So sorry! I thought this got uploaded on here and I was down a chapter and ahead of one on Archive. Here's two chapters, HAHA! Enjoy!
Thanks selene sheppard, Miffybeth for the follows and favorites!
Morning shows promoting actors, musicians, and other celebrities seem to really thirst over the men in the media. Shots of them shirtless with their rippled abs shining in the sun or tense pecs soaking in gleaming oils. Be it shots on a beach or what Loki assumed to be a fight stance. They sexualized the icon of men a lot, and the women on the shows talking about it make some lude comments.
Sex wasn't unspoken of in Asgard, but it was kept under wraps or idle quiet gossip among themselves. During parties, Loki remembered every time Fendral would swoon the ladies and take two or three back to his chambers. Thor has had some women sigh over him at every epic battle or conquest he told. Yet, he heeded them no attention, unless it was a kind thank you for another ale. Loki himself?
Maybe at one time, a lady or two would sneak a glance or hear a small comment on his charming looks. But once a scheme was set or he used his powers to play a small trick, they suddenly gained no interest in him.
His eyes wandered the small clinic waiting room to ease his mind of the lack of feminine attention he had back on Asgard. Charlotte was to have her stitches removed and was called to come to this clinic to get it done as the doctor at the hospital was away on his Christmas vacation, early.
Loki felt he had been sitting there for at least two hours, but when he checked the small clock above the check in desk, it had only been twenty-five minutes. People came and left, checked in and checked out, some with a few children in toe sneezing or coughing. He had to change his seating four times to keep from the sick urchins. He found it appalling that the parents would let these germ-infected children play with the toys in the corner, coughing and wiping their snot covered hands all over, only to put them back when called to the doctor. When another child came in, they played with the toys, without a care in the world by the parent.
It's a wonder the humans haven't died from lack of intelligence, he thought.
The magazines looked interesting enough for him to pick up a "How to Prepare Your Home For the Holidays" and skim through it. In spite of the fact he was growing weary of the constant marketing of the season, he preferred it over the women whooping and cheering for 'hot' men on the small television screen in the upper corner. He listened to a few commercials, once again, marketing for the season, but others were movie and television promotions.
"Would you like the channel changed, sir?" Asked a kind young blonde at the front desk.
"Yes, please." Loki responded, glancing up at the screen. The channel was changed from the morning show to the news. They were talking about the weather, warning possible snow showers.
Were they removing her stitches, or putting more into her skull? How long did it take to have it done? Loki started to question the ethics of medical practicing on Midgard if it took this long. It was a simple head injury, a quick treatment done within a shorter amount of time back home, Loki was sure.
The door to the rooms opened and he stood once Charlotte stepped out with an ice pack pressed into where the stitches were. He frowned, walking over as she thanked the doctor.
"Just fit the bill, the usual." She told him, who nodded and gave them a happy holiday.
"Do you come here often?" Loki asked.
Charlotte raised a brow and gave him a funny look. "Is that a genuine question?" He blinked at her, guess it was. "I tend to get hurt a lot on the job. " She answered, given the paperwork from the front desk blonde. "I'm seen here more than any bar."
It wasn't until they left the clinic and got to the streets that Loki asked, "Were they removed or were more added?"
She looked up at him, before shoving the plastic bag of ice into a nearby trash can. "It took not even ten minutes." Charlotte told as they stood by a corner waiting to cross.
"And the remaining thirty-five minutes?" He asked, clearly irritated by the wait.
"That was me waiting for the doctor." She answered. "Apparently he was late, which happens a lot at clinics."
Loki scoffed, shaking his head. They stepped off the curb, crossing with a light crowd. "Do you mind if I stop to get my hair done?"
He raised a brow at her, "Have a special someone to see?" Loki teased.
"No, no," She waved off, they walked across as Charlotte led back to Old City. "I haven't been able to wash my hair, so I want to get it washed and cut at a local salon."
"Ah, then I shall return-" Loki turned toward where the apartment was, but felt a tug by his arm. Charlotte hadn't managed to turn him around, but the attempt was there. "Yes?"
