I had never thought about death often, and when I did, it was whenever Loki wasn't around me. Somehow I always thought that when he was around, I'd be safe. I didn't know why. He was crazy and mad as the depths of Helheim, but he protected me. Why? What was so special about me?
My eyes fluttered opened and I recognized my old room. The next thing I registered was the heat. I was covered in heating pads. That's how I knew. I stood, and practically made Loki jump off of the piano bench.
"What are we doing here?!"
"You said you wanted to see your family!" He protested and stood, adjusting his leather.
"I said 'say goodbye' to them."
"Do you not think it is time?" He raised a brow. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. The prophecy was almost complete.
I pulled down my black tee shirt, and rolled my eyes at the pajama pants I wore. "Any news from my father?"
He shook his head. "He is in mourning for your mother."
"Oh no..." I muttered and ran down stairs. My father was looking at pictures of our old family on his laptop. The tears were abundant in his eyes. It was the most I could do to sit by him. "Hey dad..." I smiled
"Hey. How you doing?"
"Uhh..." I shrugged. "You know. I'm fine." I surely was not fine.
When I heard Loki coming down the stairs, I harshly waved him away.
"Oh, I already met your friend Tom."
"Huh?" My brows furrowed and Loki in a Midardian form sat on the recliner. His smile was bright, and he was all too kind.
"Yes. Layla, I brought you in when you passed out." He chuckled.
At that moment, my speech left. What even was going on? Loki? Suddenly nice?
He chuckled. "I'm glad to know you're alright."
I nodded in response.
"We already had her funeral..." Dad piped. "I didn't know if you were coming back, or what... Sarah is sleeping, by the way."
He changed subject faster than Loki could change forms. That was how I knew he was really hurt.
"I'm sorry..." I muttered. I was never good at comforting.
"Naw, come on... It will be okay, I'm just glad you were found. Tom said he found you on the side of the road."
I glared at him. His scares and burns were gone, as well as his dark inflection. Now, he was everything I used to want, but now, this made me uncomfortable.
"We thought about taking you to the hospital, but quickly decided that wasn't necessary."
I nodded again, still completely awestruck. "Well, can I get you anything, guys?" I stood, feeling obliged, even though it was Loki who invaded my home.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks." He actually said thanks. What was this? Everything changed about him.
"I'm going to my room for a moment..." I smiled at my dad and took Tom by the hand, and led him upstairs. "What the hell?" I cocked a brow. "Where is everyone?"
"Jane is here. Sif and Thor are on Asgard waiting on us. Hurry up." He snapped.
"Alright" I snapped back and ran downstairs and hugged my dad, like I wasn't going to see him again. As far as I knew, I wasn't.
"Hey! Hey! I love you too, sweetheart."
I smiled as a tear ran down my cheek at the picture of our complete family.
No words were needed as I ran back up the stairs.
Loki was now Loki.
"Are you ready?"
I shook my head, though I took his hand. One last glance at my room. That was all I got... then the bifrost came upon us. That was my last time on Midgard.
