The portal's ready," Loki said after conjuring a swirling red void.

All the animals were gathered in front of the portal, staring at it questioningly. The Frost Giant looked to Madisyn.

"Are you ready?"

She inhaled deeply. "Yes." She turned to the crowd of creatures. "My friends, I know some of you are unhappy here and wish to go, so..I'm giving you a chance. This portal here will take you anywhere you want."

There was much chatter among the animals.

"Don't worry about me. I love every one of you, but...you can't stay here for my sake, not forever. I...I'll be fine."

After hearing some more chirping, Madisyn hung her head.

"No...you won't see me again if you leave."

Max stepped forth and pointed towards Loki.

"He won't hurt me. Really, I can take care of myself."

The animals she had been friends with for years squeaked in protest.

"You can take care of yourselves as well. You did fine without me before, you'll be fine without me now. You...you don't need me anymore." She floated to the ground. "The portal's there. The choice is yours."

For a while, the animals stood there, wondering what to do. Then a few headed towards the portal. Madisyn turned away, unable to watch. She could hear the electric noise as the animals stepped through the void. She tried to hold back the tears, but it was no use. She ran to the nearest tree and buried her face in her hands and began weeping.

After a while, she could no longer hear any chirps, squeaks or grunts. She did not need to turn around to know that they were all gone now. Then she felt something soft patting her head. She looked up and saw Max smiling at her. Other animals surrounded her, some badgers, squirrels birds, ducks and mice who had stayed behind.

"But..." she stammered. "I don't understand..."

They all chimed in unison, as if to say: "We're not going anywhere."

She sniffed. "Thank you, friends."

But she could not help but weep for the animals that had left. After closing the portal, Loki cautiously approached his fiancé. He got a few angry glares from the animals, but Madisyn raised her hand, assuring that it was alright. Still glaring at the Frost Giant, they slowly broke apart. Loki knelt down to her.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she choked.

"That was...very brave of you."

"I know. I just...can't help..."

She buried her face in his shirt and cried. Loki slowly wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair.

"Shhh," he whispered. "There, there. They're happy now, aren't they? That should make you happy, right?"

"I suppose," she sobbed.

"No more tears then."

He took her face in his hands and wiped away her tears. He had to think of a way to cheer her up. Then it hit him.

"How about I take you out to dinner tonight?"

Madisyn blinked in confusion. "Out?"

He nodded with a grin.

"You mean...outside the castle?"

"Well, I understand if you're not up for it..."

"No! That would be wonderful."

"I'll see you at seven, then?" She nodded as he pulled away. "Oh and why don't we make this a formal occasion? So wear something nice."

"Alright. Tonight then."

Loki watched his mirror as it showed Martha and Andrew Spence  on another date.

"How does he do it?" he wondered aloud. "The boy hardly says a word and still manages to win the girl over. Meanwhile, I've been courting this girl for almost a month and we still haven't gotten past the 'friend' level."

It was clear that his current tactics weren't getting him anywhere. He had to try something different tonight. That's why he was watching the human couple, to see what he could use. They were having lunch at a café, sharing a milkshake with two straws.

"So how was the harvest today?" Martha asked her date.

"Tough," was all Andrew said.

"I know how it is. My class was noisy this morning." She glanced at the clock tower. "Ooh, speaking of which, I better get back to the school. See you tonight?"

"Yup," the tan human nodded.

Before standing up, Martha leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. Loki's eyes widened at this action. Of course! Why didn't I think of it before?!

Now he knew he had to make this night perfect.

Madisyn was pacing around her room, Max standing impatiently on her bed.

"Ooh, what should I wear?" She held up a green dress in front of the mirror. "This one? No." She picked up a blue dress. "This one? No." The next was red. "Maybe? Oh, where's Tatum when you need her?!"

Max thumped his foot on the bed to get her attention. She turned to him as he squealed.

"Why am I so nervous? Oh, I don't know! I just...want to look nice for him..."

The dog glared at her, as if to say: "Why should you bother looking good for that creep?"

"Oh, Max, he's tried so hard to impress me. The least I can do is to make an effort as well. I know you don't like him, but believe me when I say he's not as bad as you think. You wouldn't be here with me if it weren't for him."

Max snorted. "You wouldn't be here in the first place if it weren't for him!"

"The wedding is going to happen, Max. There's nothing I can do but try to love him. I'm going to be here forever whether I marry him or not."