"You don't want to join me?" She asked innocently.
"I'd find it rather dull to sit and watch you get your hair trimmed." He turned to her, shrugging her off and pocketing his hands. "It was mental torment just to wait in that clinic."
Charlotte faltered, having to wait in the clinic in case she needed help getting home. Now to make him sit and do nothing at a salon? Seemed like she was just dragging him about the city at this point. But the thought of recent days on her returns to the apartment weighed heavily on her mind.
"How about I treat you for it? In return?"
Loki then huffed, crossing his arms. "Do I look like a dog?" He questioned. "That would work on Mitsy, but not me."
She thought about what could persuade him. Sure, Charlotte could straight out tell him those men to keep harassing her. Yet, her pride wouldn't allow her to just ask him. She was a mid 20 year old cop living on her own, asking a man to protect her. It wasn't in her nature, another tactic would have to work.
"See, this is a bit embarrassing." She confessed in a bluff. "I haven't had my wild hair cut in so long, and it never looks good. I need a second opinion, please?" She asked, hunching her shoulders up innocently.
Loki raised a brow, surveying her for a moment before sighing. "This 'treat' better be worth it." He hadn't eaten breakfast, and was growing hungry. "I prefer to eat first, if possible."
An ease of comfort filled her stomach as she grinned up at him. "Of course! I know a small shop where we can get some donuts."
His brows knotted, curiosity in his features. "Donuts?"
"Do you usually name stores with such…. Strange names?" Loki asked.
"Hm?" Charlotte turned to him, stopping at the door.
He tapped his forefinger on the glass where the name was printed.. "Wa-Wa?"
The doughnut shop was closed, causing the duo to walk further through Center City toward a small corner store, Wawa. It sold coffee, breakfast, snacks, and needed lunches or small dinners. Some had traveler needs such as small pain medicines, sewing kits, and even toiletries. The very definition of a convenience store.
"It's something to do with a bird I think?" She guessed, pulling the door open and entered with Loki behind her.
The smell of coffee filled the small store, people checking the drinks in the fridges to the left or collecting salads and other packaged lunches on the right. A few small rows held candies, cookies, and chips. In the back corner were two machines, labeled 'ICEE' of blue and red with a milkshake machine beside it. Loki veered toward the coffee machines, seeing it was self served. He made himself a small cup of fresh brew of French vanilla cappuccino, something he favored when first venturing the city.
Charlotte joined him, holding a paper bag to hold out to him. "I collected one of each, so you can try some. I personally like the Boston cream, so got two of those."
"And that is?" He asked.
She smirked, "You'll see." then nodded to the line. "I'm going to check out, mind getting me a hot chocolate?"
"Of course."
Loki placed his cup onto the counter and got to fetching another and filling it with hot chocolate with the machine. He hadn't even noticed it, or else he would've gotten himself some. As the cup filled, his eyes wandered, spotting a mirror above him that showed the store in a convex curvature. He saw the line in the reflection, including Charlotte up next behind a man. He wore a hoodie and kept looking around, awaiting for the cashier to collect something he asked for behind the counter.
Charlotte wasn't paying attention, searching her bag for her wallet when the man grabbed her. He put her in a headlock and brandished a gun from his pants, pointing the nozzle to her temple. Her drink fell splashing all over the floor and her shoes. Charlotte held her arms up, as did the cashier, dropping a small box that man feigned to ask for. Loki then realized there were a few more people in the store, noticing the situation and ducking down in the small isles. One worker dove for the bathrooms, a lock clicking he heard.
"Take it easy, sir-" Charlotte gagged when his hold tightened against her throat.
"Shut up." He hissed, then pointed the gun at the cashier woman who froze. "Give me all the money," he demanded. When she didn't move, he pressed the gun against Charlotte's head. "Or her head is blown to bits."
