I know, boring with no crimes and all. I'll try to do better and make it interesting for Loki and Charlotte. How about a little bit of drama?
Charlotte woke up the next morning to find just what she expected; her apartment in ruins with more decor all over the place, somehow more dishes in the sink, snacks of chip bags and cookie packs all over the coffee table, and said cause of the mess on her couch with the cushions knocked over and her legs dangling off the edge. The urge to scream and yell was rising in her throat, but looking down the hall at Loki's room, she refrained and just entered the kitchen to empty the dishwasher and refill it again.
She wasn't even hungry that morning, maybe she'll gain an appetite after a jog with Mitsy. Charlotte shoved all the decor into the corner of the room, put the scattered snacks away and contacted her walker to let her off for the day. She got a hot shower, dressed in jeans and a tight fitting shirt along with her running jacket. Mitsy was fitted into her harness, leash attached to it, and out the door for her jog.
After an hour, Loki awoke and found the place as he left it last night, or how he saw it before abandoning Eloise. Speaking of, he found her spread across on the couch in an unsuitable position; one leg over the arm as the other hung off the back, her left arm touching the floor by her knuckles and the right over her eyes. The blanket barely covered her, almost falling off as her bare legs were exposed and her oversized shirt hanging off her shoulder more so than Charlotte's had. Loki waved his hand, making the blanket crawl back up and properly cover her legs. He surely hoped she was wearing some shorts, not wanting to see his roommates sister meandering about without pants.
Speaking of which, Loki glanced up setting the curtain open but no Charlotte, and Mitsy wasn't hanging off his knees today. She must have gone out with the dog, Loki decided to start his early day with breakfast and do more research.
With Eloise sleeping, Loki took advantage of using his magic to have his breakfast. Barely waving his hands or wiggling his fingers, the pan hanging off the hook gingerly came down and rested on the stove as the flame underneath came to life. He got the eggs out and had three cracked, frying them up in the pan. He controlled the flame to get it evenly cooked. A twirl of his finger and the eggs flipped without breaking the yoke, making the sizzle louder as he lowered the heat. Loki reached for a plate and snapped his finger, killing the flame. The eggs floated off the pan onto his plate, he searched for a fork in the drawer and once found he turned to go back into his room. His eye caught the slump on a couch twin, and thought of a little trick to play on the woman.
He lifted a hand and twisted his wrist, the long brown hair hanging off the end of the couch slowly faded up into her roots into a bright visible red. He thought about it for a moment, and with a grin, he straightened his hand and raised his fingers, causing the hair to split in half of two colors, now a violent red and pure bright green. She never seemed to shut up about Christmas, so maybe she'd enjoy this.
Humming to himself, content to wait for her to awake, Loki returned to his room keeping the door opened just a crack and enjoyed his meal in peace.
Charlotte wasn't doing her usual jog or small runs, as she just casually walked Mitsy up and down Old City. She got herself a fruit smoothie for breakfast and gave a walk along the pier. She was enjoying the sounds of the city, no incessant nagging from Eloise and some space to think for once. Though she felt dread thinking of the mess she'd return to when she got back.
The ginger was in a state of just letting it go instead of arguing with her sister. In better circumstances, she would make her stay one night and out the next day, or yell at her about going through her decorations without permission.
But, Charlotte's mind still somehow reeled back to the day of the fire. She wanted to find video clips of that day off news reports to see the event for herself. Something about Loki stood out to her, and not just for his accent or his little magic tricks. Like he was something much more than what he was.
Mitsy eventually started tugging at the leash, having enough of the sights of the harbor and wanting to head home. Charlotte complied, walking back to the streets, and to her dismay, the same streets where the same cat callers from yesterday were loitering about. She heard a few calls for her to smile, give them her number, or just send a God Bless once they're eyes lowered as usual. Just as before, she felt someone following her down the same exact two blocks towards her apartment. Mitsy kept growling at her side, but Charlotte kept the leash tight, not wanting a risk of a possible lawsuit if her dog really did attack this man. She didn't have her gun on her this time, wearing her workout gear, now regretting how tight the clothing felt on her.
"Hey, what's up Beautiful?" The man greeted, almost leering over her. "How you doin'?"
Charlotte kept her head held high, crossing the street as she counted one block left. The man kept behind her though, not a love sick puppy but more of a stalking shark.
"Y'know, when someone acknowledges you for being beautiful, it's only respectful to say thank you for it." The guy said, growing annoyed by her lack of response.
Sadly, a delivery truck just had to turn at the following street, causing Charlotte to stop at the curb with Mitsy close to her hip. The man stood behind her, chuckling as she felt her body tense how close he was.
