Annaleise's POV
She walked away from him going back to her boiling water. He just got done having a fit, after putting her special concoction all over his face. That stuff does miracles, vanishes all scars and nourishes the skin, but it sticks like hell.
He was silent after it all, most likely pouting. He was normally quiet around her, he seemed to prefer it. Maybe he is like this with everyone or he might just not like her at all.
It made her a little sad to think that, but she shook it off and made sure the rice was poured into the pot.
She walked away from him going back to her boiling water. He just got done having a fit, after putting her special concoction all over his face. That stuff does miracles, vanishes all scars and nourishes the skin, but it sticks like hell.
He was silent after it all, most likely pouting. He was normally quiet around her, he seemed to prefer it. Maybe he is like this with everyone or he might just not like her at all.
It made her a little sad to think that, but she shook it off and made sure the rice was poured into the pot.
She started to think about other things as she was checking everything for the meal. She hated how forward and close she was towards him. She hated how she was treating him like a wounded animal rather than a person. She would get closer to animals than people, because they were the only ones that stuck around. People would eventually leave her, because they were unpredictable. Never saying what wthey truly mean. He even stated he liked being unpredictable, and then she was suddenly ranting about how he shouldn't. Like she wanted to trust him. Like she wanted him to stick around, even though he is so anxious to leave. What is it about him that has her feel this way?
She tried to not get too close to people, in fear that they would eventually leave. Because thats what they all did, whether cause they got what they wanted or death took them away. Although she did get lonely from time to time, talking to Cleo wasn't nearly as interesting.
It could be why she was stating her opinion so much and being overly chatty. She was always this sarcastic and humorous. She did it to lighten any mood, for she hated negative feelings. This guy was a downer though, and he seemed to dislike talking, at least to her. Though he did have curious tendencies, which is probably why he speaks up from time to time. She didn't mind answering questions; she felt like she should get everything out so there were no boundaries. Especially since they would eventually figure it out later on.But, why open up? Why to him?
This guy was secretive, sketchy, and... weird. Not to mention rude. She shouldn't be trusting this guy and opening her life and home to him. But deep down she felt familiarity around him. Like he's felt the same pain she has. When she was on her dark path. If she didn't have the people she did, she wouldn't be here and be who she is.
She hardly even knows him. He's always on guard like he's protecting himself. He literally appeared to her in armor. He talks as if he was raised on a completely different world. His condition and injuries don't make any sense. It looked like he fought nature and lost. He was the most unusual and mysterious person she ever met. Everything about him screams trouble. And yet… here she was wanting to trust him.
Maybe she felt the need to help him. To keep him off a darker path. She was getting closer to him than she has to anyone in the past year. She wouldn't ever be this close to a stranger. It had to be the only explanation for her closeness. The desire to help and protect someone that remids her so much like another person she used to know. Who was always cautious because deep down they were scared of getting hurt. It brought her a long awaited peace, when she only use to feel that way towards the forest, not another person.
Once the rice was done she went to the crock-pot and placed the contents on two plates, a third plate full of rice. She carried all three of them like she would at work and brought them to the clear table. She asked him if he could put all the first aid in the containers and set them to the side for her to put up later.
He did as he was told, though she could tell he didn't like being told what to do, not one bit. Especially when he practically looked like he was drooling over his food. He started to look like he had not eaten in days.
He was sitting there, waiting patiently for her to put the plate down after he finished clearing the table. With a new pouty look on his face, that made her smile.
"Here you go."
She set a plate in front of him and one for her seat with rice in between them.
"I figured I'd separate the rice since not a lot of people like rice."
"What is this?"
He looked at his food like he's never seen anything like it before.
"It's beef stew, I've been cooking it all day. So the meat would be tender and full of flavor. You're lucky I decided to make it last night, or you would be waiting a bit longer for food."
"What is that?"
He said pointing to one of the contents in the stew.
"That's a potato, these are carrots, and that's the beef. It's all cooked in beef broth and the rice adds texture."
She pointed to every one of them, explaining what they were. He was definitely weird, hasn't he ever had meals like this before. He still looked like he was skeptical of the whole plate.
