He kissed your hand and pulled your chair out in a bafflingly archaic display of chivalry.“Th...thank you, Mr...I actually don't think I got your name.”“Ah! Of course. I'm Henry. Thank you so much for joining me. I hope you don't mind, but I know you don't have much time so I ordered for us in advance.”“Wow! This looks incredible!” you exclaimed. Your eyes lit up like a child on Christmas as you saw the most scrumptious-looking grilled cheese and tomato soup. “You must have read my mind. I love a grilled cheese and tomato soup on a dreary day.”Henry gave a wry grin, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “Good intuition, I suppose.”An effervescent giggled escaped your lips. You couldn't believe the absurdity of this situation; sitting here in your uniform, a threadbare sweater over you shoulders, opposite a modern prince charming eating in a cafe far beyond anything you could afford.“Please,” he said, delighted by your delight, “Dig in.”You hummed in pleasure as you took a crispy bite of the golden sandwich dipped in the silky soup. You had no idea such a simple meal could be a gourmet cuisine with the right preparation.Loki's heart fluttered as he looked up to see your doe eyes go wide. “This...this is the best soup I've ever had in my life! Thank you Mr....Thank you, Henry.”'Henry' nodded his his lovely blond head as he replied, “My pleasure.”“So,” you began uncertainly, “You seem to have a few accurate impressions of me. May I know a bit more about you?”“I would venture to say that I don't know nearly enough about you, darling.”you could feel the blood warming in your cheeks. “I really don't know that there's much to say. Frankly, I'm pretty confused by your attention. You're handsome and suave and...well, I'm sure you know all that. Men like you usually know very well where they stand in those matters. I'd like to know about you beyond that.”There are no men like me. He thought; a faint hint of his dormant arrogance rearing up. However, he did feel the slightest prick of a wound, not because you mistook him for a simple human, but because you said it with so much suspicion. Although Loki was dying for you to trust him, he couldn't blame you really. He was literally deceiving you right now. You were certainly intelligent enough to be weary of the intentions of attractive men. It was actually admirable. Not everyone could keep their wits about them when the silver-tongued god of charm engaged them.“I don't think you give yourself enough credit, but I can also see that you don't enjoy talking about yourself.”“Correct,” you confirmed with a laugh, deflecting. “So...with a lovely accent like that, I'm guessing you aren't from around here?”“Uh...no,” he said dabbing his face with a napkin. “In my youth I spent a good deal of time in Norway with my family. The people there were very hospitable. Eventually, we migrated to England. Our Scandinavian friends took us with them, in a sense, but that was all a very long time ago and I've traveled around since then. What about you? I'm sure you have an interesting story of your own.”Hmm. You thought, Undeterred, are you?Unable to meet his penetrating gaze, you stared into your soup. “Not particularly. I'm from a big city in the Midwest. Came to the coast to get my degrees and I've been here ever since, hoping I could get a career as an academic but clearly...”, you gestured down to your uniform, “that hasn't exactly worked out.”When you met his eyes again he seemed so sad. “It really is terrible, isn't it? That women face so many barriers. But I do hope things are changing...especially for you.”You smiled with a tired sort of hope. “Me too. I just keep trying...trying to stay brave and stay kind.”“Yes...I can see that.” he said with a warm expression. “Don't you miss it? Your hometown. Your friends, family?” After a beat and a quizzical raise of his eyebrows... “Boyfriend?”You took a sip of your water to delay answering. “No...heh. No boyfriend, and I...don't really have any close friends. The other girls, my coworkers, they invite me out and they're very sweet. Sometimes I go, but I just don't...I don't know...fit in. My family doesn't speak to me. See, I wasn't supposed to go off and get diplomas. I was supposed to get married and make babies, according to them. That wasn't what I wanted, so...”“Ah,” he said knowingly, “It's never easy when families make us feel like a disappointment for simply following our own compass. Mine does the same.”Your eyebrows peaked in surprise, “You? A disappointment? Those must be some very odd standards your family has if they consider you a disappointment. I can't wrap my head around that.”“Nor can I in your situation, dear lady.” He tilted his head thoughtfully, a sadness behind his pretty eyes. “I suppose we're both strays then?”You nodded pensively. Your itching curiosity finally got the better of you as you asked, “Henry, this will probably sound like a pretty selfish questions, but...What is it about me that you could possibly notice that impressed you enough to do this for me? I just can't understand.”He took a deep breath and swirled his wine, searching for a way to say something deeply true but wrapped in a lie of omission. Then he said sincerely, “I noticed, on several occasions, that you were kind, and clever, and unique, and funny. Even working in a soulless place that wants to crush that out of you. It takes a quiet kind of strength to remain yourself, and that's a much more challenging feat of strength than the more obvious sorts. Persisting like that is hard. It's one of the hardest things in the universe.”“Thank you. That's extremely flattering of you to say, and so poetically too, but it can't be that unusual.”“Believe me, darling. I've been everywhere. I'm older than you'd think. I assure you that it is very very rare.” He leaned closer, those bright eyes never leaving you. “You are very very rare. The only one of your kind,” he said, almost whispering as he gently took your hand.“Oh! Your poor hands are freezing,” you said cradling his in both of yours and rubbing gently.Loki chuckled hard with amusement. “Oh sorry darling. It's nothing, I promise. I just tend to run cool. I assure you, it doesn't bother me. I actually quite like crisp weather.”You kept your palms pressed against his beautiful hand, feeling utterly unable to let go now that you'd had the chance to touch him. To your surprise and delight, his lovely fingers curled around yours.You were speechless under his spell, only able to think, Say something say something say something goddamn it say something!“Ah well, you're in the right place then. Chilly and rainy seems to be what this city specializes in. I hate it though,” you added shivering into your ratty sweater. “I get cold so easily.”You cringed a little, feeling like you'd settled on the dullest kind of small talk. You stared down at your now-empty plates but you could feel his perceptive gaze boring into you. Suddenly, the clock chimed one and you jumped up.“Oh! I'm so sorry to run off but I really need to clock back in now. Thank you so much, Henry. This was so lovely. Um...can I leave some cash for my part?”He shook his head in abject confusion. “No! No no. My treat, darling, remember?” he said softly as he rose, helping your into your coat. He was so close. You could smell his fresh cologne again, the press of his large hands as he draped your coat gently over your shoulders. “But, in return, might I be so bold as to ask for your phone number?”He brought out a little note pad of luxurious green paper and a pen, and you gladly scribbled your name and number on it, hands almost shaking too much to make it legible.He purred out the syllables of your name with satisfaction, then said, “I'll call you soon?”You gasped out a breathy, “Yes! Yes please. Thank you for everything.”He nodded to you as you backed out through the door waving your hand (and bumping into a table). You hustled back to punch the clock, a couple minutes late but still on cloud 9.----Loki was feeling equally blissful, sitting for a long moment after you'd left, enjoying the scent of your perfume lingering behind you; violets and lavender. His hand still felt warm from your touch. He had only had one glass of wine, but he was already feeling tipsy from this lovely little time with you. Lost in his thoughts, he hatched another plan to make you smile, and jumped up to complete it before he would have to go back to your shared home and his feline form.