He hissed before speaking again. "You don't wanna talk? Is it 'cause I'm ugly?" He asked, making Charlotte wish the truck would've turned down another damn street. "You don't speak? If I give you my number instead, would you talk to me?"
Finally, what felt like an eternity, the truck cleared the crossings and Charlotte got into a jog with Mitsy running beside her.
"Love to get a taste of the full moon, baby!"
And just as before, once she stepped up to her door, the resounding smack and sting in her rear shook her body to the core. Her eyes near stung as she shut them tightly and seethed through her teeth. Mitsy started barking, but held back as the man got away crossing the street, laughing the entire way.
"Just breathe, just in and out, Char." She told herself, rubbing her eyes and opening the door to enter the warm apartment for her and Mitsy.
Charlotte got the doberman free of her harness and hung it up with the leash.
"Welcome back, Sis." Muffled a mouth full of cereal from Eloise. She sat on the couch, watching some random cartoon she happened to stumble on.
"Hm-hmm." She muttered
Charlotte locked the door and turned only to slightly gasp at the sight of Eloise. Her hair was raging red and bright green, almost in a Cruella de Vil split color style. She slowly walked around, leaning to the side and peering over her head to see if it was a wig or extensions. She kept blinking her eyes, Eloise had dyed her hair some weird colors in her teens, but never before anything like this!
Eloise seemed to have noticed her sister's weird antics, looking over at her as she wiped milk off her chin. "What? You're looking at me like you've seen a ghost."
Charlotte sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Please don't tell me you stained my bathroom to achieve that?"
She frowned in confusion. "Why would I stain your bathroom?"
"That, you're hair."
"My hair?"
It was then a third person came into the room, Loki. "Glad to see you're back, Char- By the Norns!" He exclaimed, looking shocked at the hair on Eloise's head. "Is that tradition to uphold?" He asked Charlotte. "Do you make yours gold and silver?" Charlotte gave him an exasperated look.
"What are you guys freaking out about my hair for?" Eloise asked, throwing her hand in the air.
They both pointed to the mirror across the room by the door. Eloise put the bowl on the table and walked over, only for her to look just as shocked. She screamed at the sight and kept lifting strands and chunks of hair to see if it had really been those colors.
"How-How did that happen!?" She exclaimed. Eloise poked the mirror as if she were seeing things and kept digging her fingers into her scalp sharply. "I haven't dyed my hair in the past two years! What the hell happened to my hair!?"
Charlotte took a glance in the bathroom, finding no sign of hair dye stains, bottles, or bleach anywhere. "You dyed your hair, that's what happened."
"No, I didn't!" She argued, then pointed at Loki. "He must have done it!"
"What?" Loki gives an offended look.
"I doubt Loki knows how to, and why would he even do it?" Charlotte argued.
"I-I-I don't know! I took his room, that's why!" She tried to reason, but gained looks of doubt from her twin.
Loki kept his face of one of shock, though he was dying of laughter on the inside. Eloise ran into the bathroom, near shoving her sister out and slamming the door. The sound of running water was heard, muffled Eloise begging for the hair color to come out.
"Don't you dare stain that tub!" Charlotte barked at the door.
Loki's wide grin was shown as Charlotte moved toward the couch and fell back, resting her head back and closing her eyes. He stole a glance at the door and walked over to stand behind the couch.
"Have a good walk?" He asked, seeing her trying to relax though her brows were locked and forehead tight.
"Well, Mitsy enjoyed it." She responded, throwing an arm to indicate Mitsy eating out of her bowl. "It's starting to get to me though."
"How so?" He inquired, resting his palms on the back of the couch. "Better than cooped up here, correct?"
Charlotte honestly didn't know if she'd prefer her sister pestering her and destroying her apartment over random disgusting men sexually harassing her on the streets. It had never bothered her before, but then again they never had the balls to go and straight up slap her behind!
"I rather be working." Was her response, to which Loki chuckled.
"In time." He assured, "All in time."
Eloise eventually returned, and so did her brunette hair, now soaked and in a towel. Charlotte cracked an eyelid, and closed them once she saw no red and green on the beige towel.
"If you're going to dye your hair, don't do it here." Charlotte told her. "Dye does not come off a tub that easily."
Eloise hung the towel around her neck. "I swear, I didn't do any hair dying!" She told, though Charlotte just hummed, not believing her. "Honestly, Lotte! Why would I dye my hair red and green?"
"Same ask why you would bleach the hell out of your hair in high school and cut it yourself?" Charlotte countered, bringing an arm over her eyes in an attempt to block her.
"I was in a phase, you can't blame me for that." She defend. "Someone dyed my hair in my sleep."
Charlotte then stood, "Oh, please!" She exclaimed. "Someone took your long ass hair, dyed it two different colors while you slept, and you didn't notice until just now?"
