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Chapter Text

Childhood years

I remember Asgard. Ever since I could remember I have always had the trouble of following etiquette and rules. I respect tradition and I believe that all knowledge is sacred and valuable no matter how irrelevant it is. Be that as it may I cannot deny that after countless boring days of knitting and court decorum lessons despite having full mastery on these useless skills already. It had me questioning myself at such a young age. Is this all that life as a noble lady has to offer? What was next for me to learn? Tea brewing? Regardless of my opinion as a child, I still continue following what my parents had in store for me as a child.

As time went by, it didn’t take long for me to be deemed ‘proper’ as my parents would put it. They allowed me to attend tea parties hosted by other noble families. I remember sitting there surrounded by children of my age conversing about idiotic things such as the latest trend and what their mother gifted them or how handsome the two young princes are. It was a total waste of time to the highest power but still... I wouldn’t say it was all bad. Afterall, I met my best friend there. She was a young noble lady with beautiful dark locks of hair framing her adorable face. I could tell by the way she would look elsewhere with bored eyes that she’d rather be anywhere else in the whole 9 realms than where we are now.

So, I took the initiative and asked her if she would accompany me to the powder room pretending to be unfamiliar with the place. That was where it all started and pretty soon whenever we would be invited to a tea party hosted by the same lady, we would always excuse ourselves from the table just as soon as it began and take a walk around the gardens conversing about topics that actually had meaning in them. We would always hide ourselves on top of the trees where no one can spot us or force us to rejoin the idiotic bunch we were ashamed to call our peers. And as expected of our actions, we never received another invitation again due to our snobbish ways but on the bright side, all the more hours for me and my new friend Sif to spend time together.

Since then, we would visit each other’s houses and spend the afternoon playing pretend that we were more than young girls in their dresses. It was a time where children were allowed to dream anything and gender wasn’t a factor that would limit a child’s imagination. Everyone would smile and laugh when they saw the sight of us arguing that one of us has to be the damsel in distress to be rescued, needless to say it always ended with a worn-out stuffed bear dressed as a princess on top of a tree and us two little girls pretending to be warriors taking charge with our wooden tree sticks, we picked up from the ground. We would always pretend they were swords just so we could rescue princess brown bear… I know, not the best name for a princess but hey in my defense we were young back then.

Teenage years

As we grew, it didn’t take long for our family to see that our play dates have evolved from innocent whims of a child’s imagination to a young woman’s ambition. We were in an age where we knew in our heart and soul what we wanted to be when we grew up as an adult. We wanted to be one of the fiercest warriors this realm has ever known… and so our families have decided that a line had to be drawn in our behaviors. They say there will never be a young maiden who can swing a sword and ever be an equal to a male warrior. Those were the words that solidified the foundation to our ambition. That was the day that we decided that we would prove them all wrong.

We were inseparable in our mission to prove our worth. Sif and I would sneak around the neighborhood and borrow (steal to be honest) wooden practice swords from boys who would carelessly loiter their weapons on the ground whenever their swordsmanship training was over. This was how we supplied our need to learn and pretty soon after saving up our allowance we ran as fast as we could to the blacksmith and purchased ourselves with real weapons. Sif bought herself a sword while I furnished myself 2 identical daggers. As time went on, our self-training was honed to perfection and with our efforts our families have supported us in our quest to prove ourselves. We were always being eyed by passersby with looks ranging from curiosity and admiration to disapproval of the sight of us training with our fathers as mentors.

Then one day after training, Sif and I decided to have a friendly spar to see how much we’ve progressed under our father’s training when some idiotic group of young men our age choose to approach us while training
"See guys? That's the pair I was talking about the other day. No form or stance whatsoever" one idiotic teen said pointing at us

"They’re women, what did you expect? Give them time and they'll give up on their own" another idiotic teen said to his friend

"at least they’re taking care of their figure by working out. I'd pity a woman who has a face as beautiful as theirs only to have an ugly body" correction, this one was the most fucking idiotic of them all

Sif and I halted our movements during our sparing session to face these 3 stupid boys. We visually assess the rude company that arrived. One tall, one short, one just right. All with wooden swords on the waist. Sif and I shared a look of understanding and with no warning whatsoever we walked to the group with our sword at hand. The 3 seemed to read the mood quickly as they unsheathed their swords and counter attacked our swings.

Long story short, Sif and I were victorious in our first battle. We came out unscathed while the boys had injuries on their dominant hands’ wrist due to notwithstanding the force of our attacks when they blocked. Unfortunately... This led to the 3 idiotic boys’ family to raise a complain to Sifs and mine. They claimed that we were a pair of unhinged young maidens who attacked their innocent boys whereas our parents who we told the truth to fought back that the boy’s actions were inappropriate due to their remarks which were considered harassment. To make matters worse, slandering each other’s noble status has reached the worst degree that we were called to court in the presence of the All-Father Odin himself.
That was the beginning where it all started. In the Presence of the All Father was me, Sif, our fathers and the 3 boys and their fathers. All the house representative heads and us teenagers.

"It has come to my attention that 5 noble houses of Asgard have been squabbling for weeks now. Is this the example you wish to spread word of to the 9 realms? How during my reign 5 houses squabble over children's fights?" Odin said with a strong voice of authority

Out of the 5 families, the tall boy's father - house grey stepped forward "who better to give the judgement that you All Father? With your rightful guidance, your decision will serve as an example to those who go around defying tradition" he said eyeing me and Sif

"agreed" my father said, stepping forward and continuing "the All father will give justice to those who were harmed, harassed, and slander. I trust my King's judgement when dealing to those who lie to slander a noble’s house" he eyes the 3 boy’s fathers one by one "regardless of the age of the mouth those lies were said" he eyes the 3 boys. All looking away nervously with guilt written all over their faces.

"Aye. Afterall, who better to unravel the truth from the lies than the father of the God of Lies and Mischief himself" Sifs father jokes. This seems to lighten the mood as Odin releases a light laugh and smiled

"Well said. I suppose I have to thank my youngest son for that. He has honed his father’s skills in detecting a lie without him knowing" he said with a genuine smile then realization hit him

"Speaking of my son, what better way for this discord to be unwind than the God of Lies and Mischief himself" he said and called a guard to find and escort his youngest to the throne room where we all are. At his order I glanced at the 3 boys’ family and I revelled at the sight of all 3 father and sons squirming to avoid the inevitable and thinking of ways to avoid being found out about how they blew this feud way over proportions. I faced Sif only to be met with a wide smile. Indeed, this will be entertaining.

Not long after we shared smiles the doors at the back of the throne room opened and in walked a woman with 2 young men around our age. The woman walking closer and closer was Queen Frigga the All-Father’s love and the Goddess of Marriage. She had beautiful golden hair that was carefully styled into a braid to match her dress of blue and silver.

On her left was a blonde young man wearing a tunic of red with little silver linings matched with his leather pants which seemed to be a bit ruffled with dirt. I’m guessing he just came back from training or a fight. This was the eldest Prince Thor God of Thunder.
The one on the right escorting Queen Frigga by the hand was a handsome man with dark hair and a fair complexion. He was wearing a green long-sleeved tunic that was pulled up to his elbows and black leather pants the same as his brother except he was cleaner. On his other hand he was carrying a book with a title written too small for me to make out of. He would no doubt be Prince Loki, God of Lies and Mischief.

As they walked closer and closer my eyes saw him clearer and clearer each step. It was those eyes. Those beautiful dazzling dark blue eyes that got me lost in him. He analyzed all the faces in the room one by one trying to figure us all out just by observing us and when his eyes reached mine our eyes locked to each other. My heart stopped. It just stopped beating and for the first time in my life I had the feeling that the world is moving all around you but you're floating. That was the day I first met Loki God of Lies and Mischief and I knew from that day, Loki was going to be my husband.
I flashed him with the brightest smile that could never express how much joy I was feeling right now.

Just then Sif elbowed me and asked me why I was smiling so hard like a lunatic. I faced her "I'm going to marry that boy" I declared and pointed at Loki in front of everyone. Sif looked at me and Loki back and forth and couldn’t contain her laughter.

“You are utterly mad! As if us aiming to be lady warriors wasn’t enough, you want to marry into royalty now too?” Sif said in between laughter.

“It's not that I want to marry into royalty, it’s more that I want to marry him. He just happens to be royalty” I explained while elbowing her to stop laughing before anyone notices but as I faced back Loki, I was met with the sight of his face in confusion with cheeks showing a light pink due to embarrassment. Queen Frigga was beside him covering her mouth to hide a smile while Prince Thor didn’t bother to hide his laugh just like Sif. Shit… I forgot we were in the palace and I just broadcast my unfiltered opinion in everyone's presence.

“Apologies, your highness! My daughter had a slip of the tongue! It’s her first time in the palace and she must’ve been struck by the Presence of the royal family” my father hurriedly said while the royal family rang their laughter inside the courtroom.

“My brother should be renamed as the God of Smite then. Deadly with a weapon and the ladies’ heart as it turns out” Thor said teasing his brother.

“Do shut up brother” Loki said and he hit Thor in the back of the head with a book behind Frigga’s back

“Oh, stop it you two. Nothing is shameful with a young woman declaring her feelings. Why I remember the first time I saw your father in our youth. I knew then that he was the one as well” Frigga said trying to settle her sons’ banter with each other

“Aye my love. As I recall you were quite the schemer in securing our marriage by sabotaging all the other candidates in choosing my bride to be. I pity the ladies back then who had to face your wrath” Odin recalls with a smirk then proceeds to eye his youngest son Loki

“Prepare yourself my son. It appears that you have inherited your fathers’ irresistible charm with the ladies and now you are faced with the inevitable wrath brought by the affections of Lady (Y/N)” Odin teased his youngest resulting in the laughter of all the presence in court once again except this time nobody was holding it in.

“Enough. Can we please focus back on the purpose of my summons during my studies with my mother now?” Loki tried to change the conversation back to the main topic. He looked at me with an annoyed expression, no doubt blaming me for being the cause of his family's teasing.

“Ehem… allow me to explain your highness, we 3 heads of our houses seek your wisdom in uncovering the lies and slander these 2 feral young women have said” tall boy father said

“It is true, your highness, we demand justice and compensation from these heathens” the short boy's father said and pointed his finger at me and Sif. Loki’s face turned from curiosity to why he was summoned to anger really quick. I wonder why

“They basically want to use you as a lie detector, your highness” Sif explained simply to Loki

“Odin!” Frigga shouted “He is our son. Not a piece of machine to use whenever the occasion arises” she added in disappointment “Apologies my love however I would rather have this matter dealt with before the day ends” Odin explained

“I’ll save your time Loki'' I said while my father scolds me for not addressing him properly “My best friend and I were training our swordsmanship with our fathers that day. After training we decided to stay and engage in a friendly spar then their sons walked right up to us with their swords. Some words were said and to defend our honor we fought them and came out victorious! Now they claimed they were victims and twisted the truth just to save face that they were defeated by two young maidens in a battle of 2 vs 3” I explained to my future husband. He looked at me and let out a sigh with his hand on his forehead

“(Y/N) speaks the truth. Can I go now father?” Loki pleaded

“Aye though I’d rather you stayed as support for your lady’s comfort since you’re already on first name basis” Odin teases his youngest again earning a laugh from his queen and eldest while they walk towards the doors to excuse themselves since their presence is no longer needed. Meanwhile, the other 3 noble boys’ families are quite with nervousness on their spot in front of the All father after being called out of their lies
And so that was how it ended. An order from the All Father demands justice in the turn of events. The 3 family heads are to submit a formal apology as well as compensation for the slander they have caused to our house while the 3 young lords are indefinitely banned from attending their training for harassing 2 young maidens. Once they were dismissed the All father asked my father and Sifs to stay in the room.

“Your daughters fought well against 3 boys who attended training in the royal grounds despite only being taught by their fathers” Odin complimented.

“Thank you, my king. I’m glad you see it that way since what my friend and I are about to say next might please you as well” Sifs father replied

“Speak your mind. What is it you wish to say?”
“We humbly request that you accept our daughters to attend training here at the royal grounds” my father said

“Please grant us this selfish request from one doting father to another” Sifs father said

Sif and I looked at each other with surprise. Never did we imagine the turn of events. We didn’t know what to feel. Everything was happening so fast. Relieved because the squabble with the other houses were over? Glee because of the outcome that we won the case? Adoration to our family for supporting us... Odin looked at me and Sif with an intense stare then I felt Sifs hand in mine and holding each other's hand we both stood straight and faced the All father with confidence we did not know where it came. I guess we must’ve looked silly because not soon after Odin laughed a hearty laugh.

“You’ve raised your daughters well my friends. Very well I will allow them into the royal ground for training” Me and Sif squealed with glee and hugged each other “However at the end of training you will take part in the test to evaluate your skills as a testament of your mastery of what you’ve learned” Odin rose and stepped down the small steps to be in our level of sight.

“Do not make me regret my decision. If you both aim to break barriers I implore you, do not fail” he smiled at us and proceeded to converse with our fathers regarding our training, our quarters for our settlement, meals and the security details regarding our enrollment. The All father walked alongside up on our way out the palace discussing a fatherly take that I didn’t care for. As we reach the gates, they bid each other goodbye. I expected him to turn around and walk back into the palace but instead he stopped in front of me

“You’ve made quite the scene back in the throne room there, child” Odin stated
“Well as my father stated it’s my first time in the palace and I must’ve been struck by the Presence of the royal family” I said with a smile
“Royal family? Is that what you call the family of your husband to be” Odin teases. Happiness was seen all over his face on the idea of a young maiden running around chasing his youngest son. He hoped that would be the case as he wanted his youngest to get out more and make companions. Upon hearing him say that I couldn’t help the sheepish smile that was beginning to show on my face

“If fate would be kind to me in the future. I look forward to calling you as both my king to serve and protect as well as my father in law” I teased back. That seemed to be the right answer as Odin gave me a smile.

"You remind me of my wife during our early days. There's nothing like a headstrong woman to make you happy to be alive. My son has no idea what fate has in store for him now that you've arrived" Odin said and bid us all safe travels and walked back towards the palace.

Chapter Text

As soon as we bid our goodbyes my father and I went our separate ways from Sif and her father. While walking with my father towards our house my mind started to think about my family. For as long as I could remember my mother has always been ill. We could have hired maids to assist her during her need but she always expressed how she wanted to be useful instead of being a flower just waiting to wilt. My father said I got my strong personality from her and that's why he knew that I would stop at nothing to achieve my goal and so he'd rather help me than limit my potential. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the family that I have.

"(Y/N) i know you've been waiting for this opportunity for a while now since childhood and helping you achieve your dream is the least I could do.." my father said staring ahead as the view of our home coming closer and closer
"and I am forever grateful.. I feel that you have something else you want to tell me" he smiled at me
"always quick to notice my daughter" he said with a small smile and chuckled "your mother.. She doesn't have much time left.." he said grimly and all of a sudden the air around us became heavy as we dreaded this conversation but we both know it has to be discussed
"How much longer?" I was not really prepared to know the truth.
"a week I recon" he answered and then took off his leather gloves to show me his skin is starting to blacken.

My parents are a unique pair. No one knows this but my mother is actually a Volva (norse witch) from midgard. My father went down on midgard to help stop war during Odin's younger political days to gather allies and establish peace under his sole rule. There he met my mother after being treated for his battle wounds and not long after they fell in love, however my father will outlive my mother 100 lifetimes for a mere mortal despite being a powerful one is still a mortal. So they decided to have a ceremony or a spell more accurately in their wedding that ties their lives in unity. My mother has outlived her life expectancy but at the expense of eating my fathers life force away.. Thus his hands started to decay..

I couldn't help my tears and cried while walking on our way home. I held his hand with no disgust but instead with love. "I'm sorry.. I'm sorry for being so selfish about myself that I didn't notice your struggles''
He cut me off with a hug and kissed my forehead
"daughter you are a lot of things but never selfish.." he told me and hugged me tight

"Sometimes a little discomfort in the beginning can save a whole lot of pain down the road" he added
During our last week together we spared no time to be with each other. Everyday we'd go to the meadow and eat outside with our neighbors and close friends and relatives sharing moments together. At night my mother and father would retire to their shared bedroom to spend time together. Sometimes I hear music playing inside their room, no doubt dancing away their worries. On the 7th day we as a family decided to go to the lake just beyond the back of our house. The lake was actually a continuous flow of water going until the edge of asgard and to space. My mother shared how much she would've loved for me to see midgard one day where we could go around and show us her favorite spots back on her home realm.

We were watching the sunset and just like that the day was over. Looking back, my mother was being hugged by father while laying down on the picnic blanket. They both looked me in the eye and opened their arms asking me to join in their hug and I gladly accepted. They both told me whispers of how much they loved me and how proud they are of me. I told them all the things I was grateful for and how much I would miss them.

Soon my mother released her last breath and my father followed after. My mother turned to dust when death finally caught up to her mortal body while my father turned to small stars and flew up to Valhalla to join his fellow asgardians.

I then stood up and folded the blanket on the ground along with the basket heading home in silent tears to tidy their left belongings in the house.

Chapter Text

ADULTHOOD

Looking above the sky while I'm laying down on the dusty ground is not where I pictured myself starting this day.

"get up (y/n) we've only just started and already you are resting" my friend Sif said as she offered me her hand. I reached to grab it then proceeded to swipe my leg on her feet and drag her down towards me. Now we are both laying on the ground laughing

"Come now Sif. Enjoy a little peace and admire where we are. Not long now and it will be the graduation ceremony test" i said to my friend. Me and sif have been training for years since we were teenagers. Ever since I was an orphan I decided to sell my family home so that another family may move in and bring life back to the house instead of just being empty there with the painful memories of my resting parents. Odin and Frigga welcomed me to stay inside the palace walls rent free as long as I swore my loyalty to the kingdom when it was time for me to serve.

"you know, I've heard lately that your chosen beau have been seen around with a certain lady in waiting you loathe" sif said to me teasingly

"ugh! Don't remind me! What in hell does he even see in her? In all the years I've witnessed her in performing her court duties, I have yet to witness any signs of intelligence from her! Sigyn has no brain!" I exclaimed which I'm pretty sure everyone heard. It wasn't a secret that since the first day I laid my eyes on the younger prince that I've been chasing him for his affections. I would spend my time looking/dragging him for a walk together and bringing him all kinds of trinkets and books that he might like from my travels with sifs family.

"i keep trying to find an opening where I can talk to him about it but she's always clinging to his arm like a monkey" i huffed and suddenly we heard a laugh with footsteps coming to us closer and closer
"you do realize that you and my brother aren't officially courting right?" Thor said to us while standing and looking down on us. This caused Sif to shuffle to get back up immediately. She seemed embarrassed that someone from royalty caught us slacking off

"Good day Thor! Apologies for our lack of training. We were just catching our breath" she explained in a hurry. No doubt nervous that we were caught taking it easy just a few weeks before our evaluation test.
"no need to explain lady sif. If our captains' words are true on both of your progress reports, you can rest assured that I don't mind the 2 best fighters here resting if it meant sparing the rest of the men your deathly skills" he smiled. This caught my ear
"So you're saying... You don't mind us resting even if let's say.. A whole day?" pushing my luck and hoping he agrees.. Not soon after he laughed

"You are very talented in the way you twist my words. I can see why my brother would be cautious with the way he is around you" he said
"what? He's cautious around me? Is he not comfortable with something about me?" I asked with confusion and worry
"Are you joking (y/n)? You do realize how much you keep chasing after him right?" sif asked with and eyebrow raised
"He just has trouble expressing himself around me because I'm very open about how I feel about him... Right?" I explained. We all heard a very loud annoying giggle which can only come from the one and only sigyn. I turned around and lo and behold there she was holding on to loki's arm giggling about something he said. Can you believe that? There she is walking around with my loki!

"He doesn't seem like he has trouble expressing himself around ladies, (y/n)" Thor said while looking in the same direction as me. I gave them a glare as him and sif laughed at my annoyance while loki and sigyn noticed the three of us and walked towards our group
"Hello brother. Lady Sif and Lady (y/n). What are you laughing about" loki asked while smirking down at my annoyed face
"we were just laughing about how-" Thor tried to explain but I covered his mouth with my hand. I'd rather lose a limb than have sigyn find out how bothered I am of loki giving his attention to her
"about how much fun it would be if your highness and Sigyn would join us in our training" I said, trying to cover up thor though not a bad idea. I wouldn't mind Sigun joining so I could have the pleasure of knocking one or two of her teeths out.
"Interesting idea however we must decline. I promised sigyn I'd accompany her tonight during the festival" loki explained

"but it's still morning. Surely you can spare us a few hours to spar with us?" sif asked
"We'd rather spend some alone time this morning before going to the crowded festival tonight while we still can" sigyn answered but instead of facing sif to answer her question she said it to my face while maintaining eye contact and smirking.
"you may join us (y/n). I believe no one has asked you out to the festival yet, correct? You should really take better care of yourself. No man would court a woman with that kind of appearance. I worry for you, you know? " she added with fake concern. Oh two can play at that game

"thank you for your concern lady Sigyn. You can rest your worries for I am actually attending the festival with a date as well" I lied with a poker face. I know loki can sense a lie but sigyn doesn't and I'd rather lie than admit in front of her that she beat me in her area of expertise.

"A date you say?" loki asked me with an amused face no doubt catching my white lie
"Yes she does. I'm actually relieved she has someone to accompany her because I could not due to my family requesting me to return home for a family celebration" sif added to solidate the foundation of my little lie. If there's one thing in our friendship you can count on, it's that we have each others back
"is that so. Well i for one am looking forward on meeting this man you claim will escort you" sigyn said then grabed lokis arm and hugged it to her chest no doubt thinking 'whoever it is my escort loki is far superior than yours' fuck she had me there. Loki is a prince and no man can surpass that status except the All father himself… however there is one person who equals Loki in status.

"Actually you don't have to wait until tonight since you've all already known him" I said with a huge smile making Sigyn and Loki curious where I was going with this conversation. I grabbed Thor by the hand then hugs his arm close to my chest mirroring Sigyn holding Lokis
"I'm actually going tonight with Thor" I said which made Sigyn release an annoyed grunt while Loki gave a calm neutral reaction to the turn of events
"good to know. Excuse me but I recall I have other matters to attend to" Loki bid us goodbye and left without even waiting for Sigyn to catch up to him
"When did I ask you out to the festival?" thor asked me wondering what i was up to and why him
"since I agreed to help you sneak inside odin's vault and loot his aged a thousand years wine" I counteroffer
"aye. Now I remember" thor said sealing the deal
"remember to save some for me when I get back" sif added which we all have a laugh at

-Additional scene-

Loki POV

Honestly I can't stand (Y/N). Since the first day I met her in my youth, she's been nothing but annoying and insufferable. Always head strong and difficult to manipulate. It got to the point where she would spare no stone unturned just to find my whereabouts in the palace just to be with me and give me heart eyes.
Being with her growing up made me the joke of our peers about us being hopelessly in love. As if I could ever like someone as insufferable as her. So I had a plan to stop it for once and for all. I knew (y/n) hated Sigyn with all her being but honestly i cannot see why. Sure she's shallow and no substance in her brain but she wasn't bad to look at. I asked Sigyn out with the purpose of blocking (y/n)'s advances until finally she would give up and move on.

Needless to say, it is very effective. It was quite adorable seeing her lie about having someone else infront of me when we both know I can tell when anyone lies. It was amusing seeing her try not to lose face in front of Sigyn when all of a sudden she grabbed my brother's arm, holding it close and saying they were going together. Alone. At the festival. As a couple.

Against the better of my judgement that they were obviously going as friends and nothing more, I excused myself immediately without waiting for their reply. It shouldn't have bothered me but it did. she claims to the whole bloody 9 realms that she has feelings for me but there she goes without hesitation holding on to that stupid oaf's arm close to her chest! Not to mention going to the festival with him rather than the man she claims she loves! Why accept another's invitation when you say you have me in your heart? It shouldn't have bothered me but it did. My plan of blocking (y/n)'s advances was working too good for my liking

Chapter Text

After the whole scene in the training field, me and Thor accompanied Sif to her quarters to help her pack her belongings for her trip home for the week before she returns just in time for our much anticipated evaluation test before we graduate our training and decide which division we wanted to be deployed.

