#better parenting than he gave Loki

[charliehoennam]

beyond the badge pt. 1

a/n: request made by @harmonity-vibes. had been thinking about this specific plot for a long time and this lovely angel gave me the inspiration i needed. this will divided into three parts because it's simply too big lmao that's what she said. s/o to @strangergraphics-archive for the cute divider <3

pairing: david loki x f!reader

summary: his fianceé is abducted and a distraught david realizes some rules must be broken in order to save the one he loves.

warnings: 18+, dark themes such as language, violence, eventual smut, suicide, death, physical injuries, threats, abuse of power and blood.

SHARING IS CARING, SO REBLOG IF YOU LIKE IT

two | three | four | five

What was once a home filled with love, laughter and passionate moans is now hollow and empty.

The haunting silence of the house only fuels his self-hatred. He can’t stop blaming himself because he knows, deep inside, that he could’ve avoided all this mess if he had only listened to you.

When a dead body showed up in the river by the old mill, David was quickly assigned the case. It might have taken him a couple of months, but he successfully found the man responsible for a such a horrendous crime.

The man was Frankie Donovan, a bus driver and self-made drug dealer. You would’ve never guessed by simply looking at the man, due to his scruffy appearance and uneducated demeanor, but he had successfully made around 500 thousand dollars from producing and selling meth.

It might not have been much to some people, but to a man who grew on the country skirts of Conyers, bouncing around from trailer park to trailer park and addict parents, that money was more precious to him than his own life.

No one would’ve believed that Donovan was capable of making so much money. Most people underestimated him either because of his job, his poor background or, what appeared to seem like, his friendly nature. He might have fooled many, but not David.

In the empty house that belongs to both of you, David stands in front of the foggy bathroom mirror with a towel wrapped his hip.

He stares at his stoic reflection and takes in the physical effects your absence has had on him. Dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. Hollowed cheeks from the loss of appetite. The prickly 5 o’clock shadow growing out that he refuses to waste time shaving.

The lingering heat from his hot shower constricts the air around him. He leans down to splash some cold water on his face, hoping that it will provide just a little bit of relief. Although the water soothes him on the surface, it fails to subdue him within.

He runs a trembling hand over his face to try and keep his composure, but he’s losing it. His breath shortens as the room spins around him. What feels like rocks settle in his throat. His chest tightens with rage until he finally explodes and punches the mirror before him repeatedly.

“It’s your fucking fault!” he repeatedly shouts at himself.

Dangerous shards shatter into the sink and onto the counter. David doesn’t feel it just yet, but blood drips from his knuckles over the shards. He takes a look at his hand. His fit of fury let out a bit of the steam that he had pent up inside him, but it’s not enough to make him better.

Nothing will make him feel better until you’re home, safe and sound. He promised he would always keep you safe and he feels like he failed you. There's nothing that can silence that thought in his mind.

Once he’s poorly rinsed and wrapped his knuckles with gauze to stop the bleeding, he drags himself into the bedroom that lingers with the scent of you and haphazardly chooses a few items of clothing. He doesn’t bother with the usual button-up shirt. A simple black thermal, a pair of pants and usual boxers. He tries to get dressed as fast as he can.

David hates being in the house for too long, but he tries to avoid the bedroom as much as he can. Not only does everything there remind him of you, but it’s all still the same as you left it before you went to work that day and he wants to keep it that way.

The uncertainty of the future fucking terrifies him. He doesn’t know if you’re alive, he doesn’t know if you’re hurt. His colleagues are doing their best to find you, but the fear he secretly has of you not coming home is ever present. So, he keeps the bedroom the way you left it to create a false sensation that you’re somehow still there almost like a ghost.  Like you're still coming home, even though he's not sure you will.

It’s been almost two days since you’ve been missing. The captain made it very clear to David that he could not, under any circumstances, take the case due to his close relationship to the victim. Being off your case drives him insane, but it’s not enough to make him stop looking for you.

He might not be able to professionally investigate, but it doesn't stop him from questioning the local thugs in the neighborhood about the recent kidnapping. After coming to a dead-end last night, he spent the rest of the night driving aimlessly, hoping he might find you somewhere.

He came home for a quick shower before resuming his illegal search for you. He’s tired beyond belief, but his mind can’t concentrate on anything else besides his missing fianceé.

Sat on the edge of the bed you used to share, he looks over at the engagement ring still sealed in a plastic baggie on your nightstand and reaches over to hold it in his hands. Letting his head hang low, he lifts his bloodied hand and holds his forehead in it. His head pounds as memories flood his thoughts.

When a call about an abduction came in from a co-worker of yours, David could feel his heart sink down to his stomach. He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but the thought that you could’ve been the one kidnapped scared him to death.

He is in another town, a more populated, small and neighboring town who’s courthouse Conyers was appointed to. David hadn’t been aware of the newly opened case until he made it back to his car and saw 3 missed calls from his captain.

When he arrives at your workplace’s parking lot, he climbs out of his car so quickly that he doesn’t even remember to close the door to take the keys out of the ignition. It all feels like a dream, like nothing is real, everything around his is far from touch and he’s floating through the air

“Tell me it’s not her,” he begs already fearing the worst as he marches towards the blockade of police officers preserving the scene.

“Loki, I’m sorry, but you can’t be here right now. I can’t let you through.”

O’Malley has to hold him up as David’s knees give in and sits him on the curb. Kneeling in front of him, he instructs David to breathe as the air thickens in his throat.

“I-I gotta find her, captain. I gotta-“

“What you gotta do is let us do our job, Loki. You can’t work on this case and you know why. Tell me what you know.”

The truth, at the time where he can barely remember his own name, is that he doesn’t know who could have taken you. He’d put away so many bad guys already and, just like the Keller-Birch case, kidnapping were becoming more and more often in the small town of Conyers.

David is in no condition to answer most of the questions that his boss needed to ask. At least, not right there.

“David, let’s go back to the station. We can talk better there.”

“No. I’m not fucking leave. I need to be here. I need to find her!” he insists, wide eyes locked on the scene as the forensic investigators search the area.

His watchful eye notices one of the investigators lift something up from the ground after taking pictures of the object. As the woman places the small item into a plastic bad to preserve for DNA or prints, he quickly stands on his feet. Despite the dizziness that strikes him suddenly, he pushes his way through the uniformed cops, but there are too many of them to hold him back from the scene.

“Get the fuck of- Let me go! That’s her ring! That’s my fianceé’s fucking ring!” he shouts at the investigator while being restrained.

She looks at O’Malley who nods and allows her to show David the evidence. Walking towards David, he finally calms down enough and complies in order to make sure it is yours. And, just as he fears, it is indeed yours.

His hands tremble as he looks at the plastic evidence baggie containing your engagement ring. He closes his eyes as dread floods his chest.

The ring is technically evidence and is actually supposed with the forensics team to process, but David stole it from the scene to bring it home with him.

Tears drip against the plastic. He just wants you to come home.

The buzzing cellphone he'd left on your nightstand snaps him back to the present. Quickly wiping his tired blue eyes, he looks over at the phone placed beside his gun and badge. The thought of taking his weapon to his head to end the agonizing pain and guilty flashes in his mind.

Before he finds the courage to reach for the firearm, his gaze drifts and lands on a book you had been reading when you were home and he recalls one specific conversation you had had one night.

“You got a strange call today on the landline.”

You’re sat on the bed with your back against the headboard and a book in hand.

“Yeah? What’d they say?” he asks lying tiredly on the bed beside you.

Lifting your arm to make way for him, he nestles himself into your side with his strong arms locked around your hips while his face nuzzles into your waist with closed tired eyes.

“I dunno. I mean, I do, but it was just strange,” you lower your book, combing the fingers of your free hand into his luscious brown hair. “The guy just said told you to call him back or you’d regret it.”

“Probably just a prank call, sweetheart. Nothing to worry about.”

“But they asked for you. They said your full name and they know you’re a detective. Isn’t that a bit too personal?”

“I’m a cop, babe. That information is public. Anyone can find that out if you know where to look.”

You nod and stay silent as you try to continue reading, but it’s unsettling.

“I’m just saying,” you start as David groans tiredly. “Why would someone call and threaten you? Not to mention you just recently closed the Donovan case.”

Rolling over onto his back, he looks up at you from his side of the bed.

“Babe, Donovan is a small-town meth head. He doesn’t have the balls to come after a cop.”

“It’s just a strong coincidence, David.”

A lightbulb goes in his mind. Finally, a lead he could work on. How the hell didn’t he think about this before?

He shoots up onto his feet to get dressed and, just after he slides his boxer briefs on, his phone buzzes again with another incoming text.

Due to his close relationship with you, O’Malley didn’t allow him to take the lead on the case. If it had been anyone else, he wouldn’t have thought twice, but he knows the close relationship could impair David’s judgment. David’s already known for his temper and the last thing he needs is him risking the case because he didn’t follow procedure.

Instead, Chemelinski’s been assigned as the lead detective on the case. And, influenced by their close friendship, he’s ignored the direct and important order O’Malley had given him of keeping any new information from David.

The way he sees it, David’s a smart detective. If it hadn’t been for the close relationship, the case would’ve been his because he’s the only one that has solved and closed difficult disappearance cases like this.

“Evidence found at Penn Aire Motel, 46th and western. No vics”

“Didn’t hear this from me”

He wastes no time replying to his co-worker’s texts. His heart pounds with hope and adrenaline as his mind races with a thousand thoughts, wondering what kind of evidence they found. Even without a body or blood, assumptions can still be made based on the scene which is why he needs to be there.

Speeding in his car, his stomach churns contemplating what he might find once he’s there. He knows the procedure in case of dead victims. If you were dead, he would’ve already heard about it, so he’s hopeful it’s not the case.

As his car pulls up, O’Malley sighs already feeling the heavy headache setting in of having to deal with a distraught David.

“Who the hell told him?”

Chemelinski shrugs avoiding his accusing eyes, but mutters it wasn’t him as David quickly marches over to the captain, ducking under the yellow ‘do not cross’ tape with curious eyes scanning the scene to understand what’s going on.

“Loki, I told you-“

“I know, I’m off it. I know, I just wanna know what you found.”

David keeps a strong facade with hands up in surrender as O’Malley approaches him.

“You know I can’t share that information with you. You’re involved with the victim and it ca-“

“Yeah, I fucking know it can cloud my judgement! I know!” he shouts back.

O’Malley watches him take a deep breath to compose himself. He understands how stressful this is, especially for a detective.

“Captain, I-I’m losing my fucking mind. Please, j-just tell me something. I-I need something.”

He can’t ignore David’s pleading blue eyes or the crack in his voice. David’s a strong man who’s endured some of the most awful things life could throw at anyone. It takes a lot to scare him to this point.

He informs David that they’d tracked down the car from the location of your kidnapping. After identifying the vehicle with the help of local security surveillance footage, a dispatcher had ID’d it after receiving a call about an abandoned car in a rundown motel parking lot, just off the freeway.

No one saw you at the motel; the clerk working the desk that night said a man checked in alone, but a maid who had been getting off her shift mentioned she saw the man – who was staying in the room in question – putting something in the trunk of a different car before driving away in it alone.

The forensic investigation is still processing the scene, but the unit was able to find a small earring in the truck of the car, which was now in a small plastic bag labeled evidence in O’Malley’s hands.

O’Malley would’ve asked him if the earring was familiar, but the way David froze and stared down at the small accessory with swelling tears in his eyes is enough to confirm his belief.

He’d given you the beautiful jewel on your first anniversary. He remembers how happy you got when you opened the gift and saw the sparking, delicate pair in the small velvet box. His heart broke a little when you mentioned no one had ever given you jewelry before. You loved them so much that you wore them proudly every day to work.

He never thought he’d be the one having to identify a personal item of a victim.

“Y-yeah,” he sniffles blinking away his tears. “That’s hers.”

“We’re gonna find her, Loki. Loki!”

David can’t stand it anymore. The ring found at the site of the kidnapping and the newly discovered earring leads him to believe they weren’t left there on accident. He knows these are items you treasure more than anything and you would never take them off unless you were at home to avoid the risk of losing your precious accessories due to their sentimental value.

They’re breadcrumbs. They’re clues you’re leaving behind, calling out for him to save you. He needs to take matters into his hands.

[mischiefmaker615]

Love is Gone

Song Inspiration: Love is Gone by Dylan Matthew and SLANDER

Requester: Violet_lov3e (wattpad)

Summary: Can Loki win you back over?

Rating: PG14

‘’you are dismissed.’’

Odin’s sharp tone was enough to bring Loki out of his daze as he blinked back to reality and pulled his eyes off the familiar woman before him. even from the steps in which he stood near the throne, he knew exactly who she was the minute he laid eyes on her.

She wouldn’t want to talk to him.. not after how things ended..

She was only here for the royal and political aspect on behalf of her family.. or something like that, Loki had stopped listening to their conversation with Odin long since the doors had shut behind them. He recognized her family, and even now they still didn’t matter when he had her in his presence.

She had looked at him to, but not so much as the love and longing he had in his eyes, but of sadness and hurt. The memories were still there, her eyes held onto them as she pulled her eyes away far sooner than Loki had as their parents spoke with each other while they stood at attention. It wasn’t until she began turning away to follow her father out the door, when Loki’s body tensed and went to move forward.

‘’not right now my son, let them settle first.’’ Odin warned in a gentle tone that would have surprised him if he wasn’t busy watching the woman that used to be his walk out of the throne room.

Time.. he would give a little bit more time.. as much time as needed if that is what gave him a positive chance at at least speaking with her.. after all, they were to stay for the next three days as guests while the court would go over matters between the realms.

The night couldn’t have fallen fast enough, Loki wandering the halls as if he had a high chance of running into her. A false dream, he knew she never usually liked to wonder during night fall. a small smile pulled at his lips at the mere memory at how she would always get cold and ask to return indoors in the evenings. Which is why it quite surprised him to see a familiar figure wondering the gardens, a figure that very much resembled her body shape.. the body shape he’s memorized so many times under touch and gaze.. walk with a cloak and hood deeper into the garden.

He followed.

He kept a good distance behind her but from what he could notice, she was strolling not so much to go somewhere specific, but a pace that would suggest she had much on her mind and needed somewhere to do it. For her to be out at night, odd for her, it suggested something else..

‘’if you wished to talk, we could have chosen somewhere more comfortable for you..’’ Loki whispered, causing her to spin around, body tense at the sudden voice but found no one behind her.

With hesitation, she took a step back before turning herself around, only to jump at the sight of the second prince of Asgard standing before her, hands clasped behind his back with a careful expression on his face. ‘’I know how much you hate the cold.’’

‘’..what are you doing here?” she asked, a slight disinterest in her voice as she looked away from him, body relaxing now that she knew who had stalked her. Loki was many things, and although things had ended badly between them, she knew she wasn’t in danger.

‘’the better question darling is, what are you doing here?’’ he asked gently and stayed put where he stood, as if he didn’t wish to scare the butterfly before him as she rubbed her arms. ‘’you aren’t fond of night walks, I dare say you were perhaps risking running into someone?”

Her silence and lack of eye contact confirmed he was right but he was careful as he spoke. ‘’..you wish to speak about something?..’’

‘’more like..’’ she said quietly, always being honest with him from the start, shy or not but still kept her eyes down. ‘’I was curious if someone else had something to say.. after all this time.’’

Loki stiffened at her words. So this wasn’t about her, she wanted to know if he had something to talk about.. about a particular subject. His eyes followed her gaze down to the ground, doing his best to try to think of what to say as she had seemed to back him into a corner on this one.

He thought about what happened every day since she had left him. he had practiced every day of what to say to help ease her pain, his pain, to have a small percentage of means that would bring her back to him. by the grace of gods he knew she was only here because of royal duties but the fact that they were both present now was the blessing. One wrong move and he could lose her forever.. again. When he saw her foot threaten to step back, his mouth spoke faster than his mind.

‘’don’t-.. don’t go.. tonight..’’ he said slowly, and by how low his voice was he wasn’t sure if she had heard him, but by her pause, he knew she did as he squeezed his hands together behind his back, doing his best to find words.

‘’ I'm sorry.., don't leave me, I want you here.. with me.. I know that your love is gone, and I can’t change what I did.. you deserved the truth from the start and I kept it from you-‘’

‘’you used me’’ she said harshly, hurt in her eyes as she looked up at him, her body just as stiff as his as he seemed to flinch at his words.

‘’I know.. I know I should have never pursued you for rights to the throne.. but on that journey between us.. I found myself.. truly falling in love with you.. by the time I had realized my true feelings, you had found out the intent only and had left-‘’

‘’I remember.’’ She said coldly, not to fond of the recap that had divided them long ago and he slowed his words down, knowing he was losing her as he drew in a breath.

‘’it’s selfish of me.. I want to ask to let us fall in love one more time.. it tears me up when you turn me down.. how you’ve left.. there is not a day I haven’t thought about you and regret what I had done..’’ he spoke carefully, his body trembling at how he was forcing himself against his instincts to speak his thoughts, his feelings, but she deserved the truth he never gave her before.