Eloise was silent, she looked up at the ceiling then back to her sister. "...It could happen."
"Whatever." Charlotte, as repeated, made her walk toward the stairs and up to her room. Mitsy followed after loyally, leaving the two in the living room.
Loki and Eloise matched eyes, one of question and another of accusation. "You did it."
"Pardon?"
She marched up, pointing a finger at him as she got into his personal space. "You dyed my hair! I saw you snickering your British ass off the entire time!"
Not British." He corrected., "How could I even know how to dye hair?" he asked. She motioned for his own hair, to which he held an offended look. "My hair is completely natural."
Eloise snarled and stomped her foot. She sat down onto the couch, roughly, and continued with her cereal eating loudly and angrily like a pissed off dog. Loki walked over to the sink, rinsing his plate and devising some ideas to teach the little brat a lesson or two for dear Eloise.
It started small; moving objects from their original spot to knocking her drinks over to get the blame from Charlotte for not being more careful. He only ever did it with water, not wanting to stain the carpet. He would be sitting at a chair, innocently reading a book when he took the advantage of the girls watching tv to have it tip over the edge and fall.
It grew from that to when Eloise would be working on that damned tree. She took a break and got up to get something, then Loki glanced from his book as the branches removed themselves from the stand and packed back away into its box. When Eloise returned, she stopped short, her head whipping about to find the branches only to finally see them put away. He felt a glare sent his way, but nothing was said.
Charlotte was watching a show called "Columbo" and Loki watched with her as Eloise was making snide comments about the show. Charlotte tried to ignore her but, reached for the remote and changed the channel to some random reality show she showed no interest for. Loki, personally enjoying the previous show, wanting to see how the murder would be solved. Once the channel was changed, Eloise shut up getting what she wanted. Loki glanced behind him and back to the tv, moving his arm in a wave, though looked like he was stretching his arms. The wires to the lights had changed into a long green and black snake, slithering up to Eloise as she fixed the tree. It passed over her legs, earning an ear piercing scream and jumping onto the steps. Loki and Charlotte spun around just as the lights changed back from a snake, laying dead on the floor.
"Snake! I swear, there was a snake right there!" She yelled, pointing at the tree lights.
"...A snake? In the apartment, in a city? Really, Eloise?" Charlotte skeptically questioned.
"It was right there! It crawled across my legs!"
"Snakes slither, not crawl, do they not?" Loki added, biting back to snicker at his comment as he felt eyes glare at the back of his head.
"Don't break anything, Eloise. Maybe you felt an ant or just your imagination." The redhead brushed off.
Charlotte's shoulders eased, and turned back as Loki had flipped the original show back on. She stole a glance and Loki shrugged, focusing on the show as it revealed an important clue Columbo just discovered. Charlotte eyed him up, but looked back, relaxing into the couch, hugging a pillow to her stomach.
"We're going out to eat?" Loki questioned, when approached by Charlotte in his room about dinner.
"Yeah," She sighed, leaning against the door frame. "She said she wants a 'night out in the city'."
"She can't go on her own?"
"It's too dangerous for a small…" She eyed her sister in the living room. "...naive woman like her wandering the streets." Charlotte looked back at Loki, sitting at his bed with his journal in his lap. "Besides, she just wants to go to IHOP. I don't mind fitting that bill."
Loki blinked at the name of the restaurant. "Eye-Hop?"
"It's this place you can get breakfast for dinner." She explained. "I will say, it has some damn good chicken waffles."
"So, a dress casual dining experience?" He asked in a teasing tone.
Charlotte chuckled. "I think jeans are welcomed there."
He was in his loungewear of his tunic and trousers. She had gotten used to seeing his traditional wears, but might have kept in his room of whatever comments her sister might say. She left him, shutting the door to allow him to dress. Loki chose an army green turtleneck sweater and black jeans. He exited the room, buckling his belt as the girls were getting their coats on.
"How far of a walk is it?" He asked, retrieving his wool coat from the closet and shoes at the rack.
"Seven minute walk, it's over in Center City." Charlotte answered.
Eloise gave a small whine. "Can't we just call a taxi?"
"It's literally less than two miles, you can handle the walk." Charlotte told, opening the door once Loki got his shoes and coat on. "Be good and stay on guard, girl."
Said dog was sitting on the couch, she groaned laying down a bit sad her master was leaving. "Find that snake, Mitsy!" Eloise barked before the door shut.
The night was brisk as they buttoned and zipped their coats. With Charlotte leading the way, made their seven to ten minute walk. Thankfully it was a Wednesday evening, so there was little partying and much congestion of people heading home from work and some heading to late night shift jobs.
