Original Imagine: Imagine Odin tells Loki that he has to marry and it’s you. You’ve hated him for years. Every time he sees you in the palace he smirks knowing all the duties you’ll have to perform as his princess, making you cringe. He isn’t exactly fond of you either, but can’t help looking forward to the challenge.
RATING: Teen
Erika returned to their chambers and when seeing Loki’s boots covered in blood and dirt, began calling his name. When he didn’t answer she went upstairs and found him in the shower. His clothes were piled on the floor, also spattered and smeared in blood.
He chuckled at her wide eyed expression. “Hello Darling.”
“Are you injured?” She asked.
“No, but how sweet of you to be concerned. Care to join me?”
“Then why are your clothes so bloody? What did you do?”
“I went hunting.”
She sighed in relief that he wasn’t hurt, but felt terrible for whatever beast he’d caught. Then he tilted his head, gesturing towards the water.
“Really Darling, come join me.”
Glancing at the pink suds still settled at the entrance to the drain, she declined. “That’s okay, I’ll leave you to it and see you downstairs.”
Upon turning to leave, he snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her in.
“Hey!”
He chuckled while she struggled against him then closed the glass door. “Sorry, that wasn’t an option. Did you even hear that open?” He held her beneath the water until partially wet, then smirked at her little scowl when she backed into the wall. “Angry are you?”
“I didn’t need a shower Loki and you’ve soaked my dress.”
“No problem, you’ve plenty more now. Correct?”
Despite all the steam, the smell of whiskey weighed heavier on his breath than it had the day before and she wondered where he’d been again. “How long were you hunting for?”
“Most of the day. Why?”
“Just curious.”
She walked towards the door and he reached for the soap. “No desire to stay?”
“Sorry, but I’ve no desire at all. You know why. I’m tired too so I’m going get ready for bed.”
He found her when done, dozing all curled up on the livingroom couch. “Why are you sleeping down here?”
She sat up to see him standing in the doorway. “I’m not I was just relaxing. Have you eaten?”
“A while ago, yes.”
“I ate with the baby, but I can make you something if you’d like?”
Ignoring her offer, he continued. “If I wouldn’t have found you here, would you have come up to bed?”
“Of course I would have. I came down because I thought you would.”
“I see.”
“Why would you think I wouldn’t?” She asked, smiling. “Did you catch something big today?”
After describing the details of how he’d caught a deer then revealing the rest of his day, she stared at him.
“Wh..where is it?”
“Did I not just say it was taken to the kitchen? It’s most likely being butchered by now Erika.” He sarcastically replied.
“Right..the guards. Why are you snapping at me?”
He glared at her before walking away. “Why are you still my brothers maid?”
“What?” She followed him into the library. “I thought we talked about this? I told you why.”
Using magic, he lit the fireplace then began searching the shelves. “And I told you why you don’t need to be.”
“Loki, why are you doing this?”
“What? I’m merely questioning why you’d rather be his maid than be my wife?”
“I thought I was going to be both?”
“What if that’s not an option?” He made himself comfortable on the couch.
“I beg your pardon? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Avoiding eye contact, he calmly open his book to the marked page. “What if it isn’t Erika?”
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, then calmly replied. “You know what isn’t an option Loki? Arguing. I’ve a nasty headache, bad cramps and I’m exhausted. I’m going up to bed alright. Goodnight.”
She was halfway up the stairs when hearing him throw the book against the wall yet kept going. After taking something for pain, she crawled into bed hoping he’d soon join her. Instead, she heard their chambers doors slam and for the second night in a row, cried herself to sleep.
Loki returned a few hours later and quietly crawled into bed. Erikas back was to him and although woken by his movements, she said nothing. He soon fell asleep and she followed.
In the morning, he slept through her alarm so she showered in the spare room thinking he was tired. By the time she’d made them breakfast, he still hadn’t woken so she wrapped up his portion, then reached for a pen and some paper.
When turning back around, he was standing in the kitchen doorway, frowning and she jumped. “You’ve got to stop being so quiet. I’ve left you some breakfast.”
“Off to your job again are you?”
“Good morning to you too.” She politely replied. “Yes and could we please not argue?”
“Maybe not argue, but we do need to discuss it again.” He got his food then sat at the table.
“Discuss it?” She calmly asked. “I’m sorry Loki, but if you plan to suggest I quit, then there’s nothing to discuss.”
She turned to leave and he spoke through gritted teeth. “I don’t want you continuing Erika.”
Stopping in the doorway, she again responded politely. “I like my job and I’m staying.”
Loki rose, knocking the table and his plate flipped over. “You’re not and that’s final.” He coolly stated.
