Sorcha's Secret World, Part 2: Mystery and Mischief.

Chapter 15, I see you.

He took my hand and led me out of the training room and towards the living quarters. I was expecting him to continue to the bedroom, but he stopped in front of the music room instead.
He hesitated, then gave an apologetic smile.
"I hope you can forgive me," he said as he opened the door, "but no matter how much I adore you, I can't help but detest you for beating me to this!"
The room was lit by dozens of candles, fairy lights hung above us and rose petals were strewn across the grand piano.
I slapped my hand over my mouth as I tried not to laugh.
"You did not truly believe I had forgotten, did you?" Loki eyed me with a half-smile, half-scowl.
"It isn't often one manages to beat a trickster god to his own tricks, and now you've managed it twice and on the same date nontheless."
I pealed with laughter. "I am so sorry, I was convinced you'd forgotten and I wanted to do something nice for you!"
Loki laughed despite himself.
"And you did," he admitted. "But now, my darling, it is my turn."

Loki sat down in front of the grand piano, leaving a space on the bench for me beside him.
"By now you are probably used to me serenading you," Loki smiled wryly.
"Every love song I hear, every chorus and refrain, seems an echo of my love for you and I feel compelled to share it with you just so you can understand how much you truly have come to mean to me.
Tonight, I would like to sing a song for you that is different."
I sat down on the bench beside him and eyed him curiously.
For a moment Loki fidgeted nervously.
"This song reminds me not of how I love you, but of the way you love me, and the way you love those around you."
He smiled almost shyly.
"I see you.
I see all the little things you do for those around you every single day.
I see the way you love, selflessly, without ever expecting anything in return. I see your kindness, your grace, your empathy and your generosity.
I see the tears you cry when you think no one is watching, and all the sacrifices you make."
He took a deep breath, his face serious as his eyes looked into mine.
"I see you, my darling Sorcha, and I love you all the more for it."

He stretched his long slender fingers and placed them on the keys.
"Heh, it's higher in tone than what my voice is accustomed to, you'll have to forgive me if I am slightly off-key."
I smiled at him, knowing that no matter what song it was, he'd sing it perfectly.
He hesitated for a moment, then began to play.

"Sweetheart, you look a little tired
When did you last eat?
Come in and make yourself right at home
Stay as long as you need
Tell me, is something wrong?
If something's wrong, you can count on me

You know I'll take my heart clean apart if it helps yours beat

It's okay if you can't find the words
Let me take your coat
And this weight off of your shoulders

Like a force to be reckoned with
A mighty ocean or a gentle kiss
I will love you with every single thing I have
Like a tidal wave, I'll make a mess
Calm waters, if that serves you best
I will love you without any strings attached

It's okay if you can't catch your breath
You can take the oxygen straight out of my own chest

I know exactly how the rule goes
Put my mask on first

No, I don't want to talk about myself
Tell me where it hurts
I just want to build you up, build you up
'Til you're good as new
And maybe one day I will get around to fixing myself too

I don't even know where to start
Already tired of trying to recall when it all fell apart
I just want to love you, to love you, to love you well
I just want to learn how, somehow, to be loved myself

Like a force to be reckoned with
A mighty ocean or a gentle kiss
I will love you without any strings attached

And what a privilege it is to love
A great honour to hold you up