"must you really pack this much? You'll only be gone for a week at most so is it really necessary to take home every shield and short sword you own Sif?" I said complaining while helping Sif pack all her childhood belongings back home. What once was an empty dorm she moved in while training amongst the soldiers' barracks is now heavily decorated with assorted weapons and armours through her years of lodging. All in all, I was happy for her that she finally gets to spend a week with her family before our evaluation test.
"the less you complain, the more souvenirs i bring back for you (y/n)" sif bargains and continues to pack
"I hope you enjoy your vacation with your family to the fullest before your return. Norns know that life as a warrior will keep you busy from then on" Thor adds while carrying sifs packed luggage by the door
"I love how you say that as if you know we will pass our tests" sif says
"Were you ever doubting yourselves?" thor asked with a raised eyebrow looking at us
"doubt isn't in our nature" I quipped back
"aye. Asgard beware. One 1 more week before the 9 realms are introduced to the two founding female fighters of Asgard" Thor said while walking towards sifs door to leave.
"i hope you remember to bring back gifts for me as well Lady sif. Until next week then" Thor added bidding us goodbye

"he's right you know. We've only have 1 week left and you still haven't decided which division you are joining" sif reminded me
"I know, I know. Dont worry about it and besides, like you said i still have 1 week left to decide" i said trying to ease her worries about me
I knew Sif already has her heart set into joining the warriors 3 in their quest of vanquishing pillagers and rebels across the 9 realms. I on the other hand have actually decided for a long time now on which division I had my heart set upon. However I have decided to keep my desired division a secret for now. I know for a fact that the All Father and Queen Frigga would go against my decision though I don't know why. I understand that each division you join will be a unique challenge and the outcome can only be victory of death.

Basically the process will be
Step 1 - Training Evaluation
(passed) = Swear oath + Division
Step 2 - Division
(self choice) = Valkyrie
Step 3 - Valkyrie test
(passed) = Official Valkyrie + Valkyrie tattoo

So I've hatched a fool proof plan, when I pass my evaluation along with sif and our batch. We will be led to the throne room where we will be swearing our oath to the throne then when asked one by one which division we wanted to serve, I will pledge my desire to become a Valkyrie. I'm sure the crowd will burst into cheers for the mere idea of reviving the elite women fighters of Asgard. This will force Odin to accept my decision due to the reaction of the audience.
I can't help but look forward to that day but until then I will keep this a secret close to my chest.

"apologies if im meddling too much. im just worried that by the time it is called for to choose, you might choose something that will put your life in danger" sif explained. We both know that most of the tests are a win or death situation.
"no need to apologise. Thank you for thinking for my sake but until then, I really think you should focus on packing and helping me on what to do on my fake date tonight" i said lightening the mood making sif chuckled
"You always said you would end up with a prince. Never thought it would be the other one instead of your beloved dark prince" sif teased back
"It was the spur of the moment! You know I couldn't let Sigyn have the satisfaction that she bested me!" i reasoned back
"well i wouldn't say it was a bad idea. Judging by the way Loki reacted i believe this is a wise game you are playing" sif encourage making me confused
"What do you mean by that?" I asked. I was honestly not sure what she was talking about since all afternoon i was focuses on sigyn and her venomous presence
"Odin almighty you are a daft woman (y/n)" sif said face palming then faces me and leads me out her room
"all I will say is this, over the years you've been chasing after Loki and that must've been suffocating" sif said and then places her finger on my lips to shush my comeback
"ah ah. Yes I'm allowed to say that because i'm your friend and i know how strong willed you are when you want something. Don't try to deny the numerous times you dragged the prince on a daily stroll when we both know he isn't shy around you but plain out hiding from you" she added then dropped her hand from my lips. Damn her but she has a point.
"fine i admit. I can be a bit too much so what do you suggest I do? Let sigyn have her way with him? Id rather cause ragnarok" i admitted with defeat and annoyance
"honestly, i wouldn't know what advice to give you since ive never had a lover as well but what I can say based on the interaction i saw this morning is that your whole charade of being together with thor bothered loki to a great deal" sif said with a wicked smile no doubt encouraging me

"you're an adult now (y/n). You know what to do but just don't take it too far and make decisions you might end up regretting" sif said opening the door that I stepped out of
"for someone who says she can't give advices, you sure know what to say" I said to her walking away
"out of the two of us, one has to be the mature one!" sif shouted to me while retreating back and closing her door

On my way back to my room to prepare for the festival with Thor, I can't help but think of the conversation I just had with sif. Could Loki be actually bothered for not having my undivided attention? Could he actually be jealo-

"That's dangerous" Loki said beside me. When did he arrive?
"what is?" i asked
"you thinking" loki said trying to annoy me but if anything, just being in his presence makes my day
"apologies. I was deep in thought about something" i replied
"ah. Perhaps your rendezvous with that oaf this evening no doubt" Loki said in an annoyed tone with a hard expression. Oh wow. I can't believe Sif was right about loki. This revelation caused me to smile and to drag out as much reaction from him as possible.
"Well.. Yes. It is my first time going out with a man so I can't help but look forward to it" i said carefully making sure all my words are true so that he doesnt catch a lie to make this all the more believable
"my condolences. I could've spared you the borish evening you're about to have if only I'd known sooner" Loki said, masking his annoyance with fake flirting to boost his ego. He knows i would pick him in a heartbeat over his brother
"It might not be too boring. We do have a heist in mind before the night ends" I added
"Surely you jest. My brother and I are princes. There is no place in Asgard where we need to rob when we could just ask for it" Loki said, smiling down at me while walking slowly. I didn't realize until now that we were both walking slowly, matching each other's pace. I couldn't help but smile at the thought that we were both prolonging our walk together towards my room even tho it's just nearing the other corner now
"Then correct me if I'm wrong but are the prince's welcome in Odin's vault?" I said, making him cast a mischievous smile on his face. This was true since i promised thor we'd break into Odin's vault for his thousand year aged wine cellar
"i would have invited you but it seems Sigyn beat me to it" i added turning the corner and only 10 steps more arriving at my door
"you were going to ask me to the festival?" he asked grabbing my arm stopping me in my tracks
"of course I was but until recently I discovered that you and Sigyn were courting so as respect I didn't bother" i explained which was technically true. Sigyn has been going around for weeks now claiming that her and the prince were exclusive to each other
"regardless of that, if you had me in mind then why accept thor's invitation?" he questions me. He had me there. I can't say i did accepted thor because that would be a lie since he didn't asked me out in the first place
"I didn't. I asked Thor out for the festival" I said. This was technically the truth since I initiated this whole ruse. This revelation caused him to scowl not even bothering to mask his displeasure then he was looking down at me in the eyes. Those dazzling eyes that had me hooked since we were children
"You and my brother are bound to be caught before even making it past the stairs to Odin's vault. Not to mention, Thor would immediately indulge himself to winery at first glance rather that escaping first and I doubt you could carry my drunk brother out of the cellar" he said leading me to my room and opening the door for me to enter before him making me confused
"and Norse forbid when my mother finds out that i knew and let you two go with this plan" he added standing outside my door holding the knob. Was he implying what I think he was implying? Was he joining our heist? Because he's worrying about thor or being found out by his mother
"Are you... Joining us?" I was unsure. He flashed me with his signature smile. He knows that makes any girl swoon over him but it was never ever used for me. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed at how flustered and hot I felt when he used that to me when he never does!
"Of course. I'd hate having to share" he said, closing the door leaving me alone in my room with my thoughts. My knees gave out and I kept thinking what did he mean by that? Hate to share what? Wine? His brother? Or.. Me?

After a long silent mind discussion, I started to prepare myself for the festival with a newfound excitement on the turn of events

-Additional Scene-

Loki POV

I did everything I could to get my mind off the conversation earlier. I went for a ride, visited my mother to have tea and now I'm here at the library trying to finish reading the same page for the last few minutes. My mind keeps going back to what happened earlier. Sure it's only natural that she sees other people however she should be focusing on her upcoming training evaluation. I don't know how talented she is since I've never bothered to see her train but if what they say is true, she is one of the most talented swordsmen there is among her peers. Regardless of how talented she is, she shouldn't go to the festival. Not because she's going with my brother but because she should train and prepare instead of going on a evening with him or any man

"ughhh" I groaned and stood up bringing the book back to its shelf since no reading can be done today with my mind like this. I was about to head back to my quarters when at the end of the hallways I spotted (y/n) walking past it. I jogged following her until finally walking beside her. She was wearing the same brown leather armour she used earlier this morning at the training fields but her hair was loose this time instead of being tied back to keep it away from her face. There is no denying that (y/n) is a beautiful woman. Just because she annoys me doesn't mean I'm blind to what's in front of me. If we're speaking the truth I actually admire her ambition in life but that is all there is to it. At the end of the day she is just a woman who annoys me greatly, perhaps even more so now that she's with my brother

While walking her back to her quarters we had a conversation that led to her indulging me in her planned heist. She said she wanted to ask me to the festival instead, however my plan of using Sigyn to block her was once again working too fast and too much for my liking. A part of me wanted to admit that I was just messing around with Sigyn just so she could start chasing after me again instead of being with thor.

I was about to ask how she plans to pull her heist alone and offer to join her only to find out she was going with Thor. At first I thought it was my brother who asked her out but it turns out it was her instead. I didn't want to admit it even to myself but this bothered me a very great deal. So I've made my decision to accompany them in their grand plot of mischief because if there's one thing I know for sure is that my brother is someone who messes up a scheme.

Once we arrived at (y/n) quarters and stated why I'd be accompanying them, she asked me why and I greeted her with my smile that women all fall for. She turned a beautiful shade of red that went all the way to her ears. Her eyes were shocked and confused. Her reaction caught me stunned at how adorably flustered she is. So to answer her question i said a simple

"I'd hate having to share"

Indeed, I'd hate to share her.

Chapter Text

While getting myself ready for the festival tonight, i contemplated what to where but who am I kidding? I'll most likely go and wear my usual clothes of a loose tunic layering with leather armor then pairing it off with some dark pants and combat boots for added mobility. It might be a fake date but we still had a heist to pull off and I can't really excuse myself for a quick costume change so might as well wear what is the most practical. While tying my shoelaces a knock came from my door. I shouted a quick response for them to enter and I am greeted by the sight of Thor wearing his casual clothes.

"Greetings Lady (y/n) are you ready for our outing together?" he says then eyes my outfit "you could at least pretend you were looking forward to our time together to sell the story" he added with a hint of amusement noting that my choice of clothes lack preparation to make him speechless
"I could say the same thing to you Thor. You sure know how to make a girl feel special with your captivating ensemble. All you need now is a bouquet of flo-" i was cut off by the sight of thor bringing his left hand from the back revealing a handful of beautiful white daisies.
"You got me flowers?" I questioned walking forward and taking them from his hands. They were no doubt the ones located in Queen Frigga's private garden when flower picking is not allowed.
"i could've sworn these look exactly the same as the ones being nurtured in the Queen's private gardens" I teased him about it
"I figure since you would be gifting me a barrel of Odin's prohibited wine, i might as well gift you something of equal value" he explains then points to the bouquet of hand picked flowers in my hands
"hence i gift you these flowers courtesy from my mother's inaccessible garden" he added with a playful smile that is so contagious i couldn't help but giggle at his words
"and I thought your brother was the mischievous one" I said walking towards the door with thor following behind me to exit my room
"My brother Loki beat me to it, I suppose. Cant have two gods of mischief now can we?" thor quipped back offering me his arm which i gladly accepted
"maybe that's a good thing especially with what's in stored in our plans tonight, who would even suspect that the mighty god of thunder would be the culprit who devoured Odin's thousand year aged barrel of wine" i said back making us laugh along the way to the entrance of the palace to join the crowded streets of the festival where from our distance we spotted Loki and the insufferable Sigyn together looking over a stall. I quickly pulled thor down to my height and whispered to his ear our game plan in our fake date
"bear with me, just be as genuine with me as possible. The less we pretend we are with each other the less your brother will catch on to our lies" I advised him. This whole play was the result of my competitiveness with Sigyn but due to recent events with Loki earlier in the hallways, Loki being jealous could just be the push I needed to separate Sigyn from him.
"You don't have to tell me, Lady (y/n). Did you forget that the god of lies is my brother? I know just how to handle this situation" thor explained with an amused smile looking down me
"oh really? Then you best not disappoint me then" I added, making him laugh out loud drawing Loki and Sigyn attention to us. Thor then snatched one of the daisies in the bouquet I was holding then placed the flower on my ear lingering his hand cupping my face then kissed me on the cheek.

I quickly dislocated myself from him and cupped the cheek where he kissed me
"wha.. What are you doing?" I asked stuttering
"you told me to be as genuine as possible. This is how I would treat a lady if I asked for her to a date, you know" he said approaching me and placing both his hands on my waist and pressing his chest to my face to hide my face from the crowd as if i'm embarrassed
"besides, the way you react is a delight and very expected from a woman who's never been courted" he added
"that's because I AM a woman who hasn't been courted" i said eying him up with annoyance
"all the more believable it is then my friend. Now compose yourself to play your part in this grand scheme of yours. They're approaching" he reminded me while smiling down at me due to our height difference. I then rearrange my place to hold onto thor's arm like he's escorting me and then straightening my posture to our approaching company

"good evening your highness and lady (y/n). I wasn't expecting you so soon. I figured you might be arriving late and needed more time getting ready lady (y/n) " Sigyn said with false pleasantries
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I inquired. No really, what was wrong with it? I'm actually wearing a new leather armour over my tunic. Does not wearing new clothes represent a person's excitement and preparation for an outing?
"Oh nothing I just assumed you'd for once actually wear something proper given the fact that his highness prince Thor would be accompanying you" She said mocking me as if implying that I give no regards to the status of the royal family. Me of all people who would one day be swearing my loyalty to the throne!
"Darling, behave yourself. It is Lady (y/n) first outing. Perhaps she hasn't decided if my brother is worthy enough to relinquish her sword for a ring" Loki added with a smile to his brother no doubt trying to create a wedge in our supposedly budding relationship
"I shall never relinquish my sword for a ring" I said to Loki annoyed to what he was implying
"For the right man, you would" Sigyn counters back to defend Loki's point
"The right man wouldn't ask her to" Thor added defending my statement then holding my hand for extra show of support to our audience. This led to Loki giving me an angry expression as if I've offended him but as soon as I saw his expression he quickly changed his attention to Sigyn then proceeded to change the subject and led our group into the heart of the busy streets of the festival.

I slowed my pace behind them and this caught The attention matching my pace
"are you alright (y/n)?" thor asked concerned
"Not really. It's just... I don't know, am I being too emotional over what he said, my friend? I've worked so hard to be where I am today yet he thinks I would give it all up for you or any man and I can't help but feel... Well angry but also confused to be honest" i said truthfully
"i understand why you would feel anger however you might have to explain to further detail why you feel confused" thor said with a smile which is as always very contagious making me smile at him
"It's caused by your brother actually. We had a short walk together earlier and he expressed interest in the knowledge that I was supposed to ask him to the festival but Sigyn beat me to it. If i'm being honest he actually sounded disappointed that i'm going with you" I explained to thor
"then shouldn't you be feeling joy rather than confusion, little one?" thor replied
"I was but then hearing the man I have been in love with since childhood diminish my life's hard work and effort to something so simple that I would give it all up for something like a man or marriage is just..'' I explained pouring my heart out without a filter. I released a deep sigh then rubbed my head.
"Am I being crazy? Does what I say even make sense?" I asked Thor, looking at him. My question seems to amused him because he just releases a loud laugh no doubt enjoying my internal conflicts. Hearing his laugh make Sigyn and Loki look behind to eye us on why we were laughing only for Thor to pay them no mind but instead grabs me by the hand and runs dragging me with him as we go through the maze of the crowd losing Loki and Sigyn
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I screamed through the crowd while laughing at the turn of events. Thor didn't give me a reply and continued to laugh while running. From a distance I can softly hear Loki behind us shouting why we were running and for us to get back there.

After seperating with Loki and Sigyn, Thor and I decided to enjoy the festival on our own. I know we initiated this whole fake date to separate Sigyn and Loki but right now we were doing exactly the opposite of it by letting them have as much alone time as they can. Thor was a good friend, after our little escapade we took our time around the festival partaking in dancing and singing as well as buying as much as we wanted in the stalls for sale. He bought himself a pair of new gloves while I bought myself a new dagger as well as a new satchel to store our purchased items. After we had our fill of the festivities we decided to rest by the edge of the city which so happens to be the exact area my parents departed. Did Thor know about this place or was it just a coincidence he decided to rest here? Not long after we laid down on the grass did Thor suggest that we proceed our heist into Odin's vault.

"Um Thor... I think tonight might not be a good idea to pull off our coordinated robbery of your father's vault" I explained
"Why so my friend?" thor asked
"Loki knows about our plan and he expressed interest in joining us. If it's alright with you can we reschedule our plans? I really don't feel like seeing him right now" I explained in a low voice
"Would you like to talk about it?" thor asked like a true supportive friend
"That's the thing, I don't really know how to talk about what happened" i said with disappointment
"then I will talk, lady (y/n). Upon my understanding you've been in love with my brother since we were children, correct?" thor clarified
"Do you even have to ask?" i jested
"As his brother and your friend, I hope you know I bear you no ill will to what I'm about to say but how could you love my brother without even knowing him? I understand that you are hurt and who wouldn't be when their life's work is belittled" he explained then added "i love my brother and I love you as my sister and a dear friend. Therefore I must ask you, how could you proclaim you love my brother when you don't even know him?" thor asked me with all seriousness
"Of course I do. I've known since I was a little girl that he would be my husband. From the first moment i laid my eyes on him with his smile and dazzling eyes and his beautiful dark hair " i said trying to reassure Thor of my love for his brother but my answer seems to displease him instead
"Get beyond my brother's eyes and his smile and the sheen of his hair. Look at what's really lies there" thor explained leaving me dumbfounded. This made me think that in all the years I've lived at the palace and all this time we've known each other, we've never really talked. He doesn't know me and I don't really know him. All of a sudden Loki who I've known forever felt like a stranger to me.

Chapter Text

After that conversation with Thor at the night of the festival. We decided to drop the whole ruse of a fake date and actually just enjoy the rest of the night as friends. We drank and sang some more and when our bellies were full we decided to head back to the palace to rest and call it a day. That night I thought about Loki and who he meant to me. Back when we were children he would always be such a gentleman with me opening doors for me to enter and pulling back my chair as well as listening to me go on and on about my day during our walks. Looking back, I start to see the bigger picture of my distorted memory. I was never special to him. He opens doors and pulls out chairs to any woman as a courtesy. He doesn't listen to my tale because he is interested, he just listens absentmindedly which is why he never responds or asks questions during my rant. Last but not the least our walks, how could I forget my friends Sif and Thor scolding me that it's not considered a walk if i'm dragging him.
"ugh" I groan and bury my face in my pillows hoping for it to swallow me and never emerge. How could I do that to Loki or anyone? Am I really that shallow that I've felt love for Loki just because of his looks? If so then I'm just as terrible as Sigyn and I even criticised her for being with Loki just because of his status. How am I any different from her?
"Bor almighty! I'm a hypocrite!" i shouted to no one in my quarters while staring at my ceiling and no longer than a few hours my eyelids gave up and I succumbed to sleep

The next day I woke up especially early. Only 6 days left until my training evaluation and 5 more days til Sifs return. I wish Sif was here so she could knock some sense into me about my dilemma. I could always talk to Thor about this but that would be too much of a trouble for him to be considerate to both his friend and brother's perspective. So I've decided to just exhaust my inner thoughts and be earlier than usual in the morning at the training grounds. It has already been 3 hours since I've arrived yet no one else has come to train. Seems a lot of my batch decided to join the festivities last night and drink til they sleep like the dead.

"There you are!" someone shouted behind me who turned out to be.. Loki? Why was he here? He never comes by the training grounds unless he needs something from Thor who's always here.
"Do you have any idea how bothersome you have become? I had to look everywhere in the whole bloody palace looking for you and my idiot brother everywhere! For all I know the both of you could've died during your idiocy and set off one of father's traps or Norse forbid the destroyer during your little heist!" Loki shouted, breaking me out of my daze and confusion on why he was here. I quickly covered his mouth with my hands.
"shh! Don't be so loud someone might hear you before we even pull off the robbery" I shush him. I know we're alone right now but breaking and entering Odin's vault is still considered treason
"get your hands off me beastly" he said annoyed at me then pulling my hands off his mouth and holding them down by the wrist
"Excuse me? What did you just call me?" I asked with annoyance making him smirk
"It suits you dont you think? Always running around causing trouble and mayhem. Always covered in dirt and sweat and shouting not to mentio- why are you looking at me like that?" Loki said then cut himself off looking confused and dare I say concerned at me. How could he say those words to me? I get now that I was annoying during our younger years but I still refuse to believe this is the Loki who my heart beated for all these years. Being the stubborn person that I am. I decided to get to know him beyond those dazzling eyes just like Thor advised me to
"Dress something casual tonight. No coat or fancy cape you would usually wear as a prince. Meet me here before 6" I said with no emotion in my voice and calming my face to a neutral
"What are you planning, Beastly? The festival is already over. If you're planning to spend the night with me I can suggest other things in mind" he teased and smiled seductively at me then wrapped his arms around my waist. Before last night, my heart would be bursting like somersaults having Loki's arms wrapped around me but now. I feel so objectified. Does he expect me to swoon like this? Am I really just like any other girl for him to use this move on? No. I'm not and so I distanced myself from his hold and picked up my sword and started walking away
"Your choice but if you decide to accept then be here at exactly 6" I said walking away not bothering wait for his response

Upon leaving Loki alone at the training ground, I decided to head into the kitchen to grab some pastries to eat as well as a vase with water to place my beautiful daisies I received from Thor. Once inside my room I decided to clean a bit since I had nothing else to do. Once I graduate from being a trainee soldier I will be relocated anyway so I might as well prepare. I started to pack my books inside a basket, my clothes were folded and packed in a bag, my weapons carefully placed inside a wooden chest and my armour were tied together and wrapped by cloth. Packing would have been a lot faster if I was only gifted with magical abilities but nobody is perfect right? Before you know it, it was already 5. Only 1 hour to prepare. Just enough time for a bath. I decided to at least put a little bit of effort into my evening with Loki. I decided to wear a long sleeved tunic and wrap a bustier over it then pair it off with dark fitted pants and boots. Sure the bustier is still counted as armour but it's the only sexy thing I've got! At least it enhances my boobs to be looked at instead of forgotten like my other armour. You work with what you have and I'm not about to go outfit shopping for a prince I might not even love beyond those beautiful dazzling eyes. After getting ready I was about to make my way back to the training grounds but when I opened my door I was greeted with Loki with his hand fisted in the air no doubt planning to knock on my door except I beat him to it. I guess my doubt of Loki deciding not to show up was all for nothing.

"oh uh hi!" I said stuttering and unsure where we go next
"yes. Hello indeed?" Loki said equally unsure of the words coming out of his mouth. Our awkwardness made us both laugh out loud.
"I'm sorry. I just didn't expect that you'd know where my quarters are" I said with a smile
"Surely you jest? Just yesterday afternoon I walked you back to your room remember?" he said with a smirk then presents me with a bouquet of cosmos
"besides, I'd rather have you put these in a vase in your quarters rather than hold them all night like yesterday" he said rather fast and looking away as if he's trying to make it sound like giving me flowers isn't a big deal
"Thank you. They're very beautiful and they will go nicely together with the daisies" I said and then turned my back to him and started arranging the flowers together with the daisies. Hopefully the water is enough to keep them both fresh until I return.

