Hello everyone! Once again, I cannot thank you all enough for all the support you have given me, with alerts and reviews. Seeing both really brighten my day and inspire me to continue this story. I have never been so thankful! I tried to make this a bit longer, since my prom is tomorrow (or should I say today, since I am posting this at 12:40 am) and I probably won't post Thursday night. Regardless, thanks for the millionth time. And yes, for all of those who have been dying for this moment, Lucy and Loki do in fact have a real encounter!
"Lucy, it's been a week since we've talked…I'm worried. You spend all that time in your studio. You've always been very consumed with your work but this is getting ridiculous. Call me, please."
Lucy groaned and rolled over. She angrily tossed the blankets off the bed and wrangled around once more. Her head was pounding and her eyes felt sore and puffy. She shut them closed and pressed her fingers against her temples to stop the throbbing.
Had it really been a week since she talked to Roxie? It felt like mere hours since she last left her the morning after her near-death experience. She had barely eaten, barely slept since she started painting the man in her dream. It consumed every minute of every day, every thought that entered her mind. She felt almost haunted by him…he waited for her in her dreams.
She would never talk to him or touch him. In every dream, he would be waiting for her at the end of a beautiful hallway. The floor was a beautiful marble, and the walls were lined with exquisite paintings. Lucy could hear music being played softly, perhaps a piano, below her.
He would summon her with a single word. Lucy would walk down the hall, the sound of her soles "clicking" against the solid marble floor. He would look straight at her with his hauntingly handsome face and shocking eyes. She would come so close to him, but she would never reach him. She always woke up before she was within an arm's length.
Lucy was in a funk.
Nonetheless, Lucy rolled out of bed and into the shower. She stood under the freezing water and sloppily washed her hair and body. Truthfully, she could care less about how she looked. It didn't really matter anyway; no one was interested in her. She had not a single person to impress except herself.
Lucy slipped on a baggy shirt and sweatpants and tied her wavy hair in a messy bun. She then went to the kitchen and stared at the half empty jug of milk and cereal. Her stomach grumbled, but she didn't eat. The thought of food made her a bit nauseous.
Lucy felt her head become a bit light. She grabbed the edge of the kitchen chair and braced herself from falling. The entire room was covered in splotches, the color fading from blue to red, like the cheap 3D glasses at the movie theater. Lucy's mouth became dry, her tongue too fat for her mouth. Her headache grew in intensity as she tried to gain back her balance.
Lucy was ashamed of herself. She hadn't let herself get like this since…since The Accident. It had been nine years since then, and yet she found herself in a similar cycle. She had sworn to herself never to let herself fall into such a slump again, but here she was, about to pass out in her own kitchen.
Goddamn it Lucy, pull it together.
Loki had watched Lucy go from bad to worse in the course of a few days. Since their accidental meeting, Lucy had stopped eating, rarely slept, and only bathed when she had to. Loki scoffed at her weak mind and almost doubted whether or not she was strong enough to carry out the glorious cause.
It looks as though I may need to intervene, Loki thought. He decided he would wait a bit longer and see if the little bird could work herself out of her own grave. He doubted she could, and decided that it was probably better off that way. Loki only wanted the strongest, and if Lucy could not even handle herself, how could she effectively serve him?
The only thing that frustrated Loki was the time he had wasted on her. Yes, without her he would not have the quiet apartment on the simple side of the city. He would not have an identity either.
But most importantly, he would've been dead.
Yet, it seemed as though Loki owed her. And if she did perish, Loki would owe her nothing. The debts would be paid in full the minute her weak heart gave up the fight. He decided he would visit her gravesite only as a token of his gratitude. Nothing more, nothing less.
But, deep inside that heart of ice, a single fiber of Loki hoped she would recover. Not that he would ever admit to such a foolish thought.
Loki sunk into the leather couch and clamped his hands together and dissolved the image of Lucy from the clear, crystal ball. He closed his eyes and allowed his muscles to relax for a moment. He had been watching her nonstop, and he was getting quite bored. All she seemed to do what mope around or go to that waste of a studio. He couldn't even see what it was she was painting.