Loki, in the back, crouched down and started slowly moving his way up the isle to catch the robber from behind. The register dinged and the cashier started collecting the money, the robber urging her to hurry up. The man wasn't even covering his face or wearing a mask, just a simple hoodie. The blade of Loki's dagger slid out of his sleeve and into his tight grip at the handle. He reeled back, ready to throw.
Before he could make his move, Charlotte said something that made the robber focus on her. Suddenly, he doubled over when she rammed a fist in to his groin. With his head down, she raised her palm and slammed her palm up his jaw, making him lose his grip on her. Charlotte ducked under his arms and turned, smacking the gun out of his hand and taking it into her own, aiming it at him.
"On your knees! Now!" She demanded, then showed her badge she kept on her hip. "Police, I said now!"
The robber groaned and complied, his hands raised. Loki stood straight, letting his dagger slide back to disappear up his sleeve. Charlotte had handled the situation all on her own, as if he wasn't even there to aid her.
"Oh, my God!" The cashier woman cried.
Other customers eased out of the isle, some still fearful of leaving where they thought was safe enough. Charlotte turned to the cashier, "Do you have anything to use for restraint?"
The woman was blubbering, but answered. "All we have is packaging tape."
Charlotte relented. "It'll have to do." The woman handed her the large tape and Charlotte turned to Loki. "Contact the boss and let him know we got a collar here."
Loki nodded, fishing out his phone and going to contacts where he dialed Johnson's number. He himself was not shaken up like the worker or customers who were told to go outside by Charlotte. She padded him down after securing his arms behind his back, finding a switchblade and his identification. Loki waited for the call to go through, seeing Helena wasn't shaken up the least bit. She did her job thoroughly as if a gun hadn't been pressed up against her skull at all.
Officers arrived and took the robber, known as Jerry Klield. Charlotte gave account to the incident on taking him down as witnesses were given their own questioning. Simple police procedure. When Loki was given the same, he told them he was just in the back and Charlotte had handled the entire situation. One officer, his tag labeled 'Mack', approached Charlotte when the questioning was over.
"So, Sargent contacted me and wants you two in." He told, motioning at her and Loki. He stepped up as he asked Charlotte, "How are the stitches, Lane?"
"Just got them removed, actually." She answered, shoving her hands into her coat pocket. "Does the Boss want me to file a report?"
Mack just shrugged, "Just wants to talk to you. I'll give you a ride." he offered, but Charlotte shook her head.
"We'll just head over ourselves. Thanks, Mack." Once he nodded and turned, she whispered to Loki at her side. "No doubt to reprimand me for working off the job."
Loki shrugged, "Maybe he'll praise you on a job well done."
"You decided it was a good idea to deal with the dangerously armed robber with his gun at you, on your own!?" Barked Johnson as Charlotte and Loki stood in his office.
She leaned over to Loki and muttered, "Told ya." under her breath.
Johnson paced in front of the two, like a principal scolding a student. Then he turned on Loki who's brows rose at the glare. "Why didn't you take action!? Your partner was held hostage and he had his back to you! Weren't you trained in situations like these to handle them!?"
Loki cleared his throat, "Well-"
"I don't want to hear any excuses!" He dismissed, waving his hands. Loki huffed, then why question him?
Johnson moved around the desk and heaved a sigh as he sat back in his creaky chair. "Even so, the culprit was caught and no one was hurt or killed in the process. I'll give the collar to Mack-"
"Mack!?" Charlotte barked. "I took this guy down on my own, why are you giving it to him?"
"I have my reasons." Was all he said, Charlotte rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Since you seem to be able to handle a robber, I should expect you back tomorrow ready for your beat in the city."
Loki stole a glance at Charlotte, she clearly was surprised by didn't show it. Her fingers tapped the side of her thigh. "Through Love Park?" She asked.
"No," Johnson answered, looking at a paper on his desk. "I'll be putting you with Mack in China town." He glanced up seeing her stiff expression. With a sigh, Johnson folded his hands. "This doesn't mean you made the cut, I just need to discuss it with others and it'll be determined before the year ends."