------As you slid your punch card into the clock the next morning you felt a strange mix of emotions; still high off of your incredible little date and Henry's company, but hesitant to put too much into it. You felt the strain of uncertainty and a very familiar reluctance towards trust. It felt like that long moment of tension when the cart has finished climbing the first hill of a rollercoaster and has yet to plunge. Waiting for either a thrilling or terrifying drop was eating at your usually strong patience.You weren't sure if he would call that evening. You assumed he wouldn't that night since it had only been a few hours and...what was the etiquette anyway? To wait a few days? You had no idea. Dating was far outside your area of expertise. But you did take comfort in how extra affectionate your little black feline companion was being.Loki was anxious for you to come home that evening, noticing you were a bit later than usual. You swung in the door all blushing cheeks and smiling, raindrops clinging to your hair and making it glitter, those adorable apples of your cheeks rising in glee. He began to purr you stroked his fur, thrilled to see you again though it had only been a few hours.“Sorry I'm late, Loki,” you soothed as he meowed pitifully. “I didn't mean to make you nervous. I had to stop at the library.” Looking over to where you had set two thick volumes on the counter, he noted the titles. A History of Norway and Introductory Norwegian. He grinned irrepressibly (as much as a cat can grin) at the sweet curiosity of his mortal. She wanted so much to learn and to see the world, and of course, also to know a bit more about her dashing stranger. Don't worry, little mortal, he thought, I'll show you such exquisite places over all the nine realms. Loki was actually rather proud of himself that he hadn't technically lied, and learning about Scandinavia would, in fact, teach her a good deal about him and where he had spent so much time on this planet before.His heart sank, though, as he sat in her lap. His tail twitched anxiously as her eyes kept wondering towards her silent phone and her initial glee turned to frustration. Loki was dying to call her, to alleviate her worries that 'Henry' wasn't interested. She stroked and scritched his shiny coat as she confided in him with a sigh.“He was so so sweet, Loki. I want to believe him. He seemed sincere, but a man like that? Going for a girl like me? I'm sure he's already forgotten about me and moved on to one of the other hundred names in his little black book.”“Meow!”“Yeah, I guess your right. It's not fair for me to judge a book by its cover. He certainly must not be judging me by mine.”“Merorow!” How can you say that? You're so beautiful...and the more I know about you the more and more beautiful you become.You smirked and said, “You know, you always holler like that when I'm putting myself down. Thanks for putting a stop to it. Maybe someday I'll get out of the habit.”-------Your mind drifted to all of these moments of the day before while you tried your best to pay attention behind your counter, or taking inventory, but you found yourself scattered and day dreaming. You were doing just that when Janet called your name, and you snapped back to the present.“Janet! Sorry about that.”Janet chuckled, knowing what lovestruck looked like when she saw it. “Jesus, I was calling your name like four times!”“Sorry!” you chuckled out, embarrassed. “What's the matter, kid?”“Well, there's a gift box delivered at reception for you.” She smirked and elbowed you conspiratorially, “seems like you got an admirer.”You scoffed and rolled your eyes, but you couldn't deny the swell of anticipation you felt as your feet carried you swiftly to the desk.Waiting for you was a package wrapped in elaborate green and gold paper and tied with a golden bow. A small note with your name written in elegant calligraphy graced the top. You read it with a smile so wide your cheeks began to ache.
Darling,
Thank you for a lovely little meal together. My apologies for not calling. I've been unfortunately terribly occupied with a project and haven't found a private moment. Please know that I think about your lovely voice, and eyes, and demeanor constantly, though. And please accept this small token of my affection. I hate to think of you shivering, and I'd love to help you keep warm.
Sincerely,
Henry
Digging through the tissue paper, you discovered a lusciously soft violet-hued sweater. It was new and perfectly tailored to your size. All you could do for a time was stare at it, mouth agape for a long moment.Finally Janet made her way up to you, too curious to stay behind for long. She tapped your arm lightly and goaded, “Well! Try it on, princess! I'm swooning for you.”You giggled. You couldn't help it. You shrugged your ratty gray cardigan off and slid your arms into the softest cashmere you had ever felt. It was perfect, everything about it was perfect; the color exactly suited to your skin tone and preference, the shape tastefully flattering your every curve. You were overwhelmed by a storm of every good feeling; gratitude, affection, glee, excitement. Janet thought to herself that she'd never seen you so glad before, and she was happy for you, deciding that if anyone deserved to be doted on by a dashing prince it really was you.“Wow. Honey, if he has a brother, promise you'll let me know?” the younger lady asked, and you both giggled.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stray: Part 7
His human came home that evening slightly late, but absolutely elated. Loki felt his heart swell to nearly bursting when he saw your smile. You breezed in and immediately lifted him and kissed him on the nose, then snuggled him close and kissed his velvety head.“Oh, Loki. I've had such an amazing day!” you said flitting around, putting groceries away and kicking off your heels, nearly dancing with joy. “Mr. Mullen called me to his office and he's giving me a chance! He even apologized for being such an ass before.”Good, Loki thought with a devious smirk. I guess he does value being in one piece. He watched as you stroked the lovely purple cardigan then reluctantly took it off, placed it on a hanger, and smoothed out the delicate fabric with care.Sweet mortal! Loki thought, You needn't be so careful with it. It's not some great treasure...just a token. I would get you hundreds of them, one for every day of the year, in every color. I would see that you never feel cold again. But then he remembered the kind of creature you are, grateful for everything, expecting nothing, treating every good thing, person, and gift as something precious. He watched as you took a professional outfit out of a Mullen's Department Store bag and laid it out on the sofa. The crisp new fabric of the pencil skirt was a sharp contrast to the threadbare upholstery.“Well Loki, what do you think? I've never had to buy office clothes before. I'm not sure about it but Tammy helped me pick it out.”“Meow”. I approve! Very classy...but you'd look so much lovelier in an Asgardian court gown with a crown upon your head. That would be more befitting your beauty. His human chuckled, and seemed to only understand his affirmation. “Thank you. I'm so glad you like it. I have a feeling you have great taste,” you said as you massaged between his ears until he purred with satisfaction. Sitting, you gathered him more closely into your arms, meeting his lovely, rare eyes and said, “You know...ever since I found you, everything has gotten better. I mean...not just the good luck of a promotion and meeting Henry. Just...you make every day better. I was so alone before. Thank you, little kitten. You're so important to me.”You stroked his back and all he could do was purr as he floated on your praise. He had never felt such sheer pleasure from bringing joy to another being. Loki had also rarely ever been praised for anything either...mostly told to shut up or stop. He was ecstatic, bursting at the seams. He longed to reveal himself to you and finally ask you to spend your lives together on a grand adventure, but how could he? How would you believe him? How would you take it?Come on, Loki ,he encouraged himself, you're the god of mischief. Scheming is what you do. Do it for a glorious purpose this time. Patience was never his favorite thing, but he was determined to try it for his sweet human. The younger prince of Asgard felt an unusual pang of anxiety. Loki rarely faced anything in his long life that presented a true challenge or obstacle; but here it was before him. You were worth it, he decided. For you, and only you, he would find a way.
----
That weekend you didn't receive a call from Henry. You did, however receive a letter in your mailbox in that same lovely handwriting on green and gold paper.
Darling,
I know there is Fall Carnival is this weekend at that lovely orchard outside of town, and I have never attended such an event before. Would you be my date for the day? Meet me in front of your building at 3 pm on Saturday and we'll have a splendid day together.