The sound of a light thump drew her eyes back over to him, widening to see he had sunk to his knees now, his eyes down cast as he took careful breaths while his cape fanned out behind him. his fingers gripped his thighs, rubbing his hands up and down now and again as his mouth tried to find words before his shoulders sunk. His eyes raised, a small hint of liquid sorrow shown in the moonlight that threatened to fall down his cheeks while he took a deep breath.

 ‘’I can't breathe, I'm so weak,.. I know this isn't easy Y/N..’’ he whispered, her sweet name leaving his lips like a song she hadn’t heard in a long time.

Her expression was blank, hard to read but her body wasn’t as tense as it turned to face him directly as he stayed put in his submissive position. As much as he would love to avoid her eyes in that moment of shame, he kept them on hers, ready to do her bidding if she so much as inhaled to cut him off. Upon her silence, he carefully continued as he shook his head.

‘’I am not asking you to take me back, all I wish is for your forgiveness and the truth upon a matter- I know I do not deserve anything from you, not even a reply, but I wonder since the day you’ve left and even now.. Don't tell me that your love is gone?”

She looked upon him with silence, her eyes gentle but still hard to read as he watched her almost like he was asking permission to stay. When she said nothing but merely studied his face, his eyes finally down cast and yielded, starring at the grass below him and felt he should be beneath it with how he felt.

He wanted the throne, and upon finding out she was a royal, saw this chance to gain one- even if it wasn’t Asgard’s. He wooed her, courted her, made her feel like the most perfect woman in the realm on his arm and even took her to bed when all his previous lover’s would vanish before dawn. She had stayed. He began to love her, want her, need her, his actions began to come from his heart and she would drive him crazy when they were apart. Yet with a simple mistake, the truth seeped out and she had fled without so much as talking to him, but he knew why. It had been nearing a decade and not once did he stop thinking of her, asking about her, wanting her.. needing her.. he would give up the throne if it meant giving her back. Yet now within her presence,..

‘’I don’t deserve you Y/N..’’ he whispered.

The night air seemed to get cold, his cape that flowed in the gentle breeze gave him a light tug. His knees began to ache but he didn’t dare to shift. His eyes stayed down, his breathing careful as if one wrong move, one blink, and she would be gone. By her silence, he almost thought she was as he tensed with anxiety at the thought, but a warm, soft, delicate hand rested against his cheek caused him to flinch back.

His eyes were wide, still down but trying to register what he was feeling as he saw her elegant dress about a step away from him. if he peaked a little upward, he could tell she was bending down a little, her out stretched arm belonging to the very hand that caressed his cheek and a thumb rubbing his skin. For a moment, he thought it would be a trick before she would strike at the spot she had chosen, but it never came as he stayed still.

With small hesitation, he risked it and leaned into her touch, his eyes fluttering closed at her gently touch while his body slowly began to relax and crumble. He felt a tear finally fall down his cheek, not even moving to rid of it as he embraced his relief freely and pondered on the confusion that was there as he slowly looked up.

Her eyes were sad still, yes, but there was a relief there as well as she looked down at him from where she stood. Her body was relaxed, trembling but he would wager it wasn’t all from the cold as her other hand rested against her knee in her bent position, supporting some of her weight while her fingers gripped the fabric of her dress in a nervous habit.

‘’I never stopped loving you Loki..’’ she whispered, her sweet voice almost caressing his as he closed his eyes and lowered his head, almost as if a great relief washed over him as he leaned forward, his forehead resting against her legs or else he probably would have collapsed here and now.

‘’I know you loved me even when I found out the truth. I just needed time to forgive you from the beginning of it..’’

‘’take all the time you need darling.. I will make it up to you in every second of my life for as long as I am breathing..’’ he whispered and raised his head, bringing himself up from his knees and to his knees before she placed her hand onto the top of his head, stopping him.

His eyes raised up with curiosity and hesitation, wondering if he made a wrong move by literally moving but noticed the familiar mischief in her eyes and he felt a tug at his heart, the corner of his lips threatening to raise as she spoke.

‘’you can start making it up to me now..’’ she whispered, pushing gently against his head until he was sitting on his heels again and his eyes moved a bit in front of him, smirking as his mouth began to water.

‘’as you wish darling..’’

Note: DM a song for your very own Loki Musical Mischief one shot :D 

Tag List: @foxherder  @asgards-princess-of-mischief @fire-in-her-veinz

[hyperactivewhore]

Hey! I hope your having a wonderful day <3

I was curious to see how you feel about those stories where the OC is significantly more powerful than the Mikaelson Family? Like the ones where people just add the OC as a Scarlet Witch. I honestly don’t think any of the Mikaelsons would react very well to having someone significantly more powerful than them in their vicinity. As shown in quite a few episodes. Let alone one of them being romantically involved.

Hi! I'm fine, how about you?

I'm not gonna lie, these kind of stories are hard to read most of the time, especially because the powers these ocs have are practically never executed well. Why do they have that magic, who gave it to them, how do they even manage to live having that much amount of power? If people are so desperate to have their ocs be the next Wanda Maximoff, at least try better. Make their parents a god or goddess, perhaps both, someone like Thor, Loki, Freyja, especially considering the Mikaelson worshipped the Norse deities.

I honestly don't see any of them reacting well at all, especially Klaus and Kol. For a thousand years, they believed themselves to be the most strongest beings on earth and often were proud of it, knowing it meant they were "untouchable" and the few who dared to go after them were easily dealt with (excluding Mikael). We've all seen how they reacted to their parents, Bonnie, Dahlia, Inadu, Lucien, and all the people who came close to killing them, so imagining them having to deal with someone who is in Wanda level, who can warp reality and create life from nothing would be an interesting dynamic.

Trying to kill this kind of ooc would nearly be impossible, but knowing how prideful the Mikaelson are this would not stop them at all. I can see Elijah trying to negotiate some kind of truce should the need arise, and I can easily see as well Klaus and Kol trying to seduce her/him to put themselves in their good side if they've run out of chances, but this would likely be the last option considering how much it would eat them inside to have to "yield" to someone who tried killing them/is more powerful than them.

However, Kol was also absolutely terrified of Silas, to the point where he tried to kill his sister to stop her from waking him up, so it's hard to determine with him. It's very likely in my opinion, that he sided with this ooc if he got something from it, some sort of protection or escape from his family - but this alliance would prove to be very short, as all the Mikaelson are cockroaches who can never be truly away from each other.

Rebekah, on the other hand, is a hard guess for me too, considering how short her time on both shows was. Someone more powerful than her family, than her brother, who often abused her? Depending on which Rebekah we're talking about, I can see her trying to charm her way into this ooc's heart to have a defense against Klaus. But TO Rebekah would without a doubt stand with her family against anyone.

Any Mikaelson falling in love with this person, however, is unlikely to happen in my opinion. As I said before, I can see them - all of them, to be honest - making this person fall in love with them to have her/him "under control" or to have a secret weapon, but love is a very different thing from manipulation or lust. I can easily see them developing a toxic relationship that lasts through centuries if they do happen to fall in love, and being some sort of "frenemies" with the Mikaelson, but all of this is hypothetical, of course.

Thanks for the ask!

[fqreverwinter]

“guilty as sin?”

— — — —

relationship: loki x fem!reader

summary: you were caged in a loveless marriage with thor. ever since you were little, you were in love with his brother. it was never meant to be, leaving you to dream about being with him instead.

word count: 2.9k

warnings: mentions of cheating

notes: this is (obviously) inspired by “guilty as sin?” by taylor swift!! i hate that this plot line always puts thor in this situation, but it’s too good not to write it :) also the “poem” mentioned at the end is actually lyrics from “the downtown lights” by the blue nile that is referenced in taylor’s song!!

masterlist

Before you took your first breath, you were already considered royalty, born to the closest Lord and Lady of the Throne of Asgard. Before you took your first step, you were promised to one of the sons of the Throne. It seemed like you had little say in your own life; never once did you get to pick out your own clothes, do your own makeup, make your own meals. You yearned for a sense of control in your life as soon as you understood what control was. Being locked in the cage of regality was the bane of your existence, but there was no getting around it.

To be fair, you loved your parents. Though they gave you little room to breathe, they always made sure you were happy and taken care of. They supplied you with plenty of books, plenty of journals, and other things to keep your dreary days in the palace occupied. You loved the king and queen, as well. Odin and Frigga viewed you as one of their own.

And as for the two princes— Well, they were your closest friends in the whole world. You grew up together, experiencing your firsts side-by-side. You couldn’t have dreamed of better partners in life than Thor and Loki. Your personality was a bit of both of them—the fiery spirit of Thor and the intellect of Loki. No matter who you were with, you always had a good time.

When the three of you became teenagers, feelings started to get in the mix. Your parents had warned you that you would eventually marry one of the brothers. In your mind, that meant you could choose, and you had no doubt who you would pick.

Thor was sweet to you. He always made sure that you had a good time, that you were treated as a gentle and precious woman. That’s not to say he wouldn’t want to battle or get muddy with you, but he would always make sure you had a glass of water and a fresh pair of clothes afterwards. You appreciated his kind gestures, and you noticed his conventionally attractive features.

But it wasn’t him you wanted.

Loki had stolen your heart since you first learned what love was. He was much quieter compared to his brother, but when he did speak, his words were so eloquent and thoughtful that you had no choice but to swoon. You would listen to him talk about his favorite books, his favorite spells—hell, even his favorite rocks if it meant watching his blue eyes glow and his slender fingers gesture as he spoke. He was your confidant, the one you told all your secrets to because you knew he would never betray you. His title meant nothing to you; you never saw him as the mischievous, devilish boy that everyone else saw. You saw his charm, his intelligence, his kindness, his imagination, his drive.

When you were both just teenagers, you were sat in one of the many courtyards of the palace. Loki was rambling about something his father said that ticked him off, but you were just watching him speak. Soon, you saw how frustrated he was. His shoulders slumped as he sighed, staring down at his feet. Your heart broke for him. In a moment of bravery, wanting to offer him comfort, you gently took his hand and leaned your head on his shoulder. He looked at you with surprise, but leaned back into you. Your heart was beating so fast when you eventually looked up at him. His big blue eyes stared back into yours, and he quickly closed the gap between your two lips.

That moment, you knew you were in love.

Then, two days later, your parents broke the news that you would begin a courtship with Thor.

See, when they said that you would marry one of the princes, they failed to tell you that it was the first-born prince. You never had a choice; there was never a chance of you marrying Loki. It shattered your heart.

After they told you, you ran to your room and slammed the door, locking it behind you. You flopped on your bed and screamed into your pillow. It was so unfair that you never got to make any choices in your own life. For once, you found an escape from the thick iron bars that your parents locked you in all your life. But as it turns out, you were never free from that enclosure.

Thor began your courtship with a giant bouquet of flowers and a pair of diamond earrings. Both gifts were thoughtful, but they did nothing to pull your heart away from Loki.

For the remainder of your teenage years, Thor did everything to impress you, to show how much he loved you. He would hold your hand on late night walks along the river. He would bring you new books that he thought you would enjoy. He would keep you close to him at formal affairs, introducing you as his beautiful future wife. The phrase made you cringe internally. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t love Thor. Sure, you had love for him—but you loved him as a brother, as the best friend that you grew up with. You never felt any romantic love for him.

In secret, you yearned for Loki. You thought about him at times when you should only have been thinking about Thor. At dinner, you sat next to your betrothed, but you snuck glances at his brother whenever you could. In the moments you were alone, you went out of your way to attempt to bump into him and strike up a conversation. You pictured him as the love interest in your novels.

But it seemed like Loki didn’t want anything to do with you.

Ever since you began your courtship with Thor, Loki became distant. Your long talks in the courtyards or late night chats in the library became fewer and far apart until they completely stopped. He didn’t smile at you in passing, send you a wave across the room, or send you small notes under your bedroom door. You didn’t understand it; you thought it was obvious you didn’t want to be with Thor. Why wouldn’t Loki take the hint?

But you were wrong.

Loki couldn’t stand to look at you anymore because he was also hopelessly in love with you. He, too, had been in love with you since you were little kids. Loki thought—no, knew—you were the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. He wanted to be the one that you spent the rest of your life with, not his stupid brother. Every time he saw you, it broke his heart all over again.

Sure, he flirted with maidens and even brought a few back to his room. But he had the same thoughts as you—he saw your face in all of theirs; he dreamed that it was you when he was kissing them. They were nothing to him, just things to fill the ever-growing void in his heart.

He wanted to love you. He wanted to be the man that you deserved. He didn’t want to buy you flowers or gifts; he wanted to love and cherish you. He wanted to listen to your worries, celebrate you in your moments of joy, and talk to you in the way that only the two of you understood. Loki knew he was better for you than his brother could ever dream to be.

But Loki couldn’t tell you any of this. It would be breaking his brother’s trust. He did think about it, because what did the God of Mischief care about trust? But part of him knew that it would be breaking your trust as well, and that was something he could never bring himself to do.

On your wedding day, you felt nothing. Not even sadness or anger - just nothing. During the ceremony, you kept sneaking glances at Loki, but he never once looked up at you. Tears were welling up in your eyes, but you never let them slip.

During the reception, you managed to sneak away while Thor was busy chugging beers with his best friends. You went to one of the balconies in the main wing of the palace and leaned over the railing, staring out at the beautiful spring landscape of Asgard.

“I did not expect to see you out here, Princess,” a deep voice that you knew all too well muttered.

You sighed, “I needed some air. It was getting quite hot in the banquet hall.”

Loki stood beside you, grabbing on to the railing in the same way you were. You looked over at him, admiring how beautiful his face was up close. You were so attracted to him, his fair skin and bright blue eyes and sharp cheekbones. Your heart skipped a beat.

“I was always told that your wedding would be the happiest day of your life,” he said, finally looking at you. “But you don’t seem so thrilled.”

You shrugged. “The day is not quite how I pictured it.”

“How so?”

You looked back down at your hands.

“I just—I feel like I have never had a sense of control. All my life, I’ve been told what to wear, what to say, what to do, who to talk to… I have just been locked in this tight cage. I always thought that my love would be the one thing I could have control over. But as it turns out, I can’t even have that.”

“Do you not love my brother?”

You snapped your head back to Loki. He stared at you with a specific look, like he knew the answer to that question but was dying to hear you say it. You opened your mouth to answer, but you were cut off by a guard calling your name.

“Princess, Prince Thor has been looking for you. They are about to start the toasts.”

You nodded, adjusting your dress then walking towards him. You looked back to see Loki again, but he wasn’t looking back at you. Your heart broke again as you followed the guard back into the party.

The biggest change after your marriage was that everyone went from addressing you as Lady to Princess. Your feelings never changed; you still loved Loki and felt indifferent towards Thor.

Now, you shared a room with Thor. He would hold you in bed every night, trying to initiate some sort of moment for you two to share. Most nights, you said you were tired and brushed him off. On the nights you let him go further, you still just pictured Loki.

Your only solace was the fact that Thor started going on warrior missions to other realms. He would travel for days, sometimes weeks at a time to either serve as a diplomatic figure or a traveling soldier for different places throughout the cosmos. Those times were the only times you finally felt like yourself again. You got to sleep in your own bed, come and go as you please, and best of all, you didn’t have to worry about being physical with Thor.

Eventually, you cracked the wall that was put up between you and Loki. When Thor was gone, you spent nearly every day with him. It was almost like nothing had happened, no years were lost. You laughed and joked and told stories just like you did when you were kids. It did nothing but deepen your love for Loki, but at least you found some kind of relief for your longing.

Because in your twisted mind, these thoughts meant nothing; if you never took any action, never touched or felt Loki, you were not guilty of any betrayal.

One rainy night, the two of you were locked in the palace’s library, going through countless books of poetry from the different realms. You read them dramatically to each other, making the other laugh and laugh. When you reached a Midgardian book, you found a poem that especially struck a cord.

“Sometimes I walk away,” Loki began, propping one leg up on a couch while projecting his voice for the entire library to hear. You giggled as he continued.

“When all I really wanna do, is love and hold you tight. There is just one thing I can say, nobody…” he began trailing off, losing the excitement in his act.

“What’s wrong?” you asked, your smile running away from your face.

“Um…” he said quietly, not moving his gaze from the book in his hands. This was so unlike Loki; it was rare that he was at a loss for words.

“Sorry, it just caught me off guard,” he finally said, clearing his throat. He looked at you, his big blue eyes blown as he finished the line that he was stuck on.

“Nobody loves you this way.”

You stared at him, your heart skipping a beat when you realized why he stopped at that line. It resonated with your situation, the longing and dreaming that had gone on for years and years. You stood up, moving closer to Loki as his eyes never once left your face. You placed a hand gently on his chest as one of his wrapped around your waist. The two of you leaned in, ever-so close to the moment that you shared when you were merely teenagers.

“Princess!” one of your maidens called, sprinting towards you. You quickly stepped back from Loki as he did from you. The two of you acted like nothing ever happened as she approached you.

“Princess, it is well after midnight. You must head to your bedroom. You have breakfast with the Allmother tomorrow, remember?”

You nodded. “Yes, very well. Goodnight, Prince Loki.”

“Goodnight, Princess,” he replied, nodding his head at you.

You followed her towards the exit. You turned around once to see Loki, expecting him to ignore you like he usually did. But this time, he flashed you a smile and winked. Heat rose to your cheeks as you quickly spun back around, fighting the smile that was taking over your lips.

