Chapter 3: Dans og Maskerte Ansikter ~Dancing and Masked Faces~

Loki stared at the television with a bored expression as he sat on one of the beds in Anya's hotel room while the mortal woman herself was busy showering in the other room. The prince was less than thrilled about this situation. Anya had insisted that he wait for her to clean up and then would allow him to do the same if he wanted. A maid, or at least he assumed the woman to be a maid, had arrived a while ago to pick up their clothes to be cleaned and said they would be returned as soon as possible. But, obviously since Loki did not pack any spare changes of clothes, he was stuck in nothing but a white fleece robe that Anya had allowed him borrow for the time being. It was embarrassing, but the banished prince forced himself to make due for now. While he could use his crystals, doing so would only drain him and cause him to attract attention to Heimdall. And the last thing he needed was the Gatekeeper watching him intently so soon after his exile. No, he would wait. The crystals would be used only when the time was right and no sooner.

The Asgardian resolved to wait and see where he was, where he should go and if any of these mortals were of any use to him. The young woman who had saved him may have some potential use to him, but Loki would need to assess her entirely. She was at least brave enough to rescue him from drowning, even if he had been a total stranger to her. If he was honest with himself, Loki found that he was still confounded by the notion that she had saved his life just to help him. But he also found it strangely alluring. He also couldn't deny that she was lovely, in her own way. She was nothing like the many goddesses of Asgard, or the Elven maidens of Alfheim, however, she still had her own appeal to her. The exiled deity made a note to keep an eye on her and see what else he could learn about her. What he could possibly use to control her at some point in the future.

The door to the bathroom finally opened, releasing a small gust of steam and the scent of flowers. Loki stood up as he saw Anya walking out, drying her hair with a towel, dressed in a powder blue robe that looked like it was made of silk or satin. The patterns on the robe were oriental looking, made up of pale yellow chrysanthemum flowers along with lavender and cherry blossom pink butterflies. "The bath is all yours, if you want to wash up yourself." The mortal woman said, looking at the prince with a soft blush on her cheeks.
"Thank you. I think I shall do so." He replied, getting off the bed and walking past her. He could still feel the sea salt in his hair and clinging to his skin, and a chance to clean himself was truly appealing. Once again, the Trickster caught the floral scent that now clung to the girl's body. "What scent is that?"
"Oh, it's Japanese Cherry Blossom. It's my favorite." Anya replied, blushing even more as she rushed to her suitcase to get some real clothes on.
"It's nice." Loki said before stepping into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. He decided to clean himself and then have his 'savior' show him around this place so that he could get a much better understanding of this world.

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The rest of the day could only be described as chaotic. Loki had been shocked by the numerous attendees of this 'convention'. He still didn't fully understand the purpose of it. Anya had explained that it was much like a festival in many ways. There was music, dancing, food, vendors, entertainment, all of which were prominent in the many festivals Loki had attended in Asgard. The only thing he still didn't understand at all were the costumes many of the mortals wore. The people that Anya called 'horror fans' confused the exiled prince the most. He honestly saw no point to dressing up like half-dead monsters that belonged in Helhiem. And there were multiple times when Anya had to restrain him from attacking people dressed up like the Avengers. While some onlookers thought it amusing to see someone fighting one of 'Earth's mightiest heroes', Anya herself had been worried about getting into trouble with hotel and con security, and had to drag Loki away from the poor cosplayer.

After that incident, the day was relatively calm. Anya showed Loki around the dealer's room and the artist's alley, buying from both. Loki was absolutely confounded by her excitement at the small plush toys she had bought for herself. They attended a few panels, a couple of contests, including the karaoke contest. Loki had to admit he was pleasantly surprised when Anya went up to compete, winning third place overall.

Anya let out a small sigh of relief as she walked into the large room where the masquerade ball was being held. Tables were set up for attendees to sit down and relax, each one decorated with bits of glitter and confetti, small fake flowers and a few cutout masks. The music was soft and calming at the moment, but she knew that there were likely to be some much faster songs later, once things began to get into full swing. Though after the day that she'd had, the mortal woman welcomed the calm and relaxing music full heartedly. "This should be more suited to your style." She said, looking at Loki as she pulled out a thin white mask for herself to wear for the occasion. "I'm sure you've been to a masquerade before."