Loki was starting to like the night life of the city, less blaring horns and minimal screaming people. It grew more crowded as they got to Center City, some bars open with games on the televisions inside, groups hanging out on corner stores and dates dining outside.
Charlotte was glad to be rid of cat calling, though she doubted those men stood around 24/7 nothing to do but bark about women's bodies. Though she wore more comfortable clothing under her leather coat, a dark blue sweater with 'Rock'n the 80's' on it and usual jeans. Though her sister, glancing at her at a crosswalk, Eloise was wearing a thin pink hoodie that read 'Wildwood, N.J.' on it with surf boards, but then was wearing jean shorts and only dark leggings to keep her warm as much as possible. She wanted a ride to not walk in the cold, that's what her problem was. If anyone was going to get cat called, it might be her. But with Loki walking with the two, chances had grown even lower.
Once at the IHOP, Loki saw it as a common small dinner he'd walk by on his first arrival here. It wasn't too busy inside a family or two and few friends. They removed their coats and got a booth table, with Loki allowing the girls to sit first. Eloise sat first, using her coat to take up more room. Charlotte shrugged at Loki as she slid down the other end with him sitting beside her.
"If you're using the seat as a coat rack, take ours too." Charlotte told, tossing her and Loki's at Eloise. She huffed and shoved them not too gently against the wall.
"Hi, I'm Chad. Ready to order?" A waiter came up, a tired smile as he greeted them. "I can get your drinks while you look over the menu." He offered, placing three laminated tall folded menus on the table.
"Coffee for me." Charlotte told, opening the menu.
"I'll take a hot chocolate." Eloise told, her eyes scanning the waiter.
Loki stole a glance at the menu, trying to find the drinks. Charlotte flipped it closed and showed the beverages on the back. "Ah, hot tea, please."
"Coming right up." The waiter left allowing them to look over the menus.
It was silent for a moment, though the girls knew what they were ordering, Loki was baffled over having breakfast for dinner. On Asgard feasts were dinners with small breakfasts. So long as meat was involved, and Loki was a tad thankful to take a break from having five different types of meat a day.
"Might I highly suggest you order the pancakes? Especially the chocolate ones." Eloise spoke up, her menu flat out on the table.
"Chocolate?" Loki inquired. He did think the varieties of chocolate were the best he's encountered on this planet, but didn't deem it as a dinner.
Charlotte lowered her, folded and ready to order. "She's a real chocoholic, just order what you want."
"To be fair, I'm ordering the crepe with strawberries." She defended. "I'll just have chocolate chip pancakes tomorrow for breakfast."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "In my kitchen or on your way home?"
But Eloise grinned, leaning her arms on the table. "I'm not to leave until 3 tomorrow, Sissy."
"3:40pm, to be exact." Loki corrected, earning a look from the brunette twin. "So I do hope you don't plan on sleeping past noon to pack up?"
Eloise made a childish face at him, but stopped once Chad returned with their drinks. "Ready to order?"
While the brunette gave her order of the crepes, Charlotte leaned over to Loki and helped him order as he hadn't decided yet. "If you want to pick out an entree, they're on this page." She reached over and flipped the page, showing the meals on the left page. "I'll have the waffles and chicken, with a plate of fries." She told Chad.
Once his eyes fell on Loki, he raised his head and folded the menu. "Grilled Tilapia, if you please."
"Got it! Your meal will be here in a bit." The waiter took the menus and left for the kitchen.
"I'll be waiting." Purred Eloise, then felt a sudden kick to the shin. "Ow!"
"Behave." Charlotte sternly told.
She stuck her tongue out at her sister, then looked to Loki. "You had a chance to get waffles, and you got fish?" Eloise questioned as if Loki had committed a crime. "For shame."
"Not everyone is accustomed to eating whatever crap they want like you do, Eloise." Charlotte defended him, taking a careful sip of her coffee. "He's also not from here, did you forget?"
"I'll have plenty of time to grow accustomed to your ways of dining." Loki spoke up, tasting his tea, which was bland but okay. "It's quite nice to not have a feast every evening much like home."
"Like Thanksgiving?" Eloise asked.
Loki frowned, then remembered reading about the holiday. He smiled and placed his cup down. "I'd say ten times that. We'd have sorts of fruits, vegetables, and breads. There'd be roasted boar, deer, beef and goat-"
"Goat!?" Eloise exclaimed, causing a few heads to turn and a shush from her sister. "You eat goats? That's messed up."
"Whatever we hunt, we eat." Loki said. "That's tradition."
Charlotte leaned her elbow on the table, cheek rested in her palm. "What types of fish do you eat?"
Eloise mumbled not thinking he's Norwegian, but was ignored. "Only cod or herring, delicacies there compared to the selections of fish here" He answered her. "We also delve into breads, though far larger than your usual rolls and pans. Along with small cakes for snacks."