Sincerely,
Henry
Reading the note, you couldn't help smiling so wide your cheeks hurt. What an odd man! Sending courtly letters instead of calling like a normal person. It was incredibly charming, though; idiosyncratic in a way that inclined you to trust him. You guessed he wasn't so perfectly confident after all, if phone calls scared him. You couldn't blame him though. They scared you too.So on Saturday, just before 3 pm, you kissed the little cat goodbye, then swung out the door in the one nice pair of jeans you owned and a sturdy raincoat, excitement and anticipation crackling through your bloodstream.----Loki's irrepressible Cheshire cat grin unfurled across his face as he turned to see you hurrying toward your front door. You couldn't believe how handsome 'Henry' he looked; like an English country gentlemen, with his perfectly coordinated leather boots and coat. Evaluating your own ratty hiking boots and dated parka you felt like slinking away in embarrassment, but it was far too late for that.Still, he kissed your hand like a princess and said, “Darling! Thank you for joining me today. You look absolutely lovely!”“Henry...I look like I'm going hiking...and possibly like I'm living in a tent. I feel terribly under-dressed next to you.”He looked genuinely concerned for a moment. “Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel self-conscious. I'm sure we'll be equally muddy by the end of the day, in any case,” he paused, looking deeply into your eyes, “and I'm sure you look lovely in anything at all.”“You, sir, are dangerously charming,” you quipped, scrunching your nose in that adorable way you often did. You couldn't know how the little habit always made him fall to pieces.---At the orchard the carnival rides were in full frenzied swing. The hundreds of multi-color bulbs painted swaths of pulsing color around the makeshift amusement park and further into the fields beyond. The rusty omnipresent hue of old machinery blended into the natural coppery-colored remainders of autumn foliage. You walked through the crowd, each holding cups of warm cider and talking between languid steps and steamy sips.“You know, in all the years I've lived here,” you said, “I've never come to this carnival. Thank you for giving me a nudge to do it.”“My absolute pleasure,” he assured you. “I've never been here either.”You just observed his lovely patrician face for a moment until he finally noticed and said, “What is it?”You grinned and stopped in your tracks, “Uh...nothing...it's nothing...just. You seem like some kind of incredibly fairytale prince...the way you talk, and your fine clothes and gifts and...and leaving letters instead of calling. How did you know my address, by the way?”“Ah...well...Janet helped me out with that one. She said it was very romantic and was happy to be in on it,” he said with a shy grin.You chuckled knowingly, “Well it is, and you are incredibly disarming, but you already know that. And she's still so young. Her whole world revolves around romance. Life hasn't taken that from her yet. I hope it doesn't.”You both continued walking but he tilted his head to observe you. Some unspoken sadness flickered across your face; some history of aching rejection he had yet to discern. It was a scar, and he wanted to kiss it.“What? Don't you think romance makes life worth living?”You scoffed at him, assuming he was being sarcastic, but his eyes were completely innocent and sincere. “Well...I don't know. I never counted on it or looked for it. There were always more practical concerns. I figured if I told myself I didn't want or need it, it wouldn't hurt so much to never have it.” You shrugged. “It just always seemed like something meant for other people, not me. So I looked for joy and meaning in everything else,” you said looking around thoughtfully, “...in kindness, in the things I get excited about learning, in the small beautiful parts of life. Even on the bad days I try not to take anything for granted.”“Wow,” he said, “are you some kind of saint?”You raised and eyebrow at him and said, “I assure you. I'm far from it.” And I'd like to show you personally how far from it I could be, you thought and then pushed it away just as quickly.“I have sad and weak and angry days. I have days where I want to scream and jump out of my fucking window. I often feel alone and...different. I wonder what's wrong with me that I don't let anyone get too close.”He considered this. “ You are different, and it's wonderful.” He realize he was staring. It was making you uncomfortable, so he changed tact slightly, reorganizing his thoughts. “Well, it's no great mystery, right? You've dealt with being hurt and disregarded by the people who were supposed to love you. That's a deep wound, and now your impulse is to survive...but maybe...just maybe, you could thrive while you're at it?”You gave him a cautious grin, “That's a lovely thought...here's to hoping. I haven't felt hope for awhile, but it's making an appearance lately,” you said, toasting his your little paper cup with his and downing the last sips of your hot cider. When you both drained your cups, you were surprised to see Henry suddenly crumple his cup, throw it to the ground, and shout “Another!”. He quickly realized from the startled faces around him that his Asgardian gesture of appreciation must not be a universal one. “Oh,” he said with a chuckle, picking up the little cup; throwing it and yours into the garbage can. “I'm terribly sorry! Force of habit...it's a Scandinavian thing.”You giggled a musical irrepressible laugh, and he felt himself go weak under its spell. He wanted to hear you laugh like that as often as possible. You pointed a finger against his firm chest stepped slightly closer, so the icy clouds of your breath mingled in the crisp air, “You are a delightfully odd man, Henry. I like you. I...I really like you,” you said, making eye contact. He met your gaze so intensely that you forgot to breathe. His hand curled around yours resting it against the soft leather of his coat. “I like you too, darling. So...so much. I know it's cliché and makes me sound utterly insane but I feel so comfortable with you...like I was meant to know you my whole life.”You were stunned for a moment; partially because you felt entirely the same way, and partially because that did sound utterly insane. While your mind struggled to wrap around what he had just said, he massaged your hand gently and exclaimed, “My god! Darling, you're absolutely frozen. I should get you some gloves next time.” He untied his large wine-red scarf from his own neck and wrapped it around yours, then bundled your hands carefully in the draping ends.Loki longed to kiss you in that moment. He wanted to kiss you so badly it ached within him every moment he didn't, but he found he couldn't, which puzzled him. He had never had any hesitation with kissing anyone before. Loki had never known the experience of nervousness or self-consciousness in romance...until now.Why! He shouted within his mind You idiot, why aren't you kissing her right now?Then a smaller voice within his mind piped up; an uncertain voice of his younger more insecure self, Because, what if I don't deserve her?You were disappointed. He could see it clearly in your eyes. You wanted it just as much as he did, and the liminal silent tension was wearing on your both.You couldn't bring yourself to initiate a kiss he might not want, so instead you wrapped your arms around his lanky waist and snuggled into his chest affectionately, whispering a simple “thank you”. Loki paused for a moment, stunned by the gesture, amazed to have you in his arms. Suddenly he gripped you very tightly, as if afraid you might drift away like a perfect dream upon waking. He felt a tear roll down his cheek in the icy air, first warm and then cool against his skin as he enjoyed the weight of you against him, close to him.
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Part 8 Loki's heart felt lead-heavy as he finally forced himself to release you from his embrace. Finally, he sadly accepted that he'd missed his opportunity to kiss you. In return, you gave him a bittersweet smile, baffled that he didn't make his move when it seemed inevitable that he would.
Maybe he intends to just abandon me at some point, like everyone else does. Eventually, I'm always going to be alone. But, for now, there's something beautiful to experience, so I won't take it for granted. I'll hold onto the good parts when the worst happens, I'll treasure them. That's all I can do.