Charlotte nodded, "Thank you, sir." she turned to leave, but Loki cleared his throat.
"If I may?" John raised a thick peppered brow. "Shall I accompany Officer Lane during her beat?"
"Absolutely not." Loki's grin fell. "I can't have my officer distracted to entertain you. I'll be making a call to you on the decision, Mr. Odinson. Until then, Officer Lane will resume her duty."
"The shipping is at a price of only-"
"Caught a monster here! Look at the size of-""
"Where's the Lamb Sauce-!?"
"Then we'll put a happy little tree-"
That evening, Charlotte had been curling up on her side laying on the couch. She flicked through channels without even checking to see what was on each one. Loki figured this after she had gone through the same channel over thirty times. She didn't even want to watch any of the crime or game shows she liked to watch.
Loki made it to his room when they returned to the apartment, he took to writing in his journal for a while and had a short meditation. When he emerged to ask about dinner, he found her staring at the television, the same blank look she held when leaving the police department. Downhearted by the notion of her returning to normal police work, with no answer to how she did on her case. Loki himself was annoyed he couldn't accompany her, he did after all want to see more of her job. No matter, he thought, he could persuade anyone to really do anything. Thanks to the silver tongue of his.
For now, should he intervene on Charlotte in her state? Loki stood in the doorway of his room, arm raised over his head leaning against the frame as he watched her flick through each channel.
He had been here for only two weeks and he's learned the emotions that humans tend to have. Near no different than Asgardians, some tempers flared much like Thor's or were calm and collected much like yours truly. Charlotte's emotions flared from anger when pushed to her last minute to depressed when given certain news. She had stated to him it was her dream job to be a detective, something that could be taken from her just by her boss' decision.
Loki scolded at the floor, he knew what that felt like.
The television finally had a chosen channel, as a commercial played. But Charlotte stood and went upstairs, was she going to bed. Loki waited a few minutes before moving to turn the television off.
"Hey!" Loki looked over seeing Charlotte returning with something in her hand. "I'm about to put something on."
The glare she sent was one of her worst, taking her emotions out of him. Loki stepped away from the TV, watching her kneel down to the stand it sat upon. The cabinet opened and the item she held was a plastic book like container. It had a black clunky thing which she put inside the device. The screen suddenly went blue, with the white lettering 'PLAY' in the corner. Then the screen went black, some weird noises were heard and the screen tore white for a moment before a green disclaimer came on. Charlotte seemed content and closed the cabinet, gently tossing the plastic book onto the table and sitting back on the couch. Loki had also noticed she changed into gray sweat pants and another big night shirt -as she called them- with more design lettering on it. 'Pizza Planet', Loki wondered where such an establishment was to have a farcical name.
"Is there something you want?" Charlotte told, Loki then realized he was just standing beside the TV staring at her. "If not, go away."
Charlotte resumed hugging her pillow as the previews of movies came on, her eyes focused on the screen. Loki cleared his throat and stepped away from the TV, returning to his room. He resumed writing in his journal;
'Charlotte is a questionable woman. She is clearly distressed and dejected for having to return to her usual job tomorrow. Most women, back on Asgard, saw comfort from others when in a state of melancholy, yet she wishes to be alone. No one to converse or vent about her feelings, truely a strange woman. Then again, she is different from most humans I've seen in the blasted city.'
'The strain on her mother is weighing on her, with how distant she keeps from her and never speaks of her father. Her sister, Eloise, is selfish and uses her while destroying anything of Charlotte's for her own gain. With her near destruction upon the apartment during her stay, it vaguely reminded me of the Bilgesnipes.'
Loki heard the TV grow loudly, not in some obnoxious way, but able to hear music playing from it. He paused his writing and strained his ears to hear.
"When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are."
He frowned, that wasn't the usual music she'd listen to. It was soft with a beautiful chorus and gave ease to his eardrums. No blasting loudly or strange lyrics. Though these words were bizarre, the words intrigued him.
"Anything your heart desires, will come to you. If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme."
