Thanks for the reviews! I'm so glad you guys are liking the sequel!
They walked into the hall together, Loki kept his eyes in front, while Atea glanced around the room, catching the stares from other Asgardians. She heard the whispers and looked away.
"Ignore them," Loki told her, "Just look passed them. That's what I do, and it works."
"Am I really that big of a deal? I'm flattered by all this attention." She saw a group of women looking at her and she smiled and waved. They looked at her for a moment longer, then huddled together. She wasn't going to let jealous Asgardians ruin her night.
"In the future, I wouldn't do that."
"What have I got to lose? I'm already an alien to them, even when they don't know about my powers, I bet some may even remember me from the last time I was here." Atea grinned, remembering when it all began.
"Oh yes I am sure some do. You caused quite a scene."
"It's always a good way to add some fun."
"You were having fun? I seem to remember a crying and stubborn mess. . ."
That shut Atea up. They continued walking, until they met with Thor and Jane at the front of the room.
"Atea!" Thor boomed, "Is it really you? You've grown, and not only in height. To think it's been nearly a decade since I have seen you last!"
Atea blushed, and Thor pulled her in for a massive bear hug. Atea looked at Jane quizzically; Thor seemed louder than normal.
"Ale," she mouthed, shaking her head and smiling.
Where can I get some of that? Calming my nerves is quite high right now on my priority list.
"I think, brother, that hug has lasted long enough," Loki interrupted, glaring at his brother.
Thor laughed and let go of Atea, who was surprised at Loki's icy tone.
"Oh, brother, you have always been possessive, haven't you?"
Nuh-uh. If he's gonna do the whole, you belong to me kind of thing, then he's going to have some thinking to do.
"Thor's like my brother, Loki. Calm down. It's been forever since I've seen him!"
Loki scowled at Atea, but said nothing. Luckily, the music started; it was time for the opening dance, featuring Atea's fabulous dancing skills.
"I should warn you," she whispered to Loki as they started, "my dancing skills are not where they should be."
"I am confident that you will do well," his voice sounded like velvet in her ear. It sent a chill down her back.
Where did that come from?
The dance felt slow at first, but as Atea continued without embarrassing herself or Loki, she allowed herself to relax and enjoy the time. Loki gazed at her the entire time. He was a wonderful dancer, guiding her along the dance floor, always keeping in time and never messing up.
What felt like only a few minutes later, the song finished, and Atea and Loki broke apart, Loki bowing to her, and she curtsying to him. They made their way to the side of the room.
"I knew you weren't a lousy dancer." He grinned.
"It was probably because I was more nervous to screw up than actually screwing up..." Atea shook her head. She was surprised that she hadn't slipped up either.
"You were following my lead though, and I made it quite easy to follow." Loki smirked, crossing his arms.
"I admit, you are a talented dancer, although, I wouldn't brag about it."
"Oh? Should we test each other?" He questioned her, looking over confident.
"I think we should. A bet would be even better though! Let's see. . ." Atea thought about a good bet they could do.
Something I can win, and have bragging rights over. . .
"How about, whoever can dance the longest wins!" Atea wasn't tired in the slightest, she was even humming with energy. Dancing all night couldn't be that tiring.
"And what prize will the winner receive?" Loki asked mischievously.
"Hmm. . . The winner gets to order the loser around for an entire day." I have some pretty funny things up my sleeve if I win. . . Atea was ready for this, and she was determined to win.
"Then be prepared to be my servant, Atea, for I will without a doubt win this bet." He laughed.
"I wouldn't be so confident, Loki. I never said you had to dance well, just who could dance the longest."
"I accept." They shook on it, and joined the swirling masses of people at once.
An hour and a half later, Loki and Atea were still dancing. Most people had stopped, watching them as they twirled and moved. It became a challenge, and there was a fiery passion in the air. Atea was determined to win, no matter what. She wasn't even tired yet. Loki kept his smirk plastered on his face the entire time. He almost seemed zoned out, but his perfect time and footing made her doubt that thought.
Eventually, people started to form a circle around the two dancers, and the musicians were increasing the tempo of each song. That didn't stop Atea or Loki though, they continued to dance. It was a spectacle, everyone was watching, their eyes fixed on the two. Atea didn't notice the people though, they were just a blur. She was only looking at Loki with an intensity. Minutes turned into hours, and soon, there was no one in the hall. The musicians were gone, but music was still playing, and Atea suspected that it was Loki's trickery causing the music to keep playing. By this time, fatigue was starting to catch up with Atea. Fortunately, the tempo of the songs slowed down, and allowed Atea to slow down as well. She realized that her feet were starting to drag, and she was messing up. But Loki was still dancing as though they had just started.
I have to win this. Losing is not an option right now.
A newfound adrenaline gave Atea the energy she needed, and she perked up. The music pace increased, and so did their speed. They swirled, and stepped, and twirled, circling the floor. Atea was making more progress in these few hours than in the last two days of dancing lessons. That only helped fuel her.
"I'm finished." Loki said abruptly, breaking away from her and stretching.
"You're what?" That took Atea by surprise; she wasn't sure if he was joking or not.
"I am tired, I do not want to dance anymore."
"But you know what this means right?" Atea could barely hide her happiness, Loki nodded reluctantly and she broke into a huge grin, jumping with glee, "I won! I did it! I beat the infamous god of mischief!"
"So you did, but do not take too much pride in your victory, because I can assure you that we will have another bet soon. And I will win."
"Yeah yeah, but I still won this time." Atea smirked. This day was just getting better and better, "I'm going to my room, you may have lost, but I'm exhausted. I'll see you tomorrow, Loki. You may want to rest up as well, you don't want to know what's coming for you." Atea laughed.
Loki took her hand gently, and caressed it, "Goodnight, Atea."
Before he could leave though, she through her arms around him, hugging him, and whispered, "Thank you. For that night." She hoped he'd understand what she meant.
