I'm back with Chapter two. Hope this was soon enough. I tend to write pretty long chapters, so excuse me if they aren't out right away. I'm doing my best. :P
I want to extend a great big "Thank you" to the following people for reviewing my first chapter and debut back into the fanfiction world:
Rubik's Cube Cat: Thanks. o.oa Yeah, being a dead writer was tough, but I finally pulled through. And as for Loki, glad you liked him that way. Don't know if you'll like him as much after this chapter. chuckles
Amaya Shinkuyoake: Loki/Mayura is such a fun pair. And if you have criticisms, any at all, I'd be delighted to hear them. Writers, like artists, are always looking to improve, afterall. It feels good to be a part of this fandom. I hope the fever spreads to more writers.
KairaHiwatari: Thank you. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Ytak: Poor Mayura. hehe Glad you like it so far.
akuweaselgirl: I hope this is soon enough of an update. I tend to write rather long chapters.
LokiGirl: Loki is going to be having fun with that form-changing problem for quite awhile. laughs evilly Thanks, and glad you like it so far. :D
LittleGreenWolf: Yeah, it was harsh, but don't worry. Mayura's curiosity would never let her run away. You'll see what happens, shortly.
Erinys: Yeah, it was a writer's block of sorts. That and the fact that I got really into playing Ragnarok Online and drawing. Not to mention classes. Thanks for the compliment. I was hoping my writing wouldn't go completely down the toilet in that time. I hope Loki-kun doesn't disappoint.
Bibliomaniac: Not exactly a manga-based fiction, considering I've only read the first volume. I think the characters may somewhat resemble parts of both their manga and anime selves at times. I hope it doesn't cause too much confusion. I did see the page where Loki kissed her in the manga, though. She doesn't know of that here, so I suppose you could say the storyline is a bit more based on the anime after Episode 26. Sorry if that bursts any bubbles. ..a
Melrose Stormhaven: I couldn't write a story without a happy ending. Don't particularly enjoy reading them if they don't have happy endings, either. So don't worry, it'll turn out well. :3
tangerine-asuka: Glad you like the story so far. Loki will redeem himself for his prank this chapter, I promise. :3
Relle: I do hope this update is soon enough? I write long chapters, so they don't always come out immediately. My apologies. And hai, poor Mayura. XD
aliene: Bombs away! :D
Disclaimer (since I forgot to add it last time): I do not own Loki or any of the characters in Matantei Loki Ragnarok.
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Chapter 2: Sunsets and Secrets
It was something of a miracle that Loki managed to rise before Yamino came to wake him. He'd always been a late sleeper and didn't mind missing a good part of morning in most cases. Today there was an energy present that he hadn't felt in years. He was excited about what the day's events could bring. Deceiving people was enjoyable and he was damn good at it.
As he pushed away the heavy blankets, he abruptly realized something odd. He had longer legs, longer arms, definitely more muscle...
Sometime during the night, he had changed forms! Loki felt a small smile curve upon his lips. It seemed things would take a sharp turn right at the very start of the morning. How amusing.
And if I play my cards right, there might be a special treat in store for me...
He'd always wondered what it might be like to kiss Mayura, though he'd never admit that to anyone. And in this form he was sure to allure her somehow, despite what she 'thought' she had learned about him from that falsified piece of parchment. And even if she did resist...
They say a stolen kiss is sweeter, he thought with satisfaction.
He was aware she had met him in this form twice already and that obstacle definitely needed to be addressed before she connected him to the "God" she had met. Since Loki was in his adult form, he didn't want Mayura to make a connection between his older and younger versions, either. It was too early for that at this point in his scheme.
The young God decided to explore his ideas further using his full length mirror. He raised an eyebrow at his reflection, noticing how he was still adorning children's pajamas that both bared his midriff and the bottom half of his legs. A sweatdrop made its way down the side of his face. He definitely wasn't going to waltz around in this getup all day.
Approaching his wardrobe, he opened the bottom drawer, where clothes were kept for his taller, true version. He would definitely have to pass over the red blazer with the black slacks, considering the fact that he had worn them both times Mayura had seen him in this form.
After leafing through the rest of the contents, he pulled out something that might be acceptable and gazed over his selection critically. It was a forest green suit, very dark in color. Along with it was a simple white cotton undershirt and a black silk tie, completed with a pair of shiny black dress shoes. This should do quite nicely, he thought, smiling as he lifted the articles from the bureau and proceeded to change out of the tiny pajamas.
Loki regarded his image in the mirror and rubbed his chin in thought. What else could he do to appear less...Loki? His eyes broadened slightly as a fantastic idea came to him. He returned to his bureau and scanned over the top. Finally spying what he had been searching for, he picked up a tiny black rubber band and a pair of glasses with small lenses. Striding back to the mirror, he fixed the glasses onto his face and tied the back of his hair into a tiny ponytail. And should Mayura ask about him, which she was sure to do, he could easily pass as a relative of Yamino-kun's with this appearance.
He flashed a smile at the mirror. True, the glasses weren't prescription lenses, but they were a stunning addition to his disguise. Crossing his arms, his reflection stared triumphantly back at him. Mayura was sure to be attracted to the sexy intellectual appearance he had pulled off so brilliantly. He might get that kiss sooner than he had originally thought.
The door to his room suddenly opened and Loki immediately spun around. Yamino walked in, a bright smile present on his face. "Loki-sama! It's time to rise and shine!"
Seeing what appeared to be the older Loki standing before him, dressed in an odd manner, Yamino removed his glasses and rubbed a handkerchief over the lenses before returning them to his face. "Loki- sama...?"
Loki nearly chuckled at the reaction and smiled back at his son. "Ohayo, Yamino-kun."
"Loki-sama, why are you dressed like-" Yamino's sentence died off as his aqua eyes widened in abrupt realization. "Ah! You changed forms and don't want Mayura-san to recognize you!"