Once you got back to your bedroom, you closed the door quickly behind you, reminiscing on the moment you two almost shared. You giggled like you were a teenager again, spinning around before crashing into your bed. That night, you dreamt of a marriage with Loki, but this time happily instead of bittersweet.

But the next day, your husband returned, and this time bearing news that he would be back for a while. He embraced you excitedly, happy to be home with you. But you couldn’t feel worse. Thor being around meant Loki would go back to pretending like you didn’t exist.

The more time Thor spent around you, the more you wished to finish the moment you had with Loki. Those few seconds ate away at you like nothing you experienced before. You thought about it when you woke up, when you went to sleep, when you were alone in bed, imagining what it would have been like to finally have your lips against his again. You begged to be set free.

Some days, you really did consider throwing caution to the wind and knocking on Loki’s door. But every time you got close, nerves would take over and you quickly kept walking past. When you saw him in the hallways, you had the same temptations, but again he ignored your presence.

It only got worse with pressure from everyone around you to have a child with Thor. Your mother, your father, Queen Frigga, and even your husband pressed you about when you were finally going to start a family. The first anniversary of your marriage was nearing, and everyone said that it was time for you to produce the next line of royalty.

As a result, Thor tried to be physical more often. It became harder and harder for you to brush him off. Afterwards, he would roll over and fall asleep while you laid in bed restless.

One of those sleepless nights, you heard something rustle near your door. Curious, you gently stood up and walked over, finding a piece of paper that had been slid under your door. You checked to make sure Thor was still asleep then crept to your en-suite, softly closing the door and turning on the light. You read over the note, gasping when you realized what it was.

Through all these dreadful years, you were holding back the urge to cry. You felt like you were not allowed to cry. After all, you put yourself in this situation. You were the one that was not willing to let go of Loki. You were the one that dreamt of cheating on your husband with his brother. You were the bad person in every light of this situation. There was no reason for you to feel self-pity and let those tears fall.

But tonight, you finally let it happen. For that note was no regular note. No, rather it was a piece of paper torn from a book, annotated and signed by Loki, the Prince of Asgard, the God of Mischief and Lies, your true love.

And the note read the poem that you two had shared those few weeks ago. The poem that reignited your flame, that sealed your fate in the loveless cage forever.

Sometimes I walk away,

When all I really wanna do

Is love and hold you right.

There is just one thing I can say,

Nobody loves you this way.

[cece693]

Talk it Out (Steve Rogers x Gender Neutral Reader)

This is inspired by the Tony vs. Steve debates arising when Civil War premiered. I believe both were at fault—but what if there was a voice of reason who diffused the situation?

Summary: Being related to the genius Tony Stark had many benefits, but being stuck in an argument between him and your fiance, Steve Rogers, was never anticipated.

Being a Stark had its fair share of perks: a hefty bank account, influential power, looks that turn heads. But what the public was unaware of was the messy family drama, courtesy of Howard Stark. Despite the world applauding him as a genius inventor, at home, he was anything but wonderful.

Work seemed to be his one true love, leaving little room for the whole parenting gig. Affection and care for his kids, especially m/n, were as rare as a unicorn. And when the Stark siblings were paid attention, it was mostly due to the public image Howard wanted to construct as a loving father.

So, when Tony decided to start flying around New York as Iron Man, m/n wanted nothing to do with it. Don't get him wrong, m/n loved his brother, but staying out of the limelight gave m/n the peace they longed for since childhood. No image they had to uphold nor expectations they needed to live up to, m/n was content spending their remaining days working on the numerous charities and foundations Stark Industries supported.

M/n wasn't interested in the media at all, but he guessed being related to Tony Stark and dating fellow Avenger, Captain America aka Steve Rogers would throw that plan out the window.

Their relationship with the Captain had been a surprise to all; meant to be kept a secret from the public, with only the Avengers and Tony (obviously) knowing. However, when a picture leaked of them holding hands, the world went crazy.

With everyone, even news channels, speculating the nature of their relationship, it was m/n who ultimately decided to clear up rumors. Yes, they were dating Captain America, and what about it? The world had bigger problems than worrying about stranger's love affairs.

So, even if the public knew about their romance, m/n withheld that they were also engaged.

But as m/n said, the world had bigger problems. And indeed they had. After a failed attempt by Loki to take over the world, alongside Ultron's failed destruction of said world, their plate was full. It didn't need unnecessary drama thrown into it: like Steve and Tony bickering due to the recently written Sokovia Accords.

"You're being irrational!"

"Sue me Rogers for wanting to protect the world."

Rolling his eyes, m/n didn't understand how a friendship like Steve and Tony's was being destroyed over something as stupid as the Accords. If he was being honest, both men were acting like children.

"Can't you guys just talk it out?" M/n spoke, sitting up from his seat to glare at his brother and fiance. "I know Tony's a drama queen—"

"Hey!"

"But I expect better from you, Steve. Now, I'm going out with Pepper for lunch. When I return, you better have resolved this or else." Kissing both men's cheeks, m/n left the room. Looking at each other, Tony and Steve thought the same thing.

'M/n is scary when they want to be.'

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Yandere Parental and Brotherly Gods and Humans reacting to Child Human Reader being bullied by a slightly older child deity, and no one knew about the bullying, until they all got called to the kindergarten Reader goes to because she got into a fight with child Deity who’s been picking on her for a few months now (Reader gave him a broken nose, black eye and a few bruises, meanwhile she’s mainly unscathed with only a few scratches, her nose slightly bloody and her hair slightly messy)

They discover from Eve, Aphrodite, Parvati, Kali and Durga that Child Deity was bullying Reader because he has a crush on her (Both instantly figured out that Child God has a small crush on Reader, but is to shy/dumb to admit it, and thinks it’s cute, but the men obviously do not)

Who’s ready to fist fight this child? As a way to say ‘Reader is never going to date’, ‘Absolutely not’ or ‘The only way you can date my daughter is if you take her from my cold. dead. corpse’

Basically, all of them are ready to traumatize this child for bullying Reader

-A phone call home from your school was usually never a good thing, the past two calls were because you had gotten sick and needed to be picked up.

-This one however, was different, little five-year-old you, the cutest kindergartener in the world, had gotten into a fight!!!

-Your whole family was quickly at the school, your massive adopted family of humans, valkryies, and gods, many who were immediately demanding to know what had happened and who had put their hands on you.

-However, once they entered the principal’s office, the other child and his parents, a slightly older deity, in the second grade, looks like he got his ass kicked.

-He had a bloody nose, something his mother was trying to stop, a black eye, multiple abrasions, while you only had your hair messed up a bit, a few scratches, and your own bloody nose, something Eve rushed to your side for.

-The other child’s parents went to yell, until they saw themselves facing the most powerful gods in Valhalla, their bark instantly leaving them.

-The principal, a kind but powerful older goddess, explained that you had attacked the other child, after he was picking on you, pulling your hair, taking your things, pushing you down, and after a bit more prying from both you and him, he had been doing it for months now!

-The child was panicking, looking up at the furious Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Odin, Thor, Loki, Buddha, Shiva, Ares, Hermes, Hercules, Brunnhilde, Lu Bu, Adam, Kojiro, Jack, Raiden, Nikola, Qin Shi Huang, and Beelzebub, all glaring darkly at him.

-Your mother figures, Eve, Kali, Durga, Parvati, and Aphrodite were upset as well, but looked more annoyed, rather than murderous.

-Parvati was the one to get the child to tell why he was picking on you, because he thought you were cute and didn’t know how to admit it.

-Aphrodite was the one to step forward after his mother cooed, thinking it was cute, a glare on her face, “It is not cute, to say things like that he picks on her because he has a crush on her will not be tolerated. Y/N and other young girls will learn, if you treat the situation like this, as they should learn to tolerate this kind of abusive treatment! They will grow up learning that if a man hits them, it’s because he likes them!”

-His mother gawked, having not thought about it that way, while the other women were quick to agree while the men were stunned, learning this side of things.

-The boy apologized to you and you accepted it with a bright grin, making his cheeks turn a bit red, and both families were quick to forgive as well, but your parental units gave him and his family a warning, that he better not hurt you again, or else.

-It was two days later when you came home holding a flower, a smile on your face, “Lookie! B/N gave this to me!!”

-The men were quickly up in arms, Nikola holding you close, as the men were all shouting that you were never going to date and never get married.

-You had question marks flying around your head, wondering why they were all so worked up at the moment while Aphrodite was giggling lightly, taking a video as blackmail for your wedding to tease all of the men in your family.

[shydaydreamer28]

Some find it corny / lame, but I think it's sweet how Thor's back is almost a shrine to his brother. Lol

But not all are forgotten. The scroll has Frigga, Odin, Heimdall, Loki, Tony, and Nat.

Also seeing Loki's name with a "?" next to it. Seems at the time of that tattoo, he wanted to have a hope for Loki to still be alive (like the last 2 times).

Also speaking just on family, after the death,of his parents, Thor still got closure talking to Odin (end of Rag) & Frigga (Endgame) one final time. Meanwhile he hasn't ever gotten to see Loki again after his IW death. It doesn't help matters that Thor's last words to Loki were "you really are the worst brother"

So unlike Odin & Frigga whom he still got to have sweet goodbyes to, his little brother is yanked from him instantly with no room for parting words, or even an apology for his harsh sentiment moments before.

Now Thor has his own adopted child. He's got a chance to be better than Odin was with Loki.

I am sure it would hit all kinds of feels if he could talk to Loki one last time, give him that owed hug, an apology for his last words to him, as well as happily telling him about Love, cenenting once & for all that his adopted status didn't make him mean less -because now, 2 of Thor's most cherished loved ones are adopted family, his daughter & brother.

But I want Thor to meet our Loki again somehow. A variant he hasn't gone through everything with means little imo. It's like the cringe scenes of Strange being thirsty for a Christine variant - a wonan he doesn't know & had no history with just because she looks like the woman he's obsessive & possessive toward. 🙄

Some say it's fine because they just wouldn't have experienced the events after Avengers 2012. But those film events are big moments for them, the things they went through together tested their relationship the most for them to come out closer for it until Thanos.

Thor meeting some other Loki who had all his growth with / because of the TVA is hollow to me. The TVA & Sylvie are closer to him than Thor has been in any recent years. Plus the fact that Loki is sad / narcissistic enough to fall in love with a fem variant of himself is more cringe than Strange x Christine....So I prefer to ignore him & that show based on that alone. Lmao. Let him stay in his tree, or wherever he's sitting.

Our Loki had Thor for most of his growth & Thor is the one to continue to love & believe in him after they lost Frigga & Odin. Thor was his guide back into the light - who he gave his life for & died being 100% loyal to. So I want some closure with Thor for our Loki too, not only Thor. A variant means little to me. And it kinda spits on Sacred Timeline Loki & his bond with Thor - that he dies for the latter just to get replaced by a variant like he's an expendable goldfish. All these variants make relationships seems hollow if you lose a loved one, then start trying to grab replacements - Christine, Gamora, Loki, etc.

[sigyn-foxyposts]

"Smite!Sigyn relationship chart"

I can't stop myself from these charts and my variants! Base made by @atreyushortcake💚

Relationship info ⬇️

Loki:

Before the traumatic events Loki was a playful, loving and passionate lover that tried his best to be a father despite the issues he constantly found himself in. He really appreciates Sigyn for always being there to support him, even after he was the final blow to their family that already suffered so many looses. He feels like he did one thing right and that was choosing Sigyn as his second wife, secretly admiring her ability to go through so much and still be standing up straight. He would know that first hand.

These days, he is aware of how he has changed to be a little unhinged and that he can be a bit rough in nature. Sigyn even though she deeply misses the man Loki once was, could never stop loving him even when he turned out the way he did. She understands Loki better than anyone because she saw how he changed, she saw how cruelty made a monster out of him. But when he gets out of line she isn't afraid to voice her opinion either, even if it gets to the point of physically having to stop him in doing something stupid.

Hel:

Sigyn's relationship with Hel has always been very good from the start, since Hel desperately needed a parent to support her during those early years. Which Loki sadly wasn't able to do at the time, being a single parent with three kids, grieving over his previous wife. Sigyn was always there to teach, comfort and play with Hel whenever she needed it, causing the young girl to see her as a role model to the point she dyed her hair blonde when she got older to look like Sigyn's biological daughter.

After Hel was cast down to Helheim and forced to rule as it's queen, she remembered Sigyn's ways and used them with the same compassion and love to her people. Sigyn is also the reason why Hel enjoys baking cookies so much! Sigyn always saw Hel as her own daughter and is constantly proud of her, unlike Loki when she uses her abilities for good. Even though they both have soft spots for each other Sigyn is not afraid to deal with Hel's more darker side when necessary.

Fenrir:

Fenrir doesn't like to admit that he has feelings for anyone, but secretly that's not true. He was always distant and trying to act tough even as a pup. Despite this Fenrir is very protective of his step-mother and even the younger siblings she gave him. After all she was there for him and his siblings, always able to feed him and cuddle when he needed it. Which ironically is what fenrir prioritizes more than anything, eating like a king. Sigyn admittedly, while she finds Fenrir adorable even as an adult has to scold him a lot when he acts out (its not like everyone does that) but does tend to spoil him with his favorite dishes.

Jormi:

While Sigyn didn't get to know Jormungandr that well compared to his other siblings after he was cast away by Odin as a little baby into midgard. She still loves the big guy unconditionally and remembers him fondly as her son. Jormungandr in return does the same, recalling what little memories he has of their time spent together. He also recognizes Sigyn as family, despite his negative feelings towards the rest of his family (aka Loki.) While the giant snake often finds himself a bit jealous or upset that he never got to experience growing up with a mother like her, Sigyn tries to make up for it with the best of her abilities today.

Narfi and Vali:

Obviously Sigyn would be close with her two youngest sons, Narfi and Vali. They were her little miracles from the moment they arrived into the world. She spent a lot of their childhood caring for them and the boys really saw how much she tried, especially when they struggled. They appreciated their mothers efforts in making life easier and better for them. Even more so after their shared traumatic experience in..the cave. When Hel reunited Sigyn with Narfi she got very attached to her ghostly son and kept Vali around despite him being stuck in wolf form. The children feel the same way, not able to leave their mother's side and barely trusting anyone but her, they're very protective of each other.

The Morrigan:

Sigyn doesn't know The Morrigan on the same level as Hel does but sees her as a very good allay to keep around, especially during battle. After all she is a goddess of war! Sigyn is also admittedly quite charmed by the phantom queen. As weird as it may sound, she is able to see a lot of similarities between her and Loki, such as their ability to shapeshift, trick people and be charismatic little things. She and Hel must have a type!

Chang e:

It might be a bit strange for someone like Sigyn to befriend Chang e out of all the goddesses there are out there. But they're almost exactly the same in personality, if we look away from Sigyn's unhinged side. They're both lonely women, isolated from everyone and just want their husbands back into their lives. Specifically before things went eouth and changed. They find comfort in each others company and often see each other just to gossip and in general talk. Also Jade is a great therapy pet, even though Sigyn can barely feel her hands she loves petting him!

Ymir:

It's truly not everyday you see half of your families first ancestor now is it? She hasn't spoken to Ymir too much because of his lacking vocabulary. But that doesn't stop her from finding his innocent and naive personality hilarious, she laughs and finds it very enjoyable in the highest respect! Ymir isn't really offended by it, neither does he really understand it or who she is to him. So often you'll hear him refer to her as "bowl woman"

"Bowl woman put food in bowl?"

"No Ymir, it's to throw poison at you-"

Ratatoskr:

Ratatoskr and Sigyn love gossip and when she isn't on the battlefield, instead wondering what's going on in the world.. Ratatoskr will happily be at her service and report back if she has something scandalous about the norse gods. Obviously being the wife of the trickster god, Sigyn would know a few good tales that would surely embarrasse the whole all of Valhalla. There isn't really anything more to their dynamic other than Sigyn teasing Ratatoskr, treating him as her little messenger boy. In return he leaves making a fuss, finding Loki to report back on everything she told him just to spite her. Why wouldn't the most mischievous squirrel in all the nine realms be friends with the mischief maker and his wife?

Nike:

Sigyn and Nike are both victory goddesses and while Sigyn is the more introverted type between the two. Nike is very respectful and understanding towards what the poor woman and what she went through, when she heard what had happened. When they first met it was out on the battlefield and Sigyn was the first to start mocking her, it being very tense since they we're hunting each other down. Eventually it turned into playful banter and when they met a few times, they both love making it into a competition to settle who is the better victory bringer.

Heimdallr:

They know each other and unlike Loki, Sigyn isn't Heimdallr's enemy. No matter how many times her husband complains about him, to convince Sigyn to hate him as much as he does. Sigyn at least tries to stay out of their bickering for her own sanity and often makes fun of them for it. Loki doesn't take this as humorous as Heimdall does if he is there to hear it. All in all Sigyn and Heimdall respect each other, to the point where Heimdall sometimes finds himself hesitant to attack Sigyn on the battlefield.

