Out of reach • A Loki fanfiction

Chapter 30 - Captain

Suddenly on her feet, her eyes widened by seeing Astrid's stiff posture, clearly knowing she had seen something not meant for her eyes.

"Astrid..." Loki slowly raised himself from the couch as well, as if trying to tame a wild cat. Honestly, he didn't stress about the situation. He had wanted to present Era on his arm for a while now. But both women in this room seemed to be on the edge of pure panic. He couldn't use that. "Calm down."

"Are you..." Astrid's eyes flickered in between the pair. "...Like, what?"

"No, I mean yes, I- we-" Era stuttered, completely out of balance.

"Hush, there is truly no need to freak out." Loki spoke up, right before he closed the door behind Astrid with a silent wave of his magic. "As, please. Relax."

"As?" Era spoke in a mere whisper, though quickly being turned back to Astrid as it was clear she had heard it too.

"It's what everyone calls me."

"It's not what I call you..."

Astrid's eyes dropped to her own boots as soon as Loki took ahold of both Era's shoulders, turning her around to meet her gaze. That told Loki enough. This wasn't how Era had wanted things to go, but there was no denying it now. Astrid had seen. So the only thing left to do was stand tall, and be proud with Era against his side. "I am courting her." He spoke to Era's face, though turning to Astrid soon after.

She seemed to be completely stuck in her place, her eyebrows up to her hairline and her fingers fidgeting. Era's eyes could only narrow by the sight. The sight of a woman in clear shock and surprise. "I see." She spoke. "It's just a bit unexpected..."

Gods... the amount of frustration Era felt right now was unmatched. Why did Astrid have to look so... disappointed? Why couldn't she at least try to not act like she wanted Loki to court her instead?

Yes, Loki was dominant and possessive. But whenever someone longed for someone that was Era's, she could sting too. And if it wasn't for the fact that Astrid now knew things, Era would've told her off. She would've called her out for it. Hard. But instead she cleared her throat, got out of Loki's grip, and took a step forward while trying to smile. "Astrid, I know that this is an unusual situation in many ways, but please... please don't tell anyone before allowing us to do it ourselves."

"Of course." She was quick to respond, as if Era asked her if she wanted a cup of tea. "I won't say a thing if you don't want me to."

"Preferably." Loki added as he snaked an arm around Era's waist to pull her back, matching her possessiveness like that.

Era was hardly given the chance to explore the situation further, to make double clear that this wasn't Astrid's secret to tell. And for Loki to make clear that she was taken..? Because in contrast to the woman before her, someone on the opposite side of the door right now, decided to knock. And in contrast to Era, Loki once again didn't stress because of it.

Seriously, Loki just wanted to lay his claim.

The fact that it was Thor who decided to knock this time didn't change his mind. But Era felt more comfortable stepping away from Loki's arm after Astrid opened up that door. With an apologetic look, but one Loki could only dream away in. He got why it was nerve wracking for her to be suddenly exposed like that. For Astrid to know the actual situation was probably enough of a shock for her already. Now it was time for Era to take back that wheel.

Gods, the things he would do for her...

・𓆙・

Back on deck, Era was cheered on by a slightly drunk Volstagg, who got a slap against the back of his head by Sif right after.