Annaleise's POV
On the ride home, she didn't know how to feel. Lots of things have happened in such little time. All she knew was that she had to be more discreet than before. Someone paid Jason to hunt her down.
Good news is that they didn't report back to them about where she lived. In fact they couldn't remember where she was. Jack said there were so many turns that he completely got lost on the way back to town. It took them most of the night to get back in their panicked states. How they found her was pure luck…
They also told the guy she was not likely to survive, so she was dead to the messenger as far as he knew.
But apparently that pissed them off, they were very upset they didn't get her body…
Bad news was that whoever paid them, they knew she was here. In this town.
But she now felt more than ever that she couldn't trust anyone. Everyone she knows is now a suspect. She even wondered if she should have felt that way about Loki…
What didn't make sense was there was no way that what Loki said and Jack said would make the story straight. In fact it made it all harder to clear up what actually happened. There was no evidence to what she was told Loki did. That he murdered Jason and one of his goons, when there was no trace of blood or bodies where Jack had said it happened. Nothing explained where he got a dagger from thin air either.
Mostly that she was beaten to the point of near death, when there wasn't a scratch on her.
Then there was Loki's story.
Everything made more sense on his side. Except for one thing, he said she must have imagined the part where she got hit in the head. That she fainted. When she remembered clearly that she wasn't dizzy, up until she felt the sharp pain that collided with her head before she blacked out.
When it felt like something hit her in the head.
She was more lost than when she started. So what she decided was to drop it… for now.
She didn't want to believe Loki was a Murderer. She wanted to believe he would tell her the truth…
She wanted to think he was just a sheltered, spoiled brat that doesn't know any better. That he was misunderstood most of his life and he just needed someone to be open to him. To be understanding and be there when he needed a voice to listen or someone to hear his stories. For some reason she felt he had a lot of stories and probably many truths she might highly regret to hear, but interesting nonetheless. He said things he didn't mean to protect himself. He probably would do that for everything… Lie… he did it like second nature. Right to her face… if none of that was true then…
She had no right to judge. She had more secrets than he probably did. She can't tell him or she would be putting his life at risk. But she feels almost like he wouldn't care of he was involved. He seemed determined to keep her safe more than harm her. If what Jack said was true… at least he did it to help her to live… which is kind of selfish to think that way… But
She didn't feel in danger.
She was going to be more careful, and draw less attention to herself. And she was going to be a little more weary of the people around her… even Loki.
Maybe he will tell her the truth someday… for now she didn't want to pry… but all for the selfish reason of if she did… he might leave…
Does she really not care that a possible murderer lives under her roof? Nope…
As long as she isn't in danger and she isn't alone… It's a win-win. Not really any drawbacks as long as he doesn't wish harm upon her.
But she felt more safe with him than any other man she has ever met…
Maybe she's broken beyond repair….
She pulled into the driveway to see Loki sitting on the porch. She couldn't help but smile as he stood up to walk towards the car. She opened the car door to greet him.
"What are you doing outside? Don't tell me you were waiting for me."
"Then I won't tell you."
She smiled once more. Turning to grab Cleo from the passenger seat and exited the car.
"Is that Cleo in that little carrier?"
"Yes, the vet said she's just a happy, healthy, spoiled cat as usual."
"Nothing was wrong?"
"Nope all good."
"Where's the cereal?"
"Aww damn it I knew I forgot something. I'll get it when I take you to town, unless you wanna drive."
She said setting down the carrier and letting Cleo lose.
"I don't know how…"
She stood up immediately and turned to him.
"Tell me you're joking."
He remained silent.
"Well… if you want. I'll be more than happy to teach you."
"You trust me with this knowledge."
"Of course, it would be easier if you drove yourself rather than me picking you up or dropping you off."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes! Why do you keep asking? Do you not trust yourself or something?"
"I might…"
She could sense there was more to what he was implying.
"Do you not trust yourself or are you afraid to try?"
He looked at her with shock.
"I am not afraid of a vehicle."
"I didn't say you were afraid of the car, I said you were afraid of driving it."
"That is absurd!"
"Is it?"
He stayed silent, she just tossed him the keys, which surprisingly his reflexes were quick to respond and catch.
She walked to the passenger side, got in and opened the driver side and patted the seat. He reluctantly got in the car, closing the door behind him.
"You are a hard woman to say no to…"
"That's because I never give up, especially in people I have faith in."
He looked at her with surprise.
"You have faith in me."