Loki only nodded, observing his surroundings. He wore his Asgardian royal attire once more, now that they were clean. But when the human woman had suggested he attend this masquerade, he assumed he should blend in. With her help, he found a black and gold mask with two horns growing back from one of the vendors. It reminded him of his usual horned helmet, and made his feel a brief longing to return to Asgard. He looked around the room, finding it acceptable. Being an Asgardian Prince, such a formal setting was normal for him. The deity had long since lost track of how many royal balls, parties, and formal gatherings he had attended even from his young childhood. Compared to the events from earlier on in the day, this would be easier and more familiar to handle. "Plenty, sometimes in different forms and no one was ever the wiser." The god informed her as he walked on alone, though slowly. His emerald eyes scanned the room, observing each and every being here, like they were weapons and he was judging which to choose. But he could not judge much, not in a situation or environment like this.

"Just don't attack anyone again. It was bad enough when you nearly assaulted that one Iron Man cosplayer..." Anya said, walking over to one of the closest tables and placing her things down. Once she felt her items were secure, she proceeded to place her own mask on and looked at the Trickster. "We should be lucky they thought you were just acting."
Loki resisted the urge to roll his emerald eyes. "What man is he if he can't defend himself?" He was still observing the mortals, but looked at her, his green eyes piercing her blue ones. "And do not assume you can order me, mortal. I act as I please, and at least when I must take a disguise, it is with reason, instead of pointless." He seemed to say it pointed, crossing his arms as he watched the crowd. He was beginning to wonder just what use Anya would be to him, other than a guide in this foreign land.
"These are normal people. They're here to have a good time, not fight for their lives." She said with a loud sigh. "Had you made enough of a fuss, the hotel would've called the police."

"Are you quite done?" Loki glanced to look at her. "Or do feel a prolong need to parent me even when you know nothing of me?"
The blonde woman sighed, brushing her hair with her fingers to fix her appearance a bit. "I'd rather not get kicked out of the con or hotel, so please, I am begging you, don't cause any more trouble." She said, bowing her head a little.
"No more trouble than needed, my dear." Loki muttered and chose then to walk through the room, testing his power. He attempted to read the humans he past, but his power were now all-but gone. He could barely read anything of any of these people, which only frustrated him further and left him feeling vulnerable. Something he would never admit to feeling. He sighed, finding a dark corner to observe from as he drowned himself in thought. The god knew he must find allies, some with enough power and skill to have any influence here in this world.
The 'princess' grumbled lightly, letting Loki walk off while she went and got a drink for herself, and one for him as well. Part of her kept asking why she was risking her own neck for the man, no, the god who she had rescued. Moreover, from what she learned from him, he was the same god who had caused the crisis in New York some months ago. So why was she still hanging around him? Helping him? Well, she'd figure that out in due time, she told herself. Some time passed before Anya found him, sighing lightly as she walked over. "Something wrong?" She asked, offering him the bottle of Dr. Pepper she bought for him.

Loki raised a brow, taking the drink from her slowly and lightly sniffing the lid of the bottle. Ignoring her question, he asked, "Is this a refreshment of some sort?"
"Yes. Remember that drink I introduced you to back in my room? It's the same one. It's just in a bottle, rather than a can." She told him. "A lot of drinks are distributed that way. It gives some variety."
Loki nodded, removing the cap and then took a sip of the drink. He was still unused to the taste, but that didn't mean he didn't like it. "Why did you bring me along to this?" He asked after a few sips, enjoying the taste of the strange but sweet dark elixir.
"To the convention? Well… Because for one, I didn't think you'd want to stay locked up in my room all day. Another thing is that... well, I suppose since I saved you, I'm responsible for you. Until we can figure out how you'll handle yourself." Anya replied, rubbing her arm lightly. "My friends keep saying my kindness will be the death of me."
The prince only laughed, shaking his head and taking another sip before sighing. Perhaps his words could still of use to him. He smiled at Anya, almost smirking in a seductive manner. "And what do you do, might I ask? What purpose do you serve to your fellow humans?"

