atenevaeh

[atenevaeh]

Loki: How do you tell someone you like them without telling them you like them?

Lori: I don't know. Just compliment them?

Loki: Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?

Lori: Yeah, try that on them.

Loki: They're really dense though.

Lori: Maybe just tell them you like them, then.

Loki: I like you, Lorelei.

Lori: Yeah, exactly like that!

Loki:

Al, in the background: *slaps forehead*

[atenevaeh]

short story: wishful cravings

Every time she'd take her place at the dinner table, Emira would make a wish, though the wishes do not go as far as the incandescent grandeur of "win the lottery" or "find out I am the long-lost princess from a kingdom far, far away."

Then this would go on. Same old longing upon food-filled tabletops. Emira continues to hold on to those wishes, wondering if they will ever come true as her lips slurp on the soft udon in this particular midnight storm.

Within her imagination, she cooks up her own fantasy. Replace the topped tempura with the tender chicken breast, adding a handful of garlic, toasted into a tawny gold. Flush out the kakejiru and pour in the hearty chicken broth instead. She looks out toward the window, teardrops sending a ripple of mellow beats reverberating through the glass pane. She thinks about the chicken mami crafted from scratch, it's swimming in her head, and Emira remembers how her lola would crown it with a soft-boiled egg.

Breakfast is an entirely tricky matter when she starts bargaining for her wishes. Her mornings are laced with what-ifs and will-they, reflected upon an empty bowl of miso soup. She taps on her spoon and takes the lid off the clay pot filled with steaming porridge, but a look of dread washes over her features when a piece of Japanese pickled plum rests on top of the shirogayu. Emira can already taste the tartness of the red-orange side dish as the sticky rice grains absorb the juice oozing from the preserved fruit.

She blows on her bangs, huffing out her dismay. Nanay must have sneaked it in, she knows that I don't eat those.

Her mother must have heard her impeding thoughts when she suddenly gives Emira an iron stare of her own.

The daughter shrinks and begrudgingly gives in, slowly nipping on the sour plum.

If I chew on my umeboshi will they allow me to go back? So that I'll get a chance to munch on Maman's homemade atchara.

What if I wake up every morning to boil the miso soup? Will Nanay and Tatay send me back home to stay with Maman as a reward?

I rather have tapa for breakfast, it will surely be accompanied by Maman's atchara. Maybe, I should study harder so that they'll let me visit the Philippines for my next vacation.

Promise after promise, Emira continues to barter for her wishes to come true. Please, please, please listen. Rapid breaths mixed in with desperation run their course as she seizes for a shooting star.

Mornings dampened with the all too familiar waves of humidity. The rooster crows in a fine tune, signaling daylight's ascent. The first thing her heavy-lidded eyes land on is the view of her Maman's wrinkled smile, Emira fully wakes, basking into her lola's sunlit kindness. It truly is infectious, as the girl mirrors the ever-warming beam. A fresh plate of beef tapa, partnered with the stirred sinangag is placed on top of the wild rustle of her duvet. They sit in tender silence, soaking in the early dew of Sunday morning.

Her wishes now bear the yearning for another string of memories with her lola, back in her hometown. May it be over languid stirs for a pot of the gooey champorado at 3 am or even the searing afternoons of dry season where they help themselves with a pitcher of calamansi juice, the sharp citrus decadence making tropical troubles a bit more bearable.

All she ever wanted is simple.

So why can't she grasp it?

The quiet plea forms silent tears in her eyes as the rainfall threatens to cascade at any moment. So she takes the chewing to a steady slow, counting down the steps til' she has gotten both feet planted on the ground, and finally she stills. Emira then downs a glass of water as she manages to swallow the brined treat.

This is not one but of many. Alone with her own melancholic musings over the dinner table, she was raised in a culture where savoring food is a way for people to express their love.

A love she has looked for in every serving of yakiniku or an intense bowl of tantanmen. Up until now, Emira continues to open up to the eccentricity of the land she currently resides in.

But her heart (and taste buds) drift back towards Maman's home-cooked menudo, greeting Emira after a long day with her childhood friends or the special sinigang of Tita Joy, the tangy stew gets a bit more interesting with pakwan incorporated into the soup.

Every mealtime, Emira makes a wish. And she'll hold on to them, looking forward to another chance with her dearest loved ones back in her homeland.

[atenevaeh]

Drunk Jamie sits beside Alistair

Jamie: Hey sorry quick question, Are you looking for a wife?

Al: What?

Jamie: Are you looking for a wife?

Al: What do you mean?

Jamie: Like just like a wife, like get married

Al: Yes, like eventually

Jamie: Like today?

Al: Why?

Jamie: Not today?

Al: No

Jamie: How about tomorrow?

