AN: Sorry this took so long, for some reason Jinx and Loki decided they wanted to fight me on this chapter, so I had to get rid of some things I really loved and add some things that they wanted in here. I let them have their way this time so I could get this up! Let me know what you think or if there is anything you want to see!
Chapter 6 ~ Pain and Comfort
~Loki~
"As you wish," I replied.
As she tried to sit up and get out of bed a soft hiss of pain escaped her lips and she collapsed back onto the bed.
"Ouch," she whimpered, closing her eyes and taking slow shallow breaths.
I moved closer to her with what I'm sure was a worried expression on my face, I had felt the echo of the pain she felt and it almost took my breath away. "Let me help," I insisted, "or if you prefer I can call in one of the maids, you know if you would like a female's assistance."
Jinx's eyes popped open and they were now an odd shade of silver, they almost looked like liquid. "Considering the only way I'm likely to get to the bathroom is if someone carries me you will do just fine. That is if you think you can carry me the twenty feet it will take to get me there." Her voice was mocking if a little breathless.
For some reason I felt a strange desire to impress Jinx in this moment so I quickly made a projection of myself to go tell the kitchen staff that our guest was awake and requesting food and water. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth popped open slightly as the other me strode quickly from the chamber.
"What the…what…" she couldn't seem to make anything else come out of her mouth so I simply smiled and walked nearer the bed so I could lift her.
"This may hurt just a bit," I murmured as I slipped an arm behind her neck and under her knees and gently lifted her to my chest.
~Jinx~
As soon as I was picked up I forgot all about the craziness that was a second Loki and screamed in pain. The wordless shriek eventually turned into a loud, "Holy mother of oww!" I then proceeded to whimper like a small child. I felt foolish, but it really did hurt.
I looked up and saw anguish in the beautiful emerald eyes staring down at me. "I'm so sorry love, I know it hurts. I'm so sorry." Loki's voice was full of pain and apology and I vowed then and there to never let that look cross his face by my doing again.
"No, not your fault," I murmured and kissed his neck. When I realized what I had done a blush colored my cheeks and, though I felt him look down at me, I couldn't bear to look and see what emotion crossed his features.
When we entered the bathroom I started tugging up the dress that I was wearing. Strange, I was wearing pants and a sweater, how did I end up in a dress? Then I noticed something else Where the hell did my underwear go?! Though I was rather glad I didn't have to figure out how to get my underwear off without hurting myself. I probably would have needed help and I definitely didn't know this man well enough to ask him for that type of assistance.
I cleared my throat, "Um, what am I wearing and how did I come to be wearing it?"
He blushed as he set me on the toilet and turned to walk out and close the door before he answered. When I was finished I called him back. It took longer that it should have, but the pain was excruciating so I had to move slowly. He picked me up again and maneuvered to where I could wash my hands in the sink. It was awkward, but eventually we figured it out.
As we walked back to the bed I asked again, "So, the clothes?"
He looked away again, "When you arrived you were covered in blood and your clothes were ripped beyond repair. When the healers finished their work a few of the novices cleaned you of all the blood and clothed you in this." He set me gently back on the bed and moved across the room. As soon as he was no longer in contact with me my pain doubled and continued to increase as he got further and further away.
By the time he reached one of the couches that sat in the room I could hardly stand the pain and began whimpering again quietly. He heard the noise, though I could have sworn I wasn't making enough noise for that, and swiftly turned on his toe to look at me.
"What is wrong?" He asked.
"Not sure," I hissed, "just a lot of pain all of a sudden."
The confusion in his eyes suddenly turned to understanding and then apology. He swiftly returned to the bed and sat with his side pressed to mine. As soon as he touched me the searing turned to a dull ache. What the hell?
"Sorry, I got flustered and forgot for a moment."
"Forgot what?" I enquired.
"That our magic is linked," he said matter-of-factly, "that is why I'm here after all. Apparently I am the best medical tool available. At least when it comes to you." He smiled softly.
"Excuse me?" I questioned with as much bravado as I could muster in my surprise. "You must be mistaken, I don't have any magic. I'm just a normal girl." Of course that was a complete lie, but I have rules for a reason, no one can know about my powers.
~Loki~
I could clearly hear both the fear and the lie in her voice. "We both know you're lying," I said simply, "but do not worry, magic is celebrated on Asgard."
It took several moments, but finally she sighed and I almost expected her to continue with her denial. Instead all she said was, "Will you please help me sit up against the headboard? I feel very helpless laying down like this."
I stood and moved around to the other side of the bed. I reached down and slid my arm down her back and folded her up all in one piece. Then I held her in place with the arm at her back and arranged the pillows to better cushion her. Finally I placed a hand on each of her hips and slid her back until her back rested on the pillows. I was surprised as I walked back around the bed to climb back up that she hadn't made one sound of pain or protest, all she had done was forcibly take smooth deep breaths.
As soon as I was seated comfortably next to her again I took one of her hands in mine so I didn't accidentally push her off balance. She moved the leg that was closest to mine the few inches it took for it to be pressed against mine. Then she leaned her head against my shoulder and fell into a peaceful sleep.
I switched the hand that I held to my far hand and wrapped my arm around her back and gently stroked her hair. Jinx I thought what a beautifully appropriate name. Then I softly tilted my head to rest on hers and fell into a light slumber.