The dog turned away in a huff. Madisyn sighed and walked over to the vanity. As she gazed in the mirror, she thought of all the times Loki had called her beautiful. Although she would never admit it, just being with him made her feel beautiful. That's why she had to look her best tonight.

She did not know where these thoughts were coming from. Since when did she care so much about her appearance? Because he thinks I'm beautiful, she thought, and I have to be beautiful just for him.

Madisyn spun around to face Max. "Can you at least help me pick out a dress?"

The dog stared at her for a moment, then hopped down and began rummaging through the closet.

Loki spent the rest of the day searching for other couples in Ohio to learn from and also did some digging into Madisyn's past, watching it all in the mirror. His favorite part was seeing Madisyn flip out at the Grand Marching Gala three years ago. It made her all the more interesting.

It was now five minutes to seven and Loki was making last minute adjustments to his appearance. The tuxedo he had summoned made him feel ridiculous, but he had a girl to impress, so he was willing to suffer whatever pain to do so. He could do nothing to improve his physical appearance, however. He was able to change form, but he had figured out long ago that no matter what he turned into, part of his figure would remain. For instance, if he turned into a human, the black hair would still be on his head, his eyes blue, his bushy eyebrows and height, all reminders of what he was. There was no use changing anyway if Madisyn knew of his true self.

"Okay, Loki," he said to his reflection. "You can do this. You can do this!"

He licked his hand and slicked his hair back, only to have it pop back up. He sighed in defeat.

"Oh, who am I kidding? I can't do this! Loki, wake up and smell the hummus! She's the most beautiful creature in the world and I'm..." he looked in the mirror and sighed again, "...not worthy of her."

He slumped to the ground. "What's the use? Even if she's already engaged to me, she'll never really want me. I might as well give up."

As Loki wallowed in his misery, he thought back to when she had called him her friend for the first time. She had said it without hesitation and had snuggled up to him without a trace of fright. Maybe...just maybe...

The Frost Giant blinked away the tears and stood tall. "This is no time to sulk, Loki! There's a beautiful girl waiting for you and you're going to sweep her off her feet!"

He teleported outside of Madisyn's bedroom and was about to knock when a thought occurred to him.

"Hold on. If you're going to do this, do it right!"

He summoned a bouquet of roses and straightened his tux. He then knocked on the door and heard the angelic voice from inside: "One minute!"

As he waited, Loki started sweating.

"Alright, no need to be nervous," he muttered to himself. "Just one girl. Just one amazing, beautiful...my, it's hot in here." He tugged at his collar. "You can do this. Whatever you do, don't look like a..."

"Loki?"

He was so distracted he had not heard the door open. He quickly straightened himself up and forced a smile.

"Madisyn! You ready to...?"

He stopped at the extraordinary sight before him and nearly dropped the bouquet. She wore a golden dress, roses and vines embroidered along the skirt. Her hair was tied into a long ponytail hanging loosely over her shoulder. She wore only a little makeup that gave her face a slight glow. When she looked up at him, her brown eyes seemed to sparkle.

"Is everything alright?"

Loki opened his mouth, but no words came out. Madisyn glanced down at her attire.

"Is it too much? I can change, if you'd like."

"No!" he blurted. Then he pulled himself together and cleared his throat. "You look...amazing."

She turned away with a blush. Loki then remembered the bouquet and handed it to her.

"For you, my dear."

Madisyn took the flowers with a smile. "Thank you, but...I'm all out of vases..."

"I'll fix that."

He snapped his fingers and a new dresser appeared in her room, a vase on top. The roses then floated over to it and settled themselves inside. Loki had an idea and made one of the roses come back. He bent down to Madisyn and fixed the flower into her hair. He took a step back to admire her.

"It suits you."

Madisyn blushed again. "You're too sweet. So where are we going?"

Loki turned his back to her and crouched down. "Hop on and I'll show you!"

Her eyes widened. "You mean...climb on your back?"

"Yes, we're piggyback riding there!"

"Oh but...I can walk by myself..."

"Well, where's the fun in that? Besides, I don't want you to wear your precious feet out, my dear."

"Um...okay."

She hesitantly crawled onto Loki's back and locked her arms around his neck. The Frost Giant turned around and opened one of the windows.

"Hold on tight," he whispered to his passenger.

