Annaleise's POV

She laid in bed with her thoughts open and bare.

It's been three days, the barn was finished, all that was left was painting. The flooring and the support beams were both replaced. Along with the hinges on all the doors, they were rusted and she wanted to make opening them easier.

That and she couldn't afford to get tetanus. Things were quieter with Loki, he hasn't talked much since her moment with Tucker. She felt that maybe he saw her talking to him.

Hopefully he thought it was just a human and animal reaction, where they pretend that animals really understand them. When that wasn't what it really was.

Even though they still talk in a joking manner, it didn't go farther than that. Especially when he brought it up. He was asking more questions since Tucker wasn't giving her a break every time she was working on the barn whether Loki was here or not. Apparently, Tucker secretly put a fox hole there without her permission. So his pesterings was often and so Loki would ask how she could be so friendly with a fox. And like, if she developed a strange habit talking to animals since she didn't have people around. But she felt the need to drop it quickly, he was smart and would figure things out in an instant. Stuff like this can't be secret when everyone already knows Mutants exist…

But for her case, it would be best to avoid the topic completely.

She hated that… that she was lying to him.

Not only that but she also hated it when he left, he was driving the car on his own. She worried if he made it safe, she knew how much he hated the car. But he was an excellent driver just like she thought he would be. Still hating every second of it, but fighting through till she got the horses.

He would help with the barn when he got home, eat dinner, and sleep. She could tell he was exhausted, she tells him to rest every time. He gets only a little work in, till she chases him away to go lay down.

Since she finished the barn, and he wasn't home yet, she decided to take a nap. She fed Cleo lunch, then headed to her bedroom.

She had left over thoughts as she layed on her bed.

She was happy she wasn't alone anymore, but she was tired of people not knowing the truth… HER truth…

People that deserve to know are the ones she got close to. She needed them to know to keep them safe, knowing she was a possible threat to them.

Especially Loki, now that he might be a permanent guest. She hated to lie, about Tucker and other things related. Like Cleo spelling 'Liar' with cereal, and now knowing the truth about what happened the night she was attacked. Jason and Bobby were really dead, their bodies were gone. She still couldn't figure out how he did that, neither did Cleo. He had secrets too, probably for his safety as well.

She honestly didn't care if he killed them, they were horrible people. She remembered when they were children. She would often start fights in school with Jason. He would hurt all the animals he came across, would almost start a lot of forest fires, and be glad to do it again. He was mean and repulsive, he got Bobby into a lot of trouble. Hurting men…

women…

They were used to getting their hands dirty. Too dumb to care, feel remorse, or guilt.

So, she didn't feel any loss for their lives. People would thank Loki. So she didn't feel scared to live under the same roof as him. She felt safer than ever. Which is why she wanted to tell him while their safety lasted…

Maybe it's best to wait…

One day when the threat has passed, they can really talk to each other.

Either it will give up or someone will stop them… hopefully…

She wanted to be open with him so badly.

She would talk and listen, no judgment, which would probably be helpful on Loki's side since hers sounds a little crazy. Very crazy actually.

She couldn't keep her thoughts up anymore, as she drifted off to sleep.

Loki's POV

He was on his way home, driving the death trap of transportation. He pulled up to the house, driving past it to get to the barn. He couldn't find Annaleise, and figured she must be in the house. Perfect for his surprise.

Annaleise's POV

She was awoken by a knock at her door. She saw the clock, he had to be home. She quickly sat up in response to it. Then it opened before she could reply, or even get up.

"Annaleise? Oh… sorry, did I wake you?"

"Yeah, it's okay though."

She swung her legs, dangling her feet off the bed as he walked in.

"I was a little worried, you didn't respond to my calls and knocking. I am sorry to disturb you, I can let you rest."

"No, it's fine, it was meant to be a light nap. I was killing time waiting for you. What's up?"

"Umm… the ceiling?"

"Wha?... OH!... Not what I meant. Stop taking me literally. Tell me what you need."

"I need you to follow me to the barn."

"Why?"

"You will have to wait and see, because my lips are sealed beyond this point."

He said with a mischievous smirk.

"Alright…?"

She got up and followed him, as he requested.

"What is it?"

"Didn't I say my lips were sealed?"

"Then why are you talking?"

She smiled as he looked at her with a deadpan look.

