Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 22

(Anna)

I awoke, blinded by the bright white lights.

I squeezed my burning eyes shut.

And then I felt a cool hand on mine.

I slowly turned my head, opening my eyes slightly. I saw him. His black, silky hair. His white, porceline skin. His bright, ice blue eyes.

I saw Loki.

I gasped, choking back a sob.

He smiled at me sweetly, squeezing my hand.

"Is it really you?" My voice shook.

"Yes." He whispered, bringing my hand up to his mouth, kissing it as he closed his eyes.

"How?" I weezed. My throat was scratchy.

"Shh. Not now. You need rest." He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead, making me shiver. "I shall be here when you wake again. I swear to it."

My heart was pounding, and my lips lifted up into a smile. A genuine smile. I felt my eyelids drooping, and drifted off to sleep, squeezing his hand.

**********

When I woke again, I was on my side, and I felt a million times better.

I felt warm, and noticed there was an arm draped around me. His. I smiled to myself.

He had crawled into the small bed with me, holding me against his body. I could feel his cool breath on the back of my neck. I looked at his hand that was intertwined with mine, and saw that it was scraped and bruised. I touched it lightly, sadly.

"I'm fine." He whispered. I didn't realize he was awake.

"Talk to me, Loki." I choked on his name, not having said it to him in so long. "This is all so much to handle." I turned and nestled myself in him, taking in as much sweet scent as I could. "I watched you die."

"If I recall correctly, I watched you die as well." I felt his chest vibrate. He wrapped his arms around me, one arm slowly rubbing my back.

"Yea, but I came back a hell of a lot faster than you did." I sounded angrier than I meant to.

"Loki." I heard Thor's voice faintly behind me.

I looked up and watched as Thor reached his hand over my head on onto Loki's, fondly petting his hair. Not in a creepy way, but the way you would to someone you cared about.

"I honestly thought the pair of you would freak out more." Loki chuckled.

I poked him harshly in the ribs. "This is me freaking out. You're here. And I'm not going to complain." I kissed his collarbone. I kept my lips there, forgetting how long it been since I had touched him, let alone kissed him. I didn't want to let go.

He hugged me tighter, not only comforting me, but himself.

"You must talk to us, Loki." Thor begged. He wanted to know how this was possible as much as I did.

He pulled away from me, sitting up. "Soon." He nodded towards me. "Let's get you cleaned up first." He winked. "You reek."

I laughed, giddy. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. He seemed just as happy, and relief was etched in every curve of his face. His bright eyes shone in a way I had never seen before.

Loki helped me sit up, and then he got out of the bed and ran over to me, helping me stand. The moment I was on my feet, he swept me off of them, putting me in his arms. He smiled his dazzling smile at me as I folded myself greatfully agaisnt him.

It felt right.

Thor smiled at Loki and then he carried me all the way to his chambers.

Just like old times.

**********

He looked at me sadly when he saw the state of his room. "I am so, so sorry."

I looked away guiltily. It was obvious that I hadn't let anyone touch anything, too upset to let anything change.

He slowly carried me to the wash room, setting me down on the edge of the tub. He began to undress me.

I blushed, "I can bathe myself." I laughed.

He stood back and put his hands on his hips, smiling slightly. "Did it ever occur to you that I'm actually a horrible person, and just wanted to see you without your clothes on?"

I laughed, and held my arms out. "Then, by all means."