Not Quite Finsished

Chapter 17

Nicole sat in the chair next to the hospital bed. She rested her head on Loki's hand, which she held in hers. The beeping of the monitors had long since stopped reaching her ears. Her breathing was slow as she slept. She woke up with a jolt. She looked around her remembering where she was. Loki lay still in front of just as he had been for the past week.

Thor was in and out of the hospital, checking in when he could. Nicole, however, never left Loki's side. She was determined to be there when he woke up. To her there was no if. He was going to wake up. He had to.

Nicole ran a hand down her tired features. She sat up, but did not let go of Loki's hand. She saw the tray of food that Thor must have brought her while she was sleeping. A great sigh left Nicole as she put her head on the back of the chair. After a minute or so, she sat forward again and took Loki's hand in both of hers.

"Listen," she whispered, "I know you probably can't hear me. To be honest that's probably for the best anyway, because what I'm about to say," Nicole sighed, "Well I doubt you'd want to hear it anyway.

"Loki, you have to wake up. I know that we've only known each other for a few months, but according to almost every fairytale, romance novel, and hallmark movie, sometimes that's all it takes. Loki, I-" Nicole struggled to say the next words, "I was never one to really show emotion or to be vulnerable. I guess that's why I settled for Brodie and was with him for so long. It was easier than facing the fact that I was scared I'd never really find someone I truly loved. And then you showed up.

"After I met you, everything changed. I was less scared of finding love as I was of losing it, of losing you. Losing you scares the hell out of me. I can't lose you, so you have to wake up. Because, I'm not quite finished with you yet, and because.... Because, Loki, I-I love you!" Nicole's head sunk down in exhaustion.

As her head was down, she did not see the smile that crept onto Loki's lips, "Well, that was quite the speech, Ace," he chuckled.

Nicole's head shot up, "Loki!" she exclaimed. Loki laughed a little stronger this time. Nicole's wide smile faltered for a moment, "Wait, how much of that did you hear?"

"Oh, only every word," Loki chuckled again and Nicole playfully slapped his arm, tears of joy filling her eyes.

"Ace, there's something I need to tell you," he said, suddenly serious.

"What is it?" Nicole half smiled, expecting his next words.

Loki lifted a hand to Nicole's face, "You have drool on your chin."

Nicole swiped his hand away laughing. She then held his hand once more and looked into Loki's eyes, "Don't you ever scare me like that again," she whispered.

Loki gave a small smile, "I won't."

Nicole sighed and dropped her gaze in relief. Loki lifted her chin to meet her eyes. He gave her another smile and pulled her face towards his. Nicole leaned forward, smiling. As their lips were mere inches apart Loki whispered, "I love you, Ace!' then closed the distance between them.

******Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed my story!*****