"Hilarious…"

"I hate surprises…"

"Why?"

"Because, I like knowing how things go. If someone does something and leaves it a surprise. I'm left to wonder, will I truly be surprised or disappointed? And that look you gave me before, left me open for concerns."

"It's nothing horrible, that I can promise."

"That isn't comforting still, I still have to wait to see it."

They talked as they walked towards the barn, as they got closer to the clearing. Her eyes were suddenly blocked by hands.

"Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Just do it woman!"

She giggled and did as he said. She felt his hands leave her face and grab her hands to lead the way.

"You won't let me bump into or trip on anything will you?"

"I promise your safety is assured as long as you're holding my hands."

She felt the gentle squeeze in his touch. They were delicate and sweet touches she didn't think he was capable of…

"O-Okay…"

All she saw was darkness, as she took step by step led by Loki. His hands were cold, she never realized it before. Because she never held his hands for longer than three seconds. It was a nice cold though they seemed to warm up the longer he held her hands. They suddenly came to a stop as he released her hands and paced away. She could tell by the swiftness of his walk that he was excited.

"No peeking!"

"Okay!"

He seemed to be pacing around a lot, probably looking around at something. He ran up to her and stepped behind her placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Open them."

He lowered to her ear as he spoke. She opened her eyes to find the barn looked brand new. Her hands covered her mouth as she gasped.

"Oh my gosh!"

"I didn't know your favorite color so I chose the color you wear the most. I hope you like it."

The barn was a bright shade of yellow, with a white trim. Instead of looking like a faded wood that grayed over time, she assumed it was once a plain barn. But now it was beautiful!

"It's perfect! I love yellow! It's so beautiful! I love it so much!"

She jumped up and down with an excited voice, running up to the barn. Inspecting it fully, the inside was mostly the same. Except the wood had intriget carvings. They made it even more lovely, as the support pillars were rounded with carvings as well. It made the barn breathtaking.

She looked at him with wonder and bewilderment. He smiled widely at her, he must have been the whole time for he was already smiling. It looked good on him…

"It's amazing! Did you do all this?!"

"I did."

"Why? I didn't do anything to deserve something so lovely."

"Didn't do anything? You gave me a home, you're doing everything in your power to help me. Even to go as far as get me a horse just to make me comfortable. How is that not anything?"

"It just seemed like that was what you're supposed to do when you meet people. You be nice and treat them with kindness. I never asked for anything in return other than your company."

"I know… but I felt you needed more than that."

"It's too much! It's way too much, this must have taken a lot of your time by yourself."

"Not at all, I don't even have splinters."

"How did you get it done so quickly? This would take a day with a crew. I was knocked out for three hours, two of them before you got home. Meaning you got this done in an hour! How?!"

"That's a secret."

"Did you hire an army? Is there a bunch of people hiding somewhere?"

"No, I did it on my own."

What is he, a Magician?!

"Wizard."

"What?"

"You gotta be a wizard"

"I prefer the term Sorcerer, if you're going to say that. You better not be imagining me in a pointed hat, I would never indulge in such atrocities. Besides that's a ridiculous theory. I'm as human as you."

He said it in a mocking tone but she could see the discomfort on his face. If he was trying to hide it, it was barely there but noticeable.

"Mmmhmm, whatever you say Gandalf."

"Who?"

"You've never-... forget it. I know that answer, It's time to watch 'Lord of the Rings', all of them. Lucky for you I got a movie collection not just books. You really must have had a dull life as a prince, because you missed out on the joys of movies."

"You find it dull to be royalty?"

"Uhhh yea, you had no friends, you don't know a lot of pop culture, you've never watched movies, and you don't even know how video games work. So you probably didn't have a fun childhood."

"It was fun to me."

"Okay. If you say so."

They started to head back to the house.

"Thank you. For the barn, it's the best surprise I have ever got… This year."

"So you've had a better surprise before?"

"Yea, maybe I'll tell you the story at dinner."

"Alright."

"Your welcome… I am glad you liked it."

"Is green your favorite color?"

"Yes, and gold. How did you know?"

"When we met you were wearing green. That and you pick the green shirts out of my dad's clothes. And you were born a royal, so of course you would like gold."

"I'm that obvious?"

"It's not subtle."

