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tilltheendwilliwrite · 7 years

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Balance on the Head of a Pin

Chapter Six

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Pairing: Loki Laufeyson x OFC | Word Count: 3927 Warnings: Fluff, Loki being Loki, a touch of violence

Her limp form pleased him. When he drew his hand slowly from her drawers, Loki could have purred with pleasure at her wetness. She was gloriously damp, coated his fingers, and when they appeared, the scent nearly rolled his eyes back.

He lifted his fingers to his lips and swirled his tongue around her offering. Exquisite. Perhaps it was a bad idea to taste the essence of his Lauren. Now, all he would be able to think about would be drinking directly from the source. Tracing his clean fingers up her arm, he released her invisible bonds allowing them to swing forward. She gave a quiet sigh.

“Will you live, my love?” he asked, a chuckle catching in his throat.

Lauren's fingers curled around his belt. “Mmm,” was all she could seem to say.

He tipped her chin up and placed feather-light kisses on her lips. She was simply beautiful in her undoing; her skin flushed and soft. He would never tire of seeing her in the aftermath.

“You will need me to fix your garments, darling. I’m afraid I quite ripped them.” There wasn’t an ounce of contrition in his tone.

“Hm, kay…” she hummed lazily.

Loki brought her down off the strange saddle and held her up when her legs wobbled. Once he was sure she could stand on her own, he lifted his hands to rest his fingertips against her throat. Drawing them slowly down, he let his magic flow.

She shivered slightly, the coolness harsh on her heated skin as he trailed his fingers down her throat, out over her shoulders, and down her torso.

When she gave a quiet sigh, he leaned in and pecked her a kiss. “There. I have always wanted to do that.”

Lauren looked down at herself and gasped. “Loki!”

He admired the dress, a modified version of an Asgardian one. Its wide neck rested on the tops of her shoulders, the scoop modest but enticing. It was a gold so pale it was nearly tan with stones of smoky quartz all along the neckline. The sleeves were short, coming only to her elbows, the fabric of them sheer while the dress itself fell to mid-thigh. It was quite boxy, a touch too shapeless for her. She had hips, nice ones, pleasantly rounded.

A flick of wrist brought to him a linked belt of beaten gold squares he fixed around her waist. “There. Perfect.” She looked relatively stunned which concerned him. “Lauren… do you… dislike it?”

Her eyes darted up from where they had been glued to her fingers trailing over the dress. They sparkled so brightly, her pleasure in the gift evident, Loki instantly relaxed.

“It’s wonderful!” she laughed, reaching up to cup his cheek. With a little pull, she encouraged him down, and he kissed her grinning mouth as she muttered softly, “You spoil me, sir.”

“It is my pleasure, my duty, and my honour to spoil elskan mín.” He collected and kissed her fingers, admiring the way everything about her seemed to sparkle.

She was so happy. He always wanted to see such a look on her face.

“It’s truly amazin’, Loki. Is this real?” She traced her fingers over the belt.

“As in gold? Yes. Created out of magic, it is still the same as what comes out of the ground on this world.”

She tilted her head back and laughed. “Oh! Lunch should be a hoot then!”

“Why is that?” He, personally, was not looking forward to being stuck for any length of time with her family.

“Samuel, Marabeth’s husband, he could squeeze a quarter so tight, the eagle would scream!”

He only sighed, looking at her in mild exasperation.

“Oh! Right,” she blushed. “He’s rather cheap.”

“Ah! Well, let’s not keep everyone waiting.” With a second flick of his wrist, he returned his previous attire to Lauren’s sigh of regret. “I can bring it back anytime you wish, my sweet.”

Her smile turned wicked as she strutted from the tack room.

He’d changed her shoes as well, afraid for her ankles with how she seemed determined to run places. Now the low heeled sandal which wrapped up her calf was much more conducive to such action should she be so inclined.

Collecting her hand to his elbow, he listened to her talk about the farm, the horses, the people who waved or jogged over to greet her. It was clear she was well received by the staff who worked her father’s ranch, something which spoke well of her character. The people liked her, looked to her for leadership, similar to how the people of Asgard looked to his brother.