Curiosity got the better of him, and Loki stood to check out what she was watching. When he peeked out, he noticed how dark it was. Charlotte had turned out all the lights, but the dim yellow bulb over the oven in the kitchen. Other than that, the TV was the only illumination in the whole apartment, lighting of the soft blue lit Charlotte sitting on the couch. The most surprising thing to see was, Loki swore, was the reflection of the stains streaking her cheeks that fell from her eyes. His shoulders fell, never seeing her be the type to cry, let alone in front of someone.
It was then Loki remembered how Charlotte was used to being on her own. Defending herself, no friends to lend a shoulder to cry on or ear to vent to. She needed a friend, and he was her friend, last he checked.
Loki stepped into the bathroom as he heard the lyrics continue, grabbing a box of tissues kept in the cabinet under the sink.
"Fate is kind, she brings to those who love. The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing."
Charlotte sniffled, reaching up to wipe her eyes when a tissue box was placed in her lap. She blinked, feeling more tears escape, then the couch shifting. To her left, Loki had joined her, sighing as he relaxed into the couch and watching the screen. Expecting him to say something, she waited before looking down at the tissues. She took one and wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
"Thanks." She mumbled, tossing the balled up tissue onto the coffee table.
Loki hung his arm over the back of the couch. "Friends help one another, correct?" She glanced to him, he kept his eyes on the Television. "I… Never had a friend of my own. So, let me know if we're doing this correctly."
"Like a bolt out of the blue, Fate steps in and sees you through."
Her blue eyes blinked, Loki finally looked over and took a tissue. He gently wiped her cheek and gave a soft smile. "I'll lend you my shoulder, if you ever need it. Remember?"
"When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true"
Charlotte couldn't fight back the tearful smile that lit in the dark, Loki wiped away a few more tears before tossing it with the other on the table. Charlotte sighed and eased herself, Loki himself got comfortable when a cartoon character named Jiminy Cricket, told the tale of Pinnochio.
"Quiet the interesting way to tell a story." He commented.
"Ever seen this before?" Charlotte asked.
"Certainly never heard of the tale." He admitted. "Though the music is much more tolerable than what you usually play in the mornings."
Charlotte chuckled, giving a small sniffle to clear her nose. "It's story is more like a tale to tell boys who don't behave."
Boys who don't behave, huh? Now Loki was intrigued.
The two watched the film, Loki learning the wooden puppet is brought to life by the man's wish, Geppetto, to be a real boy. But he must prove himself brave, true, and unselfish. Loki suddenly found the movie amusing, as Jiminy become Pinnocho's conscience.
"Always let your conscience be your guide." Said the Blue Fairy, as she faded away into the night.
Loki was starting to see a pattern why she chose this film. "Does this film make you feel.. Better?" He asked, though she looked at him questioningly. "Usually you watch your mystery shows."
"I don't want to think about that right now. But yeah, this is one of my comfort films." She told him, fingering the edge of the pillow in her lap.
"Comfort film?"
She nodded, ignoring the current song play 'Give a Little Whistle'. "Comfort movies, food, books, everyone has one. I don't get an appetite when I'm feeling down, so I just watch something from my childhood."
Loki then noticed the plastic cover the movie was in, he picked it up and looked it over. One of the images in the back were of some donkeys and Pinocchio with a long nose.
"Walt Disney, hm?" He inquired, seeing the big name above the title.
"World famous animator and movie maker, he pretty much solidified everyone's childhood, from the 1930s to today." Charlotte explained. "Used to watch many of his animated movies, Eloise and I. She loves the princess movies."
He looked up, placing the cover back down. "And you?"
She shrugged, "I liked other films; Robin Hood, The Rescuers- Oh! Oliver in Company is really good! Such an underrated movie, but great music and story of the old Oliver Twist."
Loki grinned, seeing her light up at the mention of these films. It was much better than seeing her like a lump on the couch to just stare and possibly even cry to herself. A habit she was used to, no doubt.