"Cakes for any time of the day?" Eloise asked, suddenly interested.
Loki nodded. "Of course, usually before hunting my brother would take a few more than intended." He chuckled, a memory coming to him. "When we were younger, we were to hunt down our first dinner. Thor hadn't eaten breakfast and took a few too many tarts, leaving crumbs along the forests. He eventually found himself surrounded by many bucks, and-" He brought a hand to his lips, grinning wildly. "See, it was mating season."
Instantly the girls laughed, Eloise banged the table as Charlotte shushed her over her giggling. Loki chuckled, soon laughing with them remembering the situation vividly.
"He didn't get humped, did he?" Charlotte asked in a low voice.
"...Almost." He replied, Charlotte covered her mouth, near crying of laughter.
Soon the food arrived once all calmed down. Loki got his two grilled fish tilapia with sides of broccoli and mashed potatoes. Charlotte got her waffles and chicken with the plate of fries, and Eloise excitedly got her strawberry crepes and drenched it in blueberry syrup.
The three ate their food, Loki finding the food alright, nothing compared to the meals Charlotte had bestowed on him so far. Broccoli was a tad cold and the mashed potatoes were good. Charlotte was smiling as she enjoyed her buttermilk breaded chicken and Belgian waffles, a few fries now and then. Loki asked if he could partake in the fries, to which she welcomed as it was for everyone. Eloise was about to dribble ketchup on the fries, but Charlotte stopped her, saying she could use the dipping cups instead.
Nearly done the meal, Eloise got up to use the bathroom leaving Loki and Charlotte alone, finishing up the fries.
"How was the fish?" She asked.
"It was alright, not the best compared to herring." He told her.
She shrugged, "I'm a flounder girl myself. Maybe I'll cook some when it's on sale." she offered.
Loki thought back, she had cooked nearly every meal the past few days and him never. He knew a few cooking skills, having to kill and cook when he hunted. He raised his head and turned to her.
"How about I make dinner tomorrow?" He suggested.
She paused, chewing a fry, "As in what?" she asked with hesitance. "I'm sorry, I can't eat goat."
Loki chuckled, "I assure you goats are not on the menu. I was thinking more towards ham or pork."
Charlotte nodded, "Sounds good to me. Just so long as the apartment doesn't burn down or I get food poisoning." she joked.
Loki shook his head, laughing. "Just a traditional dinner of my home. I'll have to make due with some substitutes." He noted, leaning back in the booth. "Such as smaller breads, do pumpkins grow here?"
"Only around the fall, since they're a harvest season gourd. You have pumpkins with your dinner?"
"It varies between fruits to gourds or types of melons. They are considered a delicacy, but fruits are a must have for meals. Usually meat, fruits, and breads are spread upon the tables for a bountiful feast." He explained, tilting his head. "Any fruits you have allergies to?"
Charlotte shook her head, reaching into her back pocket for her wallet. "I promise, I can eat all fruits, but not a fan of dragon fruit."
Loki was taken back by the name, a fruit named after such a creature? "That's a fruit?"
She laughed, "It's nothing like a dragon, when you open it, just looks like a big infestation." Charlotte shuddered at the thought, making him laugh.
"Ready to pay?" The two looked up, seeing a different waiter approach them, his tag read Gary.
Charlotte handed him the card, "Eloise better hurry, or I'm leaving her here." she told Loki.
"The brunette that was sitting here?" Gary asked.
"Yeah, she went to the bathroom." He held a face of grimace, almost as if cringing over something. "Did she get lost?" Charlotte asked.
"I mean, er…" Gary looked around, and leaned over the table. "I had to take over as she's chatting with Chad in the back."
Charlotte frowned, trying to stand as Loki was blocking her. "Chatting, you say?" She suddenly nudged the god. "Loki, move."
He slid out quickly, allowing her to be free and hunt down her sister. Gary stood there awkwardly before heading off to charge the card he was given. Loki gathered their coats and stood by, awaiting the return of either Gary or Charlotte with Eloise. Whoever would come first.
Thankfully, Charlotte returned. Her face red, fuming mad as she roughly got her coat from Loki's arm and tossed her sister's coat at her. Her hair was askew and her hoodie was unzipped with her shirt looking wrinkled. She tried to fix herself up from the obvious activity she was enjoying with Chad. Said man walked past them, his uniform slightly unbuttoned and hair just as riled up as Eloise's was. Gary returned, giving a look to his co-worker as he returned Charlotte's card. The three left, a silent ten minute walk back to the apartment.
The tense air followed them back at the apartment. It was late, about 8pm when they got home. Charlotte was eerily silent as they got inside, removed their coats and she shut the door. Loki removed his shoes and coat when finally, a twin spoke up.