Though Thor was, now, technically king, he was treated with a familiarity by the people Loki had always lacked. Lauren had the same way about her. The ability to be seen as one of them instead of the daughter of the owner.

He found it fascinating.

Arriving back at the hose, she’d chatted and hugged the house staff as well, blushing when she’d introduced him. One particularly large woman, her face reddened from years over the stove, hands chapped and hardened with work, had dragged him down into an embrace where she’d proceeded to thump him firmly in the back three times. Sue Ann was her name, cook for the house for as long as Lauren had been alive. Her eyes had sparkled with happiness upon seeing his Lauren again.

Her people clearly loved and missed her now that she was living permanently in New York. This, right here, was why she returned. Not for her family, but for her people.

He loved her all the more for that.

Even at a distance, she looked after them. Teddy and Sue Ann on the receiving end of her letters. But she never forgot a birthday or special occasion. She knew everyone's name, who their people were, and usually had a question about someone’s child or grandchild.

Loki followed along, his admiration growing with every new face. He’d teased her days ago about being a queen, now, he could see she already was.

She ruled here, even when away, a gracious and lovely queen.

Before they made it to the room where lunch was being served, Loki tugged Lauren to his chest and caged her against the wall. “You are quite amazing, elskan min. They all love you, nearly as much as I do.”

She blushed, flustered and pleased, her hands settling on his waist. “You flatter me, sir.”

“I only speak the truth, dear one.” He caressed her cheek, bringing his hand to rest beneath her ear. “You are well received by your people. They look at you with love and fondness. It is how the people view Thor. You claim the same respect he does. It’s beautiful. Inspiring. Your kindness is unending. I once envied such adoration.” Leaning down, he brushed his mouth over hers. “How desirable I find you,” he whispered.

She moaned quietly, her hands sliding up his back, and drawing him closer.

“Gentle, sweet, beautiful Lauren.” Skimming his lips along her cheek, he breathed against her ear, “The things I wish to do with you, darling.”

“What things?” she asked softly, drawing him against her.

A wicked chuckle escaped his lips. “Such heavenly things, my Lauren.”

“Loki,” she moaned, lips chasing his.

Another rumble of laughter echoed in his chest as he leaned fully into her, teasing her lips with his. Nipping. Plucking. Playing. When a whimper of need fell from her lips, he sealed his to hers.

He was just getting into it, loving her mouth, searching the depths with his tongue, willing to moan and fill her with the flavour she said she desired when the presence of eyes on them brought him screaming back to their current - and public - location.

Still, he broke the kiss slowly. “Is there something you require, Ms. Annandale?” he asked, turning annoyed blue eyes to Lauren’s sister.

Cissy’s face was flushed, a hand laying lightly against her upper chest while a gleam of desire filled her eyes. “Why, I’m ever so sorry for… interruptin', but mama sent me to see what was keepin' y’all.” She batted her lashes.

Loki looked down at Lauren and rolled his eyes. “My appetite was not for food at present.”

Lauren blushed, her lips full and red from his kisses. “Neither was mine.”

A chuckle, wicked and dark escaped him as he slowly removed his body from hers. “Perhaps we can continue this for dessert,” he murmured, lifting her ring-bedecked hand to his mouth where he kissed her knuckles.

“I could do dessert,” Lauren sighed, her free hand drifting over his chest.

Cissy huffed and stamped her foot before walking away. “Anytime y'all are ready, Lauren.”

Lauren’s eyes danced with mischief, holding back her softly muffled laughter until Cissy disappeared through the door. “You’re so bad,” she said to Loki.

He winked. “I believe you prefer me that way, my Valkyrie.” Tucking her hand in his elbow, Loki guided her through the door after her sister.

Everyone was seated, leaving two chairs, separated by Cissy as she sat purposely in the middle, intent on breaking them apart. Sighing at her ineptitude, Loki waved a hand. She gave a startled squeak of surprise when he plunked Cissy down at the other end of the table, beside George, who had evidently not learned his lesson. He had not run with his tail between his legs as Loki would have liked.