"What... purpose?" The girl repeated, sounding confused as she looked at the other attendees who were dancing and engaging in conversations. "I'm not sure how to answer that. If you mean what is my job, or occupation, I'm a part-time worker at a store in the mall back home."
Loki raised a brow, resisting the urge to sigh. Of all souls to be sent to assist him, this is what he got? He let the sigh out slow and carefully. Perhaps there was more to her than what could be seen. "And your reason for trying to help me at all?"
"You don't need a reason to help others. But when you fell out of the sky, straight into the Gulf, you could've died. I don't know if anyone else was around. But I just felt the resolve to help save you." Anya answered honestly.
Loki looked her in the eyes again, and yet it was suddenly soft. "But beyond saving me, why do you offer to do anything else for me? You know full well what I did in New York..." He said, recalling the painful memories of his brother and those damned Avengers stopping the Chitauri invasion. Stopping his chance to become king. Quickly he pushed the memories down to the back of his mind.

"I'll admit I'm still a bit surprised about that myself. But why are you here on Earth? Isn't it because of what you did in New York?" She asked calmly. "As I said, I saved your life, so if nothing else, I'm responsible for you in some way. I mean, you don't have anywhere to go, do you?"
"...Not exactly, no...So perhaps, I should be appreciating your offer better..." Loki smiled a tiny bit. The prince watched her to see any signs of her catching on to his sudden change of mood. "I'm here as punishment; powerless and here to learn the lesson the Allfather intends me to." He explained, not that he intended to learn what he was meant to, of course. But he would play the part until he had the power he needed, if not more.

Anya turned her head away, blushing lightly at his smile. She never really noticed just how handsome he was up to that point. Then again, he was a god, she told herself. It made sense that he was more handsome than a normal human. "I'm sure you'll learn some sort of lesson." The music changed, turning into a song the human woman recognized. "Do you want to dance?" She asked, giving a tiny smile and a curtsy.
The Asgardian considered it for a moment, but taking into account her blush, he decided it could do more good then it would harm. And he might as well enjoy himself, if only a little. It was also amusing that a lady was asking him to dance, since he was used to men asking a lady. Loki took her hand and kissed the back of her palm, recalling his royal upbringing all too easily, smiling at her again. "I suppose that I could dance for a little while." With that, he pulled her to the middle of the dance floor.
"I hope you know how dance in a modern day setting." The 'princess' said, glad that the song currently playing was slower, like a waltz or a tango.

Loki took her into his arms, holding their hands up as his other lay on her lower back. "The only moves this body has learned are those in the ballrooms of my kingdom, and those in the seclusion of my bedroom, my dear. So don't expect anything more than the former." He smirked, his tone playful and even suggestive before beginning to pull her along to the music, swift and floating.
Anya's blush deepened as she felt the deity pull her closer, his hand resting on her back before leading them around the makeshift dance floor. She was a bit shocked by how much skill and grace he had as a dancer. His bedroom comment only made her blush deepen further, trying to control herself. Loki twirled her so suddenly, she didn't have time to stop him. And then she was back in his arms, closer, as he moved their bodies and feet to the music.
The mortal girl had to force herself to stay focused on dancing correctly, rather than listen to the comments of the other congoers about how they seemed to be moving like professional dancers. In a way, she couldn't help like she was in a sort of fairy tale. She was at a ball, dressed up like a princess, and dancing with a handsome prince. Maybe not a 'normal' prince but still, handsome regardless. A part of her didn't want the dance to end at all. It all seemed too... magical. However, her mature mind took over again, reminding her that her dance partner was a chaotic god who had attempted to turn the planet into his personal kingdom.
Loki's eyes kept falling to Anya as they danced, trying to focus as much of his magic on reading her as best he could, but she was difficult to read, or at least to understand... She knew who he was and what he could and would do to her, if he so chose to. And yet, she did not tear away, did not run, did not shun him. Yes, she mothered him for his actions, but nothing more. He felt reminded of his adoptive mother for a moment, before averting his eyes to push away the thought of her and how he felt knowing how he'd hurt her. As the song came to an end, though, he slowed to a stop, giving a decent smile again. "Any other suggestions?"