"That's how I guessed your favorite is bright colors. That and you have a bright personality, your way more obvious than I."

"I don't know whether to be flattered or creeped out if you watch me that closely."

"It is simply an observation not an obsession."

"Are you sure you're not a creeper? You have shown some signs, sadist."

"Oh no, not this again!"

He sighed and she did nothing but laugh which made him smile.

She was cooking dinner as she left Loki to watch the first movie. She's seen them all too many times to count, along with all her other movies. He was rather quiet in there as the sounds of the movie went off. She figured that was normal if you were paying attention. But during the other movies she showed him, he questioned her the entire time. It was different this time. He was probably enjoying it because knowing him if he didn't like it he would most likely comment on it like the others. Or maybe that's when he did like it. It was hard to tell the difference with him. Maybe if he comments on it, it means he was paying attention. Rather than getting bored, and could care less what happened.

She figured tonight would be spaghetti, she probably would have to explain the contents of it to him again. For a royal, she was surprised he hasn't had more variety. Maybe because he could afford steak everyday. He must have had professional chefs, rather than home cooked meals.

Eating in the living room might be best since she didn't want to pull him away from the movie. She fixed two plates and headed to the living room.

"Here you go."

"Thank you…"

He hardly took his eyes off the screen.

"What is this obsession over this ring?"

Oh, so he just didn't want to raise his voice or leave the screen to go talk to her in the kitchen. He didn't want to miss it, he seemed intrigued.

"It's powerful, whoever has it gets the power of that dark lord. It whispers to them, making them want all the power."

"So far it makes them invisible, that's not that powerful."

"It's the base of the story, it's darkness trying to weaken faith. It's just how the movie is, you don't like it?"

"I don't hate it, I just don't see how a ring can tell you what you want. Power is all gained by your will to obtain it. No one can make you want power, that is your own free will."

"Even someone's free will can be deceived, what if you had power what would you want to use it for?"

"Everyone has a personal gain to power. I wouldn't be indifferent to it. Though I would most likely have more control."

"So you think no one can use the power for good? The ring is dark so even if they think it's good, it's all a lie.

"People's actions are justified by what they feel is good or evil. To your hero's, the bad guy is seen as evil, but the bad guy might think he's doing good."

"Good observation. I've never thought of it that way."

"That's because you never take the bad guys' side into consideration. He thinks what he does is the right thing, so do hero's. They're two different opinions that fight for their side. It's just your opinion on whether they are good or bad. You make them evil and the writers make it look like they should be evil. When really they are just people, like you and me. Villains aren't born, they were made."

"Wow, that's a lot to take in, but it makes a lot of sense. You've thought a lot about this, haven't you?"

"Let's just say everyone thought I was evil, when really I was just fighting for my right as a son."

"What do you mean?"

"My father, the man that raised me… wasn't my real father."

"You were adopted? Does that mean you're not a prince?"

"Well technically I'm still a prince just not to the kingdom I was raised in."

"I don't understand."

"The war that I mentioned that started, it was against a kingdom my real father ruled."

"You were stolen!? Is that what actually started the war?!"

"No, my real father could care less. He didn't want me to even be found... I wasn't stolen...I was abandoned... for being a runt. My adopted father found me and took me in."

She was heartbroken by those words and deep down she knew, so was he. She could see he was hurt talking about it. But she could also see release from finally feeling free to tell someone about it. Though, what she felt next was a jumble of emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, sympathy… She wanted to make him feel better but no words could help in this situation. She set down her plate and laid her head on his shoulder. Placing a hand on his back, rubbing it slowly. She could feel the shuttering in his breath as he released the tension from her sudden movements. Though she could hear his heart hammering louder as time passed.

"Your real father could see to your potential."

"No he couldn't! He left me to die, without even giving me a chance! How dare you say something like that?!"

He jerked away from her touch, only for her to repeat what she did and continued.

"Your 'real' father was the man that raised you. Family doesn't have to connect by blood, it's connected through their actions and desire to love you. The one that created you, could never be your father and never will be. He did give you life but he didn't make you. Your father was the one that helped make you who you are and loved you for being just that… Being you."

For the first time, ever since she had met Loki, she had seen true sadness on his face. Along with tears in his eyes.