Loki knew he had to take an affirmative action soon. If he didn't, he might lose her. After all, that friend of hers bothered her every day, begging her to meet some potential suitor. Lucy would give in soon, as she always did. She had some sort of soft spot for that raucous woman and eve seemed to enjoy her company up until recently. Loki knew that if Lucy met this suitor, he would have a lesser chance of winning her heart. He would no longer have an influence on her. He felt his heart burn with jealousy at the thought of her dedication being bound by someone else. As far as Loki was concerned, Lucy was his.
Loki pounded his first on the arm of the sofa and jolted up. He slipped on a wool jacket and scarf and began to pace the floor. He knew Lucy would leave her apartment soon and walk to the studio, as she had every other day the past week. He would wait for her to pass by, and bump into her. From there, he would ask her on a date, or whatever mortals called it. He would seduce her and continually visit her until her dedication was strong. He would take extreme measures if necessary…he would bed her if the circumstances required it. Not that such an act really meant anything to him. Many Norse goddesses had spent a night with Loki, and he was no longer emotionally attached to the idea.
Such emotions didn't matter. There was a prize to be won.
Loki then magicked a few ominous packages and left the apartment. He remained in the alley and stood deathly still until she arrived.
Lucy cleaned the final brush and tucked it neatly into the soft, padded briefcase. She zipped it closed and tucked it under her arm. Just as she approached the front door, it flung open, almost hitting her in the face.
"First of all, your door is unlocked!" Roxie yelled as she barged in. Roxie panted, her entire face tensed. "And second of all, you are so not going to that damn studio today."
Lucy froze and her face fell. Her eyes scanned the floor and avoided Roxie's razor sharp glare. Suddenly, Lucy became overly aware that her shirt kinda smelled and her hair was a wreck. As she looked at the floor, she also noticed her shoes were on the wrong feet.
"I wasn't going to go-"
"So you just carry around a briefcase for the hell of it now?"
Lucy felt her face grow hot and tears sprout at the corners of her eyes. She sniffeled and wiped her eyes, trying to be inconspicuous. Roxie sighed and wrapped her arms around Lucy.
"You're worrying me. You've lost weight, you don't call me…and no offense, but you kinda reek," Roxie lectured her in a motherly tone.
Lucy was a bit confused at Roxie's sudden role reversal, but accepted her good intentions. For once, Lucy let herself be the victim. For once, she let someone else take the lead. Lucy felt so tired, so destitute, that it felt good to let Roxie hold her for a bit.
"Now why don't you take a nice hot bath, bubbles and all. I'll make you something to eat, do your makeup, and then we'll go out for a few drinks tonight. Just me and you," Roxie consoled.
"Just me and you?" Lucy asked, looking for reassurance. When Roxie didn't answer, Lucy withdrew from the hug. "Just me and you, right Roxie?" she asked again, her voice a little more stern. Roxie squeaked and made an odd face.
"Well, me, you, and that guy I kinda wanted you to meet. Oh please Lucy, I'm begging you! I told him tonight we were going out, and I can't ditch this guy again. He's so incredibly handsome, and just your type. Really sweet, a total gentleman. I can't believe I even met him in a bar. Jesus, he called me a cab, made sure I got to your apartment, and didn't even try anything! Not a single thing, Luce."
Lucy sighed and rubbed her temples. Roxy had been sober the past week, and she really wanted Lucy to meet this mystery man. How bad could it be? All Roxie wanted was Lucy to meet him, not garuntee or anything.
"Okay, fine Roxie. But I am not promising anything!" Lucy caved.
Roxie squealed with joy and pushed Lucy into the bathroom. Roxie turned on the hot water and filled the tub. She also tossed in a bubble bath bar and lit a few candles Lucy had lying around the house.
"I'll go pick out an outfit for you and make you something to eat!" Roxie shouted, a giant grin plastered on her face.