"So tell me, how did Sigyn react to you accepting my invitation?" I asked genuinely curious about that cunts reaction
"Well, I didn't really need to tell her. Im a prince you know therefore I dont need her permission to do what I want" He replied while we walked together down the hallways maze to our destination of the palace gates
"ohh based on your defensiveness she must've found out through word of the maids acting as her eyes ears then" I assessed making loki smile as a confirmation that I was correct
"you're quite the clever one, beastly. Does it give you satisfaction knowing that Sigyn with the idea that you will replace her spot by my side" she smiles at me seductively. Any other day before yesterday I would've surrendered myself to him with his way of words but right now, i'm just aiming to get to know him better. I wanna know the real Loki
"You offend me. You speak as if Sigyn is even a competition. 10 seconds in a battle with me and she would already be dead you know" I said to change the subject
"indeed. Now do tell what do you have in stored for tonight?" Loki asked me with a mischievous smirk no doubt excited for what's in stored for tonight
"well there's this bookstore I've heard so much about from the soldiers coming back from their expedition. They say it's where they pawn the books they scavenge from their spoils of war since they have no use for it" I said trying to sell the store as appealing to Loki as much as possible
"Sounds wonderful. Tell me where this hidden store resides?" He asks with a smile no doubt excited to go somewhere he hasn't been with the thought of countless books originating from different realms and space that were not available in the royal library.
"It's located at the edge of Asgard near the bifrost" I informed him.
"ah. Now I understand why you requested me to dress down to a lowly servant level" he said to me. Loki was wearing a deep green loose tunic layered with a dark brown leather sleeveless hood with its straps left untied in the front and paired with black slacks and boots. His hair was instead tied back messy just like how his brother's usually were. Needless to say, he was very handsome.
"I can feel your eyes wanting to devour me. Behave yourself otherwise i might think you really are a starved beast with the way you look at me" he whispered to my ear making me realize how close we are
"uh we should hurry to the store before it closes.." i try to play cool about it but fail and judging by the way he smiles at me, he's no doubt enjoying my reaction
"then allow me to be of service, beastly" he grabs me by waist and opens a portal dragging/trust falling into it only to see the streets of the edge of Asgard on the other side. I really don't know much about Loki. I know he likes to read but I didn't know what kind of books. I knew he was a master of sorcery but I didn't know the range of his abilities. I was thinking heavily on my thoughts that I didn't realize i was still in Loki's arms until he pointed it out
"if you wanted to be in my arms all night then we could have just spent the evening in my private chambers instead" he teased me again
"we should head inside and look around before they close'' I said ignoring his words. Try as i might I can't fight the blush on my face due to the words he was saying
"as you wish" he said to me with a smile

We looked around the store showing each other what we liked and interesting trinkets we pointed out. In the end Loki bought a shelf worth of books which are mostly story, magic and history based ones. I, on the other hand, bought just 5 books. One is a love story, 2 are about advanced spells and runes, one is a beginners guide to medicine and last is not really a book but a blank journal. Loki insisted that he pay for mine and I was in no position to deny him since he's already paid for them before I could even protest so I just said my gratitude. After our purchase I stressed the problem of how we were to ship the cargo back to the palace but apparently it was a simple solution of a snap of a finger for him to teleport all our books to our respective rooms.

"wow. I wish I could do that" i said out loud
"Well you might not be too far gone. Who knows you, you might have the aptitude for sorcery" he said encouraging me with a smile while leading me to a food stall to purchase our food for dinner
"you really think so? I've never tried to be honest" I said to him while in line for our turn to order
"i think you'd excel in sorcery compared to other beings. It could've been worse, you could've been a lowly midgardian" he says with a chuckle making a joke he thinks is funny. Is he not aware that my mother was midgardian?
"what makes you say the humans from midgard are so bad?" I asked looking at him to understand where this is coming from
"You can't be serious? Their civilization is so underdeveloped that when Thor sends a little lightning he's worshipped as a God'' Loki said with a smile like it's an amusing thing "it's the damnedest thing" he added then looked at me. I could say the same amazing to him right now with the way how fast his ignorant smiling face turns from happy to confusion caused no doubt by the bore written all over my face
"something displeases you. It's written all over your face. I'm a lie smith not a mind reader. If you have a problem, out with it" he said annoyed
"my mother hailed from midgard therefore im half midgardian" I informed him. He was about to say something after knowing this new revelation but he was beat to it by the waitress greeting us instead
"Greetings travellers! Are you here to dine or to go?" she asked us kindly. The initial plan was to dine but after the whole conversation I don't think I can stand being near Loki.
"to go please" I replied with a smile to the server. After taking our order we waited in silence and thanked the Gods above. The cook was a fast worker. It only took 10 minutes before our food arrived already packed in a basket. We bid the workers thank you and left

"I thought we were eating out and now you want to hurry back to the palace" Loki asked
"Yes but I figured my presences would displease a high and mighty asgardian prince like you" I said scowling not even bothering to mask my annoyance
"You do realise you're also half Asgardian right? You're basically being prejudiced against half your heritage?" he quipped back with a smile then grabbed the basket from my hands so that I wouldn't have to carry it. Even when we're in differences with each other he still acts like a gentleman.
"Thank you" I said, making him smile. Damn these two brothers. Their smiles are very contagious. He offered me his elbow/arm for me to hold on to as we walked. It was gestures like these that made my heart fall for Loki. That despite our dispute he would offer the olive branch to me first.
"my mother and father would scold me if they found out I sent a girl home on an empty stomach" he said while leading me as we walked side by side
"I don't know about that. You got a lot going that would disappoint them. Degrading a woman's life's work, joining a heist in breaking and entering your father's vault, not to mention the mountain of broken hearts of poor naive maidens" I said with a smile
"alright alright you made your point" he said cringing as i list down all his faults
"Regardless of that, let's dine together before you make your grand escape" he pleaded with me. I guess the guilt of what he said about my mother and I's heritage was eating him up inside. I didn't want to go home with an empty stomach either so I gave in and agreed to have dinner with him. We already have the food from the eatery so might as well.
"okay but where could we eat?" I asked. Loki looked around our area and spotted the training grounds where we first talked this morning. He smiled down at me and led us towards the training grounds. Thankfully it was just as empty as it was earlier but this time instead of the sun shining in the sky we were being lit by the stars in the night sky. Loki conjured a blanket on the ground and started to take out the foods we ordered out of the basket.
"i didn't take you for a prince who would willingly sit on the ground" i teased
"use your eyes. there's a blanket, (y/n)" he teased back
"you know what i mean" I said and bumped my shoulder against his
"ehehe yes well now you know im not the regal prince you think I am. there's a lot I might surprise you with" he said with a small smile. He's right though. I'm once again reminded by the fact that i've been chasing after a man I claim I love with all my being but know nothing about his personality.

We then ate in silence. The warm food was delicious especially when gazing at the stars. Somehow the silence seemed to connect us in a way that words never could. It was a pleasant moment until Loki broke the silence.

"Since when did you and my brother start courting each other?" Loki asked out of the blue, making me choke on my water. He then rubs my back and pats it lightly in an effort to ease my choked windpipe
"Where did you hear that rubbish?" I asked shocked. Sure Thor is very very handsome but he's not really my cup of tea and I'm pretty sure I'm not the type he would go for. What we were are friends at most
"Is it rubbish? I find it very possible the two of you ending up together down the aisle since you have already gained my parents favor since you were a child" he says with a scowl then adds "besides, you and Thor have known each other since you were children. all the more reason you both should be together" he said annoyed
"we've known each other since we were children too you know? Why can't we be together then?" I defended
"If you really wanted us then you wouldn't have run away with my brother last night during the festival. You wouldn't even ask him to the festival in the first place if you really wanted an us" he counters
"I could say the same thing to you. If you really wanted us then why be with Sigyn? You've been frolicking around the palace with her for weeks before the festival! Why? She doesn't know you and she's using you as an accessory to heighten her status within the social circle" I said counter attacking his words
"what? Like you know me any better than she does?" loki scoff angrily looking beside me
"Apparently I don't" I said dejectedly. Thor was right. What I'm expecting of him was to behave like the ideal prince charming that I always thought he was. I had liked him for all the wrong reasons and it was time to stop. I took a deep breath and exhaled. My eyes were now wide open to the reality i'm in and it's time to move on
"thank you Loki for this night. You were the only one who could break the spell Sif and Thor has been trying but failed to" I told him with genuine gratitude for opening my eyes
"Thank me for what exactly little beastly? You're not making a lot of sense, I'm afraid" Loki said, trying to lighten the mood with playful teasing for his comfort. I guess he wasn't used to me being distant with him
"I want to thank you for solving my inner dilemma" I said, smiling next to him. He looks me in the eye. Those once again dazzling eyes and patiently waits for me to continue
"I don't want to love you anymore" I said with resolution and conviction. With no response from him I decided then that it is time to retrieve. I stood up to leave but instead I was stopped because Loki suddenly rushed to get up and grabbed me by the arms and spun me around then... He kissed me.

-additional scene-
Loki POV

"I don't want to love you anymore" (y/n) said to me then stood to leave me alone here on the floor of the training grounds. my mind was panicking with this revelation. Wasn't I glad that she was finally leaving me alone? No more annoying (y/n) dragging me by force to take a stroll, no more trinkets from her travels with little notes of 'i thought about you and how you'd like this', no more chasing around, no more turning a beautiful shade of red caused by my lewd remarks, no more calling for me and looking up at me with those eyes full of.. Admiration and warmth..

No! She said she doesn't want to love me anymore! I get that this is all my undoing and Norse do I wish I could take it all back now that I've gotten to know her. I didn't care where I was, I didn't care about our situation and the conversation that just unfolded. I just had to kiss her. I stood up in a hurry and held her by the arm then spun her and cupped her beautiful face with my hands and I leaned in, closed my eyes, and then kissed her. My lips were connected to hers, locked by some invisible physical force, and they held us fast while the rest of the world swirls and twirls and falls completely away. It was perfect. (y/n) was perfect. But she didn't see it that way because her shock was gone and she immediately pushed me, breaking our kiss. Her face was angry. Oh dear, what have I done…

"Thor was right after all.. I don't know who you are at all. I never did!" she screamed at me with fury and feeling violated then slapped me across the face running away from me. Bor Almighty! I'd crossed the line. I'd crossed it big-time. A few minutes pass and i finally gathered myself and paced in a hurry to my idiotic brother's quarters. I opened the door with force searching for the culprit only to find him on the floor sharpening his sword with a wet stone

"WHAT IN THE BLOODY 9 REALMS DID YOU TELL (Y/N)!?" I shouted with annoyance and anger. This was all his fault. Whatever he told (y/n) made my image in her eyes tainted. Thor stood up and closed the door behind me and looked across to me to settle back and sit on the floor resuming his task.
"No brother i didn't do anything" he said softly to me without looking at me
"She's the same as she's always been" he added and finally lifted his gaze to me
"then explain to me why she rebuff my kiss?" I asked annoyed with my eyes crossed glaring at Thor. She rejects my lips but she accepts it when this oaf pecked her on the cheek at the festival.
"you kissed (y/n)?" Thor asked with wide eyes
"honestly is your hearing as damaged as your brain brother?" i said
"Loki" he said my name warningly standing up and facing me toe to toe
"Yes I kissed her and judging by this handprint on my face you don't have to guess how she reacted. She should've been happy I'm finally reciprocating her affections, right? Now tell me what did you tell her?!" I asked again. Honestly why does (y/n) even seek for Thor advises.
"if you kissed (y/n) then you're the one who's changed" He clapped his hand on my shoulder and added "And brother, from here on out, you'll never be the same again" He said smiling.

Chapter Text

I ran as fast as I could to my quarters, closing the door and locking it before my knees gave out bringing me to the floor due to exhaustion. Any other day before today I would've jumped for joy and whispered words of love to Loki now that he finally sees me as a woman but now.. All I feel is that I've been wronged. I can't deny the fact that during the kiss, my heart was beating fast and my stomach felt like it had butterflies in them. What he did to my heart was sheer, inexplicable, magic... but the reality beyond a moment's kiss was forever wrong. What he did was cruel... I've finally realized after all these years that I've been chasing a pompous prince who treated my life's work and heritage as garbage. My life had suddenly felt like one of my mother's old romance book clichés. Well one thing for sure, what i'm feeling right now is very inaccurate to my mother's romance book characters. Instead of being swooned by a true love's kiss, all I feel right now is rage. How dare he?! Without consent just kissing me like that! It might have not been a big deal to him but it was to me! It was my first kiss!
"ughh!" I grunted loudly to no one in my room then gathered myself from the floor heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I always knew since I was a young girl that Loki was walking around with my first kiss but I never imagined that it would be like this. Finally composing myself, I went to bed that night reminding myself why I was where I am.
"I'm here to make a difference. I'm here to become a Valkyrie" I said to myself like a mantra.
"First love really was never meant to last" I said to comfort myself and finally drifted to sleep.

The next 4 days were tough to go through without Sif but I just have to survive this day once more like the past and Sif will finally be back 1 day before our training evaluation. During the past 4 days I ignored any common places that Loki would usually be around. Who knew my past obsession of Loki's whereabouts would be used for me to hide from him now that the tables have turned. Unfortunately it seems that Loki was someone who wasn't afraid of asking for help because just as I was almost safe in my quarters, Hogun and Fandral grabbed my arms by surprise as I was making a left at a corridor near my room.
"whoa! What is the meaning of this!?" I said in a loud voice very surprised by the kidnapping in broad daylight
"Apologies Lady (y/n) but it's not everyday we're asked a favor by our arrogant friend" Hogun replied with a laugh while dragging me
"Loki never asks us for anything so Imagine our shock when he desperately asked for our help with a certain Lady" Fandral added winking at me
"Oh no no no! I don't want to see him!" I said while trying to break free from their hold on me
"come now Lady (y/n), surely you can amuse Loki just this once that he is seeking your company" Hogun said trying to coax me to agreement
"considering the fact that you've forced him to spend time with you a million times before" Fandral added with a laugh making me cringe due to my past actions
"exactly! All must be fair in love Lady (y/n)" Hogun teased me. Norse is this how Loki felt whenever they teased him about me? Now I can understand why he wanted to get rid of me but now that he has achieved his goal, why did he kiss me? Why was he kidnapping me?
"point taken. However must it really be dealt in this manner?" I grumbled with annoyance. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's being manhandled.
"We initially planned to speak with you but you never gave us an opportunity. Always running away whenever you saw our group" Hogun explained
"Aye. It was amusing when you saw our group dining in the feast hall. One glance at Loki and you ran without a thought. Thor had to stop Loki on chasing after you, insisting that you needed time to think" Fandral said with amusement to the sudden change in me and Loki's dynamic
"let me guess. Thor doesn't know about this favor Loki asked of you?" I asked not really needing an answer but still wanting to hear a confirmation to my initial guess
"Aye but leave the wrath of the God of thunder to us" Fandral said then added
"and worry about the God of Mischief instead" Fandral said then they pushed me inside a door then closed it. I immediately reached for the door handle but a green mist beat me to it, locking it in place. Damn.

"I never thought a day would come where I'd be grateful for the fact that you never pursued sorcery" Loki said behind me
"And you might regret that" I said, then turned around to face him. It's been 4 days of my Loki detox and I regret to report that... 4 days was not enough for me to forget the years of affection I felt for him. One look from his eyes, one smile directed at me and he pulls me back to him again.
"Why are you doing this? For closure? Any more insults you forgot to say to me?! " I complained out loud. Anger was getting the best of me making me shout at him
"I wanted to apologise, you daft woman!" Loki shouted equally loud as me, making me shut up. He then walked towards me closing the distance between us
"I made a mistake and I understan-" he continued
"a mistake? Seriously?! Was that night just a fluke of the moment for you? It might have not been a big deal to you Loki but that was my first kiss and you just took it without permission!" I shouted letting out all the words I wanted to say to him that night before I ran away
"(y/n) can you for once in your life actually let me have a say?! I'm finally the one chasing after you and you go and cut me off every chance you get" he said annoyed then pinches the space between his eyes
"what i'm trying to say before you cut me off was that I made a mistake kissing you without your consent. I understand that you don't wish to love me anymore and I get that" he said then placed his hands on my waist pulling me closer to him. I should've stopped him but a part of me wanted to see what he wanted to do
"but thinking back to the years before that night, you didnt care that I loathed you and still chased after me for years since we were children" he added looking down at me in his arms with a smirk
"So I've come to claim my right to court you this time" he finished kissing my forehead. His announcement left me speechless with wide eyes. I pushed against his chest gaining distance between us
"what? Are you mad?" I asked exasperated to his announcement
"possibly" he answered with a handsome smile and trying to close the distance between us again
"Loki, you can't court me. Are you forgetting about Sigyn? Last I checked polygamy is not practiced in the royal family" I said still shocked to his declaration
"Woman you really are daft. Of course I'm not courting Sigyn. We just had an agreement of sorts. If I really had the intention of courting her with the prospect of marriage then the All father would have announced it to our families" he explained and in my moment of confusion to the revelation that then never were together romantically, I didn't notice that Loki once again closed the distance between us and Im wrapped in his arms again.
"then.. When you said earlier that you plan on courting me, have you told.." I asked not really prepared to hear the answer
"ah yes. Odin and Frigga already know and as expected please on my joyous announcement. Mother actually mentioned something about her garden missing some flowers and suddenly I'm painted as the culprit in her eyes. Know anything about that beastly?" he asked looking down at me in his arms
"oh that's actually your brother. He said that since I'm stealing something valuable for him, he might as well return the favor by gifting me something that was stolen as well. Hence your mother's off limits medicinal flowers" I explained to him with a laugh at how he was blamed for his brother's faults
"of course it was that oaf. I should've known" he said and chuckled then leaning down and connecting our foreheads
"It's a shame that your parents aren't with us anymore, I imagine they would have been speechless with a prince barging into their home and asking for their daughter's hand" he said, making me remember the events of the night we were together at the training field. How he mocked my mother's heritage, how he accused me of my love being unloyal. How he diminished my life's work.
"Loki.." I said suddenly aware of how fast we're going
"shh I know. I can tell by the face you're making that you're still cross with me, darling" he said in a soothing voice then loosening his arms around me so that we can face each other properly
"I know this isnt enough for you to forgive me but I really do regret how I've behaved towards you recently. All im asking is you gave me a chance to set things right" he said to me with sincerity that I can hear from his words the sounds of regret
"wa-wait! We're being too fast in this! I understand that we are past a thousand years old compared to other beings but this is still too fast. I'm open to being friends but you're forgetting you're a prince and I cant-" i said, stuttering all the reasons I can think of while walking backwards. When my back hit the door with no space left to retreat, Loki took the initiative to close the distance and lock me in place with both his arms next to my sided, trapping me against the door
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice, darling. It's decided that I shall court you with the prospect of marriage in mind. I have to take responsibility for being the first to steal your lips after all" Loki said with a possessive low voice that I can't deny got me all flustered and feeling hot. He then leaned down and whispered to my ear
"Besides, why should I give up on us when for years you never did" he added then bit my ear making me jump and reach for the door knob behind me. Thankfully it was finally unlocked from Loki's magic. I flee from Loki once more like the night we had before only this time instead of feeling anger my heart was doing somersaults just like the time I first laid my eyes on him in the throne room.

Chapter Text

"your brother has gone mad!" I said shouting as i barged into Thor's room
"Why in Valhalla do you both come to me for these talks?" Thor said with his back facing me. He then turned around and gave my dishevelled appearance a glance with a raised eyebrow
"you look like you've been battling a bilgesnipe" he said much to his amusement of my appearance
"Do shut up!" I said while closing the door then walking towards to his couch and dropping face first to the soft cushions
"Why is this happening to me now?" I muffled against the pillow
"Are you here to lounge around or are you going to tell me why you're here?" Thor asked. He then placed himself on the floor and leaned his back to the foot of the couch
"It's your brother! He said he has decided to pursue my hand in marriage" I explained with a grunt
"Aye. He did announce his intention to court you to our father yesterday and no surprises father approved immediately" thor added with a chuckle to the turn of events
"Thor.. What am I to do now? Am I to believe that the words spewed by the God of Lies and Mischief were actually truthful and sincere?" I asked unsure. The conversation earlier was still fresh in my mind and heart. No sweet words could wash away the hurt he caused however his apology left me neither mad or happy. I appreciate the gesture despite the kidnapping in broad daylight but asking permission to court me with the intention of marriage is going the extra mile. A simple apology was enough for me to forgive him.
"Why is he doing this" I said not really needing an answer
"he did inform me a few nights ago about the snogging you two had at the training grounds" he teased me making me blush and hit him on the head with a pillow
"we weren't snogging you buffoon! We just shared a kiss" I admitted with embarrassment and much to his amusement
"I can't wait to see how Lady Sif will react to the current turn of events tomorrow" He said, reminding me of my best friend's return to the palace tomorrow. I then stood up and straighten my clothes before making my way to his door
"Just one day more and it's finally time for my training to be acknowledged. At least amongst all the chaos happening in my life right now, I can look forward to my succession as a warrior" I said to comfort myself after all the uncontrollable things happening to me and the people around me. Whatever my relationship with Loki is will have to wait. I trained my whole life and finally the moment to prove myself is almost here. No man will ever distract me from my goal.
"Aye. Worry not, I'm sure you will be magnificent" Thor said encouraging me as a fellow warrior. I then proceeded to walk towards the door but just as I was about to step out thor shouted at me
"bear in mind that what you and my brother has is something not to be taken lightly considering how hard headed you both are!" Thor said to me not really knowing what to advise me. It was no secret that since I started chasing for Loki's affection at such a young age, Thor has always been our number one supporter but now that the table has turned I have no doubt he's still a fan of our pairing except this time he's rooting for the other person, Loki, his brother.
"Love really is something to be afraid of" I said to myself walking out and closing the door. Despite Loki's declaration I still decided to do my best in avoiding him along with Fandral and Hogun now that they're officially labelled as Loki's henchmen in our drama. I decided to take a stroll in the garden instead of heading to the training grounds just so that no one can find me that easily. I'm not like the other ladies of court that like to spend the majority of their pastime taking a walk around the garden admiring the flowers in bloom but every once in a while it is still a pleasant experience to breathe in the scent of flowers. I stopped and gase at the giant tree in the middle of the garden, contemplating if I should climb it just to further hide myself from Loki when all of a sudden I felt a hand grab my shoulder and spun me roughly with malice in an offending manner.

