For Better or For Worse (Loki x Reader)

Chapter Eleven

So sorry for that break, but I just didn't have the chapter ready in time. Anyway, I'm not super happy with the ending of this chapter, but I think it'll do. Let me know if you liked it with a comment and a vote! (Also, this chapter is dedicated to @BeautifulHiccstrid Thanks for the great idea!)

I woke to blinding light penetrating my eyelids, causing me to bury my face into the hard object below me. As I slowly woke up, I realized that my head was moving up and down rhythmically and there was a constant strong thump thump. Opening my eyes, I was met with the sight of green cloth. I clenched my fists, finding the soft green in my grasp. I sighed when I remembered what had happened the previous night.

Slowly, I took in my surroundings, looking over to the French doors that led to the terrace. The sun was already far above the horizon, signaling late morning. The sun was bright and the sky was a gentle blue, free of clouds. I could hear the birds chirping outside, and I could tell a light breeze was going, blowing through the leaves on the trees. I was still lying on Loki, though more off to the side. An arm was wrapped about me, resting on the small of my back. I had my face pressed to his chest and an arm around his middle. Sighing, I closed my eyes, content to just lay in his comforting arms a few minutes longer.

Rest was short lived though because all I could think about was the man next to me. The more time I spent with him, the more a mess my feelings became. I had heard stories, awful stories, of this man. Even in the first few months that I had known him, he didn't act like that toward me or anyone else. I could see a strong amount of fear in his eyes, something that greatly surprised me. He was cold, yet very caring. He had a hard exterior, but on the inside, he was soft and kind hearted, that much had been proven to me.

The fear I could see in his eyes both confused and surprised me. I could see no imminent reason that he should be frightened. And after everything he had done, how could he be afraid? I could see a skeleton of a once strong man, now broken and unsure. The only reason I could think of was him being adopted as a child, but what happened that caused him to push everyone away? What was he mysterious man hiding?

I started slightly when a large had was set on the top of my head. I jolted up a little bit, and my actions were immediately met with soft words. "It's okay, (Y/N). It's just me. You're safe," Loki's deep, warm voice promised. Relaxing, I closed my eyes and melted back into Loki's chest. I sighed, letting out a breath I didn't know I had been holding.

"I'm okay," I breathed. "You just surprised me is all," I explained, and I felt more than heard him hum in response. His long fingers continued to sweep through my hair soothingly, almost making me want to go back to sleep, but I knew I wouldn't be able to.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked softly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "You gave me quiet a scare last night," he admitted quietly, twirling a piece of my hair around his finger. I sighed and nodded slowly.

"I'm okay," I whispered. "I just need time," I said.

"I understand," he said. We laid in silence for a few minutes for I began to get restless. I untangled myself from Loki and sat up, putting my arms over my head and stretched. I let my arms drop and dug my toes into the soft rug that lay over the cold hardwood flooring of the bedroom. I heard a small sigh and felt the bed shift as Loki moved.

"Loki?" I whispered after a moment, feeling unsure and nervous.

"Hmm? What is it, dove?" he asked. I was thrown off guard at the new name, but decided to put it aside for later. Mentally shaking myself, I found the courage to speak.

"Thank you," I said, turning around to look at the man. He was now sitting up against the headboard, his legs stretched out in front of him, his ankles crossed. I nervously tucked a stray piece of (H/C) hair behind my ear. "And I'm sorry I woke you last night." His expression softened.