"I always desired for him to be proud of me. To be the son he deserved… not a child used to end a war before one could begin. Once I discovered the truth, I truly thought that his only desire to save me was to pawn me as a means to keep peace. That may have been what it had been at first, but he began to love me as though I were his. He felt that I was meant to be his son, he told me that, and all I wanted was to show him that. But I failed, what I did only made him disappointed. I wanted to show him that where I came from wasn't my true home. That where I was, was my home, that he was my family, my true family. But in doing what I did, in the end… I should have known he wouldn't be proud of slaughter."

She felt his relief, in finally speaking his truth. She could see he was free of a burden. As tears threatened to leave his eyes. Though, what she said next only brought it back.

Brought back the walls.

"Slaughter?"

He looked at her with true pain, he was afraid she could see it in his eyes. She knew that fear. The fear of hatred for who you are and what you did. It was all too familiar. The movie kept playing and they remained in silence as the spaghetti grew cold.

"I cannot tell you, you will truly despise me. This is the worst thing you could ask of me. I don't think my past actions are justified or right, because I know now that it wasn't. I don't think even you of all people can come to forgive me."

"Then don't tell me…"

He looked shocked by what she just said.

"Why would you say that? Do you not want to know?"

"I do, but if you're not ready I won't rush you. That and I might as well prepare myself to find a way to forgive you no matter what it is. I can't let you live here otherwise."

He smiled at that, a true genuine smile, first to be seen from him given to her. His tears never left his eyes, like he refused to let them fall. But they looked more like happy tears, than sad ones.

"Sometimes I forget you are a surprising woman, you are positively hard to predict. Even more difficult to ever loathe you."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should."

They rewinded the movie back from where they lost their place, and continued the movie. The silence this time was nice. The talk was probably all he had in him for the night. There ever no more questions throughout the movie. She kind of enjoyed the silence watching the movie. Hearing his breathing was almost soothing enough to fall asleep. Till the movie ended and they had their cold dinner with the plates empty in front of them. The silence ended as she heard him speak.

"Are you ever going to tell me about that surprise?"

"Oh, I almost forgot I mentioned that. Do you want a long version or straight to the point?"

"That depends, is there a good story involved?"

"I think so."

"Then the long version."

"Okay, first of all this was after my parents death."

"If it's painful for you we can stop."

She chuckled as he started to look nervous.

"It's not, I just thought I'd warn you."

"Then continue."

She watched as he waited with anticipation, peaked with interest.

"After my parents died, since I was too young to live alone. I had a guardian, you've seen a photo of her."

"Jena?"

"Yup, she watched over me up until a year ago. She died of a heart attack."

"You have really suffered through loneliness and loss."

"Yea, I guess I have… Anyways, on my 18th birthday, the official birthday where I was finally an adult. Meaning I didn't need a guardian anymore, she was like a second mother to me so I wasn't letting her leave anytime soon. Though she made my birthday special nonetheless. A week before, she started doing this weird thing where she would carry around scissors and cut chunks of my hair."

"Why on earth would she do that?"

"I'm getting to it… I didn't mind it, though if she wanted my hair that badly she could have asked. Instead of attempting to be sneaky about it when it was painfully obvious."

"I still don't understand the premise of this story."

"Hush or I won't tell you!"

"Alright…"

She continued as it looked like he was pouting like a child.

"The day of my birthday comes, but instead of being overflowed with presents like every year when she was my guardian. I was surprised to find the table rather empty, only a tiny jewelry box was there. The biggest surprise was when she walked into the room. Her beautiful red hair was gone, she was completely bald."

He looked very concerned by how this story was turning out. Although he must want her to tell him more, he remained silent.

"I couldn't help but laugh, but be concerned as well. I was very confused with this sudden change in her appearance. I was worried she had Cancer, but she relieved my worries after she told me she did it on purpose. She only told me to open my gift after that. Once I opened the tiny box, I found… this."

She said, pulling a small white crystal from under her shirt.

"It's quite a beautiful gem."

"I thought so too, it turns out this was my hair."

"What?"

"The peices of hair she took, she made it into this."

"It's small, how much hair did she take?"

"Before she cut it, it was down to my lower back, she cut it to… about where it is now."

She said measuring with her hands to be sure she got to the point, it was 3-5 inches of her hair.

"It takes that much hair to make something so small!"