Lucy shut the door and slowly slid off her clothes. She slivered into the tub, and slowly lowered herself into the hot water. Her entire body surged with tingles from the shock of hot water. Lucy sunk lower into the water until everything but her nose was submerged. She let her body, as well as her mind relax. She thought of not a single thing and simply focused on the drips of water that trickled from the faucet. She rewashed her hair and body and remained in the tub until the water grew too cold.
Lucy drained the sink and dried herself off. She wrapped a towel around herself, and took notice that she had dropped a few pounds. She didn't bother to look in the mirror as she combed out her hair.
Lucy walked into her kitchen, still wrapped in a towel. Roxie set a plate in front of her, filled with toast and eggs and a few strawberries. Although hesitant at first, Lucy gorged herself after the first daring bite. Roxie sat across from her, but didn't say a word.
"It's good to see you back to normal, Luce. Don't scare me like that again. You know you're the only person I have in this place."
Lucy drank the glass of water and slumped in the chair. Roxie remained silent for a moment and took a good look at Lucy.
She couldn't lose Lucy. No, Lucy kept her sane in this crazy, crazy world.
"Come on, let's get you ready for tonight."
Loki sighed and paced up and down the alley. He glanced at the pocket watch that materialized in his pocket. The sun was beginning to set, and darkness was taking over the city. Street lights buzzed and flickered on, and it became a bit colder.
Lucy was late. Too late.
Loki knew she was not coming today. At first, fear overtook him. Had something happened her once again? Had she stormed out in front of another truck, only this time no one saved her? Or perhaps she had sensed him watching her and fled.
No, that was foolish. Too foolish for him to even consider.
Loki magicked his small orb and located Lucy with ease. She was accompanied by Roxie in a small pub somewhere in New York.
"Dammit," Loki spat venomously. He knew that he had to locate Lucy, and fast. Before it was too late…before she met whoever Roxie had persuaded her to meet. Without a moment of hesitation, Loki quickly relocated to an alley next to the pub. He neated himself up and smirked with confidence. But just as he was about to exit the alley, he sensed a shift in the air. He felt a familiar presence.
Slowly, he peeked around the corner.
He almost could not believe what he saw. It was one of those damn avengers. And he could almost bet on it that he was Lucy's date.
"Maybe he forgot," Lucy said, standing up from the barstool. She pulled down the hem of her plum dress and tossed her purse over her shoulder.
"No way. He's only ten minutes late, Lucy." Roxie scolded her. Roxie grabbed Lucy's arm and pulled her back to the bar. Lucy grumbled and took another sip from the beer she had ordered twenty minutes ago. Lucy's stomach flipped over itself as she tapped her heel against the barstool. She swiveled herself around to the front door.
And her heart stopped for a moment.
There stood a tall, brawny blonde man. His hair was parted neatly to the side, his collared shirt tucked into his pants and belted. He removed a jacket and folded it over his arm and scanned the bar.
"Hey Steve!" Roxie shouted and waved him over. Steve turned and smiled when he saw Roxie. Every step he took, Lucy's heart pounded a bit harder. He really was handsome, and there was something about him that set Lucy off…something not right.
"Roxie, good to see you're okay," Steve smiled. Lucy felt her cheeks heat up at his politeness.
"And this is the elusive Lucy I was talking about," Roxie added, introducing Lucy.
Steve held out his hand graciously and Lucy froze. Should she touch it? Would something…happen.
"Nice to finally meet you, m'am," Steve smiled.
Lucy couldn't help but touch his hand. It was firm, warm, and large. She placed her small, delicate hand in his and relaxed a bit. The only emotion he seemed to be emitting was happiness, perhaps with a bit if shyness. She instantly relaxed a bit.
"Nice to meet you too, Steve," Lucy grinned. Steve sat at the empty barstool next to Lucy, but didn't order any drinks.
"Told ya she was cute, didn't I?" Roxie joked, and slapped Steve on the back. Steve's face turned red and he averted his eyes the floor, avoiding the question. Lucy squeezed the skin on her thigh to remind herself that this was real. She looked up at Steve and smiled.