"You cunt! How dare you seduce my prince. Have you no respect in your conscience?" Sigyn said angrily accusing me of stealing Loki from her when in reality, Loki was never mine nor hers to begin with
"Good afternoon to you too Lady Sigyn. Yes it is a marvelous day to be at the garden, thank you for asking" I said to her with fake pleasantries
"enough with the false greetings. I shouldve known from the first day I arrived in court that you would bring nothing but chaos in the palace" Sigyn said to me angrily
"wow. I see we have dropped the charade in being pleasant with each other. Thank the Norns for that, I can finally converse with you freely now that your words finally match the bitch you really are'' I told her casually. I thought about how much everything has recently turned upside down. How Loki is now the one chasing me, how Sigyn is now the one openly showing disdain and i'm the one keeping up with fake courtesy, how all of a sudden Thor is suddenly the wisest advisor in the palace, and how 2 of the warriors 3 are now helping the dark prince instead of the beloved first prince. Is it dark times already?
"How dare you lay your dirty claws on my prince and blemish his lips with yours" she said breaking me out of my thoughts and bringing my attention back to her
"how dare I blemish his lips?" I said darkly walking towards he annoyed
"Let's get one thing straight here, I didn't force myself on him, he did. He didnt ask for my consent so if anything I should be the one shouting at you for having a loose leash on your pet" I said angrily at her while she retraced her steps away from me
"I don't care how you know about our kiss or how many maids in the palace you have acting as your eyes and ears. In general I never cared about you since you are no threat to me" I said then placed my hand on her shoulder to root her in her place on the pavement
"take away all your status, all your worker ants and your position in court. What are you then? Nothing" I added threateningly
"if you can't even depend on yourself alone then dont assume Im someone you can ever mess with" I finished and let her go. I turned my back to her and was about to leave when I heard a commotion behind me. I was then faced with the sight of Sigyn holding a dagger in her hand in position to stab me but what really surprised me was the sight that Loki was there holding her wrist in the air squeezing it just painfully enough for her to let go of the dagger
"I thought I made it clear that our agreement was already over, Lady Sigyn" Loki said in a hard low voice that stresses out how serious he is
"I.. It's not what it looks like, my prince. She threatened me and I'm just defending myself" she said lying upfront to the God of mischief as if he can't sense a lie
"Oh really? Interesting how your supposed attacker had her back to you then" Loki said with no emotion except anger
"I-" Sigyn was about to explain herself when suddenly guards arrived to take her away
"Attempting to harm my fiancé is considered treason to the royal family. Perhaps a few hundred whips will be enough for you to learn your lesson" Loki cut her off and ignored all her wails of forgiveness as she was dragged away

"I'm not your fiance and that was very cold hearted of you to cast away your former lover like that. Am I to be treated as such once you've grown tired of me as well" I said to him coldly. The way he handled his former lover was a reminder of how much I really don't know Loki. If today he proclaims his desire for my hand in marriage, who knows what he might do tomorrow.
"I believe you should be doing is showing your gratitude to your husband to be rather than patronizing me" he said amused by my words
"I could've handled it myself" I quipped back. I didn't need a prince to save me. I started walking away from him and mentally crossing the gardens in my lists of places to hide from Loki
"I have no doubt since you are a beast when provoked however I couldn't pass the opportunity to swoop you off your feet like the prince you've dreamed of" he said catching up to me and joining me in my walk
"I'm no damsel in distress" I said flatly. I admit it was sweet of him to stop Sigyn from harming me despite all this chaos was rooted from his doing, the fact remains that I'm no damsel in need of saving.
"no you're not however you are still my bride to be making it my responsibility to shield you from harm" he said simply like it's already established
"whoa whoa whoa. What? You say that as if a date for our wedding is already set in stone. Loki, I appreciate the apology however don't you think asking for my hand in marriage is a little too fast?" i reasoned with him
"Darling we're already past a thousand years in age, if anything i think we're going too slow for our age" he said flirting with me then placing his hand on the small of my back then continuing our walk
"Loki, I'm serious. I get that you're regretful of your actions and believe me when I say I accept your apology so there's no need for this grand gesture of marrying me" I said stepping in front of him to halt his walk so that we may talk about this then continued speaking
"I can't accept marriage nor your intent to court me as your Fiancé. However, I am open to the possibility of us becoming friends first" I added then reached my hand out for a shake. He eyed my hand then looked me in the eye about to protest when I cut him off
"it's either we are friends now or nothing at all" I said firmly making him grunt
"you're being ridiculous you know that? My whole youth you never gave me the choice of refusing your advances, however now that I'm the one pursuing you, you're being difficult and rejecting me?" He said annoyed while rubbing the back of his neck exasperated. Suddenly his face changed from annoyance to a smirk. Oh no.. He just had an idea
"I'll bet you a wager. It's the least you can do after all the years of pursuits you've done to me" he said much to my embarrassment
"im listening.." I inquired genuinely curious
"I'll agree to stepping down and being just a friend if" he said then paused for dramatic effect
"if.." I repeated anticipating his next words
"if by the end of one date you refuse to be anything more than just friends" he finished with a mischievous smile and once again placing his hands on my waist wrapping me in his arms like he did before
"Are you a fool or something? I've already gone on a date with you and it left me in tears and a broken heart. Do you honestly believe you can do better than that?" I said with annoyance upon remembering how horrendous our first outing was
"i admit I could've handled it better however during that time I did believe that you've replaced me in your heart for my brother" he admitted annoyed
"then you're an idiot" I said making him smile and hug me tighter
"aye but i'm your idiot" he said with confidence. It was so silly that i couldn't help but laugh at his adorable words. He didn't mind being an idiot as long as he's mine.
"alright. This evening, same time as before. If you could make my heart beat for you once more then I will accept your intentions to court me" I said agreeing to his wager
"courtship and marriage along the lines?" he asked me to clarify how much is at stake this evening based on his performance
"Yes, Loki. Marriage is on the table" I said giggling to his question making hin ball out his hands and did a gesture of 'yes'
"excellent! Now you best be on your way and prepare for a night you will never forget" he bid me goodbye and with a wave of his hands i was surrounded in mist and when it cleared i was surprised to find myself already inside my quarters. I looked around in wonder when I noticed a beautiful blue dress laying on my bed no doubt was from Loki. I decided to freshen up while I still have time. I thought about what could Loki have in store for our do over date and decided that I should at least put extra care in myself tonight just in case he lives up to his words that it will be a night to remember. I used a generous amount of perfumed oils when washing my body and hair. Once I got out of the bath I used lotion for my body and combed my hair with cream before it dries to give it a lively sheen. I sat on my vanity mirror and for once actually took out the makeup that was gifted to me by the all mother Frigga many moons ago. I choose to go for a light blush and tinted lips to give off a natural look. Who knew my early years of etiquette lessons would come in handy someday. I then put on the blue dress and paired it off with a half silver chest plate that would compliment my waist while still matching the blue of my dress. I put on my simple 3 inch laced heels instead of my usual go to combat boots and when I faced the mirror, I nodded at my reflection deeming my appearance acceptable when all of a sudden a knock was heard on my door. Looking through the window it was already dark out. Did getting ready for tonight really take that long? I didn't even notice that it's already time for our date. I permitted the person behind the door to enter and just as expected it was Loki indeed. This time he was wearing a much fancier get uo than last time when I requested him to pose as a civilian. He was wearing a black and green leather top with a black leather overcoat then paired with black trousers and boots. His hair was combed back revealing the handsome face he always had since we were children (thor dark world clothes basically)

"good evening, (y/n). You look ravishing" he said looking me up and down walking closer to me
"good evening, Loki. No flowers this time? I'm disappointed already" I said noting that he got me flowers last time
"I figured you were never a flowers kind of girl so instead I got you this" he then handed me a beautifully crafted small dagger made if crystal tip blade along with a holster for it
"its beautiful.. Thank you" i said examining the dagger before lifting my skirt and wrapping the holster lace around my leg to secure the hidden weapon in place
"ver lightweight too" I noted and then lifted my gaze to find loki looking upward with a sheepish smile and redden cheeks
"off to a good start then?" he asked trying to compose himself
"indeed. Shall we head out? " I confirmed holding onto his arm for support
"Indeed" he replied, opening the door for us to exit.

Chapter Text

After leaving the palace, Loki decided that our first stop would be to have me fed. He then teleports us into a fancy restaurant that is known for only serving the higher status in Asgard. We were seated right away and wine was in no time served to us just as we have arrived
"I assume that you come here regularly since all the staff here didn't bother to ask for our order and they just automatically brought a bottle of your favorite wine?" I deduced with a smile and swirling the cup of wine in my hand "I'm guessing you must bring all your ladies out here before they fall for your charms" I added then took a sip of my drink. The wine tasted sweet but has an ample hint of tannin to balance its sweetness
"close but wrong. Yes I do come here often but usually by myself or with my family. My mother adores this place's wine and over the years I find myself developing a taste preference resembling hers" he explains with a smile and looking at me in eye capturing me in their dazzling and deep blue color. "You're the first I brought here. Feel free to feel honoured as you should me" he added with a smile. What a smug bastard.
"so i'm just dying to know, what do you have in mind tonight since you're so confident thats this will make up for how badly the last one was" I asked changing the subject and trying to ignore the pleasant shudder i got knowing that he brought me somewhere special to him
"I thought a great many ways on how i could woo a lady as hell bent as you" he said to me leaning close to the table
"I'm honored you thought so highly of me after all these years" I said with a smile. I can't help admitting to myself how much I'm enjoying our evening together so far. He's been nothing but genuine. Could you imagine the God of Lies being sweet and genuine just for me alone
"as you are. No woman has ever had me second guessing my actions. You are the first and I aim to make you the last" Loki said flirting with me. Sweet, genuine and now flirtatious. Lucky me i guess
"Then here's to hoping that I indeed shall be your last" I replied humoring and flirting back at him making his face paint a cheeky smile.
"and to winning our little wager" Loki added and clicked our glasses together then drank his wine
"So what's in stored after this?" i asked as our food has arrived
"i thought I'd spoil you this time somewhere you haven't been since you've taken me to the secluded bookshop before" Lokis said which peaked my interest. He then noticed my excitement and smiled at my behavior "There's this black market just below the taverns across town. Its hidden beneath the floorboards of the humble abode. I've been there a few times and had some unique purchases" he added and i couldn't contain my excitement and blurred out that I wanted to go there now despite not yet taking a bite
"Behave darling. Our meal has just arrived. What you're proposing is what my brother calls a dine and dash you know" Loki said reaching across the table to take a hold of my hands to root me in place
"Aww.. Did I go out with the wrong person? I could've sworn Im was supposed to have an evening out with the mischievous prince" I said teasing him on how he's behaving like a total bore of a man
"you minx" he said then started to chew on his food. I joined him in dining but finished sooner than him since I have long given up on dining etiquette. Instead of the disapproving face I'm used to Loki showing me in our youth whenever he sees me dine, I am met with a face full of amusement as if he finds my actions adorable. He then reached over to wipe a crumb of food off my lips "if you weren't so strong willed, I'd prefer to clean it off using my mouth as an excuse to taste you" he said seductively making me flinch and turn red at his words. How could he not be embarrassed by what he's saying when we're in public!
"loki you're such an idiot" i said while hiding my face using the palm of my hands
"yes but I thought we've already established that I'm your idiot?" Loki said with an innocent tone as if he doesn't know what he's doing to me. He then laughed and I couldn't help kicking him under the table making him yelp
"ehehe alright alright I'll stop now" he said when his laughter was dying down. He then stood up and walked to my side "may I lady (y/n)" he said reaching out for my hand
"You may" I held Loki's hand and stood up when he pulled my chair back. He then teleported us in front of a simple looking tavern.
"Is this the place? How long have you known about the market underneath?" I asked when he opened the door for me to enter
"not long if i'm being honest, give or take a hundred years at most. This place was well concealed and poorly decorated upfront so that most won't pay it a second glance" Loki explained
"People are like that sometimes. It's easy to look back and see it. But the sad fact is, most people don't look beneath the surface until it's too late" I added to his storytelling. I only notice now how we haven't let go of each other's hand. Hearing words seems to have an effect of Loki feeling bad on how he's treated me all these years. He then intertwined our fingers, a simple gesture that made holding my hand feel like a more intimate manner.
"Indeed. It took me a while to discover this place all because of a young thief who chose me in a sea full of people to pick my pocket" he explained while walking us across the interior of the tavern "lucky you" i said.
"Anyways, I silently followed him and at last, I have finally discovered this glorious place" he finished his story and nodded at the bar keeper. Just then he opened the door behind him which looked like a contraption that will carry us down a few feet below the ground
"it took me a while but when I finally took notice of what's been in front of me all this time, nothing can ever compare" Loki said with a double meaning. I looked up at him while we were being levered down the hole to see him looking deep into my eyes. Was he implying that I was someone no one can compare to. Once again I find myself being drawn to the same insufferable man who has made my heart beat for him and him alone. We were unconsciously drawing closer and closer to each other, our eyes looking at each other's lips asking for permission we didn't need to ask. We were both closing our eyes and about to kiss when the movement of the elevator like contraption stopped and we were greeted by the newfound noise of a busy underground black market full of people and items I've never seen before. I heard Loki beside me curse, no doubt disappointed by the interruption. I couldn't help but giggle at how cute he acted as if he was a child denied of his favorite sweets
"Come now, Lo-" I said but was cut short because of how he rudely covered my mouth.
"Darling as much as I crave you saying my name I'm afraid you will have to call me by another name tonight. Our identities here are unknown to everyone which explains why someone would even attempt to rob my pockets in the first place" he explains to me then drops his hand so that i may speak
"Such a trouble maker you are, husband" I joked. I couldn't help but feel my heart skip a beat upon seeing Loki make a sheepish smile no doubt caused by my choice of name for him tonight
"Careful. I'm seriously contemplating that we never leave this place if that's what it takes for you to call me your husband for all eternity" he flirted back not missing the opportunity to make me laugh at his boyish charms
"i have a better plan than that" i replied
"and what might that be, wife?" he asked genuinely interested to any plans that will lock me down with him in marriage
"you could just win our little wager then I might just call you my husband above just as i did below here" I said seductively pressing my body close to his for dramatic effect
"but remember, you only have till the end of this do over date to make me fall for you again" I whispered in his ear then bit on his earlobe just as he did to me the other day. Loki then gently pushed me to create some distance between us no doubt flustered by my actions
"Darling I think we should start looking around the marketplace now! I wish to spoil you!" Loki stuttered, not really sure how to handle my advances now that his heart beats for me. Before he would just nonchalantly ignore or dismiss my attempts to seduce him but now that the tables have turned. He was unprepared in handling our new dynamic
"very well, Husband" i said with emphasis to the title
"you'll be the death of me, Wife" he said back at me. I love the way he said the word wife as if honey was dripping from his words and knowing that it was for me alone made it all the more sweeter. Loki then led me to the heart of the underground market where various items are for sale originating from beyond the 9 realms. 30 minutes in while we browsed each stall, Loki was already swamped with carrying all the items we've purchased so far.
"Wife. Come take a look at this" Loki called for me to come over a stall he was looking at. The stall consists of a variety of bags and purses hanging around it
"This stall only sells bags, husband?" I was confused. Loki and I never really carry a bag during our travels. We prefer to carry lightly for mobility
"It's enchanted as a pocket space. Truly fascinating and convenient especially for my situation don't you think?" Loki said emphasising all the boxes of our purchases he is carrying right now
"See anything you like?" Loki asked me for my preference. I grabbed a simple (favorite color) crossbody bag that caught my eye and was about to pay for it when he insisted on paying for it
"i insist. It is my duty to spoil my wife" he said to me sweetly. I then kissed him on the cheek playing along with our little roles but if i'm being honest, I'm just going with the flow and letting my desire do what it wants. A little bit of flirting and touching wont do any harm
"you newly weds yeah? Can't help but notice you both don't got no rings on you" the merchant said noting that we forgot about the rings to seal the deal in our fake identities
"It was a rush marriage. Our family was against it so we never had the time to look for one" Loki lied smoothly matching it with a face that shows sadness on our pretend parents disapproval
"now why have ordinary ones when you could have one of these" the merchant said in a dramatic voice then lifted a tray full of different looking rings
"and these are different how?" I asked not really sure where he was going with this
"what you're looking at are magical rings that are found in the folklore of every country where rings are worn. Some can endow the wearer with a variety of abilities including invisibility and immortality. Others can grant wishes or spells such as never ending love and happiness. Sometimes, the rings can be cursed" he said for dramatic effect. While Loki was shoving our boxes of purchases inside my new enchanted pocket space bag, I was looking through the variety of rings on the board
"and how do I differentiate the good from bad ones?" I inquired the merchant with a raised eyebrow
"beats me little lady but more often, however, the rings are featured as forces for good, or as a neutral tool whose value is dependent upon the wearer" the merchant said with a shrug. Did he just admit to himself that he has no product knowledge of what he's selling? My eye caught a black ring that seems to have golden etching of runes written on it
"that's a celtic ring" Loki said beside me, pointing out the ring I have my eye on
"what does that mean?" i asked to elaborate
"Normally it is used when the wearer aims to possess a cursed item, they are occasionally for nullifying the effects rendering it unable to curse the host" Loki explains then brings the ring to my ring finger. The action caught me off guard and I felt embarrassed for such a simple gesture
"thank you.." i said unsure on how to act after his gesture left me speechless
"you're welcome" loki said with a boyish grin no doubt feeling like a winner after seeing my reaction
"you should get the matching set then, sir. I'll throw it in for free since you're my first customer of the night" the merchant said, handing Loki the matching ring. "now scram you lovebird you're making me sick" the merchant said shooing us away with a teasing smile
"i think you've spent enough riches for spoiling me today" i said breaking the silence
"are you tired?" he asked concern of me
"a little bit" i mean who wouldn't be in these heels
"then allow me to teleport us to your quarters" he offered and was about to cast the spell when I stopped him
"um.. I wouldn't mind walking a bit before retreating for the night. How about you?" i offered not yet ready for the wonderful night to end
"i feel the same way. Shall I teleport us in the gardens then walk you to your quarters then?" Loki said unsure of his offer not really knowing if I'd accept his proposition
"that sounds like a perfect idea" i said gladly accepting
"Allow me" he said, offering his hand for me to hold onto. Without a second thought I held it and we were again surrounded by mist before reappearing in the gardens

We were both sporting a shit eating grin on our faces on how we've been openly flirting with each other. We were walking at an extremely slow pace to prolong our time together in the garden. We were asking back and forth questions about a bunch of stuff that we were curious about with each other. When we were finally nearing the last corridor to my quarters, I realized how much I didn't want the night to end and I was actually enjoying myself being in the company of this insufferable man that is Loki.
"What did you mean earlier when you said your agreement with Sigyn was over?" I asked out of the blue
"ugh.. You're going to laugh" loki said with a groan and pouted
"I'll try my best not to but no promises here" I said urging him to continue
"Sigyn and I had an agreement that would benefit us both. If we were to parade around as lovers, her standing in the social circle will risen making her words be influential in controlling the ladies of court" he explained
"Okay then what were your benefits in the agreement?" I asked with curiosity
"with my cooperation to her goals, she will in return act as a.. Barricade of sorts in blocking your advances" He added in a low voice. I know I said that I would try my best not to laugh but with the revelation of his idiocracy and how the situation had been flipped. I can't help but laugh to the point tears are in my eyes
"you really are an idiot! Granted she did somewhat forge a wedge between us but really? All this just shifted into my favor now that you're finally chasing me" I said in between laughs
"Are you saying this is a good thing because your heart still beats for me?" he asked suddenly serious. I didn't realise until we halted our legs that we had arrived at my door. Why couldn't my door been located at the outskirts of Asgard
"this is my door" I said face to face with loki not yet letting go of his hand
"unfortunately, it appears so" he said in a disappointed tone
"I had a wonderful time tonight Loki" I said not really ready to say goodbye
"so did I. Ah! I almost forgot to give you your bag. It has all your purchases in it" he said then pulling the bag off his shoulder and placing it to mine
"thank you" I said. I wanted to say more but i'm running out of things to say to prolong our time
"you're welcome" Loki replied with a genuine smile "Gods what more can I say? I think my tongue has literally turned to lead now. I really don't want this night to end" he added so quickly like he was a nervous boy making a confession. This caused us both to release a hearty laugh. When our laughter died down I closed the distance between us and stood on my toes to reach his face and give him a peck on his cheek. When I retracted he looked me in the eyes. Those once again dazzling eyes only this time there was something different about them when they looked at me. I was drowning in the beautiful shade of his blue eyes that I almost didn't hear his pleading words "please" Loki said in a breathy voice. I couldn't speak the words to say yes but he seemed to get the idea with one look at my eyes granting him permission.

He leaned in and captured my lips full of desire and possession. I couldn't help but feel dizzy and hot yearning for him more. Everything was all messy and wonderful at the same time. He was kissing me with passion that I've never felt with anyone before. "(y/n) i think it's time for you to retire for the night" he said to me breaking the kiss. I pressed myself closer to him kissing him to shut him up while leading him inside my room "take responsibility you daft prince" i argued with him not wanting to part with the boy I've been in love with for so long
"are you sure?" he asked out of breath but his eyes held an emotion of trying to control himself before letting loose and having his way with me
"Yes, Loki"I said with a smile which he returned as well. Then all of a sudden I found myself being carried with my legs around his waist as he walked us back to the bed. "Mm. Can you feel that, darling wife" he said in a dark sultry voice. He grinds his manhood against my core and I can feel his hard length against me, heightening my arousal for him, making me moan and more lost and wet than I already am. He laid me on the bed and started to put his hand inside my dress, dragging up my legs until he found the dagger I placed there earlier this evening
"It appears that I will be the first to wield my gift for you instead" he said in between kisses then brings the dagger to my chest and rips the dress down using the dagger. "Gods you are voluptuous" he said, staring at my naked form then cupping my breast while nibbling my neck with his soft lips and tongue, then he suddenly pinched my bud hard making me moan loudly.
"They should name a gender after you. Looking at you doesn't do it. Staring is the only way that makes any sense. And trying not to blink, so you don't miss anything" he said, making me squirm. How is he so talented with his hand and words at the same time!
"Lokii.. wait.. you're doing it too rough" I said breathlessly. He kissed and licked the skin on my neck up to my ear and said "oh (y/n), you haven't had the slightest idea what rough is until I ruin your body" he placed his knees between my thighs making me spread my legs for him and making way for his hand to my wet core "So wet and it's all for me" Loki said while lightly biting my earlobe "Loki.. stop teasin-" before I can prepare myself he pushed two long fingers inside me making me moan and squirm under him. He started in a fast haste fucking me with his fingers. He distanced himself from my ear and took a good view of his meal. Me. I closed my eyes and savored the pleasure he was giving me not caring how messy and wanton my face is and then I felt a new pleasure added. I opened my eyes and was faced by the sight of Loki devouring my cunt. The sight alone was enough to send a wave of pleasure in me. I gripped his hair, pulling his face deeper against my core and he looked me in the eye and gladly granted my request. "Loki I'm gonna cum. Lokii" This made him go rougher and not long after I came on his face leaving me breathless.
He crawled on top of me between my legs "Say it again. I want to hear it" Loki said to me face to face. "Say what?" I asked, still coming down from my high "i want to hear you say my name as you cum" this.. caught me off guard. I cannot believe he noticed me shouting his name instead of loud sinful moans. That was way too embarassing to say during sex even if I was in the moment!! Speechless to his request I remained silent not knowing what to say. "Umm.." he chuckled. "I'll just have to force it out of you again then" he said all so deep and gave me a devilish smile. He grabbed both my wrists in one hand and pinned them above my head "Loki wait! I'm still a virg-AHH" He pushed himself deep inside my hot wet entrance. My back arched and squeezed him to the pain and pleasure he was giving me making our chests pressed against each other. He grabbed a hold of my waist with his other hand steadying me in place as he pushed himself in and out of me. "Ah. Gods.. (y/n) you're so tight.." he whispered to my ear. "Lokii..
"Yes. That's it, love, say my name. Say who's fucking your quim"
He started to move so fast and hard inside me. Each thrust reached a deeper part inside me stretching me all the way. He let go of my arms and gripped both sides of my waist to push himself harder inside me. I gripped the blankets around my surroundings, unable to control my body but quiver under him screaming his name. "Look at it, love. Look how I'm rutting your tight virgin cunt" I do as I was told and truth be told, the way he was looking so lost in euphoria was a sin, his lustful v shape pelvic connecting to his long weapon being pounded inside my cunt all wet and a bruised. The sight made me clench my folds around him while he fucked me making him groan in an animalistic manner. "they should bottle you up (y/n)" he said while pounding into me "you feel like heaven in a bottle" he added then squeeze my sensitive breast while rutting me "Loki wait.. not inside..'' I said breathless. He gave me a grunt and smiled animalistic with devious intentions "Loki.. " I said in a warning tone implying to not do it. Without an effort he pulled himself out and flipped me over on my knees facing the headboard. "Loki wait! You can't!" Without a warning once again. He entered me again but this time faster and harsher. He was doing as he pleased with my body in a possessive manner that left me breathless. He played with my nipples and clit as he pounded inside me bringing me to my peak along with him. "Loki nooo. Not inside " I moaned and pleaded "Didn't you say that marriage is on the table?" Loki said, then reached over me and he covered my mouth with his hand and bit my shoulder and pounded me like an animal. We were both grunting and moaning. Feeling pleasure like no other. "I don't see anything wrong with finishing inside my wife to be.." he whispered to my ear and two or three more thrusts I came with a scream of his name and he soon followed after moaning my name. I can feel his length pouring his warm seed inside me making me dizzy from exhaustion. He kissed my shoulder to the back and laid me down on my back on the bed. I turned my back on him as he laid on my side. "Hehehe. Oh come on now love? Why so cold hearted? I know you enjoyed it" he chuckled and teased me while hugging me from the back, spooning me "I said not to inside me" I grumbled half annoyed and half sleepy from the best sex ever despite my first time. He then placed his hand on my stomach and drew 4 patterns on it before it glowed and disappeared like nothing happened

"What did you do?" I asked, concerned. That did he do to my body this time
"relax, (y/n) i put an enchantment. It's to keep you barren until you are ready" he explained snuggling against the crook of my neck
"can it only be lifted by you?" I asked yawning due to exhaustion
"aye. It can either be lifted by me or you can wait 300 years for it to expire" he answered. I then reached behind me and pinched his cheeks. "That's for taking a 1000 dang years to start chasing me back" We both laughed and cuddled in bed laying in the sweet afterglow.

