Forever (Always)

Chapter 5

"What did you fall in love with first?"

Perseus looked over at Aaron, the child coming to visit him after receiving news that the battle was over and that the god was able to receive visitors. "Excuse me?"

The child of Hephaestus looked nervous, biting their lip. "With Loki. What did you fall in love with first? Everyone avoids talking about him like it's taboo and- and maybe it is but- I'm sorry, it was stupid to-"

"His smile."

Aaron's mouth snapped shut, their eyes widening as they hadn't expected a response. Perseus had the fondest look in his eyes as he stared out at the small garden in front of them, his legs swinging gently as his cane rested by his side. "I-" They swallowed thickly. "Will you tell me about it?"

"Loki has-" Perseus' breath hitched for a moment before he cleared his throat gently, reaching a hand up to massage it. "Had not had the best life. Sometimes... I'd like to think I made it better for him. When we met, smiling wasn't something he had done often. He had been ridiculed and ignored for being the second prince, so I suppose I cannot blame him for closing himself off."

"Where did you guys meet?"

The god was quiet for a moment, watching as the wind lifted fallen petals, scattering them across the sky. "We met in a garden quite like this one. We spoke about the flowers in Asgard, about their purposes, and- And I told him about the Angasiiar. We didn't realize it at the time but, even then, they were in full bloom for us. Not a day goes by that the death of my mischief wouldn't hurt, but I would never wish for his name to never be spoken again. That would be too cruel."

"You always look so sad when you talk about him, I think everyone's afraid of making it worse."

Perseus huffed out a small laugh, shaking his head. "I don't think anyone could. I love him too much to ever forsake the memory of him."

"When was-" Aaron swallowed, unsure if they should continue their question. "Did you receive anymore letters after your visits in Alltid?"

"Yes, only one. Would you like to read it?"

"If that's okay. I don't- I don't want to overstep."

"I'm offering." With a bit of magic, he pulled the envelope out of the pocket space he used to share with Loki. The outside was slightly crumpled, like it was held frequently, but it was clearly cherished. "This letter... Even the Norns couldn't understand it. The words are so simple, but..." He took out a single, holding it out to the teenager.

My dear,

I will apologize in advance for I know that this will not be the type of letter you would like to read. There has been whispers going about, and the Norns have become restless. If I am being honest, it makes me nervous even though I am unsure of the cause.

It makes me scared for our future. As I write this, I wonder if I am simply becoming paranoid due to my current circumstances being in confinement. The guards have stopped their patrols and Thor's visits have become less and less.

I miss you everyday, even during the silence between heartbeats. Earlier today, there was a moment that inspired this letter. I thought I saw you from the corner of my eye, but you were gone so fast, I must have been dreaming. You must think I am silly, but it looked so real and, for a moment, I thought you might have been crying.

I know this letter is the shortest yet, but I promise my next one will have more pages for you.

Until next time, my love

Always yours,
Loki

Aaron's heart hurt after reading, but, even in the short letter, they could see the love Loki felt. The words were jumbled, as though the god was having trouble focusing and didn't particularly care how he crafted his sentences. Still, one part caught their attention. "Were you ever in Asgard around the time you got this letter?"