Al: *chuckles* I'll marry you but not today or tomorrow we'll get there soon okay?

Jamie: *blushed*

Al: I'll take you home first, you're drunk

[atenevaeh]

LoreKi AU—“A Day With You”

In-a-Secret-Relationship Scenario 3

Lorelei's POV

I heard Loki yawned after we went out of the restaurant. We're on a malll today, niyaya ko siya mag-date since aalis na naman ako to go to Cebu with my Dad. Bale after 4 days pa ulit kami magkikita. Sinusulit ko na lang din 'tong araw na ito kasama siya kasi he' ll go back to Pampanga later around 5 pm.

"Are you tired? Pwede namang umuwi na lang tayo para makapagpahinga ka pa bago bumalik sa Pampanga" I said. He shook his head, "Nah, I'm okay" he answered.

"Are you sure? Pwede namang ituloy na lang natin ang date natin after this semestral break" I suggested. Biglang para siyang nagising at dali-daling lumapit sa akin. "No, I'm really okay. Let's date now, beside this is the only day where we are free to stroll around together and do this without worrying if others might see us." he slid his hand on mine and intertwined it.

Oh right! When we're together in Pampanga, we can't really go out and date since our realtionship is secret. We're scared that anyone would find out—No, I'm the only one who's scared—I don't know why, I just want our relationship to be private. I'll tell it to my friends soon, but for now I wanted to keep it with Loki. If I'll have a chance, I'll tell it first to my Dad.

Naglibot-libot na lang muna din kami ni Loki, and honestly I feel happy dahil first time naming lumabas ng ganito, holding each other hand without minding other people. I'm not an expert in dating and I have no idea kung ano bang ginagawa ng mga taong nag-de-Date. Okay na sa 'king magkasama kami ni Loki at naglilibot lang dito sa mall.

We went inside the bookstore, nagtingin-tingin lang din ng books na pwedeng basahin. I bought two books while Loki bought another book of Sherlock Holmes. Mystery geek talaga.

While walking around, I saw a clothing store nearby and I remembered something. Narinig ko lang ‘to kay Jamie, sabi niya kapag nagka-boyfriend siya, gusto daw niyang maranasan na siya ang pipili ng damit para sa boyfriend niya. I don't know if that is necessary but I want to try. I noticed that Loki likes plain shirt and short lang, he doesn't have fashion sense but he still look handsome though. And I wanted to buy something for him.

Hinila ko agad si Loki palapit sa clothing store but he stopped me before we could even go inside. "Why are we going there?" he asked with his forehead creased. "Let's buy some clothes" I answered.

"Why? We already have enough clothes why do we need to buy again?"

"Hindi naman tayo bibili ng madami, we'll just buy one or two"

"Its not necessary, let's go" he pulled my hand but I stopped him, "But I want to buy"

"But you alreay ha—" "Please?" pinagdikit ko ang dalawang kamay, "Sandali lang promise" He looked at me for a while before sighing, "Okay, okay" napangiti ako saka siya hinila papasok sa loob ng store.

I went straight to the men's station, "The women's station is on that area" Loki said to me while pointing in the opposite direction"

"I know"

"I thought you're gonna buy a clothes for you?"

"I never said that" I answered while choosing at the rack of men's polo. "You're buying a guy clothes? For whom?"

"For Alistair" I lied, gusto ko lang siyang biruin. Bakit di niya naisip na siya yung bibilhan ko?

"For Al?" he asked and I answered him with a nod. Napansin kong nag-iba na agad ang expression ng mukha niya at kumunot na ang noo niya. "Why are you buying clothes for him?"

"Wala lang gusto ko lang" lumipat ako sa ibang rack ng mga damit at namili, I felt Loki following me from behind, I even heard him clicked his tongue. "You should've ask him to come with you instead of me" he whispered but I still heard. Pasimple akong ngumiti, nararamdaman ko na ang selos mode ni Loki.

I chose a light blue polo and showed it to him, "Do you think Al will like this?" I asked. I suppressed my laugh when I saw his face, kunot na kunot na ang noo niya at bahagya pang nakanguso ang labi. "Don't ask me" he exclaimed and turned his back at me.

Hindi ko napigilan at natawa na talaga ako pero agad ding napatigil nang humarap siya sa ’kin, he's now looking at me with his emotionless eyes. UH OH!

Continuation...

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

—PURE Fictional/AU

[atenevaeh]

LuGgie AU—“If you'll let me”

Maggie's POV

I went out of the library right after I checked out the book that I need for our review, malapit na naman ang Mid-terms and I don't want to cram. If some students hated exams well not me, I'm quite excited whenever exams are coming why? 'cause I'll have a chance to have a study date with Luthor, my best friend. Not actually date since ako lang naman ang nag-aassume. But nevertheless, I still had a chance to study with him, I mean sinong hindi ma-i-inspire mag-aral kung may gwapo at seryoso kang kasama ‘di ba?