You felt like crying as the two of you continued strolling down the main promenade of the carnival; two heads bowed, two sets of hands buried in pockets, two sets of eyes glittering faintly with unshed tears and unspoken words in the carnival lights. The sun had set in a beautiful amber and rose vista while you had rested against his chest. You watched, considering the poignant fleeting nature of all beautiful things as the sun sank below the hills. A velvety indigo night had descended by the time he finally unraveled from the hug. You had never felt colder than you did in that blanket of darkness and the absence of his touch.After a few steps, you took a chance that you knew might result in a broken heart and a shattering rejection from this man. You decided to be brave anyway. Reaching, you touched his arm lightly, hesitantly. Henry's bright irises met yours, understanding what you sought. He smiled a tight-lipped affectionate smile that creased the corners of his eyes, and you could swear his face shone brighter than every bulb around you. Loki's heart leaped back up from where it had tumbled to the floor as he rushed to entwine his fingers with yours while strolling; quietly, pensively, each of you floundering in your own ruminations until finally, you asked, “Henry?”“Yes, darling?” he rushed out, anxious to finally exchange words again.You faced him, and placed a hand on his sharp cheek, “Would...would you like to come over? We could talk a little while.”“Yes! Yes, of course. I'd love to. If you don't mind....yes,” he blabbered, and you couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm.Loki fizzled with joy because you wanted more time with him, because perhaps he hadn't ruined things, because perhaps he would have a chance to be closer still, because...Damn. Loki suddenly thought, realizing that if he was there, her beloved little black cat wouldn't be, and he would have to find some way around that. What were you thinking?, he scolded himself. He knew the answer was that, of course, for once, he wasn't thinking. He wasn't scheming. He wasn't anticipating his next lie or ploy. He was in love and it was making him reckless. Loki was desperate to be near you in this form just a little longer. He would wring every minute, steal every second, if he could just have more of his borrowed time with you.-----As you unlocked the door and ushered him inside, you said, “Welcome to my palace. I'm sorry it's not much. I know it's probably not the kind of thing your used to.”“Hmm. You'd be surprised,” he said, cryptically, then added under his breath, “I like the new curtains.”You gave him a puzzled look. You'd just changed those curtains yesterday. He continued, realizing his mistake and rushing to deflect, “Well, I've been all over the world...lots of places. And I think it's very sweet and cozy here. I love it.”You smiled, thawing under his glow. “Oh! I forgot to ask. Are you alright with cats? I hope you're not allergic.”“Oh...no, no problem at all. Not at all...but just...” he began to mutter in a panic. “I just have to feed him and then we can have some coffee, yeah? Loki!” you called as you hung up your coat. “Loki?” you repeated with a bit more worry in your voice. He had always greeted you immediately before. You considered that maybe he had just scurried away into hiding because of the presence of an unfamiliar person.“Sorry, Henry. Just a moment. Please, make yourself at home,” you said as you continued your search around the tiny apartment.Henry called after you a moment too late as you were already peeking behind every piece of furniture in the tiny flat. He sighed, exasperated and afraid. It would only take you a few moments to look everywhere and realize inevitably that...“He's not here,” you said quietly, eyebrows peaked in confusion and concern as you returned to Henry.Loki tried to think quickly. “Hey...hey! Darling. Look at me. It's alright. I'll...I'll help you look.”“I...I looked everywhere. I...” you trailed off as you noticed the ratty green collar, abandoned on the counter and a nameless foreboding crept up your spine. “No. No, something is wrong. I need to...”Henry held you firmly by the shoulders and looked into your eyes, saying your name slowly, then, “I know this sounds insane, but that sweet little black cat is fine. I know that he's fine. I promise.”Your look of dismay turned to one of sinking suspicion. Suddenly you saw the odd, charming man before you in a new light of doubt. How did he know Loki was a black cat?You went through all of it in your mind, from the beginning. He swept you off your feet at work after apparently “noticing” you (unbeknownst to you) for some time, only communicated through messages and gifts but never called. He knew what to order for your lunch without asking. You were reminded, with a sinking feeling in your stomach, of his sly expression as he knowingly quipped about his “intuition”. He found out where you lived, knew your curtains were new, knew what your cat looked like. Now...now you had invited him into your apartment.Idiot, you scolded yourself. He's some kind of stalker lunatic. You were too smitten to see it.You spoke more loudly, “And how the hell do you know that, Henry? ...if that's even your real name,” you said, walking backwards toward the kitchen and drawing a large knife out of the holder.Loki said your name gently, eyes going wide, and put his hands up in surrender, “What on earth is this? What's going...”You stared him down, glaring over the glinting line of the knife. “I...I was so bind...an unbelievably dashing and mysterious foreign man noticing me at work, giving me fancy letters and gifts...never even telling me your last name...sweet-talking Janet into giving you my address. Did you take Loki because you're some kind of obsessive weirdo? Have you been in my apartment? What...what are you...some kind of con artist or...or just a pervert? Well, I obviously don't have much to steal, so why are you doing this? Should I check my underwear drawer for a few missing panties, or what? Just....what the fuck is this?”The volume of your voice climbed as your words grew more frantic and shrill.Loki sighed and gathered his thoughts, speaking deliberately as he moved closer, “Please, just listen. You can't hurt me with that. You're more likely to hurt yourself, so please, put it down.”In a panic, you lunged forward with the knife. In a glow of green light you passed right through Henry and tumbled to the floor, as the blade clattered over the tiles. You winced, feeling a bruise begin to form, then your mouth dropped in shock as you watched Henry evaporate in a glowing green slither of light.You began to scream, but a cold pale hand covered you mouth to silence you. The man beside you was the man in your dream; coal black hair, alabaster skin, and Henry's face in a different color palette. Your mind went utterly blank aside from a single frenetic thought on loop. I'm dreaming. This isn't real. Loki felt horrible about causing you pain. He could feel your hot stilted breath pummeling his palm. You trembled like a small terrified animal under his hand. He thought of how you must have bruises blossoming somewhere on your precious skin from your fall.“As much as I hate to see you in distress, I'm afraid I have to do this,” he said, eyes wide and apologetic, brow creased in concern. He raised his hands summoning a green glow that wrapped around your arms and mouth, stilling and silencing you, then compelled you to sit on the couch. Once you were sitting, he knelt before you in his armor, green cape flaring like a curtain over the floor. In another situation you might have laughed at how much it looked like some Arthurian prince about to rescue a maiden in your shabby apartment.“Please. Please, listen,” he said very softly. “What I'm going to tell you is going to be hard to believe. You saw me, in your dream, but I'm real. I am Loki Odinson, Prince of Asgard, and I am Henry, and I am...well...I'm also Loki, your cat. Now...if I remove the binding from your mouth, do you promise not to scream?”You forced your mind to at least try to wrap around this. You had just seen the impossible and you had to admit that you'd be no match for this...person?...Magician?...God?. And as usual, you had to find out what all this meant. Your curiosity trumped your fear. Finally, you nodded.He smiled and released the binding over your mouth. You took in a heaving breath and blinked a few times, still not entirely sure of what you were witnessing. He averted his gaze and said, “I'm so sorry to hurt you, or confuse you...”“Or lie to me? Or terrify me?”He sighed. “Yes, especially that.” He was silent for a moment, tongue poking between his lips in thought. You were surprised by that. It was a cute gesture, reminding you of...of your cat.“Jesus...this...this is all so weird. I can't...”“I know,” he said, soothing, “But I also know you're very good and you're very clever and you're very brave. I've seen it within your mind. I've seen it in your actions.”“You can read my mind? Fuck...that's unsettling.”“It's...not quite like that. Just...we have a special connection. I don't even entirely understand it. I wasn't anticipating it. We can see into each other a bit more than other people can. Listen, if I touch you. I can show you everything. Can I do that? Please.”You considered carefully. He was asking, genuinely asking. A psycho killer probably wouldn't ask, right? Fuck...whatever, at this point. I can't go this far without knowing. “Okay,” you said.With your permission, Loki slid his hands very gently over your hair until he was cradling your head in his elegant hands. Slowly, he placed his forehead against yours and a green glow spun into a nebula around you.Time became strange. Your consciousness tumbled through his experiences as he poured his knowledge into your mind. You saw his life in Asgard, his family and friends (if you could really call them that). You saw why he related so much to you in some of the saddest ways. Tumbling further, you saw in more detail; the bet with Thor, the hijinks as D.B. Cooper and every moment and thought and image from his perspective since he landed in that dumpster.It was an odd thing, a completely foreign experience, to see yourself through Loki's eyes as his perceptions changed. At the start, as a liar, a narcissistic schemer and fugitive, he saw you as nothing but a tool, a servant, and a diversion. It was even stranger once you began to see yourself through the lens of his reluctant but unstoppable feelings of affection, then friendship, then through the floral illuminated frame of utter selfless love. He loved you. This ancient god, a strange and powerful and feared being, loved you. The god of mischief saw you as a goddess; one whom he hoped would choose to be by his side for all time. You saw yourself, in many iterations, through the frame of his eyes, and what he saw was absolute worthiness (a feeling you had never really felt for yourself).Then the green fog cleared and you heard the echo of his beautiful deep voice calling you back to the present. As you slowly opened your eyes, he leaned back and unraveled the bindings from the rest of your body. You both sat quietly for a moment; you on the couch, and Loki still kneeling beside you. After a moment you chuckled and said with a wry smile, “That was brave of you to do. How do you know I won't still come after you with a kitchen knife?”He chuckled in relief. “I'll take my chances. And I'm not nearly as brave as you've been, darling.”