#loki ff

The door creaked open behind you, and your heart leapt in foolish hope before your mind reminded you not to be so naive.

"You should be asleep," Loki's voice was smooth, unreadable as always.

You turned, taking in the sight of him. His black and gold attire was slightly disheveled, as though he had just returned from a long night. He looked at you, eyes flickering with something unreadable before he sighed and stepped further into the room.

"I could say the same to you," you replied, trying to keep your voice light.

He didn’t answer, only pulling off his leather gloves before setting them aside.

There was a time when you would have asked him where he had been. A time when you still believed you could close the distance between you. But those days had passed.

Instead, you turned back to the window. "The children asked for you tonight."

Loki paused mid-motion, just for a second. Then he resumed unfastening his cloak. "I saw them before they went to bed."

"That was hours ago. They miss you, you know."

"They are children. They will always long for their parents." His tone was even, as if discussing a simple fact.

You swallowed the lump in your throat, forcing a smile. "Yes, I suppose they do."

A silence stretched between you, thick with words unsaid. Loki moved past you, reaching for a book on the desk.

"Why do you stay?" The question escaped before you could stop it.

He didn't look at you, fingers tightening slightly around the book’s spine. "For the children."

The words cut deeper than any blade.

You had known the answer, of course. But hearing it aloud—cold, final—made it so much worse.

You turned away fully this time, as if he could not see the pain written across your face if you simply refused to face him. "Right. Of course."

You told yourself you would not cry. Not again.

Behind you, Loki let out a slow breath. "You knew what this was."

"Did I?" you whispered.

Another silence. Then, softer, "Go to sleep."

He would not touch you. He never did.

You nodded absently and walked toward the bed. Not to sleep, but to pretend, just as you always had.

And Loki? He simply stayed in his chair, reading his book, never once looking your way.

Days passed in the same rhythm—nights spent in silence, mornings spent plastering on a smile for your children. They were your solace, the only true warmth in your life.

Loki was present in their lives, but only just. He played the role of father well enough, appearing when necessary, offering them fleeting moments of affection. But between you and him? There was nothing.

One evening, after dinner, the children had retired to bed, leaving you and Loki alone once more. You stood in the doorway of his study, watching him as he poured over a book.

"Do you ever regret this?" The words came before you could stop them.

Loki looked up, brow arching. "Regret what?"

"This. Us. The marriage. Everything."

A long silence stretched between you. Then, he set his book down and sighed. "Regret is a useless emotion."

"That’s not an answer."

He stood, walking toward you, his expression unreadable. "You want me to say I regret marrying you? That if given the choice, I would have walked away?"

Your heart clenched. "Would you have?"

His silence was answer enough.

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to stand tall. "I see."

Loki exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dark hair. "It was never your destiny to love me, nor was it ever expected."

"That’s the thing, Loki," you whispered, voice trembling. "I do. I love you. I have loved you for years. And it’s the cruelest thing in the world."

For once, he had nothing to say.

You turned to leave, but just as you reached the door, his voice—softer, almost pained—reached you. "I wish I could love you."

The door shut behind you before he could see the tears spilling down your cheeks.

And somewhere, deep in the shadows of his study, Loki stood alone, staring at the place where you had been, wondering why it hurt.

You continue to stand observing the stars from afar, glimmering luminously before your eyes. Asgard has just been destroyed due to the events of Ragnarok and the people have lost their home — for now. They were currently heading towards Midgard via a spaceship to take refuge there. Midgardians were one of the lesser intelligent species across the nine realms, but they could be very welcoming at times. Maybe they could build a new life over there…

Footsteps begin to advance towards you from behind, causing you to snap out of your thoughts and turn toward the disruption, only to spot the God of Mishcief approaching you.

A surprised yet secretly pleased expression forms on your face at the sight of Loki. You hadn’t had a proper conversation with him ever since your… fight. About him faking his death twice and impersonating Odin for years and posing to be king and betraying all of Asgard and especially you.

Yeah. A fight was one way to put it.

“Loki,” you breathe softly.

Loki connects his emerald eyes with yours, seeming to be holding something back. He was never one to hesitate, you knew that. He was always so outspoken — you’ve never seen him so rattled like this.