Leading Lauren forward, her teeth in her lip showing how hard she was fighting her laughter, Loki pulled out her chair, and seated her next to her father at the head; as far from George as possible and directly across from her mother.

Loki seated himself to Lauren's left and found himself across from Samuel with an empty seat to his left. Perfectly happy with the arrangements, he blinked slowly, smiled slyly, and turned his attention to Lauren’s mother. “You have a lovely home, Magnolia. You do not mind if I call you Magnolia do you?”

“Heavens, no, Loki.” She waved a hand. “Magnolia is… is just fine.”

There was still a look of apprehension about her, but Loki only shifted into Lauren’s chair. “You have quite the operation here as well, Hoyt.”

“Been in our family for generations,” he said proudly, puffing up his chest.

“You should have seen it, Daddy. Loki rode Dragon.” Lauren beamed up at him.

“What?” Hoyt sat up straighter.

Loki couldn’t help but smile back at Lauren. “Your Midgardian stock is spirited, but they have not the temperament of Asgardian steeds. Those would sooner kill you as look at you. It takes skill and fortitude to train our stock.”

“Really?” Hoyt tapped his fingers on the table. “They fast, these Asgardian steeds?”

“Like the wind, of course.” Oh, Loki knew what was coming next.

“Hm. Any chance of crossin' a few of our mares with one of your stallions?”

He was so tempted - so, so tempted - to make a remark about him being the stallion to Lauren, his mare, but Loki restrained himself, especially when her shoe connected with his shin. “I’m afraid our steeds would view yours as inferior and tear them apart.”

Hoyt’s calculating look fell from his face into a frown. “Pity that. No chance of artificial insemination?”

“Hoyt! Not at the dinner table,” Magnolia scolded.

“And take their fun away?” Loki scoffed. “That would truly be cruel. Asgardians would never deprive a creature, of any breed their pleasure.” He stroked his fingers over the top of Lauren’s knee beneath the table, drifting up her thigh and under the hem of her dress.

Her foot connected with his shin a second time, but he didn’t move his hand, only tightened his fingers.

Clearing her throat, Marabeth eyed the pendant around Lauren’s neck. “Your tastes certainly haven’t improved, Lauren.”

When Lauren's hand flew to her throat, Loki could have snarled.

“I beg your pardon?” he said coldly.

“It is a blatant waste of money such excessiveness. Why I’ve never seen so much gold on any one woman.” Samuel sniffed disdainfully.

“I would dress her in gold if Lauren would let me. Alas, she will not. However, you insult my promise, my bond to my Ástvinur by disparaging my gift.” Running his fingers down the chain, Loki brought the pendant to his palm. “In Asgard…” He lifted his eyes to Lauren’s bright ones, then turned them slowly to Samuel’s, and smiled a full baring of teeth. “I would see your head on a pike for such disrespect.”

A sharp inhale ran the table.

Loki placed the pendant back against Lauren’s skin and gently passed his thumb over her lower lip, renewing the glossy shine he’d caused to disappear with his kisses and sat back. “But you are unaware of the insult implied, so I will forgive it… once.”

From down the table, a high pitched, aggravating giggle erupted. “Oh, Loki! You’re so funny!” Cissy squealed.

“You find the beheading of your brother-in-law amusing?” he asked, quite astounded.

She giggled a few more times. “Of course! Y’all don’t think he’s serious?”

He was deadly serious. “Asgardians take their vows and promises with complete seriousness. An Ástvinur is the queen of her chosen’s heart. To disparage such a vow is no different than accusing one of cheating on her. It is simply not done. Ever.” Not when a brúðr steinn was involved.

A chair away, George clenched his fist, his jaw tightening in anger.

Loki didn’t care.

The first course arrived before anyone else could speak, a soup of some kind. He ate the surprisingly tasty bisque with its kick of spice while silence hung uncomfortably around the table.