“So...now I know everything,” you said softly reaching for his hand. He looked surprised by that, uncertain if he deserved to hold your hand, and it made your heart ache.“You do, and yet...my kind, brave girl...you still reach for my hand?” he said gazing up, those bright aquamarine eyes wide and solicitous.You squeezed where your palms pressed together. You nodded and smiled as tears made their way down your face, making it hard to talk with the tightness in your throat. You said, shakily, “But you've only seen into some of my mind...my history. What if you don't like the rest? All the pain, and insecurity, and bad days, and mistakes, and disappointments, and failures and...unworthiness...”Loki inturruped your downward spiral with a finger against your lips. “Shh shh shh. You are worthy, that doesn't mean perfect. No one is.”“But you can't know how much worse I might really be. I think I'm a pretty good person...I try to be, but what if I'm not...what if I'm not who you need me to be?”Loki came up to join you on the couch now, sitting closely and wiping the tears from your eyes. He said your name, reverently, like a prayer. “Who you are is someone who has worked very very hard...someone who's survived so many bad times and bad days and abandonment and a childhood of being dragged to church and shamed. You're someone who set out alone across the country to build a life...someone who loves horror movies because you always try to push yourself towards the things that scare you. You're someone who summons the strength, every day, to face the world as it is and to find beauty in it, because you're so brave and so kind. You're someone who loves to drink coffee in the afternoon, but falls asleep on the couch after awhile anyway. Someone who has read hundreds of books.Your favorite color is purple, and your favorite band is The Velvet Underground. You're always cold, and you've worn that damned gray sweater for 10 years to try to stay warm but it's never enough. You like tomato soup and grilled cheese on rainy days. You hate those high heels and kick them off in the same spot every single day. You're someone unbelievably generous...generous enough to take in a moody selfish little homicidal creature mewling from a rubbish heap. Who else would do that?”You chuckled through a sob, answering, “A lot of people, Loki. That's just called owning a cat.”He laughed with you at that, then stroked a hand through your hair, tilting your chin so you could meet his eyes. “And you're very funny” he added to his long list. “Please, believe me when I tell you this. No one like you has ever been, or ever will be again. You are entirely unique. And in all of the cosmos and the myriad realms, I had the good fortune to find you and now....” he said, moving closer still until his sharp cheek grazed your own soft one, “I don't ever want to let you go.”Loki kissed you, breathy and hesitant at first as his lips skated across your own. Then your sighs mingled and your mouths opened to invite each other in...to invite each other home...finally home. You lost all sense of time as his arm encircled your waist and your hands wove into his soft inky hair. You never wanted to stop. The two of your were lost in the world of your own senses; a universe of breath, and warmth, and the soft feeling and smell of each others skin (a mingling of mint and lavender), the sound of pattering night rain outside the balcony doors.You both jumped as the rain turned suddenly into a thunderstorm, interrupting your rapturous moment. The brightest lightning and the loudest thunder you had ever experienced, rioted outside as your balcony doors swung open. You yelped as the largest man you had ever seen in your life materialized in your living room. Loki jumped up and gathered you tightly, protectively, against his own body. The enormous viking man bellowed out, “Brother! I knew you would show yourself once again and we would find you. You can't run forever, you conniving little snake!”
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“Brother! I knew you would show yourself once again and we would find you. You can't run forever, you conniving little snake!”, Thor bellowed across the tiny space as great gusts of wind billowed around him, sweeping into the apartment and leaving it in disarray.Loki shot up from the couch, and held onto you protectively, his tall body guarding you. “Now hold on just a minute! You were the one who instigated this whole game, brother. In fairness, shouldn't we both face consequences? Or are you too golden and blessed in our parents' eyes to do any wrong?”The wind subsided and Thor seemed to deflate slightly, then spoke more plainly, “Shut up, Loki!”You giggled, you couldn't help it. The Norse god of thunder was standing in your living room, dominating the space one moment, then looking like a scolded overgrown toddler the next.Loki glanced to you and smiled. Then beamed his grin to Thor “Oh dear brother...” he said in faux-shock, “you didn't tell them your role in all this, did you? How ignoble for a future king!”Thor stepped closer and scoffed. “You dare to judge me? As if you have any morals of your own, you slimy little....” .You interrupted, sliding between them and putting a hand on both of their breastplates, trying in vain to push them apart (a woefully useless attempt). However, the two princes were raised properly to respect a lady and, therefore, did take the cue to step back.“If I might interject gentlemen...” you said calmly.Thor flinched as if slapped, realizing his impoliteness, and took your hand to kiss it. “Oh dear lady! I apologized profusely for my entrance, and for putting your residence in disorder. I must have frightened you terribly.”“Not really,” you said lightly, and Thor flinched, almost insulted by that. “But listen, I uh, I understand some of this. Loki's told me some things and...”“Has this weasel been keeping you hostage, fair maiden, or deceiving you? I shall...”You put your hands up. “No! No no no! Please...just listen. I'm sure there's some kind of solution here if you would only talk to each other and....”Before you could finish your sentence, a brilliant multicolored beam rained down on all three of you from overhead in a kaleidoscopic blaze. Loki held you closer again and said, “Hang on, little mortal. Heimdall is calling us home.”“What?!” you shouted over the blast of the portal fluttering around you. Before you knew it you tumbled through space and were hurled into a golden dome occupied by a single gilded guard with a sword. Unlike the two Asgardians, you immediately lost your balance and Loki had to catch you.“I feel dizzy. I think I'm gonna puke,” you warned.“It's alright, darling, give it a moment. It'll pass. It happens to everyone the first time.”Thor rounded to his brother, pointing his hammer to his chest, and Loki's eyes went wide. “Why did you bring us back?”“It wasn't me, you stupid oaf!” Loki hollered back, arms up in surrender.Heimdall's deep commanding voice echoed around the dome. “It was the order of King Odin, your majesties.”-----Your heartbeat ramped up higher and higher as you made your way through the palace. By the time you'd finally made it to the vast throne room, flanked on all sides by guards, you felt as if your heart might beat right out of your chest.“Lokiiii?” you hissed, in a concerned whisper.“Yes, darling?” he replied, his long arm still cradling you.“Should I be afraid?”“Nooo. No. It'll all be just fine. I know this must be terribly alarming and baffling for you, but I assure you....”“WHERE ARE THEY?” a voice thundered through the throne room. “Where the Hel are my arrogant, troublesome, unruly, infantile sons!”A red-faced stately man, with a full white beard and gleaming armor rushed to stand before his throne and slammed the base of his golden staff upon the floor. It reverberated through the entire room and your every bone. You felt a primal kind of fear, and could barely breathe. Instinctively, you tried to hide your much shorter body behind the two towering brothers, but to no avail.Odin's scathing blue eye, found you quickly and bored through you. The Allfather shouted, “Why is that HUMAN in my throne room, or in Asgard, for that matter? What are you ungrateful shits playing at now? Which one of you has done this?”Just when you felt about to dart away or pass out in abject terror, a melodic feminine voice reached your ears, slicing like a subtle knife through the high tension. “I have, husband,” the regal woman said, pushing effortlessly past her husband, and gliding down the steps to where the three of you stood like confused students who had landed in the principal's office.She waved a hand wordlessly, commanding her sons to step away from you. You felt a clutch of panic in your throat as Loki relinquished his grasp, leaving you exposed and small in a world of gods. The queen smiled sweetly to you, said your name slowly, deliberately, then said, “Welcome to Asgard, child. I am Frigga, the Allmother.”Unsure of what to do or say, you curtsied to the best of your ability in jeans and said, “Your Majesty, I'm honored.”She gave you a knowing smirk and a wink (so much like Loki's that it made you feel immediately more at ease and familiar). “I apologize profusely for the behavior of the men of this royal house.” She gave a warning glare to both her sons and her husband. “Shame on all of you!” To your surprise, all three of them readily deferred to Frigga's judgment of them, heads hung in embarrassment.She held your hand with her bejeweled fingers. “I wanted to meet you, my dear, and it will be my pleasure to speak with you soon. For now, please allow my ladies in waiting to attend to you. For now I must attend to some family matters.”