Freyja:

Sigyn's relationship with Freyja is complicated, not because she is her mother and sometimes a daughter can fall out of touch. It's the fact Sigyn is married to Loki, someone the goddess is famously known to despise for his antics. Even worse, Freyja isn't happy with what her daughter went through but then again didn't actively try to stop it from happening or offer her support. Though she might've had her reasons not to interfere when things went down. This in return has made Sigyn feel like she can't trust the woman she calls mother and is very distant. You can imagine how awkward things are during family gatherings..

Skadi:

Initially, Sigyn didn't hold any resentment towards Skadi for marrying into her family through her grandfather, Njord. Sigyn could not fault Skadi for seeking vengeance and eventually finding a place among them. However, everything changed when Skadi, in an act of unforgivable betrayal, hung that cursed snake above Loki during his punishment. The same one Sigyn has now turned into her weapon. The goddess had hoped that Skadi saw them as family and Loki as a friend for making her laugh so many years ago.

To her, the respect she once held for Skadi evaporated instantly. The cut so deep, turning any lingering feeling into a burning desire for blood. If Sigyn were to encounter Skadi on the battlefield, there would be no hesitation in hunting her down. On the other hand, Skadi views Sigyn's loyalty to Loki to be foolish. She cannot fathom why Sigyn would choose to remain by Loki's side, enduring torment and suffering for a being she considers irredeemable. In Skadi's eyes, Sigyn's hatred is misplaced, her judgment clouded by a misguided sense of loyalty. They're far from fond of each other!

Odin:

Sigyn harbors deep hatred for Odin, not just because of his past wrong doings against her family with Loki, but because of the ultimate betrayal he inflicted by taking away their remaining children, the ones Odin considered "normal" enough for them to keep til the very bitter end. Odin's actions led to the death of one son and the disappearance of another, leaving their blood on his hands. While Odin might feel some remorse because they were innocent young children, he remains set that he made the right decision. In his mind, punishing Loki for Baldr's death was worth any price, even if it meant shattering Loki's sanity and destroying what little family Sigyn had left. He doesn't feel bad for the couple, blaming them for the way they turned out in the end.

[smolvenger]

A Court of Mischief and Purpose Chapter Seven (Loki x fem! Reader, Hiddlesverse A Court of Thorns and Roses Crossover AU)

Word Count: 9K

Series Summary: Inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses with the Tom Hiddleston characters. As you lay dying of consumption, You make a deal with Loki to heal you in exchange for staying with him every month. You are whisked to a world full of magic...and danger.

Warnings: Discussions of cheating (Not Loki, he'd never) and sex and death.

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @muddyorbsblr @fandxmslxt69 (can't believe I almost forgot to tag you! But now tumblr is functioning and I can tag you🫡!)

Chapter One//Chapter Two//Chapter Three//Chapter Four//Chapter Five//Chapter Six

The next week, it was announced that Lady Sif agreed to train you. 

You had butterflies in your stomach walking into the room on the training room. It was normally used for Asgard’s soldiers and guards, but anyone was free to have it when needed. Loki’s clever lies to his parents were that he wanted the mortal guests to take advantage of the opportunities of exercise here to pass the time. He was with you when you walked out for one-on-one training with Lady Sif. Hal and Robert were the ones behind. Jonathan was going to go through the city to gather information about Grendel. Thomas had to be in his workshop, studying the designs of daggers. 

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to see another woman rechecking her gear and clothes on the floor. One who wasn't you. In your sportswear, you suddenly felt incredibly overdressed. Her shirt had such short sleeves! You could see all of her arms and she was wearing trousers! Leather ones with daggers sheathed at the sides! But was still every bit as beautiful if she wore a gown. Pale skin and long dark hair with piercing, blue eyes. She could have been Loki’s long-lost sister. 

Sister…you remembered the Prophet’s words. The blue skin and red eyes…why…he was a “son”? But no- now was not the time to ask. Especially as training was starting to begin. 

 She put strands of cloth around her hands. They looked like fingerless gloves, the kind that Jonathan and Robert would make when they sparred. She flexed her white fingers and checked the tightness. She muttered something and then looked up at you.

“Oh! Are you-”

“I am Y/N, it is nice to meet you,” you introduced with a curtsy out of habit.

“Why, dear Sif! Glad you are here!” Loki greeted.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked. The Trickster god gave another of his theatrical gestures towards her. 

“This is the enchanting Sif. She was the first-ever female warrior here in Asgard! When they all said maidens could not fight- she was the first to prove them wrong!” Loki boasted.

Sif flared her nostrils, but she kept a half-smile.

“Eh, give or take a few thousand years,” she replied. 

She turned to the two others, cocking an eyebrow.

“And who are these men?” she asked.

Loki gestured to the guests.

“Why- this is his grace, Prince Hal…”

Hal made a gallant bow.

“And this- this is Robert Laing…” Loki continued.

“Oh- Doctor! Doctor Laing- Earned the degree ,” he said with a lick of his lips. He adjusted his tie on his suit. He could wear one since he was not training now. 

Sif dropped her smile.

“Oh- and how do those studies prove you’re better than anyone else?” she questioned him.

“Just wait until you’re the one bleeding out half to death,” Laing retorted with his grin still on her.

Sif shot him a glare.

“I don’t bleed. I make others bleed,” she replied.

There was a sudden chill in the room. Robert backed down and Hal chewed the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. 

“Hmm- we have talked quite a bit. Well,  let’s begin-” she announced. “Get a practice sword.”

In the corner, there were wooden poles and then there were normal swords. You nodded and grabbed a pole that was stationed and ready. 

“No, Y/N! The ones with blades!” she requested.

Oh dear. That’s different. You had yet to try fighting with actual swords. You nervously took one and got it out, unsheathing it with a schliiiiiiick sound. You swallowed heavily as Sif easily grabbed the one next to you. You weighed it in your hand, watching the end of that blade and how many lives, even your own, could be ended with it. 

“I see the look on your face. Do you want to be a warrior? You must learn to fight with a real weapon. You have to be ready, Y/N.” she said.

“Alright…it’s only new…” you said though it was only half your voice.

You walked out into the middle of the floor. The three men stood by the sides with some chairs to watch you both. Hal, the expert on swords too, watched with an examining eye. Robert folded his arms. Loki rested a hand on his chin as he folded his arms. 

“Alright now parry-” Sif ordered.

You parried- moving the sword forward as she threw hers down in a heartbeat. You jumped a little from the impact. There was the sharp sound of the blades colliding that rang through your ears.

“Decent. Now don’t think too hard mortal lady- just act,” Sif instructed. 

She thrust her sword forward. You managed to block it by raising yours impulsively. She was fast and aggressive. When you tried to move forward she would find a weak point and raise it to you. Then you would jump back. You kept fleeing from her, dodging her. Blocking her constant, attacks, your feet shuffling further back. Would she even give you a second to attack her?  You backed up from her constant parries. Her attacks were forward and your defenses backward until your back foot grazed a wall. It then hit you- she has backed you into a corner.

“I’m not sure if you’re training or if Lady Sif wants another fight to win!” Robert quipped. 

Sif’s eyes turned towards the doctor, gritting her bared teeth. 

In a swift second, Sif reached into the side of her pants. She pulled out a small dagger. She looked at Robert and hurled it towards him. The three ducked out of the way. As Robert moved, it landed on the wall next to him, barely grazing his cheek. His eyes were wide and his face pink- as if he couldn’t tell if he hated this or actually secretly enjoyed it. 

You tried to wiggle out, think of a next move as Sif was distracted. Then- a feeling hit you. An odd feeling.

You could sense her. Sense her movement. Sense the movement of everyone. You felt their footprints- where they were. You could sense how many swords and poles were nearby. Everyone’s heartbeat. The other dagger in Sif’s pocket. The guards outside the door. You could feel the feet shuffling in the halls in the next room. As if you were asleep and now awake. You felt your head spin a little and put your free hand to your forehead.

“Sif, I feel…I feel a little odd…” you remarked. 

Her feet rumbled as you sensed her right before you and raised her sword in your direction. 

“Now- Y/N…what do you do?” she asked, raising your sword. It was right before your face. You backed further up to the wall. 

“I…I don’t know!” you confessed.

Sif kept her eyes on you and her sword still pointed at you. You tried to swipe hers away, but she countered it and thrust again forward. You raised the sword up to block it. She pushed forward and you backward. The blades slicing against each other. 

“Come on- focus. Hesitation is when the enemy will gut you open-”

“I really don’t!”  you cried.

“Come on! What’s your first instinct, mortal?!” Sif urged.

You couldn’t think straight. Only the humiliation of your defeat weighing on you. And the hotness of the room, the smells, and the rumbling of feet as someone walked in the next hall. It was too much, too much. In a wave of emotion, you pushed your sword in front of you to her on impulse with a slight shout. Sif snorted, raising an eyebrow at the weapon you stabbed forward.

You felt everything get white hot inside you. The feeling began at the top of your head and waved down to your hands- then to the sword

“Decent, but-”

It happened in a matter of seconds- so fast, you barely processed it. 

Fire shot out. It shot out of your hands and through the sword until it blazed before Sif. 

Sif let out a scream of surprise and backed off. Her sword jumped out of her hands and skittered across the floor. Still, the fire kept burning, blazing. Everyone jumped at the sight of it.

“Why…what…what is this?! What is going on?” Sif cried. The fire added another thing of heat to the room and its crackling was the only sound for a second. 

It then stopped. But the air still felt scorched and warm. It smelt of sulfur. When you checked the sword, it was partially burnt. You dropped it and checked your hands. Little twinges of flame jumped from it. But your skin was unhurt. Then they slowed down and they were as normal, the small star winking at you. 

“I…I don’t know- I don’t. I’m sorry, Sif.” you explained. 

Sif regained her composure. 

“The enemy is surprised, that’s good. Now what do you do- Y/N!? The enemy is surprised and unarmed. Don’t hesitate!”

As you thrust the partially burnt sword forward, Sif jumped back. Her eyes went to the sword she dropped. She reached for it.

With a bit of shock, you felt that sensation again- focusing on that little practice sword of Sif’s. The white-hot buzzing. Something else poured out - almost like a breath. A whiff of energy.

The sword skittered across the floor, unmoved. Far from Sif.

 There was utter silence for a second. The men all stood up with astonished looks on their face. Sif dropped her jaw and turned to you.

“Loki- is this another trick?” she asked.

He shook his head and shrugged.

“No…it seems as if…this was none other than our dear Mortal ladies doing…and there’s only one explanation….magic,” he answered, eyes scanning over every detail of the room and the sword. 

You felt dizzy again. You set aside your sword, feeling everyone’s eyes on you, making you uneasy.

“I’m so sorry but it’s…it’s never…never happened before…” you blubbered out. Now the source of all the attention. Like a child called out for trouble in school before her entire class.

Sif urged the men to come over. 

“Training is done. Please get the queen- she has something in her. It needs to be checked. Now!” she demanded. 

At once, all of you hurried to Frigga in her chambers. She was enjoying the view from her balcony when she turned her head. 

“Mother- hurry- we must talk! About our mortal girl-” Loki insisted.

She walked inside and sat down gracefully on a chair. In brief, all of you told her of what happened.

“Why…magic? Our Y/N?” she gasped.

You nodded. She then reached forward and took your hands. She studied the star marks, tracing them with her finger, her eyes bulging wide as she really took it in. She then turned upward, her eyebrows crossed. Her voice dropped to a sharp, strict tone. 

“Loki…there is only one spell that leaves a mark like that. Why is Y/N here? Not just out of the goodness of your heart? How did you meet her? Was she hurt or sick?” she asked. 

“Yes. Dying, in fact.” Loki reported. 

Frigga’s lips tightened.

“And you used that spell?” she asked.

“Yes, I did.” the prince admitted. 

“My son, did you read everything the book said about it.”

Loki shrugged. He put on his uneasy, half-laughing smile where only part of a chuckle escaped.

“Only the parts that were important!”

She gave him a stern look.  

“That I…thought were important,” Loki admitted. Smile dropping, he folded his hands and looked down, red with embarrassment. For no child was immune to a scolding from their mother, even gods. 

“Including the bargain to seal it?” she asked.

“Yes, mother.”

She let out a deep sigh. Then she walked to her bookshelf. She got out a large, ancient book bound in worn, tan leather. She moved it to her desk and flipped through the pages. Finding what she was looking for, she stopped at one. She read quietly for a minute and then looked at you. 

“You have Prince Loki to thank for this, Y/N. This spell…since the magic must go inside the person to heal them, it never leaves. In short, you now have magic, my dear,” she announced.

“Oh…oh dear god!” you gasped, moving a hand to your mouth. Glad at least flames did not burst out to burn your face. 

“Why, I do like to be called a dear, thank you,” Loki smirked. You gave him a look.

“This is not a joking matter!” you retorted to him.

Frigga folded her hands. Sif, Hal, and Robert all stood watching like they were the audience of a rather suspenseful play.

“Anything else? Other than what happened at training?” the queen questioned.

“I…I’ve had dreams of the future- possible futures…” you explained. 

Your mind drifted back to Stella. The dream you had of her future suicide attempt.  You did everything you could you took comfort in one fact. She made you a promise and Stella would always honor her promises. You wrote to her regularly as you did your parents, sending Thomas to deliver the letters and head back. Like she said, if she was engaged, you would know. Her letters were not of proposals, definitely, not of any men she had her eye on. They were of the ordinary daily life- visits, occasional dances, farmers with their crops, fishermen with their fish, the most tantalizing piece of news that a small town could offer. She was wise not to discuss what was happening at church with you. But no engagements, at least not for her. Perhaps her tragic future was avoided by now. 

Frigga checked the book and tapped her finger on the page. 

“It says right there- visions of the possible futures. Occasional-usually in dreams. And have you ever sensed someone near you- far away? Sensed everything around you? Their actions?”

You nodded.

“Yes. It happened today with Sif,” you confirmed.

Frigga looked at her son and then back at you. 

“Have voices appeared in your head?” she asked.

“One specific voice,” you answered. “Loki’s.”

“I’m not surprised. Do you hear her thoughts too?” she asked Loki.

He folded his arms and lifted his chin a little.

“As clearly as I hear your words, Mother. Even when I was in Asgard and she in Midgard,” he answered.

Frigga turned a page, her finger gliding down as she found a paragraph.

“Here it is listed- the thoughts of the one who cast the spell and the one healed are linked in their minds….” she read aloud. 

She scanned the rest of it, then closed the book. But she went to you, touching your cheek sweetly. 

“It could be worse. But this is a mere symptom of the spell. You will learn how to live with it.” she said.

“How? I don’t want to…to…hurt anyone!” you replied.

Frigga softened her face at your words.

“Oh, of course not! Do not blame yourself! No one has been hurt! You see…”

Her eyes turned to Loki with a small smile.

“My son should be the one to help you,” she suggested. 

Loki’s jaw dropped and he took a step forward.

“Help her? You’re the expert on magic- why can’t you do it?” he asked.

“My dear boy, you were the one who chose to do the spell on her. And you will face the consequences for it rather than running away,” she explained.

He put his hands on his hips and he opened his mouth to say something, then he closed. Frigga kept a smile as she looked between the two of you. Loki swallowed his Adam’s apple bobbing. You exchanged a look, then he turned to her. 

“Alright- then…then I will,” he said. 

Frigga clapped her hands together with a smile. 

“Good- begin tomorrow with the mind reading. It can be done to where two can speak to each other seamlessly would rather it be clear than disruptive. Now-dear Lady Sif, Hal, Robert- I am so sorry I haven’t spoken with all of you. I’ve been busy. How are all of you? Let’s call for some wine and a little bite to eat before dinner as we all chat, shall we?” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was when you woke up the next morning that it hit you. You were no longer some ordinary “mortal” woman. No- now you had powers! To think, if you could go back in time and tell yourself as a child, what would she think! Not to mention, what would everyone back home think of a woman who actually had powers by accident? Oh, they would all scream in terror if a flame shot out of your hands. Secretly, you were thrilled. As if winning some luck of the draw. 

You walked outside to the gardens. It was right at the start of the afternoon when the sun was the most warm. It wasn’t usually when you liked to walk outside due to the heat, but you wanted to test your newfound abilities. To see if you could figure anything out. You decided to head There was a middle valley in the palace garden grounds. A small grassy part amidst some hydrangea bushes with no trees for shade. 

There were many things you expected to walk into the garden to see. The buds open. Gardeners digging holes. Little bugs about the dirt. Pleasant, familiar, comfortable things. 

You weren’t expecting to see a naked man. 

Pale, and muscular with ripped abdominals and strong biceps despite his lean frame lying down on a bench. A towel on his head and a book over his crotch. They were the only thing on him. 

Ripped with shock, you let out a scream on instinct. To your increased horror, he got up the book shifted. You let out another shout and shielded your eyes with your arm. You thought you would see…that part of a man on your wedding night! Not unwarned and unwanted in a garden! 

But he scrambled up and set the towel and book over the most offending part of his body. When you peeked up, his hair had a redder sheen, and though he was in the sun he was pale. But you had to admit you did like the sight of all the muscles on him.

“Hello there!” Robert nervously chuckled. 

“What on earth are you doing?!” you cried. Your eyes trying very hard to focus on his face. 

“Uh- I just- I’m sunbathing! And I fell asleep!”

