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Chapter Eight: Close the Door

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Loki began to spin me around the dance floor, taking the lead on a fast-paced dance to the tune of some Nordic folk song. Others danced around us, and some people watched and clapped in time to the music on the side lines. I wasn't very familiar with this sort of dancing, but I'd grown up in hip-hop, acro, jazz, and other forms of dance, so keeping up wasn't an issue.

Loki seemed surprised that I could match his pace, though I was tempted to 'accidently' step on his foot. I refrained, though, and let him whirl me around.

I began to grow dizzy, feeling a buzz crawling up my finger tips. I couldn't have been drunk already, after only one glass of wine? But then it occurred to me that the alcohol contents of Asgardian wine might be slightly different than on earth.

But I quickly found myself not caring, too lost in having fun with Loki. Loki, whose face was becoming more and more attractive the longer the night went on. I kind of wanted to kiss it. But that was just the drink talking.

Loki downed a few drinks too as the night wore on, and I managed another. I vaguely noticed Thor and Bersi pass in a blur, as I clung on to Loki, our dancing becoming more lopsided as we drank. Loki seemed a little tipsy, I could tell by the way his eyes wandered and how he slipped up as we danced.

Eventually, we found ourselves on a terrace overlooking the garden with several other guests. I couldn't really remember why we were out there.

"I've got to admit, tonight hasn't been awful, contrary to my expectations," I said as we walked the length of the terrace.

"You know," Loki began, pointing at me with his finger, "You really ought to be nicer to me. We could have all sorts of fun. Plenty of nights far from awful spent in my company."

"But arguing with you is so much more entertaining," I responded with a smile, still clutching his arm as we strolled absently into the gardens.

"I can think of several things far more entertaining than arguing, dear," he said, his lips pulled into an amused smile and his speech slightly slurred.

"Like getting to impale you with a sword?"

"The only chance you'd have of beating me in that duel, darling, is if I'm as intoxicated as I am right now."

"Noted," I bobbed my head.

"Good luck with that."

"Don't underestimate, I have contacts. I'm building a network."

"Are you?" he chuckled, "My, perhaps I ought to reconsider the terms of our duel, then."

"Too late, I'm afraid."

My cheeks hurt from smiling but I continued to. For the first time in days, I felt genuinely happy, as Loki and I entered into a set of doors in the palace and continued to stroll and chat aimlessly. Eventually, we wound up in my chambers.

I dropped Loki's arm as he strode further in.

"I guess this is goodnight then," I said, leaning against the doorframe, "I actually had a half decent time, so thank you."

He said nothing, his back to me.

"Loki?" I asked, frowning, "Having a melodramatic episode?"

He turned to me, a strangely sincere look on his face. His eyes crawled up the skin of my exposed leg, my torso, my chest, neck, and finally my face. As his eyes moved, he took a step closer.

"Close the door."

My heart stuttered when he said it, but I obeyed, silently pulling the door closed behind me.