#eventually leave and rejoin her next spring and they could leave together. But his ass got caught because he had Flower and Amaryllis/

[nonuggetshere]

Oh I can't wait to refine and finally post the designs for PK's siblings in my AU, it really looks like their mother ran out of ink while making them

[robinrunsfiction]

In the Middle of Summer - Chapter 1

Pairing: Ryan Ross x Reader, mentions of past Brendon Urie x Reader Rating: Teen Requested By: None Author’s Note: With regards to the AOL screen names, according to my research those are Brendon and Ryan’s old livejournal screen names. The dialogue in the instant messages? Real. Saved by weirdo me in 2006 on my external hard drive because I knew that it might make something interesting one day.

Spring 2005

“Hey (YN), how’s it going?” Ryan called when he spotted his friend sitting on the porch of her parents’ house.

“Hey Ryan, things are good. What’s up?” She asked, putting down her book as he walked up.

“Did I see Brendon walking down the street from this residence late last night?” He asked with a sly grin.

“Ryan, shut up!” She said in a hushed tone, hopping off the step and smacking him in the arm. "My mom is home! I can’t get grounded before prom!”

Ryan laughed at her reaction. “We wouldn’t want that because it’s gonna be awesome.”

“Did you finally ask Melissa?”

“Yea, I’ll get to it,” he said rubbing the back of his neck

(YN) laughed. “Uh huh, better get to it. Brendon asked me weeks ago. Bought me flowers and everything.”

“Oh yea? Did he bring you flowers last night when he gave you that hickey?” He asked with a laugh. (YN) gasped and pulled up the collar of her jacket.

“Shut up!” She squealed.

“(YN), who are you talking to? Oh hello Ryan!” Her mom called from the open front door.

“Hello Mrs. (YLN). You look well rested.” Ryan replied as (YN) glared daggers at him.

“Oh, well thank you Ryan,” she replied with a puzzled tone as she walked away from the door.

“You are such an ass!” (YN) said hitting him on the arm again as he cracked up. “I’m going to go finish my homework.” She said turning back toward her house.

“You already got in to college, what do you care about homework for?”

“I have advanced placement tests soon. Not all of us are gonna be famous rock stars.” She replied rolling her eyes.

“Alright, I’ll see you later. Oh, will I be seeing Brendon around tonight?”

(YN) flipped him off as she walked in the house and heard him laughing as he headed home.

“(YN), what did Ryan mean when he said I looked well rested?” Her mom asked as she walked into the kitchen to grab a soda.

“I have no idea mom, he’s weird.” He said as she rolled her eyes and retreated to her room.

~

“Ok, we have to get one of everyone together,” someone’s mom called from the group of parents that stood with cameras ready to snap photos of the teenagers in formal wear waiting anxiously and awkwardly for the night to commence.

Everyone shuffled into position for the photos. In the middle stood (YN), wearing a sky blue strapless dress, her hair pulled into an up-do for the night and a white rose corsage for her wrist. Brendon wore a tie that matched her dress, and looked downright dapper in his suit.

Ryan had finally mustered up the courage to ask Melissa to go with him and she accepted happily. Brendon, Ryan and a few others pooled their money to rent a limo to drive them to the event.

Once the parents were satisfied with the photos, they piled into the limo and headed to dinner and then the dance. On the way there, flasks were slipped out of jacket pockets and passed around.

When they walked into the rented hotel ballroom, they immediately ran into Spencer and his date, as well as their friend Brent. They found a table to sit down at where they watched people dance. 

After a few fast songs, “You and Me” by Lifehouse started to play and Brendon offered (YN) his hand. They went to the dance floor and swayed together to the music. He smiled down at her and kissed her sweetly. She was so happy to be at their last high school dance with him under the balloons and streamers that decorated the room. After the song ended they danced to a couple more songs before retreating off the dance floor. Brendon went to the bathroom and (YN) found Ryan leaning against the wall in the back. He had shed his jacket and his tie, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

“Having fun?” She asked as she leaned against the wall next to him.

“Yea, it’s a good time,” he replied. “I heard Brendon got you guys a room.”

(YN) rolled her eyes at her friend.

“Wait, really? That’s so cliché, (YN)” he teased.

(YN) gave her Ryan a look and was about to sass him back when suddenly there was a flash which drew their attention.

“Hey guys, look over here for a photo” Spencer called and snapped another photo of Ryan and (YN) leaning against the wall. “Oh that will be great, I’ll get ya a copy.” He said before running off.

“Ryan, can we go dance?” Melissa asked as she approached Ryan, leaning into him.

“Sure,” he replied as she headed back to the dance floor. “(YN), have a good night, be safe.”

“You be safe,” she retorted in a sarcastic tone as Ryan walked away.

“Wanna get out a here?” Brendon asked when he came back, discreetly holding up the room key card.

“Sure, let’s go,” she said taking his hand and heading out.