"If it makes you better, we can watch whatever you wish." He told her, "Color me curious about these movies."
Charlotte hummed, tapping her chin in thought. "I think you'd like Sword in the Stone, or maybe even Fantasia."
Loki and Charlotte watched on as Geppetto discovers his puppet has come alive and rejoicing. The next morning, he is told he must go to school like all boys his age do. But on the way, he is persuaded by a talking fox, Honest John, to become an actor.
"Ohh, I see." Loki nodded, folding his arms. "He's falling into temptations."
Charlotte nodded, "Yeah, now thinking it this is a true Stranger Danger tale as well." she added.
In the actor's life, with 'There Are No Strings on Me' sung by Pinocchio, makes Jiminy think he doesn't need him anymore. But later learns he can never go home when locked in a cage by the puppeteer, Stromboli.
"He did not see that coming?" Loki scoffed.
"Would you have if you were a little boy?" Charlotte countered.
Loki shook his head, "I can promise my brother wouldn't have." he told.
Thankfully, Jiminy found Pinocchio and both were met with the Blue Fairy. Then, Loki witnessed the famous 'long nose lying' Pinocchio commits. For every lie he told, the bigger his nose got. Loki by the time the long branched nose held a bird's nest, he couldn't help but laugh.
"The hell's so funny?" She asked, giggling at his sudden laughter.
"Apologies," He cleared his throat, wiping an eye. "Telling a lie to cause one's nose to enlarge is just too astounding."
"That's the one thing he's known for, every kid is told that every lie they tell is bigger and bigger, until its as plain as the nose on one's face." The blue Fairy then explains the same basic thing, Charlotte adjusts her seating, feeling more relaxed. "Haven't you ever heard of that?"
Loki shook his head, he couldn't really just tell her he proved the story wrong. 'Oh, if that's true than my nose should reach the stars for being the God of Lies'. Yeah, couldn't really just tell her that.
The movie took a dark turn when, once again, Pinocchio was tricked by Honest John to go to a place called Pleasure Island, where naughty boys were sent. Loki was surprised to find that the boys were all turning into Donkeys and sold for labor work. This was shown to Midgardian children? It wasn't as horrifying as certain tales when he was a child, but Midgardians were sensitive creatures. Then seeing the boy, Lampy, cry for his Mama as he transformed into a Jackass was indeed a tad scary.
"You're told this horrifying tale as a child?" He asked, seeing her unbothered by the dark reveal.
"Boys were, not girls. Like I said, we got the princess movies for us." She answered.
Loki got up real quick to get a glass of water for himself and Charlotte. She in turn got up and took something out of the cabinet as the movie went on about Pinocchio and Jiminy trying to find Monstro, who swallowed Geppetto.
"Did they ever make any movies about princes?" Loki asked, as she got this small bag labeled 'popcorn' and put it in the microwave.
"I mean, none of them focus on princes, mostly princess movies have them." She pressed two minutes and waited. "I guess you could count Aladdin, but he's just a guy who wishes to be a prince to be with a princess. Don't think that counts."
Loki gave an exaggerated look of offense. "How dare, you get all the princess movies and not one about a prince?"
Charlotte laughed as popping started echoing in the microwave. Loki gave it a look, but ignored it as some possible weird food she was conducting with it. "I guess Sword in the Stone counts, it is about Prince Arthur."
Loki snapped his finger. "There we go! What's the story about that one?" He asked, leaning against the counter.
Once the microwave beeped and the popping subsided, Charlotte got a big bowl from the cabinet to the right. "Pretty much about a boy who is a no body, trying to be a squire." She explains. "Then he- Y'know, it's best you see it yourself."
She took the once was small bag, now a large one, from the microwave. The bag ripped open and she poured the popcorn into the bowl, the smell was delicious to Loki. She offered him to try one as she added salt and a small bit of butter, he took a hot piece and popped it into his mouth. His tongue watered as he chewed the piece. But frowned when he felt something stab his gum, Charlotte laughed as he reached in to get a thin kernel stuck in his teeth.
