The Scientist (Loki x OC)

Pt. 29: Yule Is Better With A Friend

On a peaceful, snowy morning, Loki woke to the smell of fresh breakfast and the sound of soothing music. It was a usual start to his day, but he always welcomed them. Stretching and rubbing the back of this neck, he rose and followed the spicy aroma to its source.

Out of the corner of her eye, Luna spotted him and threw him a charming smile.

"Morning. Merry Christmas. Or should I say 'Happy Yule?'" She pointed with the spatula to the yellow-white mixture in the pan. "I'm making some eggs and toast for us if you don't mind."

"Of course not. Smells good," Loki said, voice rough from dehydration. He envied the smoothness of Luna's voice.

Sensing his discomfort, Luna gestured to the coffee maker. "I just brewed a fresh batch. It's a good one if you want."

Loki did, so he shuffled past her, took a clean mug, and poured himself a cup. Leaning his hip on the counter edge, he felt the warmth of his beverage seep into his tired bones. He clenched and unclenched a hand, stretching out the ligaments, and eyed the decal on his mug of choice. The familiar red-white-and-blue shield drew a muffled chuckle from his throat. Of course, he had to pick this one out. But he didn't mind. It amused him. Given his past with everyone else, he held an inherent dislike for them, save his present company.

The music caught his ear over the crackling of hot oil. He doesn't remember hearing the voice of the artist or the song playing. Curious, he gives it a listen.

"These lyrics," he says absently, "they're so macabre."

Luna spares him a glance. "Yeah, but the feeling is romantic."

"What's so romantic about being dead and buried? And then have the corpses be found later on?"

"Nothing, really," she reaches and grabs the toast, "but it's the way it's said. Like, 'I would do anything – even die – so long as I did it with you.' You know?" Luna took down two plates, handing one to Loki. "Romantic, I guess, whether or not you believe in that stuff." The soft smile she was sporting dissipated.

"What stuff?" He asked as she served him a portion of eggs and a toast.

"You know, love." Luna scooped her own portion and stood across from him. "That stuff."

"You don't believe it?" Loki probed her.

Luna waved a hand as though she were swatting away his question. "Eh," she sneered a little. Not a topic she wished to get into on a holiday morning. "I put red pepper flakes in here, so be careful. Sometimes I can't tell if I put too much in." She hands him a fork, and he tastes her new creation. The bite of spices was commonplace in her home, and he welcomed it.

Content, he affirmed to her, "As always, it's delightful."

A book in his right hand and a plate of cookies to his left, Loki lounged on the couch and finished up his story. It was a rousing tale of murder, mystery, and a charismatic serial killer. But, alas, as all stories do, it came to an end. Closing the novel, he did a visual sweep of his surroundings.

The album had finished its first full play, and in its place, a movie was on with the volume set low. 'Home Alone,' it was called if Loki remembered correctly. Luna mentioned how she watched it every year around the holiday season and how he may take a shine to Kevin. True to her word, he did. Kevin's tricks and independent spirit pleased and reminded him of his own childhood.

He watched the film in silence, gathering the plot points he'd missed and slowly partaking in the sugar cookies. He made a mental note to find time to watch it from the beginning. Near the end, he let his gaze wander over to where Luna sat. Diligently, she decorated their little tree with a small set of ornaments, a box of candy canes, and a bag of Hershey Kisses. Loki felt an itch to participate. Having enough of media, he stood and approached his friend.