-additional scene-
Loki POV

It was the way she was looking right at me. She was looking straight into my eyes all sparkly and laughing. My heart soared at the sight and sound she was making. How could she stand there and look so beautiful.
She then bid me goodnight and reached to kiss me on the cheek. As she retracted my eyes caught sight of her lips. I felt myself spinning out of control. It was odd indeed. It's as if I couldn't even steer my own body. One look in her eyes and I silently asked her for permission if I may kiss her. Her nod was all it took and I closed the distance between us.

I leaned in and captured her lips in a bruising kiss. (y/n) gasp into the kiss. My lip trails to her bottom lip, asking for her to give me the permission I needed which she gave happily. Her moans were addictive everytime our tongues meet, licking into her mouth, tasting her. How did I live such a mediocre life before this night? We kissed for a few more minutes, one hand threading in her hair, pulling her impossibly closer. She welcomed all my actions with glee but I knew I had to stop or else I might ravage her like a beast in heat.

"(y/n) i think it's time for you to retire for the night" I said to her breaking the kiss but knowing the stubborn woman (y/n) is, she refused to be denied and surprised me by dragging me into her quarters where we spent the night exhausting each other. It was a night to remember indeed.

While she slept in my arms, I pulled her closer to my chest making her let out a cute whine in protest for disturbing her sleep. She opened her eyes and looked at me with those beautiful (e/c) eyes and the way her lips moved to a smile. How is it possible that every time I saw her, she seemed more beautiful than the last. She just seemed to glow. She just had this warmth to her. Maybe it came from the way she openly speaks her mind. Maybe it came from her swordsmanship training. Maybe it came from her courage and determination to pursue her dreams. I don't know. All I know is that compared to her, everybody else seemed so ordinary.

I was falling for her.

Chapter Text

They say the morning after doing it the first time, you wake up feeling like a new woman. The notion of that has always been opposed to me especially since the only thing I'm feeling right now is soreness. I groaned shifting in my bed then pulled the comforter up to see my body covered in bruises and hickeys around my hips and breast.
"admiring my handy work?" Loki said beside me taking a peek of my body as well under the covers
"Do you mark your previous lovers a large amount all the time?" I asked with irritation. Some can be covered with my clothes however the ones on my neck were the real problem
"just you actually. Couldn't help myself" he said innocently then shifts to snuggle into my neck, lightly kissing his marks at first then adding a few more making me struggle to push him off
"Outrageous! stop adding more you loon" i said struggling both in annoyance and happiness that he can't keep his hands off me "I seriously have to get up. My evaluation test is tomorrow and I have to get ready before Sifs return-" I added and speak of the devil, Sif open the door to my room no doubt looking for me
"get up (y/n)! We have to prepare for tomorrow! It's not like you to wake up this tardy.." she shouted as she opened my door with intention to wake me up but then her voice dialed down in volume upon seeing Loki on top of me, snuggling my neck. Both of us naked under the covers
"...since when has this been happening?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Not moving an inch from the door where she just entered
"nothings happening" I said immediately
"whoa whoa, something is kinda happening" Loki said playfully with a grin
"ive been gone for only a week (y/n). How much did I miss?" Sif asked me, mirroring Loki's grin
"not a lot has happened" I answered sheepishly
"Is accepting my courtship not worth mentioning?" Loki asked but mainly he just said it to boost his ego on how in just 1 week he got me to accept his advances
"you're officially courting? Congratulations!" Sif said with a smile
"Many thanks Lady Sif" Loki thanked her with a matching smile of gratitude
"What finally made you realize your affections for (y/n)?" Sif asked genuinely curious
"Well if you must know-" Loki said, shifting into a seated position getting ready to converse with Sif despite our situation. I then covered his mouth with my hand since it was the only way to stop him from talking and cutting me off
"Ok. Stop that now. There will be other chances for you both to interrogate each other. Sif, welcome back. I'm sorry for the tardiness but I'll meet with you at the training grounds as soon as I finish getting ready" I said, putting a stop to their conversation. Loki and Sif released a laugh then she bid her farewell and closed the door leaving us alone. I then got off the bed and got ready to take a warm bath to wash off all the sweat from yesterday
"Would you like me to join you?" Loki asked with a hint of expectation.
"you know I'd love you to but I'd have to be responsible and say no. Tomorrow is a big day for me and I can't have you exhausting my body. I can't take any chance but maybe after?" I said hoping he'd understand despite being a stubborn excuse of a man
"I understand however you are going to make it up to me, isn't that right?" He said with a devious expression then hugged me. I kissed him on the lips savoring the taste and feel of his lips against mine
"I promise. Now get out of my room before I drag you out myself, you distracting prince" I said then entered the bathroom getting ready for the day
"don't push yourself too hard during your sparring with Sif" Loki said behind the door before leaving. I couldn't help but smile at his words about how he's worried about me. I then got out of the shower and dried myself. I choose to go for a dark green tunic then layer it with black leather chest armour. I paired it with dark pants and boots for comfort. After dressing myself I finally went to the training grounds where I met Sif.

"You have much explaining to do, (y/n)" Sif said while pointing her sword at me. I then charged at her with serious intent. No more light practicing since tomorrow is a big day for us to be finally acknowledged
"You'd never believe this but basically after you left, Thor and I proceeded with our whole charade of faking a date that ended into a double date when I ran into Sigyn and Loki at the festival. I suppose that was the push i needed for Loki to realize that I have other options besides him" I said while striking her
"Speaking of Sigyn, how did she take the news that you've captured the younger prince's heart? Must've been humiliating how she's been gossiping around the palace that loki was bound to ask for her hand in marriage only to be thrown away" Sif asked with content on my explanation so far
"She took it very badly. Almost got stabbed by her luckily I was saved by Loki. Told you he was my knight in shining armor" I added while blocking Sifs strike. She then swiped my legs by force using her shield making me fall on the ground
"I'm glad things are finally mutual with you both. Took a while but Im glad youre both finally on the same page" Sif said congratulating me while looking down at me laying on the ground. She then extended her hand to me
"thank you, my friend" I said then reached for her hand to help me up
"for the record, you only beat me because I was busy explaining what has happened the past few days" I said with a playful smirk
"I see that one night of fornication has deluded you (y/n)" Sif replied then assumed position for our second round.

We trained from dusk till dawn only resting to eat and drink. We pushed ourselves more than we usually do. Not because of our evaluation test. The evaluation was by far the easiest. It's basically a competition on who is the most skilled in our batch. I have no doubt Sif will aim for first place and I have no problem with that. I wouldn't mind placing second or third but for that to happen, they have to beat me first. Our real concern was our division quest. Division quests are to prove our worth in initiating. No one knows what the quests are as they are shrouded in mystery, All we know is that no two are the same and the outcomes are either victory or death.

"have you decided yet?" Sif asked me once again the same question a week ago
"I haven't..." I lied to her. It feels wrong to lie to someone who I've considered as a sister but I have to just until tomorrow
"I may not be the God of Lies and Mischief but Im not stupid. I can tell when my best friend lies to my face for years you know" Sif said angry for my deceit
"you've known for years?" I felt ashamed. Being caught and still pretending to her face. I can understand why she would be angry after all these years
"of course I have! As i said im not stupid. I'm just waiting for you to tell me but we're running out of time. I feel as if you're planning something dangerous. That's why you wont tell me, isn't it?" Sif huffed and threw her shield and sword away then marched towards the bleachers to sit and rest
"yes. I'm sorry Sif. I do want to tell you but I was just afraid that you'd disapprove and talk me out of it" I explained feeling guilty and a horrible friend as I walk towards her and sat by her side
"(y/n) we've come so far to prove our worth. Tomorrow is the day that will lay testament to our name that we are worth more than anyone bargained for. So please, I beg of you, as a friend and your sister in arms, for the piece of my mind. What division have you chosen?" Sif asked me pleading for the truth
"I have chosen to.. Revive the elite division of Asgard's female warriors" I said in a small voice looking elsewhere but her then suddenly Sif hands were on my shoulder forcing me to face her
"You're aiming to become a Valkyrie?" Sif said with wide eyes and seriousness.
"Yes. I am, Sif" I confirmed. I was determined in my decision
"Hel, why didn't I think of that" She added with annoyance
"you're not mad?" I asked testing the waters
"To be honest, just a little bit. I'm worried because I don't want anything bad happening to you. Our journey was hard and difficult but being with someone who understands what it's like to go against tradition made it all the while easier… but it would all be meaningless if you're not there with me when we make it a reality" Sif said heavily. We both know that the last division test to become a Valkyrie was a death sentence. No one has ever emerged victorious which leads to no one ever attempting it again. Until tomorrow when I say my oath
"But mostly I feel jealous. I could've joined you if you told me sooner but since I've already agreed with Hogun and Thor that I would be joining them in their expedition, I can't back out now can I?" She added with a chuckle making me smile, lifting our spirits from the depressing atmosphere
"then perhaps you will be known as the best female fighter in Asgard, on par with the Valkyrie (y/n)" I added then bumped her shoulder with mine
"I like the sound of that" we then enjoyed the silence since this will be the last moment of peace before our new adventure begins.

"you do realize the royal family will not approve of your decision" Sif said reminding me
"don't worry. I have a plan for that already. They won't have a choice but accept my decision" peer pressure always works. I have no doubt Odin will succumb to the pressure when in the presence of all of Asgard's citizens since no ruler can risk the possibility of having his citizens turn their back on their kind. Heavy is he who wears the crown.
"I pity the younger prince. He has no idea of the headache he's about to have tomorrow" Sif jokes, making us laugh. We then decided to head to the banquet hall for our dinner. We arrived an hour late after dinner time started. The rows of tables were still filled with asgardians drinking merrily while singing and eating. Farther side of the hall was where the high table for the royal family was seated. Odin was conversing with his wife while Loki and Thor were by the table's end along with the warriors three.
"You should probably make the most of tonight with our friends before you drop your bomb tomorrow" Sif noted while pulling me by the hand to follow her way towards Thor and company.
"There they are! Tomorrow's victors" Thor said, greeting us as we approached. Sif took her spot beside Thor and Fandral. She made space beside her for me to sit but I decided to heed her advice and make the most of the night. I then walked straight towards Loki and sat on his lap surprising him
"Hello, my Prince" I cooed, making him flustered since he wasn't used to this public gesture. Sure he's been with other women before but never someone like me who takes initiative. Before me, he would be with various ladies all the same type who acted like sweet, innocent, and weak hussies.
"tongue finally turned to lead?" Hogun teased the younger prince
"You'd think in all the years we've lived, nothing would surprise us but it seems our friend Loki has still more to learn" Fandral added, joining Hogun teasing Loki's reaction. I then shifted trying to sit beside him instead since he might be uncomfortable with my weight
"don't you dare" Loki said, warning me not to get off his lap. He wrapped on arm around me while the other still holding his drink
"How was your day with Lady Sif?" Loki asked while taking a sip
"Intense. You?" I said then grabbed the cup from his hands and taking a sip as well
"Tedious without you" Loki then pecked my cheek while I was drinking making our friends groan and gag from disgust
"I can't believe my baby brother is courting a lady before me" Thor said both in annoyance and happiness for us
"then you should shower more often so you wouldn't repulse the ladies of court" Sif joked making us all laugh
"I thought Thor said (y/n) gave up on Loki? So who was the first that chased the other if you both hated each other back then?" Volstagg asked, speaking for the first time tonight
"Loki did" I said proudly while Loki grumbled against my hair
"I did not chase you" Loki objected
"but you had me kidnapped"
"i had you summoned"
"then held me hostage in a room"
"you're not a hostage if I let you go"
"Loki" I said in a motherly tone I didn't know I posses in me
"Fine. I yield. I chased (y/n)" Loki said exasperated and admitting defeat making me giggle. Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun and Thor then all joined Loki in admitting defeat when they started taking out small bags filled with golden coins and hading them over to a very happy looking Sif
"You shady Lady. Did you bet on your best friend's love life before you left for home?" I asked with fake betrayal on my voice
"Of course not" Sif said then added "I bet on your love life long before I left for home" with a smirk.

We all spent the night laughing and bonding with our friends whom we cherished and grew up together with. It was a night to remember without us knowing it would be the last time they'd spend with me.

Chapter Text

"Are you ready, (y/n)?" Sif asked as we march towards the arena where the royal family and citizens of Asgard are seated to watch who will emerge victorious in our batch of warrior trainees
"As ready as I'll ever be'' I replied without worry, causing sif to agree with my words. We then entered along with the others and commenced with the event. As expected, all of Asgard came to witness the evaluation event not out of support but curiosity on the 2 female trainees participating. No doubt they placed bets on us both.
"Today, we are here to witness the birth of Asgards future warriors and knights. Their skills will be tested if they are worthy, to join the ranks and glory of fighting for our realm" Odin said to the audience then directed his sight to us warriors in the arena "You are all standing on the brink of your future, the first day of the rest of your life. As your King, I hope that some of you will aspire higher than you ever imagined" He said holding eye contact where sif and I are
"Some of you are wondering how your lives are going to turn out from this point on. It is reasonable to wonder, but I must remind you all the importance to realize that our future is not just something that happens to us. It is up to us to create" Odin said, drawing closer to finishing his opening remarks "Today, I urge you to embrace the opportunity before you. Take what you have learned throughout the years and put it to good use" Odin then tapped his spear to the ground 3 times to commence the start of our evaluation.

One by one we were called out to showcase our worth before the people of Asgard. Some were trying to impress the commander of Asgard knights in hopes to join their division, some were demonstrating their brutish strength just to be boastful, there were even some demonstrating their skills in a flashy way just to impress the ladies in the audience. Kind of reminded me of Fandral. When Sif and I were called on our own, we handled it with seriousness and no surprises. We passed the evaluation by our trainers' remarks making it to the second event where all those who passed the trainers were to fight each other to see who amongst our batch is the most competent of all. Nothing makes the audience more entertained like a live tournament. Especially since the roster has 2 female wild cards
"You know, Sif. There's bound to be a betting pool against our names somewhere" I told here while we waited for our names to be called to the arena
"How much do you think is placed on us losing?" She replied to me with a smirk
"No doubt a mountain of gold by now. Imagine the winnings of the person who would bet on us winning" I said already preparing my coins to gamble
"Then what are we waiting for?" Sif then stood up and I followed after her and we went and placed our bets. We both bet on each other being victorious, reaching at least the second place. We didn't place our bets on the 1st place because we were not sure who between us would win in a serious fight so we placed both on 2nd regardless of who wins just so that we'd be safe with our earnings.

Just as suspected, when our names were called, our opponents were defeated one after another, both of us rising victorious in each battle. Time seems to pass by and before we realize it we were face to face with each other in the arena, contending for being the victor amongst all.
"I promise to go easy on you, (y/n)" Sif joked while we circled each other in the arena. Waiting for the other to make the first move
"If you did, you'll come to learn to regret it" I replied and then the battle began. Sif started running towards me swinging her sword, I quickly kneeled down to avoid her blade and swiped her knees making kneel then kicking her to push some distance between us. It hit her right on the chest of her metal armor and the force was too strong that it knocked her a few steps back.
I then ran towards Sif's direction while she was composing herself into a battle stance. We crossed our swords at each other, both of us are serious in this battle as if our lives were at stake even though we both know we'd never seriously harm each other. I crouch down and kick her left leg so she'd fall on her back. I then grabbed her hand and twirl and tossed her towards the edge of the arena. Stepping out of the arena was considered defeat. What i didn't expect was Sif changing the momentum and insteam I'm the one tumbling down the ground almost outside the fighting ring

I quickly stood up and took out my dagger before Sif got near me. "Very impressive" her sword was almost on my neck. Good thing I had the emergency dagger Loki gave me block the path just in time
"Is that a new one? Since when did you go weapons shopping without me?" Sif asked teasingly
"Really, Sif? You're making conversation with me on the field?" I shouted with a laugh then ricochet her swings at me to disarm her
"What? I find this the best time to question my friends" I hit her hand holding the sword with the hilt of my hagger while she was distracted. The sword fell down the ground and I quickly kicked it away and pressed my dagger on Sif's neck.
"When are you going to learn to stop blabbing when in a battle" I scolded her like a mother would to their child. Her face was pale and shocked by the sudden movements. A punch on the gut made me remember I still had two opponents left
"I could say the same thing to you" Sif lectured me. She then grabbed my leg and arm and threw me. Mirroring my technique
"Agh...” I got up and brushed the dust off my legs
"I think you’re just trying to get even with me now" I complained with a pout
"What gave it away, (y/n)?" We both smiled at each other, lightly laughing.
I ran towards Sif and jumped in mid air. We were both launching our fists at each other, mine to her face and hers to my stomach. When the blow hit, I coughed up blood. We both were blown away by the force the other released
I gathered all the strength I had to get back up. I notice that Sif was knocked out on the ground, hopefully just knocked out. That's why you should always strike the head. The head is where the brain is and knocking out your opponent is the fastest way to end the fight. Just when I thought it was all over. I was tackled to the ground, bringing me back to reality. I winced. Sif can be so troublesome sometimes.
“Sif! Just yield already!" I shouted while she straddled me. I then flipped us over when I face Sif, I was greeted with the sight of her busted eye
"I'm really sorry about this!" I shouted and soon found an opening and without hesitation took it. I managed to knock her out and when I punched her again with just the right amount of force to render her unconscious. Finally, the battle was over. I then gathered myself and stood up, emerging victorious to the crowd and the royal family. They all looked shocked after what they had witnessed. The All father then stood up and proclaimed to the crowd that I was the grand victor "I present to you Asgard's first female warrior victor!" Odin said and the crowd burst into cheers while others were still left speechless on what they just witnessed. I then reached down to gather Sif in my arms and carry my unconscious friend down the stage. Loki and Thor were waiting for us.
"with all your blades and daggers yet who would've thought that it would end in good old fashioned fist fight" Thor said jokingly and took Sif from my arms
"It would've ended in Sif's favor if I didn't have Loki's dagger" I said. I didnt have a lot of daggers that were easy to conceal. Despite Loki's gift of a small dagger, it withstand the full force of Sif's sword instead of shattering
"Congratulations, darling" Loki said congratulating me and kissing my lips
"Thank you, Loki. Do you mind carrying me on your back? My legs are killing me" I asked, sounding fatigued. Loki then chuckled and turned his back on me for me to hold on to
"should we take them to the healers first, brother?" Thor suggested
"Of course we are taking them to the healers. Do you honestly believe Sif and (y/n) would want to attend their oath ceremony with a black eye and be covered in bruises?" Loki answered with annoyance to his brother
"Besides bringing us to the healers, I might ask you both for a little favor to run an errand for both me and Sif" I said breaking their bickering
"How small of a favor are you talking about, (y/n)?" Thor asked intrigued
"Just a simple errand of collecting our winning stakes" I answered innocently
"Norse. Know you both, we have no doubt we will be needing the help of the warriors 3 in collecting the winnings you both placed on yourselves'' Loki chuckled
"I'm glad you find my actions to your liking, oh high and mighty God of Mischief" I said teasingly while he carried me towards the healers. He then pecked me on the cheek making me giggle
"Gods! Get a room" Thor said to his annoyance. Making us laugh. After arriving at the healers, Loki and Thor bid us goodbye to go and collect our winnings. The healers mainly did their work on me by making my fatigue and bruises disappear. With Sif they had a hard time healing the black eye and cracked ribs I caused when I punched and kicked her during our battle. As expected when Sif woke up, I got an earful of sermons about all the reasons why she demanded a rematch. We would've gone and started round 2 if it weren't for the healers kicking us out of the med bay for being too loud and disturbing the other patients. Upon exiting we realized how late it had gotten and looking at the time we found out that we had less than an hour to get ready for the oath ceremony in the throne room. We looked at each other wide wide eyes and dashed our separate ways towards our quarters to get ready. We had no time to exchange goodbyes since we had no time to spare.

"Loki? What are you doing here?" I asked surprise when seeing him in my room
"knowing how carefree you are, I took the liberty of running your bath ready and laying your ceremonial clothes on the bed" He explained with a shrug. This sweet gesture made me feel like I'm melting into a puddle because of how considerate he was. Without thinking I jumped into his arms and smothered him with kisses
"thank you thank you thank you" I said in between kisses making him laugh. He then started to lift my legs between his hips carrying me towards the bath. Loki then placed me back on my feet and was about to leave when I stopped him
"won't you join me?" I offered
"I'm afraid it's my turn to deny you. I'm already late in attendance to the ceremony" he said regretfully causing me to pout
"Worry not my dear. We have the rest of eternity to make up for it and I look forward to getting to know you better" He said like a real charming prince then kissed my hand. He excused himself and left to join his family in the throne room.

I made haste and washed the dirt and sweat off my body. Like the night before I took extra care in my appearance since it will be a special occasion. I then put on my blue sleeveless long dress and paired it with a silver chain belt around the waist with gladiator sandals. I then took off to the throne room while braiding my hair to one side. Hoping I'm not the last one to arrive. I thank every God there is up there because i was right on time, we were lining up before marching along with comrades upon entering the throne room. Once we've all arrived and the cheers of the people of Asgard quiet down, the All father then stood and started his opening speech

"We are gathered here tonight in welcoming our warriors who've succeeded in their training and to witness our new warriors swear their oath and loyalty to Asgard. You have all gone through so much during the past centuries. I consider myself lucky to have you all and to be part of the strong bond that our realm has created. I hope that you all continue to give everything that you have in hopes of molding great contributors to our kingdom. Now, it is time for each of you to decide your faith in which division you believe you will best serve your King, your people, and your home. It is time for you all to venture and offer all I have" Odin said in a loud voice and one by one we were all called up front to say our oath and loyalty in front of the people of Asgard and say our desired division. I was getting anxious on my impending turn when all of a sudden I felt a hand hold mine
"Are you sure you want to go through with what you're planning (y/n)?" Sif whispered next to me while holding my hand
"honestly? No. I'm terrified of what the All father and Queen Frigga would say about my decision. Especially since they practically adopted me after I was orphaned" I replied and help her hand tighter for support
"You can still change your mind" Sif suggested, unsure if she was giving the right advice "I don't want to control you or your decisions in life. Im your friend and I will always support you but you cannot deny the reality your decision is bound to wreck havoc" Sif added trying to explain why I shouldn't go through with my decision
"Sif... I don't regret what I've been through and I don't regret the things that I've done, but I'm afraid I will one day wake up and regret those I didn't do" I said in a small voice then added "Thank you for being a true friend Sif. Please understand that being a Valkyrie is my dream just as yours is to be a warrior" a moment of silence was shared between us despite the cheers of the crowd upon each of our peers stating their desired division
"I have to admit, those Valkyrie tattoos are indeed chic" Sif said breaking the silence making us chuckle
"Is that jealousy I hear?" I said teasing her
"as if, the moment you return with that ink on your arm, you are accompanying me to get something done on my arm as well" Sif said it like a statement as if there was no room for me to deny or accept her invite
"hah! Never thought of you for the jealous type" I teased making her pinch my side making us laugh. Her name was then called by the all father making us realize it was her turn already. We released each other's hand then she walked forward, then kneeled on one leg and recited her oath.

