My Sweet Flame

Chapter 69. Talking in Doorways

"Y/N?" Loki asked through the bathroom door, "You've been in there for forever, I'm sure you look beautiful, Come on out."

"I don't like this!" I called back to him.

"How many times must I say it?" He called back, getting agitated. "It was this or be chess pieces in his game!"

"It still sounds soo much better! Just point me in the direction of whoever's ass I need to kick!" I yelled through the door.

"Will you please stop being difficult and just come on out?" He sighed, "We're going to be late for dinner at any rate."

"I look ridiculous." I said, staring at myself in the large closet mirror.

"Do you not like the dress I picked?" He asked, playful hurt evident in his voice.

"It's not the dress, it's me." I said, "I've grown muscle and earned battle scars. It doesn't look right."

"Darling, I can't see you, but I know that you look absolutely ravishing. Battle scars and all."

I scanned my frame in the mirror one last time.

"Although...you know it could've been purple. Why isn't it purple?"

"You know damn well why." He groaned exasperated.

I heard the door creak with weight.

He must be leaning against it.

I picked up the last of final touches before leaving the bathroom. Slipping the earring through my ear, I smiled at the finished product.

Battle scars and all, indeed. You look wonderful.

Ravishing?

Don't get your hopes up.

I laughed aloud, fluffing my dress at the waist.

"Is something funny?" Loki called through the door.

I turned the handle gently on the door as it creaked again at the loss of his weight. I peeked out, seeing him standing over near the hallway opening.

"Well, come on," He beckoned encouragingly with a smile.

Almost sheepishly, I pulled the door open and stepped into the open. He looked me up and down, then again.

"I'm at a loss for words," He said finally.

"Interesting," I said, moving past him, "Normally you don't have it in you to shut up."

"You forget that we're married." He said, stopping me with his hand on my stomach.

I looked up at him, "Your point?"

He offered his hand to me, "You know my point. You cannot blow this for us.

"Remember our little game?"

I scoffed, taking his hand and dragging him down the hallway. He almost tripped trying to catch up with me at first. When he had paced himself to walk beside me, he held up our hands in a more elegant manner.

"You look ravishing, Dear," He smirked over at me.

"Don't get any ideas." I told him sternly.

"I had nothing of the sort," He said innocently, "But I must tell you, You're showing no signs of the "consummation of our marriage" that took place a mere hours ago. I'm sure they will be wondering."

I stopped walking and turned to look at him, "What did you have in mind?" I asked warily.

He studied me for a moment, before seemingly making a decision.

"Do not move, please." He paused, "I do not do this to make you uncomfortable, know that."

He bent down and pulled the seam of my dress down an inch or so. He kissed at the spot for a moment, sucking at it just hard enough to leave a mark. When he had finished, he pulled away from me and lifted the fabric back into place. Looking down, I saw that the bruise was just visible above the lacy fabric and would be difficult to miss.

"Simple, but effective." He smiled proudly at what he had done, "Now they'll all know exactly who you belong to." I raised an eyebrow at him, smirking slightly.

He bent down again, putting his face close to my ear.

"I'm quite serious," He whispered, "And whilst we are in the company of others, you'll do well to remember it."

—

I tensed as we reached the strange hall. People of different colors and species did not bother me, as they shouldn't. It was the wild colors and strange clothing that did the trick. The foreign smells and unusual interactions alone were enough to make my toes curl. Normally foreign smells attracted me, but with so many flowing through the air (most poisoned by alcohol) it mixed to form a vile aroma.

We were standing in the shadow of the open doorway. The guests hadn't yet noticed us taking a moment to breath before entering.

"Calm your nerves, My Flame," He pressed a kiss to the side of my temple. "Everything is going to be just fine, you needn't worry."

"I'm not worried." I said abruptly, stepping away from him, "This is the calmest I've been all day." I stared out to the crowd.

He slithered his hand around my waist once more, pulling me gently back to his side.

"I do hope you plan on staying in my reach." He narrowed his eyes, "We're married, remember?"

I mustered a sarcastic smile up towards him, "Of course. How could I forget, My dearest, dearest husband?"

"Don't be like that." He mimicked my smile.

I huffed and looked back out to the festivities.

"I do quite like the dress," I said after a moment, "It is actually quite comfortable."

"Of course it is," Loki replied, "I wouldn't have picked something uncomfortable."

"Believe me, I am plenty uncomfortable."

"Is it the shoes then?" He asked with a smirk, "The crowds?"

"You know crowds do not bother me."

"Oh? Then am I bothering you?" He asked knowingly.

"A bit." My teeth clenched, "Yes."

"And we haven't even joined the party," The Trickster chuckled.

"Do we have to?"

"I'm afraid we do," Loki replied. "And I'm afraid you'll have to play the part ever so much better than you are now." I shot a soft glare at him, "Remember our little game-"

"Are we going to join this party or not?" I interjected.

"Ah, ah, ah," He replied, "You didn't let me finish."

As I scanned the room again, a man, in what looked to be a sort of gold bathrobe, noticed us. He smiled widely and beckoned us to come in.

"Should you win tonight's round," His hand on my waist guided me through the doorway, "You may choose your own attire tomorrow."

"That's it? That's all I get if I-" He shushed me, cutting me off.

He took my hand in his free one and squeezed my hip lightly.

"Smile Darling, You're my wife."