Loki nodded, tightening his ponytail. "What do you think, Yamino- kun?"
"It's splendid, Loki-sama! You nearly had me fooled, as well." Yamino chuckled in embarrassment, placing a hand behind his head for emphasis.
"Would I perhaps pass as a relative of yours, Yamino-kun? A cousin, maybe?" He raised his eyebrows, waiting to hear what Yamino thought on the matter.
His serpent son nodded all too enthusiastically. "That would work wonderfully, Loki-sama."
Yamino turned to head back out the door, but Loki spoke up. "Hold on, Yamino-kun."
The Legendary serpent-in-human-form turned back around, his expression one of inquiry as he raised a fine eyebrow in question.
"Call me Yukaze, Yamino-kun."
Yamino nodded to his father and the two exchanged smiles. "Breakfast is nearly ready, Yukaze-sama. Come to the dining room whenever you're ready. I was about to check on Mayura-san."
As Yamino left and closed the door, Loki turned back to the mirror and adjusted the glasses to fit more securely on the edge of his nose. Yukaze, charming cousin to Yamino. Mayura will buy it in an instant.
The Trickster God in disguise walked out of his room and made his way to the dining room, strutting arrogantly along as if he'd just defeated Odin. He knew Mayura would probably catch on to his likeness to the Loki she knew after awhile, but that's what he was counting on. He could have easily shape-shifted into another person if he had wanted to, but it would be more fun this way.
Upon entering the dining room he was surprised to see Mayura already awake and munching on pancakes. She looked up at him as he entered, blinking curiously with a mouthful of pancake. Yamino made his way over to Loki and patted his shoulder in a friendly manner. "Mayura-san, this is my cousin Yukaze-sama. He came to visit for awhile."
Mayura stood up and bowed in greeting, which Loki returned, making sure he flashed her a brilliant smile in the process. "The pleasure is mine. Mayura-san, is it?"
Still unable to find her voice, Mayura nodded again, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Yukaze was handsome, to say the least. He wore his hair much like Yamino-kun, tied back into a small ponytail. Though the charming young man didn't have long enough hair to make much of ponytail. His glasses were smaller than Yamino-kun's and very stylish. She couldn't help but notice he was familiar in some way. His eye color was hidden behind the glare upon the lenses of his glasses, but something about his stance and the way he spoke was familiar. And she somehow felt attracted him him because of that familiarity. Mayura abruptly shook her head inwardly in a panic. I can't be attracted to someone I've just met! I don't even know him.
"Mayura-san? Are you okay?"
She blinked out of her inward turmoil and turned red as a ripe strawberry. Yukaze was glancing at her questioningly, his head tilted slightly to the side. Oh my God...I was staring at him the whole time!?
"I-I-I'm fine! Just fine," Mayura sputtered, flopping back down into her seat and shoveling another piece of pancake into her mouth. She fixed her gaze onto the plate as though it was the most interesting thing she'd ever seen.
Loki smirked inwardly as he watched her eat (missing her mouth with the fork twice in a row). His plan was working perfectly. Now he just needed to lay things on a little thicker. Stepping up toward her, he outstretched his arm and let his hand rest on her forehead. "Do you have a fever, Mayura-san? You look a little red in the face."
Mayura turned a darker shade of red and dropped her fork to the floor. His touch was familiar as well and it sent something akin to an electric shock through her system. She pulled away from him and stood up quickly, taking off out of the room while mumbling something about needing water.
She reached the restroom and turned the faucet on, gathering the cold liquid into her cupped hands below the spout. She then lowered her face to the sink and splashed the frigid water against her face. This stranger was sending her system into breakdown just by touching her.
After rinsing her face twice more with cold water, she reached for the towel and dabbed the droplets off, risking a glance into the mirror at her reflection. Her face was still very red. She thought back to the feeling when he had laid his hand upon her forehead.
Mayura's crimson eyes broadened and she dropped the towel right into the sink. That feeling that she felt...she knew who it reminded her of.
"Loki..." she whispered. But that can't be possible, can it? Yamino-kun said Yukaze is his cousin. I don't think he would lie to me. Though I haven't seen Loki-kun all morning. Yamino-kun said he went to take care of a few things and wouldn't be for the better part of the day. And then Yukaze shows up...Fushigi Mystery!
Her findings from the previous night suddenly hit her like a ton of bricks. If this stranger was indeed Loki-kun, she had better tread her ground carefully. He was a demon, afterall. Charming, handsome, and undeniably sexy...but still a demon! Or maybe she was being to quick to judge Yukaze. Guilt began to build up in her conscience as she gripped the edge of the sink tightly. She'd have to do some investigating before she came to any conclusions like that. However, in order to investigate Yukaze- san, she was going to have to better control herself. If she melted into a puddle every time he looked at her, how was she going to find out anything about him?
Mayura rested her forehead against the mirror, sighing in frustration. Why do things have to be so complicated?
Giving up on trying to think any further into the situation, she turned the knobs of the faucet to stop the water flow (she had left the water running through her entire inner contemplation), and made her way back into the dining room.
Yukaze greeted her with a smile, sitting across the table from her empty seat. She fought down the blush that threatened to rise to her cheeks, took a deep breath, and hoped she'd make it to her chair without doing something embarrassing.
No such luck for poor Mayura. Just a few feet from her waiting seat she tripped forward and blindly reached out to grab anything that might break her fall. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the imminent fall and closed her eyes tightly.
Something like a gust of wind flew over her and she felt her body collide into something solid. Solid, but warm. She cracked her eyelids open and inhaled sharply. Somehow Yukaze had caught her before she fell and she was now gathered very close to him, his chin nearly resting upon the crown of her head. Blood rushed to her head and she wrenched herself away from him, falling backwards into a chair (which toppled with a clang) and landing on her posterior upon the wooden floor.