“People-people really sunbathe in the future in their free time?!” you questioned. 

“Well, uh, yes,” Robert replied.

“Bare naked as a babe?!” 

“Also yes.”

“Have you gone mad, Robert!?” you cried.

“Not for a month!”

You took a step back, Robert noting the look on your face. He blushed with embarrassment. 

“I am so immediately sorry, Y/N. I didn’t know you would be here! I’ll try to keep it in my room. I’ll talk to Loki. Ask him to conjure a-a-a-sun tan machine or something.” he tried to compromise. His feet started to shuffle to the bushes as if he were Adam after devouring the apple. 

“People make machines for sun tans?!” you asked.

“Oh, they do! I’ll tell you- my- my robe is near this rose bush-give me a minute…”

He leaned in and got it. You turned away as he put the white, cloth robe over himself. The electricity of the shock still running through you.

“Alright, Y/N, I’m decent!” he announced. 

You turned around. Robert tied a knot of the cloth around his waist.

“Sunbathing naked?! Goodness-and did you say…are you sure you’re not still mad?!” you cried.

Robert froze. The joking smile on his face dropped from the embarrassed, cheeky smile. 

“I’m not,” he replied sternly. 

He took a step towards you, his voice serious. 

“Please, don’t bring it up with the others. I don’t like other people discussing it.”

Shame flooded your system. 

“Oh-I…I am so sorry…I…I didn’t know…” you apologized, feeling your shoulders slump.

 He gathered the towel and book in his hands. 

“Well…now you do…Y/N, I….I…I’ll go to my room now,” the no-longer-madman said as he walked out. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Loki did not take you at once into either the indoor or outdoor training grounds. Instead, both of you merely went to a table in a dining hall. He plopped down, his smile never leaving his face as he looked at you. You were dressed in a white day dress with little pink dots all over it, moving your skirt as always so you could sit down on the chair. No one else was around to witness this, only the two of you. 

“Well then- to start. Let’s practice the whole thought business!” he announced. 

“Aren’t you scared I will scorch the table?” you asked.

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms with a shrug.

“Why should it be? Tables can be replaced, but not you. And I’ve been able to access your own thoughts quite easily for a while. We both know that by now. You should learn how to send them and block mine. Unless you want to hear my voice in your ears to lull you to sweet dreams at night. I will be happy to oblige.”

You gave him a scowl.

“You’re a scoundrel,” you responded.

“Always have been and will be,” he replied with a smile. 

You looked forward at him. You folded your hands on your lap. It was a nice dining hall. Right near an open balcony with tall columns of marble around you. The bright sunlight shone down as it overlooked the skyline of Asgard.

“All right- I’m going to send my thoughts out. To you. I will make them clear.” Loki announced.

Then there was nothing. You heard nothing. You felt the rustle of the bustle on the back of your skirt as you leaned back in the chair. 

With a deep breath, you heard Loki’s voice in your head.

“Hello there, Y/N. It’s another lovely day here in Asgard. Wouldn’t it funny if I snipped off a bit of Sif’s hair when she isn’t looking!”

“Don’t do that! It’s mean! And she will scream at you!” you thought back.

He made a gesture with his hands and spoke out loud. 

“There you go! That’s far better! You hear mine- I hear yours!” he announced. “All because you let me in, my dear. I read it in the book.”

“What else did it say?” you asked, moving your hands to touch the table. It was long and wooden, carved with ancient runes. You nervously traced one with your fingernail. 

“Your thoughts are an instrument one can never stop playing. Only you may play them loudly or quietly. But one can muffle out the music of another., Y/N. Now- try to block out my thoughts to you.”

With a deep breath,  you clenched your body. Willing the invisible thoughts of his to not enter your own head.

“Not working.” Loki’s voice replied in your head.

You let out a huff of air through your nostrils.

“How does one block it?” you questioned him. 

Loki slightly tucked his chin. 

“Hmmm, yes, I see how stiff you are holding yourself, your body. And this time I know it’s not because of this ‘bustle’ thing.  Blocking does not mean bracing oneself- body or mind. Think of it like…like a shield…try to put a shield out. Imagine one. And relax a little.” he guided.

You imagined a shield. You saw many among the guards of Asgard. Tall, circular, and bronze. You imagined it up against you, protecting you, bundling up inside it. Warm and safe. Loki let out another small breath. He sat forward on the chair, leaning an elbow on it. His hand touching his chin and grinning. You braced for his voice in your head again. 

But the shield worked. You didn’t hear one of his. There was nothing. Finally! Your physical training was slow, but at least that was one thing you could get right!

You imagined lowering it down. Sure enough, there were thoughts of

“Y/N, the dress you have on today looks quite lovely, especially when the sunlight hits it.”

A little flutter began in your stomach. You couldn’t give into his flatter, no. You sent out another one, looking into his blue eyes. One of a pair of many you learned to get used to. 

“Trying to recover yourself over the remark about my breasts?” you thought back. 

He dropped his smile, lowering his head.

“I apologize. I knew it would rile you- get you to fight back.”

“Thank you for acknowledging that, Loki. You have quite the presumptuous nature- I’ve figured that out so far.”

Then there was no reply. You heard no thoughts. You tried to send something out to him, but there was nothing for a minute. Then two. Then three. You blinked and tried to send it out.

“Loki? Loki-what-”

He waved open with his hands and spoke aloud. 

“See, Y/N- now my shield was up. Let’s try this little back and forth, shall we?” he asked.

It went on like tennis. It was shaky- but at least you had a hand at it. It was a start.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The day came to announce the heir. It was all heralded that morning so quickly, that there wasn’t time to process it. It was the gatekeeper, Heimdall, who resounded it out before the city balcony. All of you standing in the back room as he looked down upon the people. Heimdall smiled at them and then announced with his rich, sonorous voice to all. 

“Odin has named Thor as his heir! Prepare for the ceremony later today at sunset!”

When you looked for Loki, he immediately left the room. Thor smiled wide before servants ushered him out the other door. 

There was so much bustle, servants running to and fro, platters of food delivered from the kitchen, your head spun. And Thor was never seen to discuss this. And not Loki either. It wasn’t that you didn’t want Thor to be happy. But…you knew today was going to be hard for the younger brother. Yes, Loki was cheeky and arrogant and flirted to get what he wanted and fond of getting into trouble- but you had to admit…you felt bad for him today.

The ceremony began as promised at sunset. You were astounded to see so many people about to watch.  To think this many people lived in Asgard! Were they gods too? Mortals like you who just lived in a different world? Curiosity bubbled inside you. You were just used to your plain little life in a plain little town where every house was white and you saw the same faces daily. But here- there was life. Excitement. Not even London, you imagined, had this much of a crowd for anything. They crowded around. They gathered around the large, open space before the throne with a walkway.

Everyone dressed for the occasion. Odin wore his silver armor and winged helmet, his eye patch seemed to gleam like a jewel. Frigga was beautiful in her golden dress, with a smile on her face. Loki stood in his deep green with his large, horned helmet. You were in your own russet velvet dress for parties. Jonathan wore his blue suit and Robert his grey one. Hal was dashing in dark velvet, his curls combed back. Thomas was in his black suit, the bronze chain of a pocket watch sticking out across his stomach. Sif herself remained in her armor but was placed to stand near the throne with the other Asgardian warriors.

“Let us now raise a cheer for my son- your future king, Thor!!” Odin announced.

Thor was brought down on a chariot, wielding a large hammer. His large red cape and long blonde hair flew in the wind. He had a giant smile as he showed it his hammer. The crowd roared for their future king. Everyone was smiling. Everyone…except the younger brother of the future king. 

You looked over at Loki. His hands folded before him, the usually mischievous gleam in his eyes dimmed. He seemed far away, small, and alone. 

“Loki…how are you? What are you thinking? You can tell me…” you sent your thoughts out.

There was no response.

You couldn’t bother with Hal and Sif trying to outdrink each other at the banquet after. Robert kept trying to flirt with her and she told him to bother off, only she didn’t say the word “bother.” The doctor backed away, hands up in defense. Thomas and Jonathan sat next to each other at the meal. It was hardly a wonder so many Asgardian women made their eyes toward the two handsome men. Many maids offered to refill their goblets with batting eyelashes. Jonathan was polite to them, but never seemed to return their attention. Thomas was a different matter, however. He was smiling, chatting, and charming all of them. Thor was at the center, telling stories and laughing as people lauded their upcoming ruler. 

 But you had no interest in the celebration going on in the hall. There was one gentleman in green who was missing from all this.

You felt your sensation again. Despite the rumble of everyone’s food digesting, you felt Loki’s presence. Locating him easily.  So you got up, going to the stone walkway in the next room. The cool air of the night washing over you. Seeing Loki in a marble corner, staring out at the city. He only looked out at the window at the starry sky and two moons shining through the window. He jumped a little when he turned and saw you.

“I’m not surprised….” he said.

“But it’s still disappointing…” you acknowledged. 

He let out a deep breath. You heard Thor’s large laughter from the other end of the hall. God of Thunder suited him- everything about him was thunderous. 

“I’m so sorry, Loki…you would have made a decent king,” you tried to console.

He arched up a dark eyebrow.

“Really? Me?” Loki asked. He seemed surprised, not like the other side of him that would say he knew. He turned around to look you in the eye.

You nodded. 

“Yes- you would have. You took pity on a dying woman and offered to heal her. You comforted her when her heart was broken. You’re teaching me how to control my magic. You’re planning a quest to defeat a villain to protect others. You…you sent Hal after me. And I hear Robert had...”

You stopped your words. You suddenly remembered Robert asked you not to discuss the time he went mad. 

“A…a hard time…” you finished.

Loki gestured with you to walk back to the dining hall. His eyes drifted towards the Baronet in black smiling as a maid refilled his jug for the third time.

“Oh, if you think Robert had a hard time, wait until you find out where Thomas came from,” he replied. 

‘Thomas?” you asked. 

From the smile, you saw Thomas pull out a small contraption for the maid. It was a music box that could fit in the pocket. The maid turned the knob, grinning to reveal its trickling tune. The maid laughed in delight. One would never guess he ever had a “hard time” at any point in his life. 

You turned your focus back to Loki.

“But you are suffering too. Don’t let Odin or a throne determine your worth. We all appreciate you,” you said. 

There was some music in the back and people raised their goblets. Many gulped it down and threw it on the floor, crying “Another!” You jumped a little at the sound of so many cups crashing on the floor at once. 

“Appreciation won’t make me a hero…or Thor’s equal…” he replied as he walked off. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You couldn’t fall asleep that night. Your heart was still breaking from the last line with Loki. He felt invisible. Unwanted. And it felt like there was nothing you could do about it. Wasn’t there a compromise? Why couldn’t there be two kings or couldn’t the kingdom be divided? 

Then there were the thoughts that shot out of you. Thoughts you tried to stifle. Memories you tried to stifle. But stifling them only made them stronger when they arrived. Memories of home. The letters, the field, the white shirt, the-

No, you had to distract yourself. Not dwell. It would only make you miserable. It looks like you would have to ask for the sleeping potion again. You got out of bed, wrapping a pink shawl around your nightgown for warmth, out you went into the halls. Perhaps it would be in the kitchens or you could ask a servant. Your bare feet touched the cold stone beneath, making you shiver. 

Then- there was a noise. A shuffling. Your powerful sensing was warning you. Someone was up-about. You turned around to look. No one. As you kept walking, you kept swearing you heard footsteps. Then a breath. 

There was someone up and close by. Awake. It wasn’t a servant.

Oh no- could it be a spy from Grendel!? You were going to scream, use what you could. Try to move something- you feel someone there. You felt your hands grip your shawl tighter. You were unarmed- could you somehow summon flames again? Make something move? Frantically looking around, frozen with fear.

Before you could even budge, out from the darkness, Jonathan Pine appeared. He put a hand before you to silence the idea of a scream. He put a hand before his face to shush you.

Like…like…like he would, like what Will would do- no! Y/N, don’t dwell on him. It’s over! you thought. The thought then slipped away in a second. You felt yourself relax knowing it was not a spy from Grendel.

“Shhh- Y/N! It’s okay! I’m here!” Jonathan whispered.

“You scared me to death!” you hissed back, placing a hand over your slowing heart.

“I’m sorry. It’s part of my duties.” Jonathan explained. 

“Duties?!” you asked, with a tilt of your head.

“Remember, I’m Loki’s spymaster. I am again- so very sorry about the scare. I’ll make it up to you. Let me take you downstairs- get you something to drink. Does that sound nice?” he asked.

“Yes, yes it does, Jonathan.”

Down you went to the kitchens of Asgard. They weren’t accustomed to tea as much. But they did have wine. And still whole bottles of the special wine that was made for the banquet today. He located two glasses and poured you both some of the red liquid. He handed it over to you.

“How did you become Loki’s spymaster? I’m curious…” you asked.

He paused. He leaned back against the counter, the glass in one hand. 

“I…I’ve never talked about it much…but…I’ll tell you,” he said.

He set down his glass on the counter and then turned to look right at you. 

“Y/N- you know I’m a soldier…” he began.

“Yes, I do,” you recalled. 

You took a sip of the Asgardian wine-rich and dry in its flavor. Jonathan left his abandoned. You his lips tightened, and then in took in a slow breath. His voice was soft, earnest. 

“I never had a family all of my life. I lost my parents. Grew up drifting in foster homes around England. The army at least was stable. It felt like I had a permanent family of my own. At first. But…but…the things I’ve seen…the things I was ordered to do…it was too much.”

He shook his short, blonde head.

“After it was done, I had to honorably leave the military. Start anew. I ended up living in Cairo, Egypt.”

“Egypt?! That sounds incredible!” you cut in. How different and far from England! It must have been hot, but he would have seen the pyramids every day!

He bobbed his head in acknowledgment. His eyes soft at your brief excitement.

“It was, Y/N. I worked at a hotel for their night shifts. Then was promoted to manager. That at least gave me something stable. A routine. It was a hotel owned by a gentleman named Freddie Hamid. Then one night…there was a woman who checked in. And this woman was his mistress…”

He looked at your face to observe your reaction. Back home, such things weren’t discussed so openly. But you swallowed the little bit of shock. 

Jonathan’s features softened. And his voice became softer, sweeter.

“Her name was Sophie…but her real name was Samira. She liked expensive clothes and coffee. She drank when she was stressed. She was chatty. She had a dog she carried everywhere. She loved to flirt with the staff- even me.”

This was far different, far more vulnerable and tender than you have ever seen Jonathan.

“Did you love her?” you asked.

After a pause, he answered.

“Yes. Yes, I did. I loved her. And she loved me too. Just for that brief time, I loved her.”

“Brief? How come?” you asked. 

There was one possible explanation for why. And it wasn’t good. There was a sudden heaviness in the air as he paused. He wrapped his arms around himself and looked down on the floor. Then back at you as he continued. 

“Sophie had documents with her. She handed it to me to make copies, but I saw them. Proof that Freddie and his friend, Richard Roper, had access to weapons. Destructive, powerful weapons. Bombs that would wipe out entire cities. Weapons only the army should own. So I alerted the authorities. Freddie found out and beat Sophie… I discovered he and his men were capable of doing more. She was in danger. Now that it was out, she was a target. They were going to kill her- because of something I did. I begged her forgiveness, and she said she would have reported it had she been braver. She asked me for help.  So…I hid her. Took her somewhere far away…made sure she was safe…I wanted to whisk her far away. To England…”

He hunched his shoulders.

“Those authorities said she would never be safe in England. That Roper had friends there. That returning her to the hotel was the best option. To curb suspicion. She returned with her head high, confident, and smiling as she checked into her suite. I went to work. I carried about my shift like normal. Then I got word from someone…she was in danger. But when I ran into the room…it was too late….there was…was…she was killed-her blood everywhere…”

A hand flew over your mouth.

“Poor Sophie!” you gasped. 

“It never left me. She never left me. She always haunted me…and she always might. The fact I brought her to death, I…I did…She would…would blame me, she probably did in her last moments…”

“But she told you herself that she didn’t resent you for the documents! That she would do the same as you! I…I don’t know if she would…you didn’t beat her like…like her….like Freddie! You were kind to her. You tried to protect her!” you commented, trying to comfort him.

He gripped the edge of the counter, his knuckles turning white. 

“Then one day…the British authorities spoke to me. Asked me to help in an operation to bring Roper and his allies down. So…I decided to become a spy to avenge her.”

 It was hard, I won’t bore you with the details. But to be brief,  I did it. I infiltrated him. Brought him down. I killed Freddie myself- drowned him in his own pool.”

You felt your eyes widen.

“I caught Roper and destroyed his stock. Caught him red-handed and brought him to the government. He ended up in jail, executed for his crimes.”

“How is it you managed to defeat Roper?” you asked.

You found that he smiled, both with his eyes and his smile. It was a smooth, handsome smile. He was elegant so easily and naturally. 

“Sheer determination and thorough thinking. That is what will get you through anything, Y/N.”

He put his hands in his pockets.

“And after that, it was done… Loki arrived to me. Told me that he was a copy of me from another timeline, another life. Asked me to be a spy for him. Fight Grendel with him. I had no home. No family. Not even a woman. Not since…since Sophie, no. Nothing to return to…so I have nothing to lose. That’s why I’m here- where I can be useful.” 