“I… I’m sorry, and I love you,” he mumbles in a soft tone, breaking the eye contact.

Your eyes quickly shoot up towards his, surprised with his sudden burst of affection. Before you could even gather up the words to speak up, he interupts you.

“You don’t have to say anything or even forgive me, but… I realize that I haven't been the best partner to you, and for that I am.. sorry. You have only ever been good to me, and," he stops himself to gently grab your hands and pull you closer. "You deserve so much more. I promise to you that I will do better. If you will let me.”

He sighs deeply, finally maintaining the eye contact and taking a step towards you.

“I’ve missed you since the moment you walked away from me, and I deeply regret letting you go so easily. That will never happen again — I promise.”

After all these years, you are finally hearing the words you’ve been longing to hear from Loki — and then some. You always thought it was a farfetched fantasy, but for once, it actually feels as though he was willing to change. That this time might be different.

You’ve already made the same mistake — twice — forgiving him then only for him to repeat the same mistake and somehow make it worse than how it was before. But, that’s the thing. Even after all his lies, all the betrayals you have endured because of him…

You never once regretted forgiving him.

“The Loki Odinson, God of Mischief, owning up to his past? My, where have I been this whole time?”

Loki playfully rolls his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, darling.”

A soft yet meaningful smile curves on your lips as you take a moment to process the last word that he said.

“You haven’t called me that since our fight.”

“And you haven’t looked at me with those eyes ever since I faked my death.”

“With what eyes?” You raise an oblivious eyebrow, fully knowing what he was talking about.

Loki softly shakes his head at your teasing before you let out a light chuckle once more. You gaze upon the long-haired frost giant, biting your inner cheek as you watch Loki being vulnerable to you for the first time.

"Loki," you call out in a soft tone, one gentle hand snaking up to his shoulder. "I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have let go of you so easily either. You were right — I was too quick to give up on us. But, never again. This time, we’ll try even harder to make things truly work. Agreed?”

A soft smile forms on his face — one that was sincere in a way that he never usually shows.

“Agreed.”

Before you could even react one more second, Loki cuts you off with an action that he only does once every blue moon. An action that neither of you can even recall when he last did it.

You feel gentle arms wrap you in a warm embrace. Being in his mere presence made you feel safe and at home — in a way that not even your physical home has ever made you feel. But being with him — reuniting with Loki once more — you knew, with the utmost confidence, that he was your true home. And there was no place you would rather be.

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In your stunned haze, you didn't have time to avert your stare as the god turned, revealing his even more familiar face. You made brief eye contact with the man causing you to curse silently. In the slim hope that he hadn't seen you, you shifted your gaze slowly, as if you were taking in your surroundings, and Loki just so happened to be a stop on that journey.

You took a sip from your flute of champagne as you noticed the intricate details of the ceiling above. You admired it for a while as if Michelangelo himself painted it.

Risking a glance at Loki's previous location, you no longer saw him, only the server who offered him hors d'oeuvres, to which he politely declined.

Before you could make a move to search for Loki further, a voice cut through your plans, "It seems you've caught my attention."

"How unfortunate for me," You responded, taking another sip from your alcoholic beverage, voice smooth and unbothered. You cut your eyes to the man, taking him in with greater detail now that he was closer.

Since you two were facing the same direction, you could only make out the side of his face, but that was enough for you. Loki was cladded in all black from his hair down to his shoes. The only difference was his distinct blue eyes, contrasting white skin, and a gold watch that adorned his wrist. He looked well, as if he was taking better care of himself.

Due to your position, if anyone were to look now, they would surely be confused. The auction's patrons would wonder if the two of you were having a conversation or simply victims of the semi-crowded room, both looking for a secluded space.

Observing enough of his appearance in the brief moment, you looked forward again, "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to say hello."

"No, what are you doing here, on Midgard, at this auction?" You clarified.

"Oh yes, that. Well, funny story," Loki chuckled lowly to himself, ducking his head down, trying to refrain from a smile. "I'm actually here to arrest you."

"You're right. That is funny," You said sarcastically before throwing your head back to finish off your drink. Deciding it best to leave the conversation there, you left Loki's side to place your now empty glass on a tray carried by a server before disappearing into the crowd.