Loki nearly burst out laughing on the spot, but struggled to hold it in. Mayura was beyond flustered around him now and it was positively hilarious. All he had to do to make her go red in the face was simply to smile at her, for crying out loud! He wondered briefly what might happen when he tried to kiss her. Would she faint? He frowned at that thought. That might be funny, but it wouldn't be much fun for him if she fainted before he kissed her.
He blinked behind his spectacles. Since when did I care that much about kissing Mayura? This is just to teach her a lesson, right? Why do I feel like I'm using that as an excuse...? It's just an added bonus. That's all it is. I'd be just as excited if it were any girl I was going to kiss. It just happens to be...Mayura.
He glanced at her, studying her soft features as she slowly began to lift herself from the floor. Her silky pink hair cascaded down around her face like a waterfall that framed her ivory face (which just so happened to be tinted a reddish color once again). Her short and summery pale yellow skirt hugged her waist and fell around the upper half of her legs, baring the lightly tanned lower halves at the same time. The young God felt a bit of heat rise to his face. When had Mayura become so...pretty? It wasn't quite the word to describe what he was thinking, but he refused to acknowledge the other words his mind came up with.
She had always been somewhat annoying and loud, ranting about her "fushigi mysteries" and getting herself into loads of trouble. Mayura was a nosy little school girl with very little common sense and always rushing into things without thinking first. She had no consideration for others, she was selfish and easily upset, she could never keep her mouth shut...
She was...cheeful and bright, holding a spark of life that never died. Her smile was like the sunshine and her laughter like chimes in the wind. When she greeted him with cheery calls of "Loki-kun!", he would feel a happiness that made him want to dance in the clouds. Her eyes sparkled like rubies when she spoke to him, shining brilliantly with an inner light. Her hair was like a shimmering...
Whoa...whoa...WHOA... Why am I acting like some kind of lovesick poet all of sudden?! Loki slapped a hand to his forehead mentally. He had better pull himself together before he did something embarrassing. And as far as he was concerned, the Trickster God Loki would never do or say anything embarrassing if he could avoid it.
Her bright and lively crimson eyes were regarding him thoughtfully, and her cheeks still glowed a pale strawberry color. "S-Sorry," she muttered, pushing past him and lowering herself into the empty seat behind him.
"You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" he questioned, returning to his chair as well.
The piece of toast paused before her open mouth. "No, I'm okay. Thank you...for catching me." She quickly crammed a bit of toast into her mouth and lowered her head, hiding her flushed face beneath a wave of bubble-gum pink bangs.
"Think nothing of it," he replied simply, taking a sip from the teacup before him.
They finished their breakfast in silence, stealing glances at one another now and then. Neither could seem to explain the strange sensations that were assaulting them from within.
Mayura Daidouji closed her eyes tightly, trying to rid her thoughts of Yukaze. Now was when she should begin investigating him. Instead, here she was thinking that the way his bangs fell over his face was really attractive. Get it together, Mayura! This guy could be the demon Loki, and here you are ogling him like a fangirl!
After nearly inhaling the remainder of her meal, Mayura excused herself from the table and managed a small bow to Yukaze before declaring that she was going to take a nap. However, instead of returning to her room as she had originally intended, she wandered off into Loki's study.
It was as quiet as always, but even moreso now that Loki wasn't seated at the head of the room in his chair, gazing distantly while in thought. Mayura had imagined seeing him there for a split second, bathed in the morning glow. Even if what she had learned of him was true, he was still Loki-kun. That could never change to her, no matter how evil he might be.
And if Yukaze was Loki, she'd find out soon enough. She needed to rest and get her strength back. Mayura couldn't face him after the things that had just taken place. She'd go to pieces in a matter of seconds. True, a nap probably wouldn't change that, but at least she could escape that confrontation for now and divulge into the safety of her dreams.
Sighing softly, she flopped down onto the righthand striped couch and piled a few pillows below her head. Something funny came to her mind and she hid her newly flushed face into one of the plush cushions. Why was I so interested in finding out about Loki-kun in the first place...? It's because we're friends, right? And I want to know more about him... Why do I feel there's more to it than that? That there's...always been more to it? "Loki-kun...why?" she whispered into the pillow, closing her eyes tightly. Sleep came within a few minutes afterwards.
Loki walked into his study, mumbling incoherently. He froze in mid- step when his eyes found Mayura snuggled up on the couch. Wasn't she going to rest? I thought she would go to her room?
He simply stood there for a few moments, his eyes watching her as she slept peacefully. Her shiny wave of pastel pink hair was splayed about her and up over the side of the couch. Her back to was to him, but he could see her body rising and falling with each breath. She was the picture of peace, but he found himself longing for her to turn around greet him cheerfully, a bright smile upon her lips.
Finally breaking out of his contemplation of her snoozing form, he approached his desk at the head of the study seated himself in the chair. He pulled a book out from a drawer on the right and began to read, silently. He sighed heavily after a few moments, realizing he had trouble concentrating on the words in the text. His thoughts kept wandering to the sleeping girl not five feet from him. You're never going to teach Mayura a lesson if you keep this up, his mind chided snidely.
Is that what he even wanted anymore? Did this facade have to continue just to get at Mayura? True, he didn't mind acting evil. It was in his blood. But when he thought of Mayura...that desire to be evil and to trick lessened greatly. The young God almost felt a guilt rise to the surface because of it.
There is another way for Mayura to learn her lesson, he realized. And I think I may learn to accept something I've been trying to ignore in the process of all this.
Loki smiled openly toward the sleeping school girl. A lesson for the both of us, Mayura.
Hours passed, and Mayura slept on under the watchful eye of the Trickster God. And even though Loki's study was a common meeting room for the Agency and their friends, no one had entered once. Not even Yamino-kun, who would normally come offering tea every few hours or so. Or Fenrir with his cries of "Daddy! Daddy!".