He grabbed the fork and reluctantly took a bite with a potato on it. His face lit up, though he quickly hid it like he was afraid to show that he liked it.
"It's… tolerable."
"Wanna try it with rice?"
He thought for a moment, then nodded. She took a spoonful and added it to the edge of the plate. He put the fork in the rice and stabbed the beef this time. His face made a different expression, not of distaste but interest.
"It's… good… I would like more rice."
She smiled and nodded, placing more rice on his plate and watched as he mixed it in with the stew.
They ate in silence, which she didn't mind. Since it was a good mood rather than a bad one. Especially with food, it meant it was good. He was definitely scarfing it down like it's been a while since he's had a decent meal. She watched as he finished his plateful and stared down at the plate. Like he wanted more but was too afraid to ask.
Once she finished her plate she took it along with his, got up, and made him a second helping. While placing hers in the sink. She saw his face turn from excitement to confusion as she brought back the plate.
"I did not ask for more."
"I know, I'm putting up the rest so I figured I'd make another plate for you in case you wanted seconds. If not, I can wrap it up for you to have for breakfast tomorrow."
She reached for the plate only to be stopped by his hand that was in her path.
"No need, I will finish the second helping."
She smiled knowing he would have more than likely rejected it if she told him she noticed he wanted more. She was more than happy to see him getting the food he needed. He looked malnourished when they first met. She walked away to put up the stew, as he added rice to his plate, starting to dig in once again. Once she wrapped the container and placed it in the fridge she saw his empty plate and went to take it. She walked to the sink washing the remaining dishes.
Loki's POV
This woman, she gave him food, gave him clothes, took care of his wounds, and was even cleaning up after him. It was too much kindness that he felt he didn't deserve. He's been rude to her, secretive, and just plain cruel. Even as a mortal, she was more genuine than any God had ever been his entire life. More kindness in these few hours than he has received in decades. He hasn't even given her his name. She never asked for it, and she didn't seem to mind it... but he felt… horrible… nonetheless… and he hated every second of it. Why should he feel these feelings of anguish? It shouldn't bother the likes of him… but it does.
Knowing her name without even introducing himself all this time. Maybe because he felt he couldn't trust this woman, to even know his name. That was how he felt…
So for once in his life, he decided to take the first step into trusting someone... only a little…
"Loki…"
She stopped her task and turned to him.
"What was that?"
"My name… is Loki…"
She smiled wide, almost looking content. He found solace in that smile for some reason.
"What a unique name. Nice to finally meet you Loki."
She turned back to her task, smiling to herself while doing it.
He walked out of the washroom after washing his face. Since she told him the nasty smelling goo has soaked into his skin enough. He was amazed by how painless his face felt now.
He walked into the living room to see one of the sofas surrounding the tree, closest to the fireplace, was made to look like a bed. With fresh covers and a pillow. The woman walked into the living room carrying a blanket.
Unfolding it and placing it on the sofa.
"It's not much but it's what I got, if I knew I would be having a guest I would have cleaned the upstairs so you could have a bed."
"It's fine. It is better than the floor."
She chucked a bit at his reply.
"Right."
The little creature made her presence known by jumping on the sofa and making herself comfortable.
"Cleo! That is not for you."
She picked her up and placed her on the floor.
"Since you finally decided to grace us with your presence, why don't you go eat your dinner."
The creature ran into the room in which they ate, disappearing from sight.
"Once she's done eating I'll put her in my room so she won't bother you while you sleep."
"Thank you, Annaleise."
She looked up at him, with a face that looked bewildered by her own name.
"You… can just call me Anna."
"I think that a name like that shouldn't be shortened. It's fine the way it is."
"O-okay."
She looked a bit nervous, it made him feel like he just overstepped a boundary.
"If it bothers you, I can call you Anna."
"It's not that, it's fine… it's just… you haven't called me anything other than 'woman' since we met. You only said my name when I asked you to… or you said it like you could care less if it was my name… this time I didn't… I can tell you meant it this time."