Not soon after, you and Loki went your separate ways; the host announced that the auction would soon begin and that everyone should make their way to where it will be held. You instead headed for the bathroom, or at least that's what you told the worker who tried to guide you in the correct location of the auction room.

Once you were sure no one else would interrupt your pursuit, you made your way up a grand staircase, onto the third floor of the home, and into a hallway.

The hall was abandoned as expected, considering everyone was gathered in a room for the main event. The hall was laced with finely decorated art pieces, some dating back centuries. A wine-colored rug went the length of the corridor; it was trimmed with gold detail to match those of the cream and gold accented walls.

Many doors broke up the lengthy walls. If someone didn't know their way around the house, they would easily get lost. Luckily for you, you did extensive research before even stepping foot in the home.

You wasted no time in reaching the door that blocked you from getting what you came here for, a diadem. This diadem was said to be one of the oldest and most expensive in the world, and yet here it was behind some door that betrayed the house's aesthetic by having an electronic lock.

Leaning forward, you began to input the code but halted once you felt the presence of someone behind you.

"Can I help you with something?" You asked disingenuously, straightening your posture but not removing your gaze from the door ahead.

"Actually, yes," replied Loki, confirming that the person behind you was him, as you suspected.

"That was rhetorical," You said before finishing the code and pushing the door to the room open.

The room had dark blue walls that, like the hall, had gold embellishments that paired nicely with the light, almost white carpet below your feet. It was also dimly lit, mainly by the lights that shone upon small nooks in the walls that held lavish busts and the high-priced objects in cases around the room. The only thing missing was what you came for, the diadem.

"What have you done with it?" You questioned the god, knowing he had something to do with the missing headwear.

"I've put it away for safekeeping," Loki explained as you turned to face him, fighting hard to hide the irritation on your face. "But, I'll hand it over in exchange for a favor."

"I'd rather die than be in your debt."

"Harsh words."

"I've heard harsher," You snapped back, memories taking over your mind swiftly but leaving just as fast.

"I can help you," Loki attempted to reason, trying his best to ignore the words you just spat.

"I don't need your help."

"You do if you plan to get past the agents at every exit to this building," countered Loki.

You were shocked. You were always sure to keep a low profile when it came to things like this. Why would the government even care if you stole a few things from some overly wealthy assholes? Then you realized that those words were sometimes one and the same.

After a second of letting you process, Loki spoke up, "I'll give you the crown and help you get out of here if you do a favor for me."

You noticed he accented the 'if' when he spoke. "What's the favor?"

"We can discuss that at a later date," the god said, you detecting a touch of hesitation.

There was no guarantee to what Loki would have you agree to. You couldn't take that chance. "No deal."

"It won't be bad, trust me."

"Trust you?" You challenged Loki, daring him to remember that the last time he uttered those words to you.

Loki sighed, making a mental note to choose his words more carefully from here on out. "We don't have time for this. If I'm radio silent for too long, they're going to come in anyway."

You contemplated. Now that the government was on to you, who knows the next time you'll have an opportunity to steal again, let alone the diadem in which you came for. You sighed, "Okay."

At your response, Loki smiled. You ignored it.

"How are you going to get me past the agents?"

Loki walked towards you, but you stepped out of the way when you realized his gaze wasn't upon you but something behind you. "You're going to throw me out of the window," he said, once at the only window in the room.

"I was thinking of doing that anyway," You remarked as Loki turned to face you. "How does that help?"

"I'll project an image of you to fall with me and have it run away. The agents will be distracted, and you can go out another exit."

The thought of Loki going through a window by your hand made you smile slightly. "Okay, let's do it."

Now back at your hotel room, you sat along a provided loveseat, legs sprawled across the two cushions. You fiddled with the diadem, it sparkling in the little moonlight that entered your room from the window.

For the first time all night, you had time to think properly. You hadn't seen Loki in years. The last time you saw him, you assumed or rather hoped it would be the last given what had happened.

You'd be lying if you said the god hadn't plagued your mind during his absence, but it had grown less and less frequent. You prided yourself for ridding him from your mind, and yet here he was erasing all the progress you made in just one evening.

You cursed him and cursed yourself for letting such a small encounter affect you so heavily.

"You could've killed me, you know," came a voice ripping you from your thoughts. Loki was now in your room, though you were unsure if it was actually him or a projection of his powerful magic. He seemed to be talking about how roughly you had chucked him from the window.