Summer 2005

The end of the school year was filled with celebrations for the senior class. (YN) was preparing to leave for college, but before she could start to focus on that, she had to throw her annual Fourth of July party. She had been throwing Fourth of July parties for her friends since middle school when her parents started to let her buy fireworks from the stand at the corner store. It was an event she looked forward to every year.

That afternoon of her party, (YN) put out coolers full of soda, snacks and her parents fired up the grill as she waited for her friends to arrive. Brendon and Ryan were the first ones there. She greeted Brendon with a big kiss. Ryan gave her a dejected look once she and Brendon had separated from their kiss, so she gave him a hug as well. Not long after, more people showed up and everyone was having a great time talking, laughing and eating. Once the sun started to set, it was time to go to the park to watch the city's firework display.

"I can take 4 in my car,” (YN) called as the group gathered up blankets and coolers.

“I can take a few in my car” Spencer announced as well.

“I have my mom’s minivan” another girl called out. The convoy made their way to the park and staked out a large open space. Some of the families sitting nearby looked on disdainfully as the group of loud teenagers descended upon them.

(YN) found herself sitting on a blanket by Ryan, as she couldn’t find Brendon around at first. She kept glancing around and eventually spotted him talking to some other girls. She shot Ryan an annoyed look and he just shrugged in response. 

“We aren’t going to make it to the end of the summer.” (YN) said out of nowhere as she stared into space.

“You’re going away for school, are you surprised?” Ryan replied.

“No, it’s just annoying. He doesn’t have to act like he’s already single.”

“He’s making a mistake, but that’s his problem.” Ryan said with a reassuring smile. 

A few minutes later Brendon finally rejoined them and settled in to watch the fireworks display. Brendon wrapped his arm around (YN)’s shoulders, but she looked over at Ryan and rolled her eyes. She wasn’t going to forget what Brendon had been doing minutes before.

~

A couple weeks later Ryan had just gotten home from hanging out with Spencer and Brent and was turning on his computer in his room when he glanced out the window and saw Brendon walking down the street from (YN)'s house. He signed in to AOL Instant Messenger and saw (YN) was online. He hadn’t talked to her since the Fourth of July, so he felt he was due to give her some crap.

i_amclandestine: did I just see Brendon leaving again? you crazy kids

(YSN): yea, actually he just dumped me

i_amclandestine: ouch, sorry.

(YSN): whatever, I knew it was coming

(YSN): I should have done it myself when I had a chance :(

i_amclandestine: doesnt make it any easier

(YSN): you’re telling me. 

Ryan did his best to try to change the subject and get her mind off the heartbreak. She appreciated the gesture, and after chatting for about an hour she went to bed feeling much better than she was before.

~

The rest of the summer the friends spent as much time together before the gang went their separate ways. On a Friday night, they found themselves in the bowling alley for a sendoff party. (YN) was in front of the claw machine game, loading it with quarters in an attempt to win a stuffed green tiger. 

“Damnit!” She yelled, hitting her fist on the glass of the machine as the plush toy fell just outside the shoot. Ryan noticed and walked up next to her.

“You want me to win it for you?” He asked.

“No!” She shot back. “I wanted to win it myself, but I’m out of quarters.”

He reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. “Here, try again.”

She took a quarter from his outstretched hand and put it in the machine and started maneuvering the claw above the stuffed cat. She pressed the button, dropping it and it grabbed the toy, pulling it in the air. Ryan watched (YN) as she held her breath as the claw moved the stuffed toy over the shoot. As the timer ran out and the claw opened, the stuffed cat fell into the opening and she pulled it out triumphantly.

“Yes! I did it!” She shouted, holding the cat in front of Ryan’s face.

“Nice job! Although some would argue that I’m part owner of it since I did finance this.”

“Fine, I’ll let you have weekend visitation.” She said with a grin. He grinned back and a flutter went through her stomach. Was she starting to feel something for Ryan? He was Brendon’s best friend, she wondered if that would make any of this weird.

They went back to bowling and he sat down next to her and started playing with the stuffed cat. “Ya know, if you take this off to school with you, I’ll have to come visit you to get my visitation.”

“Well then sounds like I’m going to be that weirdo with a stuffed animal in her dorm,” she said with a smile.

The rest of the night at the bowling alley, she found herself flirting with Ryan whenever she got a chance. It felt good to be getting some attention for the first time since Brendon dumped her a few weeks before.

~

Ryan was working on a new song when he heard the phone ring and saw it was Brendon. The friends made small talk for a while until Brendon got to the point of his call.

“So I was talking to Gabe about his going away party. He said you and (YN) were kinda all over each other.”

“I don’t know why that matters, you’re the one that dumped her," Ryan retorted, irritated that Brendon would even bring this up.

“Come on! You know that’s kind of weird. Besides she’s gonna be going away to school soon, do you really think it’s gonna work out?” Brendon asked.

Ryan sighed. He really had hoped Brendon wouldn’t find out, and if he did that he would be ok with (YN) and him going out. The guilt started to eat at him. It’s not like things had gotten off the ground between (YN) and him yet. He ended the call and went to bed that night with a sick, sad feeling in his stomach. The next day he had resolved that he had to talk to (YN). That evening when he signed on to his computer and saw she was online.

i_amclandestine: (YN), are you busy?

