Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

28.

I exhale sharply, bracing myself before grabbing the shot glass and throwing the cool, sour liquid down my throat. A chill runs down my spine, and I shudder slightly before placing the glass down. "Damn, Celia. You make the best lemon drops," I comment, the alcohol beginning to warm my insides.

She chuckles, her laughter warm and familiar. "So I've been told," she says, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile.

"You mind if I get another?" I ask, already feeling the comforting numbness creeping in.

"You know, it hasn't been a year since the last time you drank like this," she comments, her eyes softening with concern as she starts to make me another lemon drop. Her movements are smooth and each action is precise.

"I know," I nod, trying to shrug off the heaviness settling in my chest. "I've got a lot on my mind." My voice barely hides the weariness I'm feeling.

"You know, I'm not just an expert at making lemon drops," she starts as she sets the shot down in front of me, her tone gentle. "I've been told I'm a good listener too." Her gaze is reassuring like she's ready to shoulder some of my burden. 

I chuckle, a bittersweet warmth spreading through me at her kindness. "I'm sure you are." I knock back the shot, savoring the sharp tang that momentarily distracts me from my thoughts. "Just... boy troubles, I guess," I admit, my voice tinged with reluctant vulnerability.

Her brows raise, genuine surprise lighting up her face. "Oh, that's unexpected. I haven't heard you talk about a guy since..." She trails off, her curiosity evident but laced with caution.

"Yeah," I nod, the memories too fresh and too raw to revisit.

"Who's the lucky fellow?" she asks gently.

I scoff, feeling the frustration bubbling up. "Trust me, it's not like that. We're just friends," I assert, though my words lack conviction.

"You're just friends and yet... you're here," she points out, her eyes searching mine with an intensity that makes me squirm.

"I know," I groan, feeling the weight of my own confusion. "I don't know. I just... I think I like him." The admission tastes bitter on my tongue.

Her lips tug back into a knowing smile. "That's how it always happens. You're just friends until you realize that you've fallen in love with them." 

"After my last relationship, I told myself that I wouldn't date again and I wouldn't fall for anyone else." The memories of heartbreak and betrayal flicker through my mind.

Her expression softens, empathy shining in her eyes. "Sweetie, you're young and you're gonna fall in love more times than you can count."

"I don't want to," I shake my head, the fear and pain evident in my voice. "Falling in love with someone is so... complicated and confusing."

"Trust me, I know," she nods, her tone soothing. "But... it can be rewarding, too."

I scoff lightly. "How?"

"The companionship, the connection you form, the memories, the sense of security, the happiness it can bring-- I think all of those things make it worth it," she explains, her words carrying the weight of experience, each one a gentle push against my defenses.

"I want to believe that... I do," I murmur, feeling the tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I just-- I'm too scared that they'll leave, you know? 'Cause eventually everyone leaves."

She reaches across the bar, her hand resting gently on mine. "I get it, honey. But that's where trust comes in. You have to trust that the right person won't leave and that they'll stay through the highs and the lows."