He sat within it as calm and unwavering as ever, knowing full well he was the one making it so. Another thing he cared not a whit about.

Instead, his mind drifted to little bits of mischief he could accomplish instead. Small drifts of magic flicked out from him beneath the table. Nothing untoward and nothing which would occur in short order, but at some point today the heel of Marabeth’s shoe would break. Samuel’s pen would explode ink all over him. Cissy’s shoes would become slick as glass - though, he did stipulate they would not do so at the top of a stairwell.

He wanted to embarrass not kill the woman.

Magnolia was going to have an unfortunate accident with a cup, spilling her drink down the front of her hideous dress. Hoyt was heading off to play a round of golf which he would be complete rubbish at. Golf was one of those things Clint did, so Loki, though not really understanding the draw, had a fair handle on the rules. Enough to set his curse with little room for error.

For George, Loki cast a curse which would see the man got exactly what he deserved. The cheating, lying bastard was going to find he’d developed some extremely embarrassing problems in the bedroom. And they were going to last… awhile.

After the second course, a fish of some kind which did not suit him, nor did it appeared to please Lauren, Loki pushed back from the table and tilted his head to Magnolia. “Thank you for the pleasant lunch.”

“You simply have to stay for dessert!” Cissy piped up, her attempts to draw him into conversation prior to this all failing.

Smirking down at Lauren, Loki held out his hand. “Lauren and I have plans for dessert.”

Cissy scoffed.

Lauren snickered as she took his fingers. “He means, I offered to show him the town. Plus I thought I’d visit Gran.”

“Senile old woman,” muttered Hoyt.

“Hoyt, she's still your mother,” Magnolia scolded.

“She sounds delightful,” Loki quipped, leading Lauren away.

“Why don't I come with y’all? It's been simply ages since I last saw Gran,” Cissy stated, rising to her feet.

“Well bless your heart, Cissy. Considerin' you hate Gran?” Lauren snorted.

“Lauren Guillemin, that's no way to speak to your sister. And before you go anywhere, I insist you take a moment to speak with George in private. You owe him at least that after runnin’ off and pawnin’ his ring,” her mother said.

“Anythin' George has to say can be said in front of Loki. He is my fiancé and has the right to be present when another man wishes to address me.”

Lauren’s sharp retort had pride welling up in him. “Darling, if this will see him out of your life, I will happily stand… across the room as you speak to him.” He gave her a wink and watched her eyes light up in understanding. It would be nothing for him to send an avatar across the room as she spoke with George while remaining invisible at her side.

She played her part well, biting her lip, glancing at him, away to George and back before sighing. “I guess a few minutes won't hurt none.”

She tucked her fingers in his elbow, and Loki let his Valkyrie lead him where she would.

Lauren took him down another hall, away from the suddenly boisterous dining room - it seemed those left behind had finally found their voices - into a room he supposed could be called a music room what with the piano and other instruments scattered about.

“Do you play, Lauren?” he asked, continuing to ignore the man who followed them angrily.

“Not me, peaches, but Marabeth and mama can. Cissy can play the harp.” She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “I was always more inclined to the horses, but I can carry a tune well enough.”

“As I have heard you sing, my love, I don't doubt it,” he chuckled wickedly.

She swatted him one in the arm. “Do go on, sir! Such a cad!” A pretty pink blush filled her face, the one he liked so much.

“Someday you will have to sing me a song, my pretty nightingale, so I might hear your lovely voice.”

“Lauren!” George snapped.

She startled, an action Loki disliked intensely. “Watch how you speak to her, Bilgesnipe, or I will drop you through a portal to a world so inhospitable your eyes will bleed as your flesh melts from your bones.” He glared at George until the man backed off, and leaned down to place a kiss to Lauren’s brow, switching himself out for his avatar. Before the false him left, Loki snarled, “Hands to yourself if you wish to keep them.” He could practically smell George's anger roll from him in waves.

Loki's avatar walked away and stood with his back to them as the false him appeared to gaze out the window. He didn't move more than to glide behind Lauren, wrap his arms slowly around her waist, plastering his body to her back. She relaxed into him, appearing to draw her fingers over the golden belt at her waist, but really stroked them over his arm.