(YN) was going through her clothes and deciding what to take with her to school, but was more than happy to take a break to talk to Ryan.

(YSN): not really, what’s up?

i_amclandestine: so, the relationship between us

(YSN): yea

i_amclandestine: are we only a short term thing for you

i_amclandestine: till you find someone in college?

She was taken aback. What was he trying to say? That he didn’t want to pursue anything these last weeks of summer?

(YSN): If that's what you want

i_amclandestine: well i was wondering what you were thinking

(YSN): I really have no idea

i_amclandestine: k, so i was thinking

(YSN): yea

i_amclandestine: i figured that soon as you go to college that we wouldnt be seeing each other for awhile maybe on hoildays and stuff but thats the only times i guess

i_amclandestine: and im sure that you would find someone in the school year

(YSN): I'm actually gonna be back more often than that

(YSN): but I guess I'm wondering where we stand then

She sighed, she felt that nervous feeling in her stomach again. She knew deep down where this was going.

i_amclandestine: I don’t know if i want to anymore

She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. How could she be so upset over something that never went past flirting?

(YSN): That's what I thought you'd say

i_amclandestine: ok, but friends still

(YSN): duh

i_amclandestine: good friends

(YSN): right!

i_amclandestine: better than friends

(YSN): where are you going with this?

i_amclandestine: nowhere, just checking

Ryan sat back and sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. He knew it sucked now, but she was a pretty girl with a great personality. She was smarter than he could ever hope to be, and it was in his own best interest to let her go off to school without him tying her down from a distance.

(YN) dried her eyes and put a My Chemical Romance CD in her player before turning back to her computer. Ryan was still online, but it seemed like the conversation between them was done for the night. She saw Brendon was online and felt compelled to talk to him. She needed a different male perspective. She filled him in on everything that was going on, not sure if Ryan had talked to him or not, but she wanted him to hear her side of the story.

(YSN): so now I have another "good friend"

part_time_lovah: you’re gonna be alright

(YSN): yea, I'm just disappointed and bummed out

part_time_lovah: yeah, but he's a good guy

(YSN): Brendon, I met you because of him. I’m aware he’s a good guy, I’m just thinkin I’m gonna take him out of my myspace top 8 for a while

part_time_lovah: right

part_time_lovah: well i gotta go to bed, night (YN)

(YSN): night, and thanks for being a good friend

part_time_lovah: you bet...i promised you that I’d always be there for you when needed

After that night, (YN) spent the last few busy days of summer packing and cleaning her room to leave for college. She spied Ryan around the neighborhood but decided to just leave him alone. After a few days she wasn’t mad at Ryan any longer, but she was still disappointed that he wasn’t willing to try with her. She was looking forward to the fresh start that college would provide.

Chapter Two

[jjbaconsumedmysoul]

Gyro x Reader: “I Hate You Too”

“Get your ass up!”

“No!” You whined. He pulled your blanket away maliciously. You kicked your legs at him.

“Hey!” He pulled you up by the arm. “Time to ride sleeping beauty.”

“I’m not a beauty, but I am sleeping, so leave me alone.” Gyro groaned.

“Hey, Johnny, come on. We’re leaving. Again.” Johnny merely nodded in agreement.

This was not an unusual occurrence. Sometimes you would get stubborn when Gyro pushed you around, and so you pushed back. Then you would get several extra minutes of sleep, and catch right back up with them on the road. They’d roll their eyes, annoyed, but amazed at how you managed to rejoin them so quickly.

Of course it helped that your stand let you actually communicate telepathically with your sleek silver horse, Iron Maiden. You had always loved riding through the fields, the forest, anywhere Maiden was willing to run. Gyro and Johnny always acted like your gift was an unfair advantage, but you felt you had deserved the awards you had won so far in the race.

You rubbed Iron Maiden’s mane as you burst past the two men.

“Glad you made it!” Gyro drawled sarcastically.

“I hate you too, Gyro!” You cackled, leading your horse in a wide circle to join their pace.

Over the day you would eventually warm up to each other, but you thought it was funny how Gyro always seemed to act pissed in the morning. Johnny was generally nice to you, my maybe Gyro was just threatened by your competition, although you always told him to relax because you were just “along for the ride.” (he laughed the first time you told that joke, but eventually he became just as annoyed as Johnny)

After a long day and almost no progress made with the corpse parts, you lay your bags down next to each other in preparation for a cold night. Gyro gathered firewood, while you and Johnny put up the horses.

“So… I have a strange question.”

“Huh?” You looked up from tending to your mare.

“Well, do you like Gyro?”

“Of course! He’s really great rider–”

“That's not what I mean.” He gave you a knowing look. You, however, were clueless.

“What do you mean?” You squatted to get onto his level, as though it would somehow help you understand. What exactly he was saying. He sighed, visibly irritated.