And speaking of the angel, naramdaman kong nag-vibrate ang cellphone ko, when I took it, Luthor's name showed up and he's calling me. I cleared my throat, "Hello Luthor" I greeted while smiling.

"Are you free?" bungad niya sa ’kin. My smile immediately faded just by hearing the tone of his voice, he has a problem I can sensed it. "Why?" I asked instead of answering his question.

"I-I just need someone to talk right now" he answered, ngayon palang ay nag-aalala na ako sa kaniya. Mabilis akong naglakad, "I don't have a class now, I can go to you. Nasaan ka ba?" I lied. I still have my 6pm class but its just a minor subject, Luthor is more important now. I can't just leave him lalo na kapag ganitong may problema siya.

"Just meet me at the parking lot"

I ran my way to the parking lot, pagkarating ay mabilis akong luminga sa paligid para hanapin siya. And there I found him leaning on his black SUV. I opened the front cam of phone and looked at myself, I fixed my bangs and eyeglasses, pinunasan ko rin ang pawis sa mukha. I take a deep breath before walking to his direction. He looked up at me and I greeted him with a small smile.

He remained silent but still opened the door in the shot gun seat for me. I silently sat inside and waited for him.

Tahimik lang kami parehas habang nasa biyahe, I already know kung saan kami pupunta, I already know what's happening to him just by looking at his gloomy face. It already happen a lot of times already, nasanay na lang din ako. Ano pa bang magagawa ko? I'm his best friend and I always make sure that I'm always here for him.

We arrived at an overlooking place in Antipolo, we went here a lot of times already. Whenever we are happy or we have a problem, laging dito ang takbuhan namin. Maybe because it's quite peaceful here, sobrang calming ng lugar, makakapag-isip ka ng maayos habang nakatitig sa City Lights.

We went out of the car, Luthor opened the trunk of his car so we can sit at the back and stare at the city. "Can I drink?" Luthor suddenly asked and I nodded, "Ako na lang magda-drive pabalik" sagot ko.

I don't like alcoholic drinks but I know Luthor need it right now, its not like he'll get wasted naman, he's not that type of guy but I'm quite happy that he asked for my permission first.

Silence engulfed again after Luthor opened the canned of beer and drink a little. But this silence is kinda comforting, we can hear the whistling breeze that embraces our body. The sky full of stars and the city light is calming.

"We broke up" Luthor suddenly spoke after minutes of silence. But I'm not surprise anymore, alam ko na agad, dahil ramdam ko. For the past years that I've been with him, the only problem that Luthor can't keep to himself is about his girlfriend. That's why I already knew that we will talk about her again.

"What do you want to do now? Beg for her to come back?" I asked.

"If I can I'll do it but I don't have a courage to face her now after everything I've done to her"

"Then do you plan to move on?"

"I..." Luthor paused for a while and sighed, "I don't want to move on Maggie, I know I can still win her back"

I looked away, in-expect ko nang magiging ganiyan ang sagot niya pero masakit pa rin talaga. I wanted to scream at him and tell him that he doesn't need to be this desperate over that girl. They already broke up, why does he still like her when he can like the girl beside him instead. Is he dense? Why can't he feel that the one who truly love him is me?

Oh right! I never confessed my feelings to Luthor. I can't, for the sake of our friendship. But now I'm tempted to say my feelings and tell him that I can love him more than the woman who broke his heart. I'm always there for him but the one Luthor needed is not me. And it hurts, I know I'm being martyr but I just love him, you can't blame me.

Napansin ko ang mabilis na pagbagsak ng luha ni Luthor, he immediately wiped it para hindi ko mapansin but I already did. Kinuha ko ang beer sa kamay niya at itinabi iyon, then I hugged him. "You can let your tears out, its not good to keep it." I said.

Right after I said that, he embraced me and buried his face on my shoulder. "I love her Maggie, I really really love her" he whispered while crying.

'And I love you Luthor' I said in mind.

Slowly, I tapped his back to comfort him. Same at him, I'm also letting my tears out, silently. If only Luthor would let me love him, if only he knew my feelings, kung ako sana ang minahal at pinili niya hindi na sana siya nasasaktan nang ganito.

If only you'll let me Luthor.

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

—PURE Fictional/AU

[atenevaeh]

LoreKi AU—“Unusual Morning”

Lorelei woke up feeling a lot better than yesterday. She got sick in two consecutive days and wouldn't able to attend her class. Thankfully, Aunt Martha took care of her whenever Loki attended his class. She remembered last evening that Loki didn't leave her side until she fell asleep.

