Chapter Text
You brace yourself as Loki enters the room, violently flinging the door open. You flinch as the door slams against the wall sending a nearby picture frame to the ground with a loud shatter. The prince has just returned from a mandatory day with Thor and is reeling. You keep your eyes down as Loki paces the room.
You're used to fits like this - or at least you should be. You've been Loki's servant for years now. Over time you have become friendly, but he still scares you when he gets in these moods. He doesn't notice you as he sends vases flying into walls and cracks the floors with his heavy stomping. There's rage in his eyes and you can feel the raw energy billowing from him. You duck just in time as one of his absent minded shards of magic flies by. You accidentally let out a little scream. That could have killed you.
As if pulled out of a trance, Loki looks up at you. You stay in the corner, trembling slightly.
"Oh my dear," he starts, the rage draining from his eyes and replaced with regret. "I didn't see you there at all, please forgive me," he continues. He starts to cross the room and come towards you but you back up against the wall, still frightened. Even though you see he has calmed down, you've also seen what he's just done. You don't want him anywhere near you.
"Please, it's fine," you say respectfully. "Just... May I leave? Please? I've done all the chores for the day, sir." You keep your head bowed and hope that Loki lets you go. You can't deny you're fond of the prince most of the time, but right now you don't feel safe.
"Please, let me explain, I promise I won't hurt you," he says. You look up and see his hand is extended towards you. He hesitantly makes his way to you and you don't back away. His eyes are wide and eyebrows pulled together with concern. This face is so different from the one you just saw a moment ago. Finally he closes the space between you and takes your hand. His cool skin feels good on yours and you let him lead you to his bed where you sit. He sits beside you leaving a respectable distance. You still keep your gaze averted from his, but you don't feel that you're in any immediate danger.
He lifts your chin with his finger and makes you look at him. Your eyes draw over his relaxed jawline and up to his sad eyes. His posture is almost perfect but his shoulders seem weighed down. He gives you a soft smile before he speaks.
"I'm sorry," he starts. "I had no idea you were in here. I never would have--"
"It's really okay, sir," you interrupt. He's the prince, why should he apologize?
"No it's not, I just... I have some trouble controlling myself sometimes."
"It's none of my business, sir," you respond.
"It is though, isn't it?" He asks, his eyes gazing deeper into yours. This feels strangely intimate. "I thought we were friends, was I wrong?" He looks sincerely disappointed. Yes you were friends, you think back. You had definitely had your share of late night talks and secret laughs. You had always respected him too much to let yourself cross too many lines though.
"Of course, sir," you say.
"Please, call me Loki," he smiles. "I never liked being called sir."
You smile.
"Loki," you say. His name tastes nice on your lips.
"Now tell me, did I frighten you?" He still has his hands around yours, the thumbs softly stroking your hands.
"A little," you say.
"I want you to know something very important," he says, his hands leave yours to cup your face. "I would never ever hurt you. Never." You can see that he truly means this. "Whatever violence these hands commit from frustration, or anger, will never touch you. You are far too precious..." he stops himself and takes a breath.
You? Precious to Loki? You had no idea he thought you were special at all. You thought you were friends, sure, but he had a fair amount of friends and none he would call precious. You feel something stir inside you and you lightly touch the side of his face. His eyes close and he leans in to your touch. You see the weight leave his shoulders and he lets a single tear fall.
"I've never told you," he breathes softly. "The others, every one else, they mean nothing to me. But you..." He opens his eyes and looks at you. "You are the only one who means anything to me. I will never forgive myself for putting you in harms way, in my harm's way..."
"Loki," you sigh, feeling a tear roll down your cheek as well. You let out a laugh of happiness. "I never knew--"
"I don't know why I never told you. I was just afraid... I've never been..." he trails off. Loved, you finished in your head for him. He's never felt loved. Of course he would be scared to tell you.
"Loki," you say, your eyes meeting his, "I love you."
You can't put into words the expression that overcomes his face. It's relief mixed with the purest joy you've ever seen. This is the first love he's ever experienced. The smile on his face makes your heart melt. It doesn't matter anymore what he's done. You know that he would never hurt you. You believe that, and you love him for it.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out. Then he leans in and kisses you. Your lips mold together perfectly. His lips are cold but they send a warmth through you like you've never felt before. Even though at the beginning of all of this you feared for your life, you've never felt safer than you do now.