“Are you romantically interested in Gyro Zeppeli?” You paused, taking in his words.

“What?” You asked again, confused. Johnny groaned. “No, I,” you stuttered “I understand what you’re asking, but,” The words would have refused to leave your mouth even if you did know what to say.

It wasn’t that you were averse to the idea of romance. Actually, you quite liked the idea. You just never thought anyone would like you.

But Gyro? No, he was your best friend, even if he hated you sometimes.  Besides, he probably wasn't attracted to you. He seemed like the kind of guy to go for sexy seductresses. Right?

You remained silent as Gyro returned with the kindling, sneaking a glance at him now and then he set up the campfire. He was quite handsome, even if oddly dressed. You couldn't deny that he was charming, humorous, skilled… But, did that mean you just admired him? Or did you feel more?

“(Y/n), scootch in a bit, it's freezing!”

Gyro lay on his cot, sandwiched in between you and Johnny, huddling for warmth. You curled away from him, stiff and rigid in your discomfort. However, in his own discomfort, he turned on his side and wrapped his arm around your stomach. You almost squeaked.

Eventually you were able to drift off to sleep, though your body still tender every time you felt his touch

 Suddenly, you bolted upright, panting. The sun had not yet risen, and the sky glowed a beautiful indigo color. But your mind was still focused on the dream.

Soft warm lips pressed against your neck, dexterous fingers running through your hair, a soft and sultry voice whispering your name.

You glanced over at Gyro as a heat spread across your cheeks. His long eyelashes, his shapely mouth parted slightly, revealing just a glint of gold. You rolled your eyes. He was such an idiot. A beautiful idiot.

You tossed the blanket aside, springing up to your mare. Maiden could tell that something was bothering you. You patted her mane assuring her it wasn't anything bad. But she pressed on in her inquiry. Finally, you rolled your eyes.

It's boy trouble.

She whinnied with laughter and you playfully nudges her, warning her. not to wake the boys.

Now, come on, I need to wash up.

Iron Maiden lowered her neck to let you mount, carrying you off to a nearby stream. Hopefully Gyro and Johnny wouldn't awake before you got back.

You leapt off of her back and onto the shore of the stream.  Thankfully, it originated from a warm spring and the water was clear and clean. You left your boots and clothes under a tree, asking Maiden not to wander too far so she could keep an eye on your belongings and your privacy.

You  shivered as your toe touched the flowing water, but slowly made your way into its current. In a swift motion, you dunked your head into the stream, in an effort to wake up your body and clear your mind.

You needed a moment to refocus on the race as you scrubbed the grime and dirt off your skin. Even after you had cleaned up, you remained for a long while. Then, slowly, you began to ease yourself out of the warm water, prepared for the long day’s ride ahead of you.

“(Y/n)!”

Suddenly, you paused, recognising the voice immediately. You hurried out of the water as you hear Iron Maiden’s whinny of warning.

“(Y/n)! There you a–” He froze, just as he leapt out of the bushes. The water concealed your hips downward. But your top remained exposed. His lips rounded in an expression of shock and amazement. You were paralysed for a moment, just before you grabbed at your chest, and stumbled backwards.

“Gyro!”

“I… Umm... Sorry, I couldn't find you,” He kept eye contact.

“Go away!” You crouched until the water hid your entire figure, face burning  red with embarrassment.

“Dammit, sorry!” He turned around, rubbing his neck.

“We just didn't find you and I panicked and–” His head slipped to look over his shoulder.

“TURN AROUND!” you yelled, pants halfway up your legs. He shot back forward, remaining silent until you were fully clothed.

Your body still trembling, despite your best efforts to remain collected, you called you to Gyro.

“Y-You can look now. I’m d-decent.”

He whipped around, looking at you with a curious gaze. As he strode over to meet you, he began to bring his arms out for an embrace. But he hesitated, color rising to his face.

Had he really seen… all of you? Did he care? Did this ruin any chances you had, or… had he enjoyed it?

“Gyro,” Your fingers began to fidget as you looked down. Oh god, how would you explain this to him? If you didn't tell him now it would consume your thoughts throughout the entire day, you wouldn't be able to ride, to keep up. But how do you tell him?

“I have a strange question…” You began.

“Does it have to do with why you ran away?” His voice was raised now in  slight frustration.

“Umm, yeah. Kind of.” You paused, taking a step closer. You were close enough to reach out and touch him. But you didn't dare.

“Why? What the hell were you thinking?” he stammered. He was gradually losing his composure. But you couldn't tell what emotion he was trying to conceal. Was he angry, or scared, or concerned, or… excited?

“Do you, are you,” You took a shaky breath. “Are you romantically interested in me?!” You had meant for it to be a gentle inquisition, but your shaky voice turned it into an abrupt shout. You didn't dare look at his face.

“What?” He seemed confused now. You sighed in frustration, knowing he probably hadn't even considered you in that sort of way.

“I, umm, please don't take this the wrong way, but,” Here it was, “I never thought about you that way–” You turned on your foot to flee, tears already coming to your eyes.

