Second Chance

Chapter 25

I can't really tell, but I think I've been here for a couple of weeks now. It doesn't really feel like that long, but at the same time my body is finally adjusting to their routines. Odin has asked me several times if I have an answer, but I told him its still something I need to think over. He seems to have warmed up to me so far. He said if I accept, he wants me to be apart of his royal council. They call it the Æsir. I know for a fact that I can't pronounce it correctly, and I also have no idea why he wants me to be apart of it. He says that my sight and my abilities have proven useful. I'm not sure if that's a compliment or what. Sif has been showing me around the training area. She said it doesn't seem like I really need it, but said practice is always good. I have started to venture past the palace steps. Going into town and meeting new people. Kari was right, everyone really believes the legend. They have given me gifts that I try not to accept, and all sorts of things. This one lady gave me a shirt. I was a little baffled at first because I didn't think they had just regular shirts. It was a little bit like the tunic, but it only had one tie at the top and was fairly modest. I tried not to take it, but when I saw it I fell completely in love. She had painted a picture of me on it. And I couldn't believe how accurate the details where. It showed me, with an eagle feather in my hair, a sword in hand, standing on top of a rock. I tried to pay for it but she wouldn't let me. It now hangs on the wall of my room, knowing if I wear it I'll be afraid to get it dirty. Loki and I have almost been in a dream. It's like we are both just in the clouds, our love floating us into a state of bliss. Odin has started to warm back up to him as well. He has seen how Loki has changed, and I hope that he can be forgiven. Loki has been acting slightly strange lately, but I think maybe it's just because it's been so long since he was home, and no one is trying to put him a cage.
"You are up early, my love." My mindless thinking is interrupted by Loki standing behind me. I'm leaning against the balcony railing, looking at the sun rises.
"Watching the sky come to life is definitely one of my favorite things to do here. I like watching it every day."
"You, my dear, are fascinating." He says into my neck as he wraps his arms around me. I can feel his bare chest against me, his warm embrace. I turn around and nuzzle into him. Laying my head on his chest, wrapping my arms around him tightly. I look up and he is just smiling with his eyes closed. This is one of those moments you never want to forget. Seeing him shine in the sunlight, his smile radiating on his face. The feel of him not wanting to let me go. The smell of vanilla caressing his skin. I want this moment to last forever.
"So, Fandral said I would look twenty times cooler with a sword." I mumble and he chuckles. I can feel his chest rumble with laughter, and this brings a huge smile to my face.
"I think, you are delightful, just the way you are." He says as he looks down at me. He lifts my chin and kisses me sweetly. He puts his hands through my hair, pulling me closer. I stand on the tips of my toes, getting as close to him as possible. It's like our bodies are just molded together in splendor. It's like a Nicholas Sparks movie! I can feel his heart racing, and it reminds me of the legend, his heart beating almost in time with mine. He steps back and holds my head in his hands. "I need to ask you something." He smiles, and I can feel my stomach in my throat.
"You can ask me anything, love." I manage to say. What is going on right now? Why am I freaking out?
"As you know, relationships here are different from midgard. We do not necessarily date."
"Well yes, I've noticed." I chuckle.
"So, I have been thinking. I have already told you that I cannot picture my life without you..." He paused for a moment and catches his breathe. Holy shit, I just might puke. "And I want to spend the rest of my life making you the happiest woman, starting my life fresh, and hopefully starting my own family." He is holding back tears. He gets down on one knee. "Doing this is not normally a tradition here, but it is where you are from. So, Sarah Jones, would you please do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage?" And this is why Im freaking out. I.. I don't know what to do. This is so sudden. But I love him, don't I? He takes my left hand, and slips on the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. It's sterling silver, with one regular diamond in the center, and several emerald green diamonds around it. There are words on it that say, my second chance. I instantly burst into tears. He stands and looks at me. I jump into his arms, crying hysterically, and don't let go.
"Yes." I whisper, barely being able to say anything. He spins me around, and carries me back into the room. He sets me down on the bed and I can't believe what I'm seeing. Thor, the warriors three, sif, Kari, and Odin are standing there smiling. "Well, I should have seen this coming." And they all laugh. "You know Uncle Nick is gonna be upset he wasn't here?" I nudge Loki.
"That is why we are going to see him today, my love."
"Really?" I gush. It feels like a life time since I've been with all of them. Everyone gives us hugs and slowly leaves the room. Loki comes back to my side and picks me up. He sets me down and kisses my forehead. "Why are you smiling?"
"Because a certain Lady has made me the happiest man alive." And he continues to smile.
"So I have an idea.. But I'm not sure you're gonna like it very much."
"What do you mean, my love?"
"Since we are going back and since we will be in new York, I think maybe we should, oh, hold a press conference."
"I am not sure I follow what you are saying."
"I think you should apologize to the city, of Manhattan."
"My love-"
"No, seriously. Midgard is still my home, and I'm gonna have to start making trips back and forth to do all of my stuff. I can't neglect my responsibilities any longer. But when I do go down there, I'd love for you to come with me. But it won't be easy bringing you along with everyone knowing who you are and what happened. Forgiveness is earned honey, and an apology would definitely help." I say sternly, folding my arms over my chest.
"Are you sure Sarah? What if they do not forgive me?"
"Who gives a damn, at least you tried. You apologize, and your conscious is clear. What they do with that apology is up to them, not you."
"And that, right there, that fiesty attitude yet caring heart, is why I love you so." He purrs. He twirls me around the room, dips me slowly, and pulls me up into a kiss. Wow. He took that remarkably well. I wrap my arms around him, kiss him once more and run off to the closet. What am I going to wear?