"I meant a name." Loki said. "Clearly you're a sorceress. Of course you wouldn't be welcome in Asgard."
Like me. He added to himself.
"Hotaru." The woman said. "I would be welcome if I went with you."
"You'd be less welcome." Loki warned. "They don't trust me. Never have, never will."
"Tell them I'm a lady after your hand." Hotaru said. "Then they'll mostly ignore me, and I can spend more time with you?"
"Why would you want that?" Loki snapped.
Hotaru took his hand, his skin shimmering and turning Jotun. Loki jerked back, quickly covering the change with his magic.
"Who wouldn't?" Hotaru smiled her small mysterious smile at him, offering her hand. "Don't worry. I won't do it again. I just wanted you to know that I knew."
Loki took her hand hesitantly. No change.
"Y-You don't care that I'm..." Loki asked. "You don't despise me?"
"People look at me in the same way." Hotaru said, eyes fathomless. "I am the bearer of death and destruction. They fear me and despise me. But..." She smiled. "I made some friends. I was surprised by people who didn't see me as just a destructive force, who fought for me to live the way I want. A-And I want to be that person for you."
Loki was floored by her confession. He swallowed. "Very well then. You and I will court, I suppose. This way."
"To Asgard." Hotaru said softly.