He unfolded his arms and raced towards the window. Madisyn shut her eyes and let out a squeak as he launched into the air.

"Woo hoo!" Loki cried. "Madisyn, you've got to look at this view!"

His only response was a whimper. He turned his head to see the marcher burying her face into his neck. He raised an eyebrow.

"You can look, you know?"

"But it's so..." Madisyn stammered, "...high."

"Oh come on! Don't tell me you're afraid of heights! You're a marcher for crying out loud!"

"It's um...not of heights, it's of...falling."

"You have arms! How can you...?" Loki sighed. "Look, if you fall, I'll catch you, alright? I promise."

Madisyn stopped shuddering. He was right. She was being ridiculous. Hesitantly, she opened her eyes and glanced down at the Buckeye Forest below her. She immediately closed her eyes again.

"Are we going to land soon?" she pleaded.

The Frost Giant rolled his eyes. "Alright, hold your brain!" He snickered. "Get it? Hold your brain?!" He waited for a laugh, but got a whine instead. "Fine. Ooh, there's a good spot!"

He slowly descended into a large clearing in the wood. He snapped his fingers and turned to the shivering girl on his back.

"It's okay. You can let go now."

Madisyn opened her eyes and jumped to the ground. She glanced at their surroundings and gasped at the sight of a table draped in a white cloth with a candle in the middle. Two covered dishes were set in front of two cushioned dining chairs. As a last minute touch, Loki summoned a violin, playing softly by itself in midair. He bowed to his date, gently taking her hand.

"Shall we, my dear?"

She giggled as he lightly kissed her hand. He then ushered her to one of the chairs, holding it out for her as she sat down and pushed it back in. Madisyn was impressed at what a gentleman he was being.

"And what would my dear, sweet Maddie like to eat?" Loki inquired as he seated himself.

"Um...salad?"

"I know just the thing!"

He snapped his fingers and when Madisyn lifted the cover of her dish, she saw a bowl of bright green leaves with no stems, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, feta cheese and ranch dressing. It was just the way she liked it. She had stopped asking how he found out about these things.

Loki had a chocolate milkshake, though as he sipped through the straw, the glass disappeared rather than the liquid. Again, Madisyn knew better not to question the God of Mischief.

"This was really nice of you," she said with a smile.

"Well," he chuckled, "I think we've both been cooped up in that castle for too long. Besides, it is lovely out here!"

She gazed into the darkness of the trees. "What if a Wolverine or something shows up?"

He waved his hand nonchalantly. "Please, I'm the scariest thing you'll find in this forest."

She looked at him shyly. "I don't think you're scary."

Loki tried to contain his joy at hearing her say that. "Well, there you go! Nothing else should frighten you then!"

"Oh...um...I'm not brave..."

"Um, hello? Is this the same human who sacrificed herself to save her country? You can't get braver than that!" He paused. "I've always wondered, by the way. What made you decide to accept my deal?"

Madisyn glanced down at her plate. "Well...I...you see...I had to save the prince and princesses and...I've always wanted to be brave. I guess that was my chance."

He leaned forward onto his hand. "What about your friends?"

She winced at the mention of them. "Well...they wouldn't have been better off spending an eternity in darkness."

Seeing her saddened expression, Loki realized he had to change the subject and fast. "Well, out with the old and in with the new, I always say!"

"When did you ever say that?"

"Just now!"

He summoned them each a wine glass, filling them with grape juice. He raised his glass.

"A toast to the future!"

Madisyn gave him a small smile and clinked her glass with his. It was only now that she started growing suspicious. They had had a candlelit dinner before, but dressing up, playing romantic music and talking about the future? Not only that, but they were out in the open where someone might see them. He was up to something.
Loki got up and started to dance with Maddie and sing. "Night time falls and wins my adoration. Mischief stirs from my imagination. Listen as the trees make music in the breeze. Slowly as you, dream a land of splendor. Take the chance to live a life of grandeur. Appearances deceive, look me in the eye, believe. I don't intend to cause you any fright. As I create the Mischief of the night. Close your eyes and I'll cure you of your darkest dreams. Purge your thoughts of the monster you knew before. Spread your arms, let your feelings come alive and together we will both skydive." Said Loki. "What?" Asked Maddie. "Um...softly, deftly, mischief shall surround you. Hear it, feel it, closing in around you. Open up the door and you'll find out what's in store. As you turn away from Pride and light and relish in the mischief of the night. Let your thoughts roam, devise itself a whole new world. Memories, forget them, they're in the past. Let your heart take you where it longs to be. Only then will you belong to me. Floating, marching, dancing here together. Hold me, love me, dearest, darling treasure. Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in. To the power of the mischief I incite. As I create the mischief of the night. You alone can make my heart take flight. As I create the mischief of the night." Said Loki as they are done dancing. They sit back down.

