I rubbed my face, as I sat up. Another stupid late night with my friends, and I probably over slept. I looked at my clock. "Son of bitch!" I jumped up, and out of bed, rushing to get dressed. I had my shirt pulled over my head, and a go cup of coffee in my hands as I raced to class.
My name is Midnight. I'm 19 years old, and I'm a college student at New York University. Everyone still has to attend class as normal, despite the rebuilding process from the Battle of New York. Almost everyone on campus lost a loved one to it. Almost. I've been alone my entire life. When I was five, I think, my parents just left me. Or maybe they died. I don't remember. All I know is I'm and only child who somehow managed to stay away from child services. When they found me, I was 17 so not much they could do there.
Now, I'm not quite sure that that was a bad thing. I have a power. It's a mental power, so noticeable in fact, that Professor Xavier from the Xavier Insistute for Higher Learning wanted me to attend his school. I said no. My power is different, because I can use people however I want. I can make them drop to the ground in pain, or even have them steal stuff for me. They never remember it. How do you think I got a full ride to this joint?
"Oof!" I slammed into someone. Looking up, a tall raven haired man stared down at me. His eyes sparked with mischief and something else. "Shit, sorry!" I said. He extended a hand to help me up. I took it. The man smiled graciously.
"Tis no trouble, young lady. May I ask your name?" He said. His voice sounded British, but I couldn't quite place it. So much for a Linguistics major.
"Um, my name is Midnight." I brushed my hair behind my ear with my free hand. His smiled widened.
"I am Loki." He finally let go of my hand. Before I could stop it, a girlish giggle escaped my lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, but I really have to get to class!" I took off around him, leaving the smiling, well dressed man in his place. But his eyes were burned into my head the entire day. I couldn't forget that spark of mischief and determination. But there was something else hidden behind that. I couldn't put my finger on what.
I was walking back to my dorm, when I literally bumped into Loki again.
"Excuse me." I said. He turned to me, and smiled. "Loki, oh, hi." I blushed lightly, and clutched my beginning calc book to my chest. I failed the test to test out of math.
"Hello, Midnight. I was troubled, earlier, to see you in such a rush, and seeing as it is getting dark, I thought I should escort you back to your apartment." He held out his arm, so I really couldn't say no.
"Thanks. I live in rough neighborhood anyway." I lied. Queens may not have been the best place to live, but I was in a better part of Queens. Loki took my arm, and my book. We walked quietly for a few minutes back towards my house. "So, um, why did your parents name you Loki?" He chuckled.
"I do not know. I believe they thought it suitable for me. Why is your name Midnight?"
It Was my turn to laugh. "Well, I don't know. I never did have the chance to ask them. I don't have any family, or very many friends for that fact. I've just always been a loner. Sort of like the Midnight hour, I suppose." I explained. Loki listened intently. It was nice, being able to explain everything without worrying.
"I see. I myself have been forced throughout my childhood to entertain my own company. I can recall having to spend more time in my library than with the company of others." He seemed lost in his kind as we walked into my apartment building.
"Can...can I have my book back? We're-"
"In the building, but not at your door. Shall we?" His eyes focused again, sharper, as though he had hardened something in his heart. I sighed, and led him to my door. I was on the third floor, fifth apartment. I unlocked the door, and while I was putting my keys away, he opened the door. "My, you are...well.." He saw the filth.
"I'm sorry, I'm just not use to company, so I don't keep it clean much."
"I see." He was highly troubled by the mess. "Midnight, would you be opposed to allowing me to see you again?"
"No-I mean, yeah- I- Yes. You can come over any time you want, I'll just make sure my house is clean next time." I laughed, he smiled.
"May I return tomorrow, say, eight in evening?"
"I'll see you then."
"Goodnight, my dear." He kissed my hand, and left. I was flushed, and weary. Who the hell was this guy, and why was he so interested in me?