Loki lay slung over the bed, the lower half of his body still in the chair alongside of it. One of his hands was under his face, the other lightly grasping one of Lyanne's. He had fallen asleep like this hours ago, trying to coax his friend - no, lover… wait, friend? Significant other? What is she to me? - from her magic sleep. It was no use - no matter what words he said or how he placed his fingers upon her, she did not stir or react in any way. Loki had given up an hour before dawn, succumbing to his own slumber after a valiant fight. His hand had been clutching hers the entire night, unresponsive. Until now.
Lyanne's fingers began to twitch, slowly at first, then just as suddenly began to flex and clench. Her feet shook slightly and she tossed her head lightly from side to side, fretful. Loki opened his eyes, wakened by the sound of her stirring, then jumped up as he realized what was going on. He clutched her arm, pleading. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she sat up quickly, gasping, clutching her racing heart. It appeared she was trying to scream, but no noises were coming from her throat and all she could do was gulp air. Loki touched a hand to her face and she jumped back, curling into a ball and keeping a wary eye on him. Confused, he tried to approach her, but she was shaking so badly he was afraid to touch her again. He tried talking to her instead.
"Lyanne," he said softly, "It's alright, I'm here. You're alive. It's ok."
She kept shaking and panting, keeping herself in a tight ball, but stared at Loki with interest through the curtain of her disheveled hair. He reached out a tentative hand and she tensed, but as soon as his touch was on her shoulder he felt her begin to relax. Then out of nowhere, she began crying hysterically. He jumped back, afraid he had hurt her, but she righted herself on the bed and attempted to climb out of it. Her legs collapsed beneath her from disuse, but Loki caught her quickly and lifted her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face deep into his chest, still weeping. Loki felt incredibly awkward but kept her close in his embrace. After a couple of minutes, Lyanne finally tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse and Loki had to set her back down and grab her some water. She gulped it down in a matter of seconds and gasped, trying to stand once more. Loki lifted her and sat down in the chair with her in his lap. She curled up with her arms about his waist and her mouth against his neck. She kissed him there repeatedly and he shivered - every time her lips touched him it felt like someone had thrown a match against his skin. Finally, when her tears had subsided and she regained control of her voice, Lyanne began to talk.
"I could hear you, Loki - in my sleep - almost everything you said."
"Truly?"
"Yes," she whispered, kissing his neck again. "I wanted to talk to you so desperately but I couldn't even move - it was like a horrible nightmare."
"This whole week has been a nightmare for everyone," he said. He felt the tears begin to sting his eyes but he pushed them away.
"Everyone?"
"Yes. Come to think of it, I should probably tell them you're awake," he said, beginning to stand.
"No," she muttered, "Not yet."
He tried to ask why but her kisses on his neck again and the way she clutched at his Asgardian clothing was all he needed to know.