Encounter with Trouble

"C'mon Rose! I said sorry for that!" Loki whined, punching the pillow with a fraustrated grunt. Rose, however was ignoring his existence and was busy painting Thor's portrait on the canvas.

Thor, on the other hand was grinning widely. He felt very amused seeing the two bicker and fight. If given chance, he would gladly act as the fuel to the fire but getting spanked by his sweet yet dangerous sister was the least of things he wanted.

"Thor don't grin like that. You look like an owl." Rose chided him and Thor apologized, before putting up a calm demeanor. "Is it over yet? I'm hungry." Thor asked, fiddling with his scarlet cape. Rose nodded. "Just a few minutes-"

"Thor get the hell out of here!" Loki yelled, his face pink because of bubbling fury. He hated being ignored. Thor frowned. "Why? It's not my fault that she's upset with you." He retorted back making Loki growl.

Rose took a look at Loki's face and then resumed with her painting, stroking Thor's hair with her brush to enhance each golden locks. "Brother, tell him to wait for a minute. It's almost finished." She said, her eyes hovering around Thor and his painting. Loki rolled his eyes and fell silent.

Two minutes passed and Rose gave a victorious yelp. "Finally..." She groaned, cracking her knuckles. Thor too stretched his hands and walked near the canvas, his eyes widening. "What do you think?" Rose asked smiling. Loki too poked up his head trying to sneak a peek at the painting.

"It's...WOW!" Thor breathed out and clapped Rose's back. "I'm gonna treasure it sister! I love it!" Rose chuckled. "Aww! Thank you brother.""Can I take it to my room?" Rose shook her head. "Not now. Let it dry properly. I guess you don't want it to get smudged, right?"

Thor nodded. "Very well sister. I'll drop by and pick it up. I should leave now." He took a glance at Loki and smirked. "My baby brother is too impatient." Loki glared at him and before he could stab Thor, the older Prince waved a bye and hurriedly left the room.

Rose got up and clenched unclenched her left fist, flinching when she felt the stinging pain from underneath the bandage. Loki got down from the bed and walked near her. He took the paint brushes from her hand and started washing them. "I don't need your help." Rose mumbled, trying to take back the brush but couldn't when Loki held her wrist.

"You know that I hate it when you don't talk to me, sweetheart." He whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "Why did you make him cry like that Loki?" Rose asked, meeting his eyes. Loki huffed. "I didn't mean to make him cry! I was just joking. How would I know that-that boy is such a whiny-" he stopped when Rose sighed.

"He's just a five years old child Loki. Not only he was hurt by your stupid words, your infamous evil grin made him scared too." "But making children cry is so fun! You can't deny that!" Loki objected making Rose groan. "You're impossible!" She said, shaking her head and pushing him away.

"Damn it Rose! Tell me what I have to do?" Loki groaned, scowling. "Tell him sorry. Simple." "Sorry?! He's a child and I'm a grown up man!" "Loki.""Ugghh! Fine! Fine! I'll do it." Loki huffed angrily, throwing his hands in the air. "Now will I get my kiss? You haven't kissed me since morning but you kissed that boy and-mhuph!"

Rose cut him off by catching his lips with hers, bringing him down for a short kiss. "Happy now? Satisfied?" She asked after they pulled back. Loki shook his head. "No." He said before kissing her again and this time more deeply. Rose laughed in between the kiss when Loki nipped her bottom lip. The kiss would have been longer but Rose ended it, pushing him back.

"No more now. I've to take a bath." She said, undoing her bun and letting her hair tumble down past her waist. Loki pouted. "I am still not satisfied." He complained, trying to kiss her again but Rose flicked his lips with her finger. "I said no more now. You too, go and take a bath."

"We can save water again." Loki offered.

Rose laughed. "No need of that Frosty. Use your own bathroom."

Loki pouted again but didn't argue anymore. Sending a wink to Rose he teleported away to his room. Rose sighed, chuckling. "You're impossible Loki."

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"Snow." Was all that Rose muttered when she saw the mare in front of her. "I beg your pardon?" Loki asked as he couldn't hear what she just said.

"Snow. I'll name her Snow." Rose said, facing Loki with twinkling eyes and then again looked back at the mare. She was indeed a beauty with spotless white coat and long wavy mane. So long that it reached her knees. And she had big electric blue eyes with that long long lashes.