Perhaps fate had something in store today, for him and Mayura...?
Loki shook his head briskly. He refused to believe fate was at work here. This was something he was planning, and he alone. He was simply receiving cooperation from the others unknowingly. What am I planning, exactly? he wondered suddenly, turning his chair to stare out the window. What am I going to say to Mayura when she awakens?
Loki stood up and fixed his emerald gaze at the sky. The sun was setting now, and bright orange and red glow lit the entire study from the windows, bathing everything in the warm light. Mayura stirred at last, rubbing her eyes sleepily and rising from her prone position. She yawned, causing Loki to turn around slowly, his outline becoming flooded with golden light, like a hazy aura.
Mayura blinked, rubbing her eyes again. "Yukaze-kun?"
He shook his head languidly from side to side and she watched as he removed the glasses from his face, placing them at the edge of his desk. Mayura felt her crimson eyes begin to broaden. He hastened to remove the band holding back part of his hair and shook it free, letting his golden auburn hair fall back into its usual place. Loki then removed the forest green top of his suit and draped it over the back of his chair.
Mayura got to her feet, her hands clasped in front of her as she stared wide-eyed at the young man. "Who..?"
He gestured for her to move closer. "Why don't you answer that question for yourself?"
Curiosity getting the better of her fear, she approached him, her heart beating wildly against her ribcage. Coming face to face with him, she gazed deeply into his eyes. And something stirred in her heart. Those kind emerald eyes were all too familiar.
He raised a hand and laid it against the side of her face, caressing it gently. His eyes bore intently into the red oceans of hers. "Who am I, Mayura?" he whispered softly.
"Loki-kun..." It barely passed softly through her lips as she spoke, as though she was caught in a trance.
A small smile twisted the corners of his lips, having heard her soft admission. "First and foremost, let me apologize to you, Mayura. I intentionally lied to and deceived you."
She blinked up at him curiously, then lowered her gaze from his. "I-I already knew." The guilt was evident on her face, even when her eyes were staring downward. "I know about you, Loki-kun."
He faked surprise, a knowing gleam in his green orbs. "Oh? What do you know about me, Mayura?"
She bit her lip and traced her gaze back up to his eyes, hesitantly. "You're going to be mad, Loki-kun. I was digging in your study again. And...I found..."
"A piece of old parchment with all my "secrets"?" His smile became lopsided as he fought to hold back a chuckle.
Her crimson eyes widened and her mouth fell open. "H-How did you...?"
"Mayura...it was all my doing," he finally admitted. "I knocked the books off the shelf and created that false document for you to find last night."
She could only gaze disbelievingly into his green eyes, unable to decipher how any what he had just said could possibly be true. He was just covering up because he realized she had figured it out, right? But somehow, somewhere deep in her heart, she knew what he said was the truth. Why else would he be standing here before her now?
Loki bowed his head before her. "I'm sorry, Mayura. I wanted to teach you a lesson for breaking your promise."
So that's why... she realized.
"However," he raised his head upright again, stepping closer to her. "I need to be taught a lesson as well."
"Eh?"
"I've been lying to myself for quite some time now."
She could only blink back at him cutely, completely lost as to what he could be referring to.
"Can you keep a secret, Mayura?" he whispered huskily, leaning his head down toward hers.
Without waiting for a reply, Loki closed the distance between them and melded his lips against hers. Mayura nearly gasped, having expected him to lean down and whisper something into her ear. Her surprise didn't phase Loki, as he slowly deepened the kiss. She responded at last, her eyelids fluttering closed as she kissed him back. They stood there by the window in Loki's study, immersed in liplock under the light of the dying sun.
This was what he had wanted to do all along. He had tried to fool himself by insisting it was part of the plan to teach her a thing or two about breaking promises. That it was merely a part of his scheme to scare her, just a slight bonus that he might happen to enjoy it. How foolish could he be? He had grown to care for Mayura a great deal, more than he would let on to anyone. Even himself.
Loki was afraid of what might happen if he grew to love this mortal girl. Though even through his fears, he couldn't deny what was happening any longer. He was upset when she wasn't around, he longed to see the cheery smile and hear her genki voice. To see her. Mayura. His fears could no longer contend with his heart. This mere mortal girl, Mayura Daidouji, completed him. She had stolen the heart of the Trickster God.
Mayura couldn't think straight. The same kind, indifferent little Loki-kun she had grown to know was now right here before her, kissing her. If the document she had found was false, how was he in this older and much taller form? Despite the doubts and mysteries that were piling, she couldn't deny how right it felt. No matter what form Loki-kun was in, he would always be the same Loki-kun inside.
How did she feel about Loki-kun? He was her friend, without a doubt. Had she felt something more...? Of course she had, but how could she have admitted it? In his child form...her attentions and affection would have been so morally wrong on many bases. She had to hide those feelings deep inside. If Loki were to realize her growing feelings toward him, she was afraid he might go far away again.
And now...? Now was when everything was coming into the light. She had a feeling she'd know all about Loki-kun soon enough. And in the mean time, she could enjoy being with him in a way that was only possible in her dreams before.
After what seemed like an eternity, the kiss had broken at last. Mayura contented herself with leaning into Loki's chest, a few stray tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. His head was on top of hers as he breathed in the intoxicating strawberry scent of her hair.
"I have so much to tell you, Mayura."
Loki secured his arms more tightly around her form, wondering where to begin.
Author's Note: That concludes Chapter Two, full of Loki/Mayura-ness in its entirety. I'm such a sap, at heart. Hope you guys aren't mad. But let me say this, before I go any further: This is not the end! Not nearly! I have a lot in store for them yet. This is merely how they're realizing their feelings for each other at last. There's a lot more in store for Loki and Mayura. I may have disregarded many of the other characters thus far, but that was my plan up to this point. If any of you are angry about that, you can look forward to the next chapter. I won't give anything away, though. Stay tuned, ne?