Roxie nudged Lucy in the back and Lucy sputtered back to life.
"So Steve, what brings you to New York?" Lucy asked, and internally groaned at the lame question.
"Just needed a bit of fresh air, some change," Steve shrugged.
"Fresh air isn't exactly abundant around here," Lucy chuckled. "Unless you're speaking figuratively, of course. Lots of really interesting stuff around here. Music, art-"
"Speaking of art, Lucy is totally gifted. She owns a studio you know," Roxie said, cutting Lucy off to stop her bickering.
"Really? That's awesome," Steve said, with a bit of awkwardness in his tone. Lucy cringed and realized that Steve probably wasn't interested at all.
She, of course, couldn't consider that the awkwardness was not from Steve's disinterest, rather his inability to use modern terms in anything but an uncomfortable way due to his social disconnect. But, what could once expect from a guy who spent seventy years as an icicle?
"I guess so. Maybe you could stop by some time, if you want of course," Lucy proposed. Steve turned pink once again, but smiled that goofy, but charming smile.
"That sounds like fun."
And that's when Lucy felt it. That familiar, ominous, heavy feeling that she experienced in every dream she had of him. Dread filled her stomach and burned her lungs.
"I'm sorry, but would you excuse me for a second? I just need to…answer my phone," Lucy lied. She pulled her phone from her purse and exited the bar.
She inhaled the cold air and closed her eyes. And at that very moment, she felt someone crash into her. Lucy tumbled to the ground, her purse scattering its contents all over the sidewalk.
"I am so terribly sorry, darling."
Lucy's eyes darted open. Before her stood a looming man with long, delicate fingers. She looked up and her eyes met with two forest green gems.
She was going to be sick.
She swallowed down the acid taste and realized the man was trying to help her up. She took his hand and felt a chill run down her spine.
And it wasn't from the wind.
Lucy stood up and wiped her dress clean. The man placed his boxed on the ground and picked up her purse and whatever had been it in. When Lucy looked up, he was staring at her; no, through her, into her.
It was him. It was really, truly him.
"No I am. I was standing around like an idiot," Lucy murmured. Her entire body was shaking with nerves as she tried to remember where she was and what circumstance she was in.
His was tall, much taller than her, and quite lean. He was dressed handsomely in a grey suit and jacket with a red scarf. His hair, dark as the sky, was neatly slicked back off his long, handsome face. Lucy could feel herself blush just by simply looking at his face.
"No, truly, I am at fault. I seemed to have broken your…cell phone," the man said, handing her a warped piece of plastic.
Lucy should have been mad, but the minute she looked at him, her emotions fizzled.
"It's okay. It wasn't important to me or anything," Lucy stuttered.
The man smiled a brilliant smile and apologized once more. Lucy accepted the apology and tossed the purse over her shoulder. Both were at a standstill, unsure of what to say next.
The man scratched the back of his head and smiled coyly.
"I don't do this very often, but I feel awful. Would you want to go out to dinner perhaps? To make up for the phone of course," the man proposed.
Lucy's entire body was on the fritz. Her mind reminded her of all those talks she had been given about talking to strangers. Her brain told her she would be out of her mind for taking up such an offer.
But her heart reminded her she had seen this man in her dreams. He was real, and yet she had convinced herself she had made him up. Her body, her fingers pulsated and tingled.
She wasn't sure if that was good or bad. But it was something…her body was telling her something.
"I-um well…sure," Lucy stuttered. She felt her chest warm up at the thought of seeing him again, this man that had saved her. The man she saw every night in those crazy dreams of hers. "Why do you add…oh that's right, my phone," Lucy chuckled. The man laughed a low, sultry laugh. He pulled a phone from his pocket and Lucy added her number.
"Fantastic. I will call you soon," he promised. The man parted and began to walk down the street.
"Wait!" Lucy shouted. "I never caught your name!"
The man turned once more and grinned. "William. William Eccleston!" He shouted back.
Lucy whispered his name, and loved the way it felt on her tongue.