"You have done so much for me, a total stranger. You didn't push me to answer anything I didn't want to. Gave me a meal, clothes, and a bed for the night. Which is more than I have deserved. The least I could do is call you by your name."
She smiled widely, obviously grateful for his words.
"I appreciate that, I hope you rest well. Goodnight, Loki."
"Goodnight to you as well, Annaleise."
He got comfortable on the sofa, as he watched her pick up the creature as it brushed against her legs. Then finally disappeared down the hallway. Turning the lights off as she went. The only light remains next to him in a small lamp. Beneath it was a book, titled 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare. He opened it to find a note in familiarly awful handwriting, but still legible.
'Keep this, I could always buy another copy. I already read it a thousand times anyway. Sincerely,
Annaleise'
He was touched, she had given this to him when she didn't have to. She just… wanted him to have it…
He wanted to sleep, he should be tired considering all he's been through… but now he had too many thoughts that plagued him. Worrying about how tomorrow will turn out. After he is gone from Annaleise's life, he may never see her again. So how could he return her kindness? How could he make right all the wrong things he had said to her. Even through his harshness she gave him a gift, he never asked for. He contemplated, as to how he can return such a favor without insulting her. So he wouldn't feel like he owed her, after they were long gone from each other's lives.
He figured since he couldn't sleep he would read it, since he wasn't keeping it. So he opened it and read its contents from start to finish. Closing the book, he finally was able to sleep.
His slumber was much needed. He felt fully rested, he was still relaxed on the sofa. Making the most out of this peaceful moment.
Till he was startled by a loud outburst of an instrument. He jolted awake, getting up ready to attack. When no trace of danger was found, he found the sound to be emanating from the meal room. He followed the sound, annoyed by the sudden awakening. Only to be surprised by what he found.
He saw Annaleise dancing around while doing tasks. She looked to be enjoying herself quite a lot.
Then was surprised once again by her sudden singing to the melody.
'Mm ba ba de
Um bum ba de
Um bu bu bum da de
Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure - that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets'
Her voice was smooth and pitched just right. He was in awe how lovely of a voice she had.
She continued to dance and spun around the room.
'Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's o.k.'
It's the terror of knowing
What the world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow - gets me higher
Pressure on people - people on streets
Day day de mm hm
Da da da ba BAAAAAAHHHH!'
She jumped once her eyes fell on him. She screamed, and quickly grabbed a small device and made the music stop.
"I am so sorry, honestly I forgot you were here. If I would have remembered I wouldn't have done that. I-Its my morning routine…"
She was very red and nervous, an expression that had him taken aback. He had never seen it on anyone before.
"It's fine, I slept quite well. I was to awaken soon. It merely startled me."
"I'm sorry I startled you. I'll finish breakfast without the music. Your armor is in that box, feel free to place it in that bag next to it. I already packed a lot of clothes. I did it last night before I went to bed. I just figured you'd want to make sure your armor was placed in the bag yourself, to make sure it's all there."
She pointed to the box on the table, then continued with breakfast.
"I hope you like eggs and bacon."
She stated not turning to look at him. He didn't reply for his focus was on the cape sitting on top of his armor. When he pulled it out he was stunned by how new it looked, but even better than it was. The holes and burn marks were gone. No sign of damage to be seen. He could tell where the tares used to be by the design in the stitching. She hid patches using a design over them. Some of the bigger tears took the shape of a winged creature, the longer ones looked like snakes.
"H-How did you- I-It's..."
He couldn't speak, he was baffled by the work, he couldn't believe she had such skills.
She turned to him, and spoke like it was nothing worth mentioning.
"I figured I'd work on it a bit, make it look nicer than it was. Some of the herbs I collect can make a nice dye, the perfect shade to the color of the cape. That's how I fixed the burn marks, and there were a lot! The tears I sewed back together. The bigger ones I embroidered a dragon or a snake, I figured they would suit you. It only took me a few hours last night. I didn't stay up too late fixing it."
"B-but how?! This looks like it would take days to make, not hours! It looks like you have had this skill for years."