"I know what it looked like, but it wasn't." She insisted, Charlotte scoffed as she removed her shoes and coat. "He was sweet talking to me, and I just lost it."
"Yeah, sure." Charlotte brushed past her, Mitsy daring to greet them but stayed on the couch.
"Sometimes, people just lose it. We're human after all." She tossed her shoes off and followed her sister into the kitchen. "Please don't tell Jerry."
"Well, I have a name." Charlotte hummed, still ignoring her sister's plea. "Now I can't wait to meet him."
Eloise got in front of her. "I'm serious! He can't know this!"
"Your fiance shouldn't know that you were invading another man's mouth with your tongue?" Loki inquired, earning a childish glare from Eloise.
"No one asked for your opinion!" She barked at him.
Loki didn't stop, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Wonder if Jerry asked for a deceiving wench."
Eloise turned her attention to him, stomping past her sister and glaring up at the tower of a man. "Why don't you immigrant yourself back to England?"
"Norway."
"Whatever!"
"Enough!" The two stopped, shocked by Charlotte's outburst. She turned to the two, though her sights were on her sister. "I am tired, my head hurts, my apartment is a mess, and I don't need you arguing with my roommate on top of it!"
Eloise was silent, Loki had no clue of the look she was giving, but Charlotte rolled her eyes at the kicked puppy look. "That doesn't work on me, you know it. You decided to barge into my apartment and let yourself stay, claiming you're here for my well being. But so far you've done nothing but lounge on my couch, control my tv, throw my decorations all over the place, and mooch off my food and money as you always do!"
Loki watched silently, it was as if she was yelling at a child and not her sister. It rivaled the many times Odin had scolded Thor and him for any trouble they'd gotten into in their youth. He took a step away, not knowing if the crossfire of her screaming would turn to aim at him.
"He's the one that called me a whore!"
"Wench." He corrected softly.
"Loki, please." Charlotte growled, he raised his hands and took a few more steps back.
"...You're choosing some guy over your own sister?" Eloise suddenly questioned, Charlotte's eyes went wide with anger.
"I shouldn't be shocked, growing up you never defended me, always was against me, and never took my side when things came at me in life." She accused.
"I'm supposed to defend you when you've made some real stupid decisions in life?" Charlotte questioned. "You dropped out of high school, ran off for three of those years and came back with mom and dad's pity. Ever since, you have been allowed to do literally whatever you want."
"Oh my God, you are so dramatic." Eloise scoffed, turning to face away from her like a child. "I struggled to get a job, do you know how much hell it is these days?"
"Yes!" Charlotte exclaimed, throwing her arms up. "I've paid my way through college working two jobs in Chicago. You just have a problem keeping a job!"
"It's not my fault I don't want to wake up at 7am to stand around and have people scream at me for nine hours." She argued, folding her arms.
"Eloise, you're getting off the point; You can't just go around slapping lips and tongues with any 'hot' guy you come across." Charlotte stepped over to her. "You're engaged, you have a fiance, you can't just be doing that anymore."
"Says who? Is it against the law to kiss another guy while engaged to another?" Eloise challenged, stopping Charlotte for a minute But she didn't give her sister a chance." You would know the law, Officer! What's next, you're going to arrest me for making out at an IHOP!?"
"You are being beyond ridiculous right now." Charlotte told, hands on her hips. "Stop acting like a bratty teenager and grow up."
"Oh, 'grow up'!" She threw her arms in the air. "That's what you always say, 'grow up, grow up'!"
"Because you're not acting your age, you've always acted like a child! You're nearly twenty-six, not six-teen!"
"And you always act like you're better than me! Because you finished high school, went to college, and moved to the city! So that makes you better than me!?"
Charlotte shook her head. "I never said I was better than you."
"You just did!"
Loki shook his head, rubbing his temple. The urge to just put a silence spell on the two was tempted, but seeing Eloise stomp her foot and march to the bathroom showed the argument was over.
The door slammed with Charlotte yelling, "Don't slam my doors!"
"I didn't slam it!" Screamed Eloise back.
Charlotte groaned and marched to the door to put her shoes back on. "Where are you going?" Loki asked, still stunned and slightly deaf from the screaming match.
"Out." She spat, barely bothering to properly tie her laces.
Charlotte stepped outside, the cold slapping her face and hands. She took a few even breaths on the stoop, stepping down and sitting on it. The cold night air cooled her hot head, she combed her fingers and knotted them into her hair, staring down at the pavement.
Why couldn't she have moved somewhere further away? Maybe she should've moved to New York or stayed in Chicago. Possibly go to California, or even some other country. Somehow further away- as far and difficult it could be to assure her sister couldn't just drop by whenever she felt like it. This wasn't a second home to Eloise, it was Charlotte's home and it was to be her private sanctuary.
