#Chrysanthemum x 'Icicles'

[faguscarolinensis]

Chrysanthemum x 'Icicles' / 'Icicles' Hybrid Chrysanthemum at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[awakeningthevioletswithin]

Thrash Icicles Watercolor on Artboard 2022, 9"x 12" Spider Mums, Chrysanthemums

Sodalite and Kyanite

[wolfish-trickster]

Cloak

Part 2

Loki x female!reader

Word count: 3K

Summary: Loki isn't always kind and generous, but when he is you're suspicious of him

Warnings: angst, fluff, pre Thor 1, typos

A/N: sorry the second part took so long, I got stuck and had no idea how to move the plot forward so most days I just opened the file and stared at the last sentence. But it's here through all the suffering and rewriting. Hope you enjoy

Tag list: @gaitwae @lucywrites02 @hard-to-be-the-bard @birdgirl90 @laramoonworld @forevernthensome @kozkaboi @the-emo-asgardian @theaudacitytowrite @darkacademicfrom2021 @lokiprompts @fanfictionsilove

Loki took a deep breath in, held it, and deep breath out. For some reason he loved when the weather on Asgard got colder and nature was preparing for winter. He was much more resistent than his friends when it came to cold weather. One of the few things he was proud of.

The young prince especially enjoyed autumn. The way nature painted leaves on trees in all different shades of yellow and red was simply magnificent. He could stare at them the whole day. If it weren't for some very annoying people in Thor's group of companions.

Particularly this one girl.

Loki was never the one to judge somebody's type when it came to relationships, he himself had his fair share of interests, but this girl was a pure joke. What does Fandral see in her? What does she see in Fandral? Apparently not much since from the begining of this walk she had been walking next to Loki and not next to Fandral with the rest of his little harem.

Her mouth was running nonstop talking about everything and nothing at the same time, just wasting her breath and Loki's time.

Loki lifted his eyes to the front of the group to find his dear friend Y/N. She was looking around admiring all the beauties of nature, the colourful leaves, blooming chrysanthemum, birds above.

Loki always appreciated people like her; calm, smart, quiet when needed. Not like this one who has been keeping him from enjoying the walk in peace.

Light breeze flew through trees and caused countless of yellow leaves to fall all around your little group. You stopped and gazed at this golden snow. Everyone walked pass you, but Loki only sent illusion to walk after the others and he stayed behind. He jumped behind the nearest tree to get a good look at you without you noticing him. The childlike wonder in your eyes was precious, your smile so kind and true. Loki felt his own lips forming a small smile from just looking at you.

His small good mood got cut short when he heard that annoying high pitched voice through his illusion. "Such an attention seeker."

"Beg your pardon?" Loki's illusion asked.

"Stopping in the middle of the footpath to gape at some leaves falling? Please, she needs to grow up. Leaves fall this time of year, it isn't something extraordinary to stare at. She's so childish and immature, I don't understand why Fanny or any of you keep her around," she was waving her hands wildly while talking.

Loki, the real Loki, grinded his teeth upon hearing her words. How dare she?! If she is incapable of appreciating the little things in life she could at least have some decency and keep her thoughts to herself.

From his spot behind a tree he noticed you watching the illusion Loki and that girl. Loki smirked. Now the real fun will begin.

His illusion made little icicles appear on the insides of that girl's clothes making her shiver.

"Oh dear, are you cold? Here," illusion Loki took off his cloak and offered it to her.

"You're such a gentleman," she batted her eyes and made sure to brush her fingers on Loki's hands. Real Loki behind the tree was never more glad he learned how to make parts of his illusions solid.

The girl lifted the cloak, Loki grinned. 3, 2, 1...

Loki snapped and the cloak exploded in cloud of glitter.

Girl let out a loud shriek, Fandral ran to her and yelled bloody murder. Loki couldn't contain his laugh anymore and let out a soft giggle through the palm covering his mouth.

"What did she do to deserve it?"

He looked up to see you walking over to him.

Loki quickly put on his charming smile as always. "Just a little bit of fun, my dear," he winked.

Y/N shook her head, but chuckled which warmed his heart. "You'll never change Loki."

"Well," he shrugged, "that's one person's opinion," in the corner of his eye he saw something sparkly moving downhill. He looked up to see fandral and his fanclub leaving. Loki smiled, his plan worked.

"Now that we got rid of the pest we can finally spend some quality autumn time," he started to walk to catch up to his brother.

You ran up to his side and cocked your head to the side. "Pest?"

"Ahem," his mind already thought of 4 different ways to lie to you but he pushed pass the urge, he promised himself he will never lie to you, "don't worry about it," he waved it off and prayed to his ancestors for you to not question him further.

His prayers were heard since you just shrugged, muttered a soft 'okay' and walked peacefully next to him the whole trip. His elbow occasionally bumped into her as well as her shoulder brushed his side from time to time. Little touches like these made Loki's heart flutter, even though he tried to deny it.