Rose personally didn't like the colour white, symbolising purity and innocence. According to Rose, she was far far away from those words. The colour white seems to mock her conscience and that's why she finds solace in dark colours especially black.

But seeing the mare that Thor and Loki had brought for her, she felt an instant liking towards the snowy white horse. It was the first time that she loved something so white.

Loki nodded. "Nice name. Now go ahead and pat her." He said, nudging Rose's back and urging her to step forward. Rose did as she was told and walked towards the mare with slow measured steps and a friendly smile. Snow leaned her head down and sniffed and huffed at Rose, blowing away her hair locks from her face. Rose laughed and rubbed Snow's forehead.

Loki stared at his girlfriend who was caressing the mare's mane and head, with a soft smile. "She looks more beautiful when smiling." He whispered to himself. "May the Norns bless her with all the happiness of the world." He sighed. "I'm ready to pay anything just to see her smile... anything."

"Hey brotha!" Thor jogged near him and clapped Loki's back hard almost making him topple down on the grass. "Thor!" Loki grunted. "Don't hit me like this."

"But I didn't hit you my dear brother. It's my way to show my love for you." Thor grinned cheesily and Loki huffed.

"Did she like it?" He asked staring at Rose who was now glowing golden and talking to the mare. Loki nodded. "It seems so. Well done brother." He patted Thor's back, appreciating him.

"Oh it's nothing Loki... And umm.." he trailed off looking at nothing at a distance. Loki frowned and turned his head to face his brother. "What is it?" He asked knowing very well that Thor had some important news. Thor looked down. "I don't wish to ruin your mood and maybe I'll talk to you-""Thor. What is it?" Loki said with such a strict tone that Thor sighed before spilling out.

"Neith is back."

For a moment, Loki felt his head whirl and his body giving out all the warmth from his body. The matter he dreaded the most had finally decided to grace her presence in his rebuilding life. He should have known that inspite of how much he tried to ignore that woman, someday he had to face her again.

When will I finally be at peace?

"When?" "Last night. The trip from Vanaheim to Asgard tired her out so she couldn't meet father yesterday. But she would be joining us for... dinner."

Loki closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Inform mother of my absence during tonight's dinner."

Thor huffed. "What about Rose? She won't attend dinner without you and you know that very well."

"Then she can stay by my side and we can have our dinner in our room peacefully."

"Loki." Thor grabbed his shoulders and turned him around to face him. "For how long will you try to avoid her? As much I know, she isn't leaving Asgard so soon. I'm damn sure that she is staying here till New Moon year. So tell me brother, how long will you sneak past that woman?" But Thor got just silence in return.

"Look Loki, I know what are your reasons and I really can't even imagine what you are going through at the moment but as an older brother," Thor continued, "I just want to advise you to face her. You have Rose, mother, me and even father by your side. Don't worry."

Loki nodded with a sigh. "As much as I hate to admit it but...but you are right Thor. I can't just ignore Neith but... I feel something is about to go wrong."

Thor snorted. "Well I can't recall a single day that went perfectly fine." Loki smiled. "Yea... right."

"OI! Thunderhead and Lemonade!" Rose called out, waving at them. "Give a break to your gossips and come over here! I can't climb her!" She pouted annoyed making the brothers laugh.

"Because you are tiny!" Thor teased as they walked towards her. "A tiny baby girl." Loki added and they laughed harder seeing her scowl, the tension vanishing for the moment.

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"Ow! Ow! Loki!" Rose whimpered, trying to pull back her arm from Loki's grip. "Gently please!" She squeaked. "I'm doing it gently darling. Now sit still." He said as he dabbed the wet cloth piece on her gash.

Rose hissed, closing her eyes shut as a stray tear trickled down her cheek without her notice. "I won't fight anymore." Loki chuckled. "Finally..." He sighed dramatically as he wiped away the tear with his thumb.

After he wrapped the bandage around her upper arm and left fist, he stood up and started rummaging her almirah. "What are you doing?" Rose asked as she watched Loki pull out a dress. He placed it over her head, to irritate her.

"Wear this for tonight's dinner." He said. Rose groaned. "What is wrong with this one?" She asked pointing to the grey one she's wearing. Loki huffed. "Don't argue and wear it. Tonight's dinner is... important."