“Yes...yes ma'am,” you said, with another little curtsy.Loki rushed to your side and kissed your hand, saying quickly, “It'll all be just fine, darling. I promise. Just relax.”Unsure what else to do, and completely disoriented by this entire chain of events, all you could do was nod as the ladies whisked you away.----As soon as the human girl was out of earshot, Odin continued, “You idiot children and your stupid...”“Oh shut up, Odin, you old windbag,” Frigga said with annoyance, and he immediately obeyed. She turned to the princes, arms crossed. “My sons, I know you've both been up to some mischief among the Midgardians, is that correct?”Thor stuttered out, “Loki was...”“I said 'you both', Thor. I'm not a fool.”Thor hung his head like a scolded Labrador.“Yes, Mother,” Loki said, “I'm afraid we have. It was all meant in good fun. Just a silly bet between us and it seems to have gotten rather out of hand. I apologize and take responsibility.”All three of them stared at Loki, wide-eyed with overwhelming shock. They expected many things from Loki, but never a direct and sincere apology.”Thor said, “Norns, you mean it, don't you? What happened to you on Earth?”Loki rolled his eyes at his brother, but blushed nonetheless.Frigga nodded knowingly, “And have either of you harmed or killed any mortals in the course of this...prank?”“No, mother,” they answered in unison, as if they were 8 years old again.“Alright. And Loki, have you made amends for any chaos you might have caused on Midgard? Have you done at least some good works as penance?”“I...I think so, Mother. I hope I've done enough. But you might ask the human her opinion on that matter.”Frigga smiled and nodded with a twinkle in her eye. Like her son, she was impossible to fool; a powerful sorceress, raised by witches. “And so I shall.”She stepped closer to Odin, whose face had now calmed down to something approaching flesh tone rather than an apple. Offering her hand gently to him, she said, “Husband, I think that is enough of this matter, isn't it. Might we simply call the whole affair settled? Are there not more important matters to attend to than this squabble?”Odin sighed. “Indeed, my sagacious wife, your wisdom always seems to win the day. And in any case, I can deny you nothing. So be it.” He kissed her hand then began to leave before turning back to his boys with softened eyes. “My sons, I am glad to see you again. I...I was concerned for you both. Please, desist with this foolishness, for the sake of an old man who no longer finds it entertaining.”They both smirked and said, “Yes, Father.”----“Well,” Thor said, looking to Frigga and Loki, “that could have gone worse,” and shrugged.Loki sighed out, “Thor you are an insufferable imbecile,” but pronounced it with a fond smile.He winked and smiled in return. “You're just jealous. Farewell, brother,” he declared sauntering away.Once it was only Loki and his mother, he hugged her and said softly, “I've missed you. Thank you for placating him...again.”She pinched his sharp cheek playfully. “You're lucky I love you so much, my sly little raven. Come with me, we're not finished talking yet. I want you to tell me about this girl.”
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Stray: Part 10Loki and Frigga sat across from each other in her private parlor. The younger prince was tapping his foot and fiddling with his hair nervously as he asked, “Are you sure she'll be okay? This must all be so overwhelming for her.”Frigga smiled placidly and reached out her hand to hold her son's, stilling his restless movements. “She'll be more than fine. They'll take very good care of her. You have my word.”Frigga let the silence settle for a moment before she said. “I'm glad to meet her. Surprised, but glad nonetheless. I can see why you are so taken with her. She has a good heart...a grateful heart.”Loki sighed, trying to hide the depth of his feelings in front of the one person whom he could never fool. “You've met many of the men and women I'd grown fond of over the years. Is this so different for you?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant as he eased back into his chair, crossing his long legs, and stroking a finger pensively over his lips.Frigga nodded, “For you, yes. It's very different. Or rather, you are very different. It's never been anything...real...before, has it? I've never really seen you in love before.”“What makes you think I'm in love?”“Love...real love...makes us all spill open a little, and I can see it. She has melted some of that ice around your heart. I didn't think it possible.”“So you've been watching me, Mother?” he said with a smirk, which Frigga mirrored.“Perhaps, a bit. I thought it best to let things unfold naturally. But I think the time has come to involved myself. Come with me.”He followed her to a corner of her study, to a golden chest, where she reached in to lift out a glowing golden apple. “Do you love her, my son? Do you want a lifetime with her? Our lifetime...surpassing her own.”He took a deep fortifying breath. “I do. So much...so much that it feels like a sort of insanity, a madness. Now that I've known her care and companionship, I can't imagine the remainder of my life without her.”Frigga grinned and her eyes welled slightly, “Then offer her this. Help her become one of us. Help her learn and explore everything your curious minds crave. Have your adventures with your beloved for eons to come.”Loki smiled, but just as quickly, it faded and he looked down, eyebrows furrowed with worry. “But Mother, what if she says 'no'? What if she refuses me...now or centuries from now? What if I don't deserve her? What if...”Frigga put a finger to his mouth to silence him, “Loki, that is how love works. You risk, and you trust and you doubt and you fear, for the sake of another person. It's not a tournament to be won. It's a leap of faith.”Without any further words, but with tears in both of their eyes, they embraced each other tightly as the prince whispered to his mother, “thank you.”------Loki found his human in lavish chambers, adorned in a fine Asgardian gown, and charming half a dozen ladies in waiting with your disarming demeanor. You were twirling around in the voluminous dress with a big smile, like a little girl. You were startled and blushed a little when you realized he was standing there.“Whew! You scared me! I didn't hear you coming.”He chuckled, offering his widest, most charming smile. His heart was bursting out of his chest at the mere sight you. “Apologies, darling. No one ever does. You look absolutely ravishing, my lovely princess,” he declared as he spun you around in his arms. He set you down lightly then held both of your hands in his.You gave him a worried look. “What...what's wrong. Have you been crying?” you asked gently, holding your warm palm to his cheek.“Yes. Yes I have, but they are tears of the greatest joy. I have to ask you something very important.”He gestured the ladies away, leaving the two of you alone. You nodded, and felt the breath stop in your throat. The world came to a stand still as you wondered what he was about to say. Loki's hand gleamed green then a radiant flawless golden apple appeared in his hands. “I want to offer you a bite of this apple. If you eat of it, you will have a life as long as mine, become a goddess by my side for ages as we traverse the universe. I can't imagine a life without you...without your love and kindness and cleverness and care and your laugh and the look of joy and gratitude in your eyes when you I've pleased you. I love you...so much. Will you do me the honor of spending eternity with me?”Giddy excitement shot up like a rocket within you, making your cheeks piping hot and bringing tears to your eyes as you met his intense ones of aquamarine. “I...I don't deserve this.” was the first thought that escaped your lips.“Darling...you deserve all of this and more,” Loki said, pulling you close to kiss you warmly and softly, holding your face in his careful elegant hands. “Please, be my princess.”“Yes...yes....yes! I love you, too. Yes,” was all you could say, breathing out the words over and over again as you nodded vehemently. Loki interrupted this stream of affirmation by meeting your lips again, taking his time to taste you. It would be your last kiss with him as a mere mortal.When you finally took a bite of that otherworldly golden apple, it was the sweetest fruit you had ever tasted; almost as sweet and divine as the destiny ahead of you, almost as sweet and divine as the god holding you.----EpilogueIt was a gleaming bright white December morning in Seattle. Rather than rain, ice had dominated every inch of the terrain and snow glistened off the buildings. It was so cold, you thought, but at least it was sunny for a change. As you stood on the balcony of the most luxurious hotel the city had to offer, you were grateful to have this as your final memory of your city (at least for awhile). The sun was shining on you, as bright and fresh as your new life.In another part of town, a small apartment stood clean and empty, ready for the stories of someone else's life to fill it. A polite letter and the final month's rent were dropped quietly into the landlord's mailbox. All your beloved books, records, and anything else you wanted to hang onto was tucked away, safe and sound, in what Loki called his “pocket universe”. You considered just letting go of everything you owned, pondered the appeal of a blank slate, but Loki dissuaded you. He begged you to keep your records. He wanted to dance with you to the soundtrack of your love's origin story over and over again. He could be sentimental that way.It felt good to tie up loose ends. You made sure a gracious letter of resignation made its way to Mr. Mullen. Although Loki insisted it was far more polite than what that worm deserved, you were determined to take the high road, and he loved you all the more for that.The last loose end was your favorite to tie up, and you did so with a big golden ribbon. Janet found a gift and an envelope tucked under the cash register that morning; her name gracing the front in elegant calligraphy. The note was a simple one.