I want to extend a great big "Thank you" to the following people for reviewing my first chapter and debut back into the fanfiction world:
Rubik's Cube Cat: Thanks. o.oa Yeah, being a dead writer was tough, but I finally pulled through. And as for Loki, glad you liked him that way. Don't know if you'll like him as much after this chapter. chuckles
Amaya Shinkuyoake: Loki/Mayura is such a fun pair. And if you have criticisms, any at all, I'd be delighted to hear them. Writers, like artists, are always looking to improve, afterall. It feels good to be a part of this fandom. I hope the fever spreads to more writers.
KairaHiwatari: Thank you. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Ytak: Poor Mayura. hehe Glad you like it so far.
akuweaselgirl: I hope this is soon enough of an update. I tend to write rather long chapters.
LokiGirl: Loki is going to be having fun with that form-changing problem for quite awhile. laughs evilly Thanks, and glad you like it so far. :D
LittleGreenWolf: Yeah, it was harsh, but don't worry. Mayura's curiosity would never let her run away. You'll see what happens, shortly.
Erinys: Yeah, it was a writer's block of sorts. That and the fact that I got really into playing Ragnarok Online and drawing. Not to mention classes. Thanks for the compliment. I was hoping my writing wouldn't go completely down the toilet in that time. I hope Loki-kun doesn't disappoint.
Bibliomaniac: Not exactly a manga-based fiction, considering I've only read the first volume. I think the characters may somewhat resemble parts of both their manga and anime selves at times. I hope it doesn't cause too much confusion. I did see the page where Loki kissed her in the manga, though. She doesn't know of that here, so I suppose you could say the storyline is a bit more based on the anime after Episode 26. Sorry if that bursts any bubbles. ..a
Melrose Stormhaven: I couldn't write a story without a happy ending. Don't particularly enjoy reading them if they don't have happy endings, either. So don't worry, it'll turn out well. :3
tangerine-asuka: Glad you like the story so far. Loki will redeem himself for his prank this chapter, I promise. :3
Relle: I do hope this update is soon enough? I write long chapters, so they don't always come out immediately. My apologies. And hai, poor Mayura. XD
aliene: Bombs away! :D
Disclaimer (since I forgot to add it last time): I do not own Loki or any of the characters in Matantei Loki Ragnarok.
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Chapter 2: Sunsets and Secrets
It was something of a miracle that Loki managed to rise before Yamino came to wake him. He'd always been a late sleeper and didn't mind missing a good part of morning in most cases. Today there was an energy present that he hadn't felt in years. He was excited about what the day's events could bring. Deceiving people was enjoyable and he was damn good at it.
As he pushed away the heavy blankets, he abruptly realized something odd. He had longer legs, longer arms, definitely more muscle...
Sometime during the night, he had changed forms! Loki felt a small smile curve upon his lips. It seemed things would take a sharp turn right at the very start of the morning. How amusing.
And if I play my cards right, there might be a special treat in store for me...
He'd always wondered what it might be like to kiss Mayura, though he'd never admit that to anyone. And in this form he was sure to allure her somehow, despite what she 'thought' she had learned about him from that falsified piece of parchment. And even if she did resist...
They say a stolen kiss is sweeter, he thought with satisfaction.
He was aware she had met him in this form twice already and that obstacle definitely needed to be addressed before she connected him to the "God" she had met. Since Loki was in his adult form, he didn't want Mayura to make a connection between his older and younger versions, either. It was too early for that at this point in his scheme.
The young God decided to explore his ideas further using his full length mirror. He raised an eyebrow at his reflection, noticing how he was still adorning children's pajamas that both bared his midriff and the bottom half of his legs. A sweatdrop made its way down the side of his face. He definitely wasn't going to waltz around in this getup all day.
Approaching his wardrobe, he opened the bottom drawer, where clothes were kept for his taller, true version. He would definitely have to pass over the red blazer with the black slacks, considering the fact that he had worn them both times Mayura had seen him in this form.
After leafing through the rest of the contents, he pulled out something that might be acceptable and gazed over his selection critically. It was a forest green suit, very dark in color. Along with it was a simple white cotton undershirt and a black silk tie, completed with a pair of shiny black dress shoes. This should do quite nicely, he thought, smiling as he lifted the articles from the bureau and proceeded to change out of the tiny pajamas.
Loki regarded his image in the mirror and rubbed his chin in thought. What else could he do to appear less...Loki? His eyes broadened slightly as a fantastic idea came to him. He returned to his bureau and scanned over the top. Finally spying what he had been searching for, he picked up a tiny black rubber band and a pair of glasses with small lenses. Striding back to the mirror, he fixed the glasses onto his face and tied the back of his hair into a tiny ponytail. And should Mayura ask about him, which she was sure to do, he could easily pass as a relative of Yamino-kun's with this appearance.
He flashed a smile at the mirror. True, the glasses weren't prescription lenses, but they were a stunning addition to his disguise. Crossing his arms, his reflection stared triumphantly back at him. Mayura was sure to be attracted to the sexy intellectual appearance he had pulled off so brilliantly. He might get that kiss sooner than he had originally thought.
The door to his room suddenly opened and Loki immediately spun around. Yamino walked in, a bright smile present on his face. "Loki-sama! It's time to rise and shine!"
Seeing what appeared to be the older Loki standing before him, dressed in an odd manner, Yamino removed his glasses and rubbed a handkerchief over the lenses before returning them to his face. "Loki- sama...?"
Loki nearly chuckled at the reaction and smiled back at his son. "Ohayo, Yamino-kun."
"Loki-sama, why are you dressed like-" Yamino's sentence died off as his aqua eyes widened in abrupt realization. "Ah! You changed forms and don't want Mayura-san to recognize you!"