When she had finished eating, the violin started playing a rendition of "Somebody to Love."

"You hear that, dear?" Loki said. "They're playing our song!"

He teleported beside her and bowed. "May I have this dance?"

She stared at his open hand for a while and then slowly took it. In a flash, the clearing had turned into a marble pavilion, the columns decorated in flowered vines, candles illuminating the tiled floor. He led her to the middle and pulled her close.

He twirled her around as he had done the first time they danced, until the song changed.

"Hmm," Loki mused. "This one's a bit slower. Oh well, might as well comply with the maestro."

"But you..." Madisyn was about to say, but was cut short as he snaked his arm around her waist and gently took her hand in his hand.

Now he's leading me in a waltz? He's definitely up to something.

Neither of them noticed the princess walking near them. Princess Harleen was making her nightly rounds when she spotted the pavilion, knowing it had not been there the night before. She cautiously walked closer and gasped seeing Madisyn in the arms of the monster! She was about to charge toward them when she heard the music playing from a violin missing its musician.

This was a direct violation of the agreement made! Loki was not supposed to create his mischief outside of the castle ruins! This meant he no longer had right to his claim on Madisyn! Vahl Dragonborn had passed on the message that she was not yet his wife. Harleen now had the chance to rescue the girl.

She made ready to charge, but then looked at the scene more closely. Loki was dancing with the marcher! And she showed no resistance! Curious as to what was going on, Harleen dove behind some bushes and watched.

The waltz was difficult for Loki, because Madisyn was so much smaller than him. He could not hold his arm outward without straining her legs, which is why he turned and dipped her as much as he could. Eventually, he found a solution and placed his arm on her waist along with his hand, bringing them closer together.

"Where did you learn to dance like this?" Madisyn inquired as he dipped her again.

He smirked as he slowly brought her back up. "You'd be surprised how much you can learn watching from afar."

She glanced around nervously. "Loki, what is this all a...?"

"Shhh," he whispered, putting a finger to her lips. "No words, my dear. Let's just enjoy this beautiful night."

Harleen could not believe what she was seeing. It was hard enough with Loki dancing the waltz, but since when did he compliment on her night?

She did not understand why the marcher was so calm. She was in the arms of the God who had stolen her away to be his bride. What had happened in the past month that made her suddenly unafraid of him? She had to be under a spell, but Harleen could sense that sort of enchantment and there was none on Madisyn.

The marcher was not the only one who seemed different. Loki's eyes never left Madisyn and he was gentle with every movement he made with her. Also, what he had created out here was not his usual wacky construction. Everything was orderly, even the tuxedo he was wearing. A tuxedo! His voice was different as well, softer and kinder. This was not the Frost Giant Harleen had helped turn to ice.

It had to be an act. He was pulling this charade to seduce the marcher. That had to be it!

Then something shocking happened. As they were turning slowly, Madisyn laid her head onto Loki's chest. He looked just as surprised as Harleen was. Then his expression turned into a smile and he tenderly stroked his partner's hair, staring at her dreamily.

Harleen's jaw dropped. She knew that look. Could it be that the God of Mischief was in...?

She shook the idea out of her mind. No, it was impossible! With a heart as ice cold as his, there was no way he could be capable of such an emotion! Gods like him could never change!

Then again, who was she to judge someone in such a manner? She of all people should know better than to label someone as completely evil. She had been wondering why Loki had demanded a bride. Seeing the way he was looking at Madisyn right now helped her to comprehend.

A thousand years, he had suffered alone, as did she. The difference between them was that Harleen had her sister. Loki had no one to let him in, until now, it seemed. So was this genuine?

When the song ended, Loki summoned a stone bench right in front of Harleen's hiding place. The princess ducked as he led Madisyn over. She decided to let this offense slide and teleported out of there before she could be spotted.