She wondered if Loki is still sleeping since he slept late last night. She stood up and fixed her bed. When she went out she smell something, someone is cooking in their kitchen. That must be her Aunt martha she thought. But when she went at the kitchen, she saw Loki's wearing an apron while busy cutting vegetables.

She thought she's dreaming because Loki will never cook, he'll choose to order in a fast food chain than wasting his time cooking. She blinked twice and pinched herself but realized that Loki is really cooking.

"Nagluluto ka?" she asked, a little bit surprise. Loki turned his head to her, "Your up, are you okay now? Do you need something?" he asked. Lori shook her head, "Let me see" Loki said before drawing close near Lori, since Loki's hand is still holding the knife , he used his forehead and pressed it against Lori's forehead to check if she still has a fever.

Lori was taken-a-back by what Loki did, her cheeks blushed. Loki stepped back, "Your temperature is lower now than yesterday, are you sure you're okay? You can still sleep if you want to" he stated.

Lori looked away, "D-don't worry, I'm feeling a lot better now, how about you? Are you sick? Nahawa ba kita?" she asked.

Loki slightly smiled, "No, I'm okay why did you asked?" Loki continued what he's doing. "I just can't believe that you're cooking Loki, siguradong wala kang sakit?"

"I know its weird but I still want to try, I mean I can just order our food but you need healthy foods since you got sick, Tita Martha left earlier that's why I decided to try cooking for you" he explained while still busy cutting.

Lori can't help but smile, she walked near him and watched what he's doing. "Anong niluluto mo?" she asked.

"I tried omelet rice for our breakfast and I'll try sinigang later or you can tell me what you want to eat, I'll try cooking it"

Lori's smile widened, "Confident ka magluto ah, paano mo naman natutunan 'yan?"

"YouTube" he simply answered then pointed his finger at the Ipad near the sink and a cooking tutorial video in youtube is playing, Lori laugh softly, "Oh right, you'll rely on the internet pala"

Lori noticed that Loki is kinda uncomfortable on his hair, he's slightly bowing his head that's why his hair is covering his eye. Lori went out for a while to get his hair tie, when she came back she called Loki, "Loki wait, harap ka muna sa 'kin"

Confused Loki turned around to her, "Why?"

Lori held the hair tie using her mouth then held Loki' s hair, she's slightly brushing his hair using her fingers, making sure that his bangs wouldn't cover his eyes again. Loki silently stare at Lori, who's busy tying his hair. She got woke up and she's sick yesterday but she's still beautiful, he thought.

"Done" Lori said after tying his hair, she smiled when she looked at Loki, he looks cute. "Thanks" Loki said then continue cutting carrots. Lori stood beside him again, "Gusto ko nang matikman luto mo, matagal pa ba 'yan?"

"No, but if you're hungry I can make sandwich for you" he offered.

"Hindi na, I'll wait. I'll just wash my face, call me when you're done"

"Okay" Lori stared at Loki for a while before she turned her back and murmured, "Cute"

—Fanart by Alec (@hanj0000 on twitter)

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

—PURE Fictional/AU

[atenevaeh]

EmThor AU—“Attention on me, My President”

"Hi" Emeraude greeted upon sitting beside the lounge chair. Luthor remained silent.

They watched the glowing pool caused by the light reflecting to it. They can also hear a cricket around, the trees danced by the cool breeze. Emeraude embraced herself, feeling a little chilled. She looked up when she felt a jacket around her shoulder. Luthor lend it and hanged it around her.

"Thank you" she said.

A minutes of silence engulfed again between them. Emeraude is still has no idea why Luthor called her. Did he call her so Luthor have an accompany?

After a while, Luthor broke the silence, "Did you have fun?" he spoke.

With her forehead creased, Emeraude looked at the man beside her, "Have fun here?" she asked clueless.

"Earlier" he simply replied.

"I'm sorry Luthor but can you elaborate? I can't get what your point is?" she stated. Its like they're playing mind guessing.

Luthor went silent for a second before speaking, "I saw that you're enjoying laughing and giggling with our officers specifically with Gio"

"Of course I'm laughing because I'm having fun, what's the problem with that?" Emeraude wanted him to look at her but Luthor remained staring at the pool, not throwing a glance on her even for a second.

"You're enjoying his company?" Luthor asked again. "I'm enjoying everyone's company not only him, again, what is your point?" she asked calmly.

"You held hands at the last activity, you even hugged each other. Then I'll saw you having fun again with him at the pool and at the gazebo, tsk!" Luthor murmured but enough for Emeraude to hear.