Loki nodded, tightening his ponytail. "What do you think, Yamino- kun?"
"It's splendid, Loki-sama! You nearly had me fooled, as well." Yamino chuckled in embarrassment, placing a hand behind his head for emphasis.
"Would I perhaps pass as a relative of yours, Yamino-kun? A cousin, maybe?" He raised his eyebrows, waiting to hear what Yamino thought on the matter.
His serpent son nodded all too enthusiastically. "That would work wonderfully, Loki-sama."
Yamino turned to head back out the door, but Loki spoke up. "Hold on, Yamino-kun."
The Legendary serpent-in-human-form turned back around, his expression one of inquiry as he raised a fine eyebrow in question.
"Call me Yukaze, Yamino-kun."
Yamino nodded to his father and the two exchanged smiles. "Breakfast is nearly ready, Yukaze-sama. Come to the dining room whenever you're ready. I was about to check on Mayura-san."
As Yamino left and closed the door, Loki turned back to the mirror and adjusted the glasses to fit more securely on the edge of his nose. Yukaze, charming cousin to Yamino. Mayura will buy it in an instant.
The Trickster God in disguise walked out of his room and made his way to the dining room, strutting arrogantly along as if he'd just defeated Odin. He knew Mayura would probably catch on to his likeness to the Loki she knew after awhile, but that's what he was counting on. He could have easily shape-shifted into another person if he had wanted to, but it would be more fun this way.
Upon entering the dining room he was surprised to see Mayura already awake and munching on pancakes. She looked up at him as he entered, blinking curiously with a mouthful of pancake. Yamino made his way over to Loki and patted his shoulder in a friendly manner. "Mayura-san, this is my cousin Yukaze-sama. He came to visit for awhile."
Mayura stood up and bowed in greeting, which Loki returned, making sure he flashed her a brilliant smile in the process. "The pleasure is mine. Mayura-san, is it?"
Still unable to find her voice, Mayura nodded again, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Yukaze was handsome, to say the least. He wore his hair much like Yamino-kun, tied back into a small ponytail. Though the charming young man didn't have long enough hair to make much of ponytail. His glasses were smaller than Yamino-kun's and very stylish. She couldn't help but notice he was familiar in some way. His eye color was hidden behind the glare upon the lenses of his glasses, but something about his stance and the way he spoke was familiar. And she somehow felt attracted him him because of that familiarity. Mayura abruptly shook her head inwardly in a panic. I can't be attracted to someone I've just met! I don't even know him.
"Mayura-san? Are you okay?"
She blinked out of her inward turmoil and turned red as a ripe strawberry. Yukaze was glancing at her questioningly, his head tilted slightly to the side. Oh my God...I was staring at him the whole time!?
"I-I-I'm fine! Just fine," Mayura sputtered, flopping back down into her seat and shoveling another piece of pancake into her mouth. She fixed her gaze onto the plate as though it was the most interesting thing she'd ever seen.
Loki smirked inwardly as he watched her eat (missing her mouth with the fork twice in a row). His plan was working perfectly. Now he just needed to lay things on a little thicker. Stepping up toward her, he outstretched his arm and let his hand rest on her forehead. "Do you have a fever, Mayura-san? You look a little red in the face."
Mayura turned a darker shade of red and dropped her fork to the floor. His touch was familiar as well and it sent something akin to an electric shock through her system. She pulled away from him and stood up quickly, taking off out of the room while mumbling something about needing water.
She reached the restroom and turned the faucet on, gathering the cold liquid into her cupped hands below the spout. She then lowered her face to the sink and splashed the frigid water against her face. This stranger was sending her system into breakdown just by touching her.
After rinsing her face twice more with cold water, she reached for the towel and dabbed the droplets off, risking a glance into the mirror at her reflection. Her face was still very red. She thought back to the feeling when he had laid his hand upon her forehead.
Mayura's crimson eyes broadened and she dropped the towel right into the sink. That feeling that she felt...she knew who it reminded her of.
"Loki..." she whispered. But that can't be possible, can it? Yamino-kun said Yukaze is his cousin. I don't think he would lie to me. Though I haven't seen Loki-kun all morning. Yamino-kun said he went to take care of a few things and wouldn't be for the better part of the day. And then Yukaze shows up...Fushigi Mystery!
Her findings from the previous night suddenly hit her like a ton of bricks. If this stranger was indeed Loki-kun, she had better tread her ground carefully. He was a demon, afterall. Charming, handsome, and undeniably sexy...but still a demon! Or maybe she was being to quick to judge Yukaze. Guilt began to build up in her conscience as she gripped the edge of the sink tightly. She'd have to do some investigating before she came to any conclusions like that. However, in order to investigate Yukaze- san, she was going to have to better control herself. If she melted into a puddle every time he looked at her, how was she going to find out anything about him?
Mayura rested her forehead against the mirror, sighing in frustration. Why do things have to be so complicated?
Giving up on trying to think any further into the situation, she turned the knobs of the faucet to stop the water flow (she had left the water running through her entire inner contemplation), and made her way back into the dining room.
Yukaze greeted her with a smile, sitting across the table from her empty seat. She fought down the blush that threatened to rise to her cheeks, took a deep breath, and hoped she'd make it to her chair without doing something embarrassing.
No such luck for poor Mayura. Just a few feet from her waiting seat she tripped forward and blindly reached out to grab anything that might break her fall. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the imminent fall and closed her eyes tightly.
Something like a gust of wind flew over her and she felt her body collide into something solid. Solid, but warm. She cracked her eyelids open and inhaled sharply. Somehow Yukaze had caught her before she fell and she was now gathered very close to him, his chin nearly resting upon the crown of her head. Blood rushed to her head and she wrenched herself away from him, falling backwards into a chair (which toppled with a clang) and landing on her posterior upon the wooden floor.