You cupped your wine glass with both hands.

“That’s quite a story, Jonathan!” you remarked. 

You took a step closer. His eyes were still glossy from mentioning her again.

“Jonathan…if Sophie were here…I think she’d be proud of you. For what you did. For avenging her…now that it’s done, and if she can’t be here for you…she’d want you to be at peace,” you consoled him.

His blue eyes shone a little bit, his chest rising and falling with his breaths. 

“Thank you, Y/N. If we survive, I hope I can be. I want to live a normal, peaceful life after this. No battles. No bloodshed. Just a quiet, normal life. I want to become a husband. A father. And not worry about anyone getting killed- just love my wife. Love my child. And pour all that love so they will never have to suffer what I did.”

A hand flew over your heart, and you felt your lips curve to a smile.

“That’s beautiful…I hope you do. If we’re careful…that could be your life, I know it.” you said.

He went back and got his wine glass, taking a careful sip. He kept it in his hand as he escorted you back to your room. Finishing your drink, and reflecting on Jonathan’s story, you fell right asleep.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Two days later, Loki brought you again to that wide training ground on the inside. He made no mention of the ceremony. In fact, there was a bounce in his step as you went with him into that room with just you two.

“Alright YN-let’s practice those other little gifts of yours! Starting with the sensing and tossing things around with your pretty little head!” he announced.

You rolled up your sleeves. He pointed at a red X that appeared on the floor with his magic. 

“Stay put on this,” he required.

You stepped over it. He conjured a wooden pole and set it several feet before you on the ground. 

“Now- move it without touching it,” he instructed. 

You concentrated on the pole. Squinted hard. Your body clenched- but nothing happened. Move little pole, please, come on, move- just an inch, please, please please- you urged silently.

Loki raised up a finger and your glance moved up to meet him.

“Ah, I see. You’re trying to force it! Sometimes forcing it will result in nothing- just allow it happen. As you are- breathe into it!” he advised.

You relaxed your body and returned your focus to the pole. Not losing sight of it, but you released your hand to your sides. It began to twitch a little.

Move, you merely thought.

It rolled right to you like a blast of wind. You caught it with your foot, rolling it carefully. You felt yourself smile in triumph. Loki raised an eyebrow, and he smiled.

“Not bad- now turn around, Y/N,” he instructed. 

You went around and to your shock, you saw Loki again staying right by a wall. A green door appeared on the wall that wasn’t there before. You turned your head to confirm  Loki there behind you- but another Loki in front of you! You didn’t hear him run, but you turned around. There were two of them?!?!

“You have a twin brother?” you asked nervously. 

“Oh no- my magic can make duplicates,” he explained.

One could imagine the sorts of trouble he could get into with that trick! The duplicate Loki gestured to the door and you stepped towards it. 

“Now- what do you sense is behind that door?” the duplicate asked,, his smooth, baritone ringing across the room. 

You did sense something behind it. You could see its outline in your mind. It was tall, thin, and long in shape. It had a sharp point and a handle. Then a picture in your head emerged.

“It’s a…a…a sword,” you answered. 

“That is right. The door is locked. Unlock and open it. Then get the sword,” he challenged you.

You concentrated on the doorknob. Relaxing your body and looking at nothing else. It fidgeted. It shook. But it didn’t open. You tried again, but it failed again. Letting out a huff of frustration, you then looked at the keyhole- sensing how it was kept locked. How the gears were turned to seal it. 

“Now- unlock,” you requested.

The little gears turned and there was a click. Then the door squeaked open. It revealed a dark room with no furniture or decorations. The light from the training room poured out to it- revealing the sword right on the floor before you. 

“Now wield the sword near you without touching it!” you heard the duplicate instruct. 

You concentrated, poking at it with your mind. Bringing it to move. Yet it did not. It stayed there. Dull and solid. When you really willed, it budged forward. Then it stayed put. 

“Dammit!” you cursed beneath your breath. “Just move to me!”

The light from the windows shining through stopped as if someone drew a curtain over them. Turning, you felt the frustration boiling in you as more grey clouds covered the sky. And out of nowhere for an idyllic, sunny day! The god looked up with an easy smile, laughter in his voice.

“Well, Y/N- you definitely did that! IT didn’t move the sword, but it did move the natural elements! Another effect you may thank me for!”

You felt yourself unclench, your shoulders lowering. The clouds rolled away quickly and there was sunshine again. You saw how if you focused on the light shining on the floor. Curiosity crept inside you. When you willed it, the light stretched towards your feet. Like the waves of the ocean when it would cradle and creep softly right before your toes.

“So your mother taught you?” you asked him.

The duplicate vanished into a bit of golden mist. You turned around to Loki and walked closer to him. He nodded his raven head. 

“Yes, she did, since I was small. I remember she’d start with little tricks. Like…like this one here…”

He opened his hand and out came little fireworks. Bright flashes of red, pink, yellow, and blue flying up and exploding into beautiful sparkles from over his hand. You gasped, admiring the bright colors. It was so sweet, so delicate, so lovely. So unlike the portrait of the devious trickster god who called himself anything but a wanted hero. 

“Loki, that’s beautiful!” you exclaimed, smiling in delight. 

He gave you a smile back. You admired the show as it went on and then it faded away. He folded his palm. 

“It’s all a matter of practice- and it will be like swimming to you soon,” he said. 

“I just hope so. It will have to be if I’m to fight Grendel….” you sighed.

“You will- just give yourself time.”

“Do we have time?” was something you wanted to ask. But you did not. You merely focused again on the sword, trying to get it to slide to you. It did not. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was a nice rhythmic routine of your new life in Asgard- training so much in both body and magic. Even if it meant you were almost, always a little sore. Dining with these new people you had to call friends. Even Sif, despite her intense training sessions and sarcastic remarks every time she spoke. There was no report of any progress on Grendel. No news was good news, as the saying goes. It just left you more time to be prepared. It was hard to believe a month had passed by. In fact, you could hardly believe it when Thomas arrived one morning at breakfast.

“Forgive the intrusion, Miss Y/N, but I came to get your mail from home. Your parents begged me to send this over to you,” the baronet announced, handing you a letter. You opened it and read aloud. 

“Dear Y/N,

We have not seen you in a long time. Please return home. Just for a little.

All our love,

Your mother and father.”

You folded it in your hands. It was Loki and his variants who sat a the table, all looking at you dumbfounded.

“Do you think you can visit back, my lady? I wonder if you still are sad concerning your betrothal,” Hal said.

“I don’t know if I can bear it alone….” you commented. The others looked at you and each other.

“I doubt I would be much welcome after that wedding fiasco,” Loki commented.

Jonathan stood up from his table. 

“I will go with her. Y/N will not have to face it alone…” he volunteered.

You gave him a thanks as both of you beheld the portal to take you back. Trusting that you could alert Loki with your mind when you were ready to return. Just a bit of magic, the flash of rainbow colors bursting over you and the spy.

In a second, you both were right at the front door of your home. You knocked and were let in immediately. Sitting in the living room having an uneasy tea. They passed a plate of biscuits to Jonathan. He took a bite, keeping an uneasy smile on his face. A few crumbs fell on his pants which he wiped off. You felt your parents staring at the clothes from his time. Suppressing questions out of politeness. You only had one bite of your own biscuit, which tasted stale and bland. Looking over, you saw that the flowers in the vase on the table in the kitchen hadn’t changed since the would-be wedding. Shriveled, wilted, and dead.

“Now….Y/N, what is going on?” your mother asked.

“I am staying in Asgard. There is a great threat. A villain- he’s trying to invade. We are doing what we can to defeat him,” you explained plain and simple.

“When will you return home? Please, Y/N,” she begged.

“I don’t know, mama. Not for a while. This concerns all of our future, if not our safety. I…I wish I could…but I promised I would help them. And I will. I’m learning how to fight-”

“To fight!” cried your mother.

“Yes, and we have a clue on how to take care of it. Loki needs all the help he can get…”

Their frowns deepened at the sound of his name. Then your father leaned forward, his plate and tea untouched.

“Y/N- you are about to marry Reverend Ransome. We have to pick a new date already,” he said.

You set down your tea, feeling your hold on the saucer turn to a grip. Your breathing became sharp and your hands shook as the cup rumbled on the saucer. You set it down, but the shaking continued. Jonathan took out a hand of yours and held it in comfort.

“Mother, Father…I cannot be a vicar’s wife. Not anymore.” 

Your mother blinked rapidly.

“But Y/N- you love him so much and you’ve loved him for years. You told us yourself.  And he loves you!”

Your father looked down on you. His voice deep and serious. 

“I remember the day he asked permission to marry you. You should have seen him, Y/N. Heard his words then. I gave him my consent immediately. You should see how the reverend is now- hear how his sermons are lately. He’s eager for you to return. He misses you. He would run right here now if it wasn’t for his errands today!”

Yes, you forgot to ask him what errands he is doing. The bastard is probably pleasuring Cora against a tree again by now. Why hasn’t the bastard asked her to marry him yet and put us all out of our misery? I delivered that letter- plain and simple. He couldn’t miss it in his own stupid church. He must have read what it said… you thought bitterly. 

Your senses reached out to the woods. It confirmed what you thought happened in the past. You could sense the bodies. His fingers reached up. Then out. Could sense it when he brought it to his mouth and licked off the inside of Cora.

‘Cora, Cora- how perfect for her name. The first bit rhymes with ‘whore’ and begins with the same letter as ‘cunt,’’ your thoughts bit back impulsively. You swallowed the thought back.  

But you looked down into your cup on the tea tray. Fighting the urge to cry, your breathing even faster.

“I have…ended things with him,” you explained.

Your parents nearly jumped out of their seats.

“Ended things! Y/N- consider your future! A stable life with such a good, moral man who loves you! Why?!”

You gripped the arms of the couch with your free hand, Jonathan held you back from standing up. You saw his lips move, to contain getting involved. Only to support you. You felt your heart pick up and your throat tighten. You decided to make the explanation quick and simple. 

“Will slept with Mrs. Seaborne while betrothed to me. That was why”

Your father squinted his eyes, his nostrils flaring. 

“Y/N- Sarah gave her handmaiden to Jacob. It’s not noble for a wife to be upset when this happens. Your duty is to forgive him and make him happy,” he said. 

You glared at your father. Jonathan’s hand broke off from you as you stood up, raising your voice and meeting them where you stood. 

“Papa, Will had and consummated an affair. He kissed, wooed, and made love to another woman while engaged to marry me. He has broken my trust and crossed a line. It’s in the very Bible he studies and preaches not to do this- and he did anyway. Even as I was sick and dying, he preferred satiating his lust than comforting me. Is that who you want as your son-in-law? Or your rector? Don’t tell me he won’t do it after we’re married. I don’t trust him to. He has crossed a line once- and once is enough! I will not and cannot marry a man like that! And don’t tell me it’s my duty to let it go and be some perfect vicar’s wife! I will not make myself pure when he cannot be pure himself! I will not make myself into a perfect, pristine doll all for him to throw away for another!” 

There was silence. Only the ticking of the grandfather clock. Your mother put a hand to her mouth.

“Y/N…do you realize the scandal even the rumor of this would cause?” she asked hoarsely.

You had no time to respond, the door burst open. In were none other than Mr. and Mrs. Harris, and a neighbor, Mr. Brown. Everyone shot up out of their seats, even Jonathan.

“Please! Mr. Y/L/N! Where is she?” Mrs. Harris asked, her eyes full of tears.

“Who?” asked your father.

Their eyes turned to you. Mr. Brown’s face turned red as if he was about to explode onto you.

“Miss Harris has vanished. We fear the worst- a kidnapping. This is no doubt your daughter’s fault!” he said.

He pointed a finger at you. His voice was heavy with venom. 

“The Trickster’s God’s Whore,” he spat.

You felt sick again. 

“Stella’s gone missing. Where does he have her- where does Loki have Stella?!” Mrs. Harris pleaded, her lips quivering as tears twisted her face and fell down her cheeks.

“Another one to spoil her virtue to pleasure him?! The Trickster God has one- Why isn’t one enough?” Mr. Brown sneered.

“Please everyone- she is not in Asgard,” Jonathan reasoned, putting his hands out to calm everyone down. 

“What! Stella! Missing!” you urged. You went to her parents.

Mrs. Harris burst into heartrending sobs and her husband half embraced you. His blue eyes, just like his daughters, still looked at you with careful suspicion, but not outright hate as his neighbor. 

“Gone since this morning. We were out visiting, taking care of business. Her brothers were off at work. Her little sister was with a friend. Stella was left home alone. She told us she intended to stay today- letters to write. Our neighbors said they heard her screaming. When they rushed in, the house and her room were a mess…and she was gone.”

“Please, Y/N,  she must be with you. Talking of the place you are when we asked her, this Asgard! Every time since you visited! The Trickster god must have enchanted her!” Mrs. Harris fretted.

“Why would Loki do that?” you blurted. “No! I swear to you- as someone who friend of your family-Jonathan is right! Stella isn’t in Asgard! If she was, I would know!” 

The mother began to wring her hands. Then she brought out a scrap of paper from the pocket of her dress.

“But she…she must be enchanted…and abducted…why else would she leave a  scrap of paper behind with nonsense on it!” Mrs. Harris wailed.

“Nonsense? What nonsense? What’s on the paper?” you asked.

She handed you the scarp of paper. It was big and lined, written in a hurry. As if she was grabbed while writing it. But it was Stella’s handwriting. You exchanged too many letters to know it was her hand.

 There was only one word on it. But one word was enough.

It read: 

“GRENDEL.”

[braveclementine]

Chapter 12

Warnings: None

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

"They're what?" You asked in a deadpanned tone as Clint informed you of the news.

His hands shot up quickly in surrender, "Don't shoot the messenger."

Tony looked just as unhappy as you to find out that Pietro, Jessie, Katherine, Vision, and Wanda were coming by for a visit.

"They told us they were coming back three months after they left." You growled at Clint, even though it wasn't his fault at all. "That was almost five years ago now! Minerva is four and a half for Christs sake!"

"He knows that Y/N." Sam said, wrapping his arms around you in an attempt to soothe you. "We all know that. They know it too."

"Suddenly it's convenient for them to come and pick her up?" You growled.

"They didn't even say they were coming for her." Bucky said. "They said they wanted to visit as they haven't seen us in a while."

"Gosh, I wonder why." Tony rolled his eyes.

"But what do you guys want to do then?" Fury asked, trying to settle everyone down. "Y/N, Minerva isn't our child. She is theirs. Even if they-"

"Left her behind?" You offered. "Abandoned her?"

"-even so, they're still her soulmate parents. She's their soulmate child. We're not." Fury sighed. "They made bad decisions as parents-"

"As human beings." You and Tony interjected together.

"-but it will be a better environment for her with her soulmate parents and that's what we all really want for her." Fury finished.

You had to hand it to him. He was able to stay calm with you and Tony ganging up on him. But then again, Fury was not easily shaken.

"Will it?"

Surprisingly, it was Loki who interjected and everyone looked at him. "I don't think I was better off on Jotun. Obviously, my adopted parents weren't my soulmate parents but they gave me a better life than could be given."

"That's different." Steve said. "Vision, Wanda, and Pietro are not bad parents. They just got side-tracked."

"That's certainly one way of putting it." Tony scoffed. Stephen slipped his hand into his, squeezing it to comfort him. Tony leaned into him.

"How about this." T'Challa said quickly. "We can just watch how they act around Minerva when they're here and then we can see how you guys feel about her going with her parents. But it's not exactly like we can keep her if they want to take her."

He had a point. Even Tony wouldn't win a lawsuit against them if we really took it that far. You chewed on your bottom lip, still feeling put out. It was just wasn't fair to Minerva.

"She deserved better." Was all you said before you started to take hamburger out for dinner.

"I agree. We all agree. Hell, even they agree and that's one of the reasons that they took so long in coming to see us." Fury said. "But we'll deal with it when they get here. One problem at a time Y/N."

You nodded. One problem at a time.

The family meeting soon dispersed and you were left mostly alone in the kitchen to cook dinner.

"Auntie?" Minerva's voice made you jump. You spun around, putting the lid on the hamburger.

"Minerva! Sorry sweetheart, you just scared me a little bit." You said, noting that she was sitting in the corner, looking upset. "What's wrong?"

"Are people coming for me?" She asked.

You cursed mentally. But it was your own fault for being so loud about the conversation. Not to mention she could've walked in at any time. Heck, she could've easily eavesdropped outside the doors.

You sighed, "Come here."

You picked her up, setting her down on the counter next to you so that you could talk to her while you cooked. You told her about her mother's other soulmates and their soulmates. You told her how she had stayed with you guys instead of going with them, but now they might want to take her back with them.

"I don't want to leave." Minerva said, furrowing her brow and looking extremely upset. "I wanna stay here with you Auntie. I wanna stay with Uncle Tony and Stephen. Do I have to leave?"

You wanted to tell her she didn't have to do anything she didn't want to do. But you couldn't ignore the laws and you couldn't go to court against them when you already knew you'd lose. Even Tony Stark couldn't buy himself out of this one.

"I don't know sweetheart." You said softly, smoothing her hair back behind her ears. "I just want what's best for you."