He licked her ear, and she shivered, digging her nails into his flesh in warning.

Oh, this could be fun….

“Well? If you've got somethin’ to say, George Montgomery, you'd best be gettin’ on with it,” Lauren demanded.

Loki blew a gentle stream of air over Lauren’s throat. Her nails bit a little deeper.

“Lauren, sweetheart, can't we mend fences? I made a little mistake. You keep carryin’ on like this and people are gonna think you're bein’ uppity.”

“Carryin’ on?” she gasped. “You act like we had a fallin’ out. A misunderstandin'. Y’all ran off on our weddin’ day! Left me high and dry at the church, George! That ain't no little mistake.”

Loki kissed the top of her shoulder and gently dragged his teeth along her skin. She shifted, stepping purposefully on his foot.

“Be rational, Lauren! I wasn't ready to get married. Neither were you! But I am now. I miss you. I love you. I want you to be my wife. Can't we try again, darlin’?”

He froze at George's declaration, and Loki tightened his arms. His mind snarled mine like the possessive God he was.

She gaped at George. “You're off your rocker! Gone right 'round the bend if you think I want you back, let alone would take you back.”

“Hon, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelin's, but back then it wasn't like you were anythin’ to look at or nothin'. But now? Damn, girl! You grew up.”

She slapped him so fast, rocking him back on his heels, Loki almost missed it. “You no good, dirty rotten, bastard! Your apology don't amount to a hill of beans!”

“You're makin’ a mistake, Lauren Guillemin! You were promised to me, and I intend to have you!” George snatched for her arm.

Loki’s hand wrapped around his wrist. “What did I say about touching?” he snarled in a deadly cold voice. The bones ground together then gave a sharp crunch when they broke beneath the power of his grip.

George screamed.

Releasing the man, Loki pulled Lauren away, already bringing her reddened palm to his cool lips, soothing the pain she was likely in after her well-placed slap while pounding feet raced toward the room.

“George!” cried Magnolia, rushing forward.

“What, what happened?” blustered Hoyt, Samuel, Marabeth, and Cissy piling in behind him.

“That crazy son’ bitch broke my arm!” George bellowed.

“How could you!” Magnolia accused, glaring at Loki while she coddled George.

More irritating noise rose in screeches and yelling to hurt his ears. Huffing in aggravation, Loki waved his hand, cutting off the sound at the source. Namely, everyone's voice. “You all seem to be under the impression I am as you are. I am not Midgardian!” he roared causing them all to cower.

Lauren turned into him, her hands coming to rest on his chest. “Loki, please!” she begged, her eyes filling with worry.

He touched her cheek, reassuring her he would not do anything to her family. “I am of Asgard,” he said calmly. “Lauren is my Ástvinur. George was warned to keep his hands to himself. I am a God. When I speak, you will listen!” he hissed.

“Loki, elskan mín,” Lauren crooned, her nails gently scraping down his chest. “I'm just fine, peaches.”

He drew her in by the waist. “No one lays their hand on you, dear one. Not without quick and lasting consequences.”

“I know, sugar, but they don't. They ain't used to your ways. Make an exception, just this once? For me?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

Taking her chin in his hand, he kissed her lightly. “For you, beloved.” He flicked his wrist. The snap of George’s arm fixing itself was audible.

Again the man screamed but no sound came as Loki had not yet released their vocal cords. When he was certain the man was finished, he raked his gaze across the lot of them. “Lauren and I will be leaving now. George has had his answer. It was a resounding no as the handprint upon his face can attest to. Ladies. Gentleman.” Loki's eyes drifted to George. “Bilgesnipe.” Flicking his wrist, he opened a portal. “Just so there is no… misunderstanding, Montgomery, the world I promised awaits.”

They all stared in horror, all but Lauren who simply continued to look at him. Waving his hand a second time, Loki shifted the portal to the town and walked through it with Lauren, releasing her families voices an instant before the doorway closed.

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