"Never seen Disney movies, never read Prince Arthur, and now never ate popcorn before?" She questioned, he got the piece out and spat it out in the sink. "You sure you didn't live under a rock in Norway."
More like a planet, he wished to say.
Loki took the bowl and took another to eat. "See it as a way of teaching me the American Way, as one calls it, yes?" He winked at her and returned to the couch.
Charlotte heaved a sigh and smiled, she could see it from that point of view. Sharing not only American ways, but her own personal ways to him. That's what friends do, right? With glasses of water, Charlotte joined him and watched the remainder of the film. They got Pinocchio's father out of Monstro and he became a real boy in the end. What made Charlotte laugh out loud was when Jiminy got his gold badge, which was 17k gold. Loki was confused by her amusement, as she explained that 17k gold is not worth that much, compared to 20k gold, calling the Blue Fairy a cheapskate. That comment got a laugh out of Loki himself.
The movie ended, and Charlotte set the tape to rewind. Loki sat for a moment, craning his neck to see the time. It wasn't too late, and Charlotte seemed to be having a good time.
"Shall we watch Sword in the Stone?"
Charlotte near beamed at the question, nodding before getting the tape out when it stopped. She put it into the cover and jogged up the stairs to get the next movie.
A large long yawn escaped Charlotte's lips, the bitter cold making her shudder as the clouds from her breath faded into the air. Mack chuckled, the two standing at a corner market in China Town with cups of coffee in their hands.
"That's the sixth yawn you'd had, the cold getting to ya?" He asked, earning a look from her.
Charlotte cleared her throat and sipped her coffee. She had ended up watching more movies with Loki and gone to bed a little later than intended. It wasn't until after watching 101 Dalmatians that she realized it was 2am and she had to get up at 5am.
"Just didn't sleep well." She curtly told, blinking her eyes from the cold breeze passing through.
Mack wasn't a bad person or annoying, one would say. His perfect blond hair under his cap and baby blues that would catch any girl's eye. He had a perfect toothy smile, stature reaching about 5'10, and built like a wall. Though looking hot and intimidated, he was considered the softest of the bunch at the station. When the morning started, he came by picking her up in his assigned vehicle, offered coffee, and just got to the first start of their walk.
China Town was a nice district, Charlotte liked walking through or doing small shopping here. In the Spring and Summer she'd get her vegetables here and even indulge in a few bakeries for their delicious sponge cakes and crepes. Maybe she'll bring home dinner for her and Loki, Charlotte didn't feel like standing at a stove tonight.
"So, that Loki guy?"
Charlotte returned from spacing out to look at him. "What about him?"
"How long have you two been dating?" He asked.
Charlotte choked on her coffee, yelling suddenly when the hot liquid went up her nose. "Hot! Hot!" She cried, covering her nose.
"Shit!" Mack panicked. "Sorry, sorry! You alright?"
"No! it'd up my node!" Charlotte cried, turning away as eyes fell on her. She kept blowing out her nose into her gloved hand not caring how gross this was.
"Sorry!" Mack patted his pockets for napkins, finding some stuffed into his back pocket and handing them to her. "Sorry, shit. Don't burn yourself."
She blew hard and hacked. After a few seconds, her burning nostrils were clear, at least she was warmer now. "Jesus Christ," Charlotte swore, giving a few more coughs and tossing the coffee cup into the trash
Mack reached to pack her back, but hesitated to do so. Might make her choke again, he thought. "Everything clear?"
"Yeah, yeah, jeez." She cleared her throat. "Really caught me off guard."
Mack chuckled, "So, you're not dating I'd assume?" he asked.
"Of course not!" Charlotte told, patting her chest. She was going to feel congested later today. "He's just a friend."
"Oh, alright." He nodded, the two leaving the corner to walk their beat. "Guys at the station were saying all these things and-"
"You assumed to follow in their gossip?" She accused, Mack grimaced. "He's a friend, also my partner- At work. If I get that promotion."