Emeraude grinned, "Wait a minute, are you jealous?" She noticed Luthor's ear flushing red.

Continuation...

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

—PURE Fictional/AU

[atenevaeh]

LoreKi AU—“To be with you”

In-a-Secret-Relationship Scenario 2

Lorelei is sitting on her bed, her back leaning on the headboard while she's holding a book. Its been one week since she took a vacation in their house in Manila. They have a 3-week semestral break, she took the first week in Henson's apartment with Loki and the rest two weeks in Manila. Her Dad Walter encouraged her to visit, so they can have time together after months. Although her Dad is still busy, she still enjoyed her vacation here after the different stressful case they solved.

She can't wait to go back to Pampanga, she missed her friends as well as her Aunt Martha, even Freya. For her, Pampanga feels like home more than her real house, maybe because she's happy to be there, she's happy with every experiences and memories she had in that place.

She still have a communication with her friends through calls and face time. Alistair also took a vacation in Manila but he's now on Japan with his family. Jamie took a home staycation and Loki on their mansion.

While still reading a book she heard a slight knock at the door. "Ma'am Lori?" the maid asked.

Lorelei closed her book, "Yes?" she answered, she placed the book at the top of the cabinet, stood up and went to open the door. She swung the door open and the maid 'Ate Delia' greeted her, "May bisita po kayo"

Her forehead immediately creased upon hearing what Ate Delia said, she glanced at her phone and its already 8 pm. Who will visit in this hour? Last time she check she doesn't have closed friends here in Manila.

"Sino po?" she asked. "Loki daw po"

Continuation...

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

—PURE Fictional/AU

[atenevaeh]

*＊✿❀Small Steps

summary: the appalling clean-up. yes, we do not talk about that one

pairing: loki mendez x lorelei rios

warnings: none

A pair of heavy footsteps make their way along the sleek halls of the apartment. Vivid hues of sunlight flitter through the glass-cut windows, intromitting the peak afternoon warmth.

Slipping into their shared unit, the weariness built upon the gruesome school day finally settles on her shoulders. The boy next to her smothers a long yawn, mutual drowsiness engulfing the both of them. She makes her way toward the light switch with a skip to her step. Actions hinting at her giddiness to commence her afternoon nap time session, ready to flush out the faint feeling of after-class blues.

click

The scene resting in front of her puts Lorelei to a halt and reels her into an exhilarating madness. Papers are strewn across the floor accompanied by the couch cushions flung all over the place. The light-colored stuffing of her silk pillows sloppily spread out, decorating the interior as if Christmas snow had breezed through their residence.

An active crime scene.

Hearing the boisterous clang from the kitchen, their heads cock toward the abrupt commotion. Loki steps out, trudging carefully into the area. The sounds of delicate footfall echo through the suite, his movement wary to catch the suspect off guard.

The kitchen was not spared from all the disarray, cupboards were rearranged as well as last night’s leftovers decorated the tile floor. Loki pushes forward, each step drawing out the sound of utensils clicking against the soles of his leather shoes. Another sign of movement startles the pair, resounding a faint creak, the refrigerator door opens wide.

The culprit reveals itself, white fur now spotted with ebony black with a paw-shaped ink trail behind its course. Freya lets out a hushed meow, a timid greeting to her owners’ arrival.

Loki picks up the cat, grime caught into a tangle of knots against its fur, and bundles her against his arms. Gaze serious on the furry offender, as if a wave of paternal responsibility washes over him, now painting her usually distant roommate in a different light.

Making her way towards the broom and dustpan, a grumble bubbles down Lorelei’s throat. She draws out a long heavy sigh, air violently coursing from her lungs to her lips, crushed from the appalling clean-up project after an already exhausting day.

“You do know that your mom and I had a long day. Now look at the mess that we have to clean up,” he utters while staring at a clueless Freya, lifting her form to eye level.

Already on the verge of deep slumber, her tired eyes suddenly widen upon eavesdropping on Loki's nonchalant implication. Feeling the heat rise unexpectedly to her cheeks, she instantly shakes her head in dismissal and shoos all the wandering thoughts away.

She reaches for the cleaning supplies when a swift hand cuts through the corner of her peripheral vision. Seizing the items into his hold, Loki marches toward the eye of their unit's chaos.

She gapes at him, bewilderment etching onto her features. Taking in the sight of something of such peculiarity, as if some unknown spiritual force had taken possession of his soul. There he is, the infamous Loki Mendez who despised carrying out the legwork, now seen tidying up their quarters. A tempting urge to conduct an exorcism on her roommate buzzes through her thoughts, adding a mental note that she should invite Alistair and Jamie to witness this monumental event happening in front of her very eyes.

Is he drunk? Did someone brainwash him to miraculously do chores?

