Twisted in Ties (Loki x OC)

Chapter 101

I had something with me of hers. It was the only thing I'd had time to save. I had been very surprised when I had found it years ago. She had left one of her journals on Asgard. I had kept it in my room in the palace. Before I had unleashed Surtur, I'd had just enough time to grab it and take it with me. How it had survived everything we'd gone through after that is beyond me, but I had it all the same.

I pulled out the little notebook, looking over the decorative cover for a moment. She had decorated it herself. It was very personalized. I found it cute and heartwarming. It only reminded me of how special she was. I tried not to think about the fact that she wasn't there to read with me. She used to read me some of the poems she'd written. Other times, she'd have me read them to her, claiming I had a good voice for poetry. The compliment was both flattering and flustering.

*Flashback*

"Darling, not tonight. I don't feel like trying out your poetry right now. I don't feel like reading. I've had a long day."

"Loki! Please? I wrote this one so both of us could relax. I think you'll like it."

"Izetta, I said no."

"...Don't you want to lay down with me?" I paused. Damn it. You little sneak.

"That's cheeky, you know."

"How about this? If you don't feel relaxed after the first bit of it, you can stop and go mope in your room, hmm?"

"Really? That's how we're describing it? I'm tired. Is that a crime?" She chuckled.

"Hon, I want to relax too. Just trust me." I sighed, shaking my head at her.

"May I change first, darling?"

"I was expecting you too. Anyone who would want you to sleep with that over-the-top headset helmet on is crazy."

"Why does everyone always mention the horns!?"

"Because it's such a dramatic thing! I mean, don't get me wrong, that's kinda your style, but it's true!" I groaned and headed off to change.

"You're a pain."

"You're the one who loves me~" I rolled my eyes with a grin and kept going, getting my proper sleepwear on before going back to her. She was already changed as well. I raised an eyebrow at tonight's garments. She blushed as I looked over her patterned pajamas with coral on her shorts and a big sea snake sleeping on a bed of sand with coral around it on her shirt.

"...I-It's comfy and it breathes well." She muttered, pouting slightly. I chuckled, walking over and giving her a kiss.

"You really are such a strange one, aren't you?"

"Just because I have Earth habits doesn't mean I'm weird."

"Is what I'm wearing weird for Earth?" She paused.

"...Depends on where we're talking about...and what lifestyle you have..." I smirked. "Shut up!" I picked her up and set her in the bed.

"Just get comfortable, my princess." She blushed hard at that. I grinned more. "That one always gets you, doesn't it?"

"W-whatever. Is it that weird that I've never...thought of myself as royalty before?"

"What? Why not? You still lived with...Stark, after all." I didn't like talking about him, but it was true that the man was of high status on Midgard.

"Well, yeah, but that's different. Living rich and living royal isn't always the same thing on Earth." She explained. "Besides, I preferred to stay humble, being...so different." I sighed.

"Well, not here. Here, I want everyone to know that you are beyond what they could ever dream of. And that is precisely why you're mine~" She smiled, clearly flattered by my praise.

"Come on, you big smooth-talker, let's just get cozy and read already." I smiled, gently using a finger to lift her chin as I kissed her soft lips once more.

"As you wish, my princess~"

*End Flashback*

I smiled a bit as I remembered that night. The poem I had opened up to had brought back the memory. That night had been one of our best times together, so sweet and peaceful. I remembered how she had fallen asleep in my arms to the sound of my voice, reading her written word to her almost as if it were a lullaby.

That was the first time I had actually seen her as more than just her Stark-like personality and the hint of childishness I had previously interpreted. She had been more to me than some grand attraction to show off (even if I couldn't actually do that toward my people thanks to my act as Odin). As I looked back, it hurt to realize just how much I had treated her more like she was just my infatuation rather than my actual love.

I tried to ignore it. I didn't want to feel that way about myself anymore, even if I deserved to. I didn't want to believe that I had been like that. It only made everything worse, anyway. I decided to read her poem anyway, hoping it would get my mind off things. This one she'd called 'Let My Heart Lie'.

"Let my heart tell a lie,
through the fray and through bliss.
For if my happiness is twisted in ties,
Sharing with others, I shall hope not to miss.

Let publicity fade,
as I take these secret gifts.
For fame is such a masquerade,
without your tender kiss.

On my own,
I feel I might fail.
But with you here,
let us share this tale.

Something is stirring,
far, deep within.
It's beautiful,
more so than the sweetest sin.

My, am I devious,
for stealing this away.
But how can I help,
not letting anyone take your place?

It's dangerous,
keeping this in the dark.
But I would do anything,
to keep your special heart.

Let my heart tell a lie,
to see that charming smile.
I hope you feel the same,
and stay for a long while.

If this is wrong,
don't tell me the truth.
All I know now,
is how I want me to be with you."