Out of Time (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 17: Motherly Advice

I woke up with my feet throbbing from wearing heels all night, and groans at the forsaken pain they caused me. I threw my feet over the edge of the bed preparing myself for the first few steps i was about to take. Before I could I stopped. Just taking a breath, and relaxing. Last night had become a blur, still tired from the late night. I sighed and got up reluctantly to take a shower. Which I most definitely needed.

I stood in front of the foggy mirror and wiped a small portion of it, only enough to see my face. I stared at myself for awhile in confusion. I had always been unsure of my feelings, so I would push them aside. But now, I couldn't be more confused. I enjoyed my time with Loki last night, but he was just my friend. I couldn't be thinking of a friend like that.

I got dressed and headed out of my bathroom when I saw a note on my nightstand.

Up for some training? Like Old times?
Meet Sif and I down in the training area.

-Thor

Last time I saw Thor, he was at the bottom of the stairs, snoring like a hog. And now he wants to train with me?

"Gods these days, they think they are immune to a hangover." I muttered to myself. I quickly threw on my armor Tony had made me and made my way down to meet them and of course as I guessed correctly.

Thor and Sif had been fast sleep, on the floor. Thor was drooling and Sif's hair had been a mess. I quickly turned on my heel so I wouldn't bother the slumber of sleeping beauty. Not until I collided roughly with someone.

Hogun and Fandral.

"Are they...hungover?" Fandral asked me pointing over my shoulder. I turned in their direction laughing as I looked back.

"I suppose they had a little too much to drink last night...and this morning." I said.

"Good evening My Lady, you look magnificent this morning." Hogun said kissing my hand.

Magnificent

That's what Loki had called me the night before...I missed my friend. Then without realizing I had set out to find him. Leaving the two gentlemen alone, once again.

I had no luck finding him- Loki that is. Until I remembered the balcony in the garden and I snuck over, hoping he would be there. I crept through the small entrance and yet, there was no Loki to be found. I gave up on my mission and retired to my room, and let the day pass.

I noticed to have been doing that a lot lately. One, then two, and before I knew it three days had passed. Not once did I see any sign of Loki. I tried to talk with him and it seems like he has put his guard up again. Not being able to speak to him anymore. I thought we were okay. I guess I was wrong. Eventually I put my guard up as well. I had my own feelings to sort out.

Loki's POV

I decided it might be best if I try and keep my feelings to myself for awhile. I needed time to be home, and remember it before I couldn't come back. Mother and I decided to walk around the Asgard gardens, which have become a favorite place of mine.

For some odd reason.

Mother had been watching me, and i turned my attention back to her.

"Do you want to talk about her?" she asks.

Her.

I didn't need to ask who she was referring to. I opened my mouth, but found myself at a loss for words, so I closed it again. Mother smiled and looked forward, continuing to walk slowly through the garden.

I was proud to have made her smile, even if it didn't last long.

"Come then. Tell me about her." she says, firmly this time.

So I did. I tried desperately to sound as though i was not overly enthusiastic, but i can hear myself talk and i was fully aware that I am, undoubtedly, gushing. Mother listened as I talked, smiling and reacting appropriately as I told her stories about her and I. Our training, missions, our dancing and more.

We had lapped the gardens twice and sat down on a bench together before I had stopped talking. Waiting for Frigga to speak back. I had a feeling that I knew exactly what it was going to be.

"You have taken a liking to her." She says it not with the look of smug triumph that Thor's face had looked when he'd accused me of it, but with only pure happiness on her features. I swallowed nervously. The thought still terrifies me. I couldn't seem to respond.

"Do not be afraid of this feeling, Loki. There are things that you should be scared of in life, but love, is not one of them." I turned to look at her. Usually I can guard my facial expressions well; it's a relief not to have to with her.

"I don't- I don't know how to- how do I-" I can't seem to articulate my thoughts; it's highly frustrating. Frigga seems to understand easily enough.

"Do you believe that she reciprocates your feelings?"

Feelings. I never allowed myself to believe I had possessed the ability to feel feelings for the longest time.

"I don't know..." I replied. Frigga smiles gently.

"I do." she says casually. Something shifted in my chest. And I can't tell whether I like the sensation or not.

"Really?" I had asked, trying not to sound hopeful. It's futile.

"Yes. Two minutes of watching the way she looks at you, my son. You would be blind to not see such happiness." Frigga nods. There is a wide smile on her face.

But I looked away.

It will only end in misery.

"You must tell her. Tonight." I looked up sharply.

"What? No- why?"

"Why not?" I didn't have a good enough reason. Every response that I could have thought of has a perfectly good counter argument. Most of which start with 'what if.'

"Because she's mad at me, we haven't spoke in days and I don't think it's a good-"

"Loki." Frigga says in fond exasperation.

"If you don't tell her tonight she's bound to be swept up by someone else. Perhaps Hogun." She finally said.

The thought makes me feel vaguely sick.

"Fine." I had said quietly.

"Hm?" Frigga says, putting her hand to her ear and leaning towards me slightly.

"Fine." I said, louder, a smile working it's way on to my face. Frigga smiled widely, placing a hand on my arm.

"Allow yourself to be happy, my son." she says earnestly. I only nodded, smiling back at her. She turned away from me and walked away.

I couldn't help but feel a odd feeling. I only felt this feeling so recently.

Happiness.