As luck would have it, her raving thoughts were blurted out, leading the dark-haired boy to fix his attention towards her. She looks away and bites back a grin, trying to suppress her teasing remarks.

Helping her up with the mop, his hands grasp the bucket, soap suds peeking up at its brim. Loki hands it to her and he proceeds to work on a cluttered spot. He then finds Lorelie's gaze, eyes telling her to meet him halfway.

"Didn't I tell you that this is an activity I find liberating? We may be surrounded by a mess right now but all of this will pass if you actually start scrubbing the soiled floors, the chaos will not clean itself, dear Lorelei."

"Oh Loki, you and I both know that between the two of us, I am the one who often tidies up the mess," she scoffs, scrubbing the mop toward the rigid stain stuck on the black-and-white patterned tiles." And besides, I was genuinely surprised that you took the initiative to organize everything," she leans into the mop’s handle, using the tool to carry her weight, eyes scrutinizing him.

He gives a low hum of a reply.

The pair carry on with their cleaning tasks, Lorelei busies herself with the kitchen area while Loki directs his undivided attention to the mishmash of a living room. Shadows play out their efforts to reinstate their apartment back to its pre-disaster glory, movements languid from the weight of bundled student and household duties.

Their beloved club cat sits by and observes the pair’s mundane interaction through its heterochromatic orbs, the copper-haired girl directing the disheveled boy on how to organize the throw pillows upon the couch’s scratched surface.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

An afternoon spent on the quiet throngs of tiresome buzzing, the soft ticks of the clock foretell daytime’s denouement, remnants of its brilliance peer over the monochromatic interior.

Lorelei’s debilitated frame lies on the crisp sofa, her right leg dangling off the edge. Soft snores reverberate through the room, chest rising and falling to the still of tired beats. Pitter-patter, the sound of a weary heart drum out small steps, til’ she hears a shatter.

Lorelei blinks, consciousness stuck between the lines of wake and asleep, her eyes finally settle on the tenebrosity of sunlight’s descent. The reflection from grey-toned cityscapes envelops the complex with shadowed blue violets, giving Lorelei a hard time navigating her dazed form around their unit.

A disconcerting hiss bounces off the walls and the perturbed girl bolts toward the bathroom door, where the disturbance must be coming from.

Small hurried steps leading to her destination. Her eyes adjust to the radiance of the fluorescent bulbs, a big reveal of a scene consisting of multicolored bubbles and overflown puddles.

Her smile widens at the sight of her occupied roommate, his usual tousled state a bit more prominent caused by the strenuous rush of afternoon’s trouble. Towel securely wrapped around a disgruntled Freya, enraged meows and tiny whines of protest pulsate through the washroom as Loki steadily pats on her damp fur.

Lorelei throws her head back in laughter as she has witnessed Freya headbutting Loki right on the forehead, earning a series of inaudible muttering from the teenage detective.

Loki then faces her, the source of amused chatter.

Her giggles consist of wind chimes ringing breezy cacophonies into summer's high.

Plopping herself by his side, arms outstretched, offering to cradle the freshly scrubbed feline. Loki instantly places Freya onto Lorelei’s grasp, a sigh of relief escapes his lips, grateful for having to rid himself of the snowy menace.

The still silence. It settles in. Of jaded breaths and heavy-lidded eyes, a wave of exhaustion washes over them a second time.

But she's conscious.

"Thank you."

She captures his gaze. Tumultuous typhoons create greying showers within his orbs. She drowns into them. Her eyes soften.

He expresses a hint of a smile.

The pitter-patter from the leaking faucet echoes through the room, like small steps.

Small steps. That's how they were.

"I may have been partly responsible for the chaos as I may have forgotten to feed Freya before heading to school," he states, now avoiding Lorelei's glare.

A splash.

Between chattering teeth, he blurts out "Now, now, I am trying to make this right through diplomatic negotiations. I am deeply sorry, alright."

If it weren't for the fatigue settling in, Lorelei knew that her lecture would go on, but the both of them were frazzled by the bustle of harrowing student load and so she withdrew.

Though Lorelei would admit that she is grateful, truly. Admitting your error is one thing but correcting it is another.

Realization dawns upon her.

A succession of short steps meets her own.

Her hands clasp his soaked fringe and slick them back, taking in the view of the entirety of his face.

She flicks his forehead.

A pained yelp. The boy clutches the space above his knitted brows.

"That was for your mistake, I don't want it to happen again," a warning.

"But," she faintly murmurs. "I'd be caught lying if I told you that I didn't appreciate what you did."

He sighs, leaning his weight on the porcelain, his still too tired eyes burning into hers with pained gratitude.

Loki Mendez is indeed a handful.