“Wait! Let me finish!” He grabbed your hand. “I n-never thought about you like that,” was he nervous? “Until right now, actually,”

You slowly, lifted your head to gaze at him intently.

“Oh crap, now you're just gonna think I'm a pervert,”

“I know you are,” You taunted him, despite your still raging nervousness. His face was growing exceedingly red.

“You… You're beautiful. I’m sorry, it's just, your riding gear covered you up–”

“Gyro I understand if you just want me as a friend, but you don't have to tease me like that.”

“But, I really think… I think I want you to be more. You're my friend, but you're more–” suddenly, he blurted out.

“Is this what love is? I adore you and I admire you. You're hilarious and talented. And then you annoy the crap out of me and I hate you so much. But I still need to hold you, to hug you, to feel your reassuring embrace– Merda, and now you’re making me spout crappy poetry!” He ended his rant, panting slightly, face crimson with rage and embarrassment and confusion. But you loved it.

Before he could catch his breath, you grabbed his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss. His lips were firmer than they had been in your dream, but quickly kissed you back with force. His arms clasped your waist, pulling your hips to his as you gasped.  Your chest pressed against his firm torso as you felt him moan. Your fingers slid past his cheekbones and into his long, slick hair. They ran up against his scalp to the back of his neck, rubbing up under his hat. You could tell that he wanted to go even further as his lips parted slightly and his tongue slipped out. However, you pulled away for just a moment. Though your hips remained glued together, he whimpered slightly at the separation.

“Gyro, please,” You panted between breaths. “Don’t kiss me like this if you don't feel anything for me.”

“Ok.” he grinned cheekily before bringing his lips to yours for a second time. Your body filled with warmth as you acknowledged this affirmation. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, leaning you back and almost literally sweeping you off your feet. Instead you fell backwards onto the trunk of a tree behind you, as he pinned you against the bark. He took the opportunity to bite your lip playfully, and you smirked at his aggressiveness. His tongue slipped between your lips as his hand ran up your back. His other hand slid down further. You almost wanted to slap his hand back, but you were enjoying it too much. One of your hands reached down to grab at his chest as he gasped. He fiddled with the hem of your shirt, and this time you broke away.

“You first,” you whispered. He smirked at your command, shedding his cape as you pulled his shirt over his head. His hat fell to the ground in the process, but was ignored as you attacked his neck. You bit roughly and could swear you heard him squeak. You sucked at his supple skin before gliding your tongue down to his collarbone. Your hands continued to roam up and down his chest, tickling, squeezing. He moaned out your name, and it amused you just how much you were pleasing him. But you still desired his own lips against yours. You kissed him again, with more force, as one of your legs sneaked up to wrap around his waist and grind into his hips. However, he attacked your breast just as viciously. Your breathing was shallow as kissed any skin that your top exposed. His hands slid down to viciously grasp your ass.

“Well, looks like I am gonna place first after all! Bye guys!” You heard a as whinny Gyro and you immediately turned to see Johnny riding off through the forest.

“DAMMIT!” The two of you quickly gathered your things and jumped on your horses without hesitation. Within a minute you had caught up with Johnny, but Gyro was still straggling behind a bit.

He cursed as he struggled to put his shirt on while simultaneously steering Valkyrie.

“Serves you right, you pervert!” You teased him as you sped ahead.

“I hate you too, (y/n)!”

[andinewton]

Second Chances - Avengers Redemption Series - Part One - Chapter 53

Characters:  Loki, Maia Tomson (OFC), Sigyn, pretty much everyone from the MCU appears at some point, including some special appearances by members of the X-Men!

Pairings: Loki x Maia Tomson, Loki x Sigyn,

Warnings:  Smut, so much smut, violence, swearing; listen, it’s NSFW and 18+, just bear that in mind!

Word Count: 179105

Summary: Loki has been handed over to The Avengers to pay penance for his past crimes, underpowered and underwhelmed by his post he is assigned a new ‘guide to Midgard’ by his superiors and is more than a little surprised when a petite freckled, redhead is waiting in the conference room, not at all like the previous handlers he has been assigned, who quit after a very short time with the snarky god. Maia Tomson is a trained literature teacher and counsellor, maybe not someone you would have picked out to be a guide to the God of Mischief but her mentor, Charles Xavier, knows she likes a challenge, and when The Avengers ask him to recommend someone she is top of his list. Surprised by the assignment, Maia takes it on, promising to do her best, but was not counting on a mutual attraction with her charge.

Join Loki on a journey to discover that his heart is not as frozen as he believes it to be, an adventure spanning almost a millennia of love gained and lost and rediscovered in the most unlikely of places…

Master List

Chapter 53

Summary:  Sigyn has another admirer, Loki is emotionally repressed, Thor has a suggestion, Sigyn sets terms.