"In the name of Asgard, I swear to be brave.
In the name of the All Father, I swear to be just.
In the name of the Queen, I swear to defend the young and innocent.
In the name of the Nine Realms, I swear to protect all that if good" Sif swore in a loud voice in front of the all father

"Lady Sif, I welcome you with your fellow warriors. State your choice in which you wish to serve your kingdom" Odin replied

"I wish to join the warriors three in their expedition of establishing peace through the nine realms" Sif explained. It was no question that her love for her realm runs deep and to serve not just Asgard but defending all nine realms was a feature that everybody would be proud of. As expected, the crowds cheered for her decision in aiding all the realms under the glory of Asgard

"Very well. I hope to hear good things from you in the near future" Odin replied, pleased with her decision. "And now, last but not the least. Our tournament's champion, Lady (y/n) of house (y/ln)" Odin added. Oh no.. I was next?! Sif was a tough act to follow and in no time will that proud look on Odin's face be wiped soon. The cheers of the crowd greeted me with admiration and support for the achievement that I've accomplished. Not just as a female warrior but also as the champion of my batch. I then stepped forward and replaced Sifs place from earlier, I kneeled on one leg and waited for the cheers of the crowd to quiet down then began saying my oath while looking at the all father, never faltering.

"In the name of Asgard, I swear to be brave.
In the name of the All Father, I swear to be just.
In the name of the Queen, I swear to defend the young and innocent.
In the name of the Nine Realms, I swear to protect all that if good" I swore with all my heart and being while maintaining eye contact with Odin. The man who took me in after being orphaned, the man who gave me and Sif a chance to make a difference. A good man who I was about to disappoint no doubt

"Lady (y/n), I welcome you with your fellow warriors. State your choice in which you wish to serve your kingdom" Odin replied like a proud father to his child.. Which pains me even more

"I decided not to join any but instead revive the long forgotten elite group of female warriors known as the Valkyrie. I wish to bring inspiration for the future generations to come and guide our fallen warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla where they will rest in comfort with our fellow warriors" I explained, pouring all the love I had for my people. A few seconds passed and all the stunned and speechless crowd regained their senses and stood on their feet cheering in support of my decision. I was glad that my words reached their hearts however that was not the case for the royal family..

"Are you certain with your decision, child?" Odin said, stressing on the word child. It was as if he was scolding me for choosing the wrong choice. He stared down at me hard with his one piercing eye and I knew beyond his eyes was a mountain of anger and disappointment he was holding in until later. I matched his gaze looking right back at him head on and said without hesitation my next words "I am certain. I will become a Valkyrie"

"I hope to hear good things from you in the near future" Odin replied with a blank face. He then followed it with his closing remarks and ordered everyone to head towards the banquet hall for celebration. I didn't move from my spot and neither did Odin and his wife and sons. When the throne room was silent once again with only the 5 of us present, Odin ordered the guards to closed the door to give us privacy
"HAVE YOU GONE MAD!" Odin shouted at me

Chapter Text

"HAVE YOU GONE MAD!" Odin shouted at me as soon as the doors closed behind me.
"Is this how you wish to honor your mother and father's legacy! ? Do you aim to add your family name to the long list of fallen families!?" Odin added as he stepped down from his throne, making way towards me on equal ground
"You are the last of your bloodline and you decide to become a Valkyrie?!" Odin shouted at me face to face. I can see from his face and the tone of his voice how much anger my decision has affected him. Frigga then made her way down the throne towards us. She took her husband's side and rest her hand on his shoulder making soothing patterns to her beloved
"The test of a Valkyrie is shrouded in mystery. No one has lived to tell the tale. Death is all that awaits you if you go down this path" Frigga added with concern in her eyes like my mother used to have when I was a child.
"Then I will be the first" I said, adding fuel to the fire.
"No. As your King I command you to withdraw your request"
"I didn't not request anything that isn't in my right. I demand it"
"You swore your oath to me!"
"And give you my loyalty but not my freedom!" I shouted back in anger
"SILENCE!" Odin shouted making me flinch but never backing down
"Do you remember the day your father stood here before me, he begged me to give you, his daughter, a chance to follow your calling" He reminded me in a calm voice
"When your parents died, we took you in. We shared our roof above your head, food from our table, and guided you and this is how you wish to repay our kindness?" Odin scolded me like a second father
"and I am grateful. So, please understand. This is my calling. Let me make you proud" I said softly in a small sincere voice
"I have always been proud of the woman you have become, (y/n)" Odin replied putting his hand on my cheek "It's time to stop this nonsense and stay" He added "You do not need to prove yourself to us or the people of Asgard. You are a daughter to us. Please don't go down this path" Frigga said tearing up as if saying goodbye caused by my impending mission as a full pledge Valkyrie thinking I only awaited death
"I can't. I know it in my bones, this path is the one I should take" I said, dejecting their pleas. A heavy silence rang through the room for a minute then Odin broke it by instructing his sons and wife out of the room
"Leave us" Odin said
"Father you can't be serious" Thor said first followed by Loki "This is madness!" Loki shouted in anger towards his father for conceding to my decision
"DO NOT RAISE YOUR VOICE WITH ME, BOY!" Odin snapped. No longer was his anger directed towards me but instead to his sons
"She'll die!" Thor objected. Loki then dashed down the throne and stood in front of me holding my shoulders urgently making me stumble on my footing
"Take it back. Forget about the eyes of those that witnessed your decision earlier" Loki said trying to convince me
"Loki.." I said in a guilty voice for being the cause of his distress
"We can make something up! We can say it was an illusions created by me to fool the people of Asgard for my amusement or we can even say it was an imposter that had a vendetta with you so they shapeshifted to your form" Loki said quickly as if our time was running out but before I can reassure him, his Father broke our moment, repeating his command
"Leave us" Odin said more firmly in a hard voice
"No! Mother he can't" Loki said frantically towards his mother asking for to take his side but all Frigga did was wipe away her tears
"I said leave us boy! I order you as your king!" Odin shouted losing his patience with his younger son
"she's to be my wife!" Loki shouted back to everyone's surprise then directs his attention towards me, pleading for me to give up this foolishness while Thor goes to their father's side and pleads for his understanding to not give in to my request
"Guards! Take my son out. Drag them if you must" Odin ordered the guards outside the throne room and they heed his call. They enter and grab both Loki and Thor's arms, escorting them out. Both of them fighting the hold of Odin's soldiers but they were overpowered by number and were dragged away without choice. Frigga then pulled me into a tight embraced "I wish it didn't have to be this end" she said then kissed my forehead "you are a remarkable woman" she added then left to join her sons

"(y/n) come sit with me" Odin said in a tired voice. I then followed his request and sat beside him "I remember like to was just yesterday you came to the palace with lady Sif and those boys you had a fight with" he said chuckling to a distant memory "you stared back at me with fire in your eyes that you'd prove to everyone that a young maiden can be just as fierce as any male warrior" he den sigh and continue "and indeed you have blown us away. Your family would be proud just as I am" he said, finishing our little moment of calmness before coming back to reality at hand
"Vanquish the Goddess of Death" He said with seriousness while his eyes were clouded with.. Sadness..
"What?" I asked with bewilderment "I didn't know we had a Goddess of Death"
"Her name is Hela. For centuries she was known as the Goddess of Death, she drew her powers from Asgard and as King, I banished her for the safety of our people. I had her written out of history as a way to remove the future generations' fear. Your generation knows nothing but you are the exception now. For decades, the Valkyrie fought her in hopes of disposing her but as time pass, one by one the Valkyrie fell until there was none left" Odin explained
"There is no turning back now that you know of her existence. When you are ready, head towards Heimdal and he will send you to the Goddess of Deaths domain" he then stood up then faced me
"Vanquish the Goddess of Death" He said, looking down offering his hand. I took it and stood up. White and gold aesir binds our linked hands etching to my skin a light mark of the Valkyrie "should you succeed, you will ascend as a true Valkyrie and this mark shall be permanent" He finished then let go. We shared one last look at each other before he turned his back to me and left me alone in the throne room. It took me a few minutes to gather my thoughts and the first that came was Loki. I sprinted towards the door and was greeted with the sight of Loki pacing back and forth on the hallway.

"Loki" I said speechless. Has he been here the whole time waiting for me?
"Tell you won't push on with this nonsense" Loki said while holding my face with the palm of his hands "Tell me you won't. Thor and Sif are pleading on your behalf to my mother and father to amend this" Loki rested his forehead against mine. We closed our eyes savouring this moment until I broke it
"We've lived for thousands of years yet I still wish we had more time, Loki" I said to him wrapping my arms around his neck to hug him
"I may have odd feelings for you" Loki whispered while we embraced "it is strange but I may love you" he added. We've known each other for thousands of years and I've always proclaimed my affections for him but I've only realized now that we've never said it to each other. I knew I loved him the moment I saw him but to him.. At most, it would make sense that he's fond of me but to tell me that he might love me made me feel special because no one in the 9 realms has ever captured his heart. This revelation just made this much harder
"So choose me and stay. Don't run off where I can't follow" Loki said to me. Does Loki not trust me? Did he think death was all that awaits me? Did he not believe in my strengths that I would succeed?
"You're being unfair" I said, sounding betrayed. I untangled myself from his embrace and took a step back creating some distance between us
"You can't do that to me. You can't make me choose between you and my dream" This isn't fair. I spent my life training and working hard being where I am now. Loki is a prince and he will never understand my position. I had to work hard to be where I am today while he was just born to the position of a prince. Asking me to give this up was unfair.
"dream? You would die before you even reach your dream" Loki said, mocking me. He was being selfish. He's just focusing on what he wants and not I want for myself
"That's not true. I'll succeed and prove you wrong! I'll prove to everyone that thought so little of me wrong!" I said as tears were spilling from my eyes. I didn't want to fight. I don't want to fight the man I love
"Stop crying. Don't make me play the part of the Villain" he said to me regarding to the situation of his words making me cry
"Then what are you trying to achieve with this conversation?" I asked sorrowful
"I want you to choose me. I want you to choose us. You chased me around for years and now that you finally achieved in capturing me, you'll run off to your next great adventure? Was I just a pastime to you?" Loki shouted cruel accusatory words at me, making me cry harder. I did what my body wanted me to do and wrapped my arms and legs around him and kissed him deeply, hoping it would convey my feelings to him while my tears soaked his face. We kissed deeply, his tongue dominating my own like a desperate man
"Stay (y/n). Please. Choose me instead of death" Loki whispered to my tear stained face. I looked him in the eye. His once again dazzling eyes that have captured my heart since the first day I saw them.
"I love you.. with all my fucking heart... but"
"Think about what you're going to say next and if you just do not say it, we could perhaps happily stand here forever" Loki said in a whisper while resting his forehead against mine
"I can do it. I will succeed. I know it" I said while more of my tears continue to shed
"My fate was always to fall for you, yours were to become a Valkyrie or die trying" Loki said and for the first time since I've known him, this was my first time seeing him shed tears
"I'll haunt you" I said making him chuckle despite our tear stained faces
"Promise it" He said and captured my lips in a bittersweet kiss that tasted of our salty tears. We shared one last hug and kiss before I pushed myself away from him and dashed towards my room to change into my combat attire. After getting myself changed, I then equipped myself with 2 daggers on each leg and a sword on my hip. In the dead of the night I marched towards the rainbow bridge where Asgards Gatekeeper Heimdall resides

"Departing without saying you goodbyes?" Heimdall said to my approaching figure
"I figured it would be better to go on my quest while Sif and Thor are preoccupied with the Allfather and Queen Frigga on amending my request. They'd try to stop me anyway so it's best to be 3 steps ahead" I explained making Heimdall hum in agreement
"When was the last time you sent a Valkyrie to assassinate the Goddess of Death?" I asked in my nervousness while he prepares to transport me to Hela's domain
"It has been 6 millennia since the last Valkyrie went and died in her domain" Heimdall answered without any emotion. He then placed the sword in its place and dialed the right passage to transport me.
"Where you will journey to, you shall recognize evil in the flesh, give no truces to your enemies. Good luck lady (y/n)" Heimdall says before he sends me away to the Goddess of Death's domain

Chapter Text

"So Odin still hasn't forgotten me it seems" A voice said to me just as soon as I landed in her domain.
"You must be Hela. I am (y/n) of Asgard. I was sent here to give you eternal rest" I said introducing myself while looking around our surroundings. We were in a desolate land with no signs of life anywhere. Just the dirt beneath our feet and the murky sky above us
"Really? I see the new generation was raised with arrogance. What makes you think you'd succeed where your ancestors failed?" She said taunting while walking towards me
"I will be better. Am better" I then took out my sword from my scabbard and assume a defense position in case she makes her first move
"Easier said than done" Hela said before she leaped towards me. I blocked her just in time to deflect her offense however she was too strong. The blow sent me stumbling back a wide distance. My eyes went wide realizing the difference in our power.
"You are the first in the past millennia that has attempted to battle me. You are either brave or foolish. Perhaps both" Hela said while walking towards me. A very slow pace
"There's usually not this much taking in a fight" I said gathering myself from the ground and standing upright, ready to battle her again
"It's been a while since I've last had company. Answer me, child. What did Odin promise you in exchange then?" Hela asked me. Wondering why after all this time, only now did a new contender come to challenge her. The two of us charged at each other with our swords. I might have won 1st place in my evaluation tournament but her skills prove too much for me to handle. She slammed her necro sword against mine with a force shattering it. In my daze of surprise she impaled my hand on the ground making me howl in pain. Hela then circled my kneeling figure on the ground clutching my hand that was impaled
"is that a Valkyrie sigil?" She said noting my visible tattoo that was marked on my impaled hand
"ugh and your blood is putrid. You smell like a mortal from midgard" she added while making a fanning gesture to exaggerate her point
"Careful what you say about my mother" I snapped at her then mentally and physically prepared myself for what i'm about to do. I then summon all my courage and lifted my hand through the body of the necro sword, freeing it
"A half mortal and half asgardian who has a temporary Valkyrie sigil. I imagine your parents threw a fit with your career decisions" She said with a snicker. I didn't bother answering her since im in too much pain to pay any attention to her
"no quirky comeback?" She teased me while I ripped my sleeve off and wrapped the cloth around my injured hand.
"they're dead, aren't they?" She asked, making me flinch. My parents were always a sore subject for me. I hardly even talk about them with Sif and she's my best friend.
"Oh this is rich" Hela saind laughing darkly as if she just found out something amusing
"Now I see it, I see why you desperately want to become a Valkyrie" She pressed on making my body tense on where this was going
"Shut up!" I shouted at her then draw both my blades in each hand even though the other is hurting like a bitch
"The valkyrie guides those who die and takes them to the afterlife hall of Valhalla. You want to have that access, don't you? to come and go to valhalla to see your mommy and daddy" She said mocking me and my parents
"I said shut up!" I then rush towards her swinging my daggers at her but stumbling due to exhaustion and pain
"hahahaha! Oh this is delicious! A Valkyrie to be with selfish upbringing" She laughed and laughed at me while evading my baldes. Out of focus and in the heat of the battle, she then stuck her foot out making me lose my balance and falling face first to the ground. She then approached me with a necro sword on hand looming over my form on the floor
"you are nothing more than a tool used for dear old dad's advantage" She said with seriousness making me confused
"Dad? Odin? Are you saying you're... the All father's daughter" I asked not really prepared to know the truth if she really was part of the royal family I swore loyalty and protection to
"You didn't know?" She asked with anger as if the answer to my question was suppose to be obvious to my knowledge
"Oh this is rich. First I was too powerful for him to subdue so he had me banished, then he sent countless Valkyries to kill me and now I find out He has me written out of history?!" She shouted turning her back to me and screaming to the heavens on this revelation that she was erased from history
"I don't understand" I said standing up and composing myself
"Oh don't be too discouraged, child. Odin's lap dogs were never meant to be informed much" Hela scoffed at me. Her eyes then flickered with gleam as if she had an idea. She marked right at me in a flash that my eyes weren't able to see hee movements. Before I realized it, she had her hands on my head and was using her Aesir to scan through my mind, digging through my memories and observing Asgard in the years of her absence through my eyes. When she released my mind, I was faced with Hela making a dark expression, no doubt displeased with what she saw through my memories.

"My father took in a half breed of an orphan. My mother supported you. My younger brothers adore you.." she said to me with sadness but then realization struck her features making her livid. "You took my place in my family" She added in a low voice that if we were not standing face to face i would've missed it. Before I could even react to her words, she summoned a necro sword and stabbed me on my stomach making me cough blood
"You're nothing but another lapdog brought into the inner squabbling of the royal family" she said, making me lose control and let myself be consumed by rage. I lost control. For a split second, my mind slipped into a frenzy. My body moving on its own pulling out both her swords that were lodged in my body. My mind blocked out all the pain and my body moved on its own hitting her pulse points and openings in a continuous manner. For reasons unknown, new found energy was flowing through my body to continue fighting her despite that I was literally bleeding to death. before I snapped yourself back into reality, I slammed her to the ground and used both swords to impale her shoulders to the floor making her scream.
"How is this possible" She said to me then took notice of the glowing thing on my finger. The one that Loki and I both have
"you have a cursed ring with you. My, my, a Valkyrie to be who cheats. How times have changed" She chuckles while coughing blood like I did a moment ago. Exhaustion and pain finally consumed my body, making me fall beside her. We stared above the murky sky in silence thinking about how we lived our lives only to reach here. We were both bleeding but we both know only I will die succumbing to my wounds in battle

"Tell me about my brothers" Hela asked me breaking the silence
"One is protective and never thinks before he acts. He would've been a headache growing up if you were there but I think you would both get along nevertheless" I answered about Thor then coughing blood. My breathing getting fainter and fainter
"the other is just as protective but a bit possessive. He loves causing chaos and disrupting peace but given time you will come to realize what a sensitive soul he has" I closed my eyes, losing the energy to keep them open "they would've loved to meet you" I added and finally waited for my heart to beat its last. I hear Hela shift beside me no doubt dislodging her swords on her shoulder with ease as if it were dust. What happened next was something beyond my wildest imagination. I felt hands on my forehead and stomach with warmth and energy I've never felt before. With newfound will I opened my eyes and was met with the sight of Hela... Healing me

"Why.." I asked bewildered. She pays you no attention and continues her work. You reached desperately for hands to stop, but before you could, she willed you to stay still
"I'm tired and I'm older than I look.. This game Odin and I are playing. Is meaningless now" she told me in a calm voice. Explaining the reason for her actions "I've chased and chased Odin's approval but in the end when I finally paved the way for him, he cast me out. I've always thought he was just one of those men who had their ways of parenting with tough love but when looking through your memories.. That was not the case. I was just a tool for him and never his daughter in his mind" She then looked me in the eyes with sadness but just when I was about to sympathise with her. I felt the mood in our moment turn tense. She then straddle my weak body then cupped my jaw in a painful grip
"And what better way to win this game of ours than to break his new daughter" She taunted me with a wicked smile making me for the first time scared in my life
"You shall be my successor" She then forced my mouth open. She bit her wrist and tore the flesh making her blood flow to my mouth and forcing me to drink it. She then wrote symbols on my forehead and started a chant of a ritual I've never known of
"No! You can't do this! I need to be a Valkyrie!" I shouted with tears and tried to break free from her hold. My purpose of becoming a Valkyrie was to reunite my parents in the afterlife. My asgardian father was in Valhalla while my mortal mother was in heaven. I wanted to reunite them together at the same time as a Valkyrie. I could come and go to visit them. I wanted to talk to them and make up for our lost time. This was the reason that I never grieved or thought of them gone. I've always planned to be reunited with them once again as a Valkyrie. Turning into the new Goddess of death will be the complete opposite.
Without warning, a surging pain was suddenly flowing through my body, giving me incredible strength as if I was turning into a... God. I pushed her off of me, knocking her a good distance. I stood up and felt instantly woozy. I examined my wounds from battle and before my eyes they were sealing and disappearing without a trace
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" I shouted and marched towards her and subconsciously I summoned my own necro sword out of my hands, making me surprised.

"Congratulations. You are forever cast out of Valhalla never to be reunited with your family even in death" She said to me darkly while withering away into dust
"Give our father my regards. As one daughter to another" She said before finally turning to dust and being blown by the wind. I stood there for what felt like hours trying to grasp my new reality. I was now the Goddess of Death. The target I needed to get rid of to become a Valkyrie
"my marking" I said remembering my sigil. I brought my sleeves up and what greeted me was nothing but smooth skin without blemish. It was gone. My Sigil was gone and there were no second chance. The sigil either considers me dead or unfit to be a Valkyrie.
"(y/n) Goddess of Death" I said to no one and stared at the sky. Making up my mind I decided to demand answers to the person responsible for all these unfortunate events
"Heimdal" I said to the sky and instantly I was enveloped by the light and transported back into the gatekeepers station when I opened my eyes.
"Where is Odin" I asked Heimdal with venom

Chapter Text

"Where is Odin?" I asked Heimdal with venom. Heimdall positioned himself blocking the only exit of the bifrost that leads towards Asgard
"Be warned, I will honor my sworn oath to protect this realm as its gatekeeper. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, and its King. I will not hesitate to smite you Lady (y/n)" Heimdall said to me warningly with a sword in hand making me laugh
"Unbelievable. I spent my life with blind devotion to our kingdom and the moment my role is compromised, people of Asgard are turning their backs at me" I calmly said to the gatekeeper with fury in my eyes. Im beyond pissed inside at the moment and Heimdall implying that just because I am now the goddess of death, all my services to Asgard are thrown caution to the wind. Upon noticing that Heimdall isn't stepping down from his position in blocking the exit. I decided to unbelt my sword making it clang on the floor. I then unsheathed both daggers from my legs and dropped them on the floor along with my sword. Last but certainly not the least, after hard concentration, I finally manage to unsummoned my necro sword. Heimdall finally stepped aside when he deemed me as a non hostile threat
"The All father is with Queen Frigga reading in their study before going to rest in their quarters" Heimdall informed me. I was approaching the exit when Heimdall suddenly offered me a long dark robe "I would advise you to wear it and avoid any unnecessary attention" He added then turned his back to me and went to his original position of overlooking the stars. Taking his advice, I walked towards the palace in stealth, avoiding anyone's unwanted attention. It was probably for the best. The people of Asgard have lived for thousands of years in peace resulting in ignorant bliss. Who knows what might happen to their fragile minds if they found out the goddess of death walks amongst them. Deciding it was for the best, I took extra precaucion to hiding in plain sight until finally I arrived at the All father and the queen's door

"Enter" Odin said after I knocked on his door. I entered and closed the door behind me then pulled back the hood of my robe revealing my face. Frigga and Odin both had a dumbfounded expression on their faces. Clearly they weren't expecting my return
"Well done on completing your mission. You've done your kingdom and parents proud" Odin said first after recovering from his shock
"... Is that all you have to say?" I said passive aggressively
"We must celebrate your glory for being the first to revive the Valkyrie" Odin added disregarding my words then turning his back to me nonchalantly
"She was a part of your family! member of the royal family I swore to protect!" I shouted at them with tears
"She was the Goddess of Death!" Odin shouted back while Frigga tries to hold back a sob
"She was your daughter!" I shouted back just intensely as he did
"You sent me to her, knowingly that one of us would die" I stepped towards Odin until we are finally faced to face
"Do you remember what you said to me? You took me in, fed me, clothe me, put a roof above my head. You said you saw me as your daughter" I told him in anger
"What kind of a father send his daughter off to kill his first born" I added and for the first time in my life, I saw Odin actually speechless by guilt and regret wondering if what he's done so far was right and just
"She was the Goddess of Death. She draws her strength from Asgard the moment she was born. She had to be removed from the realm or else destruction shall reign on us all" He explained to me regaining his stoic resolve and choosing not to empathise the passing of his daughter
"She was banished already! Why would you go to the effort of sending Valkyrie after Valkyrie to kill her" I tried reasoning with him. Was this really the kind of king he always was? A King who wouldn't think twice sending his foster daughter to kill his biological one
"A wise king never seeks out war, but... he must always be ready for it." he said to me. I refused to believe that he was this kind of person. He has always been kind and loving to his sons.. But what if he's doing right to his sons to make up for his wrongs with his first born.. He could've just patched things up with her but it's as if he's sweeping his mistakes under the rug except I'm the one doing it for him
"She was your daughter!" I shouted hoping to get through to him. Even a single tear of sadness of his daughter's passing would do. Anything that would show any remorse
"Silence! I am your King" He said, confirming my assumption that he was indeed a King who leads with an iron heart.
"Not anymore!" I declared in a loud voice. Hela was right. I am just a lapdog to Asgard's King at his beck and call.
"I DID NOT SPEND YEARS OF MY LIFE TRAINING SO THAT I COULD MANAGE THE SQUABBLE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY" I shouted finally snapping. I refuse to swear loyalty to Odin
"You do not have that luxury to turn your back to me. The moment you vanquished the goddess of death, your mark was activated. Making you a forever Valkyrie sworn to serve your Kingdom. Your sigil is now your chain" Odin said as a matter of fact. He must've thought he had the upper hand and the say he seems proud as if he bested me made me laugh out loud as if I've finally gone made
"It's come to my attention that you don't know who I am. I am (y/n). Daughter of (f/n). Victor of the legion tournament of Asgard and the Goddess of Death" I said wickedly then summoned a necro sword to prove my point "A God does not kneel to a king" I added then draw back my sword to my body making it disappear
"What have you done, child" Odin said with wide eyes
"Hela sends her regards" I said with an impassive voice
"You were sent to her domain to kill her! Not join hands with her!" Odin said accusingly. If only he knew how a few hours ago I was bleeding to death and ready to lay down my life for him and his selfish command, he wouldn't question my loyalty like this. I guess I have Hela to thank for that. She gave me a second chance to really open my eyes even though she honestly just did this to cause a rift in Odin's plans and not to save me out of the goodness in her heart
"In the aftermath of the battle, Hela lost the will to live due to heartbreak of her Father's actions. In her final moments she decided to pass on her powers to me as I lay there dying" I explained "I am forever locked out of Valhalla. Never to reunite with my family in death. Never to be a Valkyrie" I added. This was all his fault. Him and all his secrecy
"Your pity tale does not change anything" He told me with seriousness making me livid
"You have betrayed the express command of your king. You were to vanquish Hela the Goddess of death but instead you've committed treason. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you've arrived here and brought danger to the realms and the innocent lives around you to the horror and desolation that is coursing through your veins! You are unworthy of these realms, you're unworthy of your title, you're unworthy... of the loved ones you have betrayed!" Odin angrily said to me making me take a few steps back
"Dear husband, no! Please not again" Frigga pleads in urgency hoping to stop her husband in doing the same mistake he did to their first born
"In the name of my father and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!" Odin decided, making me speechless. All the years of my loyalty really does mean nothing. Without excusing myself I turned back to him and marched out the door. I ran straight to my room and rested my back against it feeling lost and emotionally tired. I gave myself 10 seconds to take it all in then composed myself. There was no time to waste.