Rose studied his face and her brows twisted in concern. She stood up and cupped his cheeks.

"What is going on in your mind, huh?" She asked, her nose brushing his. Loki shook his head and removed her hands from his cheeks. "Nothing...""Cut the bullshit Loki and say what is it? You're troubled." She urged, placing her soft blue glowing palms on his chest, calming him down.

"You need to stop using your powers on me Rose." "Not even a thank you! Woah! Fine. Now answer my question." Rose narrowed her eyes. "What happened?"

"Neith... Neith is going to be there at dinner." He said with a sigh. Rose frowned. "So what? I think it's a good thing." Loki gave her a bewildered look. "Good thing?" "Yes! I wanna see that bitch and if possible, thank her because if seen that way," Rose mused tapping her chin "it's because of her that I got you."

Loki rolled his eyes. "You are too positive sometimes. Don't chatter and go get changed. I don't want us to be late." Rose gave him a dirty look. "I'm going! Don't get your horns in a twist Loki." She picked up the dress and snorted.

"It's green." She pointed out. "You don't say." Loki snickered and pecked her cheek. "I want to show everyone that who you belong to. It's my colour afterall."

"I don't belong to anyone." Rose scowled. "You're mine darling. You can't change that. No one can." He smirked and Rose flicked his lips with her fingers. "Ow!" He yelped, rubbing his lips. "Hah! Take that!" Rose grinned and sprinted away to the bathroom.

10 minutes later...

Loki paced in the room, his face scrunched up in deep thoughts when the sound of door creaking open caught his attention. He turned his head and his eyes got round seeing Rose in the green gown. As he had expected, she looked beyond beautiful.

"Don't you think it's a bit... revealing?" Rose asked, uncertainty in her voice as she pulled up her dress to cover her chest properly. Loki smiled and grabbed her hands, stopping her from fidgeting.

"Do you really think I would let you wear something that would reveal that is meant for only me to see?" Rose blushed red and Loki's smirk widened. "Ah that blush! Bless my cold heart!" He gasped like a girl making her giggle.

"Stop it! Now let's move." She tried to walk past him but he grabbed her waist and pulled her back flush against his chest. "Nay. Something's missing."

He dragged her and made her sit on the chair. Picking up her strawberry lipgloss from the table, he held her chin in one hand and started applying the gloss on her lips. Rose stopped herself from giggling seeing Loki pucker his lips as he concentrated on his work.

He tilted his head, studying her lips and then wiped away the excess gloss from the corners of her lips with his finger, his tongue sticking out a bit during the process. Satisfied with his work, he grinned widely showing out the slight dimple on his left cheek.

"Are you done with my makeup, my boyfriend?" Rose smiled. Loki nodded as he pulled her up with him. "Yep. Now the last thing..." He swirled his finger around her head and light green gem studded chandelier earrings dangled from her ears.

"Ta-da!" He greeted in a sing-song manner and whirled her around so that she was facing the mirror now. "I'm so proud of myself." Loki sighed, batting his eyelashes making Rose laugh. "You should be darling." She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him down, placing her lips softly on his for a short kiss.

"You messed up your lips!" Loki complained. "No. I shared my lipgloss with you." Rose grinned and indeed, Loki's lips too now glittered and had a slight reddish tint.

She stopped him from wiping his lips. "No don't do that. Let's go now. I don't want us to be late."

They stepped out of the room and began their walk towards the dining room when Loki abruptly stopped. "Rose?"

She looked back at him. "What? Are you troubled again?" She asked placing her hand on his cheek."I'm fine but I forgot to tell you something." Loki said, looking around to make sure no one's eavesdropping. "What?"

"Don't allow Neith to touch you. She should not touch you." "Why?" Rose asked, confused seeing Loki's serious face."She's a sort of seer. She has power to see your future and past too. Mostly the past." He said. Rose nodded. "Kay... Is it dangerous? I don't think so."

Loki shrugged. "She's a manipulative woman. It's better to be safe than sorry. So don't. Allow her. To touch. You." Loki pressurized on each word. Rose nodded obediently. "Okay."

"Very well." He kissed her forehead and took her hand in his, interlocking fingers. "Let's proceed."