"I do. I believe you can do anything you can put your mind to. Besides, this might be a good way to help you get out of town, buy yourself a car and go where the road takes you. If… you learn how to drive."
"Alright… if you think I can do this then… I will… try."
"Okay! Now place your hands on the wheel, take that big key, put it in that slot, and turn it till the engine starts."
"Now that I've shown you all the controls and basics you are ready to take it out on the road."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, the best way to learn is hands on."
"Can't I just watch you again?"
"C'mon you can't be that way… how about this, what do you normally use to travel from place to place?"
"A horse."
"Really!?"
"Yes, I guess you could say I'm old fashioned."
"Alright… It is a lot like a horse. You point it to where you want to go, turn it when you want to turn. Give it gas to go, and instead of pulling to the reins to stop, you put your foot on it."
"I don't think you understand how this is like a horse. It has a heart and it breathes this has technology and mechanics-"
"Okay! So I tried to use your familiarity to make it easier, I forgot how literal you tend to be. My mistake. Just… let's get the car moving so I can get to teaching."
"Alright…"
So far it went horrible, at first he wasn't aware how touchy the gas and brakes were. So he had trouble with trying not to go too fast. Though the longer he practiced the easier it was for him. Even though he kept his eyes on the meter and the road to keep from going over the speed limit.
"Now use the blinker to turn left...That's the wipers"
"Right…"
He corrected himself and did as she asked. She was proud of him in a way. She wondered if he liked her teaching methods.
"So do you like it so far?"
"It's alright, I could do this if I had to."
"That's good you'll be able to drive yourself now."
"I said if I had to, not that I want to."
"You really don't like the car huh?"
"I feel a horse would be more reliable."
"Believe it or not, there is an old barn on the property. The house used to be an old farmhouse, till my parents put their hard work into it to make it the way it was now. I wouldn't mind fixing up the barn so you had space for one."
"For what?"
"A horse."
He stomped on the brakes of the car and put it in park like she taught him. He turned to her with a spark of interest and a gleam in his eye.
"Are you serious?"
She was a little rattled by the sudden stop, at least it was on the side of the road. She didn't have to teach him that at least.
"Yea, why wouldn't I be. I wouldn't offer it if I weren't."
"It's just… That's a large claim, you don't have to put yourself through that much stress."
"Well I do know nothing about horses, but considering you've had them I'm sure you know more about them than I do. So the horse would be your responsibility, mine will be to fix up the barn. Since I know my way around with tools and carpentry, and I'm stuck with a lot of free time on my hands. I can do it while you're at work. But if it's what you prefer as a way of transportation, I really don't mind. Besides, it might be cheaper to manage. No car payments, replacing parts, or gas, and it's a lot cleaner for the environment. As long as you feed it, give it water, clean after it, and brush it. They pretty much take care of the rest, by giving you a ride while also getting some exercise. But, I'm sure you know that since you already know horses pretty well. Also, I know a buddy in town that will have a stable space not far from the mill, to keep your horse happy and cool while you work. Though I'm not quite sure how horses do across long distances, I need to do my research on horses. Honestly, now you got me all excited!"
He had the most unreadable expression she had ever seen on his face.
Loki's POV
He couldn't believe this woman, she went through all this trouble to teach him how to drive. When he said he didn't like it, instead of being upset for the time wasted teaching him. She offered a solution to make sure it was suited just for him.
"Why would you do such a thing?"
"Well I've actually had the idea for a while, I've been thinking about getting a horse and selling my car. But I haven't had the motivation to, and I knew nothing about horses. If I was to get one I would be more confident with someone experienced than learning from a book. I'd love to learn anything you have to teach me."
"But to go so far out of your way as to do this all because I made a statement… It's too much to ask for."
"Didn't you hear me? I said I wanted to do this too. What better time than now when the opportunity literally bumped into me. You didn't ask, I offered. So take it or leave it?"
She would do all of this… for him
He loved horses since he was a boy, his first gift to his father was a horse. Odin's great Stead, Sleipnir. He never went anywhere without. He brought it into this world with his magic and raised it since he was a young man. He loved being around horses. They brought him comfort, he would often read in the stables in his free time. Bonding with them to earn their trust in hopes to ride them. Their bond meant more to him than anything, for they were loyal till the end.
He made a simple statement of his preference to horses and she is going out of her way to make that happen… just for him.
And for him… to teach her all he knows. She… wanted him… to teach her.
She doesn't even know how much this means to him. She doesn't even know that this means more to him than anything.