A little colder wind ruffled Loki's hair. He ran his fingers through it to style it in perfection as it was before. He turned to you and noticed how you were rubbing your hands underneath your cloak. You were cold.

Loki smiled softly. "Here, there's a lot of room for both of us here," he offered to let you under his cloak.

Your eyes widened. Loki could practically see your mind running in circles. Honestly, he can't blame you. If he was on your spot and a trickster was offering to warm him up he would hesitate for a second as well. On the other hand he felt his heart crack. He already told you he doesn't do the same trick twice, especially in such a short time. Did you really not trust him?

Heavy steps were walking your way and soon enough his dear brother appeared. "Y/N dear, you look incredibly cold, here," he threw his own cloak over you. While your head was covered Thor glared at Loki and mouthed 'we need to talk'. While you were adjusting the red cloak so you could see Thor took you by your shoulders and practically dragged you uphill towards the rest.

Loki stred after the two of you, his best friend in his brother's arms wearing his brother's colours. He expected you to break free from Thor's embrace and run up to him like you usually did, but you only smiled sadly at him and let Thor take you.

All Loki could do was stare after them, pain branching from his heart across his chest.

Once Thor brought you to Sif and others he ran back to Loki. "Fandral wants your head for what you did. Was that glitter bomb needed, brother?"

"Yes, it was," Loki banged his shoulder into Thor's as he passed him and continued to walk uphill.

"And why? Did she say something about your hair?"

"Why do you think it's always about my hair, Thor?"

"Don't you remember how you weeped for a week straight when mother cut your hair after you got glue in it?" Thor teased.

"First of all, I was a toddler when that happened. Second of all, don't act like you didn't electrify everyone who layed their 'dirty hands' on your golden locks," Loki teased back.

"Fine, you've got a point."

"Of course I do."

"Then why? If not for the hair why did you do that to her?"

Loki sighed. Time to tell the truth. "She said some things about our dear Y/N that I didn't like so I taught her a lesson."

Thor blinked at his brother and then broke out into wide smile. "Do you fancy her when you defend her this much?"

Loki's cheeks got pink but he turned his head away from Thor to hide it. "Of course not! She's just my friend. Any friend would do the same!"

Thor nodded, not believing a word. "In that case," he sped up leaving Loki slightly behind.

Loki teleported infront of Thor and stopped him in his track. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Oh, since you have no interest in her I want to ask her to accompany me to the ball tomorrow."

Loki looked at him confused. "Ball? There is no ball tomorrow, Thor."

Thor tried to mimic Loki's trademark smirk. "But it could. Father will allow it, as always."

Loki shook his head. "Even if by some miracle father allows you to throw a ball for no reason at all my dear Y/N won't go. She promised to teach some village children to weave a basket tomorrow. You would know this if you spent time around her which you don't, therefore you hardly know how wonderful she is and therefore you can't have strong enough feelings for her to ask her out or risk father's anger. I know you too well, brother, " Loki grinned.

Thor smiled smuggly. "If she's just a friend to you why did you say 'my dear Y/N' instead of 'our dear Y/N' as you always do? Not to mention you called her wonderful."

Only then Loki realized his mistake. He hung his head and groaned.

Thor pat him on his back. "If you like her, tell her."

"It's not that easy."

"How come? It has always worked for me."

Loki's head snapped up to glare at Thor. "Yes, it has always worked for great and mighty Thor, the first born, the strongest warrior to ever walk the universe. Do you really think it will work for me, second born, weak, relying only on tricks and illusions, as well? Especially after cracking her trust in me?" he semi-yelled.

Thor kept silent. He had no idea Loki felt this way. He thought as princes they were both equally desired but Loki just had higher standards than him and never had as many lovers as him.

"Hey! Royal snails! Did you get stuck back there?" Sif yelled from the top of the hill.

"We're coming!" Thor yelled back never breaking eye contact with his little brother.

"Do me a favour, Thor," Loki begun, "I want to talk to her alone. Please, don't let anyone interrupt us."

It was rare for Loki to use a word 'please'. Thor nodded with a serious expression. "As you ask."

