When I turned around in bed and tried to find Loki's form, I was disappointed to find his spot next to mine empty. Reluctantly I opened my eyes. The bed was still warm, meaning that Loki hadn't gotten up for long. I let out a small mewl and turned to the other side, to find Loki standing near the windows, looking out of it.
"Loki?" I croaked, and he turned a little, throwing a small smile at me. "Come back to bed."
Slowly, he trudged back to bed and sat down on it. I took hold of his hand and pulled him to me, making him lift his legs and lie down beside me.
"Why're you up so early?" I scooted closer to him, trying to cuddle.
"It's snowing outside..." he murmured, stroking my hair. "Everything is covered in white."
"Mmm, that's nice..." I hummed, happy and cozy. "We can go out and play in the snow later."
Strangely, Loki did not reply. I looked up at him, wondering why he didn't agree or disagree.
"Loki?"
He looked down at me.
"What's wrong?"
He didn't try to deny that something was wrong. He knew that I could see it. He sighed, and pulled me close.
Still watching him, I pressed my hand against his cheek. "Tell me."
"I don't... like the snow, or the cold," he finally muttered. "It reminds me of what I am."
I continued caressing his cheek as we stared into each other's eyes. "You know it doesn't matter. You are you, that's what's important."
He sighed, closing his eyes. "But I'm also a blue monster."
"Stop it, Loki," I chided before kissing the tip of his nose. "Stop doing this to yourself."
I cradled his head in my arms and we lay there for a few minutes, silent.
"Why have you never asked to see me as a... as a Frost Giant?"
I took a minute to answer him, choosing my words with care. "I know that you are not comfortable with it... and it hardly matters to me. Like I said, you are you, and I love you foryou, and that's enough for me."
"And what if you saw my true form? Would you say the same?"
Loki broke away from my touch and sat up. I did, too, as he stood and turned to face me. When he did, his eyes were closed, and blueness spread from his skin. Blueness, and patterns that marked his chest, his arms, his face and forehead. Finally, when he opened his eyes, they were blood red.
"Well? Do you still love me now?"
I moved towards him on the bed, staring at him with wonder and awe. His eyes followed my movements warily, as I extended a hand and gently traced a line running from his wrist to his elbow. When my fingertip touched his skin, it felt cold at first, but after a few seconds, once the chill seeped into my flesh it turned unbearable and I had to lift my finger.
My eyes moved up and I too stood up. I touched his hair lightly, finding it to be the usual temperature. And then I traced his features, completely entranced by him. He closed his eyes and sighed a little when I touched his lips. I took my chance and stood on my tiptoes, replacing my fingers with my lips on his.
The kiss was brief and light because of how cold he was, but when I leaned back he had turned back to his usual form and embraced me urgently.
"Thank you," I whispered to him.
He let out an unbelieving laugh. "Why are you thanking me?"
I smiled at him, placing my palms on his chest. "For sharing this with me," I touched his hair again, "You are truly amazing."
"You think so?" he breathed, as though unable to believe me.
I nodded. I turned around and walked over to the windows to see the sight of snow for myself. I heard Loki's footsteps approach me from behind before feeling his arms snake their way around my waist. He rested his chin on the top of my head.
"So... is there anything you can do with the snow?" I asked curiously.
His rubbed his thumb on a small patch of exposed skin near my belly for a moment. I could feel the air from his nose brush against my forehead.
"Put on your coat. I'll show you."
