The Invisible String Theory

Chapter 10 - This is How We Stay

(Feel It - D4VD)

We hadn't spoken much since the Hollow was sealed– since the void, the tether, the kiss. Words seemed like a poor replacement for what we had endured. Or maybe we were just afraid that speaking might break whatever fragile peace had started to settle.

We found shelter in one of the old Elyardi sanctuaries, a tucked away space with faded runes still glowing dimly on the stone walls. It was warmer than it should've been. Magic hummed faintly beneath the surface– like the land itself hadn't forgotten us.

Loki hadn't let go of me for longer than a blink.

"You're staring," I said softly, the corners of my lips twitching upward.

"Am I?" he murmured, letting his hand settle on my waist, still unwilling to let me go.

"Yes," I said, brushing my fingers slightly down his arm. "You're also hovering. Clinging. Shall I fetch you a leash?"

Loki huffed. "I just watched you vanish. Forgive me if I'm reluctant to let you out of arm's reach.

He smirked, and the tension in my chest eased a little.

"Would you like me to count how many times you've disappeared on me?" I said, tilting my head. "Because I think I'd win."

"I'm certain you're keeping score."

"Oh, absolutely." I slid my hand up to rest over his heart. "But I'm giving you a temporary reprieve. You look terrible."

He narrowed his eyes on me. "Being away from you tends to be... inconvenient for my rest."

I softened my expression.

A long pause followed. The wind picked up slightly, tugging at the hem of my dress and ruffling his cloak.

"I thought I lost you," he finally said, quieter now, letting the truth slip between us like a secret. "When the tether went... when you vanished– I've never felt that kind of emptiness."

"I felt it too," my voice more serious now. "But Loki... it had to be me. You would've found another way if I gave you time, and you would've taken the risk yourself. But this was mine to finish."

He looked at me for a long moment. "I hate how well you know me."

I grinned, "I'm getting good at reading you. You're not as unreadable as you think."

"Oh no," he said dryly. "You've cracked the code. What now? You'll start finishing my sentences?"

I leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "You want to kiss me again."

"...Touche."

And he did.

Only this time, it was slower. Not the frantic promise of I'm glad you're alive, but something warmer. Steadier.

I'm still here. And so are you.

When we pulled apart, we both stood up and he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and stepped back just enough to see me fully. "Come on. You've just returned from destroying a void-born entity. At the very least, you've earned a warm meal and a place to sit that doesn't smell like singed soil."

"Are you going to keep fussing over me?"

"Unquestionably."

I groaned playfully. "Gods, you're clingy when you're worried."

He took my hand. "And you're stubborn when you're loved."

That caught me. Just enough for me to tighten my fingers around his.