Chapter 16
It had been six weeks since we'd arrived in Amsterdam. After the 'incident' with Loki disappearing in the middle of the night things seemed different between us. We stopped fighting, other than little things here and there that never lasted more than a few minutes, and Loki was being more sweet, affectionate, attentive-not that he wasn't before, but I could tell it was different.
Something had definitely changed.
I had also stopped worrying he was going to up and abandon me at any moment. It was as if the world had shifted and we were the only ones affected by it. By our standers things were good and when we got too restless, Loki would teleport us somewhere where we could have some real fun, just to leave and return home.
Home.
I never guessed Loki would have been serious when he told me we didn't have to leave. He had found us a little apartment in Utrecht, stating there was no longer a need to stay at a hotel. I think he chose that particular area since everything was within walking distance; since it is a car-less area, wharf cellars house cafes and terraces were all conveniently by the beautiful canals, and magnificent monuments framed the scene. It truly was one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam. People were also friendly. It was a tight-knit neighborhood, so it didn't take long for people to notice us. We were polite, but never went out of the way to speak to anyone or make friends.
We didn't need friends; we had each other.
We didn't bother changing our names. If anyone recognized Loki (which was unlikely) they didn't care that he was there. Both of us doubted anyone around here would notice us. As long as we didn't draw attention to ourselves, we figured we'd be fine. However, I'm sure Loki had a backup plan just in case things did turn sour. At least I hoped, though, if Thor was going to find us, he would have by now; it had never taken this long. Loki was being honest when he said he'd make sure Thor wouldn't find us. It felt like for the first time in months I could finally relax.
"I wish to give you something."
Loki and I were sitting on the roof of the apartment building, curled in a blanket watching the stars. I was sitting in between his legs and he had his back braced against some type of vent. The night we'd moved in Loki had brought me up here and before we both knew it, it was a nightly routine.
It was peaceful. It wasn't very often we felt at peace.
There were still people looking for us, for me, even though neither of us wanted to be found.
These moments were rare and we weren't going to just let them slip away.
I realized feeling free and feeling at peace were two completely different things.
I had made my choice. There was no turning back now. I didn't regret it for a minute.
"A gift?" I ask, surprised, turning slightly to face him. "I don't need a gift. I have you." I smile.
Loki grinned at me and held out his hand, dangling a gold necklace with a bright green stone attached, in my face. I gasp, holding out both hands as Loki gives it to me and I study the stone carefully. It was beautiful and almost appeared as if it were glowing. I was sure it had some form of magical, something or other to it; I could feel the energy pouring off of it.
"Allow me." Loki took the necklace back and fastened it around my neck. "Never take this off." Loki whispered in my ear, half warning-half plea. "It will protect you, when I can't." He wrapped his arms protectively around my waist. "Just in case."
"Loki-"
"Shh." He kissed my neck. "I don't want to speak nor think of such things, but it doesn't mean something may not happen. I would feel better to be prepared, than sorry later."
I wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't very often Loki would open himself up to me like this. I knew it wouldn't mean a lot to other people, but it meant the world to me. It meant more to me than I think he would ever know.
"I love you."
I realize I had never actually told him that I loved him. Yes, he had accused me of doing so, but I had never admitted it to him. Then, once I was sure I was in love with him, I never told him because I was afraid to allow myself to be that vulnerable. Not to mention he already knew, or I thought he knew.
I felt him tense up and his heart quickened, pounding fiercely into my back. His grip only got more possessive and even though I wasn't looking at him, I knew he was sobbing just slightly. I could tell by the way he hitched his chest in short, shallow breaths. Maybe Loki hadn't known I'd been in love with him all along? Or maybe he just hadn't allowed himself to believe it.
That was probably more the case.
"I've loved you for a while now." I continue. "I'm sorry I never told you before. People may think I'm crazy, or insane, and maybe I am, but I don't care. I love you-I love you so much it hurts and I would do anything just to keep you."
By this point I was sobbing and Loki turned my body so that I was straddling him. It was dark, but I could still see the red in his eyes and the way he looked at me melted my heart. He kissed me hard and sloppy, still just as desperate as passionate as always, but there was more to the kiss this time. It wasn't fueled by desire or lust. It was fueled by something much more than that.
"Do you truly mean that?" Loki's voice cracked just slightly and his breathing was shallow and raspy. I know he knew I wasn't lying, he just needed the reassurance.
I nod. "Yes, Loki. I mean it." He kissed me again, just as he had done a moment ago, only speaking when I needed a break for air.
"I love you too, hjarta mítt." He told me huskily, pulling away just enough so his lips were still touching mine as he spoke. "I will make you my Queen and we will rule together, and everyone will know you are mine and mine alone. And if anyone so dares to even look at you the wrong way, I will break them. I will make them wish they had never been born. They will fear you, and I will worship you."
Loki wasted no time in pushing me down, making love to me right there under the stars, whispering sweet nothings in my ear in a language I didn't understand. It didn't matter that I didn't know what the words meant. His tone- the way he touched me, the way he kissed me- told me everything I needed to know about what he was saying.
My life was complete; it was perfect.
And nothing was going to rip us apart.