I grabbed my enchanted pocket space shoulder bag that Loki bought me from the black market and started to shove everything in my room into my bag. All the books, weapons, clothes, even the linen and bathing items in the bathroom. Just when everything was all packed, guards and the queen entered my room. Frigga made her way towards me and wrapped me in a tight hug and then kissing my forehead like a mother would when saying goodbye to their child
"This is for you, my child" She said handing me the iconic white signature Valkyrie uniform
"You know I can never be a Valkyrie now right?" I said with a chuckle. I know she doesn't mean to hurt my feelings but seeing the uniform of my dream job got me feeling down
"Right. I believe a change in decoration is in order" Frigga then tapped on the folded uniform in my hand and it turned black with silver linings
"Clothes do not define the person" She said with a smile and pushed my hair behind my ear. I then shoved the armour inside my enchanted bag
"My dear, you are an extraordinary woman.. Never forget that" Frigga said to me with sadness in her eyes. The guards then marched to my sides and grabbed each arm, forcefully dragging me towards the bifrost. Thankfully it was night time in Asgard, not a lot of people were around but as an extra precaution, Frigga casted an invisibility field around us. When we were nearing the bifrost, I only saw Heimdall and Odin waiting at the end. Where was Sif, Thor and... Loki. No. They weren't going to let me say my goodbyes
"Wait! I haven't said my goodbyes yet!" I demanded trying to break free
"A traitor has no rights to demand such things" Odin said to me with cruelty, making me angry. I overpowered the guards with my newfound God strength and then summoned a sword on each hand making them alarm
"I am not leaving without saying my goodbyes" I said to them in warning that I will not hesitate to hurt them if they do not listen
"You don't have a choice" Odin said then personally engaged me in battle while Frigga and Heimdal were observing on the sides. We clashed inside the dome of the bifrost, both of us equal in combat.
"I'm not leaving without seeing Loki" I huffed
"I'm afraid you are" Odin said then blasted me with his staff knocking me back through the portal. I only realize now that during our battle, he directed me to stand with my back to the portal. The last thought on my mind was Loki. How we never had a chance to be together.

-additional scene-
Loki POV

"I'll haunt you" she said making me chuckle despite our tear stained faces
"Promise it" I told her and captured her lips in a bittersweet kiss that tasted of our salty tears. We shared one last hug and kiss before she pushed herself away from me and left. That was my last moment with (y/n) a week ago. I waited for her each morning in the week she left. Sometimes with Thor but most of the time with Sif. Sif told me that any day now (y/n) would come back exhausted from her mission and that she needed us to help her walk back to the palace. Sif said it to reassure me (y/n) would come back but after 3 days since her departure, I believe Sif is mostly saying it to assure herself than me.

After a week with no news of her. Heimdal was summoned by the All father and when asked upon (y/n)'s condition, Heimdal answered my father of her passing.
"That's Impossible!" Sif shouted in denial and tears in her eyes. Thor held her back from lashing out to the gatekeeper.
"That cannot be. You honestly don't believe this nonsense right brother?" I looked at Thor but instead his tears were what met my gaze. I was in denial myself. That night, it was announced that the first contender that attempted to revive the Valkyrie had died in battle. My family and our friends moured for my beloved but none of them could ever compare to the way my heart broke in your passing.

The next day I marched straight towards the throne room where Odin was conversing with Heimdall
"Where did you send her?" I asked Odin with anger. I would annihilate whatever species took you from me.
"You know I cannot tell you" Odin said to me while he sat on his throne. Curse the secrecy of the Valkyrie test. Instead I directed my gaze to Heimdal
"I demand you send me to her whereabouts" I command him as his prince and as a members of the royal family he swore to serve
"I cannot my prince" Heimdal spoke without emotion making me redirect my emotions back to Odin
"Please! Father, I beg of you. Let me collect (y/n)'s remains at least. She deserves a proper sepulture instead of rotting God knows where!" I bargained with my father. At least this much I hoped he would allow but instead he turned his back to my request.
I then decided to head to (y/n)'s room where I was surprised to see nothing was left of her belongings. I asked Sif where it was but she told me the same thing that was told to her by the maids. Since (y/n) didn't have any next of kin to send it to, her belongings were both donated and thrown away by the servants.

The next few weeks flew by without me noticing. At first I spent a long time trying to convince mother and father to let me collect (y/n)'s remains but everytime they rejected my request. Sif and I tried to find even a semblance or trace of your belongings but to no avail. In the end, our ring was all that I had to remember you by and I had no one intention of sharing this to anyone else.

"Brother it's late. Come home and have supper with us. Mother is worried about you" Thor said while approaching me on the ground. I was looking up at the stars while sitting here at the training grounds where we shared our kiss for the first time.
"It's been weeks now, brother. It's time to move on and accept reality. She's gone" Thor added with sadness. He offered me his hand and I took it to get up from the floor
"The commitment that she made, to our realm, our family, to me, the quality of her love led me to understand that I could have no greater ambition in life than to be the best possible husband I could be for her" I said with a smile remembering the strong and stubborn Lady (y/n) of Asgard who put others first before her. A woman who will never be forgotten to the people of Asgard, especially me
"... And now I'll never be able to" I finally said with acceptance. We then walked alongside each other towards the palace where our family is waiting for us

Chapter Text

The blow sent me stumbling through the portal to the ground on the other side. My eyes went out of focus and began to water as I frantically tried to catch my breath and regain my balance. I looked around me and realize that wherever I am it was night time and the land was surrounded by wildlife
"this isnt Jotunheim nor Hela's domain" I said to myself while taking in my surroundings. I saw a distant light near the edge of the land connected with the sea and decided to walk towards it. One foot in front of the other and soon I found myself in a village. A very... Primitive village. All the women wore plain grey dresses while the men wore casual labor ready clothes.
"Are you lost, dearie?" An old woman carrying her basket asked me while eyeing my attire. I still wore the dark hooded robe that Heimdal gave me along with my armour underneath
"Yes actually. May I ask what is the name of this realm?" I asked politely to the old woman with a smile on my face
"I think you meant to say City, dear. You're at the city of white harbour, one of the well known thriving ports and the eight largest settlement in Norway" she replied with a wrinkled smile as if asking what realm we were at was something silly to ask. Why would she think that was silly? Is she not aware that there are other life forms beyond her realm? Then it hit me.
"Oh no. This is earth isn't it?" I said as I face palmed

EARTH
Present day

I woke up yawning and staring at the ceiling of the farm house I built long ago. After arriving on earth, I poured all my time and effort into trying to find gateway portals around the world hoping to find one that would get me anywhere off of this wretched place and back home to Asgard. Anywhere but earth really! Needless to say, I arrived on earth during the 16th century. It was a nightmare. An abundance of people were unhygienic and illiterate not to mention the economy of never ending crop failure and disease was a constant threat to life. The years went by me and soon the people I've known died one by one. Human life is quite fragile yet I can't help but envy how they can spend each and every day making it count knowing any day can be their last.

I waited on earth with a hopeful spirit that any day now, Odin will lift my banishment or that one day my friends will come visit me here. Loki would, wouldn't he? Over the years, I rely on folktales as a means of being updated with my friends back home despite my doubts on its credibility. I heard Sif is now known as the Goddess of War. Good for her! I knew she would exceed everyone's expectations of her and now she has reached Godhood just like me! How I miss my best friend. Oh! And I also made the cut! The tale of (y/n) warrior maiden of Asgard. The true love of Loki who chose loyalty over heart and died in battle which inspired the rise of the midgardian shield maidens in the year 1750. Besides Sif and I, I've also heard that apparently Loki and Sigyn got married. Despite my rational thinking that it's probably just a made up story by hopeless romantics and nothing more, my temper got the better of me and so I might have started a tale about how the God of Lies and Mischief Loki shape-shifted into a mare and became pregnant by the stallion of a giant which became a highlight of norse mythology as a recounted tale of the fortification of Asgard making it forever written in history till present day. My bad.

Century after century, technology and practices were improved. Running water and sewage systems were made, electricity was conducted. Laws and liberation were preached and celebrated. As mankind's achievements grew, my safety was at risk. People started to notice me. My strength, my knowledge, my never fading youth. Documents were being created, identification cards, birth certificates, even a single photograph of my face can compromise my true Identity. If the humans find out that the Goddess of Death walks amongst them, who knows what they will do to me. I dreaded the unknown. What if they successfully create a weapon that could harm me. Anything was possible now. The humans freaking made it to the moon for Pete's sake! I took it upon myself and decided to move and live in seclusion. I travelled to North America around the 20th century where I built myself a farm house up north. I trained myself and the powers that come with being the Goddess of Death.

"We know you're up already! Open the door (y/n)!" A voice shouted, breaking my thoughts of reminiscing my life on Earth through the years. the person shouting was no doubt the same person banging on my door with impatience
"I heard you for the first time!" I shouted back as I got up from bed and made way to open the door to the impatient visitors
"You know you don't have to check up on me right? When a person chooses to live in solitude it's usually because they don't want to be bothered" I said greeting both Nat and Clint as I open the door for them to enter
"We wouldn't have to check up on you if you'd just move into the tower with us" Nat said while giving me a hug and bringing in souvenirs and snacks from her missions
"Exactly. You'd be doing us a favor by getting Fury off our backs with constant reminders of monitoring you, (y/n)" Clint added and then kissed my forehead in greeting. During one of my training in seclusion in the early 2000s, I was flexing my powers while training to try a new combat move I thought of. While using my powers I unknowingly attracted the attention of SHIELD. The next day, a man with an eyepatch appeared on my door. His name was Nick Fury and he asked me about my name and my abilities. At first I tried to evade his questions as much as I could but then he threatened me that if I won't comply then he will mark me as hostile. I knew he wasn't a threat and I know I can kill him and his agents in an instant but that would cost me the price of being exposed as a God. After a lengthy discussion, Fury and I came to an agreement, I would work every now and then for him as well as provide whatever knowledge I know in exchange for my existence to remain unknown except for a few selected agents who will monitor me every 2 weeks. Though I've decided to fabricate my identity so that Fury and his little agents won't know that I'm actually a God from another realm. I introduced myself as an enhanced individual who has lived for 100 years after being experimented on. He seems to have bought my story without noticing how similar it was to the super soldier that was recently recovered.

That's how I met Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton. They were one of the few agents I've had the pleasure of working and saving during our missions together. The three of us got along so well that Fury assigned them both to monitor me every 2 weeks since I refuse to move into the big city. Nat and Clint were actually the ones who submitted my name to the roster who were qualified to join this team called Avengers Initiative. No surprises I turned the offer down and evidently it was the right choice considering the whole Thor and Loki being involved in the battle of New York. I made a promise to myself that I will not partake in anything that has to do with the squabbles of the royal family ever again, especially since after all this time they never once took a trip down to earth and visited me. I deluded myself for centuries thinking that maybe Odin forbid them to visit me but apparently that was not the case since Thor has been actively doing his part as a team of earth's mightiest heroes. Besides, maybe it's for the best...

"You have that gloomy look on you again" Clint said flicking my forehead and bringing me back to reality on where I am now
"Yeah (y/n). The least you can do is talk to us instead of spacing out there with your thoughts" Nat said before taking a sip of her coffee. Since when did they make their coffee? I swear these two feel more at home than me in my house
"I can't help it. I don't usually have the company to share my thoughts" Nat and Clint shared a knowing look then smirked. Oh no.
“Stand down” I warned them first, the smile growing on their faces
"That sounds like a cry for help, don't you think so Nat?" Clint said to his partner
"I believe so. I think our friend (y/n) here is sending us signals that she's finally interested to go out of town with us" Nat replied to him with a smile as if they were waiting for this day to happen
"no no no" I can't go to New York with them! What if I run into Thor!
"She has been living for 100 years now and the only places she's been to is the grocery store and my farm house" Clint added. Oh how wrong he was. I've been to different realms and I'm pretty sure I've explored all Earth has to offer in the 400 years I've lived here.
"Exactly" Nat said then putting her mug on the sink and walking towards my room
"Excuse me. That's my room!" I said following her towards my room. She then took out my suitcase and started ransacking my clothes
"Honestly, (y/n)? When was the last time you've updated your wardrobe?" Nat commented on my choice of clothes which were mostly oversized long sleeved tunics and trousers and a couple of coats.
"Forget the clothes! We'll just get her new one's in New york!" Clint shouted from the kitchen where I can hear the running water. He must've taken it upon himself to wash the dishes that were used
"good thinking" Nat agreed when she finally gave up on my closet and instead changed tasked of double checking my doors and windows making sure they were locked
"I dont have money guys" I said trying to reason with them that i'm not going anywhere outside my farm house
"I know for a fact that all your mission salary is just sitting there on your payroll account" Nat said with an eyebrow raised
"No one taught me how to take them out the plastic card thingy" I defended
"Where's the plastic ATM card then?" Nat asked making me look down at my feet with guilt
"I broke it accidentally..." I answered in a small voice
"I've turned off the electricity and water pump" Clint said meeting back with us
"all doors and windows are secured" Nat replied. "We also need to get her a new credit card when we get there" Nat added, then she started pushing me towards the door outside the farm and into the quinjet... While I was still wearing my pajamas. I tried convincing them that I really don't wanna go but that would be a lie. I was a bit curious to see how much the city has changed. I just needed to be careful and hopefully not run into Thor. The only other being who knows my true Identity
"So.. Is Thor currently in New York?" I asked breaking the conversation Clint and Nat were having while they were both flying co-pilot the quinjet
"Oh la la. Never peg you as someone who's into muscles" Clint teased making me slap the back of his neck
"No you idiot. Just curious how strong he is against me" I explained trying to avoid suspicion
"Unfortunately he's off-world at the moment but Rogers is there. He might surprise you if you ever choose to go one on one with him" Clint said which made me relieved. At least now I can rest easy without constantly looking behind my back wondering if Thor might be there. Though Clint's suggestion wasn't bad. I really wanted to know how much stronger I've gotten after years of training here on Earth. I have sparred with Nat and Clint before but I was always holding myself back. But maybe the super soldier could handle my full capability.
"I'll keep that in mind however you guys aren't really going to parade me out of town while i'm wearing my pajamas, right?" I joked but apparently this was a wake up call for them since they only realize now how underdressed I was.
"Did you guys seriously only notice now?" I was baffled by their silence. They both looked outside the window with an awkward cough
"unbelievable. Are you sure you're both assassins?" I teased them, making them both groan with annoyance. Deciding on taking pity on them, I retreated back to my seat while laughing. After 10 minutes we landed on what appears to be a tower with a giant A on the side. No doubt the Avengers tower

"Welcome back Agent Romanoff, Agent Barton'' A voice greeted us as we made our way inside. Then all of a sudden loud alarms were everywhere. I looked around me alarmed but no signs of other life forms were detected within my presence
"She's not an intruder, Jarvis. Turn off the alarm system you're gonna wake everyone"
"Apologies Agent Romanoff. However It seems our guest has no facial records available in any online database" the Jarvis voice said where ever he is
"She's a special case wiped clean courtesy of SHIELD. She's no threat to Jarvis. She's a guest" Nat explained to the voice
"Understood however I will be needing a name for registry in Mr. Starks security logging of the tower" Jarvis explained to us
"Her name-" Clint was about to comply with the voice's demands however I intend to remain anonymous during my stay. I panicked and unconsciously said the first name that I could think of
"-is Sif. My name is Sif" I said in a hurry and instantly cringing. Using my Sifs was already a dead giveaway that I might have relations with Thor
"Sif eh? As in the Goddess of War? Really got the hots for our resident God of Thunder huh?" Clint teased me once again assuming that I'm interested in Thor which could be a blessing in disguise really.
"Thank you Ms. Sif. Shall I take the liberty of sending someone to prepare your room during your stay?" Jarvis asked me. Not knowing what to answer back, Nat took initiative and answered for me
"That would be great Jarvis. Where is everyone by the way?" Nat asked the Jarvis voice
"Mr. Stark and Dr. Banner were working together on the 39th floor laboratory; however they are on their way up to meet Ms. Sif. Captain Rogers has been out since 5am in his early run and should be back soon" Jarvis answered Nat's question
"why are they coming up to meet y/-err Sif?" Clint asked almost saying my real name but thankfully Nat elbowed him
"I have informed them of Ms. Sifs lack of government issued documents as well as facial recordings of her on the online database. Mr Stark then proceeded to head towards the elevator to your current floor"
Jarvis explained, making me groan. Great! More high profile individuals I'm about to interact with. So much for keeping a low profile. Right on cue the elevator opened as 2 men walked out of it. One was still wearing a lab coat while the other was wearing a rock band shirt. He then eyes me up and down examining me then looks over to Nat and Clint
“I don’t like it when I'm not aware of stuff” The man wearing a black sabbath shirt said towards the two assasin spies
"relax Tony. She's practically harmless" Clint joked trying to lighten the mood. Ah so this guy is the famous Tony Stark and the other one must be Dr. Bruce Banner
"Excuse me? Have you forgotten how many times I've sent you home to Laura covered in bruises?" I objected
"Besides this one, who's Laura, Legolas?" Tony asked while pointing at me
"His girlfriend" I teased him. That's payback for teasing me with Thor who's practically a brother to me when growing up
"Ohhh. Clint Barton you shady lady. Why didn't you tell us?" Tony joined in on my teasing
"Must be threatened with potential competition" I added, taking Tony's side while teasing Clint. An enemy of my enemy is my friend. Clint then exasperated how Tony and I shouldn't get along since I was his friend first. This made us all laugh
"You seem familiar. Have I slept with you?" Tony said redirecting his attention back to me
"If you had then I assure you, you'd never forget it" I replied cheeky then offered my hand to Tony shaking his hand then to Bruce
"Im Sif and I know who you both are" I added
"So... JARVIS told us you have no records on the online database" Burce asked me first before Tony could
"As Nat said, courtesy of SHIELD" I replied smoothly
"I bet I could crack it!" Tony said already making his was to a touch screen panel
"I'd like to see you try" I challenged him. Goodluck trying. Photographs weren't invented yet during my travels and participation in earth's history making it impossible to find any records of me. The only thing he'll ever find is what has been dated to the early 1920s at best. I'm an immigrant of 400 years on earth
"ehem. Sorry about that. Tony has a tendency of showing off" Bruce said, breaking our conversation then added "uh.. Why are you in your pajamas by the way?" Bruced asked making me embarrassed
"Excellent observation skills Dr. Banner. You've already out matched two certain assassins with your observation skill" I answered and glance towards Nat and Clint making them glare at me no doubt they heard what i said
"believe it or not I was practically dragged here from my home" I added making Bruce chuckled
"I see. They can be a bit stubborn. So about what you said earlier about you sending Clint home to his girlfriend covered in bruises. Are you an agent?" Bruce asked
"You're very good at interrogating doctors. Are you sure you're not a spy?" I replied with a smile making him laugh and make a bashful smile
"nah. It's probably because of how much time im spending with Nat that her skills are rubbing on to me" He explained while scratching the back of his neck shyly
"oh really? Nat has mentioned spending time with someone lately but she would never tell me the name. Always going on about how handsome he was and how cute his curly hair is in the morning" I teased him and the way his face turns a bright shade of red just confirms my suspicion. My my how scandalous. I wonder who else knows
"Okaaaay! I think it's time for us to go shopping now! Okay? Okay! Bye bye now" Nat said immediately, cutting our conversation and once again like earlier, pushing me towards the destination she wanted us to go. I then shouted my goodbyes to both Tony and Bruce as well as Jarvis although I don't really know where he is since he didn't show himself. Clint then explained on our way down that Jarvis was not actually a person with physical form but an artificial intelligence created by Tony to assist him in his daily needs. Like a secretary I suppose?