You quirked your eyebrow up. "Is that not what we were going for?" You snarked back unapologetically, glancing at the man before looking back to the diadem.

Loki ignored your response, changing the subject, "I don't remember you being of the materialistic kind."

"I'm not."

"Then why all the thievery?" Loki questioned, taking you in as you examined the crown, turning it over in your hands.

"I sell things like this to someone I think is deserving of it and give the money to people who need it."

"How noble of you."

"Depends on who you ask," You sighed as you spoke, shifting to sit correctly in the loveseat—placing the headdress on the glass coffee table before you. While it was now between you and Loki, you knew that wasn't what he was after, so you did not need to worry. "What do you want?" You asked.

"I'd like to call in that favor now," Loki said shortly, getting to the point.

"Well, you don't waste any time."

"I'd like to see you again."  

Chuckling softly, you crossed your legs, "Ah, but you intend to waste mine."

"I can assure you that I won't," Loki stated, taking a step closer to where you sat. You sent him a look of warning halting him where he stood. Loki raised his hands in understanding, "I only mean to make amends."

"You had years to do that," You countered, some emotion breaking through your previously indifferent tone. You quickly composed yourself.

"Years in which I was a fool. Years that I wish I could take back, but I can't," Loki began, a hint of desperation in his voice. "I am asking for your ear now. A chance to right my wrongs, no matter how late I may be."

Loki rarely owned up to his mistakes; him admitting that he knew he should have tried to fix things long ago showed growth. However, you still weren't sure if this was enough to have him back in your life, no matter how long or short that may be.

Loki saw the uncertainty on your face, "All I ask is for one evening."

You pondered for a bit. Loki seemed to be different from the god he was before. He appeared to finally realize that the words he spoke to you broke you, affecting you to no end. You acknowledged even if you did agree to meet with him, it did not mean you had to forgive him or ever see him again past that night. Your debt would be forgiven, and you could move on with your life, move on from him.

" Fine," You sighed, regretting it almost as soon as you said it.

"Great, I'll see you then, Friday," Loki quickly voiced. He surely did this so you would not have time to retract your agreement. "It's a date," he added.

"It's not a date," You spat back, but it was too late. Loki had disappeared. Whether he heard your response or not, you weren't sure.

I guess you would find out Friday.

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A/N: Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading this imagine as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to let me know what you guys think! Also I had a British accent the whole time I wrote this, for some reason it made the reader seem sassier. What do you guys think? Do you all read with some kind of accent or voice that isn’t your own?

The next thing you were aware of, was waking up in a bed that was unfamiliar to you. The sheets were soft and silky smooth. The bedspread was a thick woven blanket. It was mostly emerald green but there was a pattern of golden snakes integrated into the design. The bed itself was massive, a king size at least, with an ornate gold frame and a black transparent fabric canopy above you.

“Ah you’re awake.” You looked to your right to see Loki sitting in a gilded chair nearby. He closed the book he’d been reading. It looked like a heavy tome of some sort. Maybe a spell book. He put the book down at the table beside him and got to his feet. “How are you feeling?”

“Where am I?” You asked. You didn’t recognize the room you were in. It was lavishly decorated with large windows that faced the moonlight and a door that seemed to lead out to a balcony. The room was large, much too large to still be in the Avenger’s Tower. You sat up and watched Loki approach you slowly.

“Asgard.” He answered and noticed you shrink away from him. He stopped walking, still five feet away. “I’m not going to hurt you, [Y/N].”

“Why did you bring me here?” You asked.

“You were hurt.” Loki explained softly. “I was looking for Thor and I thought I’d find him at the Tower but he wasn’t there. I was on my way out when you literally fell into my arms.”

“That didn’t answer my question, Loki.” You hadn’t spent much time around the trickster god. Like any New Yorker you’d seen the footage of his attempted hostile takeover. Since then, Thor had assured everyone that he was no longer a threat. Still, you’d personally decided to limit your exposure to him whenever possible. Despite both being siblings of Avengers, it turned out the God of Mischief was easy enough to avoid.

“Well as I said, you were injured and couldn’t exactly tell me how it happened. I thought the safest thing to do was to bring you back here.” He explained. “No one can hurt you here, not even your brother.”