Erika didn’t flinch, yet her heart raced recalling Edgar’s words again. “It’s not up for further discussion Loki.” She sighed, before continuing. “And I’m sorry.”
His eyes narrowed. “You purposely defy me, then try to say you’re sorry?” He spat.
“Not for defying you, I’m not trying to.”
“Then what are you sorry for Erika, hmm?”
She hesitated, trying to contain her emotions. “You haven’t been yourself since learning Thor is to become King and I’m sorry if that’s angered or upset you, but it’s not my fault.”
“Odin’s blatant stupidity is no one’s fault but his own. That doesn’t mean you need to go along with it.”
“What are you talking about? I’m not trying to do anything of the sort, I’m just doing my job.”
“A job you don’t need Erika!” He yelled.
“Stop it Loki! Just stop it!” She yelled back.
“Stop what?” He snapped. “Hoping I can believe you meant what you said about me being important to you?”
“Is that what this is about? You are Loki, but I can’t change what Odin has decided! Will you please stop taking it out on me?”
She sobbed into her hands and feeling like an ass, he went to her. “I’m not trying to, I’m sorry.”
Held in his embrace, she wanted so much to stay there until he looked her in the eyes and started talking again. “If you really mean it, then why don’t we do it ourselves?”
“Do what?”
“All of it Erika. Just you and me.”
“Loki, what are you suggesting?”
“Let’s disappear.”
Bewildered, she took a step back. “Disappear?”
“Why not? We could even leave Asgard if you wish. Start a whole new life elsewhere and not have to worry about any of this.”
“And what of our families Loki? Are you suggesting we leave them behind too?”
“Again, why not? They’ll be so busy serving their new King, they wouldn’t miss us.”
Bewildered, she stepped even further back. “No Loki, they ‘would’ miss us. We can’t just leave.”
“Who said it would be permanent? After we marry and settle in, we could visit.”
Erika slowly walked towards the door. “I don’t want to hear any more of this, you’re really beginning to worry me. You need to think about what you’re saying Loki because it’s so wrong. I’m sorry, but I have to go now.”
She left and he leaned against the wall, seething.
A few minutes later, Jane opened her door to a stunned looking Erika.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes.” She stepped in looking around. “Wheres Junior?”
“Thor took him for the morning so Frigga could see him. You don’t look alright Erika. I wanted so much to talk to you last night, but I didn’t think you would with Thor here. What’s going on?”
She started crying and Jane hugged her. “Oh honey. Come, let’s go in the living room.”
They sat down and Erika sobbed as she spoke. “I don’t know who else to talk to because Frigga’s so busy, and I don’t even know if I could talk to her because I don’t know what she’d say. I can’t talk to my Father because he’d get mad and it’s hard to talk to you too because you have so much going on and…”
Jane hugged her again. “Heyyy, it’s okay. Don’t cry.” She handed her a tissue box. “You can always talk to me Erika.”
“Well, first of all…” Erika shook her head as more tears fell to her cheeks.
“Honey, what is it?”
“I’m not pregnant Jane.”
“Oh sweetie, I’m sorry.”
Erika shrugged her shoulders. “I’m guessing all the stress I’ve been under caused the delay, but it’s for the best.”
“Don’t worry Erika. You’ll make a great Mom one day, but why do you think it’s for the best?”
“We really weren’t ready and especially not now. Loki just isn’t himself.”
“Still?”
“Jane, it’s gotten worse.
Erika proceeded to tell her of his hunting adventure. He’d spent the day deep in the woods while drinking and after deciding on the deer as his victim, killed it by tossing a dagger through its heart. When it didn’t die right away, he broke its neck. After removing the dagger and magicking it’s wound closed, he had two clones carry it to the palace front doors while he followed on horseback. They dropped it there and he ordered two guards to take it to the palace butcher while he headed into the lounge. Then after washing his hands and face in the men’s room, he drank more scotch until Fandral and Hogun wandered in. He played a few games of darts with them and left.
Jane stared at her in disbelief. “He went into the lounge like that?”
Erika nodded. “That’s what he told me and when I went home last night, his boots, clothes and dagger, were filthy with blood and dirt. He’s been so off lately Jane.” She then told her of how he was angry about their wedding being postponed and how he snapped at the maids and smashed the tea tray down then took off for the whole day. “He’s so angry and distant lately and I don’t know what to do.” She thought of mentioning his talk of them disappearing, but considered it absurd.
Jane rubbed her back. “Love isn’t always easy is it?”
“Love? What are you talking about?” Said Erika, reaching for more tissue.