Janet, you are always worthy. You are so young, and I know you're afraid and uncertain, but you will grow and do great things. I know it. I've run off with my prince charming. I hope to see you again someday. All my love. P.S. The gift is something to keep you warm.
Janet read it with tears in her eyes, then she opened the package to find a soft blue scarf. She held it tightly against herself. She was a little startled when her first customer of the day asked her a question, and hurried to dry her eyes.“Oh! Sir, I'm so sorry! How can I help you?”She looked up to see the largest man she had ever seen smiling brightly at her as his stunning blue eyes met hers. “I'm so sorry, dear lady. I hope you're not in distress. I wonder if you might aide me in selecting a 'tie'.”He nodded his head of long blonde hair and took her hand to kiss it.Janet's eyes went as wide as they could go in shock, and then she giggled uncontrollably, thinking, Jeez, maybe Henry does have a brother after all.
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Loki stepped lightly over to you as he adjusted his tie and smoothed out the crisp lines of his black suit. “Almost ready, darling?” he asked in his dulcet baritone, as he came up behind you to kiss your bejeweled neck.“Almost. Can you help me with this zipper?” You asked, giving up your struggle with the very smartly tailored traveling dress. It was a dream of soft royal purple that hugged all of your curves well (which delighted your prince). You'd swear he helped you pick out the ones with zippers in the back just so he had an excuse to do this.Loki came up close behind you and kissed your cheek. As he deftly slid the pull all the way up he said, “Of course, but you know I enjoy sliding you out of this oh so much more.”You both let out a mischievous chuckle then kissed sweetly, sighing with satisfaction. He helped you into your pea coat, hat and gloves, before donning his own. Opening the hotel room door for you to exit ahead of him, he said with his biggest dimpled grin, “Ready?”.You nodded and took his offered arm. “Yes, but where are we going?”As your polished dress shoes clicked down the hallway side by side, Loki slid his other hand in his pocket, holding tightly to a tattered green loop of leather with his name written on it. He felt his heart warm as he said, meeting your eyes, “Wherever you'd like. The sky's the limit, my love.”
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Stray: Winter Blues“Come on!” you grumble to your elderly space heater, giving it an encouraging pat on the side. Luckily, the coils eventually rouse themselves into a faint orange glow. You breathe a sigh of relief and sit cross-legged on the floor of your apartment, staring daggers at the broken radiator which the landlord never really plans to fix.The newly-adopted black cat pads towards you and immediately curls into your lap with a graceful slinky twist. You slide your hand gently over his silky fur, feeling the knots of your anger and frustration gradually loosen.“Sorry, buddy,” you say to the cat, who fixes you with his stunning aquamarine eyes. “It's not usually snowing like this yet, or quite this cold. I guess the whole city is stuck inside.”Loki gazes up at your face. Bathed in the warm amber glow, the contours of your cheeks, lips, and lashes look like a work of art to him.She's so lovely. I hope some day I can tell her so...really tell her so. But beneath your loveliness, he can see the circles under your eyes, the way you rub your temples and slump your shoulders, the way the growing darkness (literal and metaphorical) are weighing on you. You gather him up in your arms and sling an afghan around your shoulders, shuffling towards the window. He watches as a bittersweet grin spreads over your features.“At least it's kind of pretty, isn't it? And at least I have you, little friend.”He purrs contentedly as you scratch lightly between his ears on your journey to the couch. Loki watches with concern as your silence gradually turns into the telltale gasps and sniffles of tears. He flinches slightly as the salty drops hit his fur.“Oh. Sorry, kitten,” you say, sniffing and swiping a hand across your cheek. “I just...god, I'm so tired and...and so alone. It feels like all the cards are stacked against me sometimes. My paycheck barely keeps us here...shitty as the place is. I'm just so frustrated, and tired, and angry, and afraid....and sad...and...”You shiver. “And cold.”His paw pats gently but insistently on your hand. You feel crazy even thinking, not for the first time, that it's as if he understands you. Those bright, clear, eyes seem so wise and perceptive. You'd swear he's trying to comfort you.
Sweet human. If only you knew how much I care for you. I'm the god of outcasts. Appropriate, I suppose, as I'm always being cast out...but not by you, my sweet human because you are special...unique. I wish I could hold you. I wish you could understand me.
And then, he considers a way. It's a way he's used cautiously only once before, uncertain of how it might affect his precious human, but desperate times call for desperate measures. He smiles to himself and nuzzles his velvety head against your arm.
Patience, human. Your savior is here, you just don't know it yet.