He was so grateful… that it hurts…
it hurts that she would do all of this for…
A Monster!
It was too much… this woman was truly way too much. Too good, too kind, too thoughtful, too…
EVERYTHING!
He honestly couldn't be more grateful to know her…
Or More guilty…
He felt he didn't deserve this much.
"I don't know, I would hate to make it harder on you."
"Then help, if you feel like it's too much for me to handle on my own. I will never ask but I won't turn it down if you offer. I have all the time to do it now, since I'm on leave. Why not? It might be fun. Besides, I really don't mind helping a friend to make them happy."
She said that with the warmest smile. Her presence was almost like she was glowing. The way her hair glowed underneath the rays of sun coming through the window, absolutely radiant. Her bright eyes are like gems…
her lips… looked soft…
Was she always this pretty?...
"It truly is hard to say no to you, especially when you make it so convincing."
"What can I say? It's in my nature I guess. But you gotta make it real, otherwise nothing happens. You're still stuck where you were, getting nowhere. So here's the deal, once the barn has been fixed up. We get the horses, all that they need, and bring them home. Once everything has been done, you teach me how to care for them. Most importantly, how to ride one."
"You have never ridden a horse before?"
"Why else do you think I've been reluctant to get one? I didn't want to get a horse just for it to waste its life in the barn. Because I'm too afraid to get on the damned thing."
"Well then I have a lot more work cut out for me then. For there is a lot more to it than you realize."
"That's fine, I'm willing to try. My horse is my responsibility, yours is yours. I fix up the barn, you teach me all I need to know. Deal?"
"Just for the sake that I won't have to drive this infernal thing ever again, I graciously accept."
"Alright! You want me to drive the rest of the way?"
"Please…"
They swapped seats and they headed on their way to town.
He couldn't help but admire this mortal woman. For all his time on Asgard he has never met a soul like her. He felt that what Joe said to be true, she was special. Truly loyal to anyone she feels worthy.
The problem was.. he wasn't worthy…
"So how will you pay for all of this?"
"I'm gonna use the trust fund."
"What!?"
The car swerved a bit as she jerked the wheel in surprise to his response.
Why would she do that?
That money is her treasure…
The only thing that kept her hope for her parents…
and she is giving it up…
for his sake…
That makes no sense…
"Hey! No shouting while I'm driving, I get nervous enough as it is!"
"Sorry… Why would you do such a thing?"
"It's time I moved forward, even though I know it won't change anything. It's just money. Also I don't have enough in my savings for such a task."
"You said that money was sacred, why would you use it now? All because of me?"
"No, not just because of you. It's time I grew up, and stopped living in a fantasy. I would rather have a horse anyway, I get to go off road. Add more stuff to my field journal on a ride. Much more than I can do in a car. I want to make the most of my time out here anyway. I don't know how much time I have left…"
He looked over to her, she had a pained expression on her face. The kind he felt he shouldn't ask on, but he worried for her nonetheless.
"Time left for what?"
She looked at him for a second, only to give him a reassuring smile.
"Nothing that you have to worry about, Loki."
She said taking one hand off the wheel to place on his knee. Maybe for comfort, but it made his heart jump instead.
"But I do worry."
Placing his hand on hers.
"Why would you feel your life would end soon?"
"It's one of those questions I can't answer."
"But I-"
She gently moved to squeeze his hand , making him look at her.
"You promised, Loki."
"You're right… I did promise, I'm sorry Annaleise."
"I forgive you, and… thanks… for making it easier. If I didn't have someone around. I think I'd be losing it."
"Isn't that what friends are for?"
"You are actually. A good friend. Even though you're not staying long. It still means a lot that you're here. I also want to thank you for saving me last night."
"It really was nothing…."
"I wouldn't say it was nothing…"
They couldn't say much more to each other, he could tell she was uncomfortable as soon as she mentioned it. So was he…
he did save her life….
But he lied on how…
His lack of honesty made it hard to want to talk to her. He didn't want to have to lie anymore…
Which was odd for him.
They pass the sign of Grindlewood to see the town as lively as yesterday. They drove past the diner. And turned left down a road that was still mostly dirt. They made it up to a building, with a view past it that had stumps for what seemed like miles. She parked and got out of the vehicle.
He didn't realize they were still holding hands till she got out of the car.
He looked down at his hand and wondered if it always felt this empty…
"Loki!"
He looked up to see her waving for him to come along with a smile.
His grin made his cheeks hurt.