“In denial are you?”
Erika huffed. “Am I worried about him? Yes. But mostly I’m angry Jane. He’s really pissing me off!”
Jane leaned back against the couch, smirking. “I knew you were hooked the first time you made him lunch. You came in here all googly eyed and lost in thought and I knew.”
“Googly?” Said Erika.
“It’s a silly Midgardian word. So why the denial?”
Erika frowned. “We’re betrothed Jane. Shouldn’t I be worried if the one I’m spending the rest of my life with is having a meltdown of sorts?”
“So you don’t love him then?”
“Like I said, I care about him, but I’m very angry with him right now.”
“Okay, could I ask you something then?”
“Alright.”
“When he touches you, does your skin tingle? When he smiles at you, does it often still your heart?”
Listening in silence, Erika closed her eyes.
“When you lay wrapped in his arms as close as two people can be and all you can hear is the sound of your hearts, do they often sound like they’re beating as one?”
Erikas bottom lip quivered and she sobbed into her hands.
“Oh honey.” Said Jane. “Do you really think you’d be such a mess if you didn’t love him?”
“Well it doesn’t seem to be mattering much.”
“Yes it does, trust me. Can I ask you something else and have you be completely honest when answering?”
“Yes.”
“Has he been like this since learning of Thors coronation?”
Erika nodded. “He hasn’t been the same since and I’ve avoided saying anything to prevent causing animosity amongst the family. You can’t repeat any of this to anyone Jane. Especially not Thor.”
“I won’t, but he already suspects something is off. Do you know what Loki does during the day besides his usual responsibilities?”
“Up until I learned of his hunting adventure, returning to our chambers I believe. He’s usually there when I get back or returns shortly after. Why?”
“Thor mentioned he hasn’t seen Loki since he returned from camping with your Dad.”
“I know he rides when he’s upset like my Mother used to. He may be doing a lot of that.”
“Do you think he’s purposely avoiding the palace right now?”
“After what he said to the maids? It wouldn’t surprise me.”
“Erika, Thor suspects Loki’s still harboring animosity towards him and Odin. Do you believe that’s true?”
She sobbed again. “Yes, and he’s so angry at me for a reason I haven’t yet mentioned because I refuse to let it happen.”
“Why honey? What is it?”
“He wants me to quit working for you two!”
Jane looked at her confused. “Has he said why?”
“That I don’t need to make money because we have enough and a maid is no job for a future Princess. I know it’s mostly out of resentment he wants this, but I love working with you and being around Junior. He shouldn’t think he can tell me whether I can or can’t work. It isn’t right.”
“Listen honey. Whatever decision you make about working for us is fine.”
“No Jane I…”
“Erika please listen? If you do choose to quit, we aren’t going to love you any less or think of you any differently and you can always come visit as much as you wish, you know that right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then think about this. Maybe his resentment about you working for us isn’t only about animosity towards Thor and Odin. I told Thor this and I’ll tell you. Thor becoming King is a harsh reminder to him that he’ll never be one and why and with Odin still treating him indifferently? Not good. Add his future wife working as a maid to that and I’d guess he’s feeling
pretty inadequate right now.”
Erika looked pensive for a moment. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Then she face palmed her forehead. “I’m a damn Empath. Why couldn’t I have seen that?”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself honey. You’ve been dealt a heavy load recently and stress can keep us from seeing a lot clearly.”
“But I don’t want to quit and fear if I do, he’ll start thinking he can control everything about me.”
Janes brows rose. “Control ‘you’ Erika? One who he knows can pin him, leather clothing, armor and all, to a wall ten feet above the floor, then drop him to it like a sack of potatoes?”
Erika chuckled amidst her tears. “That was rather amusing now that I recall the look on his face.”
“See? Not a chance in hell and he knows it.” Jane hugged her. “May I make a suggestion that might help?”
Bernard Edwards on Chic’s tune “Everybody Dance”. Check out his chucking technique where he strums with his fingers as if he was using a pick. This way, we can get the attack with his fingernail and retain the meat of the sound with the flesh of his finger. Dig?
Also, check out this demonstration and discussion of Bernard Edwards style from Chris Gambaro-Vega:
Desmond Bane fined $35,000 for chucking ball at OG Anunoby in loss to Knicks
Desmond Baneâ€s decision to launch a ball at OG Anunoby is going to cost him.
The NBA fined Bane $35,000 on Monday, one day after he launched a ball at Anunoby during the Orlando Magicâ€s 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks. The move resulted in a small altercation at Madison Square Garden and a technical foul.
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Midway through the fourth quarter of that contest, Bane was chasing down…