Loki nearly burst out laughing on the spot, but struggled to hold it in. Mayura was beyond flustered around him now and it was positively hilarious. All he had to do to make her go red in the face was simply to smile at her, for crying out loud! He wondered briefly what might happen when he tried to kiss her. Would she faint? He frowned at that thought. That might be funny, but it wouldn't be much fun for him if she fainted before he kissed her.
He blinked behind his spectacles. Since when did I care that much about kissing Mayura? This is just to teach her a lesson, right? Why do I feel like I'm using that as an excuse...? It's just an added bonus. That's all it is. I'd be just as excited if it were any girl I was going to kiss. It just happens to be...Mayura.
He glanced at her, studying her soft features as she slowly began to lift herself from the floor. Her silky pink hair cascaded down around her face like a waterfall that framed her ivory face (which just so happened to be tinted a reddish color once again). Her short and summery pale yellow skirt hugged her waist and fell around the upper half of her legs, baring the lightly tanned lower halves at the same time. The young God felt a bit of heat rise to his face. When had Mayura become so...pretty? It wasn't quite the word to describe what he was thinking, but he refused to acknowledge the other words his mind came up with.
She had always been somewhat annoying and loud, ranting about her "fushigi mysteries" and getting herself into loads of trouble. Mayura was a nosy little school girl with very little common sense and always rushing into things without thinking first. She had no consideration for others, she was selfish and easily upset, she could never keep her mouth shut...
She was...cheeful and bright, holding a spark of life that never died. Her smile was like the sunshine and her laughter like chimes in the wind. When she greeted him with cheery calls of "Loki-kun!", he would feel a happiness that made him want to dance in the clouds. Her eyes sparkled like rubies when she spoke to him, shining brilliantly with an inner light. Her hair was like a shimmering...
Whoa...whoa...WHOA... Why am I acting like some kind of lovesick poet all of sudden?! Loki slapped a hand to his forehead mentally. He had better pull himself together before he did something embarrassing. And as far as he was concerned, the Trickster God Loki would never do or say anything embarrassing if he could avoid it.
Her bright and lively crimson eyes were regarding him thoughtfully, and her cheeks still glowed a pale strawberry color. "S-Sorry," she muttered, pushing past him and lowering herself into the empty seat behind him.
"You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" he questioned, returning to his chair as well.
The piece of toast paused before her open mouth. "No, I'm okay. Thank you...for catching me." She quickly crammed a bit of toast into her mouth and lowered her head, hiding her flushed face beneath a wave of bubble-gum pink bangs.
"Think nothing of it," he replied simply, taking a sip from the teacup before him.
They finished their breakfast in silence, stealing glances at one another now and then. Neither could seem to explain the strange sensations that were assaulting them from within.
Mayura Daidouji closed her eyes tightly, trying to rid her thoughts of Yukaze. Now was when she should begin investigating him. Instead, here she was thinking that the way his bangs fell over his face was really attractive. Get it together, Mayura! This guy could be the demon Loki, and here you are ogling him like a fangirl!
After nearly inhaling the remainder of her meal, Mayura excused herself from the table and managed a small bow to Yukaze before declaring that she was going to take a nap. However, instead of returning to her room as she had originally intended, she wandered off into Loki's study.
It was as quiet as always, but even moreso now that Loki wasn't seated at the head of the room in his chair, gazing distantly while in thought. Mayura had imagined seeing him there for a split second, bathed in the morning glow. Even if what she had learned of him was true, he was still Loki-kun. That could never change to her, no matter how evil he might be.
And if Yukaze was Loki, she'd find out soon enough. She needed to rest and get her strength back. Mayura couldn't face him after the things that had just taken place. She'd go to pieces in a matter of seconds. True, a nap probably wouldn't change that, but at least she could escape that confrontation for now and divulge into the safety of her dreams.
Sighing softly, she flopped down onto the righthand striped couch and piled a few pillows below her head. Something funny came to her mind and she hid her newly flushed face into one of the plush cushions. Why was I so interested in finding out about Loki-kun in the first place...? It's because we're friends, right? And I want to know more about him... Why do I feel there's more to it than that? That there's...always been more to it? "Loki-kun...why?" she whispered into the pillow, closing her eyes tightly. Sleep came within a few minutes afterwards.
Loki walked into his study, mumbling incoherently. He froze in mid- step when his eyes found Mayura snuggled up on the couch. Wasn't she going to rest? I thought she would go to her room?
He simply stood there for a few moments, his eyes watching her as she slept peacefully. Her shiny wave of pastel pink hair was splayed about her and up over the side of the couch. Her back to was to him, but he could see her body rising and falling with each breath. She was the picture of peace, but he found himself longing for her to turn around greet him cheerfully, a bright smile upon her lips.
Finally breaking out of his contemplation of her snoozing form, he approached his desk at the head of the study seated himself in the chair. He pulled a book out from a drawer on the right and began to read, silently. He sighed heavily after a few moments, realizing he had trouble concentrating on the words in the text. His thoughts kept wandering to the sleeping girl not five feet from him. You're never going to teach Mayura a lesson if you keep this up, his mind chided snidely.
Is that what he even wanted anymore? Did this facade have to continue just to get at Mayura? True, he didn't mind acting evil. It was in his blood. But when he thought of Mayura...that desire to be evil and to trick lessened greatly. The young God almost felt a guilt rise to the surface because of it.
There is another way for Mayura to learn her lesson, he realized. And I think I may learn to accept something I've been trying to ignore in the process of all this.
Loki smiled openly toward the sleeping school girl. A lesson for the both of us, Mayura.
Hours passed, and Mayura slept on under the watchful eye of the Trickster God. And even though Loki's study was a common meeting room for the Agency and their friends, no one had entered once. Not even Yamino-kun, who would normally come offering tea every few hours or so. Or Fenrir with his cries of "Daddy! Daddy!".
Perhaps fate had something in store today, for him and Mayura...?