"I.. uh..." She began to say, still flustered by everything she had felt in just one dance.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I cut in?" A smooth female voice asked as a dark haired girl tapped Loki's shoulder, smiling. "I'd love to dance with a professional."
Loki only raised a brow, still holding a smirk. "And who might you be, dear?"
"I'm Melissa. But some just call me Rayne." The young woman said, offering her hand to the god, still smiling at him, essentially ignoring Anya altogether.
"I'm Anya. This is...Henry." The blonde girl said, quickly speaking the first male name she could that think of.
The Asgardian prince raised his brow at Anya's name for him, before laughing and taking the 'elf' girl's hand and kissing it. "And you seek a dance with me, hmm? No better suitors here?"
"None like you, hot stuff." Melissa said, giving a flirtatious smile to Loki. The woman was dressed up like an elf of sorts, probably from World of Warcraft or League of Legends, maybe even Lord of the Rings, Anya guessed. She wasn't entirely sure.

Loki could easily tell her tone was hinting, inwardly scoffing. He was half amused and half put off by it and its obviousness. It reminded the prince of certain women in the royal court, the sort who would flatter and flirt with him for the intentions of trying to rise higher in standing or get closer to his half-brother, or even worse, both. Pushing the memories away, Loki glanced to Anya. "If my date wouldn't mind, I could spare a dance." He smirked at Anya, almost wanting to chuckle as he waited for her reaction and answer.
Anya looked at him, not sure how to react at first. A part of her wanted to tell the other woman off, to take her obvious sexual advances elsewhere. Another part of her wanted to see how Loki would react to the other woman. "...It's, up to you." She replied, trying to hide her surprising jealousy.
Loki chuckled then turned back to the darker haired woman. "Then, for this next song, I'm all yours, dear." He told Melissa, taking her in his arms as another song began.
Anya stepped back, watching as Melissa began to dance with the Trickster god, probably completely unaware of who he really was. She picked up her drink and Loki's heading back to the table where she'd left her belongings.

"Looks like your girlfriend wasn't too happy about letting another woman dance with you. Not that I blame her for wanting to keep a gorgeous thing like you to herself." Melissa said, starting to dance, shaking her hips and half-grinding against the exiled god.
"Well, it's not as though she has anything to worry about." The raven haired prince said. The song was grating on his nerves, but not nearly as much as this woman. She went on talking about herself, trying to tempt him with her skimpy costume. It was all too obvious that Melissa just wanted to sleep with him. He had no use for a whore.
"So, Henry, mind if I get your number? Maybe we can meet up later?" She asked, leaning close as if to try and kiss him.
Loki continued to sweep her away for a bit longer, but when the song was nearly over, he leaned forward to Melissa's ear. "A gorgeous man like myself would not fall to the pitiful charms of such a woman as you, dear. If you wish to act like a harlot, you should do so around men who are more than willing to satisfy your lust."
"Excuse me?" The dark haired woman asked, looking utterly insulted. "Just who the hell do you think you are, you bastard?"
As the song came to an end, he kissed her cheek, looking her dead in the eye. The power he still had retained terrified the mortal woman to the very core of her soul. "I am not some weak-willed fool of a man who listens to his lust more than to his reason. Nor am I attracted to women who only wish to sleep with me for my physical appearance. Next time you intend to tempt a man, make sure he is either a weaker man or you have better skills." With that, Loki left her alone and returned to the table where Anya was sitting.

Taking his drink from her, Loki placed a light kiss on the blonde girl's cheek, earning a tiny squeak from her in response. "I must say, my dear Moon Princess, you're lighter on your feet than she was." He said as he sat down next to her.
"I took dance for a few years in high school." Anya said, hoping that her deep blush was hidden by her mask. "I take it that lady didn't seem to catch your fancy?"
"My dear, that young lady obviously wasted her time in trying to learn the ways of temptation and seduction only to fail. She dances like a young deer attempting to skate on ice." The god replied. "Which by the way, you do a much better job of hiding your attraction." He said, but smirked as he then took another sip of his soda.
"I-I'm not attracted to you." Anya tried to lie, turning her head away, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"The flush of your cheeks says otherwise, my dear, so I suggest you not waste your time lying." He advised, but chuckled.
"Are you sure you don't want to leave with Melissa? Or any of the other many women who have been eyeing you up all evening?" Anya asked him, gesturing to some nearby girls who were obviously staring at the Trickster.
Loki just chuckled softly. "Are you suddenly wanting me off your hands now? Am I too much of a responsibility?" He asked, watching her carefully.
"I didn't say that." She said, looking back at him. "But I thought you wanted to get away from me."
"Truly, I believe I do, but then again..." He looked to her with an expression that was supposed to look naively curious. "Honestly...where would I go?"

"...You can stay with me, for a while." Anya offered, seeming to speak before she really thought about what she had been saying. "I live closer inland but if I'm responsible for you, then I guess the best solution would be to take you back to my home."
"Is that so? You're going to bring an other-worldly terrorist into your home?" The Asgardian noble questioned.
"Would you rather take your chances out there? Most people would've turned you over to the authorities long ago when they found out who you were." She said calmly, before taking a long drink of her own soda.
"That's why I question you, Anya." He said, as if it was obvious. "Most of you mortals with a sense of 'morals' would turn me away, knowing what I can and will do."
"I try to be a good person. So I'm willing to take a risk and help you out." She told him.
He shrugged his shoulders a little. "Well, then, should you get a medal." The prince said, and took another sip of his drink. Still, he wanted to question her further... It just didn't make sense. But he stopped himself, knowing that if he continued to, she might just change her mind and the Prince would be without the only aid he's come across so far.
"So, Henry, are you willing to stay with me for a while?" Anya asked him.
Loki chuckled. "...Must I go by that name?" He questioned. "Do you want to be caught and thrown in jail?" She questioned back.
"Let me asked the question differently; are there any more appealing names? Or can you at least give me a reason why Henry is a good enough alias?"
"I'll let you decide a surname, but Henry is a common enough name. I'm sorry to say that Loki stands out too much. And in your current situation, you don't want to stand out. If you want, I can pick a different one for you." The girl said, shivering lightly.
Loki noticed her shiver, a little surprised. "Are you cold?" He inquired, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"...A little bit." She said, standing up, hearing a song that she loved starting to play over the speakers.
The prince watched her react to the music then, before giving a chuckle that was almost a sigh. "I assume you might like another dance?"
"Well, if His Highness can be bothered to humor a lady." She said, giving another curtsey, her tone soft but sarcastic.
"I would be honored to humor a lady and grant her request to dance once more. Also, it would be amusing if I could pull another blush from those cheeks of yours." The prince said, standing and taking her hand again, pulling her gently to dance once more.
"Now you're just trying to rile me up." Anya said under her breath, struggling not to blush.
He just laughed at that, saying no more, just laughing before he pulled her into his arms as before, as they danced to the new song. The steps were a bit different, but just as smooth and graceful.
Anya let him lead, letting herself be caught up in their dance, her gown flowing around her like a flower on water.
He held her closer, his arm wounding around her more. He chuckled, for this was an attempt to make her blush more, as well as possibly warm her with the heated reaction.
Anya locked eyes with him as the prince pulled her close, sapphire meeting emerald. She seemed to search his eyes, as if looking for a particular answer.
Loki stared back, still smirking, but he found himself almost admiring her eyes. The sapphire shade was one he could continue to look at. But he began to wonder just what her eyes were searching for as she looked to him. He decided to stop trying to figure her out, at least for now. And Loki had to admit that he was wrong about an earlier thought.

Anya wasn't lovely. She was beautiful.

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*faints* I'm sorry this took so long! This chapter wanted to be a royal bitch... But I have to thank my friends Jaden and Luna who helped me with writing out parts of this chapter! Love you guys!

Melissa is just one of those one appearance characters. I'm sure that those of you who go to conventions know that she's based off those attendees who are just there looking for hookups.

So, next chapter, the two will be heading back to Anya's place, and we'll look in on some of the Avengers.

Anyways, please comment and review! Let me know what you think!

I OWN NOTHING BUT ANYA AND THE STORY!

Loki © Stan Lee, Marvel
Anya © Me