The two sat there awkwardly for a while, waiting for the other to break the ice. They stole glances at each other, but looked away before the other could notice. Madisyn smoothed out her dress while Loki rubbed the back of his neck before looking at her again. After a few minutes, she finally caught him.

"What are you staring at?" she asked quietly.

Loki smirked as if the answer was obvious. "Why you, of course."

A chill ran down her spine as he reached out and brushed his hand against her cheek.

"So beautiful," he whispered.

Madisyn kindly pushed his hand away. "Is that all you can say?"

He blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong. I'm flattered, but..." She looked away. "Is that the only reason you like me? That you think I'm a pretty face?"

"Oh, Madisyn, no! How can you say that?" He took her hands. "First of all, your face is not pretty, it's beautiful and second, I don't think  you're beautiful, you are  beautiful! Of course I admire you for it, but that's not the only reason. You're gentle, kind, brave, you have a lovely voice, your Stare practically turns me on..." Loki winced. "Forget that last part. The point is that I find everything about you fascinating."

Madisyn blushed slightly. "That's very sweet."

He cuddled his body around her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I speak the truth, my dear. You are everything I could ever ask for."

She closed her eyes as he leisurely ran his fingers through her hair. His face was so close that she could feel his warm breath. A month ago, this would have frightened her, but now, she just wanted him to keep stroking her, soothing her, whispering these things in her ear. Whenever he was around, she felt safe and secure, beautiful and important, cared for and adored.

"Madisyn," Loki whispered.

"Mmm-hmm?" she uttered absent-mindedly.

"Might I ask you a teensy question? It's not the usual one!"

"Mmm-hmm."

He turned her head towards him. "May I kiss you?"

Madisyn opened her eyes in shock. "What?"

He quickly moved away from her. "Sorry, I...I've just never kissed anyone before and...since we're friends, you wouldn't mind..."

"Okay," she replied weakly.

"You know, just this once, and...wait. What was that?"

She breathed and boldly faced him. "One k-k-kiss w-wouldn't hurt."

Loki stared at her as she shut her eyes and waited. For a moment, he hesitated. He was not expecting for her to actually cooperate. This might be his only chance.

He gently took her face in his hands and leaned forward. What if she doesn't enjoy it? What if she hates me for the rest of my life? What are you waiting for? Do it now!

He panicked and kissed her on the forehead before quickly pulling away. Madisyn opened her eyes in confusion.

"Loki," she said slowly, "are you...nervous?"

He scoffed. "Nervous? W-why should I be nervous?"

"It's okay. I'm nervous too."

The Frost Giant blinked. "You are?"

She hung her head. "Well...I've never been kissed either and...if I'm never going to meet anybody else in my life..." She trailed off and looked back up at him. "I won't mind. Go ahead."

Loki gulped. "Um...alright. Here it goes."

She closed her eyes as he leaned toward her again. He was only an inch away from her lips when his panic returned. When nothing happened for a while, Madisyn closed the gap between them, causing Loki's eyes to widen in shock. Unbeknownst to him, his pupils became heart shaped and after a few seconds, his eyelids slid closed.

Never in his existence had he experienced such a thing as wondrous as this. He did not want it to end, but she broke away too soon. Madisyn glanced off to the side, while Loki recovered from his stupor.

"That was..." he stammered.

"...nice," she finished.

Neither of them said anything for a while.

"How about another dance?" he asked suddenly.

After dancing a few more songs, Madisyn let out a yawn.

"Are you alright, my dear?"

She nodded. "I'm just tired. Can we go home now?"

He grinned at the fact that she had called his castle 'home' and scooped her into his arms. "Of course, my sweet."

They disappeared in a flash, along with the pavilion, returning it to the clearing it was before. They reappeared in front of Madisyn's bedroom.

"Do you want me to tuck you in?"

"No, thank you," the marcher said, jumping out of his arms. "Thank you for tonight. It was lovely."

She surprised him with a peck on the cheek. "Good night."

"Sleep well, my sweet," Loki said, putting a hand where she had kissed him.

She did not take his eyes off him until the door was shut. Loki then teleported to his room and cried, "Yes!"

He brought the bed down so it could catch him as he collapsed. He had just kissed the most beautiful girl in the world and she was one step closer to finally becoming his.

After replaying the events of the evening in his head, his grin slowly disappeared as realization hit him.

There was no use denying it anymore.

"I've fallen in love with her."