"Does Uncle Steve hate me?"

You were completely blindsided. "What?! No he doesn't. Where in the world did you get that?"

"He wants me to leave. So does Uncle Fury." Minerva stated simply.

You sighed. "It's not that they don't love you, Minerva. They love you very much. You're their niece after all. Family always loves family, unconditionally. Your Uncle Thor has put up with Uncle Loki for over a thousand years. And they love each other a lot. But they also want what is best for you. And to them, they think being with your soulmate parents will be better for you than here with us. Doesn't mean that they hate you, not at all sweetheart."

Minerva still looked rather upset and you took her down off the counter. "How about you put on your apron and you help me cook dinner, hmm?"

Her face brightened especially. Ever since Bucky had told her that her mother loved cooking, she was always in the kitchen. Tony had bought her a little apron and chefs hat with her name embordered on it, and she loved it.

She quickly put on the white apron with ocean waves on it and beamed up at you. Your heart melted.

"Grab a can of greenbeans from the cupboard, and fresh corn from the refrigerator." You said.

She scampered off to do those jobs and when she came back with them, you showed her how to open the greenbeans with a can opener. Then you showed her how you cooked the corn: filling a large pan with water, putting the corn into it, and putting it on high until it started to boil.

The two of you also made biscuits to put into the oven, while you also showed her how to make mashed potatoes and gravy.

The hamburgers were almost done and you let her grab a stool so that she could lay slices of cheese over the tops of the meat to make cheeseburgers.

"Hey, need any help?" Steve's voice entered the kitchen. He smiled at Minerva. "Hey Minnie, helping Auntie out?"

"Yep!" Minerva said enthusiastically and you breathed out a small sigh of relief that she wasn't harboring any bad feelings towards him. "We made cheeseburgers!"

She hopped down from the stool to hit the hand that Steve held up for her.

"Can you set the table?" You asked softly in undertone. "The two of us will bring the food out."

"Sure thing." Steve smiled back, pecking you on the lips.

You smiled. Minerva helped you put half of the cheeseburgers into hamburger buns, while the others went bare (for those who didn't like bread), and were stacked like a pyramid.

"Here, we're gonna make something special for Uncle Tony, okay?" You asked Minerva.

"Okay!" She said.

You had her make the whole thing. Putting the cheeseburger on a bun with pickles, lettuce, onion rings, and tomato. She put it on a plate and then carried it outside to where you guys were eating.

You watched through the window as she held it up to him. He smiled down at her, kissing the top of her head. You smiled.

They were all right. It was going to be okay, one way or another.

***

Unable to sleep, you were sitting outside on one of the pool chairs, staring up at the sky. It was one of those melancholy nights where you could forget about Rhodey, Elizabeth, Hogun, and your father.

You had a deep pit in your stomach, like today was marking the bad day of something, but couldn't remember what. But it was probably just the nerves of Pietro and the others showing up and stealing Minerva away from you.

Not that she was yours to steal away in the first place.

Elizabeth probably wanted her daughter with her soulmates anyways. And Rhodey's sense of sensibility was telling you that you should let her go.

The chair dipped behind you, two arms pulling you to his chest. Your head bumped the arc reactor as you settled into his arms but you didn't care, didn't move.

"You okay?" He asked.

"I feel like I'm missing some sort of. . . something." You finished lamely. "Like today I should be mourning something, but I can't figure out what it was."

"Ah, probably because today is the anniversary of when we killed Thanos." Tony sighed. "Some of us definitely almost died that day. But we got lucky."

"Is it true that Steve almost went back in the past?" You asked.

"Yeah, he asked Bucky and Sam to go back with him." Tony nodded. "He wanted them to go back and spend it with Peggy. But Bucky and Sam said they couldn't change anything by going back to the past. I guess his love for those two outweighed his love for Peggy. Or maybe he just didn't want to hurt them. Either way, I know he doesn't regret not going back. He really loves you and he's glad he has you."

You smiled, turning to hug Tony. "I'm glad you didn't die."

Tony chuckled. "How could I have died? I am Iron Man."

You giggled. "Come on Iron Man. Let's go to bed."

Chapter Dedicated to Tony Stark. Anniversary of giving the Marvel fans his love from 1970-2023:

[daisybell17]

Happy Holidays? — Loki

warnings: angst

WK: 1.7 words

——————————————————————————

The Holidays have rolled around once again and while the world is filled with celebration and joy, I was filled with panic and worry. In my opinion, for a season thats all about togetherness and even love, it surely brings out quite the opposite in so many people. You slowly notice that the season is a performance rather than an opportunity for friends and family to gather in celebration and instead of relaxing from whatever the year put you through, you end up overwhelmed one last time. Before you know it, it’s January and thus begins the cycle of the new year again.

Loki knew how overwhelmed you were for the holidays and he watched as you frantically went shopping for family and friends. He didn’t try to stop you knowing that you’d protest on why you had to keep doing this and offered to help you out instead.

“Darling have you bought all the gifts you needed to get?” He asked with a soft tone

“Yes…finally I got everything!” You say with a tired yet happy expression. “You really didn’t have to come along holiday shopping with me”

“Oh don’t be silly, you know I would tag along with you wherever you go” He smiled and gave you a peck on the cheek

Smiling at his response, you happily accepted his peck. “You’re too sweet you know?”

“Oh stop it now!” Loki grinned.

Clinging onto his arm, you had signaled him to put his arm around your waist. You loved the feeling of being close with him, it brought you a comfort you couldn’t understand. That didn’t matter though, you loved it.

……

Christmas day had arrived and you put on your best face and smile. You and Loki were spending the Christmas day with your family and…well it was definitely something.

You were bombarded with question after question, comment after comment, each of these words becoming slightly more uncomfortable than the last. “When are you and Loki getting married?!” “When will you guys have kids?! Oh everyone can’t wait!” “You look amazing! SOOOO much better than last year” uncomfortable touching out of nowhere “I heard you got accepted to your dream job…hm…” “Wow I can’t believe someone as handsome as Loki here is dating you! He’s a real catch!”

It didn’t help that your parents only added to the stress with comments that were so uncomfortable to you as they painted you to be some version which they love, and not actually who you are and it only snowballed from there.

At some point in the night, every overwhelming emotion came crashing down on you, as expected every year.

Once the dinner had concluded, you said goodbye to everyone and rushed to leave as fast as you could. Loki immediately picked up that something was wrong and got you both out and into his car.

Entering on the passenger seat, you slammed your head back onto the headrest and let out the longest sigh to leave your lips. Loki got into the drivers seat and watched as your face contorted in frustration from all the pent up emotions you had to fight back this entire night

“Darling…I know you aren’t…alright…would you like to talk about it? or would you want me to drive us home in silence?” Loki asked in a concerned yet comforting tone

“In silence for now please” You asked, just needing a moment of peace from the overwhelming overstimulation of your emotions, thoughts, mind and body

“Silence it is” Loki pulled out of the parking and started driving home

He was focused on the road and occasionally glanced at you to check in if you were ok or not.

Meanwhile, you had curled into a ball and faced away from him, letting the darkness of the night cover your face as you embraced the silence

One hand on the steering wheel and one hand on your backside, Loki gave gentle rubs up and down, helping you calm down and letting you know he was there for you. He will always be there for you.

This years holidays have for some reason been rougher than previous years, actually, it might have just been the roughest so far. All you really wanted to do for Christmas was have a lovely evening dinner in with Loki, make a gingerbread house, eat said gingerbread house with hot chocolate, snuggle up by the fireplace and maybe share a nice bath together. Or do whatever Loki wanted to do as well, but no, you had to see family because i mean…you had to…right? I mean thats what the holidays are about…even if it drained you every time and left you feeling down…When was the last Christmas you had where there wasn’t some screaming, uncomfortableness or lectures?

This thought caused you to start sobbing, letting out your tears and sniffles. Loki heard this and his concern turned into sadness and worry for you. This wasn’t how he understood Midgardian holidays were about…perhaps humans really are more complicated than he thought, that never stopped him from understanding and loving you with all his heart though.

His hand never left your backside as he pulled into the parking of your shared home. He stopped the car and looked at you.

“Darling were home…Let’s go inside and get you into some more comfortable clothes ok?”

You turned to him, tears staining your cheeks and top. “Okay” you whimpered out

You got out of your seat and slowly started making your way into the house, Loki following up with you and placing his arms around your shoulders.

Entering the house, you kicked off your shoes and body slammed onto the couch. Loki sat next to your head which currently had your face planted on the couch cushion. He ran his fingers through your hair as he cooed.

“Im sorry you’re having an overwhelming Christmas my love…I wish we could have done something else that you actually wanted to do” He said as he continued to brush your hair

“I-I don’t really h-have a choice Lokes” you sobbed into the cushion

“Of course you do darling…its the holidays! You should be able to relax, unwind, spend the season with people who don’t leave you feeling like this afterward or make you want to run out the house immediately”

“I know!” you quickly sat up and looked at him “but you don’t get it, I have to keep doing this, or they’re going to say i’m some ungrateful asshole!”

“Then let them spew whatever made up shit opinion they have about you! Darling you told me all about Midgardian holidays and so far your emotions don’t match up with your stories”

“I know i’m sorry… i’m sorry…the holidays are just so…performative…and its so exhausting….I’m never me when i’m with family or when the holidays roll around…but then people will start talking and talking if I go absent, and..ugh I don’t want to think about it…” You tucked your knees against your chest, emotions spilling out everywhere.

“Well I see that now…Love…is it like this every year?” He asked

“In many recent years yes…and I know i’m not the only one who feels like this around this time of year…”

Silence filled the air as you poured your true feelings all over the place…How does Loki even deal with you? Maybe your Aunt was right in stating that someone as handsome as Loki was dating you…this caused more tears to prick from your eyes, the thoughts invading your mind and heart

“Darling…you do know I can read you like a book right? I’m not going anywhere, i’m always here for you my love…and I would fight anyone who tries to take you away from me” Loki then pulled you into a tight embrace, placing a kiss on the top of your head as his hand rubbed up and down your backside. His actions screamed that he was there for you. That he loves you. That your everything to him, louder than anyone ever has.

“You know Loki…there is this thing so many people say…”

“Oh? and what is that my dear?”

“Well they say that celebrating the holidays alone is sad…and that its not how it should be…most people pity those who are alone this time of year”

“That’s not exactly wrong…Im sure the holidays would be more enjoyable with family and friends that love you as much as you love there”

“Yea you’re right…but I won’t lie…sometimes I wish I spent the holidays alone, in silence, doing what I want, rather than have to put up with what you saw earlier…year…after year…after year…the silence seems more festive than the performance i’m forced to put on and the shit I have to listen to that I wish I could block out”

“Ah…I guess you’re not wrong in that regard….but you do no you never have to be alone during this festive season right?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well I’m here…” Loki then locked eyes with you, flashing a small smile.

“You’re here” you replied

“And I have no plan of ever leaving you…my sweet darling” He smiled wider and kissed your forehead

You sniffled and smiled as he did…God you felt so loved by him.

“Darling we can celebrate the holidays in anyway you like, whatever you want to do, we’ll do. Whatever you don’t want to do, we won’t do. You deserve a break and a relaxing Christmas…most importantly, by the people who truly love you for you…”

You hugged him so tight, you swear you could feel your heart exploding from love.

“Oh Loki” You sobbed

You looked at him. “As long as you’re with me…anything we do, anything you or I want to do…we can do…whatever we want…”

“Exactly darling…anything at all, as ourselves completely…”

The air of the festive night felt lighter as your own heart was able to relax through the words and company by the god you loved…That’s what the holidays are about…togetherness and love…with the right people…with the people who love you fully for you…with the people who makes this time of year feel like your breathing with spirit and love…

“Loki?” You locked eyes with him.

“Yes my love?” He looked back.

“If we ever do have a family of our own one day…promise that we’ll fill our home with love and hope…and that the holidays are something the family we build look forward too rather than dread?”

Loki smiled…”Thats what I promise our lives will be…I love you”

“I love you too…Happy Holidays my love”

“And a happy holidays to you too” He replied, pulling you into a kiss…followed by a holiday season you never wanted to forget.

——————————————————————————

(a/n): hello! first I hope everyone is having a happy holiday! but if you’re not, i completely understand you, which is why i wrote this fic. the holidays aren’t always the best and sometimes we just need a lil break from it all…so i hope to bring some comfort from loki this holiday season…i wish and hope you all the best. Sending love your way <3 🫶

[orangepunkwitch-blog]

Sharing this here in case any Lokean followers haven't seen this yet.

Everything Ocean Keltoi has explained, I already knew, but it's nice to hear him not only say it, but have all the points together in one video.

And as someone who, while a newbie Pagan, encountered and started working with Loki first, I never EVER got the whole anti-Loki stance some Heathens have (despite never interacting with them; I've only ever heard of them or saw comment threads and the like online).

The first I've ever heard of Loki was when I was a kid and heard his name mentioned in The Mask. A god that creates such a mask because he thought that was funny? I loved that concept as a kid (and my weird-ass logic made me think I wasn't allowed to convert since I was baptized in the Serbian Orthodox church; my parents never made it seem okay to explore other beliefs... ever). When I became a fully developed adult and my brother passed away in 2011, I became agnostic, until I once expressed to a friend that I wished one could still worship old gods again, because the Norse gods sounded so much nicer than the biblical god. That's when she told me that that's a thing, and I discovered what paganism was. And then I made it a point that, while I will open myself to any of the gods who listened (and even said to them it's okay if they don't want to interact with me, since I'm so used to no god ever listening to me), I still hoped Loki would be the one to answer, because I'd prefer a god with a sense of humor who doesn't judge a mortal for simply being human. The rest is history.

I've had 2 instances where I've asked him for help, as I was desperate and didn't know what else to do and couldn't figure things out for myself. Both times he helped, it sort of put me almost in a state of madness because of HOW he helped (he's helped me with some small stuff too but sometimes the big stuff is.. a LOT). The first one was we were not able to afford rent anymore, as rent kept going up while my muž and I lived in Pittsburgh, so I asked for help, thinking he'd either help with our financial situation (namely I was hoping for a decent-paying job similar to what my muž made) so we could afford to rent elsewhere or that a place would become available that had significantly lower rent. You know, something like that. Instead, he gave us bedbugs. Because he KNEW that our only option was to move in with my parents and I didn't want to resort to that, so he forced my hand. His reasoning roughly being, "It's either the bedbugs or a fire in the building, and I REALLY don't wanna be that guy, so you got bedbugs."

The second time, without going into detail, he induced a non-threatening medical "emergency" (as in, give me a spook bad enough to warrant my first trip in an ambulance) to get the ball rolling to lead me to getting the surgery I needed for my endometriosis. His reasoning being, "You finally have health insurance and there are vaccines available. You have no excuse now. Not even this pandemic."

I'm doing much better now and it's thanks to Loki. He basically was the kick in my ass needed to make the only decision that would actually work out for me, even if I didn't think it would.

Despite making my practice something along the lines of "Serbian Polytheism Pagan Edition," Loki is still in my practice, and helped me learn an awful lot regarding non-xtian beliefs and beings, including and especially the Trickster archetype.

Any Heathen that bans Loki, avoids him, etc. either have a lot of xtian baggage that they still need to work through, or they're the type of people that don't like being held accountable for their actions and kept in check. Xtianity (as it is commonly practiced and forced onto people by power-hungry assholes) has really affected how many look at non-xtian beliefs, because everything has to be compared to xtianity (even some atheists are guilty of this because everything is xtianity to them).

Lately, I haven't had a whole lot of interactions with Loki I feel could be worth-sharing because I'm not having a whole lot of interactions with him in general the past few years (except for everything regarding me getting my surgery) and that's because the gods are giving me space to learn and grow and figure some stuff out on my own. I do chat with them from time to time via divination, but in terms of actions, they're letting me do my thing for a bit.

[missvelvetsstuff]

Guarded Heart

Bucky Barnes x Reader

MobAu

Summary: Y/N is the daughter of a powerful mob boss who only cares about her horses and making it to the Olympics but her father expects her to marry an equally powerful boss to help strengthen his business. Bucky is looking for a wife to help his business but already has a long term girlfriend, Natasha.

Chapter 17

Warnings: swearing, angst

Bucky felt his heart breaking for Y/N as he gently picked her up bridal style and took her to his car. She grumbled groggily when he set her down in the back seat.

"What happened?"

Bucky made sure her seat belt was fastened, then went around to sit next to her.

"You fainted doll. Are you going to be alright? We planned on going to the wake at Loki's house but we don't have to go if you aren't up for it."

She shook her head sadly "No, I need to at least go for a bit. I didn't speak to his parents at all while we were at the cemetery." She stared out the window as Steve drove to Loki's.

"It still doesn't feel real. I don't know how to process everything that's happened the last few months. Clints betrayal, my father's death, my arm, Sif" she paused then whispered "Thor." She sighed sadly "I'm starting to think I'm cursed. Maybe I'm meant to be alone."

Bucky shook his head "No sweetheart, I know it feels like it but it will get better. Then worse, then better, up and down. Life is fucked like that.

Besides you can't be alone, you're stuck with me and reaffirmed it in front of everyone so I ain't going anywhere."

