Chapter Text
Anthony found it hard to concentrate. He also couldn’t bring himself to go far. He walked enough to hopefully be out of the range of Loki’s seidr but still in sight of his home. Then he took to pacing, making a large crevice in the snow drift. Anthony glanced every few minutes at his house. He didn’t know what he expected to see, hear or feel. He knew Loki could hide himself from Heimdall’s eyes, disguising a teleport from a magicless Jotun would be nothing. The mere thought sent a pang of anguish through his heart.
He rubbed the beads on his wrist compulsively. All he could think about was their morning in bed, their kiss. The kiss Loki had instigated and the way they’d wrapped around each other. When he closed his eyes, he saw the flame of passion alighting between their clasped hands. The beautiful blue magic of their bond was as attractive to him as the sight of his beloved.
And he knew it could be gone in an instant. It could be gone already and he wouldn’t know, not until he returned to an empty home devoid of Loki.
Anthony closed his eyes, but a fresh sight haunted him. This time, it was his pelts laying on the bed and perhaps a note. A thank you and a goodbye. Loki would give him that much, surely? Anthony gritted his teeth and looked back at the house.
He so desperately wanted to see Loki, but he had promised him an hour. He timed it with the movement of the sun, but every second seemed to drag. By the time he could start walking back, his thoughts and fears had tied him in knots. It didn’t take long for him to break into a run. He couldn’t stay idle or passive. He needed to know.
Of all the things that could drive his love away, the truth of his parents could be the final straw. Because why would he stay with Anthony? A being who encompassed everything that made his life a lie?
Anthony reached his home and shifted impatiently in front of the door. The hour was not yet up and while he wanted to burst in, he had made a promise he would not break. Yet, for every moment he waited, a fresh fear plagued on his mind. It was something that had never been far from his thoughts: how Loki was faring.
Because while he had taken the revelation better than others, how could Anthony know what was truly on his mind? Was he heartbroken or furious? Had he fled? Was he inside?
Anthony knew the full hour wasn’t up but he couldn’t restrain himself any longer. He opened his front door and stepped inside. His breath caught at the sight. Loki was sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed. The pelts laid on his lap and his visible skin was Jotun blue.
He held the dagger Anthony had made in his hand. His gaze had been locked on the weapon but he turned to Anthony at the sound of the door.
”Did you search my house?” Anthony asked, his voice high-pitched.
He was a little embarrassed to have Loki holding an item he’d crafted for the mage, but mostly he was relieved. The prince was still in his home, still wearing his pelts.
Loki glanced away, looking back at the dagger.
“I did not intend to at first,” he said quietly. “But I did not want to believe you. I want to find proof of the lie. Proof of your plans to undermine Asgard and utilise me in some way.”
Anthony’s heart lodged in his throat.
“I would never-”
“I know,” Loki interrupted, his voice quiet but firm. “I knew even when I was looking that you wouldn’t.” He pulled in a shaky breath while trembling fingers stroked the knife. “I did not even want to be wrong. I just wanted it all to be a fabrication. As if I could wake from some terrible dream and yet…”
He trailed off, but Anthony noticed a hand clench in the pelts.
“And yet,” Loki continued, “when I found this knife. I knew you had carved it for me. Hidden it so as not to discomfort me and I realised.” He swallowed. “I realised if it were a dream, it would hurt to lose you.”
Anthony’s heart skipped. Loki raised his gaze and while he still looked pained and exhausted – he also looked determined.
“I realised that no matter what I might be: Asgardian or Jotun. Odinson or… L-Laufeyson.” He pulled in a breath. “I do not want to lose you.”
Anthony sucked in a breath before he closed the space between them. He didn’t think about his actions, not until he was dropping hard to the floor, he knees hitting the stone. He barely registered the pain.
“Loki,” he whispered.
He brought his hand forward, wanting to touch but not sure where. Loki caught his hand before he could decide. He linked their fingers and squeezed. A moment later, the blue flame erupted between them.
They both looked at it and Anthony almost wanted to laugh. He wanted to erupt with an exclamation of pure joy.
“Loki,” he repeated again.
He looked back at his beloved and although he wasn’t smiling, his gaze was soft. Anthony leant forward and Loki didn’t shy away, instead, he tilted his chin making it easier for their lips to press together.
The moment their lips touched; the magic pulsed. It coalesced around them in something that felt like pure comfort and contentment. It was warm as it sunk into him, soothing every ache and leaving Anthony feeling like he could take on anything.
Like every legend about the flame of passion was true.
Loki was the one to break them apart with a gasp. He kept his eyes closed but he rested their foreheads together.
“I do want you,” he admitted. “I… I cannot promise to always act so, to admit such things the way you do, I cannot-”
“Loki,” Anthony interrupted gently. He placed a hand on Loki’s cheek, stroking gently with his fingers. “You do not need to say a word more than you wish to give.” He dared to kiss the mage’s jaw. “All I care to know is that you wish to stay with me.”
Loki swallowed. “I cannot remain in this house forever.”
The words could have sunk Anthony’s heart, but Loki was still gripping tight to his hand. The fire was still burning strongly around their linked palms.
“Then promise to return to me,” Anthony compromised.
Loki’s hand spasmed and he shook his head. His eyes opened and Loki’s gaze was surprisingly fierce.
“No,” he said. “No, if I am to face the lies of my past. To face the… people of my future. I want you with me, Anthony.”
Anthony felt warm from his head to his toes. He smiled softly.
“You need only ask, my Loki.” He thumbed his beloved’s cheeks. “I would walk to the ends of the universe with you.”
Loki swallowed roughly and his cheeks turned a darker shade. Anthony adored the sight. He delighted in seeing the changes to Jotun skin as much as he admired it on Aesir.
“It will not be easy,” Loki muttered. “But I am… glad to have you beside me.” He glanced away, looking at his lap. “You make me believe that I can conquer anything, knowing you will be at my side.”
“And beside you is where I shall always be,” Anthony swore. “If you wish it, I will be here for eternity.”
He looked back at Anthony and finally, Loki gave a small hint of a smile. In that moment, Anthony felt as if he was seeing their future.
It would not be immediate and would take time, but Anthony knew this would be a battle well worth fighting for: both with the Aesir, his fellow Jotun and Loki’s own misgivings and pain. For the flame of passion burnt strongly between them. It glowed upon their very hands.
But more importantly than either of those things, it was Loki’s smile that gave Anthony hope.
Because it hinted at the man Loki would be once he’d regained his confidence and equilibrium. Anthony could not wait for the day when his prince was mended and happy. Anthony knew that on that day, The Norns themselves would see how perfect a match had been created: a love for all the ages.