"Yea, which is why I got even more concerned as to why she was bald. She then left the room and brought back a larger box."

She left the room leaving a confused Loki to her sudden leave. She retrieved the item from her bedroom and set it on the table in front of him.

"This is what was in it."

Loki's POV

It was a big orange crystal that resembled a flame as it glimmered in the light. It looked quite heavy.

"Why go through all that trouble, for a crystal made out of hair?"

"As it turns out the small box was her gift, so she always had a piece of me with her. This was for me, so I had a big part of her. She wanted me to keep it safe and close. She said to me, 'Even though it is beautiful on the outside, it's what's on the inside that makes it important.' "

"Important, not special?"

"I thought that too, I guess she just wanted to be different than the usual cheesy lines. Why she wanted to use all her hair to make this? I will never know. But I did as I promised and kept it safe, after she died she wanted me to take the necklace. It was in her will."

"It is a strange sentiment… hair crystals… It's just unusual. Though if you treasure it then I can't judge you. She was close to you."

"Yea, she was like a mom, a sister, and a best friend all in one. She will always be close to me, as long as I have this. She said if I protect it then it will protect me."

"How could a hair crystal protect you?"

"I think it's a symbol of faith, to have faith that you are safe and being watched over by the ones you lost."

"I guess… that makes sense."

It made no sense to him, whatsoever. Why such a strange gift? What could its true purpose be? He pondered on that as they parted ways to go to bed. Till she spoke up he instantly stopped to listen to what she had to say.

"You remind me of her…"

"How so?"

"You were both the same when you met me, annoyed as shit by my puppy dog charms. I never left her side, it made her so mad. But she found comfort in it, and came to like it after some time passed. She was stubborn, intelligent, and thick headed. Nobody could tell her no."

"She sounds like trouble."

"Didn't I say she reminded me of you, troublemaker?"

"Well I am honored…"

He smiled at her. She has made his cheeks hurt every day he's been on this planet. It really felt nice to get to speak with her so openly…. But not completely…

They said their farewells for the night.

Each saying goodnight, they went in their rooms and he got comfortable in his. He picked up the music box on the night stand. Hoping it would play the song he heard that one time but it hasn't come to life since he fell asleep with it playing. So he flopped on the bed and looked at the night sky through the ceiling.

He couldn't help but think of that crystal or everything that has happened in these few days. It was hard to sleep, or even concentrate on sleeping. It has been for a while, even though he works to the bone and should be exhausted. He's been having trouble sleeping, ever since Annaleise asked him to stay.

It was unethical for a man and woman to live under the same roof without being married. It's not that he has a problem with her, it's that he literally doesn't have a problem with her. This woman is making him everything he is not. He was a mischievous Liar, and yet he didn't lie to her. He couldn't find it in his heart to do it to her anymore. He even cried, told her his sad life, and got comforted like a child. It made him so livid.

How could he be so weak?!

Was he weak or was she making him weak?

He couldn't understand it. He wondered what this woman truly was.

Was she a sorceress?

Was he under her spell?

Is that why he can't dislike her and feels so close to her?

How is it he feels so comfortable talking to her, almost spilling all his secrets willingly?

She must be some sort of enchantress. She has to have some sort of power over him. She had to.

Is that why she could speak to animals?

His best guess is that she had some sort of magic ability. It had to be, what else happened in the incidents with the wild fox? She was definitely talking like it talked back…

And why else can he not find a way to be rid of her or not even to desire to… in fact he didn't want to imagine a life without her…

So much of what he learned doesn't make any sense…

Especially what she said in the car the other day… It's been on repeat since that day. He keeps getting tired of this brain teaser…

He was supposed to be intelligent, why is this hurting his brain so much. He can't figure it out.

Why did he care to get involved in her life as to dig through her belongings?

Why did he feel hurt when she was hurt?

Why did he like being around her so much?

Work or any moment without her was dull, why?

Why did he melt under her touch and get excited by her words?

Why did his heart race when she got close?

Was he sick?

Why did doing something so small or large make the labor all worth it just to see her smile?

Why was she getting more and more beautiful everyday?...

Why did those words she spoke once before make sense, and yet no sense at all?

She said they make sense when you fall in love….

There was no use trying to sleep now. So he stayed up reading, distracting his mind from everything with anything he could, till he got tired. Which was hard to do apparently.