He wondered if he's ever smiled this much
He got out of the car and followed suit, as she continued up the hill to the workers.
They walked together till he saw her raise a hand to a man who was working with a loud device in his hands.
"JACK!"
The man flinched, cutting off the tool, and slowly turning around to have a face riddled with fear as he looked at the small woman.
"Y-Yes Anna…"
"This is Loki, tell your boss that he is here."
"Y-Y-Yes Ma'am, right away Miss Anna."
He stuttered, dropping the tool and running for his life.
"What was that about?"
He said with a smirk. He figured it was because of last night. It pleased him seeing him too afraid to bite back now that the brain was cut off.
"He's one of Jason's goons, we had a little run in this morning."
He froze in place, terrified that she could have found something out in the process. That he lied.
"Did it have anything to do with last night?"
"Yea, it did. He told me some crazy stuff."
"H-How crazy?"
He said, staring hard at her, full of interest in her answer.
"That you Murdered Jason and one of his buddies, and that I was beaten to near death. Probablywhy he ran like that, he saw a killer and a ghost!"
He shifted in place as she laughed. She wiped her eye and her laughs died down. She suddenly looked at him. He tried to look unreadable to her curious stare in his direction.
"But that's crazy, there was no evidence of that happening. No blood, bodies, and I don't have a single bump, bruise, or scrapes of any kind to make any of that true. Unless magic was involved to make it all disappear."
He shifted even more, trying harder to look like he wasn't panicking.
"Hey, are you doing okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine… it's just hard to wrap my head around."
"Right, that's what I thought. Good thing nothing like that happened though, right?"
She looked intensely at him like she was expecting a big reveal.
"Yes, wonderful that nothing like that had happened to you. Truly a lucky night indeed."
She looked disappointed again.
"Yea… lucky…"
A taller man, followed by Jack hiding behind him as they walked up to the pair.
"My, do you two look cute together or what?"
"Huh?"
Her voice got higher.
"Beg your pardon?"
His heart was still pounding from panic but it seemed to have quickend on that statement.
"You two are a cute couple."
-"We aren't a couple!"-
-"We are strictly friends!"-
They both shouted together. They looked at each other awkwardly. They looked away from each other, both shifting in place uncomfortably as the man continued.
"Oh, I'm sorry I heard that y'all live together so I assumed."
"It's nothing like that."
"Yes, merely a friendly living agreement between friends."
"Exactly."
They said back and forth to the man. He was young with bright amber eyes and short brown hair. He wore a hard hat and bright vest as he sweated from the heat. Jack booked it as soon as possible. He was out of sight the second he got the chance.
"Okay well I'm Keith, I'll be training you today Loki. You will be getting lunch at one and head home around four. You'll get two, ten minute breaks since we are in the 90s today. Sounds good to you?"
"6 hours? Doing what?"
"Choppin trees, moving lumber, and a lot of power tools. Can you handle the heat?"
"Not very well…"
"Well you can work with my limb crew, they cut the limbs off the trees before we chop em. I just so happen to be the head of that crew. We spend most of the time in the shade climbing the trees. We also have harnesses, are you good with heights?"
He could float off the ground and practically fly with enough concentration. He didn't ever have to worry about the fall. It's just chopping limbs, how hard could it be?
"Heights were never a problem, so it's perfect."
"Okay then, sounds great. One of our guys fell last week, tragically, so we've been needing a new hand on our crew."
Annaleise covered her mouth with a sharp gasp, she looked over at Loki worryingly.
"Don't worry, little Missy. He's fine, recovering fast, and we will return 'your friend' back to you safe and sound."
He looked over to see her roll her eyes as she placed her hand on her hip. She looked ready for business.
"So when I come back to pick him up, you up for me making you some money?
"Hell yeah! Whatcha need?"
"I need to head home to do some measurements. When I come back I will be buying some lumber."
"Whatcha building?"
"More like fixing up an old barn. I'm using the lumber to replace the loft and flooring. I want more security so I know I won't fall through."
"Are… you sure you don't want any help out there?"
The man called Keith started to look embarrassed like a young warrior with a pathetic crush. He looked meek and vulnerable, but pretty strong. The wood lifting must really bulk someone up. But he looked too cowardly to even make the first move. Regardless of his outside strength he was very weak.
"No, I can handle it. Besides, my good friend here can help."
She said, patting Loki on the back. Making him jump from the sudden touch.
She turned the man down and made it clear she wanted his help instead. That made him happy for some reason…
Why was he crumbling apart by the mere influence of this mortal? It was frustrating the hell out of him.
