Chapter 18 : Awake
When I came to, it was pitch black. A throbbing pain in my temples brought me back to reality, alerting me to the fact, that the room was bathed in darkness. I scrambled for an explanation as to why it came to be that way, but I could only remember myself passing out, after my fight with Loki. Thinking of Loki, where is he? I wondered, swiveling my head around, even though I couldn't see through the impenetrable inky black.
As if reading my mind, a spark of light suddenly appeared, illuminating the room in a blue glow. I blinked, trying to adjust my eyes, though the light was dim.
Loki's figure was visible to me now, his body propped up on the opposite wall, across from me. How did I even end up on the wall? I wondered, looking behind me. I tried to speak, to ask him what happened, but found my throat was bone dry. The lack of moisture had constricted my vocal cords, making it difficult for me to produce words.
"You're severely dehydrated." He spoke, in a tired voice. I coughed dryly, emphasizing his point, and clutched my neck, trying to soothe the ragged feeling. I glanced around the glowing room, and wondered just how much time had passed.
"It is dusk." Loki stated, noticing my confusion. My eyes widened at the revelation, and I stared at him in disbelief. I couldn't have been out that long? Could I have? I frantically tried to stand, but my legs refused to work, instead lying limp in front of me. I leaned my head back against the wall and gritted my teeth in frustration. I just wish I knew what was wrong with me. I thought furiously.
"By the looks of it, you are also severely malnourished and sleep deprived." Loki said calmly, causing me to snap my head to him.
"How do you know that?" I croaked out, noticing how he cringed at the sound.
"When we were in my cell, and you brought me supplements, I noticed the way your eyes devoured the food. Like you hadn't eaten in days. And when you were bringing me here, I could feel how unstable you were, on your feet." He answered, his gaze unwavering.
Wow. He's observant. I thought, squirming under his intense stare. He stared at me for another second before seemingly slumping in defeat. He opened his mouth and shut it, before opening it again.
"I must … apologize for my harsh words before. I reacted inappropriately and must thank you immensely for all you've done." He said slowly, hanging his head low. His thin greasy hair fell into his face and his fists were clenched tightly on his legs. My gaze softened and I cleared my throat, trying to speak again.
"I ... forgive you." I said quietly, letting the words come out slowly.
Loki's head snapped up, his eyes wide in disbelief. I smiled, trying to reassure him and spoke again.
"Really. It's no big deal. Now", I said, changing the subject, "You wanna tell me how we both ended up propped against the wall and why you don't have the light on?" I asked teasingly.
Loki looked like he wanted to further press the issue of my forgiving him so easily, but let it drop.
"I managed to catch you before you hit the ground. In doing so, I further injured myself, and had nowhere else to go but the wall. As to your other query, you never did turn on the lights when we entered." I hit my forehead with my hand. "Stupid." I muttered, while Loki continued speaking, "When you lost consciousness and didn't awaken, I thought it wise to keep the light off, lest someone try to enter your chambers unannounced." He explained, the blue glow casting his shadow menacingly behind him.
"Where did you get the light?" I asked, my voice slowly returning to normal. He turned his head to look at the light for a moment, before looking back at me.
"I have my ways." He simply stated, the words seeming mysterious to me. I crossed my arms, demanding an explanation, but only got a smile in return. I dropped my arms, and looked to the side. That's when my eye caught the pill bottle. I slowly crawled to my nightstand, and painfully raised my arm to pick it up. I examined it, and noticed something.
"You took the pills." I said, more a question, than a statement. I heard a deep sigh and looked up at him.
"I also thought it wise to take up your offer of relieving myself of pain temporarily. He said quietly.
"Why?" I asked curiously.
"I tire of suffering." He said, causing me to swallow back tears. My heart ached for Loki's suffering, and I longed to hold him close and tell him everything would be fine. But even I knew I would be lying. Even if I did manage to fix him, where would he go? He could stay with me, but I still didn't completely trust him. And if he did stay with me, how long would it be for? I knew it wouldn't be long before someone realized he was missing and sent a hunting party. I feared what they would do to me when they found out I had aided him in his escape.
"So... how are you feeling right now?" I asked shifting my body into a more comfortable position.
"I … have been better." He said, smirking slightly.
"Did you just make a joke?" I gasped with fake shock. Loki chuckled, causing me to smile. I wonder what was in those pills to make him less guarded around me. I wondered, watching as he ran his hands through his hair.
"If you've lived in Asgard long enough, you would know I am quite the jokester." He said a glint in his eyes. My smile stretched louder, and I opened my mouth to continue our little banter.
Then the doorknob to my room twisted open.
Author's Note: Hey guys! I know I know, it's been a while since I updated, but I hope this will make up for it. Who do you think is coming into Althaia's room? First person to guess gets a little teaser for the next chapter. But of course to receive that teaser you need a fanfiction account. Just thought I'd make that clear. Thanks for all the lovely reviews. I really appreciate it. Please r/r and follow! I love you all, and thanks so much for the support. Until next time! P.S: Someone suggested to me to put all the one-shot of Loki and Althaia together in another story. What do you guys think? Should I do that or continue putting them in with this story?