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The sound of ale coated laughter filled the air around you as you settled upon a run down log, your feet mindlessly playing with the snow below you. Tonight would be one of the most important celebrations of the year, Sigrblót. It marked the last five days of winter, summer soon approaching after the long frigid months.
Warmth and light would soon claim victory over cold and darkness.
Your fingers grazed lightly over the intricate embroidery of your cotton dress, a small smile forming on your lips. It was a gown that your dear friend Loki had helped pick out for you earlier that day. He usually wouldn't accompany you with errands, but this one he was very adamant on joining.
" Well, who else would tell you truthfully if the gown looks good or not on you? Certainly not Fandral with his flirtatious ways. "
Playful eyes glance towards his way as you drag your hand along various hung gowns, a brow raising in question.
" And yet I am supposed to trust the God of Mischief and Lies? "
Something serious stirred within him from your banter, those once roguish eyes holding weight in them. " You know I would never lie to you. "
Was this guilt beginning to creep up within? Indeed, his words always held truth when it came to the two of you. For as long as you can remember, Loki was always the protective one of the group. Pranks and mischief were his forte, like the time when he turned Thor's playing stick into a snake. Or the time he conjured small rodents in Sif's bed one night, knowing fully well of her true fear. But when it came to you, there were never any tricks or deceit. With you, there was protection from the other's jests if they went too far, or when you wanted to accompany the group on perilous quests.
He was ALWAYS by your side.
A regretful smile formed on your face, your fingers reaching to brush along his in apology. " ... I know, dear Loki. "
Jade eyes flicked upward to gaze into your own, finally adorning a returning smile of his own that you so loved.
" Good, then. Now about these gowns... "
The Prince taps in thought against his chin, humming to himself in disapproval of the fabrics before him. Until, he lands upon one of a shade of dark emerald, gold flecks of stitching along the collarbone and wrists. It was absolutely stunning, small sets of floral designs threaded on the chest as well.
" This one, would most certainly suit you. "
You couldn't hold back your gasp from awe as he held the gown up to his chest, your eyes scanning the clothing as if it were made out of pure gold. Leave it to Loki to pick the most extravagant piece in the lot.
" It's absolutely stunning, Loki. But I -... I cannot afford this- "
A tsk noise releases from his lips teasingly, head shaking with a wicked smile before handing you the gown to hold yourself.
" What makes you think YOU are going to be purchasing this today, dear friend? Luckily, you happen to be in acquittance to a Prince of Asgard. "
Seeing the shock upon your face brought a flutter to Loki's heart, a faint tinge of pink forming on his cheeks before bringing his voice to a soft tone.
" And because I want to. "
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･･ﾟﾟ･｡
The sudden push of your body jolted you back to reality, Thor's booming laughter sounding soon after. An annoyed hiss escaped Loki's throat as he readjusted his tunic from the assault.
" Come now Loki, drink with us! Tonight, we shall find solstice in the company of ale and warm beds! "
You couldn't hold back your laughter as you giggled against a raised hand, your friend's eyes shooting you a death glare before returning toward's his drunk kin.
" You know fully well I do not indulge in such idiotic behavior. One of us needs to be kept in line. "
A snort escaped through Volstagg's nostrils, Sif biting her bottom lip to hold back a stabbing jest before Fandral pops right in.
" That's not what I remember, Loki old friend. Where has your deviltry gone to I wonder? Perhaps to impress a certain maiden? "
Laughter fills the air as a deep crimson paints your cheeks, a sharp intake of breath sounding from the Prince before Thor decides to take a chance to settle the tension down.
" Now now, let us not make jest of his attempts! You don't want a sudden snake to appear on your bed tonight, do you? "
All became quiet after his remark, a smirk of victory forming on Loki's lips.
The heat from the bonfire kissed your cheeks as you watched the other's dance around it, their shadows a beautiful contrast against bright orange hues. You heard the shuffling of feet before moving your gaze upwards once hearing Hogun's words.
" Shall this be a time to dance, comrades? "
Thor threw his wooden chalice to the ground with a thunderous sound of joy, quickly moving to grab Sif by her hands from the log.
" Yes, let us dance dear friends! The night is still young, and the fire is still alive with vigor! "
Before anyone could get another word in, the young thunder Prince gathered everyone towards the bonfire's glow. You stumbled upon plush snow, laughter filling your lungs as you desperately clung onto Loki's arms.
You could've sworn you heard a small one of his own.
Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg quickly departed to find their own dancing partners, while Thor and Sif began to lively move with the crowd together. Your eyes locked on green ones with a hint of shyness, his lips forming a smile while he moved your hand to lace into his.
" Shall we dance then? "
A small nod forms before you two briskly move in time with the beating of drums, your smile ever widening with each precise step. The smell of burning wood and ale almost made you dizzy, your eyes locked upon the Prince's as you noticed the stars above forming around his head like a halo.
You could be here forever.
The emerald of your gown flows with your movements like a sway of Yggdrasil's leaves, the gold speckles of thread glittering from the fire's glow. You both giggle in exhaustion, one hand tightening upon yours as the other places around your waist. It was then, that your gazes took a different aura. As if they were pulling towards each other in a magnetic wave. You don't notice your head slowly inching forward as he gracefully moves your body to the beat of song, closer and closer until breaths begin to mingle with each other.
You both snap back once the music stops and the sound of many hands clapping together happily.
It is then that the music changes into a slower rhythm, your breaths sounding heavily as you both regain your oxygen.
" Fandral was right, you know... "
Your eyes widen from his confession, a hand lifting to graze along his cheek lightly. As if you were asking for permission, which he grants willingly as he leans against it.
" About what, dear Loki? "
There you see that mischief return to him, his head moving towards your ear to whisper gently in secrecy.
" That I have been trying to impress a certain someone....a certain someone, who I love. "