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It's an absolutely adorable habit, your little naps in the evening. Or, at least, Loki thinks so. Sometimes, he'll even join you under the tattered old throw blanket to sleep against the undulating warmth of your body.He joins you today, but not to sleep and not just to use you as a heating pad. The little cat pulls the blanket carefully up and over your shoulders by his teeth, ensuring that you're warm and comfortable (all the while cursing his lack of opposable thumbs). Then he settles himself in between the curve of your neck and shoulder, holding one delicate paw against your temple. A green glow shudders through the little creature and flutters around your head like glitter swirled in water.----Your vision is foggy at first as your eyes blink open. Initially, everything is a mass of pearlescent white and a pale aquamarine (a shade you could swear you know from somewhere). As your eyes open wider, and the fog clears, you begin to orient yourself to the sharpening view.You're standing in the center of a clearing, in a dense snow-covered forest. It's a far cry from the filthy gray slush of downtown Seattle. This snow is a shocking white, glowing, even in twilight. The vast crystalline carpet unfurls beneath you as the sky above dances with northern lights. All you can think, for a long suspended moment, is that this place is ancient. You breathe in and it hits you; the complex aroma of pines and evergreens which have been there long before you were born, and somehow you know, deep in your bones, that this is a magical place.To your surprise, you don't feel at all cold. Your body is swaddled in rich furs and draped in lush velvet, keeping you warm as you observe it all. Everything is quiet, draped in the muffling blanket of snowfall, and you feel your breathing quiet in kind.The crunch of footsteps catches your attention as a figure moves gracefully, deliberately, towards you. It glides, back lit, from the inviting amber glow of a wooden lodge where candles sparkle and flicker in every window.You guess that this mystery person must be over eight feet tall, broad-shouldered and sure-footed, striding through the ice and snow easily as a cape of regal black fur dances around him. As he nears, you see a pair of majestic onyx horns rising from a crown on his noble head.Closer still, you see his skin; a striking cobalt blue moving against the snow, and his eyes; two crimson rubies cutting through dusk like stars.Finally, he stands before you, and though you know you should be afraid, you feel only curious and struck by his otherworldly beauty. He acknowledges you with a bow and the sharp lines of his cheeks raise to show a wide, striking, smile. His teeth are as white as the snow itself.Loki extends his huge hand to cradle yours and you feel your heartbeat kick up with the thrill of it. As it is so often with dreams, it doesn't occur to you to ask where you are, or how you got here, or who he is, or even if he means you harm. You simply trust this beautiful creature of a man before you.“Come with me,” his deep voice invites, and you accept, taking his offered arm as if you were a princess at a ball.---He opens the enormous doors and steps aside for you to enter. The entire cottage (or really, more of a Viking longhouse, if such a thing were made cozy) was perfumed by a roiling fireplace, giving off a toasty, woody incense, like honeydust.The stranger removes his hooded cloak and impressive crown. He smiles that same charming smile and runs a hand through his long hair, as black and shiny as raven feathers. It occurs to you that this regal being seems nervous, downright boyishly giddy, around you.“Please. Make yourself comfortable,” he says, gesturing magnanimously to the plush velvet couches with their layers of warm furs and quilts. You nod and gladly obey, lulled and comforted by the heat as if sinking into a warm bath.The giant returns with two warm mugs (one the size of a pot, and one of normal size) of something delicious and spicy-smelling, then settles beside you in the heat of the crackling fire.“Thank you,” you say, reaching for the cup and enjoying it's warmth against your palm. Finally, your rational brain kicks in and you ask, “Where...what is this place? I'm...dreaming?”He laughs, a deep rich baritone chuckle, and you think it might be the most beautiful thing you've ever heard.“In a sense.” The corners of his crimson eyes crinkle as he smiles and says, “Your body is asleep, yes. But I'm real...this place is real.”“And...not to seem rude, but you are...?”He finishes a sip quickly and politely dabs at his lips before speaking, “Oh yes, I suppose this form must be rather...exceptional...to you.”You sigh and nod with a smile, relieved that he was the one to address the elephant (or rather, the frost giant) in the room. Meanwhile, Loki thinks that this shy smile must be the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.“I'm a frost giant...a Jotun. King of Jotunheim, actually...not to brag,” he says with a flirtatious wink.He chatters on genially, careful not to give you time to ask his name. “I've brought you here because you deserve some kindness. You've taken in a creature quite sacred to us and cared for him diligently, asking nothing in return.”You're about to speak but you're momentarily distracted by the beverage you've just sipped. It might be the most delicious thing you've ever tasted; sweet and rich and spicy. You make the rather absurd mental note to ask the King of Jotunheim for his mulled wine recipe. That thought alone makes you chuckle.“What is it, darling?”“It's just...all so strange and...wait, are you trying to tell me that my stray cat is a sacred creature?”“Well, yes. All cats are. But that one is very special, in particular. Some day, you'll find out why.”He sets his mug down with surprising dexterity, considering his size, and continues in a more somber tone. He takes both of your hands in his and scoots closer. He smells subtly of mint and pine, and his mere towering presence sitting beside you, curled around you, makes you feel safe, protected.“I know that you are in need of some kindness, some hope, and I'm here to tell you there is good yet to come. There are splendid things yet to come. I know you're exhausted, sad, and frighted. It pains me to see it, but I know you're strong.“I don't feel strong,” you admit, bowing your head toward you lap.His long finger slides gently beneath your chin, lifting your face to meet his kind ruby eyes.“Please, meet my gaze. It's a pity to hid that lovely face from my eyes.”God, he's charming. Are all frost giants just oozing charm like this, or is it only their king?, you wonder, as your cheeks begin to burn brighter than the fireplace.He wraps one strong arm around you and assures you, “Needing some kindness or help doesn't mean you are no longer strong. Everyone gets lost sometimes. Everyone stumbles and needs some tenderness occasionally.”You give him a wry smile. “Even you, Your Highness? I find it hard to imagine that the world could make you feel small."He laughs, then he kisses your hand in a gentlemanly gesture that has chills running down your spine; chills that have nothing to do with his slightly chilly skin.“Even me,” he whispers as he strokes your cheek. The comforting touch melts you into his arms, into the comfort him, of this place, and you dare to put you head on his shoulder. He strokes your back and pulls a blanket more closely around you, then says lightly, “you know I'm actually a runt, for a Jotun. I often feel small. It's all a matter of perspective.” He breathes deeply and you feel the smooth waves where you rest against him. The sound and feeling join the crackle of the hearth in a sweet lullaby of sensation.You close your eyes and whisper, “I wish I could just stay here.”“Ah, but you can't, darling. I'm sorry. But you can visit. You must live your life because there is so much good yet to come. In the meantime, know that I'm your humble guardian, always.”He sees the sorrow in your eyes and decides to ease it with humor. “Besides, who would feed the cat?”You laugh, your face lights up, and it utterly melts him.He moves in very gently and cradles your face as your eyes close in anticipation. Planting a light chilly kiss against your eager lips, he whispers, “Time to wake up, my dear.”-----You open your eyes to your lamp lit living room and sigh at the vivid memory of your lingering dream. As you stretch, the cat hops away from you with an indignant little chirp. How dare you remove his warm seat!As a peace offering, you kiss his velvety head and scratch between his ears before rising to your feet. You know it was only a dream, but it's left you feeling better, more hopeful.Silly, you think, silly brain...putting me on a date with the King of Jotunheim. At least it made me feel better, anyway, imagining some kind of magical guardian angel. As you cross the room, still yawning, you stop in your tracks. Right before your eyes, the radiator softly tings and hisses into life, sending warm balmy air into the room after weeks of cold. You step nearer, gingerly, as if it might be possessed. How can it possibly be fixed?On the coffee table beside it, There's a piece of rather fancy looking antique parchment with a delicate cursive skating across its surface. You hold it up to your face and read the title at the top.
Jotun Mulled Wine (courtesy of His Majesty)
A recipe...for mulled wine...from...You feel the wheels of your mind trying desperately to gain traction and explain this, but you're interrupted by the cat, begging to be held again.You oblige him, holding tightly to him like a security blanket. When his blue-green eyes meet yours, you finally say, “Well kitten, this is all pretty weird. I guess I found this earlier and forgot, but it sure did give me some wild dreams.”As you walk to the kitchen, feline in tow, you say, “Christ, here I go, talking to the cat again.” You pause and smirk playfully to your companion, “Say, kitten...did you know that you're a sacred animal?Well, obviously, Loki thinks, I'm a god. You chuckle at his sassy mews as you cut carrots and begin to heat up a skillet.“I love you, you cocky little jerk.”
I love you, too, pathetic little human.