We first made a stop to pick up my new credit card issued my Shield then proceeded to a store Nat said would suit my body shape. Upon entering I was greeted with the sight of dress on each rack making me raise my eyebrow at both Nat and Clint
"I don't wear dresses" I said
"we know but it wouldn't hurt to have some on your closet just in case" Clint said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively
"haha. No. I won't need it" I objected
"nonsense, (y/n). Sooner or later you have to open up your heart again" Nat told me while grabbing hangers with dresses on them. They both knew about my history in the romance department except for the fact that it was with Loki. They know about how I've chased a boy since childhood and then finally when he reciprocates my feelings. His family got in the way and instead of running after me, he choose to remain until one day i got news that he married his ex
"Guys... I'm not yet ready" I said. It was brutal. I spent decades in Norway looking above the sky, waiting for him to descend down and be with me here in exile but instead what greeted me was the news of his marriage and the sight of joyous festivals in each village in Norway celebrating the union with offerings to the sea and viking singing festively.
"(y/n) I get that he really hurt you by abandoning you but that guy is probably dead by now" Clint added while grabbing some dresses for me just like Nat. If only they knew that it was Loki then they'd flip about how my ex is an immortal God
"we're just worried that if you keep pushing everyone, you might miss out on someone great" Nat added with a sigh. We then proceeded to the counter and checked out a mountain of formal, casual, and evening dresses with matching heels. I grabbed one of the simple casual dresses from the pile and headed to the dressing room. I changed into a dark blue wrap dress with short sleeves. When I stepped out, Clint whistled while Nat pushed me to wear the heels she had in hand. Thankfully she was swayed with my desperate no and instead she handed me sandal heel shoes which were just 1 inch high. I'd prefer to just wear normal boots like in my farm but for her I'd compromise. Shop after shop they chose what I needed to buy. Nat helped me by choosing clothes, bags, shoes and even something called lingerie. I didn't understand what the big deal was but Clint desperately pleaded to stay behind when we were in front of Victoria's Secret. Clint on the other hand helped me with picking my farm tools as well as picking out new seeds I've never heard of before. We all went to general stores and bought blankets and new housing items that we all needed, especially Clint since he and Laura were expecting a baby soon. We were already carrying towers of boxes when we decided to head back to the tower. Nat offered to bring the boxes with her and told us to wait for her here with the car. While she went to the parking space, Clint told me he was gonna go to the restroom real quick, leaving me alone. I was fine with being alone since nothing on this planet can really harm me since no one is on equal footing like me. Well, except for Thor but he's not here so I guess it's safe to say that no one can literally harm me even if they tried. I was waiting for Nat and Clint to return when I noticed on the far distance across the street there was a bookstore on sale. It has been a while since I've had a new book. My curiosity got the better of me and so I decided that a little window shopping wouldn't hurt since they're not back yet. When I finally arrived in front of the bookstore, I opened the door and the smell of books wafted through the air making me giddy like a little girl in a candy shop. I inspected each shelf grabbing books that caught my eye. It was mostly mystery and sci-fi story books since there wasn't much earth has to offer that I haven't already learned. I didn't realize that I was already carrying a tower of books stacked together when I bumped into someone

"I'm so sorry ma'am. Are you alright?" He apologized immediately with concern in his blue eyes. He was wearing a white button long sleeves shirt that were pulled back to his elbows and brown trousers
"No, I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going" I said in return and kneeled down gathering our books that fell on the floor
"Wuthering Heights?" I asked him with a smile as I read the books title
"It's one of my favourites. I already have a copy of it but that's actually a first edition" He explained with a smile then picked up one of my book choices from the floor
"The Shadow of the Wind?" He said with a smile handing me back my book
"What can I say? A mystery book for a mysterious girl" I replied to the handsome blonde stranger
"Guess this makes me romantic then" He said gesturing to his book of Wuthering Heights. He helped me gather my books and even carried them to the counter while discussing our love of books and art. It's been a while since I've met someone who actually reads and despite this being our first encounter I could tell he has a kind soul
"Do you come here often?" He asked me with a smile that was very contagious
"It's my first time shopping here. I'm actually from out of town" I answered and for a moment there I thought I saw his smile falter a bit before he asked another question again
"Oh. Are you liking it here so far?" He asked genuinely while we waited in line to the cashier
"So far so good. How about you? Do you live here?" I asked him
"I'm mostly out of town doing... Work. But when I'm not then yes, I suppose I do live here" He answered after careful consideration
"How long are you visiting town, if you don't mind me asking?" He asked me as we took another step closer to our turn to check out our books
"I'm not sure honestly. My friends can be quite spontaneous with plans involving me. Just this morning I woke up with plans of managing my farm when all of a sudden they dragged me all the way here in new york" I explained making him chuckle
"I understand. I had a friend like that too. One moment we had plans to watch a movie then all of sudden I found myself on a double date at the Stark expo" he shared back making me laugh. Our moment was then interrupted by the cashier making a noise clearing his throat. We then checked out both our books and exited the doors. I said my goodbyes and was about to head back to the spot down across the street when he ran up to me

"Um sorry. I know this might come random to you and you're very beautiful so you might be seeing someone already but would you like me to show you around town maybe-" he said to me nervously which I cut him off
"Yes" I find myself saying yes without thinking about it. Maybe Nat was right. Maybe it was time to move on
"Right. Of course you're seeing someone. I'm sorry" He apologies dejected which was very cute since he misunderstood
"No. I mean yes I would be like to go around town with you" I clarified making him smile
"But can I just meet my friends real quick? They might be worried about me so I'd like to update them first" I asked
"Yeah sure. Um. I'll wait here" He agreed to my request. I then dashed back to the spot where Nat and Clint were waiting for me
"There you are! We were getting worried about you" Nat said while taking my books and putting them in the car
"Sorry. I went to a bookstore and lost track of time..." I explained shyly not sure how to tell them
"I feel like you have something else to say" Clint said crossing his arms
"I met a guy. He's very kind and he offered to show me around town" I told them with a smile and excitement in my voice
"Wow. When we said it was time to move on, you work fast" Clint joked making me lightly punch him on the arm
"It's a good thing we decided to buy you this while you took your time" Nat said while unboxing something and putting in numbers under her name on a device then handing it towards me
"This is your phone. Fury told me it was time you familiarize yourself with it instead of sending agents like owls to deliver messages'' Nat explained. Oh no. Technology. My weakness and no doubt a threat to exposing my identity. I was about to refuse when she cut me off
"If you run into any trouble at all, just press my name on the screen to call me okay?" She told me with seriousness leaving no room for negotiations. Defeated, I said yes and shoved the damn phone in my small purse. They said their goodbyes and told me to use protection whatever that means. As if I could be harmed. I then raced back to the bookstore where I saw him waiting for me.

"You're back" He said greeting me with a huge smile no doubt surprised that I actually agreed and came back to him
"Sorry I took so long" I apologized making him reassure me that he didn't wait long
"I'm sorry I'm only introducing myself now. I'm Steve by the way" Steve said offering his hand for me to shake which I took
"Nice to meet you Steve. I'm (y/n)" I replied, taking a chance on him by risking my real name.

Chapter Text

Steve did everything a gentleman should do. He asked me out yet he asks me if I was comfortable around him. It was nice to know that not all the citizens of midgard has lost their chivalry through the years. Not a lot of guys check in with a woman's feelings these days.

"Im sorry. I feel like I've failed you as a tourist guide" Steve said jokingly as we finish our hotdogs while sitting on a bench in the park. So far we spent the afternoon around The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I wouldn't say I was bored but after residing on Midgard for 400 years, you've mostly seen everything. Nothing caught my interest or fascination at the museum since there wasn't anything new. My lack of interest must've left the impression that I was bored with his choice of venue making him feel guilty. Our situation would've been so much easier if it was me giving him the tour instead since I know Midgard like the back of my hand.

"Let's go" I said standing up. I just had an Idea. He might've asked me on a night out but that doesnt mean he's in charge of the itinerary
"Where are we going?" Steve asked surprised by my sudden movement and enthusiasm
"Some place you've never been" I answered with a smile and started walking ahead of him. Steve quickly dashed to catch up with me
"Well if it's in this city that's very unlikely. I've lived here for 6 years now" Steve said with a smirk no doubt thinking of how silly it was that the country side farmer was the one giving the Ney York resident a tour of his own city
"You'll never know. I might just be a better tour guide than you" I replied with a beam
"I doubt that" He said looking down at me. Boy was he really tall.. I haven't met a guy as tall as Loki for a while now
"Try me" I challenged him. His face shifted from a teasing grin to a releasing a hearty laugh
"Alright. Alright. Lead the way ma'am" He said giving in to my lead. We hailed a cab and rode it until we arrived at the destination that I asked for. Upon arriving on the location, we we're greeted by the sight of an old abandoned garage warehouse with old motor vehicle models and parts that originated from different eras of time.

"You don't actually think this is my first chop shop, do you? I own a motorcycle you know" Steve said teasingly when we reached the old warehouse. The interior was very old and dust was covered all over the abandoned equipment left behind.
"Oh hush. There's more here that meets the eye. This used to one of the most popular picture houses in the city" I said to him while walking towards the center of the space. Oh how this place brings back memories
"A movie theater? This place? Are you sure?" Steve asked with wonder and walked towards me in the middle of the room. We both took in our surroundings. There were some vintage motor vehicles that were covered with cloth to prevent dusting.
"Yes" I answered with confidence making him raise an eyebrow and waiting for my explaintion.
"In the 1930s, a woman named Mary Elizabeth Woods, read about a chemical magnate who had created the drive in theater in Camden, New Jersey" I said starting the story of this place's history as I walked towards the supporting beam that has a electrical lever attatched to it
"And so naturally she made one of her own here in New York. Everyone thought she was crazy as a loon, which she was. She would sleep with anyone who wasn't her husband just to spite him and sometimes she would do the craziest things if you give her just enough glasses of liquor" I continued in my story while reminiscing about my old friend Mary. When I looked back at Steve, he looked at me with a raised eyebrow no doubt wondering why I know so much. Hopefully he wouldn't ponder with my knowledge of the 1930s too much
"Anyway" I said clearing my throat then added "because of local ordinances she couldn't have an open-air theater so she brought all the cars in here. That's the screen right there" I said then pointed behind him where the entrance was. Above the entrance there was a white painted wall where the movie would be projected back in the day
"It was spectacular.... I imagine" I said with a follow up so that he wouldn't think of my words to be too suspicious. I then grabbed the electric lever hoping that this still works
"Are you ready for the best part? Look up" I then pulled the lever down and all the lights in the old warehouse flickered off. We were surrounded by what people would call these days glow in the dark lights
"Oh. Wow..." Steve said flabbergasted while staring above the ceiling
"She had photo luminescent filaments installed. They took the time to create the constellations. Isnt it beautiful?" I said joining him in looking above the ceiling. After a few seconds of gazing, I took a step towards one of the cars covered with linen
"What are u doing" Steve asked me. I then pulled the linen to reveal a 1932 Plymouth PB Convertible Sedan. "Come on" I said teasingly and got on the passenger seat and waited for him to join me.

"Alright. I'll admit it. You're the better tour guide" Steve said jokingly making me laugh
"I'm just glad this place still exists" I said with a slip of the tongue. Mentally cursing myself.
"How do you even know all that stuff?" Steve asked out of curiosity but felt more like an interrogation
"I'd tell you but i'd have to kill you" I joked hoping he drops it
"I'd like to see you try" He quip back then added "This place... It isn't just something you can read upon a brochure or travel magazine by chance" he said while his arms gestured in the open air to prove his point
"That's because I've read it from a book" I lied
"Not a lot of fellas take the time to read history books these days. Espacially since one quick search on the Internet has all the answers we needed" Steve noted with general interest and suspicion
"I dont think I'll ever understand why so few people care about history" I commented cringing my face making him laugh
"No protest here" he said while laughing at my annoyance. We then took our time admiring the glowing lights on the ceiling with content. He was about to open his mouth and interrogate me again when I cut him off
"How many stars do you think there are in our galaxy?" I asked him trying to whange the subject before he could ask me again. He then redirected his gaze upon the beautiful glowing stars and constellations on the warehouse ceiling
"I don't know. 5 hundren million" He answered with the first guest he had on his mind
"Try more than a couple a hundred billion" I said then added
"Plato believed that every soul has a companion star that it returns to after death... If you lived a moral life" I looked over Steve's side to see his stunned face no doubt stupefied by Plato's words
"Just how spacious is that brain of yours to know all that?" He said amazed by my knowledge making me chuckle. If only he knew the truth. It wasn't because I was interested that I took the time to learn all these things. It's because the history that they read about, I was there to witness it. What was a historic moment for the citizens of Midgard was a memory for me
"Do you believe in that?" I asked him to change the attention from me to him
"Afraid not, ma'am. Im more of a soldier. Plato was a philosopher, a poet if you think about it" He answered. Making me wonder why he thinks of himself as a soldier. Maybe he literally is a soldier. It that why he's been asking me all these questions. Could he have known what I was all along? Is that why he asked me out to see the city?
"Why did you asked me, a random stranger to see the city" I asked with caution
"you're gonna laugh.. It was because you felt familiar" He answered with a shy smile and nervously rubbing his hands together
"Familiar how?" I asked for clarification. Have we met before? If we had, I doubt I could ever forget someone as handsone as him
"You just felt familiar to me. Like a kindered spirit like someone I used to know..." he added with a sad smile making me curious
"What was this person like?" i asked
"She was intelligent and ruthless yet fair. Believe it or not, we didn't always see things eye to eye in our line of work but we always had each others back" He said in his story of reminiscing a certain woman
"What happened?" I asked with interest
"We got... separated for a while and when I finally got back, she already moved on" He explained. Ah. I see it now. I reminded him of his past love. I guess asking me out for one night could help give him the closure he never got from her
"Don't get me wrong though. I'm happy for Peggy and all but..."
"You cant help but feel hurt because you thought she waited for you only to find out she has already moved on" I finished for him. Well will you look at that. Steve and I shave the same heartache. I gues misery really does invite company
"Yeah. What about you? What made you decide to say yes on a night out and trust a stranger?" He asked me
"Same reason as you. You reminded me of someone" I answered. Well to be more accurate, i guess his eyes was and book knowledge was all that he had that reminded me of Loki.
"I think this is the part you tell me about him" He said breaking my line of thought and making me giggle
"He was mostly annoying and stubborn especially when provoked. This might surprise you but for a really, really, really long time I've longed for his affections until finally he returned them. Dont get me wrong he was still an obnoxious trouble maker but he means well" I started at first with a soft voice then ending in an annoyed grunt. After all this time when it comes to Loki, he could still stir my emotions like this
"He sounds like a handful" He added with a laugh due to my annoyance
"Oh he was and im fairly sure he still is to this day" I said with a smile. The battle of New York was proof that if anything he was just as troublesome as he was before if not maybe more
"So.. what went wrong?" Steve asked nervously as if he was scared he was prying too much in my life. Since he shared his lost love, It was only fair that I do the same
"His family separated us" I answered looking up the stars and ignoring Steve's stare
"At first I thought he'd surely run afrer me right? He loves me and even though his parents are against us, he'll come after me" I added then finally turned my gaze to Steve's
"He ended it with you?" He asked whether his assumption was correct of not
"He didn't. I just kept waiting and waiting until someone told me he got married" I said with a small smile and shrugged
"He didn't run after you" Steve said as someone who chased after a girl who couldn't wait for him
"And she didn't wait for you" I said to Steve as someone who kept waiting for a guy who never returned
"What are the chances right? Misery sure loves to invite company" I added making him snicker
"Dont get me wrong though. People are nice but they can't really fathom what we're going through" He explained
"I could imagine" I said teasing him as if he didn't know we shared the same heartache
"Yeah i know. Back then when it all started whenever I looked in the mirror I could see how much losing her broke me. Over time I begin to can see it in other people as well" Steve said then reached out to held my hand "You've been through it. I can see that in your eyes. You felt it. Real love. Real loss" He added making me speechless. Talking about Loki with Steve the random stranger that I met earlier gave me more comfort than Nat and Clint ever could. Sure they know the story but they never understood the what I went through. For some reason, Steve seems to understand despite being a mortal human. I brought me comfort knowing that I wasn't alone and that fate wasnt cruel to me. It was fair to all. The struggles of a God could be the same struggles mortal men also face. Knowing that helped lift my spirits. Maybe Nat and Clint was right. Maybe it was time to move on. Not to find a new love but to finally let whatever Loki and I had go. It was time for me to let go of Loki in my heart

I snapped back into reality when I heard Steve's phone rang. He said a quick sorry caused by the disturbance before answering the call after I assured him it was fine
"You can't be serious? Why me?" Steve said annoyed to whoever it was on the other line of the call
"Just because I'm not yet back at tower doesn't mean you can send me to do your errands" He added with a growl while pinching the skin between his eyes
"I seriously can't right now. Besides, I dont have enough money on me for all that" Steve explained calmly before getting up and shouting making me surprised
"NO! Don't you dare transfer it to my card! Dammit Ton-"
"Is everything alright?" I asked cutting him off from his rage
"I'm sorry you had to see that. My friend just has this was of pushing my buttons" He apologised then stepped off the car and offered me his hand to assist me down.
"He asked me to go run some errands for him" He groaned
"That's alright. I can help you if you'd like" I offered to help him
"Thanks. I might just take you up on that offer" He answered with a sheepish smile
We were making our way out of the warehouse when right on cue, my phone started to ring like his a few moments ago
"Hello?" I answered
"I've already sent a car to your area. Clint and Tony have throw you a welcome to the city party but it's mostly an excuse for Tony to get wasted after Pepper only allowed him to drink if there's an occasion" Nat explained with loud music on the background
"How did you know where I was? Did you have me followed?" I asked surpised when I saw a car nearing where Steve and I was
"Don't be absurd, (y/n). I had a tracker put on your phone" Nat clarified
"You're in trouble when I get there" I sighted. She knows how much I hate being monitored. I thought Fury and I had a clear understanding about how I dont want to be disturbed
"Im counting on it" Nat said then dropped the call just as the car stopped in front of us. I then looked at Steve
"So about that offer from earlier.." I started. Well this is awkward
"Don't worry about it" He assured me with a gentle smile
"Goodnight Steve" I said goodbye as he opened the door to help me in
"Will I ever see you again?" He asked with hopeful eyes. I mentally questioned myself. Was I ready to let someone in? No. I wasnt but I am ready to try and be more optimistic now
"If fate will allow it" I replied cheekily then closed the door as the car drove off leaving Steve behind.

After a long drive back to the Avengers Tower, Nat was waiting for my and opened the door for me to exit
"Did you run into any trouble with the stranger?" Nat asked me as we made our way to the elevator
"It was surprisingly normal. Just talking and walking around" I replied as we stepped inside and she pressed the floor where the top floor
"I hate doing this but... Fury has instructed me to remind you of your agreement in cooperation with Shield services. You are not allo-" Nat started to recite my Shield contract agreement before I cut her off
"I am not allowed to disclose my affiliation with Shield. I am not to engage nor interfere in Shield mission assignments. Etc etc. I know Nat. Relax. They don't even know my real name" I said to her with a cocky grin.
"Of course Sif" Nat replied using my disguised cover name in honor of my best friend
"I take it Tony couldn't find anything about me?" I asked with curiosity
"If he had, he would've boast about it by now" Nat answered making me laugh and right on cue the elevator doors dinged and opened to reveal a small gathering of people
"(Y/-" Clint was about to broadcast my real name but I beat him to it by running towards him and engulfing him in a tight embrace
"CLINT! I MISSED YOU!" I shouted back to silence his words and hoping that no one heard what he
"I can't believe i'm not the one being acknowledged first" Tony said behind me with a scoff and drink in hand
"Impress me and I will" I teased him
"I just hosted a party for you, missy" Tony replied back making me giggle
"That you have but I'd be more impressed if you found any dirt on me in the online data" I replied then took the glass from his hand and set it down on a nearby table. His partner Pepper would no doubt be displease when she finds out that her partner is drinking again as Nat has informed me
"You got me there. I couldn't find a trace of you anywhere so I've decided to do it the good old fashion way" He said still not giving up on me
"and that is?" I asked with an amused smile
"The power of observation with inductive reasoning" He said proudly.. as if that would actually work
"Are you seriously telling me that your plan to interrogate me is based on a skill that is frequently used by Sherlock Holmes?" I replied with confusion. He can't be serious right? That's ridiculous
Tony then chuckles "... No" he replied lamely. He's an idiot
"Alright kids. Let's head to the couch and sit down instead of standing around like bystanders" Nat said leading us to the couch where Bruce sat alone trying to avoid company as much as possible
"Why's Clint covering his mouth?" Bruce asked, making me look in Clint's direction where he's trying but failing to suppress his laughter caused by Tony even though he sat beside a very annoyed Tony. We then spent most of the evening talking and laughing at jokes as we toasted in honor of my presence. Nat pulled me to the dance floor where we danced with each other. We danced for what felt like hours but was apparently literal because one by one the guests left to go home. When we were getting tired, we decided to head back to the couch where everyone was
"Hey Sif. Got you and Nat some water. You guys really out danced everyone out on the dance floor" Burce greeted as he handed us each a glass of water as we sat down and rested. I sat on his left while Nat sat by his right.
"Thanks, where are the boys?" I asked Bruce
"They went down and helped Cap carry the rest of the food and drinks up" Bruce answered
"Cap? As in Captain America" I asked
"That's right. You haven't met Cap yet since he was out on a run when you got here. No worries he's a good fella and not as intimidating as people think" Bruce said for my comfort. I'm not really scared of Cap but I am interested in sparring with him. They say he held his ground in a fight with Thor so wouldn't it be interesting to know if he could withstand my strength as well?
"Don't worry, Bruce. In all the years I've worked with Sif. Nothing can intimidate her" Nat added. I was flattered by how high she thought of me when the elevator dinged behind us and walked towards our table with plastic bags of take away food and drinks were Tony, Clint and... Steve?
"We have.. A guest?" Steve asked to no one in particular as he kept his eyes on me
"Yeah. She's our guest of honor tonight. Our very own mysterious Lady Sif" Tony replied not realizing that Lady Sif was actually the correct way of addressing that name
"Sif?" Steve repeated with confusion
"Yeah. I told you on the phone already. The assassin spy duo's mysterious friend from out of town Sif" Tony added then sat down and started handing us our food containers. I decided to approach him first since he still hasn't recovered from shock
"Hi! Im Sif and it's an honour meeting you Cap" I said with my hand out
"Likewise... Sif" He replied with a small smile then shook my hand. We then made back to to couch and eat our food as we conversed about anything when all of a sudden Steve directed everyone's attention back to me

"So Bruce says you've worked with Nat for years now, Sif" Steve started making me panic on the inside. I composed myself and answered
"What makes you think that? I never said that. Who says I've worked with Nat?" I replied with calmness
"Uh.. You didn't but Nat said it earlier, remember? When you asked about cap and then I tried to reassure you that he's nice but then Nat said I didn't have to do that since nothing intimidates you in the years you guys work together" Bruce added making me scrunch my face in annoyance and glare at Natasha's direction
"... My bad" Nat said apologetically.
"How are you even an assassin?" I replied with a sigh
"So you do know she's an assassin. She's an agent. Called it!" Tony added. Just great! 3 avengers are teaming together trying to find any information about me
"Are you Norwegian by any chance? Sif is a Norse name" Bruce asked hitting too close to home making me panic
"it is?" Clint asked with a raised eyebrow then he looked over to Nat
"How about a game!" I said breaking the conversation before it's too late
"ah ah ah. Not so fast, missy. You can't dodge our questions" Tony teased me as if I'd allow my identity to be exposed
"how about this, If you could beat me in a game of your choosing. I'd answer all your questions" I wager and then followed by Nat and Clint groaning
"ughhh no. Never again" Clint said
"I'd rather face a suicide mission than play any board game or physical labor game with ypu again" Nat added
"Damn. Is she that good?" Bruce asked with a chuckle caused by the two assassins reaction
"She's annoyingly good in all of them" Nat said
"It's like she invented the game itself man!" Clint added. It's not that I invented the game. It's more of I was there when the game was invented so I know most of the play strategies before they were even born
"Oh come on, don't discourage my new prey" I teased the three new challengers
"Excuse me? Prey? Oh you're going down missy" Tony replied urgently and with newfound vigor
"You're on. Take your pick. What game do you wanna play?" I asked him with a boastful smile
"Jarvis. Initiative game night protocol" Tony said to the AI
"Yes sir. Might I ask what game you had in mind?" Jarvis asked
"Trivial Pursuit" Tony replied. What was a Trivial Pursuit? I've never heard that game before
"Excellent choice, sir" Jarvis replied then started running the game
"I'm sorry but I've never heard that before? Is it a new one made recently?" I asked the group
"It's actually a game Tony invented. It's basically a game of question and answer. You get it right, you get a point and choose who you want to ask next. If you answer 3 times wrong, you're out" Bruce explained
"What are the questions about?" I asked for clarification
"Mostly fun facts about history and science" Tony replied with a shrug. Oh isn't this just convenient. I glanced at Nat and Clink, both were smirking since they know from Fury I'm a 100 year old enhanced. The cover story was I'm only a 100 year old but they have no idea that I'm actually a God and have been among them for 400 years now.
"I think Tony's highscore is about to be dethroned" Clint teased Tony making him annoyed