Chapter 5
The Asgard Universe - The Twins of Fate Saga - Summary/Content Note
While Gwen stands on the balcony, lost in thought and trying to regain her composure, the soft sound of footsteps approaches from behind her. The figure pauses at the balcony door, watching her for a moment. It takes a step towards her, then speaks with an almost wary softness.
"You ran away,” Loki says, low and cautious.
"I didn't run away. I simply needed some air," Gwen answers, trying to put the confidence back into her voice.
Loki exhales softly through his nose, a quiet hmph of amusement or maybe disbelief. He takes a slow step forward, resting his elbows on the railing beside her. His eyes don’t meet hers; he stares ahead at the gardens below instead.
"You stood there grinning at Thor like you had no worries in all the realms … and now here you are, staring off into the night as if it holds answers." Then he finally glances at her sidelong. "So which is it? The fearless woman who plays with princes and warriors alike … or this?"
Gwen sighs softly before she answers. "Both. It's complicated."
Loki lets out a short, sharp laugh. His voice is a little bitter when he responds. "’Complicated’ is one word for it. Contradictory would be another,” he mutters, shaking his head. He glances at her again, his gaze flickering over her profile, as if he's trying to read her expression for clues. When he next speaks, his tone is almost mocking. “Or perhaps you're just that indecisive."
"No, I'm cautious and mindful and reserved...usually. But there are times, like tonight, when I give myself permission to stop thinking so hard, to relax and have fun like everyone else does, and I'm good at fun. Inevitably though, someone says something or I do something that makes me think and the whole thing comes crashing back down and I remember why I usually stay in such tight control of myself."
Loki is quiet for a long moment, his expression shifting, first thoughtful, then something almost like recognition. His fingers tap lightly against the railing.
"...And then you wonder if they liked the real you at all," he adds quietly. He turns his head to look at her properly. His smirk isn't mocking anymore, just a little tired. "That's not indecisive, Gwen. That's survival."
Gwen sighs again. "I give everyone what they want. Steve sees me as responsible and quiet. Tony sees me as a little sassy. Thor sees me as flirty fun. And the entire party tonight got to see me actually enjoy attention for once."
Loki gives a soft scoff, but there's no real malice in it. He knows that feeling of constantly trying to fit in, of shifting personalities to please everyone else around you.
"The chameleon. Always changing colors to blend in. But what about you? Which of those faces is the real one?"
"They are all real." She stops before she asks him what he wants to see or who he thinks she is. She wants to go back to the fun, but now that the thoughts have crept in, it'll be harder.
Loki studies her carefully for a beat before pushing off the railing with a quiet exhale. He straightens, rolling his shoulders, the motion almost like shedding something heavy.
"Fine. Then let me see the fun one again." Loki says lightly, as if he knows he's being reckless. A sly smirk tugs at his lips. "I think I preferred when you were kissing people."
She smiles a little with a shake of her head. "I bet you did. And it wasn't people I only kissed you."
His smirk deepens, pleased by her clarification and the way she didn’t deny his preference. He leans in just slightly, voice dropping to a playful murmur.
"Good. I loathe sharing." A beat passes, then he straightens suddenly, offering his arm with a flourish. "Now. Do you plan to hide out here all night like some brooding poet? Or are we going back inside where the mead and mischief are?"
She thinks for a moment before taking his arm.
"Will you...keep me company for a little while longer when we go back in?"
Loki gives a charming smile in response, clearly pleased with her request. He covers her hand with his free one as he starts towards the door back inside.
"You're sure you want me to keep you company and not, say... Einarr?" Loki teases, but there's a hint of genuine fondness in his voice.
Gwen's smile grows a little more because he is making her choose and making her say it.
"I want you."
Loki's eyes flicker to hers at those words, his confident smirk faltering just slightly, as if he hadn't quite expected that response. He gives her hand a light squeeze, trying to maintain his usual cool demeanor.
“...Are you certain? You have options here," Loki’s voice is a little gruffer than intended, a hint of uncertainty under his words.
"I guess I do, but honestly, you're my favorite." She smiles again charmingly at him.
Loki falters again as those words sink in, his expression shifting from playful to something like surprise, his jaw tensing just the slightest bit. He stares at her, searching her expression for any hint of insincerity. Is she playing with him...? Is she simply saying what she thinks he wants to hear? No... she's sincere.
He clears his throat, trying to cover up the fact that she's left him just a little bit tongue-tied.
"...I'm your favorite?"
"Yes." She lowers her voice slightly, just for him. "And I'm glad you were the one to win the wrestling match and get the kiss."
Her sincerity catches Loki off guard, and he inhales sharply when she lowers her voice as if this moment is meant for him. His fingers tighten around hers unconsciously, and his smirk has completely vanished now. There's a rawness in his expression, something almost vulnerable.
"...I won't forget that." A beat of silence. Then he exhales in amusement at himself and shakes his head slightly. "And here I thought I was the charming one."
Gwen laughs a little, happy that Loki pulled her out of the self-reflective bad mood that was threatening to ruin her night.
"Let's find something fun to do, shall we?"
Loki relaxes, clearly enjoying her lightened mood and the fact that he's the one responsible for it.
"Oh, now you want to have fun," Loki grins, his usual confidence back in his tone again. He gives her hand another light squeeze as he leads her back inside. "I have an idea of what we can do that I know you'll appreciate."
"Oh? What would that be?”
Loki gives a sly smile, glancing down at her sidelong as he guides her back through the hall. His gaze remains fixed on her, taking in every little detail. He's clearly enjoying this whole thing. He leans down slightly, murmuring into her ear as he guides her through the crowd.
"It involves alcohol. And mischief. And...you."*
"I suppose I'll trust you on this." Gwen looks at him with a curious smirk.
A flicker of triumph and something like excitement crosses Loki's face. He grins and gives her hand another squeeze, the confident smirk back in full force.
"You should."