They passed by the market, people eyeing up chickens hanging in the window and prepared bread on the shelves. Some vegetables were wrapped up outside, but if it grew colder they'd be brought in.
"To detective? Aw! You'll get it, Lane." He assured with a bright smile. "You're the most determined of us all."
She frowned at him, doubting his words. "Really? Most determined of the 70 to 30 ratio of men to women at the station? The 85% of men who get promoted?"
Mack sighed, grin still there. "Oh, don't be like that. Hear enough of that from the desk jockeys."
Charlotte's brow rose. "The female desk jockeys?"
"Yeah!" He nodded, then saw her glare. "Oh, I mean. There's a man or two there, of course." Mack tried to back peddle, earning an eye roll from her.
"Nice try, my guy." She patted his shoulder mockingly.
Mack cleared his throat, adjusting his hat. "Anyway, no one's seen a guy like that Loki. Just seemed weird for some guy not from here to help you become a detective."
Strike two, Charlotte thought. "He's not helping me." She hissed, the two turning at a corner and crossing the street. "He's evaluating me, he'll tell Johnson how I did and then my fate is decided by him- Of course."
"Fate?" Mack laughed, "You can always try again, y'know?" he told.
Well no, she couldn't. After all, Charlotte made a deal that if she wasn't detective material, she'd take the beat for the rest of her career. Thinking back, her confidence might have been fueled by desperation alone. Making such an offer, risk taking and now was stressing her out with lack of feedback on the case.
"He just seems weird." Mack told. "Odd, out of this world."
Charlotte was growing annoyed, she turned to him. "Just because he's not from here? You sound like my bigot landlord."
Mack shook his head, "No, no, not that like!" he defended. "I just mean he's… He just came out of nowhere, y'know?"
"He came from Norway." She told him.
Mack held apprehension. "With an accent like that?"
Charlotte paused her walking and glared at him. She raised her brows, waiting for him to continue his 'theory'.
"Then there's his name."
"Loki?" She questioned. "What about it? Probably Norwegian."
Mack folded his arms, his coat wrinkling around his torso and arms. "I swear, I've heard the name somewhere. Maybe a book or some TV show."
Charlotte chewed her lip, "And Charlotte isn't? Names are used in a lot of forms of media, maybe you heard a name that rhymes with Loki."
"Maybe- I don't know how to explain it, he just seems alien to me. Why would someone from a county that has the lowest crime rate in the world come to a country that has one of the highest?"
"I think you just answered your own question." She countered. "To help with ours or learn?"
Mack frowned at her. "Lane, think." He urged. "Use that brain you got; A man comes from another country with barely any crime, to help evaluate cops to become detectives in a crime infested county? What does he know about any of that!"
She frowned, looking away to let his words sink in. These thoughts have never really bothered Charlotte before, so why now? Because Mack's points made sense, or that she was so blinded by her desire to be a detective? Now her brain was questioning Loki's intentions, real intentions. Had he tricked Johnson somehow by allowing this? Johnson was strict and to the book, why go off the rails.
"You think the same thing, right?" Mack asked, Charlotte looked up at him.
"Same what?"
The two whipped around, finding a grinning and curious Loki standing before them.
As I was writing this with the side scenario of creepy guys bothering Charlotte, I had my own creepy guy encounter one day. What happens to me daily is usually put into Charlotte's life.
black rose a.k.a jane- Of course! AWW thank you so SO so much! I put my heart into all my stories, all my characters, and all my writing! I always think of what personality would match the chosen Canon character. I'm sorry that happened to you then, it's shocking to learn it's not just America's school system that makes these mistakes alone. If alright, may I ask about your learning disability? If you don't feel alright sharing it, I absolutely understand! I have Dyscalculia, which is like Dyslexia but with numbers. So I can't read analog clocks, do basic math, or numbers look different to me. Which is why I write out the numbers in words rather than actual numbers to help me keep track. There's a possibility, according to my sister, I might have ADD or Asperger's. I hope to take tests this summer. Thanks so much again! Much love!