Loki smiled kindly. "Thank you. Now the last one at the top is a smelly old bilgesnipe!"

~~~

You waited for the brothers to come join you to watch sunset. Hogun, Volstagg and Sif were looking for the best spot to set a fire. They decided to sleep under the stars tonight, since this might be one of the last of somewhat warm days this year.

You were playing with a dandelion while thinking about Thor's words. When he walked you over to Sif he mentioned how Loki never offers his cloak like that to anyone he doesn't care about and he has a feeling he really likes you. You were playing with a thought that maybe, just maybe he does care about you and didn't want to trick you back there. He really looked hurt when you didn't accept his offer. You hate it when he's hurt, and you hate it even more when you're the source of his pain. Your train of thoughts got interrupted by some fast steps and panting.

You looked towards the source and it was Thor and Loki who just ran up the whole hill. "I won!" Loki yelled and lifted his fists in victory.

"It's not fair! You had a headstart!" Thor argued.

"It isn't my fault I'm faster than you."

"Bunch of children," Sif whispered to you and you chuckled.

While Sif went to explain the change of plans to Thor you locked eyes with Loki. His smile froze when your eyes met. You offered him a small apologetic smile which he slowly returned. Good to know he wasn't angry at you.

You were contemplating whether to walk over to him now or later but he was faster than you. Few long steps and he was in front of you. "Hi," he mumbled.

"Hi."

Awkward silence.

"Hey, um," you began but had no idea how to continue.

"Yes?" he asked hopefully.

You chewed on your lower lip. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry? About what?"

"About," you were too embarrassed to look him in the eye, "about what I did earlier. The cloak you offered and I didn't take. Thor told me you only ever let him under it like that when you visited Jotunheim for the first time, because you don't trust people to be so close to you. I'm sorry I hesitated back there and made you think I don't trust you. I do trust you, but sometimes it's hard with you," you admited and finally lifted your eyes from the ground.

Loki's lips were a thin line but his eyes showed sadness. You immediatelly regreted what you said. "I-I didn't mean it like that! It's just-"

"Stop."

You shut your mouth closed and prepared for the worst. 'I don't want to be friends with someone I don't trust, how could you not trust me after all we've been through, best friends are supposed to trust eachother no matter what etc'

"I should be the one to apologize," his words shocked you. Not the sentence you were expecting to fall from his mouth.

Before he could continue a booming laughter cut across the forest. Thor was having fun as always.

"Ehm, can we move somewhere more quiet?"

"Sure," you nodded. Loki took your hand and gently lead you far away from them, through woods out to a cliff with a beautiful view of Asgard.

He sat down at the edge but you were hesitant. The edge of the cliff didn't look strong enough and height almost made your head spin.

Loki saw your fear and stroked gis thumb on the back of your hand which he was still holding. "Don't worry, I won't let you fall."

"I know you won't, but... Oh screw it," you sat down close to him but further away from the edge.

Loki chuckled. "You're adorable."

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing," he scratched the back of his head. "So, where were we? Oh, I know!" he turned towards you, "I want to apologize for making you feel like you can't trust me. I know it's hard with me sometimes and I'm already used to people not sticking with me because of my pranks. That's why I was so taken aback when I met you and you stayed by my side. Aside from Thor no one has ever stood by me this long and I cherished what we had. And I cherished you as well," you noticed slight pink blush creep up his cheeks but you didn't mention it, "so when you started being distrustful towards me it made me realize that maybe sometimes I go too far without even realizing it. I don't know which one of my pranks caused this distrust but I want you to know I'm deeply sorry. I don't want to lose you, Y/N. I just wanted you to know that."

You had no words. He has never told you something this open. Sure he opened up to you when something happened in his family but he never told you how he valued your friendship.

You smiled softly. "It's okay, I forgive you."

"You do?" he asked and his own smile started to bloom on his face.

"Sure I do. I befriended the god of Mischief afterall, that comes with occasional prank. As long as it doesn't cause me harm or heartbreak I'm fine with it."

Loki hugged you tightly. His clothes were so warm and soft. The way his arms pulled you towards him made you feel like you belonged in his embrace. "Thank you. You're too kind to me."

"Oh stop it! Everyone deserves kindness! Even you," you burried your face in his neck and wished this moment never ended.

To your dissapointment he pulled away to look you in the eyes. "I mean it. You are so kind and sometimes I feel like I don't even deserve you with all the mischief and mayham I create. Thank you for being with me this whole time, my dear Y/N," he kissed you on your forhead and you mught as well melt from the softness.

You felt your cheeks heat up as he spoke again. "Whad do you say we stay here and enjoy the sunset together?"

You nodded. "That eould be nice."

"Good," he tucked you under his cloak and turned to watch the horizon. You layed your head on his shoulder and pulled the cloak around you to cover you more.

Loki would occassionally kiss the top of your head and mumble some jokes into your hair to make you laugh. You stayed there warmed up by his magic even long after the sun set and moon took over the sky.

Under the starlight he hugged you closer to his body and whispered out of the blue: "I love you."

You opened your eyes and looked up at him.

Loki went pale. "Apologies, I thought you were aslee-" you interrupted him by laying your lips on his. It was a short and sweet kiss which ended too soon for both of your liking.

"I love you too, you dork. With tricks and all."

"Really? This isn't a payback for all the years of pranking I did to you?"

You shook your head. "Do you need a kiss to prove it?" you asked.

Loki smiled and stroked your cheeks. "You don't have to prove anything, the first one felt real enough. But, I won't mind if-," he leaned in and kissed you slowly, carefully.

It was a bliss. The warmth from the spell combined with the warmth of him was simply divine. When you separated you could see countless stars reflecting in his eyes and you swore this moment couldn't get more magical.

You stayed on the edge of the cliff cuddled up under his giant warm cloak for the rest of the night watching stars and exchanging sweet kisses.

[faguscarolinensis]

Chrysanthemum x 'Icicles' / 'Icicles' Hybrid Chrysanthemum at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC