Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

45.

Exhaling deeply, I grab my red lipstick and carefully apply it to my lips, the bold color giving me a boost of confidence. I pull my hair into a ponytail, then twist it into a deliberately messy bun, leaving a few strands loose to frame my face. I tug my loose work shirt back and tie the extra fabric into a knot, drawing attention to my figure. Stepping back from the mirror, I turn to check how my tight jeans fit, a satisfied smile spreading across my face as I admire the way they hug my curves.

Feeling a surge of confidence, I grab my purse and head out of my room, finding Loki flipping through the TV channels with a look of mild frustration. The sight of him trying to navigate human technology makes me chuckle. "I never thought I'd see you watching TV," I comment, my voice light and teasing. 

Loki's gaze shifts from the screen to me, his eyes widening slightly as he takes in my appearance. "You look..."

"Terrible? I know," I say with a shrug, trying to downplay the sudden flutter of nerves.

He scoffs, shaking his head in genuine disbelief. "I don't believe it's possible for you to look terrible."

A smile tugs at my lips despite myself. "Why thank you." I walk over to the front door, checking my purse to make sure I have everything. "I'll be home around 5:30 today. The diner closes at 6:00 since it's New Year's Eve."

"I will handle dinner then," he nods, his tone casual yet underpinned with a sincerity that catches me off guard.

My brows shoot up in surprise as I pull on my coat. "You will?"

"You have my word," he assures me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

I can't help but grin, feeling a warmth spread through me, wrapping around my heart. "All right, I look forward to dinner."

As I open the door, his tone softens, becoming almost intimate. "Have a good day, my love."

His words, simple yet profound, send a shiver down my spine. My face warms, and I nod, unable to hide the blush that creeps up my cheeks. "You too," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. His affectionate words echo in my mind as I step out into the crisp morning air.

The drive to the diner is filled with thoughts of Loki-- his unexpected domesticity and the promise of dinner waiting for me. As I park my truck in the employee section and hop out, a thrill of excitement courses through me. I head inside through the back door, pull off my coat, and head to the locker room. I store my purse and coat inside before grabbing my apron and tying it around my waist with practiced ease.

Stepping into the dining room, Emily greets me as she approaches the kitchen doors. "Hey, Cassie," she says with a warm smile.

"Hey, Em," I reply, matching her smile. I walk over to the seating chart, examining it carefully and noting my assigned tables. "Reed's tables."

Glancing up at the right side of the dining room, I scan each table, my eyes catching on an empty glass perched precariously on the edge of one. I walk over, putting on my best customer service voice. "Hi, did you want a refill?"

"Yes, please," the woman nods, her expression one of gratitude.

"And you had...?" 

"Sweet tea." 

"Got it. I'll be right back," I assure her before heading to the kitchen. I fill her glass with sweet tea, the clinking of ice against the glass a comforting rhythm. Returning to her table, I set the glass down in front of her. "Here you go."

"Thank you," she says, her smile appreciative and kind.

As I continue to check on the rest of my tables, my mind drifts to Loki. His presence, his promises, and the way he looks at me with those intense, penetrating eyes. Each thought sends my heart racing, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling within me. The diner fades into the background as I lose myself in memories of his touch, his voice, and the way his smirk can both infuriate and captivate me. It's like he's always there, a constant presence in my thoughts, making the hours both fly by and drag on in equal measure.

Fiona approaches me, a playful smirk on her face. "You've got someone on your mind," she teases, her gaze twinkling with mischief.

I laugh, feeling a blush creep up my neck and cheeks. "No," I say, though the denial sounds flimsy even to my ears.

She rolls her eyes, her smirk widening. "You expect me to believe that?"

I huff, giving up the pretense. "Okay, yeah, I'm thinking about Loki."

"I figured as much," she says with a knowing chuckle. "Do you think tonight's the night you two finally kiss?"

I exhale deeply, the thought sending a ripple of excitement and nerves through me. "I have no clue. I haven't even mentioned it to him." I groan, running a hand through my hair. "I really want to, though. I mean, I've never even had a New Year's Eve kiss before."

Her brows shoot up in genuine surprise. "You haven't?"

"No," I admit, the word tinged with embarrassment. "But I'd really like to experience it for the first time with him."

Her expression softens, and she places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I think you should just go for it. You deserve it."

My eyes widen slightly at her encouragement. "I don't know if I'm bold enough to do that."

"Trust me, Cass, you're bold enough," she assures me, her tone filled with confidence. "And if you meant what you said about him having feelings for you too, then you don't have to worry about him freaking out."

Her words sink in, and I feel a glimmer of hope and determination. "Maybe you're right," I say, a small smile forming on my lips.

"I know I am," she winks, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading back to her tables.

I smile back, grateful for her confidence in me.

The thought of what he might have planned for dinner and how the evening might unfold fills me with excitement. The idea of sharing a New Year's Eve kiss with him, of finally bridging the gap between us, makes my heart race with anticipation. 

Is this it? Will tonight be the night we finally kiss?