A small grin appeared on her face as she chuckled softly.

"Jesus Barnes, are you trying to depress her more?" Sam cracked from the front seat.

Bucky glared at Sam as Steve cackled at his comments. "Some friends you two are."

Steve looked at him earnestly "That hurts, Buck. We're your brothers" he proclaimed and Sam started laughing as Steve finished "It's our sworn duty to fuck with you any time possible."

Y/N laughed out loud before she could cover her mouth, eyes twinkling at Bucky.

He crossed his arms and grumbled "So now all three of you are gonna gang up on me? That's some bullshit."

Y/N reached out to caress his face, ran her fingers through his hair before pulling on it, hard "That's what family does, Jamie."

Bucky tried to stifle the moan that escaped but she heard it and raised her eyebrow at him. He blushed and shrugged his shoulders while she filed that tidbit away for future reference.

Her smile fell and she felt the pain in her chest again as they pulled up to Loki's house, people dressed in black walking up to the front door.

Bucky took her hand and helped her out of the car, walking her up the driveway as Steve went to find a parking place.

As soon as they entered Loki swooped in and gave her a tight hug, long enough they stood and cried on each other's shoulders.

Loki pulled back and looked at her. "You know he loved you more than anything. He would have dealt with being pulled back into the life if he had you by his side."

Y/N nodded "I know but I know how he hated it, how hard he worked to get away and the fights with Odin over his refusal to take over your family. I could never have asked him to do that." Her voice cracked "I'm so grateful for the time we did have but it's my fault he's gone and I don't know how to live with that."

Loki shook his head "No, love, It isn't your fault and he wouldn't want you blaming yourself. He had no hesitation when he told me he would die for you. I just hoped it would never come to this point."

Thor's mother, Frigga, interrupted them "Y/N dear child, are you alright? We saw you at the cemetery but there were so many people." She hugged her, then pulled back to look at her "You look tired child, when was the last time you ate a decent meal? Come, there is an abundance of food." She took her hand and pulled her towards the kitchen.

Y/N tried to protest but Frigga shushed her "Thor would want you taken care of and I'll do it if you can't right now."

She waved her hand around the kitchen, counters that were covered with dishes of food. "You know where everything is" she hugged her again "I have more people to greet but will find you soon. Make a plate and find a place to sit and eat."

Y/N made herself a plate, another simple act that was now 100 times more difficult with only one arm, and looked for a quiet place to sit which she found in the library. It only took two trips to take her drink and her food there. She curled up in an oversruffed leather chair, putting the plate in her lap and forced herself to eat. She tried not to get frustrated at how difficult it all was to accomplish now.

It didn't take Bucky long to find her "Hey Doll. You alright?"

She shrugged "I'm still alive, haven't broken down and am eating. I think that's as good as it will get right now."

They heard the doorbell but were surprised at how quiet the house became after they heard the door open. That couldn't be good.

Bucky looked at her "Stay here doll, I'll be right back." And reached for his gun. She looked at him concerned and he smiled softly and left the room.

It was quiet for a moment which made Y/N nervous. Then she heard shouting and Loki's raised voice and couldn't just sit there anymore.

When she made it to the living room, she wished she had stayed in the den.

Standing in the entry with a disgusting grin on his face was Baron Helmut Zemo. He smiled wider when he saw her.

"There you are my dear. I came to see how you were handling your lovers death. I've been so worried about you and wanted to offer my condolences."

Y/N's eyes grew wide at the sight of her ex fiance. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here Zemo. Everyone here knows of your involvement with Pierce and Dreykov, which makes you complicit in Thor's murder."

Zemo chuckled "Perhaps but they also know of the rules regarding funerals and are all far too honorable to break them. I just wanted to see you, darling. And let you know that this is not over. You are safe right here and right now because you are surrounded by your allies but it won't always be that way. I'm a patient man and I don't give up what is mine." he walked up and kissed her cheek before she could pull away. "You are mine and I will have you back. Your new fiance will be in the ground and you will be by my side and in my bed." He turned to leave "I'll see you soon, my love. And you too Sargeant Barnes." And quickly left.

Y/N was in shock. As if this hadn't become enough of a nightmare, she still had to deal with him.

After Zemo left, the room burst into tense discussions with some shouting thrown in.

Loki was furious, "How dare that bastard show his face here, today. I've half a mind to break that rule and-"

Frigga cut him off "I know Zemo needs to be handled but our family has honor and will not lower ourselves to his level. Besides that, Zemo is no fool. You know he has people right outside, waiting for one of us to come after him."

Loki looked down "I know mother, he just infuriates me. Tomorrow we will work on a plan to dispose of him and any of his associates we can identify."

Frigga hugged her remaining son "We will unleash the fury of the Gods on him."

Yelena appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. "I know where to start looking for his base and who he is probably working with."

Loki nodded "Tomorrow we shall meet, breakfast, early, here. Let this be the last we speak of him today."

Y/N was still standing in the middle of the room, seemingly in a daze as Bucky approached her "Y/N? Doll? Are you alright?" She looked at him and shrugged. He put his arms around her and whispered in her ear "Zemo won't get anywhere near you. I promise I will protect you with my life if necessary."

She shook her head "My life isn't worth anything anymore. I'm beginning to wonder if I should just go back to him so the rest of you can go on with your lives."

Bucky gently grabbed her chin and pulled her to face him. "No, Y/N, that's not acceptable to me. You are worth so much to so many people who will protect and defend you whether you want us to or not. None of this is your fault. Do you understand me?"

He saw her eyes filling up with tears "You're my family now and I don't want to hear that kind of talk. Ok?"

She nodded even though she still felt cursed and spoke in a small voice. "Can we go home now?"

Bucky kissed the top of her head "Of course. I'll let Loki know we're going, I'm sure he'll understand." He found an open chair and sat her down "Stay right here and I'll be back in a minute."

Bucky found Steve in a corner with Loki and rolled his eyes "Come on, jerk. Y/N is ready to go."

He turned to Loki "I'm going to take care of her tonight. Did I hear you say we were meeting for breakfast?"

Loki nodded, Bucky shook his hand. "We'll see you then. I'll try to convince Y/N to stay home, she's drained physically and emotionally."

Bucky went to get Y/N and Sam, giving Steve a moment to give Loki a kiss on the cheek before he headed to get the car.

Y/N was quiet on the way home and quickly showered and changed into her pajamas with her mothers help.

When Bucky came into his room to kiss her goodnight Y/N looked up at him sadly "Can you stay with me, Jamie? I don't want to be alone"

@bigphattygyal @cjand10 @lokiandbuckysdoll @kimomoraba @avery199 @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @esposadomd @sebsgirl71479

Bucky nodded "I can't say no to you, doll." And stripped down to a t-shirt and boxer briefs, climbing under the blankets to spoon her as she cried herself to sleep.

Chapter 18

[sailor-hufflepuff]

I’ve been musing more on my villain binge. As a teenager, I DID NOT GET why so many people liked villains. I wanted a knight in shining armor, treat me right, get along with my mama boy in real life, so why would I want something different for the fictional heroines I lived vicariously through?

Zutara was my first “villain ship”, although I would have passionately argued at the time that Zuko wasn’t a villain, he was an antagonist - not evil, but a child soldier who had been brainwashed into believing he was truly helping the world.

I found the similarities between him and Katara fascinating. The loss of their mothers, their love for their nations, the absolute conviction in doing what they believe is right… the way that, even fighting, they were equals.

Fast forward a few years to Loki. How an abused child desperate for attention did something half prank, half sincere attempt to protect his people from Thor’s wildly unprepared rule spun out of control in ways beyond his ability to handle. The psychotic break that came from his discovery of his true parentage in the worst possible way. I myself had a mental breakdown when I was seventeen when I discovered the truth of my own birth, so that struck me especially hard.

Then in “The Avengers” he was so OBVIOUSLY not in control. The blue eyes. The rote recitation. The signs of torture. The way his “master plan” involved being as obvious a target for the heroes as possible. This was not a villain, this was a victim desperately trying to mitigate the damage he was being forced to do.

Kylo Ren - Ben Solo - took me a while. I was pretty unsympathetic with him at first; I don’t care if your parents fought a lot when you were a kid, that’s no reason to turn into a Nazi. And then it was revealed exactly what Snoke did to him - he’d been hearing voices in his head SINCE UTERO. He could sense everyone’s thoughts and feelings and knew that they were afraid of him, but was too little to know why. He found out that he was the grandson of the second greatest evil thr galaxy had ever known - and that his family had lied to him about it. (See above mental breakdown at 17). And then his parents sent him away, his uncle tried to kill him, and in the ensuing fight everyone he knew turned on him. Where else could he go, but to the voice in his head promising safety?

Once again, this is not a villain. This is a victim, trapped in a nightmare, being used as a tool by a madman to cause harm, and suffering for it

Finally, the Darkling. I’ve written on this topic before, and so have so many other better skilled than I, so I’ll keep it simple. I don’t understand how we are supposed to view the leader of an oppressed minority, trying to prevent the genocide of his people, as a bad guy. Especially when he’s spent the past seven hundred years trying to do things the peaceful way, only to fail again and again and again. What choices did he really have? His actions were acts of war, and arguably caused the least loss of life possible.

So now, I see posts decrying women who ship villains. They say we’re supporting abuse. They say we’re taken in by a pretty face. They say that we’re just rebellious teenage girls, and when we grow up we’ll know better.

My experience was the opposite. As a teenager I was so obsessed with black and white morality, with being a good person, that I couldn’t see the nuances. I couldn’t see that often, the villains were right. I had no grace for those whose lives gave them few choices.

There are still villains I don’t like. Most, actually. Those who kill or hurt for fun. Those in it for their own power and gain. Those who take their pain and lash out against the universe with no cause. Bullies. I don’t like them. I don’t ship them. But I don’t judge people who do, because I don’t know what story they’re seeing. What traumatic event their identifying with. What injustice the villain is trying to correct that they have to deal with in their everyday lives.

We come to fiction for different reasons. Maybe we want a way to explore our pain. Maybe we’re looking for an escape from a dark world. Maybe we feel powerless, and want to live vicariously through someone powerful. Maybe we’ve suffered, and want to see a world where abusers are punished. Maybe we just want to look at pretty people.

All are equally valid. All should be respected. There is a place for all of us in this wonderful online world of fandom, and no one should EVER be belittled for what they like in fiction.

Because you know what? Fiction is first and foremost ENTERTAINMENT, and sometimes the villains have the best stories.

[asgardwinter]

hi bianca!! i have a request if that’s okay!!

so i work in an elementary school, and some days are better than others. can i request a little blurb where reader comes home after a bad day and is crying and loki comforts her and says he’ll make anyone who mad you cry and you’re like honey they’re six year olds and he’s like. oh. well then they’re cute. what am i supposed to do? 😭 idk i just love the idea of loki and kids bc i know he would secretly actually like them

I hope I made justice to your request, it is absolutely adorable and I can totally imagine something like this happening

tiny little mortals

summary | A bad day with Loki's antics was always a surprise.

pairing | Loki x Reader

warnings | fluff, Loki being funny AND adorable

word count | 558

author’s note | sorry if my writing isn’t that good, I’m trying to get back on track so be kind lovies :)

Loki Laufeyson Masterlist | join the taglist! | Main Masterlist

There were days where your kids made you smile and laugh and jump around the place. You’d be taking care of them and someone would’ve come near you with flowers as a cute gift and they would say adorable things and be adorable children.

Just perfect.

But on other days everything seemed to be off. The kids were being… Well, they were behaving like kids. Crying because you wouldn’t let them put themselves in danger, because you called them out, the whole package. And a bonus was that when they were unhappy you couldn’t be much happier either, and their parents were just as upset.

In a few words this whole combination left you crying in the living room of your apartment, not even realizing Loki got home.

“I swear, my love, I’ll make them regret it.” You hear his stone cold voice behind you. “Anyone who makes such a beautiful thing like you cry should not be living and...”

“Love, they’re six years old.” You cut through his monologue, a half smile made its way to your face with how shocked he was to hear it.

“Oh my.” He looked quite embarrassed, you never thought you’d see him almost regret a death threat. “Well, if they are small humans… it might complicate things a bit.”

“Just a bit, right?” You nodded towards the picture you had up on the rack, a gift from some of the kids with a picture you took during one of those special days they had.

“They’re cute. Too cute!” He looked more closely at the picture. “What am I supposed to do now? What can I do to some tiny little mortals?!”

“I don’t know, honey.” You dried some of the tears with the back of your hand. “Just please don’t follow on with the murder plan. I’d be a little happier if they’re there tomorrow when I get to work.”

Loki sat by your side on the couch, his arms around your shoulders to give you some support while you could almost see the engines in his brain working to solve your problem in a way he wouldn’t hurt the “tiny little mortals”.

“I have a plan.” He suddenly announced. “And I believe you’ll approve of it.”

You stared at him, suspicious of his intentions. The only relief was that you knew he wouldn’t hurt a kid, even if he also would do anything to assure your well being.

“Tomorrow I will pick you up at work and them we can go to that cafe you love so much…”

“And…?” You could see there was way more into his words, Loki was just a master at stalling you.

“...before that I’ll have a little chat with these little ones there.”

“Loki…”

“Like I even need permission.” He scoffed, clearly offended at your lack of faith in his abilities of staying off the radar of the people in charge.

“Do whatever you want honey.” You gave up, leaning against him to emphasize your words. “I just don’t want kids crying or parents coming in for my head.”

“Trust me, my love. Everything will get better.” He winked and you just knew he was telling you the truth.

And if you had seen the careful way he talked to the kids, you’d be even more surprised with his adorable manners next to them.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hello, how are you doing? Can I request RoR characters react to reader following her grandparents/parents path and become a soldier? I'm curious who will support her and who will try to change her mind. How will they react to her returning after serving for a long time and what happen if she dies during her service?

-When you first announced that you were going to join the military, to become a soldier like your hero, your grandfather, had been in his youth, you received a range of different reactions.

-Many were worried for your safety, trying to forbid you from even contemplating the idea of become a soldier, even if you weren’t going into a combat zone, there was a chance you could get hurt. They would never threaten you into staying, heavens no, but they may try to guilt you, telling you how they don’t want to lose you.

            -Adam, Eve, Zerofuku, and Tesla (who didn’t want to lose anyone else important to him)

-Many were on the fence, after you gave your argument that becoming a solider would provide you with skills that you could use in the future for a different career, and the military would even pay for higher education once you finished with your time. They wanted you to succeed and you made a valid point, but at the same time, they didn’t want to see you get hurt.

            -Qin Shi Huang, Buddha, Kojiro, Beelzebub, Hermes, Loki, and Jack.

-And many were supportive of you, of your ambitions to follow in the footsteps of your grandfather. Of course, they were worried for you, anyone would be to see someone they care about going off to serve, but they were going to stand beside you and support this decision, as it was yours to make.

-Lu Bu, Thor, Zeus, Ares, Hermes, Poseidon, Hades, Raiden, Shiva, Hercules, Brunnhilde, and Odin

-No matter how long you had been gone, even if it was less than a month, they missed you, they all did, even if some didn’t say it out loud. Your letters were what kept them going, hearing about your adventures and assignments, where you were and what you have seen, you sounded happy, so they stayed strong for you.

-Upon your return after two long years away, you told none of them you were coming home, instead dropping in as a surprise to catch them all off guard and like before, their reactions were mixed but all happy to have you home.

-The ones who had screamed in shock before melting into ugly crying while hugging you, refusing to let others have a turn to welcome you home.

            -Eve, Ares, Raiden, Kojiro, Loki (but if you mention it he will deny), Hermes, and Zerofuku

-The ones who were stunned silent, seeing you there before enveloping you in a huge hug before playfully scolding you for not tell them you were coming home and shocking them like this.

            -Zeus, Hades, Hercules, Brunnhilde, Qin Shi Huang, Buddha, Jack, Adam, and Tesla

-The ones who just smile but you can see the tension leave them as they patted you on the head, welcoming you home, and commenting on how much you have grown.

            - Lu Bu, Thor, Poseidon, Shiva, and Odin, Buddha, and Beelzebub

-They all knew you were smart, having learned from them, you weren’t a greenhorn when it came to combat, especially after you decided to go into the military, several of them took it upon themselves to train you in both armed and unarmed combat so you would be better prepared, even if you weren’t going into a combat area.

-When the news came in that there was an attack on the base you were stationed in, most were ready to take up arms to come and rescue you. As reports start coming in of casualties, many of them prayed and hoped to whoever would listen to them that you were safe.

-It wasn’t until two days later when you were found in the rubble, still alive but only barely, being one of the very few survivors of the attack.

-When you arrived home, you were immediately taken by the valkyries to their medical facilities so you could get the best care possible in your recovery.

-The ones who had been against you going were the loudest when arguing with the others, saying this was what they wanted to avoid, but they were mad, not listening to those who were more levelheaded that you weren’t even in a combat area, but they too were made that a non-combat compound had been attacked.

-They stood by your side in your recovery process, watching you heal and get better. You were smiling like nothing hard happened, but those who knew the horrors of war could see that slight dimness in your eyes, you were changed, but you were alive and still with them.

-That was all that mattered to them, you were alive.