"Ah okay, give me those measurements and I'll make sure it's delivered free of charge."
"No thanks, I got a trailer in that barn that can do that for me. I can attach it to my truck in the back, it still runs fine. No need to hassle yourself."
"Aww c'mon ma'am I don't mind helping ya."
"She said no, she'll handle it."
He spoke up in a firm voice tired of this man's persistence. His goofy smile annoyed him to no end. His little crush will be crushed soon if he doesn't quit.
"She's her own woman. If she feels she can handle it on her own, she can."
He noticed 'Kieth' started to look annoyed. This little man thinks he can best the God of Mischief? He can try it.
His glare intensified on the small man, making Keith start to look uncomfortable. He looked to be understanding the message he was sending.Till Loki got distracted by a hand that grabbed his.
"Thank you, Loki. But I got it."
She whispered.
He instantly relaxed. His tensed shoulders slumped instantly as her hand squeezed his, letting it go after brief seconds.
"Like he said I can handle it, time is rough now. We had burglars try to break in so we are really weary of people at the moment. No offense was meant."
"Oh, man I'm sorry. If I had known I wouldn't have been so pushy. I know I wouldn't want guests over until the culprit was found. Totally understandable, sorry I bothered y'all."
He was impressed with the woman, she lied and it worked effectively.
"Thank you, I'll be back with my measurements and a trailer when I come get Loki."
"Alrighty, see you till then."
"Yup. See ya later Loki."
She said gently squeezing his arm.
"Until later."
He waved to her, watching her go.
"So, Loki, let's show you the ropes….And harnesses"
Keith said with a wink and smile. Obviously trying to get on his good side. Loki could still see his uneasiness.
Keith waving to him to follow. He sighed as he breathed in a mumble to himself.
"I have a feeling I'm about to do more work than I ever have in my entire life."
After a long day he was definitely tired. His stamina lasted him the first couple hours, from excessive battles with Thor. But after those first hours were up a lot of his muscles were getting sore. Lunch was almost nap time. The day was productive from climbing trees, cutting limbs, chopping wood, carrying logs, and learning to use the 'chainsaw'.
He felt that in battle, it would be an unmatched weapon. It would glide through someone's skull like a knife through bread.
Though against Thor's hammer it would be smashed to smithereens. Unless it was also made from a dying star. Then it would contain some raw power and strength to even stand against Mjölnir.
It was a lot but he finished every task given to him. Felt like Keith was giving him more than the others on the crew. No doubt from jealousy in Loki's closeness to a certain white haired maiden.
His mind got shaken from all thoughts as a loud ring was heard. Many men cheered as they walked past him. He guessed it must be the signal to go home.
He walked the path following the other men. Once his view caught Annaleise leaning against her car. He pushed past them to get to the car, as quickly as he could.
"How was work?"
He grumbled as he reached the car leaning on the hood.
"Worse than fighting an entire army all at once with a dagger."
"And you would know that?"
Yes
"No, but I can imagine, can't you?"
"Yea, that does sound difficult. They already got me loaded up so let's go."
He gladly hoped in the car with anticipation, for he couldn't wait to return to his bed.
It felt odd… how he already called it HIS bed.
They started driving on as she continued to ask him how his day was.
"So, do you think you can handle it for 2 more weeks?"
"I really don't, I'm not used to this type of labor."
"What did you do before?"
"I don't know how I can honestly answer that."
"C'mon it can't be that bad?"
"It's not that it's bad, it's just that I don't want to lie to you."
She looked at him with a mixture of shock and curiosity. He was honestly shocked as well. He was sick of lying to her.
"Why would you lie? Are you ashamed of it?"
"More like, it's hard to believe."
"Try me."
He sighed, preparing himself to share one piece of truth about his life. She doesn't need to know it all, just that he had lots of luxury in his life. Enough for her to understand the hardships of adjusting to the life of a worker.
"I was a prince."
She kept driving in silence, he was about to speak again though was interrupted by a burst of laughter.
She looked at him after her fit, then realized his calm demeanor.
"You're serious!?"
"Yes…"
She pulled over the car abruptly, parked, and got out swiftly. She was in front of the car facing away from it. He then heard a loud scream emanating from her. He got out quickly to check on her.
"Annaleise, What's wrong!?"
She quickly turned to him but instead of anger or anything negative. She was smiling largely full of excitement.
"Oh my god! I'm living with royalty!?!"