But he is learning.

Blunt words and unconventional tactics define his very being, as the ferocious thunderstorms know no bounds. But sometimes the might of monsoons disperse into fox rain, even tempestuous gales bow down to the iridescence of the brightest star.

The boy picks himself up and quietly walks out of the bathroom. Pulling on his hoodie, Loki starts unlocking their unit’s main door.

“And where are you headed this late at night?” Lorelei questions, her one eyebrow raised.

“Need to buy replacements for the damaged decor,” his muffled reply blares from an attempt to get his head through the sweatshirt. “What color do you want your pillowcases to be?”

“Aren’t you going to contact Mr. Vasquez to pick you up?”

“My dear brother is busy with student council duties, he and Maggie will be taking overtime to make preparations for the upcoming event so Mr. Vasquez is preoccupied as of the moment."

A deafening pause.

"Fine," a rumbled sigh. "My phone is dead."

Lorelei playfully rolls her eyes.

"Would you like to accompany me?" Loki looks at her expectantly, awaiting her reply. His palm ruffling the crown of unkempt locks, he stifles a yawn.

Tired steps bearing the weight of daylight’s distress reach their unit’s entrance, she gives him a glance and nods.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Two beings stand next to each other amongst the dissonance of busy bees skirting the dull greyscapes. Cars honking and the loud tattle of strangers over jeepney drives. The city of Angeles is most alive at twilight.

Pitter patter, two pairs of feet journey through the winding asphalt roads. Shoulder to shoulder below the raging reds, tranquil greens, and blazing yellows of dusty traffic lights.

They exchange a knowing look. Witnessing a promise of young love wished upon dandelion stars into summer’s breeze. They hold onto it.

But it’s a school day and they are caught in a crowd of thousands. Encompassed by the high-rise structures and the glaring blurs of concrete jungles, no dandelions bloom here. All they have are small steps.

Spirits a bit drained, and eyes daring to shut at any moment. Though, hearts are full. Thrumming to the beat of small steps. For small steps carry moonlit affections.

They may be minute and nimble, but these steps have steered them towards each other.

The lights turn green and they are allowed to go on. For this is their city. The figures stride through the crosswalk. The still quietness remains. Even as they go adrift together. Toward the energetic buzz of the smokey grey metropolis.

[atenevaeh]

Happy 1K reads on my Project Loki AUs (Compiled) 💐

Thank you for reading my AUs though I'm still a beginner and I have a lot to improve. Thank you for supporting this guys, you really inspired me to write more. More AUs to come soon 💕

[atenevaeh]

LuGgie/MargaThor AU—“Unspoken Feelings”(←click this)

Note: Out of character AU, Normal High School Life, Rhea's cameo coz why not? Has more than 2000 words so I can't drop it here :)

[atenevaeh]

AlMie AU—“Wallpaper” (←click this)

Wherein Jamie has a crush on a transferee HUMMS student. This AU has 2000+ words so I didn't drop it here 🤭

[atenevaeh]

LoreKi AU—"Your scent"

Sub-title: In a Secret Relationship (Part 1?)

Lorelei's POV

We're on our way to the parking lot, me along with Loki and Al. Today is Friday and we're planning to have an overnight in our apartment—which in fact only Al and Jamie 'cause Loki and I were already flatmates—Jamie let us go here first and asked us to wait for her since she has still some errands to do.

When we arrived in front of Alistair's car, Al suddenly halted while looking at his phone, "May problema ba Al?" I asked. He put his phone back to his pocket and smiled at me, "No, I received Jamie's message she's asking me to help her to take her stuffs" he replied.

"Do you want us to help too?" I offered.

"No, I got this. You two can just wait here, I'll just go to Jamie." I nodded at him. I looked at Al until he's gone in my eyeshot. I went near the car and stood up straight while waiting at our two friends. I almost leap in my place when I felt Loki's hand wrapped around my waist. I looked at him, slightly surprised. "Nakakagulat ka, bakit ba bigla ka na lang lumalapit?"

"Why? Is it bad to be close like this with my girlfriend?" he simply replied.

"What if they see us like this? We still haven't tell them that we're already together" I questioned. I looked around the parking lot to see if there's any other students apart from us.

"If they caught us like this then let's just admit that we're already in a relationship, easy" he stated like its just that easy to tell them that we're already dating for months. I rolled my eyes, "We can't just tell them like that, we already talked about this ‘di ba?"

"Why are you so afraid of us being exposed as couple? Its not like we killed a person, we just love each other its not a sin right?"