"I have hobbies, I like to make my clothes unique. I put an animal or design on it to make it mine and only mine. Now yours is for you and only you, look under the top corner for the left shoulder."
He looked where she directed to find…
"Loki… The survivor…"
"I figured since you came out pretty banged up when we met. You were still a fighter, showing me you are strong. That regardless of others helping you, you wanted to remain a symbol of strength. I think that means you can survive whatever life throws at you. I-If you don't like it I can cut it out. I just thought-"
"No… It's fine… I just… I don't think it's true…"
She paused, taking the skillet off the flame, and walked over to him.
"What do you mean?"
She stood there, patiently waiting to hear if he had anything he wanted to say… surprisingly.. he did…
"I don't feel like much of a survivor… I feel like a failure…"
"Oh, Loki, that can't be true."
"But it is, I failed my fath-... my family… They were so disappointed in me… so I left… never to return… I'm only a coward… After I leave here I have nowhere else to go… I am truly alone in this world."
She was silent for a moment, she then began to speak.
"Do you want to be on your own? Cause if you don't I-"
"I do not wish to burden you any further."
He spelled the book from the other room into his hand, placing it on the table.
"There are some things I deserve… none of them should be your kindness."
"That book is for you, Loki."
"I know, but I don't want to take it from you."
"Well if you don't want it I'll throw it away."
"Why would you do such a thing?"
"I don't like to take back things I give to people, I feel like if I was willing to give it away it has no use for me anymore. I don't want to take what already belongs to someone else."
"But you wouldn't be, it was yours."
"I know, it's just how I am."
She took the book ready to toss it in a bin.
"Wait!"
She turned to him, in response.
"I'll take it, to… remind me of you… and your kindness."
She smiled from ear to ear.
"The cape can remind you, can't it?"
He walked over to her, taking the book from her.
"Yes, but the cape was already mine, this was not."
"Did you read it?"
"Every word."
"Did you like it?"
"Not if that's what it really was like for you. You said your parents was like this story. Did they kill themselves?"
"No! God, no! I meant the families hating each other and my parents falling in love, despite their attempts to make them hate each other. They died in a car accident, nothing on purpose. Just an accident."
"Then the story was fine, not my taste. Whoever wrote it must have been drunk, it's hard to understand what he was writing about at first. Once I really started to give his words a bit more thought it became legible. But I would read again if I were bored."
"Okay, that's good. You really are a bookworm, finishing it in one night! I'm glad you like it, and he actually writes like that. All of his literature is famous for it actually, and as far as I know, he was sober for all of them."
"Interesting…"
She returned to her task, as he examined the cape once more. He wondered how she could tell he liked it when he said he didnt. Maybe because he did read it all in one sitting.
"You're not a failure by the way."
He looked up to see her back facing him, continuing to cook what was in front of her.
"What?"
"I don't think you're a failure, I think you were just misunderstood. Your family should have let you explain yourself. At least give you another chance, before you felt obligated to leave."
….
He was touched by this woman's words. If only she knew the truth, she wouldn't say such things. She wouldn't believe him anyway.
"That's very kind of you, Annaleise."
"Don't mention it."
She said turning around with two plates in her hands, placing one in front of an empty seat while she took hers.
He didn't ask this time what the food was, and just took a bite of it. Enjoying the meal in silence.
He wondered when this woman would stop surprising him till they split ways.
She came out dressed in a pink top and a black skirt, with her hair tied up. She grabbed her bag along with his and opened the door for him. He hesitated, remembering his manners towards women. His mother would smack him in the head if he didn't.
"Please, after you."
"What a gentleman."
She walked out and stepped aside once he was out, he watched as she shut the door and locked it.
She walked in the direction to the side of the house, he shortly followed. She led them to a carriage of sorts with wheels. She put the stuff in the back and opened the door on the front signaling him to enter. Once he did he sat down as she told him to watch his limbs, then shut the door.
She got on the other side and started it, making hums and vibrations as it moved forward down the street. Which he guessed was the way to town.
Hope, its not too complicated. I noticed a lot of it didnt make any sense. this story was definitely in needed of a touch up.