“Bruce would never hurt me.” You said firmly. “That’s not what happened.”

“Alright very well, the Hulk then.” Loki sighed. He wasn’t one to argue semantics.

“I didn’t say…” You tried to argue but Loki cut you off.

“There’s no point in lying for him. I saw it in your mind’s eye.” Loki explained.

“In my…You read my mind?” Suddenly angry.

“Well, it’s not as if you could tell me what happened while you were unconscious.” Loki huffed. “I wanted to know what happened and to make sure we weren’t in immediate danger.”

He’d never understand what it was that Thor liked about Midgardians. You were all so small and fragile and needed everything explained to you. This was not Loki’s area of expertise. Even as children Thor had more experience with coddling. But you’d looked so frail when the god of mischief had come upon you, how could he possibly leave you there?

“I’m not going to allow anything to happen to you, [Y/N].” He told you firmly. “Your safe here on Asgard. You should get some rest. Your injuries were rather severe.”

“I shouldn’t sleep.” You disagreed. “I might have a concussion. I need a doctor. Do you have doctors on Asgard?”

“You don’t need a doctor and you don’t have a concussion.” Loki began to edge towards you again, taking slow measured steps. “I took the liberty of healing you myself.”

“What? Why would you do that?” You asked him. “I don’t have a way of repaying you, I have nothing to offer in return.”

“I’m not asking for…” He was less than a foot away now and trying to explain that he didn’t expect anything in return when there was a loud bang on the chamber door. Loki sprung away at the sudden sound.

“Brother? I know you’re in there!” Thor’s voice boomed from the other side of heavy wooden doors. “Where is [Y/N]?”

Loki rolled his eyes. With an effortless wave of Loki’s hand, the door swung open. Thor came charging into the room and behind him were Tony Stark and your own brother.

“Do not make me ask a third time brother, where is, [Y/N]?” Thor demanded.

“Brother why so hostile?” Loki questioned calmly. “Surely you know I would never cause [Y/N] harm.”

“We all saw the security footage of you taking her. I can play it for you.” Tony offered.

“I assure you all she is perfectly safe in my care.” Loki asserted. “Certainly, safer than when she was being guarded by you three.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bruce snarled.

“Okay, Okay, Loki you’ve had your fun.” Thor said stepping between them. “Tell us where you’ve taken [Y/N].”

“Some rescue team you three are.” You said when they’d all stopped talking long enough for you to get a word in. You tossed back the covers and started to get out of bed. You realized two things at nearly the same time. Loki’s bed was lifted on a stone platform, sitting it above the rest of the room, and you still felt incredibly weak. You staggered forward slightly as you got to your feet.

“[Y/N]!” Bruce lunge towards you but Loki was already there. He gripped your elbows and held you up right.

“Allow me to help you to the chair?” He asked, nodding to the seat he’d just been sitting in. You nodded. Loki helped you step down from the marble platform and let you set the pace while you walked.

“See, I told you we had nothing to worry about!” Thor proclaimed as he folded his arms over his chest.

“Nothing to…You were the one who was ready to bust down the door.” Tony reminded him.

“Yes, well, Banner was looking rather green before I offered to do so!” Thor argued back.

“Are they always like this?” Loki whispered to you as he helped you lower yourself into his chair.

“Yes.” You whispered back. “Not just them, all the Avengers.”

“No wonder you were on death’s doorstep before you came to them for help.” Loki smirked. He wheeled around on his heels so that he was facing Thor, Tony and Bruce. “Excuse me, Midgard’s Mightiest?” He called to them clearing his throat. “[Y/N] is recovering from some near fatal injuries and your shouting isn’t helping.”

“Fatal?” You watched the color drain from Bruce’s face. He crossed the room towards you. “[Y/N], I’m so…” You held your hand up to stop him.

“I know you didn’t mean it and it was stupid of me to get in your way.” You told him.

“She looks fine to me.” Tony commented. He commanded the AI in his suit to scan you for injuries. “A little banged up, but nothing life threatening.” He said.