Loki shook his head briskly. He refused to believe fate was at work here. This was something he was planning, and he alone. He was simply receiving cooperation from the others unknowingly. What am I planning, exactly? he wondered suddenly, turning his chair to stare out the window. What am I going to say to Mayura when she awakens?
Loki stood up and fixed his emerald gaze at the sky. The sun was setting now, and bright orange and red glow lit the entire study from the windows, bathing everything in the warm light. Mayura stirred at last, rubbing her eyes sleepily and rising from her prone position. She yawned, causing Loki to turn around slowly, his outline becoming flooded with golden light, like a hazy aura.
Mayura blinked, rubbing her eyes again. "Yukaze-kun?"
He shook his head languidly from side to side and she watched as he removed the glasses from his face, placing them at the edge of his desk. Mayura felt her crimson eyes begin to broaden. He hastened to remove the band holding back part of his hair and shook it free, letting his golden auburn hair fall back into its usual place. Loki then removed the forest green top of his suit and draped it over the back of his chair.
Mayura got to her feet, her hands clasped in front of her as she stared wide-eyed at the young man. "Who..?"
He gestured for her to move closer. "Why don't you answer that question for yourself?"
Curiosity getting the better of her fear, she approached him, her heart beating wildly against her ribcage. Coming face to face with him, she gazed deeply into his eyes. And something stirred in her heart. Those kind emerald eyes were all too familiar.
He raised a hand and laid it against the side of her face, caressing it gently. His eyes bore intently into the red oceans of hers. "Who am I, Mayura?" he whispered softly.
"Loki-kun..." It barely passed softly through her lips as she spoke, as though she was caught in a trance.
A small smile twisted the corners of his lips, having heard her soft admission. "First and foremost, let me apologize to you, Mayura. I intentionally lied to and deceived you."
She blinked up at him curiously, then lowered her gaze from his. "I-I already knew." The guilt was evident on her face, even when her eyes were staring downward. "I know about you, Loki-kun."
He faked surprise, a knowing gleam in his green orbs. "Oh? What do you know about me, Mayura?"
She bit her lip and traced her gaze back up to his eyes, hesitantly. "You're going to be mad, Loki-kun. I was digging in your study again. And...I found..."
"A piece of old parchment with all my "secrets"?" His smile became lopsided as he fought to hold back a chuckle.
Her crimson eyes widened and her mouth fell open. "H-How did you...?"
"Mayura...it was all my doing," he finally admitted. "I knocked the books off the shelf and created that false document for you to find last night."
She could only gaze disbelievingly into his green eyes, unable to decipher how any what he had just said could possibly be true. He was just covering up because he realized she had figured it out, right? But somehow, somewhere deep in her heart, she knew what he said was the truth. Why else would he be standing here before her now?
Loki bowed his head before her. "I'm sorry, Mayura. I wanted to teach you a lesson for breaking your promise."
So that's why... she realized.
"However," he raised his head upright again, stepping closer to her. "I need to be taught a lesson as well."
"Eh?"
"I've been lying to myself for quite some time now."
She could only blink back at him cutely, completely lost as to what he could be referring to.
"Can you keep a secret, Mayura?" he whispered huskily, leaning his head down toward hers.
Without waiting for a reply, Loki closed the distance between them and melded his lips against hers. Mayura nearly gasped, having expected him to lean down and whisper something into her ear. Her surprise didn't phase Loki, as he slowly deepened the kiss. She responded at last, her eyelids fluttering closed as she kissed him back. They stood there by the window in Loki's study, immersed in liplock under the light of the dying sun.
This was what he had wanted to do all along. He had tried to fool himself by insisting it was part of the plan to teach her a thing or two about breaking promises. That it was merely a part of his scheme to scare her, just a slight bonus that he might happen to enjoy it. How foolish could he be? He had grown to care for Mayura a great deal, more than he would let on to anyone. Even himself.
Loki was afraid of what might happen if he grew to love this mortal girl. Though even through his fears, he couldn't deny what was happening any longer. He was upset when she wasn't around, he longed to see the cheery smile and hear her genki voice. To see her. Mayura. His fears could no longer contend with his heart. This mere mortal girl, Mayura Daidouji, completed him. She had stolen the heart of the Trickster God.
Mayura couldn't think straight. The same kind, indifferent little Loki-kun she had grown to know was now right here before her, kissing her. If the document she had found was false, how was he in this older and much taller form? Despite the doubts and mysteries that were piling, she couldn't deny how right it felt. No matter what form Loki-kun was in, he would always be the same Loki-kun inside.
How did she feel about Loki-kun? He was her friend, without a doubt. Had she felt something more...? Of course she had, but how could she have admitted it? In his child form...her attentions and affection would have been so morally wrong on many bases. She had to hide those feelings deep inside. If Loki were to realize her growing feelings toward him, she was afraid he might go far away again.
And now...? Now was when everything was coming into the light. She had a feeling she'd know all about Loki-kun soon enough. And in the mean time, she could enjoy being with him in a way that was only possible in her dreams before.
After what seemed like an eternity, the kiss had broken at last. Mayura contented herself with leaning into Loki's chest, a few stray tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. His head was on top of hers as he breathed in the intoxicating strawberry scent of her hair.
"I have so much to tell you, Mayura."
Loki secured his arms more tightly around her form, wondering where to begin.
Author's Note: That concludes Chapter Two, full of Loki/Mayura-ness in its entirety. I'm such a sap, at heart. Hope you guys aren't mad. But let me say this, before I go any further: This is not the end! Not nearly! I have a lot in store for them yet. This is merely how they're realizing their feelings for each other at last. There's a lot more in store for Loki and Mayura. I may have disregarded many of the other characters thus far, but that was my plan up to this point. If any of you are angry about that, you can look forward to the next chapter. I won't give anything away, though. Stay tuned, ne?