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Rose POV

I pressed my back against the wall and slumped down on the cold tiled floor. My head thudded painfully and blood pounded in my ears as I ran my fingers through hair. My chest was painfully constricted and my brain replayed the conversation I had with that bitch.

"How much?" Neith asked, impatiently tapping her feet on the polished golden floor. I looked around to find she had cornered me. Loki had left with Thor for an important conversation with Allfather.

"What how much?" I asked back, trying my best to keep the distance in between us.

"How much gold do you want? Precious stones? Handsome men? I'll give them all to you."

I snorted. "Why would I need those?" Her continuous stares were creeping me out. Back at the table, she kept shamelessly staring at Loki and me, and just because of her I couldn't enjoy the food.

"What the fuck are you talking about, huh? Move away." I growled, irritated.

"I want my Loki back. Take all the treasures you need and then carry your ass back to Midgard." She smirked and it took every ounce of my self control not to claw out this shit's face.

"Are you an idiot?" I sneered, crossing my hands over my chest. "First of all, Loki isn't some fucking item to be sold and bought. Secondly, I love him. Did you hear that? I love him and he's precious to me more than your shits."

Neith chuckled and clicked her tongue. "Tsk tsk... You are so so naive, Midgardian." She spat the word 'midgardian' like an insult. "You love him? He's a Prince and just look at yourself." She pointed her perfectly manicured nail at me. "A mere mortal... A worm from the filthy Midgard. How dare you to dream that you are perfect for him!" She barked and the words hit me hard.

"Everyone knows your intentions, Midgardian. They know that you're a gold digger." She continued, circling me like a predator. "They whisper behind your back and curse you. Just because you have that pretty face and stupid powers doesn't mean that you can have him. No. You can't." She whispered near my ear. There was so much hatred in her voice that it made my stomach lurch.

I had so many insults stored up in my brain but at the moment, everything seemed to have frozen. Her words weren't only hitting my heart but also my conscience. And I just stood rooted to the spot, my eyes staring ahead of me.

But she wasn't wrong tho...was she?

"Just keep one thing in your mind." She snarled at my face, towering over me easily due to her height. Every inch of my body tried to recoil back in a tight ball under the fiery gaze of her dark grey eyes. "He was, is and will always be mine. He will come back to me."

"No..." I suddenly found my voice. "He won't go back to you. Nev-""Don't worry about that, Midgardian." She laughed, flicking her dark hair behind her shoulder. "If he doesn't come back... I'll snatch him away."

"What am I?" I heaved, clutching the edge of my gown. "A gold digger? Really? A stupid earthling with stupid powers? But-but I'm his soulmate, right?"

The loathes continued to dance in my mind sending it into a frenzy state. I knew that she was trying to manipulate me. The negativity had almost swallowed me but then again, thanks to Steve's company, my positivity resurfaced.

"Hold yourself together Rose." I patted my cheeks. "You're Loki's soulmate. You are born to be his. Fate has chosen you, not that bitchy Neith to be his life partner."

I am way better than her. Yes, I am.

Maybe she is more graceful, taller and richer with a good family and royal ancestors. But I'm no lesser.

Just because I'm an orphaned Midgardian with a traumatic past and with no trace of gracefulness doesn't mean that she would dominant me. I have Frigga's and Thor's support, maybe Allfather's too and Loki loves me. I never took any pride in my beauty but right at this moment, I admit that I'm more beautiful than her too.

Fuck that bitch 'cause I'm the best.

A smile crept up my face as a sense of victory washed over me.

"You got me this time, Neith but the next time I meet you, you'll regret it." My moment of solitude was disturbed by the opening of the door. And as expected, Thor barged in my room.

"Sister, I've something to... Were you crying?" He asked, cupping my face. I shook my head with a small smile. "No Thor... Can you hug me please?" Thor blinked twice before engulfing me in his warm bear hug. I let out a shaky breathe and relaxed. I needed this hug.

"What troubles you, my sister? Tell me." He asked rubbing my back. "Nothing brother... I just felt homesick. That's all." I lied and Thor nodded, buying the lie. After pulling back from the long hug, he brushed away my messed up hair. "Feeling better?" I nodded.

"You wanted to tell me about something? Where is Loki?" "We have to leave for Vanaheim tomorrow at the daybreak. Loki is currently with father discussing about this matter."