“Yes, well, as I’ve been trying to explain, I’ve done a great amount of healing already.” Loki sighed impatiently. “Those bruises might not look like much now but most of them were the size of a baseball. Each one was a hideous purple-black color. Her left ankle had a hairline fracture. Which was awful by the way, I hate mending bones.” He grimaced. “And let’s not forget the concussion…”

“Hang on!” You interrupted. “I thought you’d said I didn’t have concussion.”

“No, I said you don’t have a concussion. Because you don’t anymore, I fixed it for you.” He explained.

“Ah, my brother is one of the finest healers on Asgard!” Thor exclaimed proudly. “When we were young his healing magic was bested by only that of our Queen Mother! Why I remember this one time after he literally stabbed me in the back…”

“Why would you help her?” Bruce questioned suspiciously over Thor’s storytelling.

“Is it so hard to believe that I saw someone who was hurt and took it upon myself to help them?” Loki gasped.

“Yes.” You, Tony and Bruce all said at the same time.

“Well given it was her own brother who had harmed her, perhaps today is a day for surprises.” Loki answered.

“Why were you at Avenger’s Tower any way brother?” Thor questioned.

“I wanted to discuss something with you.” Loki told him. “We can talk about it later. For now, I should like to get [Y/N] back to bed so she can rest.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Bruce insisted. “I’m staying here, with [Y/N].”

“Actually Bruce,” You chimed in, slowing rising to your feet. “I think I’d like to be alone for a little bit.”

“Well, Dr. Banner, Mr. Stark, should you choose to stay I’m sure arrangements can be made for the two of you to stay here. As long as the King of Asgard has no objections to putting you both up in a pair of guest rooms?” Loki suggested.

“You shall here none from me.” Thor agreed. “Nothing heals this sick faster than being with family and friends.”

“Excellent. Dr. Banner I’ll have them set you up in the Olive Branch room. Very serine, you’ll love it.” Loki smirked.

“There’s an adjoining room to that suit which would suit [Y/N] perfectly.” Thor pointed out. “I’ll have the servants make the arrangements!”

“Well, brother, I was thinking [Y/N] could remain here.” Loki suggested.

“Here? But Loki this is your room!” Thor laughed. Loki didn’t miss a beat as he launched into an explanation.

“Yes, it is.” He didn’t deny it. “However, as I have made [Y/N]’s safely my responsibly, I feel more comfortable having her here in my room, where I have close access to my magic supplies, should she need further healing intervention.”

“That is very sensible and forward-thinking of you, Loki.” Thor nodded, proudly. “Lady [Y/N], do you have any objections to this?”

“Where would you sleep?” You asked Loki.

“A bedroll on the floor of course.” He answered as if it should be obvious.

“Well, I definitely object to kicking you out of your own bed.” You told him.

“I object to you sleeping in the same room as Loki.” Bruce chimed in.

“Be reasonable, [Y/N].” Loki told you with annoyance. “Your body needs rest. What would have taken months to repair I’ve accelerated to mere hours. That would take its toll on even your super soldier friends. A mat on the cold floor stuffed with straw will not give you that.”

“It’s settled then!” Thor clapped his hands together. “Come Banner, Stark, I’ll show you to your rooms.”

“Hang on!” Bruce shook his head. “I think [Y/N] and I should talk about this.”

Thor studied Banner. The scientist looked like he could go on for several hours berating you and Loki with questions. His brow was furrowed, and he was tapping the palm of his hand with his glasses. A surefire sign the doctor’s gears were really turning. Talking was not always something Thor enjoyed. Most often he found conversations were tedious and there wasn’t much brute force couldn’t solve that talking could. When talking seemed to be the only out, he’d always preferred to let Loki run the mental gymnastics with their opponent.

His gaze drifted from the elder Banner sibling to you. You looked as if all the strength you possessed was being used to sit and hold you head upright. If you’d been as injured as Loki said, he supposed you could be. You certainly didn’t look like you’d be well enough to carry on conversing.

“Yes, yes, we’ll sort that all out.” Thor promised. “We’ll let her get some rest and in the morning, you can visit and talk some more.” Like herding a pair of Midgardian sheep, Thor ushered Tony and Bruce out of the room. Another flick of Loki’s wrist and the doors once again closed behind him.

“May I help you back into bed?” Loki asked, offering his hands out to you.

“I still don’t’ understand why you’re being so nice to me.” You told him.