"I know, I-I'm just finding the right timing. We can't just face them and say Kami na pala ni Loki. And I told you, you're my first boyfriend and I'm kinda afraid especially to my Dad"

He pulled me closer beside him as he placed a kiss on my head, "Okay, okay I'll wait until you're ready to tell them about us" he said.  I smiled and looked up to him, "Thank you"

"By the way Lori" Loki suddenly spoke.

"Yes?"

"I don't like your new shampoo"

"What?" I asked, kinda annoyed by what he said. He just broke the sweet momentum between us with that question. "I like the first shampoo that you used, it smell nice. I noticed that you changed your shampoo and I don't like it."

"How did you know? Oh never mind, are you sniffing my hair?" I asked, he looked at me innocently and nodded. "I always smell your hair whenever we hug or cuddles and I kinda like the smell of your shampoo."

I didn't know how to react, I know that he is observant but I didn't know that he is THIS observant that he even know the smell of my shampoo.

I was about to answer him when I noticed Al and Jamie from a far so I immediately distance myself to Loki and acted like we're not talking to each other.

—LoreKi fan art from my Momc Poleng (@Paupauxxxx) on twitter

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typographical and grammatical errors

—Expect a part 2 but in different scenario

[atenevaeh]

LoreKi AU—“Stucked”

Lorelei's POV

I was busy washing the dishes and humming a little when I heard the muffled voice of Loki from his room.

"Lori!" I heard again, "Why?" I shouted back.

"Lori! He—" I can't understand what he's saying. I washed my hands and wiped it. With my forehead creased I walked towards Loki's room, I knocked three times before asking him. "What's happening Loki? Why are you calling me?"

"Lori! Help" my eyes widened, with the thought of him in danger, I immediately swung the door opened. I gasped when I saw his state, I felt my cheeks turning red. "Lori! Help"

"N-No" I refused instantly. I thought he's in a grave danger, it turned out he's just stucked on his sleeve shirt. His back is facing me and he's half naked, maybe he's trying to take his clothes off but his head stucked?

"Lori! Help, my hair was stucked on a button. I can't remove it"

"I-I can't—" I answered in a low voice, I averted my gaze. Why am I feeling embarrased by seeing his naked top?

"Lori! I'm already tired, I was stucked for about a minutes already." he complained. I shut my eyes and breathed deeply.

'Calm down Lori, you'll only help him remove his clothes' I told to myself.

I went to his direction, he's standing up so I helped him sit on his bed. "Bilisan mo!" he complained.

"Wait okay?" I looked at the button where his hair stucked, I heard him groaned in pain when I tried to pull the button. "Ayan! Hindi ka kasi nagsusuklay kaya sumasabit 'yang buhok mo"

I slowly untied his hair on the button but he keeps complaining. "Should I cut your hair?" I suggested. "No!" he replied. "Ayaw nga matanggal gupitin na lang natin"

"Still a no, just try to untied it" I rolled my eyes as I tried to removed his hair again, doesn't matter if I pulled some of his hair. After a minutes, I successfully untied it. I heard him sigh in relief as he took his sleeve shirt completely right in front of me, my eyes widened while looking at his naked top.

"Your face is flushing red, are you okay?" Loki asked looking straight into my eyes. I averted my gaze and immediately went out of his room. "Hey! Are you okay?" I heard him asked.

"Y-yes I'm okay don't mind me" I replied.

I heard his footstep toward me so I looked back only to see him still naked, I immediately turned around again. "Hey are you okay?" he asked again.

"I'm okay Loki, j-just go back to your room"

"Why aren't you looking at me?"

"I said don't mind me" I answered still not looking at him.

"Are you mad at me?"

Out of embarrassment and impatience I faced him, "Just go back to your room and put you freakin' clothes Loki!" I said while pointing my index finger at his room. I noticed the slightly surprised expression of Loki's face, "Are you blushing because you see my half naked body?" he grinned.

Is he making fun of me?

I massaged my temple and sighed, "Just put your clothes on Loki" I said calmly. "Why?" I looked at him in annoyance, I went near him and pushed him, making him turn around, then I pushed his back towards his room. I heard him chuckle after I pushed him inside his room and shut his door.

—LoreKi fanart and AU idea from my Momc Poleng (@Paupauxxxx) on twitter

—Characters from ProjectLoki

—Not affiliated with ProjectLoki or AkosiIbarra

—Typo and grammatical errors

[atenevaeh]

See how Mr. Loki “PERFECTLY FINE” Mendez slay in illustrations ❤️

This is your sign to read Project Loki Webtoon ←click this

[atenevaeh]

Jamie AU wherein—Jamie messaged her Ex

ib: fbdotcom

[atenevaeh]

Stein: I heard you like bad boys.

Rosetta: I… guess?

Stein, whispering to Luthor: Tell her, Lulu!

Luthor: He's literally the worst.