The new year began and eventually signs of spring began to return. Sigyn and Loki returned to just being friends, in their public personas, but behind closed doors, in private, they were very much new, young lovers, taking every opportunity to touch one another, no matter how briefly, and formerly unconsidered places were perfect for clandestine meetings, including, but not limited to, the library, Frigga’s private flower garden, the woods, and each of their rooms. Sigyn’s held more risk, as she resided with her father, but she could easily sneak out of her window if necessary, and many a night was spent just walking around the grounds in peace, holding hands, kissing and talking. It was not long before their relationship became more physical and they found pleasure with one another in new ways, always returning to their own beds before dawn but enjoying their nights together, holding and exploring one another.

One night, a week before the spring solstice, they lay in Loki’s bed together, surrounded by furs and little more, Sigyn laying on her side, propped on one elbow, while Loki sat beside her with a platter of bread, cheese and meats. ‘I swear this man is relentless.’ She shook her head. ‘He will not take no for an answer. I am close to telling him I am going to serve in the sisterhood just to get him to stop calling on me.’ ‘The sisterhood would not take you, pet. I know the things your body has done and you would be ejected for even suggesting so.’ He offered her a bite of the bread, which she took. ‘You may find this funny, my prince, but he is trying to win over Father. Compliments and asking to hear of his exploits with Odin during the wars.’ ‘Perhaps it is your father he desires.’ He grinned and she punched him in the arm. ‘There are only so many times I can have my lady in waiting dismiss the man without a valid excuse. Father thinks he would make a wonderful husband for me and he doesn’t mind the fact I am a warrior in my own right.’ ‘Just let me kill the fellow.’ Loki said nonchalantly. ‘Problem solved.’ ‘Problem not solved. Your father will still not entertain the idea that you and I could be together.’ ‘What did you say my competition’s name was?’ ‘Theoric.’ She groaned the name, tired of hearing it. ‘Theoric?’ Loki said in surprise. ‘Of the Crimson Hawks?’ ‘The very same.’ She took a piece of cheese from the tray. ‘Oh you should definitely marry him, he is quite handsome.’ Loki teased. ‘You may jest, but I may have to.’ She pinched his leg to make the point she was so frustrated but he merely chuckled. ‘I will not allow you to wed anyone else, Sig, you know that.’ ‘I know you don’t want me to. You’d lose one of your favourite toys.’ She rested her head on his thigh and grinned up at him. ‘You are not a toy.’ He touched her nose softly. ‘You know how I feel about you.’ ‘Do I?’ She asked innocently. ‘Because all I recall you ever calling me was yours.’ ‘Mine, yes, I do like that.’ He said thoughtfully before eating a slice of salt pork. ‘You’re an ass, my prince.’ She snuggled into the furs on his thigh. ‘One small sentence and this arguing would be done. Why you refuse is beyond me. It does not cause pain to look upon someone and tell them that you love them.’ ‘I wish for all to know, not just you.’ This was a bone of contention between them, that he had yet to say the words, although he always said yes, if she asked if he loved her. ‘Your power over me is quite maddening, sunbeam. I feel unworthy of the attention you lavish upon me.’ ‘If I have to marry Theoric you’ll have to lavish your own attention.’ She grumbled. He laughed again and this time she sat up and glared at him. ‘Really, Loki. Theoric is persistent and as no one else has claim to me I fear this is tempting Father to do something drastic.’ ‘Like marry Theoric himself?’ ‘Like accepting a betrothal.’ She said angrily. ‘If it comes to a deal between the two I will have two options; go along with it or disappear, and I will not hesitate to do the latter than live in a loveless sham of a marriage.’ ‘And if you disappear, dove, may I come with you?’ ‘Now you’re just being ridiculous.’ She threw back the covers, planning on dressing and heading over the side of his balcony to her own room as she did most mornings, but he caught her around the waist, stopping her. ‘Not ridiculous, I just do not think Theoric is as big a threat as you fear. And if he does offer a betrothal and you choose to run, I will run with you. We will head to Midgard where no one knows us and be wed by the next new moon.’ ‘Oh, Loki,’ she sighed, ‘how could I marry a man who will not even tell me he loves me?’ She said teasingly and he kissed her firmly, his tongue plunging into her mouth until she could do nothing but make small murmuring noises. He affected her so much it was almost painful to think of being without him. ‘Still leaving?’ He purred and she pulled a face but shook her head. ‘You are truly the God of Mischief.’ She whispered, and as he lowered his lips to hers to claim them again the main door banged open then closed. Sigyn grabbed at the furs, covering her modesty as Loki looked over his shoulder at the intrusion, knowing full well who it would be. ‘Really, Thor, please try knocking. I am tired of explaining to the locksmith why my door is shattered at least once a week.’ ‘I could not wait for you to open the door, and oftentimes you ignore me.’ He barely gave the pairs mostly nakedness a second thought, nodding to Sigyn nonplussed. ‘Sigyn.’ ‘Thor.’ She nodded back. ‘You are interrupting, brother.’ Loki pointed out. ‘I am aware, however this is important.’ He pulled a chair up to the end of the bed and took a seat, while Loki sighed and sat Sigyn back up, arranging the furs around her once she shuffled properly into the pillows. ‘Theoric of the Crimson Hawks has been bragging around the garrison.’ ‘I told you he’s trouble.’ Sigyn remarked as Thor helped himself to some meat from the platter. ‘How many times does he claim to have deflowered me?’ ‘None, yet.’ Thor pointed the meat at her. ‘However he is certain he is taking you to the solstice ball.’ ‘I may have to volunteer for guard duty.’ She leant forward for another piece of cheese. ‘They have not allowed you to use that excuse yet.’ Loki reminded her. ‘There is always a first time.’ ‘Father would not allow it.’ Thor pointed out. ‘I believe he stops you from doing so in the hope a suitor will catch your eye. You may be subtle with your affair but it has not escaped his notice that the two of you are still always together, however platonic you may claim to be.’ ‘Am I no longer allowed friends?’ ‘As long as they are not Loki, yes. But I come with a solution.’ ‘Really?’ Loki said doubtfully. ‘Very really. And do you know why? Because I am such an amazing brother who looks out for you.’ ‘He wants something.’ Sigyn glanced at Loki. ‘I do, but it benefits us both. What meat is this?’ ‘Boar from the last hunt.’ Loki said. ‘I thought it depleted?’ ‘If you knew there were any left it would have been.’ ‘Fair point. But to my deal. There is a certain maiden I have made an accord with. She gets her chance to sit at the royal table for the banquet and show off to all her friends. One dance with a prince and she will go on her way.’ ‘And where do we fall into this little scheme of yours?’ Loki asked, pushing the entire platter towards Thor. ‘Simple, little brother. You get to escort said maiden and I escort Lady Sigyn.’ ‘What?’ ‘That is subtle.’ Sigyn agreed as Loki processed what it meant. ‘You wish for me to escort someone else whilst you take my lady on your own arm?’ Loki said in disbelief. ‘It will stop Theoric from being able to ask, will give a reason for Father to be less suspicious, and we can all rejoin our friends after it is over for wine and song with no suspicions raised that the two of you are in fact like wild rabbits.’ Sigyn laughed. He had a point, but Loki still didn’t like it. ‘What else does this maiden want?’ ‘What makes you think she wants something else?’ Thor asked around some bread. ‘So far there is nothing in it for you.’ Thor raised his eyebrows and grinned. ‘Oh, yuck.’ Sigyn rolled her eyes. ‘That is quite the mental image I could have done without.’ Loki shifted to sit beside Sigyn, taking her hand in his. ‘What do you think, petal? Do we go along with this scheme?’ ‘It may offer a certain degree of plausible deniability.’ She said with a small shrug. ‘But why should we help with such an implicitly complicated scheme to convince your father there is nothing between us when I am unsure if there actually is?’ ‘Sig…’ ‘He still didn’t say it?’ Thor looked at her and she shook her head, her mussed hair falling over her shoulders. ‘He is either the nine realms’ best liar, as your father crowned him, or so emotionally repressed there is no hope for him.’ ‘Just tell her, Loki. You know it to be true and you only hurt the both of you with your inability. Prove yourself the silvertongue we know you to be with a simple confession of your feelings.’ ‘I will tell her without an audience.’ Loki argued. ‘That’s it, I’m going home.’ Sigyn shifted over, pulling the furs with her, but Loki didn’t let go of her hand. ‘You are not dressed.’ ‘So dress me, my God of Mischief, or confess your feelings for me, once and for all.’ ‘Thor, if you leave now I will agree to your scheme.’ Loki said without taking his eyes off Sigyn who glared at him. ‘Done.’ Thor took the platter with him. ‘Take my advice, brother, and say the words. You will both feel better for it.’ ‘When I want your advice, I shall seek it.’ Loki called as the door closed. Sigyn sighed when they were alone again. ‘You do not have to say it, Loki, not once. The words mean nothing if they are forced.’ ‘Do you know why I do not say them?’ He asked as he released her hand. ‘You already know the power you hold over me yet you would make me say the words? You ask if I love you as though I have a choice, as though there were ever anything less than love I could feel for you. I have loved you since the moment you walked back into my life, perhaps even before that and I knew not what love was, but I cannot say the words because once I do, I shall never stop. I see in you my future, and all that I want. I will marry you, and you will bear our children, but once I say the words you long to hear it will set in motion the rest of our lives. I will go against my father and the entire nine realms if I must to make you mine. Once those words are past my lips it will bring about events I neither know how to start or finish. We speak of leaving, of being wed on another world, but for me it is not a jest, it is the reality of what I will do, if it is the only way to have you as my wife. I would disgrace myself with Odin, with Asgard, because you are my home, and as long as we are together I need nothing else.’ Loki’s words touched Sigyn so deeply her throat constricted and she climbed back onto the bed and kissed him, pulling him against her. The memory faded out to the training ground where Sigyn was sparring with Fandral. The two of them bantered while they fought, lightheartedly making fun of one another but their fighting never suffered for it. ‘Do your admirers have to swoon for each swing of your sword?’ Sigyn teased as she stepped in close to him and elbowed him hard in the sternum before pirouetting away elegantly. ‘It is not my blade that makes them swoon, my Lady Sigyn.’ He recovered quickly and deflected the dagger she manifested and threw at him, a trick Loki had taught her. ‘Well, at least you are proficient with something.’ ‘Your words burn me, my lady.’ ‘As will your loins if you do not pick your partners more carefully.’ She hit him in the chest with a blast of energy that also blinded him and she leapt at him, hitting him in the chest with her shoulder and knocking him to the ground, pressing her blade to his throat. ‘You have bested me again, good lady.’ He dropped his sword in defeat and nodded his head in a bow. ‘If you concentrated more on the fight than my breast you would best me more often.’ She pushed to her feet and offered him a hand up, ignoring the applause from the makeshift audience. ‘But it is such a splendid breast.’ He clapped his arm around her in a brotherly hug. ‘But it is not your breast.’ She pinched his side playfully as they walked towards the opening in the fence together but her step faltered as the tall, handsome figure of Theoric came forward, his blond hair caught back in a leather strap that matched his brown leather tunic and pants. He was clapping his large hands and smiling at them, no, at her, and as she tensed Fandral’s arm automatically tightened protectively around her. She knew he was aware of Theoric’s intentions, as were all their friends. ‘Good Lady Sigyn.’ He bowed to her. ‘May I ask you to take a walk with me?’ ‘She would love to.’ Her father’s voice came from the other side of the fence and she shot him an alarmed glare. ‘May I ask for a postponement, Sir Theoric? The bout has left me quite in need of refreshing myself.’ ‘Nonsense.’ Her father came and drew her out of Fandral’s protective embrace. ‘You have both been training. Take some water then be on your way.’ ‘Such reason, Father, you should have been a politician.’ She teased but the bitterness in her voice was evident. ‘Lead on, Sir Theoric.’ She held her arm out for him to walk ahead of her to the water provided but instead he offered her his arm. She suppressed a sigh and took it, his solid muscles barely moving under her touch, but it did not impress her. They both took some water and he took her arm again and led her towards the gardens. ‘You have become quite the fighter, fair lady.’ ‘Thank you, Sir Theoric.’ She said disinterestedly as she looked over the roses that were beginning to bud. ‘As deadly as you are beautiful.’ ‘You flatter me, sir.’ ‘I speak the truth. Tales of your bravery on the battlefield rival your elegance in the banquet hall.’ She laughed and looked up at him. He was easily as tall as Loki, but not as handsome, his eyes a dull grey and while brawny she knew there was more to a person than physical size. ‘Sir Theoric, we have barely ever said ten words to one another, besides polite greetings. I would have the truth from you, if there is a reason for this walk besides honeyed words?’ He chuckled. ‘My, you are blunt.’ ‘I am honest, Sir Theoric, if nothing else. Speak or return me to combat, I owe Hogun a bout and I hate to disappoint.’ ‘Very well.’ He stopped and turned to face her, his hands taking one of hers. ‘I ask for permission to escort you to the spring equinox banquet.’ Luckily Sigyn had been expecting this and was able to school her face to apologetic disappointment. ‘I am sorry, Sir Theoric, but Prince Thor has already requested my company for the evening.’ ‘Prince…Thor?’ He said uncertainly, as though he had misheard. ‘Yes.’ She nodded. ‘I had not been invited and he had not made an offer to any ladies, so rather than attend alone he invited me to dine with him, some days ago now.’ ‘I, erm,’ he didn’t seem to have a response. Thor was renowned as a fighter and as royalty no one would dare try and usurp a lady from under him. ‘It would appear I missed my opportunity.’ ‘I’m very sorry, but I gave my word.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘Then would you allow me to call on you? There are some fine horses in the stables in foal at the moment, perhaps you would like a tour?’ ‘You want to call on me?’ She faltered. She hadn’t expected him to be that forward or confident. ‘With your permission, and that of your father, of course.’ ‘Of, of course!’ She said rather more high pitched than she meant to as her mind ran as fast as the last stallion she had tried to break in without the stable master realising. ‘But, I do have a proviso, for callers.’ ‘You do?’ He smiled in amusement, assuming he had her. ‘Indeed.’ She raised her chin defiantly and smiled slightly. ‘First you must best me in the training arena.’ ‘I must…lady, please, that is an unfair fight, I could not do such a thing.’ ‘I suppose it is a little unfair, as I have sorcery and you do not.’ She said thoughtfully. ‘If I renege weapons and just use my magic, would that even things a little, or would you rather I dispensed with power and fought with just weapons?’ His mouth flapped a few times, unable to comprehend what she was suggesting. ‘I could not face you in combat.’ She sighed and took back her hand, patting his arm before taking a step back. ‘You have my terms, Sir Theoric. Why do you think Fandral is always so keen to meet me in the arena?’ She grinned, leaving him standing amongst the blooms with his delicate sensibilities.

Chapter 54