Well, private can be thrown out the door with her new roommate now. She had only known Loki for barely a week, yet she was alright in his company. She wasn't annoyed by his presence, didn't feel aggravated or have the need to be alone afterward. There was still so much she didn't know from him, being from another country, Charlotte should expect that.
The door behind her opened and closed softly. Something warm was over her shoulders, she felt the wool material, knowing who it was.
"Unless you want a smack, you better go back inside." She warned. "Not smart to be with me when I'm this pissed off."
"Never said I was smart." Loki responded, sitting down beside her. Just his wool turtleneck to keep him warm as his coat was offered to her. "I find your company more tolerable than your sister's." He added.
The two were silent, taking in the distant sirens in the city and black night sky. No screaming, slamming doors, and best of all for Loki, no holiday music.
"I couldn't imagine having a sister." He spoke, though it broke the silence it didn't disturb the peace Charlotte was having.
"Couldn't handle the screaming?" She asked, glancing at him.
Loki shook his head, "Having a brute for a brother is Hel enough." he told her. "Having a sister take advantage of your home, money, and food would be even worse, I'd fear."
"I think I rather have a brother." Loki looked to her curiously. "Could always use the 'mom he hit me' scheme whenever he ticked me off. Y'know, y mom doesn't think men should hit women, even if the woman attacked the man first."
Loki thought of the words, it made sense but at the same time, didn't seem fair. "Back home, both men and women are taught to defend themselves. I know a few women who could take on the toughest men in the streets of this city without breaking a sweat."
Charlotte chuckled, "Sounds like my kind of place." She smiled. "If a man were to touch a woman without her permission?"
The god looked appalled by the thought. "I'd imagine she'd have the right to give him the worst punishment possible. My father assures that not one single woman is to be touched without the consent of her word to a man." He shrugged. "Though, women do have the tendencies to throw themselves at certain men during feasts."
"So you have your own whores there?" She asked, Loki covered his mouth to try not to laugh. Though it confirmed enough for her.
"You'd truly prefer a brother?" He inquired, lacing his fingers as his arms rested on his knees. "I would offer my own to trade, but I don't find it a very fair one to have her as a sister. Wouldn't have a spare, would you?"
Charlotte threw her head back laughing, "I wish." She giggled, shaking her head. "No, just me and Eloise. My parents didn't have any other kids after us."
A few cars drove past and a guy walking his dog passed by to cross the street. The echoing sounds of Center City's sirens and yelling nearly heard toward Old City. It was only a few blocks away, after all. Charlotte loved Old City, so peaceful during the night and lively during the day. Not too congested, yet not too empty.
"Regarding Eloise-"
"Must we?" She asked, throwing her head back.
Loki continued, "Has she always been like that?" Charlotte raised a brow, wanting him to indicate what he meant. "As in, easily provoked over the tiniest notion?"
"Ah, yeah, that." She took a breath and sighed, cold air escaping her lips. "No, there was a time when we actually were inseparable twins. We dressed alike, acted alike, sometimes we even tricked mom and dad by switching our names."
She chuckled and turned to Loki, tucking her legs down on the lower step. "We loved the book series, Harry Potter, and the twins, George and Fred, were our favorite. We even dressed up as them for Halloween once."
Loki had no idea who these twins were, but the name Harry Potter he'd seen in her book collection. He'd give it a read at some point.
Her smile fell, resting her chin in her palm. "When we hit, I'd say sixteen or so, things changed, and I don't mean just our bodies." She joked.
"We got into high school and it was like we split apart. She went down one path, and I went down another. I focused on school, getting good grades and wanting to get into college when I graduate."
"And Eloise did the opposite?" Loki guessed, earning a finger snap of a yes.
"She skipped classes, went to late night parties, and was caught a few times screwing around in the boy's bathroom." Loki grimaced at that, seeing she hadn't changed as proof at the IHOP. "Surprised she wasn't expelled before she just dropped out. After that, she ran off for three years with some guy older than her. My parents were distraught for a while, and I was worried too. She called and kept us updated, so she wasn't dead or kidnapped, as far as we knew."
"Then when she returned, you mentioned they, your parents, pitied her?" Loki asked.
Charlotte stood, stepping around the sidewalk for a while, shoving her hands into her coat pockets. The cold was getting to her, but she still rather be out here than in there. "When she got back, it was high school graduation. I was graduating with honors and I was extremely proud of my hard work. But, my parents weren't at the ceremony."
Loki frowned, "Why?" though he had a hunch. "...You're sister returned."