My heart dropped. "Loki is leaving?" Thor nodded. "Can't I join you?" He shook his head. "We are going to solve some problems and no mortals are allowed there." He informed me. "When will you be back?" "Very soon Rose. It won't take much time since Neith knows all -"

"Wait wait wait..." I stopped him. "Neith?" He nodded. "She's accompanying us because she knows the place better than us."

Joy...

I sighed and hugged him again. "Have a safe journey, brother. And come home soon." "I will sister. You take care too and don't land in any trouble." He said hugging me back. I laughed. "Okay." "Loki will come to meet you soon."

I shook my head. I don't know why but I don't feel like talking with him anymore tonight. I'll talk to him before he leaves tomorrow. "No need brother. Tell him to retire to his room and take rest. I am tired and... I don't want to meet him now." I said softly, rubbing my neck.

Thor nodded after a few seconds. "As you say sister." He kissed my forehead. "Good night sister. Sweet dreams." "A very good night brother."

Thor was about to step out when I called out his name."Thor?" "Yes?""Take care of him and please... keep an eye on that bitch- sorry Neith." I grinned sheepishly and Thor laughed. "Don't worry sister. I will." And with that, he left.

The smile dropped from my face as I let out a tired groan. I miss everyone back in New York. God knows what they are doing now. And what about Hydra? Did they get any more threats?

I crashed on the couch that faced the big window and stared at the night sky. Only one word to describe it: Stunning. Glittering galaxies with glowing heavenly bodies and moons. Damn!

I placed my hands on the window sill and leaned down my head on them, gazing at the sky. The cool wind blowing seemed to caress my face and the crickets chirped their lullabies. I closed my eyes, the tension lifting up from my shoulders and I smiled relaxed.

At least, my night is a peaceful one.

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Loki POV

"Why?" I asked Thor, confused when he informed me that Rose didn't want to meet me. He shrugged. "I don't know. She said she was tired and was not feeling like taking to you at the moment."

Strange. She is never that tired that she couldn't talk to me.

"Is she ill?" I asked him to which he shook his head. "No... She didn't seem ill but she was a bit upset. Yes, she looked upset and I don't know why."

I hummed in response. "Okay... good night brother. See you in the morning." I bided, patting his back. He nodded. "Yes, good night brother."

I started walking towards my chamber with slow steps. I don't want to visit Vanaheim and that too with Neith. Why can't father see that how uncomfortable that woman makes me in her presence? My luck stinks.

I stopped at my door and then turned around to face Rose's door. Maybe I should have a look at her. What if she's sick? Or is it because of another flashback?

Without wasting any more seconds, I walked to her doorstep, turned the knob and entered into the room. The room was dark and silent. I tiptoed near her bed but my heart almost leaped out when I found the bed empty.

"Oh sweet Norns! Where is she?" I rushed towards her bathroom but halted when my eyes fell on the small figure slumped on the couch. I let out the breathe I didn't know I was holding and thanked the Norns. Slowly, I walked near the couch and smiled seeing her sleeping peacefully.

"You shouldn't sleep here, darling." I whispered as I gently slid my hand under her knees and wrapped the other around her shoulders. I leaned her body against mine and effortlessly picked her up in my arms. My breathe hitched when she twisted in my arms and blinked open her eyes.

Shit!

She mumbled something unintelligible under her breath and stared at me for a few seconds with her half closed eyes. "Ssh ssh Pud... sleep." I cooed and thankfully, her eyes fluttered close and she fell limp in my arms.

Very gently, I placed her bottom half body on the bed. Supporting her head with my other hand, I quickly fixed her fluffy pillow and then placed her head on it. A purr left her lips as she nuzzled into the pillow, her hands clutching the edge of it.

She's so adorable.

Tucking her in, I brushed away the strands of her hair from her face and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well. Sweet dreams Angel." I put up an enchantment around her body that will keep the nightmares at bay. Kissing her palms the last time, I stood up and left. I needed a good sleep too.

I'll try my best to return soon. I know that she'll be safe with mother but deep inside my heart, something screamed wrong.

She is Neith. 😋

Hope you liked the chapter... I'll try to update soon! Till then take care and love you all! Bu-Byee marshmallows!! 🥰🤗