"The prodigal daughter returned!"Charlotte barked into the sky, a sardonic smile on her features. "My parents skipped out on my graduation for Eloise's return." She hissed,her anger returning at the memory. "My parents and dear little sad heart broken sister, were out to treat her to wherever she wanted to go. She ends up crying for a week because the guy she went with was actually married to another woman, so she came back home."
Charlotte sat back down with a sigh, rubbing her hands into her eyes to ease herself, not wanting another headache for a third night in a row. "So," Loki spoke up. "From then on, Eloise was given all the attention and freedom to do what she wished."
"Yup." She confirmed, dropping her hands and looking at him. "She never finished school, never wanted to go to college, and still doesn't want to get a job. She just wants to sit around, have people pay things for her and never do anything for herself."
"So the life of a princess." He inquired.
"Pretty much." She shrugged. "Mom let her get away with more than dad, he did put his foot down when dragging boys into the house or trying to have parties on weekends. But mom always said 'that was her baby'."
"And you?"
"Me?" Charlotte scoffed, leaning back against the upper stoop. "I left for Chicago, went to college and focused on myself and my career. I wanted to be a cop, protect people like my father and grandfather did."
"It's a good path to follow." He complimented. "And you do a very good job at it, if I may add?"
Charlotte shoved his shoulder, a sheepish smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, glad someone thinks so. My mom says I'm too independent for my own good, and that scares people away."
Loki's brows furrowed, tilting his head at her. "Independence is a good trait to have, how can it be negative?"
"I never ask people for help, I never seek relationships, even in my teens I was never interested in any of the boys. Well," She held a finger up. "Most men I meet interested always talk about them being the breadwinner and I stay home to pop babies. No, thanks!"
Loki stood, stretching his long legs as he took a few steps. "I find your mother to be wrong." He spoke out, looking up at the starless sky. "You are a woman who knows what she wants, aims for what she wants to be, and sees the path in a clear light. You wish for no man to hold you back, and there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever."
He looked down at her, her eyes shining in the street light as she looked up at him. "If I had to be honest, any true man would love to have a strong brave woman as his partner."
He could see her fighting anything that came in her way, battling creatures and defending people and realms among the stars. Charlotte was so different from the women of Asgard, yet she would still blend in somehow.
"Thanks, Loki." He looked back at her, seeing her standing and smiling at him. "I probably really needed to hear that from someone, and to vent all that out. I've honestly never told anyone else, since there was no one else to talk to."
"Not even Jack?" He asked.
She shook her head, "Jack's just my landlord, he just knows how much of a pain Eloise can be here. Nothing more than that."
"Mitsy?"
"Her? She just wants food and walks. She's a good support, but not to talk to." She chuckled.
"Never a friend to lend an ear?" Loki found it hard to believe she never had someone to talk to.
Again, her head shook a no. "I never had a friend before." She confessed, folding her arms tightly, looking down. "My sister was popular with so many groupies and friends, but I just wanted to get good grades and focus on my career, I never gave anyone a chance."
There was a moment of silence, no sirens, no yelling, no distant crowds or faded music a block or two away. Loki assumed the conversation was done, when Charlotte cleared her throat. She held a nervous look, eyes casted down and searching the pavement for confidence in her words.
"Can I give you that chance? To be my friend?" Charlotte asked, wrapping his coat tighter around herself.
Loki felt his shoulder tense, but then relaxed thinking of her offer. Never, himself, had Loki had his very own friend. The Warriors Three and Sif were not his exclusive friends, they were Thor's friends. He was more of a package deal with Thor when it came to friends. Whoever was friends with his brother, felt they had to be friends with Loki. Not because they enjoyed Loki's company or liked him for what gifts he held and personality he showed. Only because Thor was his brother.
Charlotte didn't know who his brother was, nor did he want her to know. Never mentioning his name, only describing him in short stories or small hints. He remembered she described him as an 'obsessed jock' which he took was not a fond term, judging how she spat the words out. She didn't want to be his friend because of his family heritage or who his brother was, but for him, and him alone. Charlotte could be his friend, no Thor's but his own.
Loki smiled down at her, he took her hand surprising her as he gripped it tightly- not too tightly to hurt her. He raised their hands, thumbs wrapped each other as their fingers gripped the palms. This was no romantic gesture, but to Loki, it was a gesture to friends, and this was his friend.
"It would be an honor to be your friend, Charlotte Lane."
LadyAmazon- Hey! Long time no see! Yeah, I've based her straight off my little sister, who is twice as bad as this. I toned it down for my sake, haha! I think we all have that type of co-worker. I've had a co-worker that on a good day, can chill with them. But on a bad day, you want to choke them out with a balloon string. Might just be me though.
We'll be back to crime scenes soon! Hope you enjoyed and remember to comment/review! Much love and stay safe!